Kindle Deals for October 28, 2020
Books about numbers for math lovers and math phobes!
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 Norm Chronicles: Stories and Numbers About Danger and Death, by Michael Blastland and David Spiegelhalter, $2.99. This year seems like a good time to learn more about absolute and relative risk. In this informative and darkly funny book, two journalists attempt to quantify the actual risks of many common activities, such as skydiving, eating a banana, or getting a vaccine. You’ll learn about MicroMorts, the way to quantify risk of death.
Why Beauty is Truth: The History of Symmetry, by Ian Stewart, $2.99. Ian Stewart is a very engaging writer. He writes about very high-level subjects with immediacy and historical details. In this book, he links many developments in mathematics to the concept of symmetry. In tracing the history of symmetry, Stewart shares fascinating stories from ancient Babylon all the way through to Einstein’s work on quantum physics.
The Math Gene: How Mathematical Thinking Evolved and Why Numbers Are Like Gossip, by Keith Devlin, $2.99. I know lots of people who claim they “can’t do math.” Keith Devlin takes this idea head on to discover how language and math are related. Here’s a bit of the publisher’s description: “If people are endowed with a "number instinct" similar to the "language instinct" -- as recent research suggests -- then why can't everyone do math? In The Math Gene, mathematician and popular writer Keith Devlin attacks both sides of this question. Devlin offers a breathtakingly new theory of language development that describes how language evolved in two stages and how its main purpose was not communication. Devlin goes on to show that the ability to think mathematically arose out of the same symbol-manipulating ability that was so crucial to the very first emergence of true language. Why, then, can't we do math as well as we speak? The answer, says Devlin, is that we can and do -- we just don't recognize when we're using mathematical reasoning.”
The Grapes of Math: Mind-Stretching Math Riddles, by Greg Tang. These quick, rhyming riddles will get kids thinking about counting, grouping numbers, and multiplication. The bright pictures help keep kids engaged.
STILL ON SALE
If You Can’t Bear Hug, Air Hug, by Katie Sedmak, $4.99. A winter of quarantines and distancing is looming ahead. This sweet picture book is full of ideas about how we can still connect to others while staying safe. The rhyming text and cute animals make a hard subject more palatable.
Bears: Amazing Pictures and Fun Facts on Animals in Nature, by Kay de Silva, $2.99. Follow up your bear picture books with this short nonfiction book all about bears. Sections include habitat, behavior, hibernation, and more, followed by brief descriptions of many major bear species. The many photo illustrations will be best viewed on a color device.
Who Lives Here? Polar Animals, by Deborah Hodge, $3.99. Learn all about polar bears and other cold-loving creatures in this beautifully illustrated picture book. Side bars offer many details about the adaptations that allow creatures to safely live near the poles.
The Berenstain Bears’ Dinosaur Dig, by Jan and Mike Berenstain, $0.99. Brother and Sister Bear visit a real paleontological dig! What kind of bones will they see? Their favorite scientist, Actual Factual Bear, meets them to explain and provide details about different dinosaurs and the process of digging for fossils.
Super Puzzletastic Mysteries: Short Stories for Young Sleuths from Mystery Writers of America, edited by Chris Grabenstein, $1.99. This book of short mysteries is a lot of fun. You’ll find well-known children’s and mystery authors writing for middle-grade readers. I really like the fact that the stories have a pause point where the reader is encouraged to see if they can figure out the mystery!
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, by Alvin Schwartz, $2.99. There are some truly chilling, but still kid-appropriate stories in this book. Schwartz has drawn from folk tales and legends to collect creepy figures like the scarecrow come to life, the Wendigo, and the ghost with the bloody fingers. Are you scared yet?
Slasher Girls and Monster Boys, edited by April Genevieve Tucholke, $2.99. The concept of this YA anthology is a lot of fun! Big names in YA literature chose a pop culture or literary reference and then wrote a new imagining of that story. As you read, you can try to guess what plot inspired each story before it is revealed at the end. Note: these are horror stories, not for the faint at heart. You’ll find plenty of scares and gore in these pages.
Sudden Flash Youth: 65 Short-Short Stories, edited by Christine Perkins-Hazuka, Tom Hazuka, and Mark Budman, $4.74. Sometimes you can fit a lot of punch into a tiny package. All the stories in this book are only a few pages long, great for a quick literary discussion. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In these stories of no more than 1000 words, well-known and emerging American authors spotlight crucial moments of change during coming-of-age. Their young protagonists face matters of great consequence, such as the death of a parent, unwanted pregnancy, and bullying, as well as lighter, if perplexing circumstances: how to hold a prom when being home-schooled; what to do when the babysitter suddenly sees the Rapture. The stories are of this moment--a girl who falls in love and then is pressured to lose her virginity in a cyberspace world--and they also remember the past: the Nixon era, the Vietnam War, slavery. Here is a glimpse into the way we live now from the point of view of those who will determine the future. Among the contributors are Steve Almond, Peter Bacho, Richard Bausch, Gayle Brandeis, Richard Brautigan, Ron Carlson, Kelly Cherry, Dave Eggers, Pia Z. Ehrhardt, Jim Heynen, Victor Lavalle, Meg Kearney, Naomi Shihab Nye, Maryann O'Hara, Sonia Pilcer, Pamela Painter, Bruce Holland Rogers, Robert Shapard, and Alice Walker.”
The Ghosts of Evolution: Nonsensical Fruit, Missing Partners, and Other Ecological Anachronisms, by Connie Barlow, $2.99. Organisms are constantly adapting to environments that are also in flux. As a result, many plants and animals have been shaped by conditions that no longer exist. In this fascinating book, Barlow looks at quirks of nature that are the result of complex evolution.
How I Killed Pluto and Why It Had It Coming, by Mike Brown, $4.99. Astronomer Mike Brown is notorious in some circles for starting the chain of events that resulted in Pluto’s demotion to dwarf planet. Brown’s team discovered Eris, a dwarf planet just slightly bigger than Pluto. As you may be able to guess just from the title, Brown’s style is entertaining and informative.
At the Old Haunted House, by Helen Ketteman, $0.99. Get ready for a fun remake of the classic song “Over in the Meadow.” This spooky twist on a counting song will be perfect for your Halloween math lessons. Count up the monsters, cats, goblins, witches and other creatures. There are lots of classic horror characters, but don’t worry — they are all having a good time and aren’t very scary.
Coraline, by Neil Gaiman, $2.99. Coraline is a classic creepy tale about a girl who discovers an alternate version of her reality when she moves to a new house. At first the new house and new family seems like all Coraline has ever wanted, but things are not as they seem. I will never look at a Lalaloopsy doll in the same way having read this book.
Pumpkinheads, by Rainbow Rowell and Faith Erin Hicks, $2.99. This YA graphic novel about two teens working in a pumpkin patch is just about the most autumnal book I have read. Deja and Josiah have worked together for all of high school, but this year is their last time before they move on to college. Deja is determined to close out the season with amazing memories.
Anya’s Ghost, by Vera Brosgol, $2.99. Here’s a poignant graphic novel with a spooky twist. Check out the publisher’s description: “Anya could really use a friend. But her new BFF isn't kidding about the "Forever" part . . . Of all the things Anya expected to find at the bottom of an old well, a new friend was not one of them. Especially not a new friend who's been dead for a century. Falling down a well is bad enough, but Anya's normal life might actually be worse. She's embarrassed by her family, self-conscious about her body, and she's pretty much given up on fitting in at school. A new friend—even a ghost—is just what she needs. Or so she thinks. Spooky, sardonic, and secretly sincere, Anya's Ghost is a wonderfully entertaining debut from author/artist Vera Brosgol.”
The Silver Arrow, by Lev Grossman, $2.99. This new release is one of my daughter’s favorite books of 2020! When Kate’s uncle bring her a very unusual birthday present (a sentient train), Kate and her brother set off on an amazing adventure. Along the way, they pick up and drop off countless animals and begin to understand the purpose of the magic train. Grossman has created a really interesting world with a subtle environmental allegory.
A Home for Leo, by Vin Vogel, $0.99. This charming story looks at the intertwined worlds of humans and other animals. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Leo grew up in the sea. He has a family of sea lions he loves. He’s happy, but he has always known he was different. Then Leo’s suddenly reunited with his human parents, and he finds he loves them too. But he still feels like a fish out of water. Being from two worlds and having two families isn’t so easy. Leo has a lot to figure out… Splashed with humor and grounded in heart, this brightly illustrated story explores ideas of family, home, and belonging in a way that’s as relatable as it is unique.”
The Wild Robot, by Peter Brown, $1.99. This is probably the most moving and special book I have read in the ten years I have been a parent. Both an action/survival story and a philosophical musing on what it means to be alive, this book will capture the hearts of kids and adults. We listened to the audiobook on a road trip and nearly had to pull over because the adults were tearing up with happy tears. Amy describes the plot in a detailed review here.
Inside-Outside Dinosaurs, by Roxie Munro, $0.99. Not a lot of words in this one. If you have a younger kid fascinated by dinosaurs, Munro’s illustrations of how fossil skeletons may translate into their ancient environment will be highly appealing. Fact lists and suggestions for further reading round out this interesting resource.
How to Catch a Dinosaur, by Adam Wallace, $1.99. Check out this fun, rhyming picture book! When a kid decides he wants to prove dinosaurs were real by capturing one and bringing it to the science fair, he and his friends start working on elaborate plans for lures and traps. While the subject matter is wacky, this book offers and excellent glimpse at STEM skills at work.
Fossils for Kids: A Junior Scientist’s Guide to Dinosaur Bones, Ancient Animals, and Prehistoric Life on Earth, by Ashley Hall, $4.99. If your upper elementary student is hoping to learn more about what it’s really like to be a paleontologist, snag them this book! While describing ancient creatures, how fossils are formed, and how to identify fossils, paleontologist Ashley Hall offers lots of information on how scientists to their work.
The Dog that Dug for Dinosaurs, by Shirley Raye Redmond, $4.99. Get ready for a true story about a very clever dog! This Ready to Read book is written for early readers who can handle short paragraphs. Vivid color illustrations make it an enjoyable read. Here’s the publisher’s description: “There once was a little dog named Tray. He lived in England with his owner, Mary Ann Anning. Besides Mary Ann, Tray loved one other thing: He loved to dig for dinosaur bones. Together he and Mary Ann found small bones, big bones, and even entire skeletons! People came from all around the world to see the bones they found. This is the honestly true story of Tray, the dog that dug for dinosaurs.”
Blood, Sweat, and Pixels: The Triumphant, Turbulent Stories Behind How Video Games are Made, by Jason Schrier, $2.99. I am not a gamer, but I love learning about how things are made. This book takes a look at the tremendous effort that goes into creating modern video games. From the publisher: “In Blood, Sweat, and Pixels, Jason Schreier takes readers on a fascinating odyssey behind the scenes of video game development, where the creator may be a team of 600 overworked underdogs or a solitary geek genius. Exploring the artistic challenges, technical impossibilities, marketplace demands, and Donkey Kong-sized monkey wrenches thrown into the works by corporate, Blood, Sweat, and Pixels reveals how bringing any game to completion is more than Sisyphean—it's nothing short of miraculous.”
The Nerdy Nummies Cookbook: Sweet Treats for the Geek in All of Us, by Rosanna Pansino, $1.99. Pansino is known for her YouTube baking channel, where she creates delicious treats based on pop culture. This cookbook is full of recipes for recipes for all flavors of geeks: science, gaming, sci-fi, cartoon, and more.
The Economics of Star Trek: The Proto-Post-Scarcity Economy, by Rick Webb, $4.99. Rick Webb made a splash a few years ago with a long-form article about the economics of Star Trek. This book presents an expanded version of that essay along with discussion of Universal Basic Income, cryptocurrency, and other economic issues in terms of the Star Trek universe.
Sheepish: Two Women, Fifty Sheep, and Enough Wool to Save the Planet, by Catherine Friend, $1.99. Just yesterday, my family was discussing what animal we would choose if we could have any habitat in our backyard, and I chose sheep. I can’t quite decide whether this book cements my choice or makes me regret my decision. Catherine Friend describes all the hard work and reward of raising sheep.
DK Smithsonian Natural History Mammals Carnivores: The Definitive Visual Guide, by DK Publishing, $4.99. Want to know more about meat eaters? This book brings DK’s classic photo-rich style to dozens of mammals — bears, seals, even skunks!
Girls Save the World in This One, by Ash Parsons, $2.99. Zombies, conventions, and girl power? Sign me up! The publisher’s description was so good I immediately put this book on my reading list. Here’s what they said: “Shaun of the Dead meets Clueless in this hilarious YA horror comedy set at a local zombie convention–featuring a teenage girl gang that has to save the world from a horde of actual zombies. Perfect for fans of Geekerella, Undead Girl Gang, and Anna and the Apocalypse.”
Small Spaces, by Katherine Arden, $2.99. I don’t even know where to begin with this one. It’s a middle grade novel, but even the back of the book description kind of freaks me out. If you have a middle schooler looking for a ghost tale about a class trip gone wrong, this is a great option. Arden is known for creating rich, detailed worlds, and she puts that skill to work creating some memorable locations and characters.
Duck for President, by Doreen Cronin, $1.99. The wacky barnyard creatures from Click, Clack, Moo are back in this fun and topical picture book. When duck is tired of being asked to do work around the farm, he decides to hold and election and run against the farmer. This successful run leads to a turn as governor and eventually president. At each step along the way, Duck discovers that leading is actually a lot of work.
What is an Election?, by Caryn Jenner, $2.99. This leveled reader is a great introduction to basic concepts in the democratic process. It’s not America-specific; there’s a section on elections around the world. DK’s levels tend to be a bit more advanced that other easy readers. This one is suitable for kids who can read short paragraphs.
Secret Lives of the U.S. Presidents, by Cormac O’Brien, $2.99. Did you know that George Washington had leopard-skin robes made for his horses? Or that Thomas Jefferson smuggled rice from Europe in his pants? These weird facts and more will entertain and enlighten.
Thank You For Voting: The Maddening, Enlightening, Inspiring Truth About Voting in America, by Erin Geiger Smith, $3.99. Geiger Smith is a journalist who has been covering elections for years. In this book, she examines the reasons many people do not participate in elections. She traces the history of voting rights, social and economic factors, and issues that confuse or put off potential voters. The tone is engaging and helpful, with advice on how to encourage those around you to vote.
The Trail of Tears, by Joseph Bruchac, $4.99. This early chapter book does not shy away from the realities of The Trail of Tears. The author, a member of the Abenaki tribe, describes Chief John Ross leading the Cherokee people 1,200 miles to new territory Oklahoma. Hardship and injustices are described in detail appropriate for elementary readers. Don’t discount this book for older readers; the level 4 and 5 books from Step into Reading are great for concise and engaging reading on a narrow topic.
You Hold Me Up, by Monique Gray Smith and Danielle Daniel, $4.99. This sweet picture book describes the ways people look out for each other (e.g., kindness and sharing). The illustrations feature Native people young and old. You’ll find this book a great conversation starter for a discussion about empathy and community spirit.
Why Indigenous Literatures Matter, by Daniel Heath Justice, $4.99. Are you looking to learn more about Indigenous authors? This book, written by a scholar for a broader audience, is a great place to start. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In considering the connections between literature and lived experience, this book contemplates four key questions at the heart of Indigenous kinship traditions: How do we learn to be human? How do we become good relatives? How do we become good ancestors? How do we learn to live together? Blending personal narrative and broader historical and cultural analysis with close readings of key creative and critical texts, Justice argues that Indigenous writers engage with these questions in part to challenge settler-colonial policies and practices that have targeted Indigenous connections to land, history, family, and self. More importantly, Indigenous writers imaginatively engage the many ways that communities and individuals have sought to nurture these relationships and project them into the future. This provocative volume challenges readers to critically consider and rethink their assumptions about Indigenous literature, history, and politics while never forgetting the emotional connections of our shared humanity and the power of story to effect personal and social change. Written with a generalist reader firmly in mind, but addressing issues of interest to specialists in the field, this book welcomes new audiences to Indigenous literary studies while offering more seasoned readers a renewed appreciation for these transformative literary traditions.”
Hearts Unbroken, by Cynthia Leitich Smith, $0.99. High school is complicated for everyone, even more so in this YA novel about a community in racial and cultural conflict. Here’s the publisher’s description: “When Louise Wolfe’s first real boyfriend mocks and disrespects Native people in front of her, she breaks things off and dumps him over e-mail. It’s her senior year, anyway, and she’d rather spend her time with her family and friends and working on the school newspaper. The editors pair her up with Joey Kairouz, the ambitious new photojournalist, and in no time the paper’s staff find themselves with a major story to cover: the school musical director’s inclusive approach to casting The Wizard of Oz has been provoking backlash in their mostly white, middle-class Kansas town. From the newly formed Parents Against Revisionist Theater to anonymous threats, long-held prejudices are being laid bare and hostilities are spreading against teachers, parents, and students — especially the cast members at the center of the controversy, including Lou’s little brother, who’s playing the Tin Man. As tensions mount at school, so does a romance between Lou and Joey — but as she’s learned, ‘dating while Native’ can be difficult. In trying to protect her own heart, will Lou break Joey’s?”
Greenglass House, by Kate Milford, $1.99. OK, it would be false advertising to compare this book to The Westing Game, but if there is a contemporary literary descendant of Raskin's deliciously complex mystery, it's The Greenglass House—a genuine, bona fide middle grades mystery that gives its readers credit for being intelligent and that delivers a satisfying mystery, sophisticated character development, and a few (well set-up) twists along the way. Adopted innkeepers' son Milo and his friend—the cook's daughter, Meddy—unravel the clues to discover why their off-season inn is full of unexpected visitors, at least one of whom seems set on sabotaging Greenglass House. It's a terrific mystery. Highly recommended.
A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning, by Lemony Snicket, $2.99. The first book is Lemony Snicket’s hilariously tragic series chronicles the moment things begin to go terribly wrong in the lives of the ill-fated Baudelaire orphans. Kids will love the over-the-top storytelling; parents will be tickled by all the interesting words Snicket throws in.
The Thickety: A Path Begins, by J.A. White, $3.99. Looking for a seriously creepy and sometimes dark middle-grade fantasy? The Thickety does a good job of balancing real menace with imaginative storytelling. Here’s a bit of the publisher’s description: “When Kara Westfall was five years old, her mother was convicted of the worst of all crimes: witchcraft. Years later, Kara and her little brother, Taff, are still shunned by the people of their village, who believe that nothing is more evil than magic…except, perhaps, the mysterious forest that covers nearly the entire island. It has many names, this place. Sometimes it is called the Dark Wood, or Sordyr's Realm. But mostly it's called the Thickety. The villagers live in fear of the Thickety and the terrible creatures that live there. But when an unusual bird lures Kara into the forbidden forest, she discovers a strange book with unspeakable powers. A book that might have belonged to her mother. And that is just the beginning of the story.”
Spontaneous, by Aaron Starmer, $2.99. I just bought this one for myself! The idea of a darkly funny YA novel about a wave of spontaneous combustions just felt right for 2020. The publisher’s description hooked me. Will it do the same for you? “Mara Carlyle’s senior year is going as normally as could be expected, until fellow senior Katelyn Ogden explodes during third period pre-calc. Katelyn is the first, but she won’t be the last teenager to blow up without warning or explanation. As the national eye turns to Mara’s suburban New Jersey hometown, the FBI rolls in and the search for a reason is on. Mara narrates the end of their world as she knows it while trying to make it to graduation in one piece. It’s an explosive year punctuated by romance, quarantine, lifelong friendship, hallucinogenic mushrooms, bloggers, ice cream trucks, and Bon Jovi.”
Three Faces of Me, by R.L. Stine, $0.99. No one beats R.L. Stine for a kid-appropriate intro to the horror genre. Here’s the publisher’s description of this eerie tale: “When Ira Fishman wins a prize in the machine outside a candy store, he’s disappointed it’s not the squirt gun he had his eye on. The little black plastic box looks like a camera, but when Ira presses the green button on top, nothing happens. After dinner that night, Ira can’t believe what he sees in his room: a boy with the same clothes—and face—as Ira! He tries to get this second Ira to leave, but it’s no use. Deciding to have a little fun, Ira makes the boy go to school in his place—but it’s a disaster. The new Ira isn’t good at math like the real Ira, and he’s horrible at softball. Worst of all, he plays with the girls during recess! Ira’s clone is ruining his rep—fast. And when a third Ira shows up, Ira number one has to find a way to make the others disappear for good before his whole world is turned upside down. But how do you get rid of yourself?”
Turkey Trick of Treat, by Wendi Silvano, $0.99. The wacky turkey from Turkey Trouble is back, this time to celebrate Halloween! He wants candy, but the farmer will only give it to kids in costumes. Can he and the other barnyard animals trick the farmer into giving them treats?
Halloween Hustle, by Charlotte Gunnufson, $0.99. Kids will love the spooky-cute illustrations and the fun rhyming text. Skeleton is on his way to a party, and he can’t help but dance. But he has a problem — he keeps tripping and falling apart. Can he keep it together?
How to Build a Haunted House, by Frank Tupta, $1.99. In this rhyming story, classic monsters are are working together to make a spooky haunted house. The twist? It’s for vampire family in need!
The Magic Half, by Annie Barrows, $4.79. My daughter loved this series when she was in elementary school. When Miri’s family moves into a new house, she is thrilled with her interesting new room in the attic. Things get a little strange, and more interesting, when she discovers that her room is somehow connected to 1935 and a girl in need of help. Miri has to learn the secrets of this time travel to rescue Molly.
Stepping Stones: The Time Machine, by H.G. Wells and Les Martin, $3.99. The Stepping Stones series adapts classic literature to an early chapter book level. This adaptation of the H.G. Wells classic is heavy on the action and includes engaging illustrations. This is a great introduction to one of the foundational texts of science fiction.
Apples, Apples, Apples, by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace, $0.99. The bunny family is heading to the orchard to pick some fresh apples! They meet up with Farmer Miller, who explains the different varieties of apples and how they grow. When they have gathered all they need, they head home to make fresh applesauce (recipe included!). Wallace’s unique cut paper illustrations are very sweet.
The Seasons of Arnold’s Apple Tree, by Gail Gibbons, $4.99. Arnold has a favorite apple tree. He spends time in it throughout the year, picking fruit, smelling blossoms, feeding the birds, and basking in its shade. In simple language, Gibbons walks readers through a year in the life of a tree. Don’t miss the recipe for apple pie and the description of how a cider press works!
How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World, by Marjorie Priceman, $4.99. From our readalouds with recipes list: “As Carl Sagan once said, if you want to make an apple pie from scratch, first you have to create the universe. In this playful picture book, you don’t have to create the world but you do have to travel it, journeying around the globe to collect far-flung ingredients for the perfect apple pie.”
Apples and How They Grow, by Laura Driscoll, $4.99. Let your beginning reader read about apples on their own! This short and sweet nonfiction book is full of details about how apples grow. Kids (and adults) may be surprised to learn about grafting branches from one tree onto another.
We Dream of Space, by Erin Entrada Kelly, $1.99. That historical fiction is now set in the 1980s makes me feel a little old, but I’m excited to read this new middle grade novel. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Cash, who loves basketball but has a newly broken wrist, is in danger of failing seventh grade for the second time. Fitch spends every afternoon playing Major Havoc at the arcade on Main and wrestles with an explosive temper that he doesn’t understand. And Bird, his twelve-year-old twin, dreams of being NASA’s first female shuttle commander, but feels like she’s disappearing. The Thomas children exist in their own orbits, circling a tense and unpredictable household, with little in common except an enthusiastic science teacher named Ms. Salonga. As the launch of the Challenger approaches, Ms. Salonga gives her students a project—they are separated into spacecraft crews and must create and complete a mission. When the fated day finally arrives, it changes all of their lives and brings them together in unexpected ways.”
Space Opera, by Catherynne M. Valente, $1.99. Amy and Suzanne really enjoyed this book. Here’s what Amy has to say about it: “So earlier this fall, I told Suzanne that I needed to read something that would just make me happy, and she suggested this space saga. NEVER DOUBT SUZANNE. This zany, Douglas Adams-ish (and I don’t throw that around lightly) story centers around an intergalactic version of American Idol, in which planets compete not for record deals but for the right for their species to be considered sentient by the rest of the universe. All newly space-faring species must compete to prove their sentience — and if they come in last, their whole species will be wiped right out of existence. Now that Earth is in the space game, and the future of humanity is in the hands of aging 70s rocker Decibel Jones. It sounds wacky and all over the place because it is wacky and all over the place — but in a way that made me really happy.”
Suni Goes to Space, by Arthy Muthanna Singh and Mamta Nainy, $0.99. When Sunita Williams was young, she dreamed of going into space like Neil Armstrong. Singh and Nainy introduce us to Suni, the inquisitive and creative girl who grew up to become an astronaut.
Scream: Chilling Adventures in the Science of Fear, by Margee Kerr, $1.99. Why do we feel afraid? Why do we deliberately seek out horror movies and haunted houses? Sociologist Margee Kerr investigates the individual and societal experiences of fear. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Fear is a universal human experience, but do we really understand it? If we're so terrified of monsters and serial killers, why do we flock to the theaters to see them? Why do people avoid thinking about death, but jump out of planes and swim with sharks? For Kerr, there was only one way to find out. In this eye-opening, adventurous book, she takes us on a tour of the world's scariest experiences: into an abandoned prison long after dark, hanging by a cord from the highest tower in the Western hemisphere, and deep into Japan's mysterious ‘suicide forest.’ She even goes on a ghost hunt with a group of paranormal adventurers. Along the way, Kerr shows us the surprising science from the newest studies of fear -- what it means, how it works, and what it can do for us. Full of entertaining science and the thrills of a good ghost story, this book will make you think, laugh -- and scream.”
Alice in Zombieland, by Gena Showalter, $2.99. It’s Alice in Wonderland… sort of. With zombies! This YA zombie novel is filled with allusions to Wonderland.
His Hideous Heart: 13 of Edgar Allen Poe’s Most Unsettling Tales Reimagined, edited by Dahlia Adler, $2.99. Teens have loved Poe’s creepy tales for the last hundred and fifty years. Now they can experience the themes in new ways through this collection of modern short stories from big names in current YA.
Teach Your Own: The John Holt Book of Homeschooling, by John Holt and Pat Farenga, $2.99. John Holt is one of the founders of the modern homeschool movement. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In this expanded edition of the book that helped launch the whole movement, Pat Farenga has distilled John Holt's timeless understanding of the ways children come to understand the world and added up-to-the-moment legal, financial, and logistical advice. No parent even considering homeschooling should be without this wise and unique reference. Rather than proposing that parents turn their homes into miniature schools, Holt and Farenga demonstrate how ordinary parents can help children grow as social, active learners. Chapters on living with children, "serious play," children and work, and learning difficulties will fascinate and encourage parents and help them enjoy each "homeschool" day. John Holt's warm understanding of children and his passionate belief in every child's ability to learn have made this book the bible of homeschooling families everywhere.”
My Strong Mind: A Story about Developing Mental Strength, by Niels van Hove, $2.99. This is a pretty didactic but accessible book about developing good habits. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Kate faces several situations your children will face too. She applies a positive attitude to deal with her challenges. Amongst them are getting ready in time in the morning, doing cartwheels, standing in front of the whole class with show and tell and playing basketball. Kate applies techniques like goal setting, positive self-talk, accept failure as learning, visualisation of a problem, breathing or mindfulness exercise, gratitude, and controlled distraction. These tips to build a strong mind in children are presented in an easy to read, fun and practical way.”
It’s Okay to Make Mistakes, by Todd Parr, $1.99. Todd Parr’s books are like big, extra-tight hugs. His simple style is bold, funny, and diverse. For every mistake he mentions, he offers a hint at what can happen next (e.g., “It’s OK to not know the answer. Asking questions helps you learn.”) My toddler could recite Todd Parr books way before she could read them on her own.
Storybound, by Melissa Burt, $3.99. I haven’t had a chance to read this series yet, but it sounds like a delightful bookish adventure. Here’s the publisher’s description: “When Una Fairchild stumbles upon a mysterious book buried deep in the basement of her school library, she thinks nothing of opening the cover and diving in. But instead of paging through a regular novel, Una suddenly finds herself Written In to the land of Story—a world filled with Heroes and Villains and fairy-tale characters. But not everything in Story is as magical as it seems. Una must figure out why she has been Written In—and fast—before anyone else discovers her secret. Together with her new friend Peter and a talking cat named Sam, Una digs deep into Story's shadowy past. She quickly realizes that she is tied to the world in ways she never could have imagined—and it might be up to her to save it.”
A Dash of Magic, by Kathryn Littlewood, $3.99. The Bliss series is a mouth-watering literary treat. In this second book in the series, Rosemary is determined to retrieve the magical Cookery Booke that her aunt has stolen — even if it means facing off in an Iron Chef-style food battle. The competition takes the Bliss family to Paris, where the family rushes around famous sites collecting the magical ingredients Rosemary needs. There’s an excellent sense of place. If you enjoy this book, the sequel is also on sale.
Sleep, Big Bear, Sleep! by Maureen Wright, $0.99. It’s time to hibernate in this charming picture book. Bear knows there’s something he needs to do, but he keeps mishearing Old Man Winter’s “Sleep” message and instead thinks he is supposed to leap or sweep. It’s a sweet, funny story perfect for fall.
Scaredy Squirrel, by Melanie Watt, $0.99. Scaredy Squirrel wants to be prepared. He has all of his emergency gear at the ready, prepared for bees, Martians, whatever might happen. He prefers to stick to his safe, steady routine. When a chance encounter causes him to leap into the unknown, he gets a big surprise.
Shampoodle, by Joan Holub, $3.99. This fun easy reader will have kids giggling! The funny, rhyming text describes a day at the dog groomer. The dogs are all very exuberant, even before a cat wanders in and causes mayhem. I love the pictures in this one; there’s lots to see!
Bad Kitty Camp Daze, by Nick Bruel, $4.96. Bad Kitty has an attitude problem that will endear her to surly children everywhere. Bruel built on his picture book series with these early chapter books that contain lots of illustrated action. When Bad Kittle sneaks away to Uncle Murray’s Camp for Stressed-Out Dogs, she learns more than she bargains for about the natural world.
The Hobbits of Tolkien: An Illustrated Exploration of Tolkien’s Hobbits and the Sources that Inspired His Work From Myth, Legend, and History, by David Day, $3.99. Want to know more about the mythology behind Middle Earth? Curious about the etymology of some place names and people? This book perfectly balances detailed research with cozy illustrations. The author has written similar volumes about other elements of Tolkien’s work.
A Dictionary of Sources of Tolkien: The History and Mythology That Inspired Tolkien’s World, by David Day, $3.99. I enjoy sweeping fantasy, but I definitely struggle to keep all the names and places straight. In this extensive volume, Day provides information about all the proper nouns of Middle Earth, both their relevance to the narrative and their allusions to other literary traditions.
An Unexpected Cookbook: The Unofficial Book of Hobbit Cookery, by Chris-Rachael Oseland, $5.99. This book is more expensive than my typical Kindle deals, but I didn’t think we could properly celebrate Hobbit Day without at least one food book. The recipes are broken up into all seven Hobbit meals, with delicious treats like Lavender and Lemon Bread, Yorkshire Pudding, and Honey Cakes. You’ll find detailed recipe notes and mouthwatering photos throughout.
Fear of Physics: A Guide for the Perplexed, by Lawrence M. Krauss, $1.99. Krauss is a theoretical physicist who works on the deepest mysteries of the universe. But don’t let that intimidate you! Here’s the publisher’s description: “Assume the cow is a sphere." So begins this lively, irreverent, and informative look at everything from the physics of boiling water to cutting-edge research at the observable limits of the universe. Rich with anecdotes and accessible examples, Fear of Physics nimbly ranges over the tools and thought behind the world of modern physics, taking the mystery out of what is essentially a very human intellectual endeavour.”
Caesar’s Last Breath: Decoding the Secrets of the Air Around Us, by Sam Kean, $2.99. Science writer Sam Kean has written about the chemical elements, neuroscience, genetics, and the creation of the atomic bomb. In this book, he explores the air around us and the molecules we find within it. He travels throughout history and across several continents in his quest to understand the air we breathe.
Scienceblind: Why Our Intuitive Theories About the World Are So Often Wrong, by Andrew Shtulman, $4.99. Our brains are wired to make connections that help us make sense of the world. But that does not mean that our brains always interpret the world correctly. Cognitive psychologist Andrew Shtulman explains the reasons why people tend to believe weird things in this fascinating book. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Why do we catch colds? What causes seasons to change? And if you fire a bullet from a gun and drop one from your hand, which bullet hits the ground first? In a pinch we almost always get these questions wrong. Worse, we regularly misconstrue fundamental qualities of the world around us. In Scienceblind, cognitive and developmental psychologist Andrew Shtulman shows that the root of our misconceptions lies in the theories about the world we develop as children. They're not only wrong, they close our minds to ideas inconsistent with them, making us unable to learn science later in life. So how do we get the world right? We must dismantle our intuitive theories and rebuild our knowledge from its foundations. The reward won't just be a truer picture of the world, but clearer solutions to many controversies -- around vaccines, climate change, or evolution -- that plague our politics today.”
Uncommon Paper Flowers: Extraordinary Botanicals and How to Craft Them, by Kate Alcaron, $2.99. You’ve made a paper rose before, now get ready to try something unique! Alcaron has collected 30 unusual plants and created paper models of them. The book contains detailed botanical descriptions, an extensive technique section, and templates for creating your own dramatic floral display.
Parenting in a Pandemic: How to Help Your Family Through Covid-19, by Kelly Fradin, $0.99. This just came out and will (I hope) only be useful for a limited time, but the price is right and the advice is solid. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Parents are burning out while kids need more help than ever. With so many families in crisis, pediatrician and child advocate Dr. Kelly Fradin sees an urgent need for help. As a mother of two, Dr. Fradin shares practical, evidence-based and reassuring advice on what families need to know. Parents are forced to make decisions now despite seemingly constant change and many unknowns. In Parenting in a Pandemic, Dr. Fradin provides the information and strategies you need to help navigate coronavirus. The book reviews the science necessary to understand the news and care for your family. Dr. Fradin explains the specific risks of coronavirus to children of all ages and adults, including parents, grandparents, pregnant women, and essential workers. She gives realistic strategies you can use to improve this time for your family whether you are protecting a newborn, virtually schooling or convincing a teen to physically distance.”
The House Takes a Vacation, by Jacqueline Davies, $0.99. Get ready for a surreal and wacky adventure! When the house’s people go on vacation, the house decides to take its own trip. Kids and adults will enjoy the pun-filled text and personality-filled illustrations.
Little House in the Big Woods, by Laura Ingalls Wilder, $3.99. The Little House books are among the most read children’s books of all time, and with good reason. Wilder does a tremendous job of creating a vivid and inviting glimpse into life on the frontier. Later books in the series have problematic depictions of conflicts with Native Americans and have not aged well. Little House in the Big Woods, however, is a cozy and gentle peek into the past. Read this one by candle or fire as the temperatures start to dip this fall!
The Hero’s Guide to Saving Your Kingdom, by Christopher Healy, $3.99. You think you know the classic fairytale stories, but they are usually centered around the princesses. This fun middle grade series focuses on the princes. After the “happily ever after” the princes discover that their kingdoms are in danger, and they set off take on all kinds of mythical monsters. This fun and funny book is the first in a series that your middle-grade reader will love.
The Element Encyclopedia of Magical Creatures, by John and Caitlin Matthews, $3.99. Looking for a reference on obscure creatures? Every time I open this book, I discover a new mythological animal I haven’t heard of before. Here’s the publisher’s description: “From unicorns and trolls to werewolves and griffins, this comprehensive guide is the key to discovering every magical creature from myth, folklore and legend around the world. This compendium of magical creatures explores the history, folklore and mythology of fascinating beasts throughout all the magical worlds. Including stories, celebrations, traditions, and amazing facts, the book spans every major culture across the globe.”
Steampunk! An Anthology of Fantastically Rich and Strange Stories, edited by Kelly Link and Gavin J. Grant, $0.99. Are you new to steampunk but interested in exploring alternate versions of the world shaped by a different series of technological innovations? This anthology will introduce you to many excellent YA steampunk authors. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Imagine an alternate universe where romance and technology reign. Where tinkerers and dreamers craft and re-craft a world of automatons, clockworks, calculating machines, and other marvels that never were. Where scientists and schoolgirls, fair folk and Romans, intergalactic bandits, utopian revolutionaries, and intrepid orphans solve crimes, escape from monstrous predicaments, consult oracles, and hover over volcanoes in steam-powered airships. Here, fourteen masters of speculative fiction, including two graphic storytellers, embrace the genre's established themes and refashion them in surprising ways and settings as diverse as Appalachia, ancient Rome, future Australia, and alternate California. Visionaries Kelly Link and Gavin J. Grant have invited all-new explorations and expansions, taking a genre already rich, strange, and inventive in the extreme and challenging contributors to remake it from the ground up. The result is an anthology that defies its genre even as it defines it.”
The Wonderling, by Mira Bartok, $0.99. In Mira Bartok’s imagined world, groundlings are creatures that are part animal, part human. Thirteen, a fox groundling, escapes the Dickensian workhouse where has been raised and sets off on an adventure of his own. The tone is similar to Lemony Snicket, but the story is entirely unique, full of mechanical details and animals with extraordinary abilities. Put this strange and interesting book in the hands of your middle-grade reader!
My Robots: The Robotic Genius of Lady Regina Bonquers III, by Johan Olander, $3.99. Olander creates such interesting books! This heavily illustrated book purports to be the design scrapbook of an elusive roboticist. Lady Regina has created bots to fight fires, pluck nose hairs, and even give hugs. Kids will enjoy all the details of the development process, the unique visual style, and a frisson of mystery over Lady Regina’s whereabouts.
The Last Kids on Earth, by Max Brallier, $1.99. Are you ready for some funny post-apocalyptic lit for kids? This madcap adventure mixes peril, gross out humor, and teamwork as an unlikely band of teens works to save the day and stay alive. It’s a middle grade chapter book riddled with exciting and gruesome illustrations. If this sounds like something you’d be into, several books in the series are on sale today.
Big History: From the Big Bang to the Present, by Cynthia Stokes Brown, $3.99. The Big History movement combines science with history to study Earth from the moment of the big bang all the way through current events. Brown does a remarkable job finding through lines in the vast sweep of history. Each era is necessarily brief, but readers will be pleased to see that the history is not overly focused on Western civilization.
Bear and Fred: A World War II Story, by Iris Argaman, $4.99. Picture books can make challenging subjects understandable for small children. In this book, Israeli author Iris Argaman tells the true story of a boy’s time hiding from Nazis during WWII — from the perspective of his loyal teddy bear. It’s a tough but uplifting story that gently introduces the topic of the Holocaust.
Sleepover Larry, by Daniel Pinkwater, $3.99. Larry is a dapper polar bear who lives in a hotel owned by his human family. When Larry learns the concept of sleepovers, he is determined to have a great one with his bear friends from the zoo!
National Geographic Readers: Bears, by Elizabeth Carney, $3.99. Learn about bear species from all over the world in this fun, brightly illustrated easy reader. Sections cover habitats, adaptations, diet, cubs, and more. The level 3 books pack in a lot of detail without complicated vocabulary.
Magic Tree House: Polar Bears Past Bedtime, by Mary Pope Osborne, $3.99. Jack and Annie are off on another adventure, this time to the Arctic! They encounter indigenous hunters, polar bears, the Northern Lights, and more. The Magic Tree House series is great for beginning readers who are looking for fast-paced, exciting (but short) chapter books.
Bibliophile: An Illustrated Miscellany, by Jane Mount, $2.99. This is a literary bonbon for any book lover. As the title suggests, it’s a wonderful collection of miscellaneous facts about books, writers, bookstores, characters, and more. I can almost guarantee that you will find a new author to check out, or even a new favorite book, in the illustrated book lists.
The Man Who Made Lists: Love, Death, Madness, and the Creation of Roget’s Thesaurus, by Joshua Kendall. When I was a kid, I found thesauruses fascinating. I loved flipping through themed lists of words. I don’t think many kids use paper thesauruses now; the function built into your word processor isn’t really the same. Whether you are nostalgic for your childhood thesaurus or have never really used one, you’ll find the story behind the creation of the first modern thesaurus unexpectedly fascinating. Here’s a brief publisher’s description: “Polymath, eccentric, and synonym aficionado, Peter Mark Roget had a host of female admirers, was one of the first to test the effects of laughing gas, invented the slide rule, and narrowly escaped jail in Napoleon's France. But Roget is best known for making lists. After the tragic turmoil of his early life (both his mother and sister were institutionalized), Roget longed for order in his chaotic world. At the age of eight, he began his quest to put everything in its rightful place, one word at a time. This is the fascinating story of a driven man and a brilliant scholar-and the legacy he has left for generations.”
A Spy in the House, by Y.S. Lee, $0.99. This is the first in a series of YA historical mysteries about a young Asian sleuth in Victorian London. Mary is an orphan doomed for the gallows when she is rescued and offered a position at the mysterious Miss Scrimshaw’s Academy for Girls. The school is the training ground for an elite group of detectives who can infiltrate high society households. Lee does an excellent job of offering the gritty details of the Victorian city while staying away from graphic details. The immigrant experience is rarely discussed in historical fiction, so this series provides an interesting perspective.
The March on Washington, by Bonnie Bader, $3.99. American Girl has been bringing accessible historical fiction to early readers for more than 30 years. More recently, the company has published factual companion books that provide deeper background into important events. This book about the 1963 March on Washington includes photos, timelines, maps, and a bibliography for more research.
One Crazy Summer, by Rita Williams-Garcia, $4.99. When the three Gaither sisters travel to California to spend time with their estranged mother, they are expecting movie stars and Disneyland. What they actually experience is a little different: summer camp run by the Black Panthers. The girls spend the next four weeks learning about the movement and discovering their own identities. This work of historical fiction set in 1968 is a nice point of entry for a discussion about the Civil Rights movement and the Black Panthers.
Susan B. Anthony: Her Fight for Equal Rights, by Monica Kulling, $4.99. Get to know one of America’s strongest proponents of women’s voting rights, Susan B. Anthony, in this book for early readers. Anthony was determined to vote in an election, even though it was illegal for women to do so at the time. Her civil disobedience led to her arrest. Young readers will learn about how Anthony’s actions paved the way for the 19th Amendment.
Lillian’s Right to Vote: A Celebration of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, by Jonah Winter and Shane W. Evans, $4.99. Sadly, the 19th Amendment did not make voting accessible to ALL women. In many places, unfair practices like poll taxes, complicated literacy tests, and property ownership rules made it nearly impossible for people of color to vote. In this moving picture book, an old woman reminisces about her family’s history and the many barriers to voting they faced.
The Women’s Suffrage Movement, edited by Sally Roesch Wagner, $4.99. What is the study of history without primary sources? This great collection from Penguin Classics looks at the quest for women’s rights in a delightfully intersectional array of essays, letters, speeches, and other texts. Readers will discover Black and Native American women whose ideas were crucial to the movement but have been overlooked in historical accounts.
The Templeton Twins Have an Idea, by Ellis Weiner, $0.99. If your reader has plowed the A Series of Unfortunate Events and would like something with a similar feel, look no further. The Templetons feel very similar to the Baudelaires. A snippet from the book description gives you an excellent feel for the tone: “Suppose there were 12-year-old twins, a boy and girl named John and Abigail Templeton. Let's say John was pragmatic and played the drums, and Abigail was theoretical and solved cryptic crosswords. Now suppose their father was a brilliant, if sometimes confused, inventor. And suppose that another set of twins—adults—named Dean D. Dean and Dan D. Dean, kidnapped the Templeton twins and their ridiculous dog in order to get their father to turn over one of his genius (sort of) inventions. Yes, I said kidnapped. Wouldn't it be fun to read about that? Oh please. It would so. Luckily for you, this is just the first in a series perfect for boys and girls who are smart, clever, and funny (just like the twins), and enjoy reading adventurous stories (who doesn't?!).”
Ella Enchanted, by Gail Carson Levine, $1.99. This Newberry Honor book has been beloved for two decades, and with good reason. A unique twist on the Cinderella story, this book focuses on Ella, a girl who has been cursed (“gifted”?) with obedience to others’ orders. In order to break this curse, she must track down and convince the fairy godmother who bestowed it.
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.
801 Things You Should Know: From Greek Philosophy to Today’s Technology, by David Olsen, $1.99. You’re a smart person. You’ve probably heard of many of the concepts and events in this book. But you may not be clear on all the details. This collection of short entries about everything from politics to medical terminology to economic principals will serve as a great introduction or refresher. Hand this to a tween/teen along with a newspaper — they’ll be able to quickly get background on unfamiliar terms like bear markets, the Hundred Years’ War, and the Invisible Hand theory.
A Field Guide to Monsters, by Johan Olander, $0.99. Olander is a “monstrologist” who documents monsters’ behavior in the wild. In this whimsical and imaginative book, he collects illustrations and artifacts from the Slobber Bug, Beach Krill, Tadpole-Monster, and other previously unknown (aka imaginary) creatures. It would be fun to compare this book with other, more scientific field guides.
Iron Hearted Violet, by Kelly Barnhill, $1.99. Kelly Barnhill tells such compelling twists on fairytale tropes. In this book, Princess Violet must work with the last dragon alive to protect the world from an evil being she has only read about in a forbidden book. Violet is brave, but not beautiful, strong, but not perfect.
The Menagerie, by Tui T. Sutherland and Kari Sutherland, $3.99. If your middle-grade reader enjoys books where the magical world bumps into the real world, The Menagerie series may be the perfect next adventure. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In the small town of Xanadu, Wyoming lies the Menagerie, a top secret facility filled with unicorns, dragons, phoenixes, and other fairy tale creatures. At least, it was a secret—until six griffin cubs escaped. If Logan and Zoe don’t get the cubs back fast, the entire Menagerie will be shut down. The race is on and the resulting adventure is only the beginning of a thrilling series that will leave readers wanting a magical menagerie of their very own.”
50 Ways to Beat Boredom with LEGO Bricks, by DK Publishing, $0.99. If your house is anything like mine, you have no shortage of LEGO pieces. This short book introduces 50 quick activities and games using the beloved building materials. Build a mountain to create a 3D game board (instructions for a spinner also included) or design a functional piggy bank! This is an idea book, not a book of detailed instructions, but it’s a great jumping off point for an hour or a day of LEGO exploration. Note: If you already have 365 Things to Do with LEGO Bricks, you don’t need this book; this book is a shorter extract of that one.
Would You Rather? Made You Think Edition, by Lindsey Daly, $0.99. They start simple: “Would you rather kiss a fish that’s living in a radioactive pond or roll down a hill while hugging a porcupine?” The questions only get more interesting from there. Turn the questions into a game by scoring points for the best reasoning (guidelines are given in the introduction).
Diary of a Pug: Pug Blasts Off, by Kyla May, $2.99. Meet Bub, aka Baron von Bubbles, beloved pet of Bella. He loves doing everything with his human, so when she enters an invention contest, Bub is determined to help her. But this means he needs to deal with his squirrel nemesis, Nutz. This fun, brightly colored diary is full of wacky adventures and adorable illustrations. Early chapter book readers will love it!
Chickadee, by Louise Erdrich, $4.49. Chickadee takes place within the family introduced in Birchbark House. Omakayas is grown with a family of her own, and this story focuses on her twin sons, Chickadee and Makoons. After a prank gone wrong, Chickadee is kidnapped by angry men. This is the tale of Chickadee’s long path to reunion with his family. As with Erdrich’s other books, Chickadee’s story is filled with vivid details about Ojibwe life and traditions.
Young Water Protetctors: A Story About Standing Rock, by Aslan and Kelly Tudor, $2.99. Aslan Tudor was 10 years old when he wrote this book about his time participating in the Standing Rock protests. This is a great, age appropriate introduction to the conflict between native peoples and developers of the Dakota Access Pipeline.
My Heart Fills with Happiness, by Monique Gray Smith, $4.99. This sweet picture book introduces many things that bring happiness — good smells, good friends, and the beauty of nature. The lovely illustrations show many elements in the life on an indigenous family.
The Odds of Loving Grover Cleveland, by Rebekah Crane, $0.99. This Grover Cleveland isn’t a president; he’s a resident at Camp Padua, a summer program for at-risk teens. When Zander’s parents insist she leave home to attend camp, she is sure that she won’t fit in. She’s surprised to make connections with her fellow campers, even though they are all dealing with big problems of their own. This tough but ultimately hopeful novel is also filled with darkly funny moments.
The Mermaid’s Sister, by Carrie Anne Noble, $0.99. I haven’t read this YA fantasy novel yet, but it’s definitely on my To Read list. Here’s the publisher’s summary: In a cottage high atop Llanfair Mountain, sixteen-year-old Clara lives with her sister, Maren, and guardian Auntie. By day, they gather herbs for Auntie’s healing potions; by night, Auntie spins tales of faraway lands and wicked fairies. Clara’s favorite story tells of three orphaned infants—Clara, who was brought to Auntie by a stork; Maren, who arrived in a seashell; and their best friend, O’Neill, who was found beneath an apple tree. One day, Clara discovers iridescent scales just beneath her sister’s skin: Maren is becoming a mermaid and must be taken to the sea or she will die. So Clara, O’Neill, and the mermaid-girl set out for the shore. But the trio encounters trouble around every bend. Ensnared by an evil troupe of traveling performers, Clara and O’Neill must find a way to save themselves and the ever-weakening Maren.
The Testing, by Joelle Charbonneau, $1.99. Calling all fans of The Hunger Games or Divergent! This series should scratch that dystopian coming-of-age itch. Here’s a summary from the publisher: “It’s graduation day for sixteen-year-old Malencia Vale, and the entire Five Lakes Colony (the former Great Lakes) is celebrating. All Cia can think about—hope for—is whether she’ll be chosen for The Testing, a United Commonwealth program that selects the best and brightest new graduates to become possible leaders of the slowly revitalizing post-war civilization. When Cia is chosen, her father finally tells her about his own nightmarish half-memories of The Testing. Armed with his dire warnings (“Cia, trust no one”), she bravely heads off to Tosu City, far away from friends and family, perhaps forever. Danger, romance—and sheer terror—await.”
Princess Academy, by Shannon Hale, $0.99. You may be starting to get the impression that I love Shannon Hale, and you would be right. Princess Academy is the first in a middle grade series about a land where a rich urban royal class benefits from the poorly paid labor of all the surrounding towns. When it is decided that the Prince’s wife should come from Miri’s village, all the teen girls are rounded up and sent to a school where they will be taught the ways of court. Booklist says, “Hale nicely interweaves feminist sensibilities in this quest-for-a-prince-charming, historical-fantasy tale. Strong suspense and plot drive the action as the girls outwit would-be kidnappers and explore the boundaries of leadership, competition, and friendship.” If you are looking for books with strong heroines who overcome difficulties to make a difference in their world, this is the book for you.
Bound: 15 Beautiful Bookbinding Projects, by Rachel Hazell, $3.99. If your family is anything like mine, you probably have dozens of stories your kids have written and illustrated. Why not turn them into an art project by binding them into book form? Or set yourself up for a new school year by creating small notebooks for nature observations or other projects. This book goes through multiple styles, from basic to complex, with step by step instructions.
Mini Weapons of Mass Destruction: Make Mayhem from your Stationery with 35 Models to Build Yourself, by John Austin, $3.99. Do you have pens, rubber bands, and plastic utensils? If so, you’re ready to build a catapult or trebuchet! All of these weapons are small scale but need adult supervision to prevent injury. Keep this book as a resource for discussing wars and weaponry throughout history.
American Heritage History of Flight, by Arthur Gordon, $1.99. This detailed look at aviation begins with ancient attempts to harness the wind and moves through modern technological innovations. While there are few illustrations, the Kindle version includes in-text links to Wikipedia for additional information and visuals.
National Geographic Readers: Planes, by Amy Shields, $4.99. If you are looking for a detailed book that your early elementary students can read on their own, the National Geographic Reader series is a great place to start. This one covers all types of planes, including some unusual ones (have you ever seen the inside of a C-17?) sure to pique interest.
Amazing Airplanes, by Tony Mitton, $3.54. For our youngest family members, we have this bright and simple picture book. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Buckle up to learn all about flying! Amazing Airplanes follows the animal crew, as they become pilots, baggage handlers, and air stewards. Each page is filled with details that machine-mad kids love, such as the cockpit, landing gear, and much more. This book is perfect for budding pilots or happy vacationers! From airplanes to fire engines, the internationally bestselling Amazing Machines series is the perfect way for children to learn about all sorts of vehicles! Each book introduces a new vehicle and the jobs it can do. Bright, engaging artwork and simple, rhyming text combine to make these fantastic books for young children. Kids will love getting to know the friendly, animal characters who feature throughout the series and reading about their fast-paced adventures!”
Her Right Foot, by Dave Eggers, $2.99. This beautiful picture book takes a look at the history of the Statue of Liberty. More than that, Eggers uses the statue to address the inherent freedoms that form the basis of American culture and government. Shawn Harris’s mixed-media illustrations are simple but visually interesting.
Epic Fails: Not-So-Great Presidents, by Ben Thompson and Erik Slader. This newer history series is a lot of fun for middle-grade readers. Rather than focusing on successes, the authors emphasize foibles (e.g., Washington’s mistakes early in his career as a British soldier, Nixon’s Watergate scandal). The result is humanizing; presidents are just people, and everyone makes mistakes. The tone is light and full of contemporary references. A good choice for history fans and history skeptics!
Small Wonders: Jean-Henri Fabre and His World of Insects, by Matthew Clark Smith, $3.99. Fabre is one of the most famous naturalists in history. His interest started when he was a small child fascinated by moths, wasps, and other insects. Instead of merely collecting and dissecting them, Fabre was among the first to study insect behavior in the natural environment.
Microadventures: Local Discoveries, Great Escapes, by Alastair Humphreys, $4.99. The adventures are small, but the world is large! Humphreys is a naturalist and adventurer who has explored all over the world. This book focuses on really getting to know the world right around you. These outdoor adventures can be accomplished in a day or less, with minimal supplies. Humphreys encourages you to chase down a full moon, explore woods and forests, swim in a river, and more. Humphreys is based in the UK, so some of the challenges may not be applicable (e.g., there are few places in the US where you can walk from coast to coast), but most can be adapted to any local environment. This book is perfect for a family looking for new recreation ideas during the pandemic.
Rules, by Cynthia Lord, $3.99. Catherine loves her brother, but she’s not always nice to him. He has autism, and she has created a long list of rules for him to follow so that he doesn’t embarrass her in public. When she meets Jason, a paraplegic who uses a wheelchair and communicates through picture cards, Catherine begins to realize that there’s no one “normal” way to be, and that she needs to find more acceptance and understanding for others, even her own brother.
Freak the Mighty, by Rodman Philbrick, $3.99. This classic story of an unusual friendship has been made into a movie. Kevin has a disorder that prevents him from growing; Max is large for his age and struggles with learning disabilities. Together, Kevin and Max form “Freak the Mighty,” with Kevin riding Max’s shoulders as they explore their surroundings and defeat bullies. Both boys have unique perspectives. Content warning: this book is poignant and tragic.
Missing Math: A Number Mystery, by Loreen Leedy, $3.99. This bright and fun picture book will convince kids of the importance of numbers. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In Missing Math, the numbers all over town suddenly disappear. The animals can’t count, use the phone, or even find out what time it is. Rulers, money, and computers have all become completely useless. . . . Can the town’s detective solve this numerical mystery? Will he ever bring the numbers back home again? Loreen Leedy’s clever rhyming text PLUS her amusing digitally painted illustrations EQUALS proof that we need math each and every day.”
Alone: A Story of Friendship in the Darkness of Space, by Scott Stuart, $0.99. Earth is all alone in space, so it goes off looking for a friend. This sweet, fanciful book includes a few interesting scientific tidbits.
Blast Off to the Moon! by Lauren Gunderson, $3.99. Dr. Wonderful just wants to know why things happen, and she’s willing to explore to find out. When she becomes curious about why the moon changes shape each night, she and her dog decide to go up into space for research. Kids will love the funny illustrations; parents will appreciate the way Dr. Wonderful carefully works through the scientific process to answer her questions.
The Upside of Falling Down, by Rebekah Crane, $1.99. A coming-of-age novel with an unusual twist: Clementine is the sole survivor of a plane crash, and she’s now in Ireland suffering from amnesia. Here’s the plot summary: “With the relentless Irish press bearing down on her, and a father she may not even recognize on his way from America to take her home, Clementine assumes a new identity and enlists a blue-eyed Irish stranger, Kieran O’Connell, to help her escape her forgotten life…and start a new one. Hiding out in the sleepy town of Waterville, Ireland, Clementine discovers there’s an upside to a life that’s fallen apart. But as her lies grow, so does her affection for Kieran, and the truth about her identity becomes harder and harder to reveal, forcing Clementine to decide: Can she leave her past behind for a new love she’ll never forget?”
Zoey and Sassafras: Dragons and Marshmallows, by Asia Citro, $1.99. Science can be magic! Zoey and her cat Sassafras have a big secret: magical creatures are real and come to them for help! Zoey is a budding scientist and uses the scientific method to figure out what is wrong with a sick dragon. This is the first in a series; the short chapters, charming illustrations, and simple language make these books a good choice for budding readers.
What Lives in a Shell? by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld, $2.99. This charming book from the “Let’s Read and Find Out” series is a great introduction to crustaceans and other shelled creatures for early elementary readers. Detailed illustrations introduce clams, snails, crabs, and more.
A Tale of Two Cities, by Charles Dickens, $2.99. A classic adventure from Charles Dickens presents the story of the French Revolution through the eyes of the aristocrats, opportunists, and spies of Paris. Break out your knitting needles and settle in for an engrossing read. This edition includes a brief biography of Dickens and some contextual material.
I Survived The Battle of D-Day, by Lauren Tarshis, $3.99. My elementary-schooler has enjoyed several of the books in this series about deadly wars, plagues, and natural disasters. Each book includes a fictionalized story and a short section of historical information. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Eleven-year-old Paul's French village has been under Nazi control for years. His Jewish best friend has disappeared. Food is scarce. And there doesn't seem to be anything Paul can do to make things better. Then Paul finds an American paratrooper in a tree near his home. The soldier says the Allies have a plan to crush the Nazis once and for all. But the soldier needs Paul's help. This is Paul's chance to make a difference. Soon he finds himself in the midst of the largest invasion in history. Can he do his part to turn horror into hope?”
Magic Tree House: Night of the New Magicians, by Mary Pope Osborne, $3.99. Jack and Annie are heading to France! Merlin has sent them to pass along a message to four magicians at the 1889 World’s Fair in Paris. This is a “Merlin Mission,” so it is longer and more involved than the original Magic Tree House books.
Zane and the Hurricane: A Story of Katrina, by Rodman Philbrick, $3.99. Zane doesn’t know New Orleans well; he is visiting his great-grandmother when Hurricane Katrina makes landfall. After chasing his runaway dog, he finds himself fending for himself until he is rescued by a passing canoe. Philbrick includes realistic historical details and deftly addresses issues of race, class, and privilege.
Gandhi: A March to the Sea, by Alice B. McGinty, $1.99. This picture book with beautiful painted illustrations focuses on the nonviolent Satyagraha movement. There’s a free educator’s guide available as a PDF.
The Sky Painter: Louis Fuertes, Bird Artist, by Margarita Engle, $1.99. I will admit that I had never heard of Fuertes before I discovered this book. Thank you, Margarita Engle, for introducing me to his beautiful work. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Louis loves to watch birds. He takes care of injured birds and studies how they look and how they move. His father wants him to become an engineer, but Louis dreams of being a bird artist. To achieve this dream, he must practice, practice, practice. He learns from the art of John James Audubon. But as Louis grows up, he begins to draw and paint living, flying birds in their natural habitats. Louis Agassiz Fuertes (1874–1927) is now known as the father of modern bird art. He traveled with many scientific expeditions all over the world. His best-known works—paintings for habitat exhibits at the American Museum of Natural History in New York—are still beloved by visitors today. His art helped to encourage wildlife conservation, inspiring people to celebrate and protect the world of wings. Poems by Newbery Honor–winning author Margarita Engle and illustrations by Aliona Bereghici capture the life of Louis Fuertes and the deep sense of wonder that he felt when he painted the sky.”
Escape North! The Story of Harriet Tubman, by Monica Kulling, $4.99. I found my copy of this book at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park (which is great and you should go!). As I’ve mentioned before, I really like the higher level nonfiction “Step into Reading” books for providing a solid foundation on a topic at the elementary level. Kids will learn about Tubman’s missions escorting enslaved people to freedom, but also about her work as a spy and women’s rights advocate.
Frog and Toad are Friends, by Arnold Lobel, $4.99. This is an easy reader classic! Frog and Toad are not always alike, but they are always there for each other. Join them on their funny adventures swimming, looking for a lost button, and waiting for a letter. Fun pictures and few words on each page make this the perfect first chapter book for a new reader.
I am (Not) Scared, by Anna Kang, $1.99. The bears from You are (Not) Small and That’s (Not) Mine are back with a trip to the amusement park. They are frightened of, and exhilarated by, a whole host of new experiences and discover that being together can make hard things seem less scary.
A Snicker of Magic, by Natalie Lloyd, $3.99. My daughter loves this book! Here’s what she says: “A shy girl who’s been traveling around her whole life moves to a town that used to have magic. She learns that her ancestors were cursed and becomes determined to break the curse. This is a really heartwarming book, and I recommend it to people who like The Magic Half.”
Give Yourself Goosebumps: Tick Tock, You’re Dead, by R.L. Stine. A scary Goosebumps novel where you get to choose how the story turns out? Sign me up for this perfect campfire read!
Kindle Deals for October 27, 2020
These books are bear-y good!
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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If You Can’t Bear Hug, Air Hug, by Katie Sedmak, $4.99. A winter of quarantines and distancing is looming ahead. This sweet picture book is full of ideas about how we can still connect to others while staying safe. The rhyming text and cute animals make a hard subject more palatable.
Bears: Amazing Pictures and Fun Facts on Animals in Nature, by Kay de Silva, $2.99. Follow up your bear picture books with this short nonfiction book all about bears. Sections include habitat, behavior, hibernation, and more, followed by brief descriptions of many major bear species. The many photo illustrations will be best viewed on a color device.
Who Lives Here? Polar Animals, by Deborah Hodge, $3.99. Learn all about polar bears and other cold-loving creatures in this beautifully illustrated picture book. Side bars offer many details about the adaptations that allow creatures to safely live near the poles.
The Berenstain Bears’ Dinosaur Dig, by Jan and Mike Berenstain, $0.99. Brother and Sister Bear visit a real paleontological dig! What kind of bones will they see? Their favorite scientist, Actual Factual Bear, meets them to explain and provide details about different dinosaurs and the process of digging for fossils.
STILL ON SALE
Super Puzzletastic Mysteries: Short Stories for Young Sleuths from Mystery Writers of America, edited by Chris Grabenstein, $1.99. This book of short mysteries is a lot of fun. You’ll find well-known children’s and mystery authors writing for middle-grade readers. I really like the fact that the stories have a pause point where the reader is encouraged to see if they can figure out the mystery!
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, by Alvin Schwartz, $2.99. There are some truly chilling, but still kid-appropriate stories in this book. Schwartz has drawn from folk tales and legends to collect creepy figures like the scarecrow come to life, the Wendigo, and the ghost with the bloody fingers. Are you scared yet?
Slasher Girls and Monster Boys, edited by April Genevieve Tucholke, $2.99. The concept of this YA anthology is a lot of fun! Big names in YA literature chose a pop culture or literary reference and then wrote a new imagining of that story. As you read, you can try to guess what plot inspired each story before it is revealed at the end. Note: these are horror stories, not for the faint at heart. You’ll find plenty of scares and gore in these pages.
Sudden Flash Youth: 65 Short-Short Stories, edited by Christine Perkins-Hazuka, Tom Hazuka, and Mark Budman, $4.74. Sometimes you can fit a lot of punch into a tiny package. All the stories in this book are only a few pages long, great for a quick literary discussion. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In these stories of no more than 1000 words, well-known and emerging American authors spotlight crucial moments of change during coming-of-age. Their young protagonists face matters of great consequence, such as the death of a parent, unwanted pregnancy, and bullying, as well as lighter, if perplexing circumstances: how to hold a prom when being home-schooled; what to do when the babysitter suddenly sees the Rapture. The stories are of this moment--a girl who falls in love and then is pressured to lose her virginity in a cyberspace world--and they also remember the past: the Nixon era, the Vietnam War, slavery. Here is a glimpse into the way we live now from the point of view of those who will determine the future. Among the contributors are Steve Almond, Peter Bacho, Richard Bausch, Gayle Brandeis, Richard Brautigan, Ron Carlson, Kelly Cherry, Dave Eggers, Pia Z. Ehrhardt, Jim Heynen, Victor Lavalle, Meg Kearney, Naomi Shihab Nye, Maryann O'Hara, Sonia Pilcer, Pamela Painter, Bruce Holland Rogers, Robert Shapard, and Alice Walker.”
The Ghosts of Evolution: Nonsensical Fruit, Missing Partners, and Other Ecological Anachronisms, by Connie Barlow, $2.99. Organisms are constantly adapting to environments that are also in flux. As a result, many plants and animals have been shaped by conditions that no longer exist. In this fascinating book, Barlow looks at quirks of nature that are the result of complex evolution.
How I Killed Pluto and Why It Had It Coming, by Mike Brown, $4.99. Astronomer Mike Brown is notorious in some circles for starting the chain of events that resulted in Pluto’s demotion to dwarf planet. Brown’s team discovered Eris, a dwarf planet just slightly bigger than Pluto. As you may be able to guess just from the title, Brown’s style is entertaining and informative.
At the Old Haunted House, by Helen Ketteman, $0.99. Get ready for a fun remake of the classic song “Over in the Meadow.” This spooky twist on a counting song will be perfect for your Halloween math lessons. Count up the monsters, cats, goblins, witches and other creatures. There are lots of classic horror characters, but don’t worry — they are all having a good time and aren’t very scary.
Coraline, by Neil Gaiman, $2.99. Coraline is a classic creepy tale about a girl who discovers an alternate version of her reality when she moves to a new house. At first the new house and new family seems like all Coraline has ever wanted, but things are not as they seem. I will never look at a Lalaloopsy doll in the same way having read this book.
Pumpkinheads, by Rainbow Rowell and Faith Erin Hicks, $2.99. This YA graphic novel about two teens working in a pumpkin patch is just about the most autumnal book I have read. Deja and Josiah have worked together for all of high school, but this year is their last time before they move on to college. Deja is determined to close out the season with amazing memories.
Anya’s Ghost, by Vera Brosgol, $2.99. Here’s a poignant graphic novel with a spooky twist. Check out the publisher’s description: “Anya could really use a friend. But her new BFF isn't kidding about the "Forever" part . . . Of all the things Anya expected to find at the bottom of an old well, a new friend was not one of them. Especially not a new friend who's been dead for a century. Falling down a well is bad enough, but Anya's normal life might actually be worse. She's embarrassed by her family, self-conscious about her body, and she's pretty much given up on fitting in at school. A new friend—even a ghost—is just what she needs. Or so she thinks. Spooky, sardonic, and secretly sincere, Anya's Ghost is a wonderfully entertaining debut from author/artist Vera Brosgol.”
The Silver Arrow, by Lev Grossman, $2.99. This new release is one of my daughter’s favorite books of 2020! When Kate’s uncle bring her a very unusual birthday present (a sentient train), Kate and her brother set off on an amazing adventure. Along the way, they pick up and drop off countless animals and begin to understand the purpose of the magic train. Grossman has created a really interesting world with a subtle environmental allegory.
A Home for Leo, by Vin Vogel, $0.99. This charming story looks at the intertwined worlds of humans and other animals. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Leo grew up in the sea. He has a family of sea lions he loves. He’s happy, but he has always known he was different. Then Leo’s suddenly reunited with his human parents, and he finds he loves them too. But he still feels like a fish out of water. Being from two worlds and having two families isn’t so easy. Leo has a lot to figure out… Splashed with humor and grounded in heart, this brightly illustrated story explores ideas of family, home, and belonging in a way that’s as relatable as it is unique.”
The Wild Robot, by Peter Brown, $1.99. This is probably the most moving and special book I have read in the ten years I have been a parent. Both an action/survival story and a philosophical musing on what it means to be alive, this book will capture the hearts of kids and adults. We listened to the audiobook on a road trip and nearly had to pull over because the adults were tearing up with happy tears. Amy describes the plot in a detailed review here.
Inside-Outside Dinosaurs, by Roxie Munro, $0.99. Not a lot of words in this one. If you have a younger kid fascinated by dinosaurs, Munro’s illustrations of how fossil skeletons may translate into their ancient environment will be highly appealing. Fact lists and suggestions for further reading round out this interesting resource.
How to Catch a Dinosaur, by Adam Wallace, $1.99. Check out this fun, rhyming picture book! When a kid decides he wants to prove dinosaurs were real by capturing one and bringing it to the science fair, he and his friends start working on elaborate plans for lures and traps. While the subject matter is wacky, this book offers and excellent glimpse at STEM skills at work.
Fossils for Kids: A Junior Scientist’s Guide to Dinosaur Bones, Ancient Animals, and Prehistoric Life on Earth, by Ashley Hall, $4.99. If your upper elementary student is hoping to learn more about what it’s really like to be a paleontologist, snag them this book! While describing ancient creatures, how fossils are formed, and how to identify fossils, paleontologist Ashley Hall offers lots of information on how scientists to their work.
The Dog that Dug for Dinosaurs, by Shirley Raye Redmond, $4.99. Get ready for a true story about a very clever dog! This Ready to Read book is written for early readers who can handle short paragraphs. Vivid color illustrations make it an enjoyable read. Here’s the publisher’s description: “There once was a little dog named Tray. He lived in England with his owner, Mary Ann Anning. Besides Mary Ann, Tray loved one other thing: He loved to dig for dinosaur bones. Together he and Mary Ann found small bones, big bones, and even entire skeletons! People came from all around the world to see the bones they found. This is the honestly true story of Tray, the dog that dug for dinosaurs.”
Blood, Sweat, and Pixels: The Triumphant, Turbulent Stories Behind How Video Games are Made, by Jason Schrier, $2.99. I am not a gamer, but I love learning about how things are made. This book takes a look at the tremendous effort that goes into creating modern video games. From the publisher: “In Blood, Sweat, and Pixels, Jason Schreier takes readers on a fascinating odyssey behind the scenes of video game development, where the creator may be a team of 600 overworked underdogs or a solitary geek genius. Exploring the artistic challenges, technical impossibilities, marketplace demands, and Donkey Kong-sized monkey wrenches thrown into the works by corporate, Blood, Sweat, and Pixels reveals how bringing any game to completion is more than Sisyphean—it's nothing short of miraculous.”
The Nerdy Nummies Cookbook: Sweet Treats for the Geek in All of Us, by Rosanna Pansino, $1.99. Pansino is known for her YouTube baking channel, where she creates delicious treats based on pop culture. This cookbook is full of recipes for recipes for all flavors of geeks: science, gaming, sci-fi, cartoon, and more.
The Economics of Star Trek: The Proto-Post-Scarcity Economy, by Rick Webb, $4.99. Rick Webb made a splash a few years ago with a long-form article about the economics of Star Trek. This book presents an expanded version of that essay along with discussion of Universal Basic Income, cryptocurrency, and other economic issues in terms of the Star Trek universe.
Sheepish: Two Women, Fifty Sheep, and Enough Wool to Save the Planet, by Catherine Friend, $1.99. Just yesterday, my family was discussing what animal we would choose if we could have any habitat in our backyard, and I chose sheep. I can’t quite decide whether this book cements my choice or makes me regret my decision. Catherine Friend describes all the hard work and reward of raising sheep.
DK Smithsonian Natural History Mammals Carnivores: The Definitive Visual Guide, by DK Publishing, $4.99. Want to know more about meat eaters? This book brings DK’s classic photo-rich style to dozens of mammals — bears, seals, even skunks!
Girls Save the World in This One, by Ash Parsons, $2.99. Zombies, conventions, and girl power? Sign me up! The publisher’s description was so good I immediately put this book on my reading list. Here’s what they said: “Shaun of the Dead meets Clueless in this hilarious YA horror comedy set at a local zombie convention–featuring a teenage girl gang that has to save the world from a horde of actual zombies. Perfect for fans of Geekerella, Undead Girl Gang, and Anna and the Apocalypse.”
Small Spaces, by Katherine Arden, $2.99. I don’t even know where to begin with this one. It’s a middle grade novel, but even the back of the book description kind of freaks me out. If you have a middle schooler looking for a ghost tale about a class trip gone wrong, this is a great option. Arden is known for creating rich, detailed worlds, and she puts that skill to work creating some memorable locations and characters.
Duck for President, by Doreen Cronin, $1.99. The wacky barnyard creatures from Click, Clack, Moo are back in this fun and topical picture book. When duck is tired of being asked to do work around the farm, he decides to hold and election and run against the farmer. This successful run leads to a turn as governor and eventually president. At each step along the way, Duck discovers that leading is actually a lot of work.
What is an Election?, by Caryn Jenner, $2.99. This leveled reader is a great introduction to basic concepts in the democratic process. It’s not America-specific; there’s a section on elections around the world. DK’s levels tend to be a bit more advanced that other easy readers. This one is suitable for kids who can read short paragraphs.
Secret Lives of the U.S. Presidents, by Cormac O’Brien, $2.99. Did you know that George Washington had leopard-skin robes made for his horses? Or that Thomas Jefferson smuggled rice from Europe in his pants? These weird facts and more will entertain and enlighten.
Thank You For Voting: The Maddening, Enlightening, Inspiring Truth About Voting in America, by Erin Geiger Smith, $3.99. Geiger Smith is a journalist who has been covering elections for years. In this book, she examines the reasons many people do not participate in elections. She traces the history of voting rights, social and economic factors, and issues that confuse or put off potential voters. The tone is engaging and helpful, with advice on how to encourage those around you to vote.
The Trail of Tears, by Joseph Bruchac, $4.99. This early chapter book does not shy away from the realities of The Trail of Tears. The author, a member of the Abenaki tribe, describes Chief John Ross leading the Cherokee people 1,200 miles to new territory Oklahoma. Hardship and injustices are described in detail appropriate for elementary readers. Don’t discount this book for older readers; the level 4 and 5 books from Step into Reading are great for concise and engaging reading on a narrow topic.
You Hold Me Up, by Monique Gray Smith and Danielle Daniel, $4.99. This sweet picture book describes the ways people look out for each other (e.g., kindness and sharing). The illustrations feature Native people young and old. You’ll find this book a great conversation starter for a discussion about empathy and community spirit.
Why Indigenous Literatures Matter, by Daniel Heath Justice, $4.99. Are you looking to learn more about Indigenous authors? This book, written by a scholar for a broader audience, is a great place to start. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In considering the connections between literature and lived experience, this book contemplates four key questions at the heart of Indigenous kinship traditions: How do we learn to be human? How do we become good relatives? How do we become good ancestors? How do we learn to live together? Blending personal narrative and broader historical and cultural analysis with close readings of key creative and critical texts, Justice argues that Indigenous writers engage with these questions in part to challenge settler-colonial policies and practices that have targeted Indigenous connections to land, history, family, and self. More importantly, Indigenous writers imaginatively engage the many ways that communities and individuals have sought to nurture these relationships and project them into the future. This provocative volume challenges readers to critically consider and rethink their assumptions about Indigenous literature, history, and politics while never forgetting the emotional connections of our shared humanity and the power of story to effect personal and social change. Written with a generalist reader firmly in mind, but addressing issues of interest to specialists in the field, this book welcomes new audiences to Indigenous literary studies while offering more seasoned readers a renewed appreciation for these transformative literary traditions.”
Hearts Unbroken, by Cynthia Leitich Smith, $0.99. High school is complicated for everyone, even more so in this YA novel about a community in racial and cultural conflict. Here’s the publisher’s description: “When Louise Wolfe’s first real boyfriend mocks and disrespects Native people in front of her, she breaks things off and dumps him over e-mail. It’s her senior year, anyway, and she’d rather spend her time with her family and friends and working on the school newspaper. The editors pair her up with Joey Kairouz, the ambitious new photojournalist, and in no time the paper’s staff find themselves with a major story to cover: the school musical director’s inclusive approach to casting The Wizard of Oz has been provoking backlash in their mostly white, middle-class Kansas town. From the newly formed Parents Against Revisionist Theater to anonymous threats, long-held prejudices are being laid bare and hostilities are spreading against teachers, parents, and students — especially the cast members at the center of the controversy, including Lou’s little brother, who’s playing the Tin Man. As tensions mount at school, so does a romance between Lou and Joey — but as she’s learned, ‘dating while Native’ can be difficult. In trying to protect her own heart, will Lou break Joey’s?”
Greenglass House, by Kate Milford, $1.99. OK, it would be false advertising to compare this book to The Westing Game, but if there is a contemporary literary descendant of Raskin's deliciously complex mystery, it's The Greenglass House—a genuine, bona fide middle grades mystery that gives its readers credit for being intelligent and that delivers a satisfying mystery, sophisticated character development, and a few (well set-up) twists along the way. Adopted innkeepers' son Milo and his friend—the cook's daughter, Meddy—unravel the clues to discover why their off-season inn is full of unexpected visitors, at least one of whom seems set on sabotaging Greenglass House. It's a terrific mystery. Highly recommended.
A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning, by Lemony Snicket, $2.99. The first book is Lemony Snicket’s hilariously tragic series chronicles the moment things begin to go terribly wrong in the lives of the ill-fated Baudelaire orphans. Kids will love the over-the-top storytelling; parents will be tickled by all the interesting words Snicket throws in.
The Thickety: A Path Begins, by J.A. White, $3.99. Looking for a seriously creepy and sometimes dark middle-grade fantasy? The Thickety does a good job of balancing real menace with imaginative storytelling. Here’s a bit of the publisher’s description: “When Kara Westfall was five years old, her mother was convicted of the worst of all crimes: witchcraft. Years later, Kara and her little brother, Taff, are still shunned by the people of their village, who believe that nothing is more evil than magic…except, perhaps, the mysterious forest that covers nearly the entire island. It has many names, this place. Sometimes it is called the Dark Wood, or Sordyr's Realm. But mostly it's called the Thickety. The villagers live in fear of the Thickety and the terrible creatures that live there. But when an unusual bird lures Kara into the forbidden forest, she discovers a strange book with unspeakable powers. A book that might have belonged to her mother. And that is just the beginning of the story.”
Spontaneous, by Aaron Starmer, $2.99. I just bought this one for myself! The idea of a darkly funny YA novel about a wave of spontaneous combustions just felt right for 2020. The publisher’s description hooked me. Will it do the same for you? “Mara Carlyle’s senior year is going as normally as could be expected, until fellow senior Katelyn Ogden explodes during third period pre-calc. Katelyn is the first, but she won’t be the last teenager to blow up without warning or explanation. As the national eye turns to Mara’s suburban New Jersey hometown, the FBI rolls in and the search for a reason is on. Mara narrates the end of their world as she knows it while trying to make it to graduation in one piece. It’s an explosive year punctuated by romance, quarantine, lifelong friendship, hallucinogenic mushrooms, bloggers, ice cream trucks, and Bon Jovi.”
Three Faces of Me, by R.L. Stine, $0.99. No one beats R.L. Stine for a kid-appropriate intro to the horror genre. Here’s the publisher’s description of this eerie tale: “When Ira Fishman wins a prize in the machine outside a candy store, he’s disappointed it’s not the squirt gun he had his eye on. The little black plastic box looks like a camera, but when Ira presses the green button on top, nothing happens. After dinner that night, Ira can’t believe what he sees in his room: a boy with the same clothes—and face—as Ira! He tries to get this second Ira to leave, but it’s no use. Deciding to have a little fun, Ira makes the boy go to school in his place—but it’s a disaster. The new Ira isn’t good at math like the real Ira, and he’s horrible at softball. Worst of all, he plays with the girls during recess! Ira’s clone is ruining his rep—fast. And when a third Ira shows up, Ira number one has to find a way to make the others disappear for good before his whole world is turned upside down. But how do you get rid of yourself?”
Turkey Trick of Treat, by Wendi Silvano, $0.99. The wacky turkey from Turkey Trouble is back, this time to celebrate Halloween! He wants candy, but the farmer will only give it to kids in costumes. Can he and the other barnyard animals trick the farmer into giving them treats?
Halloween Hustle, by Charlotte Gunnufson, $0.99. Kids will love the spooky-cute illustrations and the fun rhyming text. Skeleton is on his way to a party, and he can’t help but dance. But he has a problem — he keeps tripping and falling apart. Can he keep it together?
How to Build a Haunted House, by Frank Tupta, $1.99. In this rhyming story, classic monsters are are working together to make a spooky haunted house. The twist? It’s for vampire family in need!
The Magic Half, by Annie Barrows, $4.79. My daughter loved this series when she was in elementary school. When Miri’s family moves into a new house, she is thrilled with her interesting new room in the attic. Things get a little strange, and more interesting, when she discovers that her room is somehow connected to 1935 and a girl in need of help. Miri has to learn the secrets of this time travel to rescue Molly.
Stepping Stones: The Time Machine, by H.G. Wells and Les Martin, $3.99. The Stepping Stones series adapts classic literature to an early chapter book level. This adaptation of the H.G. Wells classic is heavy on the action and includes engaging illustrations. This is a great introduction to one of the foundational texts of science fiction.
Apples, Apples, Apples, by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace, $0.99. The bunny family is heading to the orchard to pick some fresh apples! They meet up with Farmer Miller, who explains the different varieties of apples and how they grow. When they have gathered all they need, they head home to make fresh applesauce (recipe included!). Wallace’s unique cut paper illustrations are very sweet.
The Seasons of Arnold’s Apple Tree, by Gail Gibbons, $4.99. Arnold has a favorite apple tree. He spends time in it throughout the year, picking fruit, smelling blossoms, feeding the birds, and basking in its shade. In simple language, Gibbons walks readers through a year in the life of a tree. Don’t miss the recipe for apple pie and the description of how a cider press works!
How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World, by Marjorie Priceman, $4.99. From our readalouds with recipes list: “As Carl Sagan once said, if you want to make an apple pie from scratch, first you have to create the universe. In this playful picture book, you don’t have to create the world but you do have to travel it, journeying around the globe to collect far-flung ingredients for the perfect apple pie.”
Apples and How They Grow, by Laura Driscoll, $4.99. Let your beginning reader read about apples on their own! This short and sweet nonfiction book is full of details about how apples grow. Kids (and adults) may be surprised to learn about grafting branches from one tree onto another.
We Dream of Space, by Erin Entrada Kelly, $1.99. That historical fiction is now set in the 1980s makes me feel a little old, but I’m excited to read this new middle grade novel. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Cash, who loves basketball but has a newly broken wrist, is in danger of failing seventh grade for the second time. Fitch spends every afternoon playing Major Havoc at the arcade on Main and wrestles with an explosive temper that he doesn’t understand. And Bird, his twelve-year-old twin, dreams of being NASA’s first female shuttle commander, but feels like she’s disappearing. The Thomas children exist in their own orbits, circling a tense and unpredictable household, with little in common except an enthusiastic science teacher named Ms. Salonga. As the launch of the Challenger approaches, Ms. Salonga gives her students a project—they are separated into spacecraft crews and must create and complete a mission. When the fated day finally arrives, it changes all of their lives and brings them together in unexpected ways.”
Space Opera, by Catherynne M. Valente, $1.99. Amy and Suzanne really enjoyed this book. Here’s what Amy has to say about it: “So earlier this fall, I told Suzanne that I needed to read something that would just make me happy, and she suggested this space saga. NEVER DOUBT SUZANNE. This zany, Douglas Adams-ish (and I don’t throw that around lightly) story centers around an intergalactic version of American Idol, in which planets compete not for record deals but for the right for their species to be considered sentient by the rest of the universe. All newly space-faring species must compete to prove their sentience — and if they come in last, their whole species will be wiped right out of existence. Now that Earth is in the space game, and the future of humanity is in the hands of aging 70s rocker Decibel Jones. It sounds wacky and all over the place because it is wacky and all over the place — but in a way that made me really happy.”
Suni Goes to Space, by Arthy Muthanna Singh and Mamta Nainy, $0.99. When Sunita Williams was young, she dreamed of going into space like Neil Armstrong. Singh and Nainy introduce us to Suni, the inquisitive and creative girl who grew up to become an astronaut.
Scream: Chilling Adventures in the Science of Fear, by Margee Kerr, $1.99. Why do we feel afraid? Why do we deliberately seek out horror movies and haunted houses? Sociologist Margee Kerr investigates the individual and societal experiences of fear. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Fear is a universal human experience, but do we really understand it? If we're so terrified of monsters and serial killers, why do we flock to the theaters to see them? Why do people avoid thinking about death, but jump out of planes and swim with sharks? For Kerr, there was only one way to find out. In this eye-opening, adventurous book, she takes us on a tour of the world's scariest experiences: into an abandoned prison long after dark, hanging by a cord from the highest tower in the Western hemisphere, and deep into Japan's mysterious ‘suicide forest.’ She even goes on a ghost hunt with a group of paranormal adventurers. Along the way, Kerr shows us the surprising science from the newest studies of fear -- what it means, how it works, and what it can do for us. Full of entertaining science and the thrills of a good ghost story, this book will make you think, laugh -- and scream.”
Alice in Zombieland, by Gena Showalter, $2.99. It’s Alice in Wonderland… sort of. With zombies! This YA zombie novel is filled with allusions to Wonderland.
His Hideous Heart: 13 of Edgar Allen Poe’s Most Unsettling Tales Reimagined, edited by Dahlia Adler, $2.99. Teens have loved Poe’s creepy tales for the last hundred and fifty years. Now they can experience the themes in new ways through this collection of modern short stories from big names in current YA.
Teach Your Own: The John Holt Book of Homeschooling, by John Holt and Pat Farenga, $2.99. John Holt is one of the founders of the modern homeschool movement. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In this expanded edition of the book that helped launch the whole movement, Pat Farenga has distilled John Holt's timeless understanding of the ways children come to understand the world and added up-to-the-moment legal, financial, and logistical advice. No parent even considering homeschooling should be without this wise and unique reference. Rather than proposing that parents turn their homes into miniature schools, Holt and Farenga demonstrate how ordinary parents can help children grow as social, active learners. Chapters on living with children, "serious play," children and work, and learning difficulties will fascinate and encourage parents and help them enjoy each "homeschool" day. John Holt's warm understanding of children and his passionate belief in every child's ability to learn have made this book the bible of homeschooling families everywhere.”
My Strong Mind: A Story about Developing Mental Strength, by Niels van Hove, $2.99. This is a pretty didactic but accessible book about developing good habits. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Kate faces several situations your children will face too. She applies a positive attitude to deal with her challenges. Amongst them are getting ready in time in the morning, doing cartwheels, standing in front of the whole class with show and tell and playing basketball. Kate applies techniques like goal setting, positive self-talk, accept failure as learning, visualisation of a problem, breathing or mindfulness exercise, gratitude, and controlled distraction. These tips to build a strong mind in children are presented in an easy to read, fun and practical way.”
It’s Okay to Make Mistakes, by Todd Parr, $1.99. Todd Parr’s books are like big, extra-tight hugs. His simple style is bold, funny, and diverse. For every mistake he mentions, he offers a hint at what can happen next (e.g., “It’s OK to not know the answer. Asking questions helps you learn.”) My toddler could recite Todd Parr books way before she could read them on her own.
Storybound, by Melissa Burt, $3.99. I haven’t had a chance to read this series yet, but it sounds like a delightful bookish adventure. Here’s the publisher’s description: “When Una Fairchild stumbles upon a mysterious book buried deep in the basement of her school library, she thinks nothing of opening the cover and diving in. But instead of paging through a regular novel, Una suddenly finds herself Written In to the land of Story—a world filled with Heroes and Villains and fairy-tale characters. But not everything in Story is as magical as it seems. Una must figure out why she has been Written In—and fast—before anyone else discovers her secret. Together with her new friend Peter and a talking cat named Sam, Una digs deep into Story's shadowy past. She quickly realizes that she is tied to the world in ways she never could have imagined—and it might be up to her to save it.”
A Dash of Magic, by Kathryn Littlewood, $3.99. The Bliss series is a mouth-watering literary treat. In this second book in the series, Rosemary is determined to retrieve the magical Cookery Booke that her aunt has stolen — even if it means facing off in an Iron Chef-style food battle. The competition takes the Bliss family to Paris, where the family rushes around famous sites collecting the magical ingredients Rosemary needs. There’s an excellent sense of place. If you enjoy this book, the sequel is also on sale.
Sleep, Big Bear, Sleep! by Maureen Wright, $0.99. It’s time to hibernate in this charming picture book. Bear knows there’s something he needs to do, but he keeps mishearing Old Man Winter’s “Sleep” message and instead thinks he is supposed to leap or sweep. It’s a sweet, funny story perfect for fall.
Scaredy Squirrel, by Melanie Watt, $0.99. Scaredy Squirrel wants to be prepared. He has all of his emergency gear at the ready, prepared for bees, Martians, whatever might happen. He prefers to stick to his safe, steady routine. When a chance encounter causes him to leap into the unknown, he gets a big surprise.
Shampoodle, by Joan Holub, $3.99. This fun easy reader will have kids giggling! The funny, rhyming text describes a day at the dog groomer. The dogs are all very exuberant, even before a cat wanders in and causes mayhem. I love the pictures in this one; there’s lots to see!
Bad Kitty Camp Daze, by Nick Bruel, $4.96. Bad Kitty has an attitude problem that will endear her to surly children everywhere. Bruel built on his picture book series with these early chapter books that contain lots of illustrated action. When Bad Kittle sneaks away to Uncle Murray’s Camp for Stressed-Out Dogs, she learns more than she bargains for about the natural world.
The Hobbits of Tolkien: An Illustrated Exploration of Tolkien’s Hobbits and the Sources that Inspired His Work From Myth, Legend, and History, by David Day, $3.99. Want to know more about the mythology behind Middle Earth? Curious about the etymology of some place names and people? This book perfectly balances detailed research with cozy illustrations. The author has written similar volumes about other elements of Tolkien’s work.
A Dictionary of Sources of Tolkien: The History and Mythology That Inspired Tolkien’s World, by David Day, $3.99. I enjoy sweeping fantasy, but I definitely struggle to keep all the names and places straight. In this extensive volume, Day provides information about all the proper nouns of Middle Earth, both their relevance to the narrative and their allusions to other literary traditions.
An Unexpected Cookbook: The Unofficial Book of Hobbit Cookery, by Chris-Rachael Oseland, $5.99. This book is more expensive than my typical Kindle deals, but I didn’t think we could properly celebrate Hobbit Day without at least one food book. The recipes are broken up into all seven Hobbit meals, with delicious treats like Lavender and Lemon Bread, Yorkshire Pudding, and Honey Cakes. You’ll find detailed recipe notes and mouthwatering photos throughout.
Fear of Physics: A Guide for the Perplexed, by Lawrence M. Krauss, $1.99. Krauss is a theoretical physicist who works on the deepest mysteries of the universe. But don’t let that intimidate you! Here’s the publisher’s description: “Assume the cow is a sphere." So begins this lively, irreverent, and informative look at everything from the physics of boiling water to cutting-edge research at the observable limits of the universe. Rich with anecdotes and accessible examples, Fear of Physics nimbly ranges over the tools and thought behind the world of modern physics, taking the mystery out of what is essentially a very human intellectual endeavour.”
Caesar’s Last Breath: Decoding the Secrets of the Air Around Us, by Sam Kean, $2.99. Science writer Sam Kean has written about the chemical elements, neuroscience, genetics, and the creation of the atomic bomb. In this book, he explores the air around us and the molecules we find within it. He travels throughout history and across several continents in his quest to understand the air we breathe.
Scienceblind: Why Our Intuitive Theories About the World Are So Often Wrong, by Andrew Shtulman, $4.99. Our brains are wired to make connections that help us make sense of the world. But that does not mean that our brains always interpret the world correctly. Cognitive psychologist Andrew Shtulman explains the reasons why people tend to believe weird things in this fascinating book. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Why do we catch colds? What causes seasons to change? And if you fire a bullet from a gun and drop one from your hand, which bullet hits the ground first? In a pinch we almost always get these questions wrong. Worse, we regularly misconstrue fundamental qualities of the world around us. In Scienceblind, cognitive and developmental psychologist Andrew Shtulman shows that the root of our misconceptions lies in the theories about the world we develop as children. They're not only wrong, they close our minds to ideas inconsistent with them, making us unable to learn science later in life. So how do we get the world right? We must dismantle our intuitive theories and rebuild our knowledge from its foundations. The reward won't just be a truer picture of the world, but clearer solutions to many controversies -- around vaccines, climate change, or evolution -- that plague our politics today.”
Uncommon Paper Flowers: Extraordinary Botanicals and How to Craft Them, by Kate Alcaron, $2.99. You’ve made a paper rose before, now get ready to try something unique! Alcaron has collected 30 unusual plants and created paper models of them. The book contains detailed botanical descriptions, an extensive technique section, and templates for creating your own dramatic floral display.
Parenting in a Pandemic: How to Help Your Family Through Covid-19, by Kelly Fradin, $0.99. This just came out and will (I hope) only be useful for a limited time, but the price is right and the advice is solid. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Parents are burning out while kids need more help than ever. With so many families in crisis, pediatrician and child advocate Dr. Kelly Fradin sees an urgent need for help. As a mother of two, Dr. Fradin shares practical, evidence-based and reassuring advice on what families need to know. Parents are forced to make decisions now despite seemingly constant change and many unknowns. In Parenting in a Pandemic, Dr. Fradin provides the information and strategies you need to help navigate coronavirus. The book reviews the science necessary to understand the news and care for your family. Dr. Fradin explains the specific risks of coronavirus to children of all ages and adults, including parents, grandparents, pregnant women, and essential workers. She gives realistic strategies you can use to improve this time for your family whether you are protecting a newborn, virtually schooling or convincing a teen to physically distance.”
The House Takes a Vacation, by Jacqueline Davies, $0.99. Get ready for a surreal and wacky adventure! When the house’s people go on vacation, the house decides to take its own trip. Kids and adults will enjoy the pun-filled text and personality-filled illustrations.
Little House in the Big Woods, by Laura Ingalls Wilder, $3.99. The Little House books are among the most read children’s books of all time, and with good reason. Wilder does a tremendous job of creating a vivid and inviting glimpse into life on the frontier. Later books in the series have problematic depictions of conflicts with Native Americans and have not aged well. Little House in the Big Woods, however, is a cozy and gentle peek into the past. Read this one by candle or fire as the temperatures start to dip this fall!
The Hero’s Guide to Saving Your Kingdom, by Christopher Healy, $3.99. You think you know the classic fairytale stories, but they are usually centered around the princesses. This fun middle grade series focuses on the princes. After the “happily ever after” the princes discover that their kingdoms are in danger, and they set off take on all kinds of mythical monsters. This fun and funny book is the first in a series that your middle-grade reader will love.
The Element Encyclopedia of Magical Creatures, by John and Caitlin Matthews, $3.99. Looking for a reference on obscure creatures? Every time I open this book, I discover a new mythological animal I haven’t heard of before. Here’s the publisher’s description: “From unicorns and trolls to werewolves and griffins, this comprehensive guide is the key to discovering every magical creature from myth, folklore and legend around the world. This compendium of magical creatures explores the history, folklore and mythology of fascinating beasts throughout all the magical worlds. Including stories, celebrations, traditions, and amazing facts, the book spans every major culture across the globe.”
Steampunk! An Anthology of Fantastically Rich and Strange Stories, edited by Kelly Link and Gavin J. Grant, $0.99. Are you new to steampunk but interested in exploring alternate versions of the world shaped by a different series of technological innovations? This anthology will introduce you to many excellent YA steampunk authors. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Imagine an alternate universe where romance and technology reign. Where tinkerers and dreamers craft and re-craft a world of automatons, clockworks, calculating machines, and other marvels that never were. Where scientists and schoolgirls, fair folk and Romans, intergalactic bandits, utopian revolutionaries, and intrepid orphans solve crimes, escape from monstrous predicaments, consult oracles, and hover over volcanoes in steam-powered airships. Here, fourteen masters of speculative fiction, including two graphic storytellers, embrace the genre's established themes and refashion them in surprising ways and settings as diverse as Appalachia, ancient Rome, future Australia, and alternate California. Visionaries Kelly Link and Gavin J. Grant have invited all-new explorations and expansions, taking a genre already rich, strange, and inventive in the extreme and challenging contributors to remake it from the ground up. The result is an anthology that defies its genre even as it defines it.”
The Wonderling, by Mira Bartok, $0.99. In Mira Bartok’s imagined world, groundlings are creatures that are part animal, part human. Thirteen, a fox groundling, escapes the Dickensian workhouse where has been raised and sets off on an adventure of his own. The tone is similar to Lemony Snicket, but the story is entirely unique, full of mechanical details and animals with extraordinary abilities. Put this strange and interesting book in the hands of your middle-grade reader!
My Robots: The Robotic Genius of Lady Regina Bonquers III, by Johan Olander, $3.99. Olander creates such interesting books! This heavily illustrated book purports to be the design scrapbook of an elusive roboticist. Lady Regina has created bots to fight fires, pluck nose hairs, and even give hugs. Kids will enjoy all the details of the development process, the unique visual style, and a frisson of mystery over Lady Regina’s whereabouts.
The Last Kids on Earth, by Max Brallier, $1.99. Are you ready for some funny post-apocalyptic lit for kids? This madcap adventure mixes peril, gross out humor, and teamwork as an unlikely band of teens works to save the day and stay alive. It’s a middle grade chapter book riddled with exciting and gruesome illustrations. If this sounds like something you’d be into, several books in the series are on sale today.
Big History: From the Big Bang to the Present, by Cynthia Stokes Brown, $3.99. The Big History movement combines science with history to study Earth from the moment of the big bang all the way through current events. Brown does a remarkable job finding through lines in the vast sweep of history. Each era is necessarily brief, but readers will be pleased to see that the history is not overly focused on Western civilization.
Bear and Fred: A World War II Story, by Iris Argaman, $4.99. Picture books can make challenging subjects understandable for small children. In this book, Israeli author Iris Argaman tells the true story of a boy’s time hiding from Nazis during WWII — from the perspective of his loyal teddy bear. It’s a tough but uplifting story that gently introduces the topic of the Holocaust.
Sleepover Larry, by Daniel Pinkwater, $3.99. Larry is a dapper polar bear who lives in a hotel owned by his human family. When Larry learns the concept of sleepovers, he is determined to have a great one with his bear friends from the zoo!
National Geographic Readers: Bears, by Elizabeth Carney, $3.99. Learn about bear species from all over the world in this fun, brightly illustrated easy reader. Sections cover habitats, adaptations, diet, cubs, and more. The level 3 books pack in a lot of detail without complicated vocabulary.
Magic Tree House: Polar Bears Past Bedtime, by Mary Pope Osborne, $3.99. Jack and Annie are off on another adventure, this time to the Arctic! They encounter indigenous hunters, polar bears, the Northern Lights, and more. The Magic Tree House series is great for beginning readers who are looking for fast-paced, exciting (but short) chapter books.
Bibliophile: An Illustrated Miscellany, by Jane Mount, $2.99. This is a literary bonbon for any book lover. As the title suggests, it’s a wonderful collection of miscellaneous facts about books, writers, bookstores, characters, and more. I can almost guarantee that you will find a new author to check out, or even a new favorite book, in the illustrated book lists.
The Man Who Made Lists: Love, Death, Madness, and the Creation of Roget’s Thesaurus, by Joshua Kendall. When I was a kid, I found thesauruses fascinating. I loved flipping through themed lists of words. I don’t think many kids use paper thesauruses now; the function built into your word processor isn’t really the same. Whether you are nostalgic for your childhood thesaurus or have never really used one, you’ll find the story behind the creation of the first modern thesaurus unexpectedly fascinating. Here’s a brief publisher’s description: “Polymath, eccentric, and synonym aficionado, Peter Mark Roget had a host of female admirers, was one of the first to test the effects of laughing gas, invented the slide rule, and narrowly escaped jail in Napoleon's France. But Roget is best known for making lists. After the tragic turmoil of his early life (both his mother and sister were institutionalized), Roget longed for order in his chaotic world. At the age of eight, he began his quest to put everything in its rightful place, one word at a time. This is the fascinating story of a driven man and a brilliant scholar-and the legacy he has left for generations.”
A Spy in the House, by Y.S. Lee, $0.99. This is the first in a series of YA historical mysteries about a young Asian sleuth in Victorian London. Mary is an orphan doomed for the gallows when she is rescued and offered a position at the mysterious Miss Scrimshaw’s Academy for Girls. The school is the training ground for an elite group of detectives who can infiltrate high society households. Lee does an excellent job of offering the gritty details of the Victorian city while staying away from graphic details. The immigrant experience is rarely discussed in historical fiction, so this series provides an interesting perspective.
The March on Washington, by Bonnie Bader, $3.99. American Girl has been bringing accessible historical fiction to early readers for more than 30 years. More recently, the company has published factual companion books that provide deeper background into important events. This book about the 1963 March on Washington includes photos, timelines, maps, and a bibliography for more research.
One Crazy Summer, by Rita Williams-Garcia, $4.99. When the three Gaither sisters travel to California to spend time with their estranged mother, they are expecting movie stars and Disneyland. What they actually experience is a little different: summer camp run by the Black Panthers. The girls spend the next four weeks learning about the movement and discovering their own identities. This work of historical fiction set in 1968 is a nice point of entry for a discussion about the Civil Rights movement and the Black Panthers.
Susan B. Anthony: Her Fight for Equal Rights, by Monica Kulling, $4.99. Get to know one of America’s strongest proponents of women’s voting rights, Susan B. Anthony, in this book for early readers. Anthony was determined to vote in an election, even though it was illegal for women to do so at the time. Her civil disobedience led to her arrest. Young readers will learn about how Anthony’s actions paved the way for the 19th Amendment.
Lillian’s Right to Vote: A Celebration of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, by Jonah Winter and Shane W. Evans, $4.99. Sadly, the 19th Amendment did not make voting accessible to ALL women. In many places, unfair practices like poll taxes, complicated literacy tests, and property ownership rules made it nearly impossible for people of color to vote. In this moving picture book, an old woman reminisces about her family’s history and the many barriers to voting they faced.
The Women’s Suffrage Movement, edited by Sally Roesch Wagner, $4.99. What is the study of history without primary sources? This great collection from Penguin Classics looks at the quest for women’s rights in a delightfully intersectional array of essays, letters, speeches, and other texts. Readers will discover Black and Native American women whose ideas were crucial to the movement but have been overlooked in historical accounts.
The Templeton Twins Have an Idea, by Ellis Weiner, $0.99. If your reader has plowed the A Series of Unfortunate Events and would like something with a similar feel, look no further. The Templetons feel very similar to the Baudelaires. A snippet from the book description gives you an excellent feel for the tone: “Suppose there were 12-year-old twins, a boy and girl named John and Abigail Templeton. Let's say John was pragmatic and played the drums, and Abigail was theoretical and solved cryptic crosswords. Now suppose their father was a brilliant, if sometimes confused, inventor. And suppose that another set of twins—adults—named Dean D. Dean and Dan D. Dean, kidnapped the Templeton twins and their ridiculous dog in order to get their father to turn over one of his genius (sort of) inventions. Yes, I said kidnapped. Wouldn't it be fun to read about that? Oh please. It would so. Luckily for you, this is just the first in a series perfect for boys and girls who are smart, clever, and funny (just like the twins), and enjoy reading adventurous stories (who doesn't?!).”
Ella Enchanted, by Gail Carson Levine, $1.99. This Newberry Honor book has been beloved for two decades, and with good reason. A unique twist on the Cinderella story, this book focuses on Ella, a girl who has been cursed (“gifted”?) with obedience to others’ orders. In order to break this curse, she must track down and convince the fairy godmother who bestowed it.
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.
801 Things You Should Know: From Greek Philosophy to Today’s Technology, by David Olsen, $1.99. You’re a smart person. You’ve probably heard of many of the concepts and events in this book. But you may not be clear on all the details. This collection of short entries about everything from politics to medical terminology to economic principals will serve as a great introduction or refresher. Hand this to a tween/teen along with a newspaper — they’ll be able to quickly get background on unfamiliar terms like bear markets, the Hundred Years’ War, and the Invisible Hand theory.
A Field Guide to Monsters, by Johan Olander, $0.99. Olander is a “monstrologist” who documents monsters’ behavior in the wild. In this whimsical and imaginative book, he collects illustrations and artifacts from the Slobber Bug, Beach Krill, Tadpole-Monster, and other previously unknown (aka imaginary) creatures. It would be fun to compare this book with other, more scientific field guides.
Iron Hearted Violet, by Kelly Barnhill, $1.99. Kelly Barnhill tells such compelling twists on fairytale tropes. In this book, Princess Violet must work with the last dragon alive to protect the world from an evil being she has only read about in a forbidden book. Violet is brave, but not beautiful, strong, but not perfect.
The Menagerie, by Tui T. Sutherland and Kari Sutherland, $3.99. If your middle-grade reader enjoys books where the magical world bumps into the real world, The Menagerie series may be the perfect next adventure. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In the small town of Xanadu, Wyoming lies the Menagerie, a top secret facility filled with unicorns, dragons, phoenixes, and other fairy tale creatures. At least, it was a secret—until six griffin cubs escaped. If Logan and Zoe don’t get the cubs back fast, the entire Menagerie will be shut down. The race is on and the resulting adventure is only the beginning of a thrilling series that will leave readers wanting a magical menagerie of their very own.”
50 Ways to Beat Boredom with LEGO Bricks, by DK Publishing, $0.99. If your house is anything like mine, you have no shortage of LEGO pieces. This short book introduces 50 quick activities and games using the beloved building materials. Build a mountain to create a 3D game board (instructions for a spinner also included) or design a functional piggy bank! This is an idea book, not a book of detailed instructions, but it’s a great jumping off point for an hour or a day of LEGO exploration. Note: If you already have 365 Things to Do with LEGO Bricks, you don’t need this book; this book is a shorter extract of that one.
Would You Rather? Made You Think Edition, by Lindsey Daly, $0.99. They start simple: “Would you rather kiss a fish that’s living in a radioactive pond or roll down a hill while hugging a porcupine?” The questions only get more interesting from there. Turn the questions into a game by scoring points for the best reasoning (guidelines are given in the introduction).
Diary of a Pug: Pug Blasts Off, by Kyla May, $2.99. Meet Bub, aka Baron von Bubbles, beloved pet of Bella. He loves doing everything with his human, so when she enters an invention contest, Bub is determined to help her. But this means he needs to deal with his squirrel nemesis, Nutz. This fun, brightly colored diary is full of wacky adventures and adorable illustrations. Early chapter book readers will love it!
Chickadee, by Louise Erdrich, $4.49. Chickadee takes place within the family introduced in Birchbark House. Omakayas is grown with a family of her own, and this story focuses on her twin sons, Chickadee and Makoons. After a prank gone wrong, Chickadee is kidnapped by angry men. This is the tale of Chickadee’s long path to reunion with his family. As with Erdrich’s other books, Chickadee’s story is filled with vivid details about Ojibwe life and traditions.
Young Water Protetctors: A Story About Standing Rock, by Aslan and Kelly Tudor, $2.99. Aslan Tudor was 10 years old when he wrote this book about his time participating in the Standing Rock protests. This is a great, age appropriate introduction to the conflict between native peoples and developers of the Dakota Access Pipeline.
My Heart Fills with Happiness, by Monique Gray Smith, $4.99. This sweet picture book introduces many things that bring happiness — good smells, good friends, and the beauty of nature. The lovely illustrations show many elements in the life on an indigenous family.
The Odds of Loving Grover Cleveland, by Rebekah Crane, $0.99. This Grover Cleveland isn’t a president; he’s a resident at Camp Padua, a summer program for at-risk teens. When Zander’s parents insist she leave home to attend camp, she is sure that she won’t fit in. She’s surprised to make connections with her fellow campers, even though they are all dealing with big problems of their own. This tough but ultimately hopeful novel is also filled with darkly funny moments.
The Mermaid’s Sister, by Carrie Anne Noble, $0.99. I haven’t read this YA fantasy novel yet, but it’s definitely on my To Read list. Here’s the publisher’s summary: In a cottage high atop Llanfair Mountain, sixteen-year-old Clara lives with her sister, Maren, and guardian Auntie. By day, they gather herbs for Auntie’s healing potions; by night, Auntie spins tales of faraway lands and wicked fairies. Clara’s favorite story tells of three orphaned infants—Clara, who was brought to Auntie by a stork; Maren, who arrived in a seashell; and their best friend, O’Neill, who was found beneath an apple tree. One day, Clara discovers iridescent scales just beneath her sister’s skin: Maren is becoming a mermaid and must be taken to the sea or she will die. So Clara, O’Neill, and the mermaid-girl set out for the shore. But the trio encounters trouble around every bend. Ensnared by an evil troupe of traveling performers, Clara and O’Neill must find a way to save themselves and the ever-weakening Maren.
The Testing, by Joelle Charbonneau, $1.99. Calling all fans of The Hunger Games or Divergent! This series should scratch that dystopian coming-of-age itch. Here’s a summary from the publisher: “It’s graduation day for sixteen-year-old Malencia Vale, and the entire Five Lakes Colony (the former Great Lakes) is celebrating. All Cia can think about—hope for—is whether she’ll be chosen for The Testing, a United Commonwealth program that selects the best and brightest new graduates to become possible leaders of the slowly revitalizing post-war civilization. When Cia is chosen, her father finally tells her about his own nightmarish half-memories of The Testing. Armed with his dire warnings (“Cia, trust no one”), she bravely heads off to Tosu City, far away from friends and family, perhaps forever. Danger, romance—and sheer terror—await.”
Princess Academy, by Shannon Hale, $0.99. You may be starting to get the impression that I love Shannon Hale, and you would be right. Princess Academy is the first in a middle grade series about a land where a rich urban royal class benefits from the poorly paid labor of all the surrounding towns. When it is decided that the Prince’s wife should come from Miri’s village, all the teen girls are rounded up and sent to a school where they will be taught the ways of court. Booklist says, “Hale nicely interweaves feminist sensibilities in this quest-for-a-prince-charming, historical-fantasy tale. Strong suspense and plot drive the action as the girls outwit would-be kidnappers and explore the boundaries of leadership, competition, and friendship.” If you are looking for books with strong heroines who overcome difficulties to make a difference in their world, this is the book for you.
Bound: 15 Beautiful Bookbinding Projects, by Rachel Hazell, $3.99. If your family is anything like mine, you probably have dozens of stories your kids have written and illustrated. Why not turn them into an art project by binding them into book form? Or set yourself up for a new school year by creating small notebooks for nature observations or other projects. This book goes through multiple styles, from basic to complex, with step by step instructions.
Mini Weapons of Mass Destruction: Make Mayhem from your Stationery with 35 Models to Build Yourself, by John Austin, $3.99. Do you have pens, rubber bands, and plastic utensils? If so, you’re ready to build a catapult or trebuchet! All of these weapons are small scale but need adult supervision to prevent injury. Keep this book as a resource for discussing wars and weaponry throughout history.
American Heritage History of Flight, by Arthur Gordon, $1.99. This detailed look at aviation begins with ancient attempts to harness the wind and moves through modern technological innovations. While there are few illustrations, the Kindle version includes in-text links to Wikipedia for additional information and visuals.
National Geographic Readers: Planes, by Amy Shields, $4.99. If you are looking for a detailed book that your early elementary students can read on their own, the National Geographic Reader series is a great place to start. This one covers all types of planes, including some unusual ones (have you ever seen the inside of a C-17?) sure to pique interest.
Amazing Airplanes, by Tony Mitton, $3.54. For our youngest family members, we have this bright and simple picture book. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Buckle up to learn all about flying! Amazing Airplanes follows the animal crew, as they become pilots, baggage handlers, and air stewards. Each page is filled with details that machine-mad kids love, such as the cockpit, landing gear, and much more. This book is perfect for budding pilots or happy vacationers! From airplanes to fire engines, the internationally bestselling Amazing Machines series is the perfect way for children to learn about all sorts of vehicles! Each book introduces a new vehicle and the jobs it can do. Bright, engaging artwork and simple, rhyming text combine to make these fantastic books for young children. Kids will love getting to know the friendly, animal characters who feature throughout the series and reading about their fast-paced adventures!”
Her Right Foot, by Dave Eggers, $2.99. This beautiful picture book takes a look at the history of the Statue of Liberty. More than that, Eggers uses the statue to address the inherent freedoms that form the basis of American culture and government. Shawn Harris’s mixed-media illustrations are simple but visually interesting.
Epic Fails: Not-So-Great Presidents, by Ben Thompson and Erik Slader. This newer history series is a lot of fun for middle-grade readers. Rather than focusing on successes, the authors emphasize foibles (e.g., Washington’s mistakes early in his career as a British soldier, Nixon’s Watergate scandal). The result is humanizing; presidents are just people, and everyone makes mistakes. The tone is light and full of contemporary references. A good choice for history fans and history skeptics!
Small Wonders: Jean-Henri Fabre and His World of Insects, by Matthew Clark Smith, $3.99. Fabre is one of the most famous naturalists in history. His interest started when he was a small child fascinated by moths, wasps, and other insects. Instead of merely collecting and dissecting them, Fabre was among the first to study insect behavior in the natural environment.
Microadventures: Local Discoveries, Great Escapes, by Alastair Humphreys, $4.99. The adventures are small, but the world is large! Humphreys is a naturalist and adventurer who has explored all over the world. This book focuses on really getting to know the world right around you. These outdoor adventures can be accomplished in a day or less, with minimal supplies. Humphreys encourages you to chase down a full moon, explore woods and forests, swim in a river, and more. Humphreys is based in the UK, so some of the challenges may not be applicable (e.g., there are few places in the US where you can walk from coast to coast), but most can be adapted to any local environment. This book is perfect for a family looking for new recreation ideas during the pandemic.
Rules, by Cynthia Lord, $3.99. Catherine loves her brother, but she’s not always nice to him. He has autism, and she has created a long list of rules for him to follow so that he doesn’t embarrass her in public. When she meets Jason, a paraplegic who uses a wheelchair and communicates through picture cards, Catherine begins to realize that there’s no one “normal” way to be, and that she needs to find more acceptance and understanding for others, even her own brother.
Freak the Mighty, by Rodman Philbrick, $3.99. This classic story of an unusual friendship has been made into a movie. Kevin has a disorder that prevents him from growing; Max is large for his age and struggles with learning disabilities. Together, Kevin and Max form “Freak the Mighty,” with Kevin riding Max’s shoulders as they explore their surroundings and defeat bullies. Both boys have unique perspectives. Content warning: this book is poignant and tragic.
Missing Math: A Number Mystery, by Loreen Leedy, $3.99. This bright and fun picture book will convince kids of the importance of numbers. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In Missing Math, the numbers all over town suddenly disappear. The animals can’t count, use the phone, or even find out what time it is. Rulers, money, and computers have all become completely useless. . . . Can the town’s detective solve this numerical mystery? Will he ever bring the numbers back home again? Loreen Leedy’s clever rhyming text PLUS her amusing digitally painted illustrations EQUALS proof that we need math each and every day.”
Alone: A Story of Friendship in the Darkness of Space, by Scott Stuart, $0.99. Earth is all alone in space, so it goes off looking for a friend. This sweet, fanciful book includes a few interesting scientific tidbits.
Blast Off to the Moon! by Lauren Gunderson, $3.99. Dr. Wonderful just wants to know why things happen, and she’s willing to explore to find out. When she becomes curious about why the moon changes shape each night, she and her dog decide to go up into space for research. Kids will love the funny illustrations; parents will appreciate the way Dr. Wonderful carefully works through the scientific process to answer her questions.
The Upside of Falling Down, by Rebekah Crane, $1.99. A coming-of-age novel with an unusual twist: Clementine is the sole survivor of a plane crash, and she’s now in Ireland suffering from amnesia. Here’s the plot summary: “With the relentless Irish press bearing down on her, and a father she may not even recognize on his way from America to take her home, Clementine assumes a new identity and enlists a blue-eyed Irish stranger, Kieran O’Connell, to help her escape her forgotten life…and start a new one. Hiding out in the sleepy town of Waterville, Ireland, Clementine discovers there’s an upside to a life that’s fallen apart. But as her lies grow, so does her affection for Kieran, and the truth about her identity becomes harder and harder to reveal, forcing Clementine to decide: Can she leave her past behind for a new love she’ll never forget?”
Zoey and Sassafras: Dragons and Marshmallows, by Asia Citro, $1.99. Science can be magic! Zoey and her cat Sassafras have a big secret: magical creatures are real and come to them for help! Zoey is a budding scientist and uses the scientific method to figure out what is wrong with a sick dragon. This is the first in a series; the short chapters, charming illustrations, and simple language make these books a good choice for budding readers.
What Lives in a Shell? by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld, $2.99. This charming book from the “Let’s Read and Find Out” series is a great introduction to crustaceans and other shelled creatures for early elementary readers. Detailed illustrations introduce clams, snails, crabs, and more.
A Tale of Two Cities, by Charles Dickens, $2.99. A classic adventure from Charles Dickens presents the story of the French Revolution through the eyes of the aristocrats, opportunists, and spies of Paris. Break out your knitting needles and settle in for an engrossing read. This edition includes a brief biography of Dickens and some contextual material.
I Survived The Battle of D-Day, by Lauren Tarshis, $3.99. My elementary-schooler has enjoyed several of the books in this series about deadly wars, plagues, and natural disasters. Each book includes a fictionalized story and a short section of historical information. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Eleven-year-old Paul's French village has been under Nazi control for years. His Jewish best friend has disappeared. Food is scarce. And there doesn't seem to be anything Paul can do to make things better. Then Paul finds an American paratrooper in a tree near his home. The soldier says the Allies have a plan to crush the Nazis once and for all. But the soldier needs Paul's help. This is Paul's chance to make a difference. Soon he finds himself in the midst of the largest invasion in history. Can he do his part to turn horror into hope?”
Magic Tree House: Night of the New Magicians, by Mary Pope Osborne, $3.99. Jack and Annie are heading to France! Merlin has sent them to pass along a message to four magicians at the 1889 World’s Fair in Paris. This is a “Merlin Mission,” so it is longer and more involved than the original Magic Tree House books.
Zane and the Hurricane: A Story of Katrina, by Rodman Philbrick, $3.99. Zane doesn’t know New Orleans well; he is visiting his great-grandmother when Hurricane Katrina makes landfall. After chasing his runaway dog, he finds himself fending for himself until he is rescued by a passing canoe. Philbrick includes realistic historical details and deftly addresses issues of race, class, and privilege.
Gandhi: A March to the Sea, by Alice B. McGinty, $1.99. This picture book with beautiful painted illustrations focuses on the nonviolent Satyagraha movement. There’s a free educator’s guide available as a PDF.
The Sky Painter: Louis Fuertes, Bird Artist, by Margarita Engle, $1.99. I will admit that I had never heard of Fuertes before I discovered this book. Thank you, Margarita Engle, for introducing me to his beautiful work. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Louis loves to watch birds. He takes care of injured birds and studies how they look and how they move. His father wants him to become an engineer, but Louis dreams of being a bird artist. To achieve this dream, he must practice, practice, practice. He learns from the art of John James Audubon. But as Louis grows up, he begins to draw and paint living, flying birds in their natural habitats. Louis Agassiz Fuertes (1874–1927) is now known as the father of modern bird art. He traveled with many scientific expeditions all over the world. His best-known works—paintings for habitat exhibits at the American Museum of Natural History in New York—are still beloved by visitors today. His art helped to encourage wildlife conservation, inspiring people to celebrate and protect the world of wings. Poems by Newbery Honor–winning author Margarita Engle and illustrations by Aliona Bereghici capture the life of Louis Fuertes and the deep sense of wonder that he felt when he painted the sky.”
Escape North! The Story of Harriet Tubman, by Monica Kulling, $4.99. I found my copy of this book at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park (which is great and you should go!). As I’ve mentioned before, I really like the higher level nonfiction “Step into Reading” books for providing a solid foundation on a topic at the elementary level. Kids will learn about Tubman’s missions escorting enslaved people to freedom, but also about her work as a spy and women’s rights advocate.
Frog and Toad are Friends, by Arnold Lobel, $4.99. This is an easy reader classic! Frog and Toad are not always alike, but they are always there for each other. Join them on their funny adventures swimming, looking for a lost button, and waiting for a letter. Fun pictures and few words on each page make this the perfect first chapter book for a new reader.
I am (Not) Scared, by Anna Kang, $1.99. The bears from You are (Not) Small and That’s (Not) Mine are back with a trip to the amusement park. They are frightened of, and exhilarated by, a whole host of new experiences and discover that being together can make hard things seem less scary.
A Snicker of Magic, by Natalie Lloyd, $3.99. My daughter loves this book! Here’s what she says: “A shy girl who’s been traveling around her whole life moves to a town that used to have magic. She learns that her ancestors were cursed and becomes determined to break the curse. This is a really heartwarming book, and I recommend it to people who like The Magic Half.”
Give Yourself Goosebumps: Tick Tock, You’re Dead, by R.L. Stine. A scary Goosebumps novel where you get to choose how the story turns out? Sign me up for this perfect campfire read!
Kindle Deals for October 26, 2020
Short story collections
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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Super Puzzletastic Mysteries: Short Stories for Young Sleuths from Mystery Writers of America, edited by Chris Grabenstein, $1.99. This book of short mysteries is a lot of fun. You’ll find well-known children’s and mystery authors writing for middle-grade readers. I really like the fact that the stories have a pause point where the reader is encouraged to see if they can figure out the mystery!
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, by Alvin Schwartz, $2.99. There are some truly chilling, but still kid-appropriate stories in this book. Schwartz has drawn from folk tales and legends to collect creepy figures like the scarecrow come to life, the Wendigo, and the ghost with the bloody fingers. Are you scared yet?
Slasher Girls and Monster Boys, edited by April Genevieve Tucholke, $2.99. The concept of this YA anthology is a lot of fun! Big names in YA literature chose a pop culture or literary reference and then wrote a new imagining of that story. As you read, you can try to guess what plot inspired each story before it is revealed at the end. Note: these are horror stories, not for the faint at heart. You’ll find plenty of scares and gore in these pages.
Sudden Flash Youth: 65 Short-Short Stories, edited by Christine Perkins-Hazuka, Tom Hazuka, and Mark Budman, $4.74. Sometimes you can fit a lot of punch into a tiny package. All the stories in this book are only a few pages long, great for a quick literary discussion. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In these stories of no more than 1000 words, well-known and emerging American authors spotlight crucial moments of change during coming-of-age. Their young protagonists face matters of great consequence, such as the death of a parent, unwanted pregnancy, and bullying, as well as lighter, if perplexing circumstances: how to hold a prom when being home-schooled; what to do when the babysitter suddenly sees the Rapture. The stories are of this moment--a girl who falls in love and then is pressured to lose her virginity in a cyberspace world--and they also remember the past: the Nixon era, the Vietnam War, slavery. Here is a glimpse into the way we live now from the point of view of those who will determine the future. Among the contributors are Steve Almond, Peter Bacho, Richard Bausch, Gayle Brandeis, Richard Brautigan, Ron Carlson, Kelly Cherry, Dave Eggers, Pia Z. Ehrhardt, Jim Heynen, Victor Lavalle, Meg Kearney, Naomi Shihab Nye, Maryann O'Hara, Sonia Pilcer, Pamela Painter, Bruce Holland Rogers, Robert Shapard, and Alice Walker.”
STILL ON SALE
The Ghosts of Evolution: Nonsensical Fruit, Missing Partners, and Other Ecological Anachronisms, by Connie Barlow, $2.99. Organisms are constantly adapting to environments that are also in flux. As a result, many plants and animals have been shaped by conditions that no longer exist. In this fascinating book, Barlow looks at quirks of nature that are the result of complex evolution.
How I Killed Pluto and Why It Had It Coming, by Mike Brown, $4.99. Astronomer Mike Brown is notorious in some circles for starting the chain of events that resulted in Pluto’s demotion to dwarf planet. Brown’s team discovered Eris, a dwarf planet just slightly bigger than Pluto. As you may be able to guess just from the title, Brown’s style is entertaining and informative.
At the Old Haunted House, by Helen Ketteman, $0.99. Get ready for a fun remake of the classic song “Over in the Meadow.” This spooky twist on a counting song will be perfect for your Halloween math lessons. Count up the monsters, cats, goblins, witches and other creatures. There are lots of classic horror characters, but don’t worry — they are all having a good time and aren’t very scary.
Coraline, by Neil Gaiman, $2.99. Coraline is a classic creepy tale about a girl who discovers an alternate version of her reality when she moves to a new house. At first the new house and new family seems like all Coraline has ever wanted, but things are not as they seem. I will never look at a Lalaloopsy doll in the same way having read this book.
Pumpkinheads, by Rainbow Rowell and Faith Erin Hicks, $2.99. This YA graphic novel about two teens working in a pumpkin patch is just about the most autumnal book I have read. Deja and Josiah have worked together for all of high school, but this year is their last time before they move on to college. Deja is determined to close out the season with amazing memories.
Anya’s Ghost, by Vera Brosgol, $2.99. Here’s a poignant graphic novel with a spooky twist. Check out the publisher’s description: “Anya could really use a friend. But her new BFF isn't kidding about the "Forever" part . . . Of all the things Anya expected to find at the bottom of an old well, a new friend was not one of them. Especially not a new friend who's been dead for a century. Falling down a well is bad enough, but Anya's normal life might actually be worse. She's embarrassed by her family, self-conscious about her body, and she's pretty much given up on fitting in at school. A new friend—even a ghost—is just what she needs. Or so she thinks. Spooky, sardonic, and secretly sincere, Anya's Ghost is a wonderfully entertaining debut from author/artist Vera Brosgol.”
The Silver Arrow, by Lev Grossman, $2.99. This new release is one of my daughter’s favorite books of 2020! When Kate’s uncle bring her a very unusual birthday present (a sentient train), Kate and her brother set off on an amazing adventure. Along the way, they pick up and drop off countless animals and begin to understand the purpose of the magic train. Grossman has created a really interesting world with a subtle environmental allegory.
A Home for Leo, by Vin Vogel, $0.99. This charming story looks at the intertwined worlds of humans and other animals. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Leo grew up in the sea. He has a family of sea lions he loves. He’s happy, but he has always known he was different. Then Leo’s suddenly reunited with his human parents, and he finds he loves them too. But he still feels like a fish out of water. Being from two worlds and having two families isn’t so easy. Leo has a lot to figure out… Splashed with humor and grounded in heart, this brightly illustrated story explores ideas of family, home, and belonging in a way that’s as relatable as it is unique.”
The Wild Robot, by Peter Brown, $1.99. This is probably the most moving and special book I have read in the ten years I have been a parent. Both an action/survival story and a philosophical musing on what it means to be alive, this book will capture the hearts of kids and adults. We listened to the audiobook on a road trip and nearly had to pull over because the adults were tearing up with happy tears. Amy describes the plot in a detailed review here.
Inside-Outside Dinosaurs, by Roxie Munro, $0.99. Not a lot of words in this one. If you have a younger kid fascinated by dinosaurs, Munro’s illustrations of how fossil skeletons may translate into their ancient environment will be highly appealing. Fact lists and suggestions for further reading round out this interesting resource.
How to Catch a Dinosaur, by Adam Wallace, $1.99. Check out this fun, rhyming picture book! When a kid decides he wants to prove dinosaurs were real by capturing one and bringing it to the science fair, he and his friends start working on elaborate plans for lures and traps. While the subject matter is wacky, this book offers and excellent glimpse at STEM skills at work.
Fossils for Kids: A Junior Scientist’s Guide to Dinosaur Bones, Ancient Animals, and Prehistoric Life on Earth, by Ashley Hall, $4.99. If your upper elementary student is hoping to learn more about what it’s really like to be a paleontologist, snag them this book! While describing ancient creatures, how fossils are formed, and how to identify fossils, paleontologist Ashley Hall offers lots of information on how scientists to their work.
The Dog that Dug for Dinosaurs, by Shirley Raye Redmond, $4.99. Get ready for a true story about a very clever dog! This Ready to Read book is written for early readers who can handle short paragraphs. Vivid color illustrations make it an enjoyable read. Here’s the publisher’s description: “There once was a little dog named Tray. He lived in England with his owner, Mary Ann Anning. Besides Mary Ann, Tray loved one other thing: He loved to dig for dinosaur bones. Together he and Mary Ann found small bones, big bones, and even entire skeletons! People came from all around the world to see the bones they found. This is the honestly true story of Tray, the dog that dug for dinosaurs.”
Blood, Sweat, and Pixels: The Triumphant, Turbulent Stories Behind How Video Games are Made, by Jason Schrier, $2.99. I am not a gamer, but I love learning about how things are made. This book takes a look at the tremendous effort that goes into creating modern video games. From the publisher: “In Blood, Sweat, and Pixels, Jason Schreier takes readers on a fascinating odyssey behind the scenes of video game development, where the creator may be a team of 600 overworked underdogs or a solitary geek genius. Exploring the artistic challenges, technical impossibilities, marketplace demands, and Donkey Kong-sized monkey wrenches thrown into the works by corporate, Blood, Sweat, and Pixels reveals how bringing any game to completion is more than Sisyphean—it's nothing short of miraculous.”
The Nerdy Nummies Cookbook: Sweet Treats for the Geek in All of Us, by Rosanna Pansino, $1.99. Pansino is known for her YouTube baking channel, where she creates delicious treats based on pop culture. This cookbook is full of recipes for recipes for all flavors of geeks: science, gaming, sci-fi, cartoon, and more.
The Economics of Star Trek: The Proto-Post-Scarcity Economy, by Rick Webb, $4.99. Rick Webb made a splash a few years ago with a long-form article about the economics of Star Trek. This book presents an expanded version of that essay along with discussion of Universal Basic Income, cryptocurrency, and other economic issues in terms of the Star Trek universe.
Sheepish: Two Women, Fifty Sheep, and Enough Wool to Save the Planet, by Catherine Friend, $1.99. Just yesterday, my family was discussing what animal we would choose if we could have any habitat in our backyard, and I chose sheep. I can’t quite decide whether this book cements my choice or makes me regret my decision. Catherine Friend describes all the hard work and reward of raising sheep.
DK Smithsonian Natural History Mammals Carnivores: The Definitive Visual Guide, by DK Publishing, $4.99. Want to know more about meat eaters? This book brings DK’s classic photo-rich style to dozens of mammals — bears, seals, even skunks!
Girls Save the World in This One, by Ash Parsons, $2.99. Zombies, conventions, and girl power? Sign me up! The publisher’s description was so good I immediately put this book on my reading list. Here’s what they said: “Shaun of the Dead meets Clueless in this hilarious YA horror comedy set at a local zombie convention–featuring a teenage girl gang that has to save the world from a horde of actual zombies. Perfect for fans of Geekerella, Undead Girl Gang, and Anna and the Apocalypse.”
Small Spaces, by Katherine Arden, $2.99. I don’t even know where to begin with this one. It’s a middle grade novel, but even the back of the book description kind of freaks me out. If you have a middle schooler looking for a ghost tale about a class trip gone wrong, this is a great option. Arden is known for creating rich, detailed worlds, and she puts that skill to work creating some memorable locations and characters.
Duck for President, by Doreen Cronin, $1.99. The wacky barnyard creatures from Click, Clack, Moo are back in this fun and topical picture book. When duck is tired of being asked to do work around the farm, he decides to hold and election and run against the farmer. This successful run leads to a turn as governor and eventually president. At each step along the way, Duck discovers that leading is actually a lot of work.
What is an Election?, by Caryn Jenner, $2.99. This leveled reader is a great introduction to basic concepts in the democratic process. It’s not America-specific; there’s a section on elections around the world. DK’s levels tend to be a bit more advanced that other easy readers. This one is suitable for kids who can read short paragraphs.
Secret Lives of the U.S. Presidents, by Cormac O’Brien, $2.99. Did you know that George Washington had leopard-skin robes made for his horses? Or that Thomas Jefferson smuggled rice from Europe in his pants? These weird facts and more will entertain and enlighten.
Thank You For Voting: The Maddening, Enlightening, Inspiring Truth About Voting in America, by Erin Geiger Smith, $3.99. Geiger Smith is a journalist who has been covering elections for years. In this book, she examines the reasons many people do not participate in elections. She traces the history of voting rights, social and economic factors, and issues that confuse or put off potential voters. The tone is engaging and helpful, with advice on how to encourage those around you to vote.
The Trail of Tears, by Joseph Bruchac, $4.99. This early chapter book does not shy away from the realities of The Trail of Tears. The author, a member of the Abenaki tribe, describes Chief John Ross leading the Cherokee people 1,200 miles to new territory Oklahoma. Hardship and injustices are described in detail appropriate for elementary readers. Don’t discount this book for older readers; the level 4 and 5 books from Step into Reading are great for concise and engaging reading on a narrow topic.
You Hold Me Up, by Monique Gray Smith and Danielle Daniel, $4.99. This sweet picture book describes the ways people look out for each other (e.g., kindness and sharing). The illustrations feature Native people young and old. You’ll find this book a great conversation starter for a discussion about empathy and community spirit.
Why Indigenous Literatures Matter, by Daniel Heath Justice, $4.99. Are you looking to learn more about Indigenous authors? This book, written by a scholar for a broader audience, is a great place to start. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In considering the connections between literature and lived experience, this book contemplates four key questions at the heart of Indigenous kinship traditions: How do we learn to be human? How do we become good relatives? How do we become good ancestors? How do we learn to live together? Blending personal narrative and broader historical and cultural analysis with close readings of key creative and critical texts, Justice argues that Indigenous writers engage with these questions in part to challenge settler-colonial policies and practices that have targeted Indigenous connections to land, history, family, and self. More importantly, Indigenous writers imaginatively engage the many ways that communities and individuals have sought to nurture these relationships and project them into the future. This provocative volume challenges readers to critically consider and rethink their assumptions about Indigenous literature, history, and politics while never forgetting the emotional connections of our shared humanity and the power of story to effect personal and social change. Written with a generalist reader firmly in mind, but addressing issues of interest to specialists in the field, this book welcomes new audiences to Indigenous literary studies while offering more seasoned readers a renewed appreciation for these transformative literary traditions.”
Hearts Unbroken, by Cynthia Leitich Smith, $0.99. High school is complicated for everyone, even more so in this YA novel about a community in racial and cultural conflict. Here’s the publisher’s description: “When Louise Wolfe’s first real boyfriend mocks and disrespects Native people in front of her, she breaks things off and dumps him over e-mail. It’s her senior year, anyway, and she’d rather spend her time with her family and friends and working on the school newspaper. The editors pair her up with Joey Kairouz, the ambitious new photojournalist, and in no time the paper’s staff find themselves with a major story to cover: the school musical director’s inclusive approach to casting The Wizard of Oz has been provoking backlash in their mostly white, middle-class Kansas town. From the newly formed Parents Against Revisionist Theater to anonymous threats, long-held prejudices are being laid bare and hostilities are spreading against teachers, parents, and students — especially the cast members at the center of the controversy, including Lou’s little brother, who’s playing the Tin Man. As tensions mount at school, so does a romance between Lou and Joey — but as she’s learned, ‘dating while Native’ can be difficult. In trying to protect her own heart, will Lou break Joey’s?”
Greenglass House, by Kate Milford, $1.99. OK, it would be false advertising to compare this book to The Westing Game, but if there is a contemporary literary descendant of Raskin's deliciously complex mystery, it's The Greenglass House—a genuine, bona fide middle grades mystery that gives its readers credit for being intelligent and that delivers a satisfying mystery, sophisticated character development, and a few (well set-up) twists along the way. Adopted innkeepers' son Milo and his friend—the cook's daughter, Meddy—unravel the clues to discover why their off-season inn is full of unexpected visitors, at least one of whom seems set on sabotaging Greenglass House. It's a terrific mystery. Highly recommended.
A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning, by Lemony Snicket, $2.99. The first book is Lemony Snicket’s hilariously tragic series chronicles the moment things begin to go terribly wrong in the lives of the ill-fated Baudelaire orphans. Kids will love the over-the-top storytelling; parents will be tickled by all the interesting words Snicket throws in.
The Thickety: A Path Begins, by J.A. White, $3.99. Looking for a seriously creepy and sometimes dark middle-grade fantasy? The Thickety does a good job of balancing real menace with imaginative storytelling. Here’s a bit of the publisher’s description: “When Kara Westfall was five years old, her mother was convicted of the worst of all crimes: witchcraft. Years later, Kara and her little brother, Taff, are still shunned by the people of their village, who believe that nothing is more evil than magic…except, perhaps, the mysterious forest that covers nearly the entire island. It has many names, this place. Sometimes it is called the Dark Wood, or Sordyr's Realm. But mostly it's called the Thickety. The villagers live in fear of the Thickety and the terrible creatures that live there. But when an unusual bird lures Kara into the forbidden forest, she discovers a strange book with unspeakable powers. A book that might have belonged to her mother. And that is just the beginning of the story.”
Spontaneous, by Aaron Starmer, $2.99. I just bought this one for myself! The idea of a darkly funny YA novel about a wave of spontaneous combustions just felt right for 2020. The publisher’s description hooked me. Will it do the same for you? “Mara Carlyle’s senior year is going as normally as could be expected, until fellow senior Katelyn Ogden explodes during third period pre-calc. Katelyn is the first, but she won’t be the last teenager to blow up without warning or explanation. As the national eye turns to Mara’s suburban New Jersey hometown, the FBI rolls in and the search for a reason is on. Mara narrates the end of their world as she knows it while trying to make it to graduation in one piece. It’s an explosive year punctuated by romance, quarantine, lifelong friendship, hallucinogenic mushrooms, bloggers, ice cream trucks, and Bon Jovi.”
Three Faces of Me, by R.L. Stine, $0.99. No one beats R.L. Stine for a kid-appropriate intro to the horror genre. Here’s the publisher’s description of this eerie tale: “When Ira Fishman wins a prize in the machine outside a candy store, he’s disappointed it’s not the squirt gun he had his eye on. The little black plastic box looks like a camera, but when Ira presses the green button on top, nothing happens. After dinner that night, Ira can’t believe what he sees in his room: a boy with the same clothes—and face—as Ira! He tries to get this second Ira to leave, but it’s no use. Deciding to have a little fun, Ira makes the boy go to school in his place—but it’s a disaster. The new Ira isn’t good at math like the real Ira, and he’s horrible at softball. Worst of all, he plays with the girls during recess! Ira’s clone is ruining his rep—fast. And when a third Ira shows up, Ira number one has to find a way to make the others disappear for good before his whole world is turned upside down. But how do you get rid of yourself?”
Turkey Trick of Treat, by Wendi Silvano, $0.99. The wacky turkey from Turkey Trouble is back, this time to celebrate Halloween! He wants candy, but the farmer will only give it to kids in costumes. Can he and the other barnyard animals trick the farmer into giving them treats?
Halloween Hustle, by Charlotte Gunnufson, $0.99. Kids will love the spooky-cute illustrations and the fun rhyming text. Skeleton is on his way to a party, and he can’t help but dance. But he has a problem — he keeps tripping and falling apart. Can he keep it together?
How to Build a Haunted House, by Frank Tupta, $1.99. In this rhyming story, classic monsters are are working together to make a spooky haunted house. The twist? It’s for vampire family in need!
The Magic Half, by Annie Barrows, $4.79. My daughter loved this series when she was in elementary school. When Miri’s family moves into a new house, she is thrilled with her interesting new room in the attic. Things get a little strange, and more interesting, when she discovers that her room is somehow connected to 1935 and a girl in need of help. Miri has to learn the secrets of this time travel to rescue Molly.
Stepping Stones: The Time Machine, by H.G. Wells and Les Martin, $3.99. The Stepping Stones series adapts classic literature to an early chapter book level. This adaptation of the H.G. Wells classic is heavy on the action and includes engaging illustrations. This is a great introduction to one of the foundational texts of science fiction.
Apples, Apples, Apples, by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace, $0.99. The bunny family is heading to the orchard to pick some fresh apples! They meet up with Farmer Miller, who explains the different varieties of apples and how they grow. When they have gathered all they need, they head home to make fresh applesauce (recipe included!). Wallace’s unique cut paper illustrations are very sweet.
The Seasons of Arnold’s Apple Tree, by Gail Gibbons, $4.99. Arnold has a favorite apple tree. He spends time in it throughout the year, picking fruit, smelling blossoms, feeding the birds, and basking in its shade. In simple language, Gibbons walks readers through a year in the life of a tree. Don’t miss the recipe for apple pie and the description of how a cider press works!
How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World, by Marjorie Priceman, $4.99. From our readalouds with recipes list: “As Carl Sagan once said, if you want to make an apple pie from scratch, first you have to create the universe. In this playful picture book, you don’t have to create the world but you do have to travel it, journeying around the globe to collect far-flung ingredients for the perfect apple pie.”
Apples and How They Grow, by Laura Driscoll, $4.99. Let your beginning reader read about apples on their own! This short and sweet nonfiction book is full of details about how apples grow. Kids (and adults) may be surprised to learn about grafting branches from one tree onto another.
We Dream of Space, by Erin Entrada Kelly, $1.99. That historical fiction is now set in the 1980s makes me feel a little old, but I’m excited to read this new middle grade novel. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Cash, who loves basketball but has a newly broken wrist, is in danger of failing seventh grade for the second time. Fitch spends every afternoon playing Major Havoc at the arcade on Main and wrestles with an explosive temper that he doesn’t understand. And Bird, his twelve-year-old twin, dreams of being NASA’s first female shuttle commander, but feels like she’s disappearing. The Thomas children exist in their own orbits, circling a tense and unpredictable household, with little in common except an enthusiastic science teacher named Ms. Salonga. As the launch of the Challenger approaches, Ms. Salonga gives her students a project—they are separated into spacecraft crews and must create and complete a mission. When the fated day finally arrives, it changes all of their lives and brings them together in unexpected ways.”
Space Opera, by Catherynne M. Valente, $1.99. Amy and Suzanne really enjoyed this book. Here’s what Amy has to say about it: “So earlier this fall, I told Suzanne that I needed to read something that would just make me happy, and she suggested this space saga. NEVER DOUBT SUZANNE. This zany, Douglas Adams-ish (and I don’t throw that around lightly) story centers around an intergalactic version of American Idol, in which planets compete not for record deals but for the right for their species to be considered sentient by the rest of the universe. All newly space-faring species must compete to prove their sentience — and if they come in last, their whole species will be wiped right out of existence. Now that Earth is in the space game, and the future of humanity is in the hands of aging 70s rocker Decibel Jones. It sounds wacky and all over the place because it is wacky and all over the place — but in a way that made me really happy.”
Suni Goes to Space, by Arthy Muthanna Singh and Mamta Nainy, $0.99. When Sunita Williams was young, she dreamed of going into space like Neil Armstrong. Singh and Nainy introduce us to Suni, the inquisitive and creative girl who grew up to become an astronaut.
Scream: Chilling Adventures in the Science of Fear, by Margee Kerr, $1.99. Why do we feel afraid? Why do we deliberately seek out horror movies and haunted houses? Sociologist Margee Kerr investigates the individual and societal experiences of fear. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Fear is a universal human experience, but do we really understand it? If we're so terrified of monsters and serial killers, why do we flock to the theaters to see them? Why do people avoid thinking about death, but jump out of planes and swim with sharks? For Kerr, there was only one way to find out. In this eye-opening, adventurous book, she takes us on a tour of the world's scariest experiences: into an abandoned prison long after dark, hanging by a cord from the highest tower in the Western hemisphere, and deep into Japan's mysterious ‘suicide forest.’ She even goes on a ghost hunt with a group of paranormal adventurers. Along the way, Kerr shows us the surprising science from the newest studies of fear -- what it means, how it works, and what it can do for us. Full of entertaining science and the thrills of a good ghost story, this book will make you think, laugh -- and scream.”
Alice in Zombieland, by Gena Showalter, $2.99. It’s Alice in Wonderland… sort of. With zombies! This YA zombie novel is filled with allusions to Wonderland.
His Hideous Heart: 13 of Edgar Allen Poe’s Most Unsettling Tales Reimagined, edited by Dahlia Adler, $2.99. Teens have loved Poe’s creepy tales for the last hundred and fifty years. Now they can experience the themes in new ways through this collection of modern short stories from big names in current YA.
Teach Your Own: The John Holt Book of Homeschooling, by John Holt and Pat Farenga, $2.99. John Holt is one of the founders of the modern homeschool movement. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In this expanded edition of the book that helped launch the whole movement, Pat Farenga has distilled John Holt's timeless understanding of the ways children come to understand the world and added up-to-the-moment legal, financial, and logistical advice. No parent even considering homeschooling should be without this wise and unique reference. Rather than proposing that parents turn their homes into miniature schools, Holt and Farenga demonstrate how ordinary parents can help children grow as social, active learners. Chapters on living with children, "serious play," children and work, and learning difficulties will fascinate and encourage parents and help them enjoy each "homeschool" day. John Holt's warm understanding of children and his passionate belief in every child's ability to learn have made this book the bible of homeschooling families everywhere.”
My Strong Mind: A Story about Developing Mental Strength, by Niels van Hove, $2.99. This is a pretty didactic but accessible book about developing good habits. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Kate faces several situations your children will face too. She applies a positive attitude to deal with her challenges. Amongst them are getting ready in time in the morning, doing cartwheels, standing in front of the whole class with show and tell and playing basketball. Kate applies techniques like goal setting, positive self-talk, accept failure as learning, visualisation of a problem, breathing or mindfulness exercise, gratitude, and controlled distraction. These tips to build a strong mind in children are presented in an easy to read, fun and practical way.”
It’s Okay to Make Mistakes, by Todd Parr, $1.99. Todd Parr’s books are like big, extra-tight hugs. His simple style is bold, funny, and diverse. For every mistake he mentions, he offers a hint at what can happen next (e.g., “It’s OK to not know the answer. Asking questions helps you learn.”) My toddler could recite Todd Parr books way before she could read them on her own.
Storybound, by Melissa Burt, $3.99. I haven’t had a chance to read this series yet, but it sounds like a delightful bookish adventure. Here’s the publisher’s description: “When Una Fairchild stumbles upon a mysterious book buried deep in the basement of her school library, she thinks nothing of opening the cover and diving in. But instead of paging through a regular novel, Una suddenly finds herself Written In to the land of Story—a world filled with Heroes and Villains and fairy-tale characters. But not everything in Story is as magical as it seems. Una must figure out why she has been Written In—and fast—before anyone else discovers her secret. Together with her new friend Peter and a talking cat named Sam, Una digs deep into Story's shadowy past. She quickly realizes that she is tied to the world in ways she never could have imagined—and it might be up to her to save it.”
A Dash of Magic, by Kathryn Littlewood, $3.99. The Bliss series is a mouth-watering literary treat. In this second book in the series, Rosemary is determined to retrieve the magical Cookery Booke that her aunt has stolen — even if it means facing off in an Iron Chef-style food battle. The competition takes the Bliss family to Paris, where the family rushes around famous sites collecting the magical ingredients Rosemary needs. There’s an excellent sense of place. If you enjoy this book, the sequel is also on sale.
Sleep, Big Bear, Sleep! by Maureen Wright, $0.99. It’s time to hibernate in this charming picture book. Bear knows there’s something he needs to do, but he keeps mishearing Old Man Winter’s “Sleep” message and instead thinks he is supposed to leap or sweep. It’s a sweet, funny story perfect for fall.
Scaredy Squirrel, by Melanie Watt, $0.99. Scaredy Squirrel wants to be prepared. He has all of his emergency gear at the ready, prepared for bees, Martians, whatever might happen. He prefers to stick to his safe, steady routine. When a chance encounter causes him to leap into the unknown, he gets a big surprise.
Shampoodle, by Joan Holub, $3.99. This fun easy reader will have kids giggling! The funny, rhyming text describes a day at the dog groomer. The dogs are all very exuberant, even before a cat wanders in and causes mayhem. I love the pictures in this one; there’s lots to see!
Bad Kitty Camp Daze, by Nick Bruel, $4.96. Bad Kitty has an attitude problem that will endear her to surly children everywhere. Bruel built on his picture book series with these early chapter books that contain lots of illustrated action. When Bad Kittle sneaks away to Uncle Murray’s Camp for Stressed-Out Dogs, she learns more than she bargains for about the natural world.
The Hobbits of Tolkien: An Illustrated Exploration of Tolkien’s Hobbits and the Sources that Inspired His Work From Myth, Legend, and History, by David Day, $3.99. Want to know more about the mythology behind Middle Earth? Curious about the etymology of some place names and people? This book perfectly balances detailed research with cozy illustrations. The author has written similar volumes about other elements of Tolkien’s work.
A Dictionary of Sources of Tolkien: The History and Mythology That Inspired Tolkien’s World, by David Day, $3.99. I enjoy sweeping fantasy, but I definitely struggle to keep all the names and places straight. In this extensive volume, Day provides information about all the proper nouns of Middle Earth, both their relevance to the narrative and their allusions to other literary traditions.
An Unexpected Cookbook: The Unofficial Book of Hobbit Cookery, by Chris-Rachael Oseland, $5.99. This book is more expensive than my typical Kindle deals, but I didn’t think we could properly celebrate Hobbit Day without at least one food book. The recipes are broken up into all seven Hobbit meals, with delicious treats like Lavender and Lemon Bread, Yorkshire Pudding, and Honey Cakes. You’ll find detailed recipe notes and mouthwatering photos throughout.
Fear of Physics: A Guide for the Perplexed, by Lawrence M. Krauss, $1.99. Krauss is a theoretical physicist who works on the deepest mysteries of the universe. But don’t let that intimidate you! Here’s the publisher’s description: “Assume the cow is a sphere." So begins this lively, irreverent, and informative look at everything from the physics of boiling water to cutting-edge research at the observable limits of the universe. Rich with anecdotes and accessible examples, Fear of Physics nimbly ranges over the tools and thought behind the world of modern physics, taking the mystery out of what is essentially a very human intellectual endeavour.”
Caesar’s Last Breath: Decoding the Secrets of the Air Around Us, by Sam Kean, $2.99. Science writer Sam Kean has written about the chemical elements, neuroscience, genetics, and the creation of the atomic bomb. In this book, he explores the air around us and the molecules we find within it. He travels throughout history and across several continents in his quest to understand the air we breathe.
Scienceblind: Why Our Intuitive Theories About the World Are So Often Wrong, by Andrew Shtulman, $4.99. Our brains are wired to make connections that help us make sense of the world. But that does not mean that our brains always interpret the world correctly. Cognitive psychologist Andrew Shtulman explains the reasons why people tend to believe weird things in this fascinating book. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Why do we catch colds? What causes seasons to change? And if you fire a bullet from a gun and drop one from your hand, which bullet hits the ground first? In a pinch we almost always get these questions wrong. Worse, we regularly misconstrue fundamental qualities of the world around us. In Scienceblind, cognitive and developmental psychologist Andrew Shtulman shows that the root of our misconceptions lies in the theories about the world we develop as children. They're not only wrong, they close our minds to ideas inconsistent with them, making us unable to learn science later in life. So how do we get the world right? We must dismantle our intuitive theories and rebuild our knowledge from its foundations. The reward won't just be a truer picture of the world, but clearer solutions to many controversies -- around vaccines, climate change, or evolution -- that plague our politics today.”
Uncommon Paper Flowers: Extraordinary Botanicals and How to Craft Them, by Kate Alcaron, $2.99. You’ve made a paper rose before, now get ready to try something unique! Alcaron has collected 30 unusual plants and created paper models of them. The book contains detailed botanical descriptions, an extensive technique section, and templates for creating your own dramatic floral display.
Parenting in a Pandemic: How to Help Your Family Through Covid-19, by Kelly Fradin, $0.99. This just came out and will (I hope) only be useful for a limited time, but the price is right and the advice is solid. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Parents are burning out while kids need more help than ever. With so many families in crisis, pediatrician and child advocate Dr. Kelly Fradin sees an urgent need for help. As a mother of two, Dr. Fradin shares practical, evidence-based and reassuring advice on what families need to know. Parents are forced to make decisions now despite seemingly constant change and many unknowns. In Parenting in a Pandemic, Dr. Fradin provides the information and strategies you need to help navigate coronavirus. The book reviews the science necessary to understand the news and care for your family. Dr. Fradin explains the specific risks of coronavirus to children of all ages and adults, including parents, grandparents, pregnant women, and essential workers. She gives realistic strategies you can use to improve this time for your family whether you are protecting a newborn, virtually schooling or convincing a teen to physically distance.”
The House Takes a Vacation, by Jacqueline Davies, $0.99. Get ready for a surreal and wacky adventure! When the house’s people go on vacation, the house decides to take its own trip. Kids and adults will enjoy the pun-filled text and personality-filled illustrations.
Little House in the Big Woods, by Laura Ingalls Wilder, $3.99. The Little House books are among the most read children’s books of all time, and with good reason. Wilder does a tremendous job of creating a vivid and inviting glimpse into life on the frontier. Later books in the series have problematic depictions of conflicts with Native Americans and have not aged well. Little House in the Big Woods, however, is a cozy and gentle peek into the past. Read this one by candle or fire as the temperatures start to dip this fall!
The Hero’s Guide to Saving Your Kingdom, by Christopher Healy, $3.99. You think you know the classic fairytale stories, but they are usually centered around the princesses. This fun middle grade series focuses on the princes. After the “happily ever after” the princes discover that their kingdoms are in danger, and they set off take on all kinds of mythical monsters. This fun and funny book is the first in a series that your middle-grade reader will love.
The Element Encyclopedia of Magical Creatures, by John and Caitlin Matthews, $3.99. Looking for a reference on obscure creatures? Every time I open this book, I discover a new mythological animal I haven’t heard of before. Here’s the publisher’s description: “From unicorns and trolls to werewolves and griffins, this comprehensive guide is the key to discovering every magical creature from myth, folklore and legend around the world. This compendium of magical creatures explores the history, folklore and mythology of fascinating beasts throughout all the magical worlds. Including stories, celebrations, traditions, and amazing facts, the book spans every major culture across the globe.”
Steampunk! An Anthology of Fantastically Rich and Strange Stories, edited by Kelly Link and Gavin J. Grant, $0.99. Are you new to steampunk but interested in exploring alternate versions of the world shaped by a different series of technological innovations? This anthology will introduce you to many excellent YA steampunk authors. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Imagine an alternate universe where romance and technology reign. Where tinkerers and dreamers craft and re-craft a world of automatons, clockworks, calculating machines, and other marvels that never were. Where scientists and schoolgirls, fair folk and Romans, intergalactic bandits, utopian revolutionaries, and intrepid orphans solve crimes, escape from monstrous predicaments, consult oracles, and hover over volcanoes in steam-powered airships. Here, fourteen masters of speculative fiction, including two graphic storytellers, embrace the genre's established themes and refashion them in surprising ways and settings as diverse as Appalachia, ancient Rome, future Australia, and alternate California. Visionaries Kelly Link and Gavin J. Grant have invited all-new explorations and expansions, taking a genre already rich, strange, and inventive in the extreme and challenging contributors to remake it from the ground up. The result is an anthology that defies its genre even as it defines it.”
The Wonderling, by Mira Bartok, $0.99. In Mira Bartok’s imagined world, groundlings are creatures that are part animal, part human. Thirteen, a fox groundling, escapes the Dickensian workhouse where has been raised and sets off on an adventure of his own. The tone is similar to Lemony Snicket, but the story is entirely unique, full of mechanical details and animals with extraordinary abilities. Put this strange and interesting book in the hands of your middle-grade reader!
My Robots: The Robotic Genius of Lady Regina Bonquers III, by Johan Olander, $3.99. Olander creates such interesting books! This heavily illustrated book purports to be the design scrapbook of an elusive roboticist. Lady Regina has created bots to fight fires, pluck nose hairs, and even give hugs. Kids will enjoy all the details of the development process, the unique visual style, and a frisson of mystery over Lady Regina’s whereabouts.
The Last Kids on Earth, by Max Brallier, $1.99. Are you ready for some funny post-apocalyptic lit for kids? This madcap adventure mixes peril, gross out humor, and teamwork as an unlikely band of teens works to save the day and stay alive. It’s a middle grade chapter book riddled with exciting and gruesome illustrations. If this sounds like something you’d be into, several books in the series are on sale today.
Big History: From the Big Bang to the Present, by Cynthia Stokes Brown, $3.99. The Big History movement combines science with history to study Earth from the moment of the big bang all the way through current events. Brown does a remarkable job finding through lines in the vast sweep of history. Each era is necessarily brief, but readers will be pleased to see that the history is not overly focused on Western civilization.
Bear and Fred: A World War II Story, by Iris Argaman, $4.99. Picture books can make challenging subjects understandable for small children. In this book, Israeli author Iris Argaman tells the true story of a boy’s time hiding from Nazis during WWII — from the perspective of his loyal teddy bear. It’s a tough but uplifting story that gently introduces the topic of the Holocaust.
Sleepover Larry, by Daniel Pinkwater, $3.99. Larry is a dapper polar bear who lives in a hotel owned by his human family. When Larry learns the concept of sleepovers, he is determined to have a great one with his bear friends from the zoo!
National Geographic Readers: Bears, by Elizabeth Carney, $3.99. Learn about bear species from all over the world in this fun, brightly illustrated easy reader. Sections cover habitats, adaptations, diet, cubs, and more. The level 3 books pack in a lot of detail without complicated vocabulary.
Magic Tree House: Polar Bears Past Bedtime, by Mary Pope Osborne, $3.99. Jack and Annie are off on another adventure, this time to the Arctic! They encounter indigenous hunters, polar bears, the Northern Lights, and more. The Magic Tree House series is great for beginning readers who are looking for fast-paced, exciting (but short) chapter books.
Bibliophile: An Illustrated Miscellany, by Jane Mount, $2.99. This is a literary bonbon for any book lover. As the title suggests, it’s a wonderful collection of miscellaneous facts about books, writers, bookstores, characters, and more. I can almost guarantee that you will find a new author to check out, or even a new favorite book, in the illustrated book lists.
The Man Who Made Lists: Love, Death, Madness, and the Creation of Roget’s Thesaurus, by Joshua Kendall. When I was a kid, I found thesauruses fascinating. I loved flipping through themed lists of words. I don’t think many kids use paper thesauruses now; the function built into your word processor isn’t really the same. Whether you are nostalgic for your childhood thesaurus or have never really used one, you’ll find the story behind the creation of the first modern thesaurus unexpectedly fascinating. Here’s a brief publisher’s description: “Polymath, eccentric, and synonym aficionado, Peter Mark Roget had a host of female admirers, was one of the first to test the effects of laughing gas, invented the slide rule, and narrowly escaped jail in Napoleon's France. But Roget is best known for making lists. After the tragic turmoil of his early life (both his mother and sister were institutionalized), Roget longed for order in his chaotic world. At the age of eight, he began his quest to put everything in its rightful place, one word at a time. This is the fascinating story of a driven man and a brilliant scholar-and the legacy he has left for generations.”
A Spy in the House, by Y.S. Lee, $0.99. This is the first in a series of YA historical mysteries about a young Asian sleuth in Victorian London. Mary is an orphan doomed for the gallows when she is rescued and offered a position at the mysterious Miss Scrimshaw’s Academy for Girls. The school is the training ground for an elite group of detectives who can infiltrate high society households. Lee does an excellent job of offering the gritty details of the Victorian city while staying away from graphic details. The immigrant experience is rarely discussed in historical fiction, so this series provides an interesting perspective.
The March on Washington, by Bonnie Bader, $3.99. American Girl has been bringing accessible historical fiction to early readers for more than 30 years. More recently, the company has published factual companion books that provide deeper background into important events. This book about the 1963 March on Washington includes photos, timelines, maps, and a bibliography for more research.
One Crazy Summer, by Rita Williams-Garcia, $4.99. When the three Gaither sisters travel to California to spend time with their estranged mother, they are expecting movie stars and Disneyland. What they actually experience is a little different: summer camp run by the Black Panthers. The girls spend the next four weeks learning about the movement and discovering their own identities. This work of historical fiction set in 1968 is a nice point of entry for a discussion about the Civil Rights movement and the Black Panthers.
Susan B. Anthony: Her Fight for Equal Rights, by Monica Kulling, $4.99. Get to know one of America’s strongest proponents of women’s voting rights, Susan B. Anthony, in this book for early readers. Anthony was determined to vote in an election, even though it was illegal for women to do so at the time. Her civil disobedience led to her arrest. Young readers will learn about how Anthony’s actions paved the way for the 19th Amendment.
Lillian’s Right to Vote: A Celebration of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, by Jonah Winter and Shane W. Evans, $4.99. Sadly, the 19th Amendment did not make voting accessible to ALL women. In many places, unfair practices like poll taxes, complicated literacy tests, and property ownership rules made it nearly impossible for people of color to vote. In this moving picture book, an old woman reminisces about her family’s history and the many barriers to voting they faced.
The Women’s Suffrage Movement, edited by Sally Roesch Wagner, $4.99. What is the study of history without primary sources? This great collection from Penguin Classics looks at the quest for women’s rights in a delightfully intersectional array of essays, letters, speeches, and other texts. Readers will discover Black and Native American women whose ideas were crucial to the movement but have been overlooked in historical accounts.
The Templeton Twins Have an Idea, by Ellis Weiner, $0.99. If your reader has plowed the A Series of Unfortunate Events and would like something with a similar feel, look no further. The Templetons feel very similar to the Baudelaires. A snippet from the book description gives you an excellent feel for the tone: “Suppose there were 12-year-old twins, a boy and girl named John and Abigail Templeton. Let's say John was pragmatic and played the drums, and Abigail was theoretical and solved cryptic crosswords. Now suppose their father was a brilliant, if sometimes confused, inventor. And suppose that another set of twins—adults—named Dean D. Dean and Dan D. Dean, kidnapped the Templeton twins and their ridiculous dog in order to get their father to turn over one of his genius (sort of) inventions. Yes, I said kidnapped. Wouldn't it be fun to read about that? Oh please. It would so. Luckily for you, this is just the first in a series perfect for boys and girls who are smart, clever, and funny (just like the twins), and enjoy reading adventurous stories (who doesn't?!).”
Ella Enchanted, by Gail Carson Levine, $1.99. This Newberry Honor book has been beloved for two decades, and with good reason. A unique twist on the Cinderella story, this book focuses on Ella, a girl who has been cursed (“gifted”?) with obedience to others’ orders. In order to break this curse, she must track down and convince the fairy godmother who bestowed it.
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.
801 Things You Should Know: From Greek Philosophy to Today’s Technology, by David Olsen, $1.99. You’re a smart person. You’ve probably heard of many of the concepts and events in this book. But you may not be clear on all the details. This collection of short entries about everything from politics to medical terminology to economic principals will serve as a great introduction or refresher. Hand this to a tween/teen along with a newspaper — they’ll be able to quickly get background on unfamiliar terms like bear markets, the Hundred Years’ War, and the Invisible Hand theory.
A Field Guide to Monsters, by Johan Olander, $0.99. Olander is a “monstrologist” who documents monsters’ behavior in the wild. In this whimsical and imaginative book, he collects illustrations and artifacts from the Slobber Bug, Beach Krill, Tadpole-Monster, and other previously unknown (aka imaginary) creatures. It would be fun to compare this book with other, more scientific field guides.
Iron Hearted Violet, by Kelly Barnhill, $1.99. Kelly Barnhill tells such compelling twists on fairytale tropes. In this book, Princess Violet must work with the last dragon alive to protect the world from an evil being she has only read about in a forbidden book. Violet is brave, but not beautiful, strong, but not perfect.
The Menagerie, by Tui T. Sutherland and Kari Sutherland, $3.99. If your middle-grade reader enjoys books where the magical world bumps into the real world, The Menagerie series may be the perfect next adventure. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In the small town of Xanadu, Wyoming lies the Menagerie, a top secret facility filled with unicorns, dragons, phoenixes, and other fairy tale creatures. At least, it was a secret—until six griffin cubs escaped. If Logan and Zoe don’t get the cubs back fast, the entire Menagerie will be shut down. The race is on and the resulting adventure is only the beginning of a thrilling series that will leave readers wanting a magical menagerie of their very own.”
50 Ways to Beat Boredom with LEGO Bricks, by DK Publishing, $0.99. If your house is anything like mine, you have no shortage of LEGO pieces. This short book introduces 50 quick activities and games using the beloved building materials. Build a mountain to create a 3D game board (instructions for a spinner also included) or design a functional piggy bank! This is an idea book, not a book of detailed instructions, but it’s a great jumping off point for an hour or a day of LEGO exploration. Note: If you already have 365 Things to Do with LEGO Bricks, you don’t need this book; this book is a shorter extract of that one.
Would You Rather? Made You Think Edition, by Lindsey Daly, $0.99. They start simple: “Would you rather kiss a fish that’s living in a radioactive pond or roll down a hill while hugging a porcupine?” The questions only get more interesting from there. Turn the questions into a game by scoring points for the best reasoning (guidelines are given in the introduction).
Diary of a Pug: Pug Blasts Off, by Kyla May, $2.99. Meet Bub, aka Baron von Bubbles, beloved pet of Bella. He loves doing everything with his human, so when she enters an invention contest, Bub is determined to help her. But this means he needs to deal with his squirrel nemesis, Nutz. This fun, brightly colored diary is full of wacky adventures and adorable illustrations. Early chapter book readers will love it!
Chickadee, by Louise Erdrich, $4.49. Chickadee takes place within the family introduced in Birchbark House. Omakayas is grown with a family of her own, and this story focuses on her twin sons, Chickadee and Makoons. After a prank gone wrong, Chickadee is kidnapped by angry men. This is the tale of Chickadee’s long path to reunion with his family. As with Erdrich’s other books, Chickadee’s story is filled with vivid details about Ojibwe life and traditions.
Young Water Protetctors: A Story About Standing Rock, by Aslan and Kelly Tudor, $2.99. Aslan Tudor was 10 years old when he wrote this book about his time participating in the Standing Rock protests. This is a great, age appropriate introduction to the conflict between native peoples and developers of the Dakota Access Pipeline.
My Heart Fills with Happiness, by Monique Gray Smith, $4.99. This sweet picture book introduces many things that bring happiness — good smells, good friends, and the beauty of nature. The lovely illustrations show many elements in the life on an indigenous family.
The Odds of Loving Grover Cleveland, by Rebekah Crane, $0.99. This Grover Cleveland isn’t a president; he’s a resident at Camp Padua, a summer program for at-risk teens. When Zander’s parents insist she leave home to attend camp, she is sure that she won’t fit in. She’s surprised to make connections with her fellow campers, even though they are all dealing with big problems of their own. This tough but ultimately hopeful novel is also filled with darkly funny moments.
The Mermaid’s Sister, by Carrie Anne Noble, $0.99. I haven’t read this YA fantasy novel yet, but it’s definitely on my To Read list. Here’s the publisher’s summary: In a cottage high atop Llanfair Mountain, sixteen-year-old Clara lives with her sister, Maren, and guardian Auntie. By day, they gather herbs for Auntie’s healing potions; by night, Auntie spins tales of faraway lands and wicked fairies. Clara’s favorite story tells of three orphaned infants—Clara, who was brought to Auntie by a stork; Maren, who arrived in a seashell; and their best friend, O’Neill, who was found beneath an apple tree. One day, Clara discovers iridescent scales just beneath her sister’s skin: Maren is becoming a mermaid and must be taken to the sea or she will die. So Clara, O’Neill, and the mermaid-girl set out for the shore. But the trio encounters trouble around every bend. Ensnared by an evil troupe of traveling performers, Clara and O’Neill must find a way to save themselves and the ever-weakening Maren.
The Testing, by Joelle Charbonneau, $1.99. Calling all fans of The Hunger Games or Divergent! This series should scratch that dystopian coming-of-age itch. Here’s a summary from the publisher: “It’s graduation day for sixteen-year-old Malencia Vale, and the entire Five Lakes Colony (the former Great Lakes) is celebrating. All Cia can think about—hope for—is whether she’ll be chosen for The Testing, a United Commonwealth program that selects the best and brightest new graduates to become possible leaders of the slowly revitalizing post-war civilization. When Cia is chosen, her father finally tells her about his own nightmarish half-memories of The Testing. Armed with his dire warnings (“Cia, trust no one”), she bravely heads off to Tosu City, far away from friends and family, perhaps forever. Danger, romance—and sheer terror—await.”
Princess Academy, by Shannon Hale, $0.99. You may be starting to get the impression that I love Shannon Hale, and you would be right. Princess Academy is the first in a middle grade series about a land where a rich urban royal class benefits from the poorly paid labor of all the surrounding towns. When it is decided that the Prince’s wife should come from Miri’s village, all the teen girls are rounded up and sent to a school where they will be taught the ways of court. Booklist says, “Hale nicely interweaves feminist sensibilities in this quest-for-a-prince-charming, historical-fantasy tale. Strong suspense and plot drive the action as the girls outwit would-be kidnappers and explore the boundaries of leadership, competition, and friendship.” If you are looking for books with strong heroines who overcome difficulties to make a difference in their world, this is the book for you.
Bound: 15 Beautiful Bookbinding Projects, by Rachel Hazell, $3.99. If your family is anything like mine, you probably have dozens of stories your kids have written and illustrated. Why not turn them into an art project by binding them into book form? Or set yourself up for a new school year by creating small notebooks for nature observations or other projects. This book goes through multiple styles, from basic to complex, with step by step instructions.
Mini Weapons of Mass Destruction: Make Mayhem from your Stationery with 35 Models to Build Yourself, by John Austin, $3.99. Do you have pens, rubber bands, and plastic utensils? If so, you’re ready to build a catapult or trebuchet! All of these weapons are small scale but need adult supervision to prevent injury. Keep this book as a resource for discussing wars and weaponry throughout history.
American Heritage History of Flight, by Arthur Gordon, $1.99. This detailed look at aviation begins with ancient attempts to harness the wind and moves through modern technological innovations. While there are few illustrations, the Kindle version includes in-text links to Wikipedia for additional information and visuals.
National Geographic Readers: Planes, by Amy Shields, $4.99. If you are looking for a detailed book that your early elementary students can read on their own, the National Geographic Reader series is a great place to start. This one covers all types of planes, including some unusual ones (have you ever seen the inside of a C-17?) sure to pique interest.
Amazing Airplanes, by Tony Mitton, $3.54. For our youngest family members, we have this bright and simple picture book. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Buckle up to learn all about flying! Amazing Airplanes follows the animal crew, as they become pilots, baggage handlers, and air stewards. Each page is filled with details that machine-mad kids love, such as the cockpit, landing gear, and much more. This book is perfect for budding pilots or happy vacationers! From airplanes to fire engines, the internationally bestselling Amazing Machines series is the perfect way for children to learn about all sorts of vehicles! Each book introduces a new vehicle and the jobs it can do. Bright, engaging artwork and simple, rhyming text combine to make these fantastic books for young children. Kids will love getting to know the friendly, animal characters who feature throughout the series and reading about their fast-paced adventures!”
Her Right Foot, by Dave Eggers, $2.99. This beautiful picture book takes a look at the history of the Statue of Liberty. More than that, Eggers uses the statue to address the inherent freedoms that form the basis of American culture and government. Shawn Harris’s mixed-media illustrations are simple but visually interesting.
Epic Fails: Not-So-Great Presidents, by Ben Thompson and Erik Slader. This newer history series is a lot of fun for middle-grade readers. Rather than focusing on successes, the authors emphasize foibles (e.g., Washington’s mistakes early in his career as a British soldier, Nixon’s Watergate scandal). The result is humanizing; presidents are just people, and everyone makes mistakes. The tone is light and full of contemporary references. A good choice for history fans and history skeptics!
Small Wonders: Jean-Henri Fabre and His World of Insects, by Matthew Clark Smith, $3.99. Fabre is one of the most famous naturalists in history. His interest started when he was a small child fascinated by moths, wasps, and other insects. Instead of merely collecting and dissecting them, Fabre was among the first to study insect behavior in the natural environment.
Microadventures: Local Discoveries, Great Escapes, by Alastair Humphreys, $4.99. The adventures are small, but the world is large! Humphreys is a naturalist and adventurer who has explored all over the world. This book focuses on really getting to know the world right around you. These outdoor adventures can be accomplished in a day or less, with minimal supplies. Humphreys encourages you to chase down a full moon, explore woods and forests, swim in a river, and more. Humphreys is based in the UK, so some of the challenges may not be applicable (e.g., there are few places in the US where you can walk from coast to coast), but most can be adapted to any local environment. This book is perfect for a family looking for new recreation ideas during the pandemic.
Rules, by Cynthia Lord, $3.99. Catherine loves her brother, but she’s not always nice to him. He has autism, and she has created a long list of rules for him to follow so that he doesn’t embarrass her in public. When she meets Jason, a paraplegic who uses a wheelchair and communicates through picture cards, Catherine begins to realize that there’s no one “normal” way to be, and that she needs to find more acceptance and understanding for others, even her own brother.
Freak the Mighty, by Rodman Philbrick, $3.99. This classic story of an unusual friendship has been made into a movie. Kevin has a disorder that prevents him from growing; Max is large for his age and struggles with learning disabilities. Together, Kevin and Max form “Freak the Mighty,” with Kevin riding Max’s shoulders as they explore their surroundings and defeat bullies. Both boys have unique perspectives. Content warning: this book is poignant and tragic.
Missing Math: A Number Mystery, by Loreen Leedy, $3.99. This bright and fun picture book will convince kids of the importance of numbers. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In Missing Math, the numbers all over town suddenly disappear. The animals can’t count, use the phone, or even find out what time it is. Rulers, money, and computers have all become completely useless. . . . Can the town’s detective solve this numerical mystery? Will he ever bring the numbers back home again? Loreen Leedy’s clever rhyming text PLUS her amusing digitally painted illustrations EQUALS proof that we need math each and every day.”
Alone: A Story of Friendship in the Darkness of Space, by Scott Stuart, $0.99. Earth is all alone in space, so it goes off looking for a friend. This sweet, fanciful book includes a few interesting scientific tidbits.
Blast Off to the Moon! by Lauren Gunderson, $3.99. Dr. Wonderful just wants to know why things happen, and she’s willing to explore to find out. When she becomes curious about why the moon changes shape each night, she and her dog decide to go up into space for research. Kids will love the funny illustrations; parents will appreciate the way Dr. Wonderful carefully works through the scientific process to answer her questions.
The Upside of Falling Down, by Rebekah Crane, $1.99. A coming-of-age novel with an unusual twist: Clementine is the sole survivor of a plane crash, and she’s now in Ireland suffering from amnesia. Here’s the plot summary: “With the relentless Irish press bearing down on her, and a father she may not even recognize on his way from America to take her home, Clementine assumes a new identity and enlists a blue-eyed Irish stranger, Kieran O’Connell, to help her escape her forgotten life…and start a new one. Hiding out in the sleepy town of Waterville, Ireland, Clementine discovers there’s an upside to a life that’s fallen apart. But as her lies grow, so does her affection for Kieran, and the truth about her identity becomes harder and harder to reveal, forcing Clementine to decide: Can she leave her past behind for a new love she’ll never forget?”
Zoey and Sassafras: Dragons and Marshmallows, by Asia Citro, $1.99. Science can be magic! Zoey and her cat Sassafras have a big secret: magical creatures are real and come to them for help! Zoey is a budding scientist and uses the scientific method to figure out what is wrong with a sick dragon. This is the first in a series; the short chapters, charming illustrations, and simple language make these books a good choice for budding readers.
What Lives in a Shell? by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld, $2.99. This charming book from the “Let’s Read and Find Out” series is a great introduction to crustaceans and other shelled creatures for early elementary readers. Detailed illustrations introduce clams, snails, crabs, and more.
A Tale of Two Cities, by Charles Dickens, $2.99. A classic adventure from Charles Dickens presents the story of the French Revolution through the eyes of the aristocrats, opportunists, and spies of Paris. Break out your knitting needles and settle in for an engrossing read. This edition includes a brief biography of Dickens and some contextual material.
I Survived The Battle of D-Day, by Lauren Tarshis, $3.99. My elementary-schooler has enjoyed several of the books in this series about deadly wars, plagues, and natural disasters. Each book includes a fictionalized story and a short section of historical information. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Eleven-year-old Paul's French village has been under Nazi control for years. His Jewish best friend has disappeared. Food is scarce. And there doesn't seem to be anything Paul can do to make things better. Then Paul finds an American paratrooper in a tree near his home. The soldier says the Allies have a plan to crush the Nazis once and for all. But the soldier needs Paul's help. This is Paul's chance to make a difference. Soon he finds himself in the midst of the largest invasion in history. Can he do his part to turn horror into hope?”
Magic Tree House: Night of the New Magicians, by Mary Pope Osborne, $3.99. Jack and Annie are heading to France! Merlin has sent them to pass along a message to four magicians at the 1889 World’s Fair in Paris. This is a “Merlin Mission,” so it is longer and more involved than the original Magic Tree House books.
Zane and the Hurricane: A Story of Katrina, by Rodman Philbrick, $3.99. Zane doesn’t know New Orleans well; he is visiting his great-grandmother when Hurricane Katrina makes landfall. After chasing his runaway dog, he finds himself fending for himself until he is rescued by a passing canoe. Philbrick includes realistic historical details and deftly addresses issues of race, class, and privilege.
Gandhi: A March to the Sea, by Alice B. McGinty, $1.99. This picture book with beautiful painted illustrations focuses on the nonviolent Satyagraha movement. There’s a free educator’s guide available as a PDF.
The Sky Painter: Louis Fuertes, Bird Artist, by Margarita Engle, $1.99. I will admit that I had never heard of Fuertes before I discovered this book. Thank you, Margarita Engle, for introducing me to his beautiful work. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Louis loves to watch birds. He takes care of injured birds and studies how they look and how they move. His father wants him to become an engineer, but Louis dreams of being a bird artist. To achieve this dream, he must practice, practice, practice. He learns from the art of John James Audubon. But as Louis grows up, he begins to draw and paint living, flying birds in their natural habitats. Louis Agassiz Fuertes (1874–1927) is now known as the father of modern bird art. He traveled with many scientific expeditions all over the world. His best-known works—paintings for habitat exhibits at the American Museum of Natural History in New York—are still beloved by visitors today. His art helped to encourage wildlife conservation, inspiring people to celebrate and protect the world of wings. Poems by Newbery Honor–winning author Margarita Engle and illustrations by Aliona Bereghici capture the life of Louis Fuertes and the deep sense of wonder that he felt when he painted the sky.”
Escape North! The Story of Harriet Tubman, by Monica Kulling, $4.99. I found my copy of this book at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park (which is great and you should go!). As I’ve mentioned before, I really like the higher level nonfiction “Step into Reading” books for providing a solid foundation on a topic at the elementary level. Kids will learn about Tubman’s missions escorting enslaved people to freedom, but also about her work as a spy and women’s rights advocate.
Frog and Toad are Friends, by Arnold Lobel, $4.99. This is an easy reader classic! Frog and Toad are not always alike, but they are always there for each other. Join them on their funny adventures swimming, looking for a lost button, and waiting for a letter. Fun pictures and few words on each page make this the perfect first chapter book for a new reader.
I am (Not) Scared, by Anna Kang, $1.99. The bears from You are (Not) Small and That’s (Not) Mine are back with a trip to the amusement park. They are frightened of, and exhilarated by, a whole host of new experiences and discover that being together can make hard things seem less scary.
A Snicker of Magic, by Natalie Lloyd, $3.99. My daughter loves this book! Here’s what she says: “A shy girl who’s been traveling around her whole life moves to a town that used to have magic. She learns that her ancestors were cursed and becomes determined to break the curse. This is a really heartwarming book, and I recommend it to people who like The Magic Half.”
Give Yourself Goosebumps: Tick Tock, You’re Dead, by R.L. Stine. A scary Goosebumps novel where you get to choose how the story turns out? Sign me up for this perfect campfire read!
Kindle Deals for October 23, 2020
Explore the many sides of science
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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Dr. Joe and What You Didn’t Know: 177 Fascinating Questions and Answers about the Chemistry of Everyday Life, by Joe Schwarcz, $1.99. Dr. Joe Schwarcz is a college professor and science communicator. He has put together a weird and wonderful collection of questions about chemical processes you might encounter. For example: “What potentially dangerous compound is less likely to form in thick french fries than in thin ones?”
The Physics of Baseball, by Robert Adair, $2.99. This year’s baseball season may be over, but it’s never too late to incorporate a little science into your sports! From the publisher: “Blending scientific fact and sports trivia, Robert Adair examines what a baseball or player in motion does-and why. How fast can a batted ball go? What effect do stitch patterns have on wind resistance? How far does a curve ball break? Who reaches first base faster after a bunt, a right- or left-handed batter? The answers are often surprising—and always illuminating. This newly revised third edition considers recent developments in the science of sport such as the neurophysiology of batting, bat vibration, and the character of the "sweet spot." Faster pitchers, longer hitters, and enclosed stadiums also get a good, hard scientific look to determine their effects on the game.”
The Ghosts of Evolution: Nonsensical Fruit, Missing Partners, and Other Ecological Anachronisms, by Connie Barlow, $2.99. Organisms are constantly adapting to environments that are also in flux. As a result, many plants and animals have been shaped by conditions that no longer exist. In this fascinating book, Barlow looks at quirks of nature that are the result of complex evolution.
How I Killed Pluto and Why It Had It Coming, by Mike Brown, $4.99. Astronomer Mike Brown is notorious in some circles for starting the chain of events that resulted in Pluto’s demotion to dwarf planet. Brown’s team discovered Eris, a dwarf planet just slightly bigger than Pluto. As you may be able to guess just from the title, Brown’s style is entertaining and informative.
STILL ON SALE
At the Old Haunted House, by Helen Ketteman, $0.99. Get ready for a fun remake of the classic song “Over in the Meadow.” This spooky twist on a counting song will be perfect for your Halloween math lessons. Count up the monsters, cats, goblins, witches and other creatures. There are lots of classic horror characters, but don’t worry — they are all having a good time and aren’t very scary.
Coraline, by Neil Gaiman, $2.99. Coraline is a classic creepy tale about a girl who discovers an alternate version of her reality when she moves to a new house. At first the new house and new family seems like all Coraline has ever wanted, but things are not as they seem. I will never look at a Lalaloopsy doll in the same way having read this book.
Pumpkinheads, by Rainbow Rowell and Faith Erin Hicks, $2.99. This YA graphic novel about two teens working in a pumpkin patch is just about the most autumnal book I have read. Deja and Josiah have worked together for all of high school, but this year is their last time before they move on to college. Deja is determined to close out the season with amazing memories.
Anya’s Ghost, by Vera Brosgol, $2.99. Here’s a poignant graphic novel with a spooky twist. Check out the publisher’s description: “Anya could really use a friend. But her new BFF isn't kidding about the "Forever" part . . . Of all the things Anya expected to find at the bottom of an old well, a new friend was not one of them. Especially not a new friend who's been dead for a century. Falling down a well is bad enough, but Anya's normal life might actually be worse. She's embarrassed by her family, self-conscious about her body, and she's pretty much given up on fitting in at school. A new friend—even a ghost—is just what she needs. Or so she thinks. Spooky, sardonic, and secretly sincere, Anya's Ghost is a wonderfully entertaining debut from author/artist Vera Brosgol.”
The Silver Arrow, by Lev Grossman, $2.99. This new release is one of my daughter’s favorite books of 2020! When Kate’s uncle bring her a very unusual birthday present (a sentient train), Kate and her brother set off on an amazing adventure. Along the way, they pick up and drop off countless animals and begin to understand the purpose of the magic train. Grossman has created a really interesting world with a subtle environmental allegory.
A Home for Leo, by Vin Vogel, $0.99. This charming story looks at the intertwined worlds of humans and other animals. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Leo grew up in the sea. He has a family of sea lions he loves. He’s happy, but he has always known he was different. Then Leo’s suddenly reunited with his human parents, and he finds he loves them too. But he still feels like a fish out of water. Being from two worlds and having two families isn’t so easy. Leo has a lot to figure out… Splashed with humor and grounded in heart, this brightly illustrated story explores ideas of family, home, and belonging in a way that’s as relatable as it is unique.”
The Wild Robot, by Peter Brown, $1.99. This is probably the most moving and special book I have read in the ten years I have been a parent. Both an action/survival story and a philosophical musing on what it means to be alive, this book will capture the hearts of kids and adults. We listened to the audiobook on a road trip and nearly had to pull over because the adults were tearing up with happy tears. Amy describes the plot in a detailed review here.
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.”
Inside-Outside Dinosaurs, by Roxie Munro, $0.99. Not a lot of words in this one. If you have a younger kid fascinated by dinosaurs, Munro’s illustrations of how fossil skeletons may translate into their ancient environment will be highly appealing. Fact lists and suggestions for further reading round out this interesting resource.
How to Catch a Dinosaur, by Adam Wallace, $1.99. Check out this fun, rhyming picture book! When a kid decides he wants to prove dinosaurs were real by capturing one and bringing it to the science fair, he and his friends start working on elaborate plans for lures and traps. While the subject matter is wacky, this book offers and excellent glimpse at STEM skills at work.
Fossils for Kids: A Junior Scientist’s Guide to Dinosaur Bones, Ancient Animals, and Prehistoric Life on Earth, by Ashley Hall, $4.99. If your upper elementary student is hoping to learn more about what it’s really like to be a paleontologist, snag them this book! While describing ancient creatures, how fossils are formed, and how to identify fossils, paleontologist Ashley Hall offers lots of information on how scientists to their work.
The Dog that Dug for Dinosaurs, by Shirley Raye Redmond, $4.99. Get ready for a true story about a very clever dog! This Ready to Read book is written for early readers who can handle short paragraphs. Vivid color illustrations make it an enjoyable read. Here’s the publisher’s description: “There once was a little dog named Tray. He lived in England with his owner, Mary Ann Anning. Besides Mary Ann, Tray loved one other thing: He loved to dig for dinosaur bones. Together he and Mary Ann found small bones, big bones, and even entire skeletons! People came from all around the world to see the bones they found. This is the honestly true story of Tray, the dog that dug for dinosaurs.”
Blood, Sweat, and Pixels: The Triumphant, Turbulent Stories Behind How Video Games are Made, by Jason Schrier, $2.99. I am not a gamer, but I love learning about how things are made. This book takes a look at the tremendous effort that goes into creating modern video games. From the publisher: “In Blood, Sweat, and Pixels, Jason Schreier takes readers on a fascinating odyssey behind the scenes of video game development, where the creator may be a team of 600 overworked underdogs or a solitary geek genius. Exploring the artistic challenges, technical impossibilities, marketplace demands, and Donkey Kong-sized monkey wrenches thrown into the works by corporate, Blood, Sweat, and Pixels reveals how bringing any game to completion is more than Sisyphean—it's nothing short of miraculous.”
Star Wars: From a Certain Point of View, by various authors, $4.99. What happens when you ask 40 big-time authors to write a Star Wars short story? You get this fun and fascinating collection that retells major events in Star Wars from the perspective of supporting characters. You’ll find out what was going on in Aunt Beru’s mind as Luke headed off, all you ever wanted to know about the creature in the trash compactor, and more. This is a must for any big Star Wars fan, but it’s also an interesting read for anyone who is intrigued by more than one way to tell a story.
The Nerdy Nummies Cookbook: Sweet Treats for the Geek in All of Us, by Rosanna Pansino, $1.99. Pansino is known for her YouTube baking channel, where she creates delicious treats based on pop culture. This cookbook is full of recipes for recipes for all flavors of geeks: science, gaming, sci-fi, cartoon, and more.
The Economics of Star Trek: The Proto-Post-Scarcity Economy, by Rick Webb, $4.99. Rick Webb made a splash a few years ago with a long-form article about the economics of Star Trek. This book presents an expanded version of that essay along with discussion of Universal Basic Income, cryptocurrency, and other economic issues in terms of the Star Trek universe.
Sheepish: Two Women, Fifty Sheep, and Enough Wool to Save the Planet, by Catherine Friend, $1.99. Just yesterday, my family was discussing what animal we would choose if we could have any habitat in our backyard, and I chose sheep. I can’t quite decide whether this book cements my choice or makes me regret my decision. Catherine Friend describes all the hard work and reward of raising sheep.
DK Smithsonian Natural History Mammals Carnivores: The Definitive Visual Guide, by DK Publishing, $4.99. Want to know more about meat eaters? This book brings DK’s classic photo-rich style to dozens of mammals — bears, seals, even skunks!
Girls Save the World in This One, by Ash Parsons, $2.99. Zombies, conventions, and girl power? Sign me up! The publisher’s description was so good I immediately put this book on my reading list. Here’s what they said: “Shaun of the Dead meets Clueless in this hilarious YA horror comedy set at a local zombie convention–featuring a teenage girl gang that has to save the world from a horde of actual zombies. Perfect for fans of Geekerella, Undead Girl Gang, and Anna and the Apocalypse.”
Small Spaces, by Katherine Arden, $2.99. I don’t even know where to begin with this one. It’s a middle grade novel, but even the back of the book description kind of freaks me out. If you have a middle schooler looking for a ghost tale about a class trip gone wrong, this is a great option. Arden is known for creating rich, detailed worlds, and she puts that skill to work creating some memorable locations and characters.
Duck for President, by Doreen Cronin, $1.99. The wacky barnyard creatures from Click, Clack, Moo are back in this fun and topical picture book. When duck is tired of being asked to do work around the farm, he decides to hold and election and run against the farmer. This successful run leads to a turn as governor and eventually president. At each step along the way, Duck discovers that leading is actually a lot of work.
What is an Election?, by Caryn Jenner, $2.99. This leveled reader is a great introduction to basic concepts in the democratic process. It’s not America-specific; there’s a section on elections around the world. DK’s levels tend to be a bit more advanced that other easy readers. This one is suitable for kids who can read short paragraphs.
Secret Lives of the U.S. Presidents, by Cormac O’Brien, $2.99. Did you know that George Washington had leopard-skin robes made for his horses? Or that Thomas Jefferson smuggled rice from Europe in his pants? These weird facts and more will entertain and enlighten.
Thank You For Voting: The Maddening, Enlightening, Inspiring Truth About Voting in America, by Erin Geiger Smith, $3.99. Geiger Smith is a journalist who has been covering elections for years. In this book, she examines the reasons many people do not participate in elections. She traces the history of voting rights, social and economic factors, and issues that confuse or put off potential voters. The tone is engaging and helpful, with advice on how to encourage those around you to vote.
The Trail of Tears, by Joseph Bruchac, $4.99. This early chapter book does not shy away from the realities of The Trail of Tears. The author, a member of the Abenaki tribe, describes Chief John Ross leading the Cherokee people 1,200 miles to new territory Oklahoma. Hardship and injustices are described in detail appropriate for elementary readers. Don’t discount this book for older readers; the level 4 and 5 books from Step into Reading are great for concise and engaging reading on a narrow topic.
You Hold Me Up, by Monique Gray Smith and Danielle Daniel, $4.99. This sweet picture book describes the ways people look out for each other (e.g., kindness and sharing). The illustrations feature Native people young and old. You’ll find this book a great conversation starter for a discussion about empathy and community spirit.
Why Indigenous Literatures Matter, by Daniel Heath Justice, $4.99. Are you looking to learn more about Indigenous authors? This book, written by a scholar for a broader audience, is a great place to start. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In considering the connections between literature and lived experience, this book contemplates four key questions at the heart of Indigenous kinship traditions: How do we learn to be human? How do we become good relatives? How do we become good ancestors? How do we learn to live together? Blending personal narrative and broader historical and cultural analysis with close readings of key creative and critical texts, Justice argues that Indigenous writers engage with these questions in part to challenge settler-colonial policies and practices that have targeted Indigenous connections to land, history, family, and self. More importantly, Indigenous writers imaginatively engage the many ways that communities and individuals have sought to nurture these relationships and project them into the future. This provocative volume challenges readers to critically consider and rethink their assumptions about Indigenous literature, history, and politics while never forgetting the emotional connections of our shared humanity and the power of story to effect personal and social change. Written with a generalist reader firmly in mind, but addressing issues of interest to specialists in the field, this book welcomes new audiences to Indigenous literary studies while offering more seasoned readers a renewed appreciation for these transformative literary traditions.”
Hearts Unbroken, by Cynthia Leitich Smith, $0.99. High school is complicated for everyone, even more so in this YA novel about a community in racial and cultural conflict. Here’s the publisher’s description: “When Louise Wolfe’s first real boyfriend mocks and disrespects Native people in front of her, she breaks things off and dumps him over e-mail. It’s her senior year, anyway, and she’d rather spend her time with her family and friends and working on the school newspaper. The editors pair her up with Joey Kairouz, the ambitious new photojournalist, and in no time the paper’s staff find themselves with a major story to cover: the school musical director’s inclusive approach to casting The Wizard of Oz has been provoking backlash in their mostly white, middle-class Kansas town. From the newly formed Parents Against Revisionist Theater to anonymous threats, long-held prejudices are being laid bare and hostilities are spreading against teachers, parents, and students — especially the cast members at the center of the controversy, including Lou’s little brother, who’s playing the Tin Man. As tensions mount at school, so does a romance between Lou and Joey — but as she’s learned, ‘dating while Native’ can be difficult. In trying to protect her own heart, will Lou break Joey’s?”
Greenglass House, by Kate Milford, $1.99. OK, it would be false advertising to compare this book to The Westing Game, but if there is a contemporary literary descendant of Raskin's deliciously complex mystery, it's The Greenglass House—a genuine, bona fide middle grades mystery that gives its readers credit for being intelligent and that delivers a satisfying mystery, sophisticated character development, and a few (well set-up) twists along the way. Adopted innkeepers' son Milo and his friend—the cook's daughter, Meddy—unravel the clues to discover why their off-season inn is full of unexpected visitors, at least one of whom seems set on sabotaging Greenglass House. It's a terrific mystery. Highly recommended.
A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning, by Lemony Snicket, $2.99. The first book is Lemony Snicket’s hilariously tragic series chronicles the moment things begin to go terribly wrong in the lives of the ill-fated Baudelaire orphans. Kids will love the over-the-top storytelling; parents will be tickled by all the interesting words Snicket throws in.
The Thickety: A Path Begins, by J.A. White, $3.99. Looking for a seriously creepy and sometimes dark middle-grade fantasy? The Thickety does a good job of balancing real menace with imaginative storytelling. Here’s a bit of the publisher’s description: “When Kara Westfall was five years old, her mother was convicted of the worst of all crimes: witchcraft. Years later, Kara and her little brother, Taff, are still shunned by the people of their village, who believe that nothing is more evil than magic…except, perhaps, the mysterious forest that covers nearly the entire island. It has many names, this place. Sometimes it is called the Dark Wood, or Sordyr's Realm. But mostly it's called the Thickety. The villagers live in fear of the Thickety and the terrible creatures that live there. But when an unusual bird lures Kara into the forbidden forest, she discovers a strange book with unspeakable powers. A book that might have belonged to her mother. And that is just the beginning of the story.”
Spontaneous, by Aaron Starmer, $2.99. I just bought this one for myself! The idea of a darkly funny YA novel about a wave of spontaneous combustions just felt right for 2020. The publisher’s description hooked me. Will it do the same for you? “Mara Carlyle’s senior year is going as normally as could be expected, until fellow senior Katelyn Ogden explodes during third period pre-calc. Katelyn is the first, but she won’t be the last teenager to blow up without warning or explanation. As the national eye turns to Mara’s suburban New Jersey hometown, the FBI rolls in and the search for a reason is on. Mara narrates the end of their world as she knows it while trying to make it to graduation in one piece. It’s an explosive year punctuated by romance, quarantine, lifelong friendship, hallucinogenic mushrooms, bloggers, ice cream trucks, and Bon Jovi.”
Three Faces of Me, by R.L. Stine, $0.99. No one beats R.L. Stine for a kid-appropriate intro to the horror genre. Here’s the publisher’s description of this eerie tale: “When Ira Fishman wins a prize in the machine outside a candy store, he’s disappointed it’s not the squirt gun he had his eye on. The little black plastic box looks like a camera, but when Ira presses the green button on top, nothing happens. After dinner that night, Ira can’t believe what he sees in his room: a boy with the same clothes—and face—as Ira! He tries to get this second Ira to leave, but it’s no use. Deciding to have a little fun, Ira makes the boy go to school in his place—but it’s a disaster. The new Ira isn’t good at math like the real Ira, and he’s horrible at softball. Worst of all, he plays with the girls during recess! Ira’s clone is ruining his rep—fast. And when a third Ira shows up, Ira number one has to find a way to make the others disappear for good before his whole world is turned upside down. But how do you get rid of yourself?”
Turkey Trick of Treat, by Wendi Silvano, $0.99. The wacky turkey from Turkey Trouble is back, this time to celebrate Halloween! He wants candy, but the farmer will only give it to kids in costumes. Can he and the other barnyard animals trick the farmer into giving them treats?
Halloween Hustle, by Charlotte Gunnufson, $0.99. Kids will love the spooky-cute illustrations and the fun rhyming text. Skeleton is on his way to a party, and he can’t help but dance. But he has a problem — he keeps tripping and falling apart. Can he keep it together?
How to Build a Haunted House, by Frank Tupta, $1.99. In this rhyming story, classic monsters are are working together to make a spooky haunted house. The twist? It’s for vampire family in need!
The Magic Half, by Annie Barrows, $4.79. My daughter loved this series when she was in elementary school. When Miri’s family moves into a new house, she is thrilled with her interesting new room in the attic. Things get a little strange, and more interesting, when she discovers that her room is somehow connected to 1935 and a girl in need of help. Miri has to learn the secrets of this time travel to rescue Molly.
Stepping Stones: The Time Machine, by H.G. Wells and Les Martin, $3.99. The Stepping Stones series adapts classic literature to an early chapter book level. This adaptation of the H.G. Wells classic is heavy on the action and includes engaging illustrations. This is a great introduction to one of the foundational texts of science fiction.
Apples, Apples, Apples, by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace, $0.99. The bunny family is heading to the orchard to pick some fresh apples! They meet up with Farmer Miller, who explains the different varieties of apples and how they grow. When they have gathered all they need, they head home to make fresh applesauce (recipe included!). Wallace’s unique cut paper illustrations are very sweet.
The Seasons of Arnold’s Apple Tree, by Gail Gibbons, $4.99. Arnold has a favorite apple tree. He spends time in it throughout the year, picking fruit, smelling blossoms, feeding the birds, and basking in its shade. In simple language, Gibbons walks readers through a year in the life of a tree. Don’t miss the recipe for apple pie and the description of how a cider press works!
How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World, by Marjorie Priceman, $4.99. From our readalouds with recipes list: “As Carl Sagan once said, if you want to make an apple pie from scratch, first you have to create the universe. In this playful picture book, you don’t have to create the world but you do have to travel it, journeying around the globe to collect far-flung ingredients for the perfect apple pie.”
Apples and How They Grow, by Laura Driscoll, $4.99. Let your beginning reader read about apples on their own! This short and sweet nonfiction book is full of details about how apples grow. Kids (and adults) may be surprised to learn about grafting branches from one tree onto another.
We Dream of Space, by Erin Entrada Kelly, $1.99. That historical fiction is now set in the 1980s makes me feel a little old, but I’m excited to read this new middle grade novel. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Cash, who loves basketball but has a newly broken wrist, is in danger of failing seventh grade for the second time. Fitch spends every afternoon playing Major Havoc at the arcade on Main and wrestles with an explosive temper that he doesn’t understand. And Bird, his twelve-year-old twin, dreams of being NASA’s first female shuttle commander, but feels like she’s disappearing. The Thomas children exist in their own orbits, circling a tense and unpredictable household, with little in common except an enthusiastic science teacher named Ms. Salonga. As the launch of the Challenger approaches, Ms. Salonga gives her students a project—they are separated into spacecraft crews and must create and complete a mission. When the fated day finally arrives, it changes all of their lives and brings them together in unexpected ways.”
Space Opera, by Catherynne M. Valente, $1.99. Amy and Suzanne really enjoyed this book. Here’s what Amy has to say about it: “So earlier this fall, I told Suzanne that I needed to read something that would just make me happy, and she suggested this space saga. NEVER DOUBT SUZANNE. This zany, Douglas Adams-ish (and I don’t throw that around lightly) story centers around an intergalactic version of American Idol, in which planets compete not for record deals but for the right for their species to be considered sentient by the rest of the universe. All newly space-faring species must compete to prove their sentience — and if they come in last, their whole species will be wiped right out of existence. Now that Earth is in the space game, and the future of humanity is in the hands of aging 70s rocker Decibel Jones. It sounds wacky and all over the place because it is wacky and all over the place — but in a way that made me really happy.”
Suni Goes to Space, by Arthy Muthanna Singh and Mamta Nainy, $0.99. When Sunita Williams was young, she dreamed of going into space like Neil Armstrong. Singh and Nainy introduce us to Suni, the inquisitive and creative girl who grew up to become an astronaut.
Scream: Chilling Adventures in the Science of Fear, by Margee Kerr, $1.99. Why do we feel afraid? Why do we deliberately seek out horror movies and haunted houses? Sociologist Margee Kerr investigates the individual and societal experiences of fear. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Fear is a universal human experience, but do we really understand it? If we're so terrified of monsters and serial killers, why do we flock to the theaters to see them? Why do people avoid thinking about death, but jump out of planes and swim with sharks? For Kerr, there was only one way to find out. In this eye-opening, adventurous book, she takes us on a tour of the world's scariest experiences: into an abandoned prison long after dark, hanging by a cord from the highest tower in the Western hemisphere, and deep into Japan's mysterious ‘suicide forest.’ She even goes on a ghost hunt with a group of paranormal adventurers. Along the way, Kerr shows us the surprising science from the newest studies of fear -- what it means, how it works, and what it can do for us. Full of entertaining science and the thrills of a good ghost story, this book will make you think, laugh -- and scream.”
Alice in Zombieland, by Gena Showalter, $2.99. It’s Alice in Wonderland… sort of. With zombies! This YA zombie novel is filled with allusions to Wonderland.
His Hideous Heart: 13 of Edgar Allen Poe’s Most Unsettling Tales Reimagined, edited by Dahlia Adler, $2.99. Teens have loved Poe’s creepy tales for the last hundred and fifty years. Now they can experience the themes in new ways through this collection of modern short stories from big names in current YA.
Teach Your Own: The John Holt Book of Homeschooling, by John Holt and Pat Farenga, $2.99. John Holt is one of the founders of the modern homeschool movement. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In this expanded edition of the book that helped launch the whole movement, Pat Farenga has distilled John Holt's timeless understanding of the ways children come to understand the world and added up-to-the-moment legal, financial, and logistical advice. No parent even considering homeschooling should be without this wise and unique reference. Rather than proposing that parents turn their homes into miniature schools, Holt and Farenga demonstrate how ordinary parents can help children grow as social, active learners. Chapters on living with children, "serious play," children and work, and learning difficulties will fascinate and encourage parents and help them enjoy each "homeschool" day. John Holt's warm understanding of children and his passionate belief in every child's ability to learn have made this book the bible of homeschooling families everywhere.”
My Strong Mind: A Story about Developing Mental Strength, by Niels van Hove, $2.99. This is a pretty didactic but accessible book about developing good habits. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Kate faces several situations your children will face too. She applies a positive attitude to deal with her challenges. Amongst them are getting ready in time in the morning, doing cartwheels, standing in front of the whole class with show and tell and playing basketball. Kate applies techniques like goal setting, positive self-talk, accept failure as learning, visualisation of a problem, breathing or mindfulness exercise, gratitude, and controlled distraction. These tips to build a strong mind in children are presented in an easy to read, fun and practical way.”
It’s Okay to Make Mistakes, by Todd Parr, $1.99. Todd Parr’s books are like big, extra-tight hugs. His simple style is bold, funny, and diverse. For every mistake he mentions, he offers a hint at what can happen next (e.g., “It’s OK to not know the answer. Asking questions helps you learn.”) My toddler could recite Todd Parr books way before she could read them on her own.
Storybound, by Melissa Burt, $3.99. I haven’t had a chance to read this series yet, but it sounds like a delightful bookish adventure. Here’s the publisher’s description: “When Una Fairchild stumbles upon a mysterious book buried deep in the basement of her school library, she thinks nothing of opening the cover and diving in. But instead of paging through a regular novel, Una suddenly finds herself Written In to the land of Story—a world filled with Heroes and Villains and fairy-tale characters. But not everything in Story is as magical as it seems. Una must figure out why she has been Written In—and fast—before anyone else discovers her secret. Together with her new friend Peter and a talking cat named Sam, Una digs deep into Story's shadowy past. She quickly realizes that she is tied to the world in ways she never could have imagined—and it might be up to her to save it.”
A Dash of Magic, by Kathryn Littlewood, $3.99. The Bliss series is a mouth-watering literary treat. In this second book in the series, Rosemary is determined to retrieve the magical Cookery Booke that her aunt has stolen — even if it means facing off in an Iron Chef-style food battle. The competition takes the Bliss family to Paris, where the family rushes around famous sites collecting the magical ingredients Rosemary needs. There’s an excellent sense of place. If you enjoy this book, the sequel is also on sale.
Sleep, Big Bear, Sleep! by Maureen Wright, $0.99. It’s time to hibernate in this charming picture book. Bear knows there’s something he needs to do, but he keeps mishearing Old Man Winter’s “Sleep” message and instead thinks he is supposed to leap or sweep. It’s a sweet, funny story perfect for fall.
Scaredy Squirrel, by Melanie Watt, $0.99. Scaredy Squirrel wants to be prepared. He has all of his emergency gear at the ready, prepared for bees, Martians, whatever might happen. He prefers to stick to his safe, steady routine. When a chance encounter causes him to leap into the unknown, he gets a big surprise.
Shampoodle, by Joan Holub, $3.99. This fun easy reader will have kids giggling! The funny, rhyming text describes a day at the dog groomer. The dogs are all very exuberant, even before a cat wanders in and causes mayhem. I love the pictures in this one; there’s lots to see!
Bad Kitty Camp Daze, by Nick Bruel, $4.96. Bad Kitty has an attitude problem that will endear her to surly children everywhere. Bruel built on his picture book series with these early chapter books that contain lots of illustrated action. When Bad Kittle sneaks away to Uncle Murray’s Camp for Stressed-Out Dogs, she learns more than she bargains for about the natural world.
The Hobbits of Tolkien: An Illustrated Exploration of Tolkien’s Hobbits and the Sources that Inspired His Work From Myth, Legend, and History, by David Day, $3.99. Want to know more about the mythology behind Middle Earth? Curious about the etymology of some place names and people? This book perfectly balances detailed research with cozy illustrations. The author has written similar volumes about other elements of Tolkien’s work.
A Dictionary of Sources of Tolkien: The History and Mythology That Inspired Tolkien’s World, by David Day, $3.99. I enjoy sweeping fantasy, but I definitely struggle to keep all the names and places straight. In this extensive volume, Day provides information about all the proper nouns of Middle Earth, both their relevance to the narrative and their allusions to other literary traditions.
An Unexpected Cookbook: The Unofficial Book of Hobbit Cookery, by Chris-Rachael Oseland, $5.99. This book is more expensive than my typical Kindle deals, but I didn’t think we could properly celebrate Hobbit Day without at least one food book. The recipes are broken up into all seven Hobbit meals, with delicious treats like Lavender and Lemon Bread, Yorkshire Pudding, and Honey Cakes. You’ll find detailed recipe notes and mouthwatering photos throughout.
Fear of Physics: A Guide for the Perplexed, by Lawrence M. Krauss, $1.99. Krauss is a theoretical physicist who works on the deepest mysteries of the universe. But don’t let that intimidate you! Here’s the publisher’s description: “Assume the cow is a sphere." So begins this lively, irreverent, and informative look at everything from the physics of boiling water to cutting-edge research at the observable limits of the universe. Rich with anecdotes and accessible examples, Fear of Physics nimbly ranges over the tools and thought behind the world of modern physics, taking the mystery out of what is essentially a very human intellectual endeavour.”
Caesar’s Last Breath: Decoding the Secrets of the Air Around Us, by Sam Kean, $2.99. Science writer Sam Kean has written about the chemical elements, neuroscience, genetics, and the creation of the atomic bomb. In this book, he explores the air around us and the molecules we find within it. He travels throughout history and across several continents in his quest to understand the air we breathe.
Scienceblind: Why Our Intuitive Theories About the World Are So Often Wrong, by Andrew Shtulman, $4.99. Our brains are wired to make connections that help us make sense of the world. But that does not mean that our brains always interpret the world correctly. Cognitive psychologist Andrew Shtulman explains the reasons why people tend to believe weird things in this fascinating book. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Why do we catch colds? What causes seasons to change? And if you fire a bullet from a gun and drop one from your hand, which bullet hits the ground first? In a pinch we almost always get these questions wrong. Worse, we regularly misconstrue fundamental qualities of the world around us. In Scienceblind, cognitive and developmental psychologist Andrew Shtulman shows that the root of our misconceptions lies in the theories about the world we develop as children. They're not only wrong, they close our minds to ideas inconsistent with them, making us unable to learn science later in life. So how do we get the world right? We must dismantle our intuitive theories and rebuild our knowledge from its foundations. The reward won't just be a truer picture of the world, but clearer solutions to many controversies -- around vaccines, climate change, or evolution -- that plague our politics today.”
Uncommon Paper Flowers: Extraordinary Botanicals and How to Craft Them, by Kate Alcaron, $2.99. You’ve made a paper rose before, now get ready to try something unique! Alcaron has collected 30 unusual plants and created paper models of them. The book contains detailed botanical descriptions, an extensive technique section, and templates for creating your own dramatic floral display.
Parenting in a Pandemic: How to Help Your Family Through Covid-19, by Kelly Fradin, $0.99. This just came out and will (I hope) only be useful for a limited time, but the price is right and the advice is solid. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Parents are burning out while kids need more help than ever. With so many families in crisis, pediatrician and child advocate Dr. Kelly Fradin sees an urgent need for help. As a mother of two, Dr. Fradin shares practical, evidence-based and reassuring advice on what families need to know. Parents are forced to make decisions now despite seemingly constant change and many unknowns. In Parenting in a Pandemic, Dr. Fradin provides the information and strategies you need to help navigate coronavirus. The book reviews the science necessary to understand the news and care for your family. Dr. Fradin explains the specific risks of coronavirus to children of all ages and adults, including parents, grandparents, pregnant women, and essential workers. She gives realistic strategies you can use to improve this time for your family whether you are protecting a newborn, virtually schooling or convincing a teen to physically distance.”
The House Takes a Vacation, by Jacqueline Davies, $0.99. Get ready for a surreal and wacky adventure! When the house’s people go on vacation, the house decides to take its own trip. Kids and adults will enjoy the pun-filled text and personality-filled illustrations.
Little House in the Big Woods, by Laura Ingalls Wilder, $3.99. The Little House books are among the most read children’s books of all time, and with good reason. Wilder does a tremendous job of creating a vivid and inviting glimpse into life on the frontier. Later books in the series have problematic depictions of conflicts with Native Americans and have not aged well. Little House in the Big Woods, however, is a cozy and gentle peek into the past. Read this one by candle or fire as the temperatures start to dip this fall!
The Hero’s Guide to Saving Your Kingdom, by Christopher Healy, $3.99. You think you know the classic fairytale stories, but they are usually centered around the princesses. This fun middle grade series focuses on the princes. After the “happily ever after” the princes discover that their kingdoms are in danger, and they set off take on all kinds of mythical monsters. This fun and funny book is the first in a series that your middle-grade reader will love.
The Element Encyclopedia of Magical Creatures, by John and Caitlin Matthews, $3.99. Looking for a reference on obscure creatures? Every time I open this book, I discover a new mythological animal I haven’t heard of before. Here’s the publisher’s description: “From unicorns and trolls to werewolves and griffins, this comprehensive guide is the key to discovering every magical creature from myth, folklore and legend around the world. This compendium of magical creatures explores the history, folklore and mythology of fascinating beasts throughout all the magical worlds. Including stories, celebrations, traditions, and amazing facts, the book spans every major culture across the globe.”
Steampunk! An Anthology of Fantastically Rich and Strange Stories, edited by Kelly Link and Gavin J. Grant, $0.99. Are you new to steampunk but interested in exploring alternate versions of the world shaped by a different series of technological innovations? This anthology will introduce you to many excellent YA steampunk authors. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Imagine an alternate universe where romance and technology reign. Where tinkerers and dreamers craft and re-craft a world of automatons, clockworks, calculating machines, and other marvels that never were. Where scientists and schoolgirls, fair folk and Romans, intergalactic bandits, utopian revolutionaries, and intrepid orphans solve crimes, escape from monstrous predicaments, consult oracles, and hover over volcanoes in steam-powered airships. Here, fourteen masters of speculative fiction, including two graphic storytellers, embrace the genre's established themes and refashion them in surprising ways and settings as diverse as Appalachia, ancient Rome, future Australia, and alternate California. Visionaries Kelly Link and Gavin J. Grant have invited all-new explorations and expansions, taking a genre already rich, strange, and inventive in the extreme and challenging contributors to remake it from the ground up. The result is an anthology that defies its genre even as it defines it.”
The Wonderling, by Mira Bartok, $0.99. In Mira Bartok’s imagined world, groundlings are creatures that are part animal, part human. Thirteen, a fox groundling, escapes the Dickensian workhouse where has been raised and sets off on an adventure of his own. The tone is similar to Lemony Snicket, but the story is entirely unique, full of mechanical details and animals with extraordinary abilities. Put this strange and interesting book in the hands of your middle-grade reader!
My Robots: The Robotic Genius of Lady Regina Bonquers III, by Johan Olander, $3.99. Olander creates such interesting books! This heavily illustrated book purports to be the design scrapbook of an elusive roboticist. Lady Regina has created bots to fight fires, pluck nose hairs, and even give hugs. Kids will enjoy all the details of the development process, the unique visual style, and a frisson of mystery over Lady Regina’s whereabouts.
The Last Kids on Earth, by Max Brallier, $1.99. Are you ready for some funny post-apocalyptic lit for kids? This madcap adventure mixes peril, gross out humor, and teamwork as an unlikely band of teens works to save the day and stay alive. It’s a middle grade chapter book riddled with exciting and gruesome illustrations. If this sounds like something you’d be into, several books in the series are on sale today.
Big History: From the Big Bang to the Present, by Cynthia Stokes Brown, $3.99. The Big History movement combines science with history to study Earth from the moment of the big bang all the way through current events. Brown does a remarkable job finding through lines in the vast sweep of history. Each era is necessarily brief, but readers will be pleased to see that the history is not overly focused on Western civilization.
Bear and Fred: A World War II Story, by Iris Argaman, $4.99. Picture books can make challenging subjects understandable for small children. In this book, Israeli author Iris Argaman tells the true story of a boy’s time hiding from Nazis during WWII — from the perspective of his loyal teddy bear. It’s a tough but uplifting story that gently introduces the topic of the Holocaust.
Sleepover Larry, by Daniel Pinkwater, $3.99. Larry is a dapper polar bear who lives in a hotel owned by his human family. When Larry learns the concept of sleepovers, he is determined to have a great one with his bear friends from the zoo!
National Geographic Readers: Bears, by Elizabeth Carney, $3.99. Learn about bear species from all over the world in this fun, brightly illustrated easy reader. Sections cover habitats, adaptations, diet, cubs, and more. The level 3 books pack in a lot of detail without complicated vocabulary.
Magic Tree House: Polar Bears Past Bedtime, by Mary Pope Osborne, $3.99. Jack and Annie are off on another adventure, this time to the Arctic! They encounter indigenous hunters, polar bears, the Northern Lights, and more. The Magic Tree House series is great for beginning readers who are looking for fast-paced, exciting (but short) chapter books.
Bibliophile: An Illustrated Miscellany, by Jane Mount, $2.99. This is a literary bonbon for any book lover. As the title suggests, it’s a wonderful collection of miscellaneous facts about books, writers, bookstores, characters, and more. I can almost guarantee that you will find a new author to check out, or even a new favorite book, in the illustrated book lists.
The Man Who Made Lists: Love, Death, Madness, and the Creation of Roget’s Thesaurus, by Joshua Kendall. When I was a kid, I found thesauruses fascinating. I loved flipping through themed lists of words. I don’t think many kids use paper thesauruses now; the function built into your word processor isn’t really the same. Whether you are nostalgic for your childhood thesaurus or have never really used one, you’ll find the story behind the creation of the first modern thesaurus unexpectedly fascinating. Here’s a brief publisher’s description: “Polymath, eccentric, and synonym aficionado, Peter Mark Roget had a host of female admirers, was one of the first to test the effects of laughing gas, invented the slide rule, and narrowly escaped jail in Napoleon's France. But Roget is best known for making lists. After the tragic turmoil of his early life (both his mother and sister were institutionalized), Roget longed for order in his chaotic world. At the age of eight, he began his quest to put everything in its rightful place, one word at a time. This is the fascinating story of a driven man and a brilliant scholar-and the legacy he has left for generations.”
A Spy in the House, by Y.S. Lee, $0.99. This is the first in a series of YA historical mysteries about a young Asian sleuth in Victorian London. Mary is an orphan doomed for the gallows when she is rescued and offered a position at the mysterious Miss Scrimshaw’s Academy for Girls. The school is the training ground for an elite group of detectives who can infiltrate high society households. Lee does an excellent job of offering the gritty details of the Victorian city while staying away from graphic details. The immigrant experience is rarely discussed in historical fiction, so this series provides an interesting perspective.
The March on Washington, by Bonnie Bader, $3.99. American Girl has been bringing accessible historical fiction to early readers for more than 30 years. More recently, the company has published factual companion books that provide deeper background into important events. This book about the 1963 March on Washington includes photos, timelines, maps, and a bibliography for more research.
One Crazy Summer, by Rita Williams-Garcia, $4.99. When the three Gaither sisters travel to California to spend time with their estranged mother, they are expecting movie stars and Disneyland. What they actually experience is a little different: summer camp run by the Black Panthers. The girls spend the next four weeks learning about the movement and discovering their own identities. This work of historical fiction set in 1968 is a nice point of entry for a discussion about the Civil Rights movement and the Black Panthers.
Susan B. Anthony: Her Fight for Equal Rights, by Monica Kulling, $4.99. Get to know one of America’s strongest proponents of women’s voting rights, Susan B. Anthony, in this book for early readers. Anthony was determined to vote in an election, even though it was illegal for women to do so at the time. Her civil disobedience led to her arrest. Young readers will learn about how Anthony’s actions paved the way for the 19th Amendment.
Lillian’s Right to Vote: A Celebration of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, by Jonah Winter and Shane W. Evans, $4.99. Sadly, the 19th Amendment did not make voting accessible to ALL women. In many places, unfair practices like poll taxes, complicated literacy tests, and property ownership rules made it nearly impossible for people of color to vote. In this moving picture book, an old woman reminisces about her family’s history and the many barriers to voting they faced.
The Women’s Suffrage Movement, edited by Sally Roesch Wagner, $4.99. What is the study of history without primary sources? This great collection from Penguin Classics looks at the quest for women’s rights in a delightfully intersectional array of essays, letters, speeches, and other texts. Readers will discover Black and Native American women whose ideas were crucial to the movement but have been overlooked in historical accounts.
The Templeton Twins Have an Idea, by Ellis Weiner, $0.99. If your reader has plowed the A Series of Unfortunate Events and would like something with a similar feel, look no further. The Templetons feel very similar to the Baudelaires. A snippet from the book description gives you an excellent feel for the tone: “Suppose there were 12-year-old twins, a boy and girl named John and Abigail Templeton. Let's say John was pragmatic and played the drums, and Abigail was theoretical and solved cryptic crosswords. Now suppose their father was a brilliant, if sometimes confused, inventor. And suppose that another set of twins—adults—named Dean D. Dean and Dan D. Dean, kidnapped the Templeton twins and their ridiculous dog in order to get their father to turn over one of his genius (sort of) inventions. Yes, I said kidnapped. Wouldn't it be fun to read about that? Oh please. It would so. Luckily for you, this is just the first in a series perfect for boys and girls who are smart, clever, and funny (just like the twins), and enjoy reading adventurous stories (who doesn't?!).”
Ella Enchanted, by Gail Carson Levine, $1.99. This Newberry Honor book has been beloved for two decades, and with good reason. A unique twist on the Cinderella story, this book focuses on Ella, a girl who has been cursed (“gifted”?) with obedience to others’ orders. In order to break this curse, she must track down and convince the fairy godmother who bestowed it.
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.
801 Things You Should Know: From Greek Philosophy to Today’s Technology, by David Olsen, $1.99. You’re a smart person. You’ve probably heard of many of the concepts and events in this book. But you may not be clear on all the details. This collection of short entries about everything from politics to medical terminology to economic principals will serve as a great introduction or refresher. Hand this to a tween/teen along with a newspaper — they’ll be able to quickly get background on unfamiliar terms like bear markets, the Hundred Years’ War, and the Invisible Hand theory.
A Field Guide to Monsters, by Johan Olander, $0.99. Olander is a “monstrologist” who documents monsters’ behavior in the wild. In this whimsical and imaginative book, he collects illustrations and artifacts from the Slobber Bug, Beach Krill, Tadpole-Monster, and other previously unknown (aka imaginary) creatures. It would be fun to compare this book with other, more scientific field guides.
Iron Hearted Violet, by Kelly Barnhill, $1.99. Kelly Barnhill tells such compelling twists on fairytale tropes. In this book, Princess Violet must work with the last dragon alive to protect the world from an evil being she has only read about in a forbidden book. Violet is brave, but not beautiful, strong, but not perfect.
The Menagerie, by Tui T. Sutherland and Kari Sutherland, $3.99. If your middle-grade reader enjoys books where the magical world bumps into the real world, The Menagerie series may be the perfect next adventure. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In the small town of Xanadu, Wyoming lies the Menagerie, a top secret facility filled with unicorns, dragons, phoenixes, and other fairy tale creatures. At least, it was a secret—until six griffin cubs escaped. If Logan and Zoe don’t get the cubs back fast, the entire Menagerie will be shut down. The race is on and the resulting adventure is only the beginning of a thrilling series that will leave readers wanting a magical menagerie of their very own.”
An Optimist’s Tour of the Future, by Mark Stevenson, $4.99. My husband loves this book, which does a great job of musing about how technology could change our future for the better. Here’s the publisher’s description: “When unexpectedly confronted with his own mortality, Mark Stevenson-a writer, deep-thinker, and stand-up comedian-began to ponder what the future holds for our species. ‘The past is a foreign country,’ writes Stevenson. ‘By my analysis it's a bit like France-in that I've been to parts of it and eaten some nice food there. But the future? The future is an unknown territory-and there isn't a guidebook.’ Thus, his ambition was born. Stevenson set out simply, asking, ‘What's next?’ and then traveled the globe in pursuit of the answers. Along the way, he visited the Australian outback to visit the farmers who can save us from climate change, met a robot with mood swings, and talked to the Spaniard who's putting a hotel in space. While some might be overwhelmed, or even dismayed by the looming realities of genome sequencing, synthetic biology, a nuclear renaissance, and carbon scrubbing, Stevenson remains, well, optimistic. Drawing on his singular humor and storytelling to break down these sometimes complicated discoveries, An Optimist's Tour of the Future paints a wonderfully readable, and completely enthralling portrait of where we'll be when we grow up- and why it's not so scary.”
50 Ways to Beat Boredom with LEGO Bricks, by DK Publishing, $0.99. If your house is anything like mine, you have no shortage of LEGO pieces. This short book introduces 50 quick activities and games using the beloved building materials. Build a mountain to create a 3D game board (instructions for a spinner also included) or design a functional piggy bank! This is an idea book, not a book of detailed instructions, but it’s a great jumping off point for an hour or a day of LEGO exploration. Note: If you already have 365 Things to Do with LEGO Bricks, you don’t need this book; this book is a shorter extract of that one.
Would You Rather? Made You Think Edition, by Lindsey Daly, $0.99. They start simple: “Would you rather kiss a fish that’s living in a radioactive pond or roll down a hill while hugging a porcupine?” The questions only get more interesting from there. Turn the questions into a game by scoring points for the best reasoning (guidelines are given in the introduction).
Diary of a Pug: Pug Blasts Off, by Kyla May, $2.99. Meet Bub, aka Baron von Bubbles, beloved pet of Bella. He loves doing everything with his human, so when she enters an invention contest, Bub is determined to help her. But this means he needs to deal with his squirrel nemesis, Nutz. This fun, brightly colored diary is full of wacky adventures and adorable illustrations. Early chapter book readers will love it!
Chickadee, by Louise Erdrich, $4.49. Chickadee takes place within the family introduced in Birchbark House. Omakayas is grown with a family of her own, and this story focuses on her twin sons, Chickadee and Makoons. After a prank gone wrong, Chickadee is kidnapped by angry men. This is the tale of Chickadee’s long path to reunion with his family. As with Erdrich’s other books, Chickadee’s story is filled with vivid details about Ojibwe life and traditions.
Young Water Protetctors: A Story About Standing Rock, by Aslan and Kelly Tudor, $2.99. Aslan Tudor was 10 years old when he wrote this book about his time participating in the Standing Rock protests. This is a great, age appropriate introduction to the conflict between native peoples and developers of the Dakota Access Pipeline.
My Heart Fills with Happiness, by Monique Gray Smith, $4.99. This sweet picture book introduces many things that bring happiness — good smells, good friends, and the beauty of nature. The lovely illustrations show many elements in the life on an indigenous family.
The Odds of Loving Grover Cleveland, by Rebekah Crane, $0.99. This Grover Cleveland isn’t a president; he’s a resident at Camp Padua, a summer program for at-risk teens. When Zander’s parents insist she leave home to attend camp, she is sure that she won’t fit in. She’s surprised to make connections with her fellow campers, even though they are all dealing with big problems of their own. This tough but ultimately hopeful novel is also filled with darkly funny moments.
The Mermaid’s Sister, by Carrie Anne Noble, $0.99. I haven’t read this YA fantasy novel yet, but it’s definitely on my To Read list. Here’s the publisher’s summary: In a cottage high atop Llanfair Mountain, sixteen-year-old Clara lives with her sister, Maren, and guardian Auntie. By day, they gather herbs for Auntie’s healing potions; by night, Auntie spins tales of faraway lands and wicked fairies. Clara’s favorite story tells of three orphaned infants—Clara, who was brought to Auntie by a stork; Maren, who arrived in a seashell; and their best friend, O’Neill, who was found beneath an apple tree. One day, Clara discovers iridescent scales just beneath her sister’s skin: Maren is becoming a mermaid and must be taken to the sea or she will die. So Clara, O’Neill, and the mermaid-girl set out for the shore. But the trio encounters trouble around every bend. Ensnared by an evil troupe of traveling performers, Clara and O’Neill must find a way to save themselves and the ever-weakening Maren.
The Testing, by Joelle Charbonneau, $1.99. Calling all fans of The Hunger Games or Divergent! This series should scratch that dystopian coming-of-age itch. Here’s a summary from the publisher: “It’s graduation day for sixteen-year-old Malencia Vale, and the entire Five Lakes Colony (the former Great Lakes) is celebrating. All Cia can think about—hope for—is whether she’ll be chosen for The Testing, a United Commonwealth program that selects the best and brightest new graduates to become possible leaders of the slowly revitalizing post-war civilization. When Cia is chosen, her father finally tells her about his own nightmarish half-memories of The Testing. Armed with his dire warnings (“Cia, trust no one”), she bravely heads off to Tosu City, far away from friends and family, perhaps forever. Danger, romance—and sheer terror—await.”
Princess Academy, by Shannon Hale, $0.99. You may be starting to get the impression that I love Shannon Hale, and you would be right. Princess Academy is the first in a middle grade series about a land where a rich urban royal class benefits from the poorly paid labor of all the surrounding towns. When it is decided that the Prince’s wife should come from Miri’s village, all the teen girls are rounded up and sent to a school where they will be taught the ways of court. Booklist says, “Hale nicely interweaves feminist sensibilities in this quest-for-a-prince-charming, historical-fantasy tale. Strong suspense and plot drive the action as the girls outwit would-be kidnappers and explore the boundaries of leadership, competition, and friendship.” If you are looking for books with strong heroines who overcome difficulties to make a difference in their world, this is the book for you.
Bound: 15 Beautiful Bookbinding Projects, by Rachel Hazell, $3.99. If your family is anything like mine, you probably have dozens of stories your kids have written and illustrated. Why not turn them into an art project by binding them into book form? Or set yourself up for a new school year by creating small notebooks for nature observations or other projects. This book goes through multiple styles, from basic to complex, with step by step instructions.
Mini Weapons of Mass Destruction: Make Mayhem from your Stationery with 35 Models to Build Yourself, by John Austin, $3.99. Do you have pens, rubber bands, and plastic utensils? If so, you’re ready to build a catapult or trebuchet! All of these weapons are small scale but need adult supervision to prevent injury. Keep this book as a resource for discussing wars and weaponry throughout history.
American Heritage History of Flight, by Arthur Gordon, $1.99. This detailed look at aviation begins with ancient attempts to harness the wind and moves through modern technological innovations. While there are few illustrations, the Kindle version includes in-text links to Wikipedia for additional information and visuals.
National Geographic Readers: Planes, by Amy Shields, $4.99. If you are looking for a detailed book that your early elementary students can read on their own, the National Geographic Reader series is a great place to start. This one covers all types of planes, including some unusual ones (have you ever seen the inside of a C-17?) sure to pique interest.
Amazing Airplanes, by Tony Mitton, $3.54. For our youngest family members, we have this bright and simple picture book. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Buckle up to learn all about flying! Amazing Airplanes follows the animal crew, as they become pilots, baggage handlers, and air stewards. Each page is filled with details that machine-mad kids love, such as the cockpit, landing gear, and much more. This book is perfect for budding pilots or happy vacationers! From airplanes to fire engines, the internationally bestselling Amazing Machines series is the perfect way for children to learn about all sorts of vehicles! Each book introduces a new vehicle and the jobs it can do. Bright, engaging artwork and simple, rhyming text combine to make these fantastic books for young children. Kids will love getting to know the friendly, animal characters who feature throughout the series and reading about their fast-paced adventures!”
Her Right Foot, by Dave Eggers, $2.99. This beautiful picture book takes a look at the history of the Statue of Liberty. More than that, Eggers uses the statue to address the inherent freedoms that form the basis of American culture and government. Shawn Harris’s mixed-media illustrations are simple but visually interesting.
Epic Fails: Not-So-Great Presidents, by Ben Thompson and Erik Slader. This newer history series is a lot of fun for middle-grade readers. Rather than focusing on successes, the authors emphasize foibles (e.g., Washington’s mistakes early in his career as a British soldier, Nixon’s Watergate scandal). The result is humanizing; presidents are just people, and everyone makes mistakes. The tone is light and full of contemporary references. A good choice for history fans and history skeptics!
Small Wonders: Jean-Henri Fabre and His World of Insects, by Matthew Clark Smith, $3.99. Fabre is one of the most famous naturalists in history. His interest started when he was a small child fascinated by moths, wasps, and other insects. Instead of merely collecting and dissecting them, Fabre was among the first to study insect behavior in the natural environment.
Microadventures: Local Discoveries, Great Escapes, by Alastair Humphreys, $4.99. The adventures are small, but the world is large! Humphreys is a naturalist and adventurer who has explored all over the world. This book focuses on really getting to know the world right around you. These outdoor adventures can be accomplished in a day or less, with minimal supplies. Humphreys encourages you to chase down a full moon, explore woods and forests, swim in a river, and more. Humphreys is based in the UK, so some of the challenges may not be applicable (e.g., there are few places in the US where you can walk from coast to coast), but most can be adapted to any local environment. This book is perfect for a family looking for new recreation ideas during the pandemic.
Rules, by Cynthia Lord, $3.99. Catherine loves her brother, but she’s not always nice to him. He has autism, and she has created a long list of rules for him to follow so that he doesn’t embarrass her in public. When she meets Jason, a paraplegic who uses a wheelchair and communicates through picture cards, Catherine begins to realize that there’s no one “normal” way to be, and that she needs to find more acceptance and understanding for others, even her own brother.
Freak the Mighty, by Rodman Philbrick, $3.99. This classic story of an unusual friendship has been made into a movie. Kevin has a disorder that prevents him from growing; Max is large for his age and struggles with learning disabilities. Together, Kevin and Max form “Freak the Mighty,” with Kevin riding Max’s shoulders as they explore their surroundings and defeat bullies. Both boys have unique perspectives. Content warning: this book is poignant and tragic.
Missing Math: A Number Mystery, by Loreen Leedy, $3.99. This bright and fun picture book will convince kids of the importance of numbers. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In Missing Math, the numbers all over town suddenly disappear. The animals can’t count, use the phone, or even find out what time it is. Rulers, money, and computers have all become completely useless. . . . Can the town’s detective solve this numerical mystery? Will he ever bring the numbers back home again? Loreen Leedy’s clever rhyming text PLUS her amusing digitally painted illustrations EQUALS proof that we need math each and every day.”
Alone: A Story of Friendship in the Darkness of Space, by Scott Stuart, $0.99. Earth is all alone in space, so it goes off looking for a friend. This sweet, fanciful book includes a few interesting scientific tidbits.
Blast Off to the Moon! by Lauren Gunderson, $3.99. Dr. Wonderful just wants to know why things happen, and she’s willing to explore to find out. When she becomes curious about why the moon changes shape each night, she and her dog decide to go up into space for research. Kids will love the funny illustrations; parents will appreciate the way Dr. Wonderful carefully works through the scientific process to answer her questions.
The Upside of Falling Down, by Rebekah Crane, $1.99. A coming-of-age novel with an unusual twist: Clementine is the sole survivor of a plane crash, and she’s now in Ireland suffering from amnesia. Here’s the plot summary: “With the relentless Irish press bearing down on her, and a father she may not even recognize on his way from America to take her home, Clementine assumes a new identity and enlists a blue-eyed Irish stranger, Kieran O’Connell, to help her escape her forgotten life…and start a new one. Hiding out in the sleepy town of Waterville, Ireland, Clementine discovers there’s an upside to a life that’s fallen apart. But as her lies grow, so does her affection for Kieran, and the truth about her identity becomes harder and harder to reveal, forcing Clementine to decide: Can she leave her past behind for a new love she’ll never forget?”
Zoey and Sassafras: Dragons and Marshmallows, by Asia Citro, $1.99. Science can be magic! Zoey and her cat Sassafras have a big secret: magical creatures are real and come to them for help! Zoey is a budding scientist and uses the scientific method to figure out what is wrong with a sick dragon. This is the first in a series; the short chapters, charming illustrations, and simple language make these books a good choice for budding readers.
What Lives in a Shell? by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld, $2.99. This charming book from the “Let’s Read and Find Out” series is a great introduction to crustaceans and other shelled creatures for early elementary readers. Detailed illustrations introduce clams, snails, crabs, and more.
A Tale of Two Cities, by Charles Dickens, $2.99. A classic adventure from Charles Dickens presents the story of the French Revolution through the eyes of the aristocrats, opportunists, and spies of Paris. Break out your knitting needles and settle in for an engrossing read. This edition includes a brief biography of Dickens and some contextual material.
I Survived The Battle of D-Day, by Lauren Tarshis, $3.99. My elementary-schooler has enjoyed several of the books in this series about deadly wars, plagues, and natural disasters. Each book includes a fictionalized story and a short section of historical information. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Eleven-year-old Paul's French village has been under Nazi control for years. His Jewish best friend has disappeared. Food is scarce. And there doesn't seem to be anything Paul can do to make things better. Then Paul finds an American paratrooper in a tree near his home. The soldier says the Allies have a plan to crush the Nazis once and for all. But the soldier needs Paul's help. This is Paul's chance to make a difference. Soon he finds himself in the midst of the largest invasion in history. Can he do his part to turn horror into hope?”
Magic Tree House: Night of the New Magicians, by Mary Pope Osborne, $3.99. Jack and Annie are heading to France! Merlin has sent them to pass along a message to four magicians at the 1889 World’s Fair in Paris. This is a “Merlin Mission,” so it is longer and more involved than the original Magic Tree House books.
Zane and the Hurricane: A Story of Katrina, by Rodman Philbrick, $3.99. Zane doesn’t know New Orleans well; he is visiting his great-grandmother when Hurricane Katrina makes landfall. After chasing his runaway dog, he finds himself fending for himself until he is rescued by a passing canoe. Philbrick includes realistic historical details and deftly addresses issues of race, class, and privilege.
Gandhi: A March to the Sea, by Alice B. McGinty, $1.99. This picture book with beautiful painted illustrations focuses on the nonviolent Satyagraha movement. There’s a free educator’s guide available as a PDF.
The Sky Painter: Louis Fuertes, Bird Artist, by Margarita Engle, $1.99. I will admit that I had never heard of Fuertes before I discovered this book. Thank you, Margarita Engle, for introducing me to his beautiful work. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Louis loves to watch birds. He takes care of injured birds and studies how they look and how they move. His father wants him to become an engineer, but Louis dreams of being a bird artist. To achieve this dream, he must practice, practice, practice. He learns from the art of John James Audubon. But as Louis grows up, he begins to draw and paint living, flying birds in their natural habitats. Louis Agassiz Fuertes (1874–1927) is now known as the father of modern bird art. He traveled with many scientific expeditions all over the world. His best-known works—paintings for habitat exhibits at the American Museum of Natural History in New York—are still beloved by visitors today. His art helped to encourage wildlife conservation, inspiring people to celebrate and protect the world of wings. Poems by Newbery Honor–winning author Margarita Engle and illustrations by Aliona Bereghici capture the life of Louis Fuertes and the deep sense of wonder that he felt when he painted the sky.”
Escape North! The Story of Harriet Tubman, by Monica Kulling, $4.99. I found my copy of this book at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park (which is great and you should go!). As I’ve mentioned before, I really like the higher level nonfiction “Step into Reading” books for providing a solid foundation on a topic at the elementary level. Kids will learn about Tubman’s missions escorting enslaved people to freedom, but also about her work as a spy and women’s rights advocate.
Frog and Toad are Friends, by Arnold Lobel, $4.99. This is an easy reader classic! Frog and Toad are not always alike, but they are always there for each other. Join them on their funny adventures swimming, looking for a lost button, and waiting for a letter. Fun pictures and few words on each page make this the perfect first chapter book for a new reader.
I am (Not) Scared, by Anna Kang, $1.99. The bears from You are (Not) Small and That’s (Not) Mine are back with a trip to the amusement park. They are frightened of, and exhilarated by, a whole host of new experiences and discover that being together can make hard things seem less scary.
A Snicker of Magic, by Natalie Lloyd, $3.99. My daughter loves this book! Here’s what she says: “A shy girl who’s been traveling around her whole life moves to a town that used to have magic. She learns that her ancestors were cursed and becomes determined to break the curse. This is a really heartwarming book, and I recommend it to people who like The Magic Half.”
Give Yourself Goosebumps: Tick Tock, You’re Dead, by R.L. Stine. A scary Goosebumps novel where you get to choose how the story turns out? Sign me up for this perfect campfire read!
Kindle Deals for October 22, 2020
Another round of spooky reads for October!
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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At the Old Haunted House, by Helen Ketteman, $0.99. Get ready for a fun remake of the classic song “Over in the Meadow.” This spooky twist on a counting song will be perfect for your Halloween math lessons. Count up the monsters, cats, goblins, witches and other creatures. There are lots of classic horror characters, but don’t worry — they are all having a good time and aren’t very scary.
Coraline, by Neil Gaiman, $2.99. Coraline is a classic creepy tale about a girl who discovers an alternate version of her reality when she moves to a new house. At first the new house and new family seems like all Coraline has ever wanted, but things are not as they seem. I will never look at a Lalaloopsy doll in the same way having read this book.
Pumpkinheads, by Rainbow Rowell and Faith Erin Hicks, $2.99. This YA graphic novel about two teens working in a pumpkin patch is just about the most autumnal book I have read. Deja and Josiah have worked together for all of high school, but this year is their last time before they move on to college. Deja is determined to close out the season with amazing memories.
Anya’s Ghost, by Vera Brosgol, $2.99. Here’s a poignant graphic novel with a spooky twist. Check out the publisher’s description: “Anya could really use a friend. But her new BFF isn't kidding about the "Forever" part . . . Of all the things Anya expected to find at the bottom of an old well, a new friend was not one of them. Especially not a new friend who's been dead for a century. Falling down a well is bad enough, but Anya's normal life might actually be worse. She's embarrassed by her family, self-conscious about her body, and she's pretty much given up on fitting in at school. A new friend—even a ghost—is just what she needs. Or so she thinks. Spooky, sardonic, and secretly sincere, Anya's Ghost is a wonderfully entertaining debut from author/artist Vera Brosgol.”
STILL ON SALE
The Silver Arrow, by Lev Grossman, $2.99. This new release is one of my daughter’s favorite books of 2020! When Kate’s uncle bring her a very unusual birthday present (a sentient train), Kate and her brother set off on an amazing adventure. Along the way, they pick up and drop off countless animals and begin to understand the purpose of the magic train. Grossman has created a really interesting world with a subtle environmental allegory.
A Home for Leo, by Vin Vogel, $0.99. This charming story looks at the intertwined worlds of humans and other animals. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Leo grew up in the sea. He has a family of sea lions he loves. He’s happy, but he has always known he was different. Then Leo’s suddenly reunited with his human parents, and he finds he loves them too. But he still feels like a fish out of water. Being from two worlds and having two families isn’t so easy. Leo has a lot to figure out… Splashed with humor and grounded in heart, this brightly illustrated story explores ideas of family, home, and belonging in a way that’s as relatable as it is unique.”
The Wild Robot, by Peter Brown, $1.99. This is probably the most moving and special book I have read in the ten years I have been a parent. Both an action/survival story and a philosophical musing on what it means to be alive, this book will capture the hearts of kids and adults. We listened to the audiobook on a road trip and nearly had to pull over because the adults were tearing up with happy tears. Amy describes the plot in a detailed review here.
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.”
Inside-Outside Dinosaurs, by Roxie Munro, $0.99. Not a lot of words in this one. If you have a younger kid fascinated by dinosaurs, Munro’s illustrations of how fossil skeletons may translate into their ancient environment will be highly appealing. Fact lists and suggestions for further reading round out this interesting resource.
How to Catch a Dinosaur, by Adam Wallace, $1.99. Check out this fun, rhyming picture book! When a kid decides he wants to prove dinosaurs were real by capturing one and bringing it to the science fair, he and his friends start working on elaborate plans for lures and traps. While the subject matter is wacky, this book offers and excellent glimpse at STEM skills at work.
Fossils for Kids: A Junior Scientist’s Guide to Dinosaur Bones, Ancient Animals, and Prehistoric Life on Earth, by Ashley Hall, $4.99. If your upper elementary student is hoping to learn more about what it’s really like to be a paleontologist, snag them this book! While describing ancient creatures, how fossils are formed, and how to identify fossils, paleontologist Ashley Hall offers lots of information on how scientists to their work.
The Dog that Dug for Dinosaurs, by Shirley Raye Redmond, $4.99. Get ready for a true story about a very clever dog! This Ready to Read book is written for early readers who can handle short paragraphs. Vivid color illustrations make it an enjoyable read. Here’s the publisher’s description: “There once was a little dog named Tray. He lived in England with his owner, Mary Ann Anning. Besides Mary Ann, Tray loved one other thing: He loved to dig for dinosaur bones. Together he and Mary Ann found small bones, big bones, and even entire skeletons! People came from all around the world to see the bones they found. This is the honestly true story of Tray, the dog that dug for dinosaurs.”
Blood, Sweat, and Pixels: The Triumphant, Turbulent Stories Behind How Video Games are Made, by Jason Schrier, $2.99. I am not a gamer, but I love learning about how things are made. This book takes a look at the tremendous effort that goes into creating modern video games. From the publisher: “In Blood, Sweat, and Pixels, Jason Schreier takes readers on a fascinating odyssey behind the scenes of video game development, where the creator may be a team of 600 overworked underdogs or a solitary geek genius. Exploring the artistic challenges, technical impossibilities, marketplace demands, and Donkey Kong-sized monkey wrenches thrown into the works by corporate, Blood, Sweat, and Pixels reveals how bringing any game to completion is more than Sisyphean—it's nothing short of miraculous.”
Star Wars: From a Certain Point of View, by various authors, $4.99. What happens when you ask 40 big-time authors to write a Star Wars short story? You get this fun and fascinating collection that retells major events in Star Wars from the perspective of supporting characters. You’ll find out what was going on in Aunt Beru’s mind as Luke headed off, all you ever wanted to know about the creature in the trash compactor, and more. This is a must for any big Star Wars fan, but it’s also an interesting read for anyone who is intrigued by more than one way to tell a story.
The Nerdy Nummies Cookbook: Sweet Treats for the Geek in All of Us, by Rosanna Pansino, $1.99. Pansino is known for her YouTube baking channel, where she creates delicious treats based on pop culture. This cookbook is full of recipes for recipes for all flavors of geeks: science, gaming, sci-fi, cartoon, and more.
The Economics of Star Trek: The Proto-Post-Scarcity Economy, by Rick Webb, $4.99. Rick Webb made a splash a few years ago with a long-form article about the economics of Star Trek. This book presents an expanded version of that essay along with discussion of Universal Basic Income, cryptocurrency, and other economic issues in terms of the Star Trek universe.
Sheepish: Two Women, Fifty Sheep, and Enough Wool to Save the Planet, by Catherine Friend, $1.99. Just yesterday, my family was discussing what animal we would choose if we could have any habitat in our backyard, and I chose sheep. I can’t quite decide whether this book cements my choice or makes me regret my decision. Catherine Friend describes all the hard work and reward of raising sheep.
DK Smithsonian Natural History Mammals Carnivores: The Definitive Visual Guide, by DK Publishing, $4.99. Want to know more about meat eaters? This book brings DK’s classic photo-rich style to dozens of mammals — bears, seals, even skunks!
Girls Save the World in This One, by Ash Parsons, $2.99. Zombies, conventions, and girl power? Sign me up! The publisher’s description was so good I immediately put this book on my reading list. Here’s what they said: “Shaun of the Dead meets Clueless in this hilarious YA horror comedy set at a local zombie convention–featuring a teenage girl gang that has to save the world from a horde of actual zombies. Perfect for fans of Geekerella, Undead Girl Gang, and Anna and the Apocalypse.”
Small Spaces, by Katherine Arden, $2.99. I don’t even know where to begin with this one. It’s a middle grade novel, but even the back of the book description kind of freaks me out. If you have a middle schooler looking for a ghost tale about a class trip gone wrong, this is a great option. Arden is known for creating rich, detailed worlds, and she puts that skill to work creating some memorable locations and characters.
Duck for President, by Doreen Cronin, $1.99. The wacky barnyard creatures from Click, Clack, Moo are back in this fun and topical picture book. When duck is tired of being asked to do work around the farm, he decides to hold and election and run against the farmer. This successful run leads to a turn as governor and eventually president. At each step along the way, Duck discovers that leading is actually a lot of work.
What is an Election?, by Caryn Jenner, $2.99. This leveled reader is a great introduction to basic concepts in the democratic process. It’s not America-specific; there’s a section on elections around the world. DK’s levels tend to be a bit more advanced that other easy readers. This one is suitable for kids who can read short paragraphs.
Secret Lives of the U.S. Presidents, by Cormac O’Brien, $2.99. Did you know that George Washington had leopard-skin robes made for his horses? Or that Thomas Jefferson smuggled rice from Europe in his pants? These weird facts and more will entertain and enlighten.
Thank You For Voting: The Maddening, Enlightening, Inspiring Truth About Voting in America, by Erin Geiger Smith, $3.99. Geiger Smith is a journalist who has been covering elections for years. In this book, she examines the reasons many people do not participate in elections. She traces the history of voting rights, social and economic factors, and issues that confuse or put off potential voters. The tone is engaging and helpful, with advice on how to encourage those around you to vote.
The Trail of Tears, by Joseph Bruchac, $4.99. This early chapter book does not shy away from the realities of The Trail of Tears. The author, a member of the Abenaki tribe, describes Chief John Ross leading the Cherokee people 1,200 miles to new territory Oklahoma. Hardship and injustices are described in detail appropriate for elementary readers. Don’t discount this book for older readers; the level 4 and 5 books from Step into Reading are great for concise and engaging reading on a narrow topic.
You Hold Me Up, by Monique Gray Smith and Danielle Daniel, $4.99. This sweet picture book describes the ways people look out for each other (e.g., kindness and sharing). The illustrations feature Native people young and old. You’ll find this book a great conversation starter for a discussion about empathy and community spirit.
Why Indigenous Literatures Matter, by Daniel Heath Justice, $4.99. Are you looking to learn more about Indigenous authors? This book, written by a scholar for a broader audience, is a great place to start. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In considering the connections between literature and lived experience, this book contemplates four key questions at the heart of Indigenous kinship traditions: How do we learn to be human? How do we become good relatives? How do we become good ancestors? How do we learn to live together? Blending personal narrative and broader historical and cultural analysis with close readings of key creative and critical texts, Justice argues that Indigenous writers engage with these questions in part to challenge settler-colonial policies and practices that have targeted Indigenous connections to land, history, family, and self. More importantly, Indigenous writers imaginatively engage the many ways that communities and individuals have sought to nurture these relationships and project them into the future. This provocative volume challenges readers to critically consider and rethink their assumptions about Indigenous literature, history, and politics while never forgetting the emotional connections of our shared humanity and the power of story to effect personal and social change. Written with a generalist reader firmly in mind, but addressing issues of interest to specialists in the field, this book welcomes new audiences to Indigenous literary studies while offering more seasoned readers a renewed appreciation for these transformative literary traditions.”
Hearts Unbroken, by Cynthia Leitich Smith, $0.99. High school is complicated for everyone, even more so in this YA novel about a community in racial and cultural conflict. Here’s the publisher’s description: “When Louise Wolfe’s first real boyfriend mocks and disrespects Native people in front of her, she breaks things off and dumps him over e-mail. It’s her senior year, anyway, and she’d rather spend her time with her family and friends and working on the school newspaper. The editors pair her up with Joey Kairouz, the ambitious new photojournalist, and in no time the paper’s staff find themselves with a major story to cover: the school musical director’s inclusive approach to casting The Wizard of Oz has been provoking backlash in their mostly white, middle-class Kansas town. From the newly formed Parents Against Revisionist Theater to anonymous threats, long-held prejudices are being laid bare and hostilities are spreading against teachers, parents, and students — especially the cast members at the center of the controversy, including Lou’s little brother, who’s playing the Tin Man. As tensions mount at school, so does a romance between Lou and Joey — but as she’s learned, ‘dating while Native’ can be difficult. In trying to protect her own heart, will Lou break Joey’s?”
Greenglass House, by Kate Milford, $1.99. OK, it would be false advertising to compare this book to The Westing Game, but if there is a contemporary literary descendant of Raskin's deliciously complex mystery, it's The Greenglass House—a genuine, bona fide middle grades mystery that gives its readers credit for being intelligent and that delivers a satisfying mystery, sophisticated character development, and a few (well set-up) twists along the way. Adopted innkeepers' son Milo and his friend—the cook's daughter, Meddy—unravel the clues to discover why their off-season inn is full of unexpected visitors, at least one of whom seems set on sabotaging Greenglass House. It's a terrific mystery. Highly recommended.
A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning, by Lemony Snicket, $2.99. The first book is Lemony Snicket’s hilariously tragic series chronicles the moment things begin to go terribly wrong in the lives of the ill-fated Baudelaire orphans. Kids will love the over-the-top storytelling; parents will be tickled by all the interesting words Snicket throws in.
The Thickety: A Path Begins, by J.A. White, $3.99. Looking for a seriously creepy and sometimes dark middle-grade fantasy? The Thickety does a good job of balancing real menace with imaginative storytelling. Here’s a bit of the publisher’s description: “When Kara Westfall was five years old, her mother was convicted of the worst of all crimes: witchcraft. Years later, Kara and her little brother, Taff, are still shunned by the people of their village, who believe that nothing is more evil than magic…except, perhaps, the mysterious forest that covers nearly the entire island. It has many names, this place. Sometimes it is called the Dark Wood, or Sordyr's Realm. But mostly it's called the Thickety. The villagers live in fear of the Thickety and the terrible creatures that live there. But when an unusual bird lures Kara into the forbidden forest, she discovers a strange book with unspeakable powers. A book that might have belonged to her mother. And that is just the beginning of the story.”
Spontaneous, by Aaron Starmer, $2.99. I just bought this one for myself! The idea of a darkly funny YA novel about a wave of spontaneous combustions just felt right for 2020. The publisher’s description hooked me. Will it do the same for you? “Mara Carlyle’s senior year is going as normally as could be expected, until fellow senior Katelyn Ogden explodes during third period pre-calc. Katelyn is the first, but she won’t be the last teenager to blow up without warning or explanation. As the national eye turns to Mara’s suburban New Jersey hometown, the FBI rolls in and the search for a reason is on. Mara narrates the end of their world as she knows it while trying to make it to graduation in one piece. It’s an explosive year punctuated by romance, quarantine, lifelong friendship, hallucinogenic mushrooms, bloggers, ice cream trucks, and Bon Jovi.”
Three Faces of Me, by R.L. Stine, $0.99. No one beats R.L. Stine for a kid-appropriate intro to the horror genre. Here’s the publisher’s description of this eerie tale: “When Ira Fishman wins a prize in the machine outside a candy store, he’s disappointed it’s not the squirt gun he had his eye on. The little black plastic box looks like a camera, but when Ira presses the green button on top, nothing happens. After dinner that night, Ira can’t believe what he sees in his room: a boy with the same clothes—and face—as Ira! He tries to get this second Ira to leave, but it’s no use. Deciding to have a little fun, Ira makes the boy go to school in his place—but it’s a disaster. The new Ira isn’t good at math like the real Ira, and he’s horrible at softball. Worst of all, he plays with the girls during recess! Ira’s clone is ruining his rep—fast. And when a third Ira shows up, Ira number one has to find a way to make the others disappear for good before his whole world is turned upside down. But how do you get rid of yourself?”
Turkey Trick of Treat, by Wendi Silvano, $0.99. The wacky turkey from Turkey Trouble is back, this time to celebrate Halloween! He wants candy, but the farmer will only give it to kids in costumes. Can he and the other barnyard animals trick the farmer into giving them treats?
Halloween Hustle, by Charlotte Gunnufson, $0.99. Kids will love the spooky-cute illustrations and the fun rhyming text. Skeleton is on his way to a party, and he can’t help but dance. But he has a problem — he keeps tripping and falling apart. Can he keep it together?
How to Build a Haunted House, by Frank Tupta, $1.99. In this rhyming story, classic monsters are are working together to make a spooky haunted house. The twist? It’s for vampire family in need!
The Magic Half, by Annie Barrows, $4.79. My daughter loved this series when she was in elementary school. When Miri’s family moves into a new house, she is thrilled with her interesting new room in the attic. Things get a little strange, and more interesting, when she discovers that her room is somehow connected to 1935 and a girl in need of help. Miri has to learn the secrets of this time travel to rescue Molly.
Stepping Stones: The Time Machine, by H.G. Wells and Les Martin, $3.99. The Stepping Stones series adapts classic literature to an early chapter book level. This adaptation of the H.G. Wells classic is heavy on the action and includes engaging illustrations. This is a great introduction to one of the foundational texts of science fiction.
Apples, Apples, Apples, by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace, $0.99. The bunny family is heading to the orchard to pick some fresh apples! They meet up with Farmer Miller, who explains the different varieties of apples and how they grow. When they have gathered all they need, they head home to make fresh applesauce (recipe included!). Wallace’s unique cut paper illustrations are very sweet.
The Seasons of Arnold’s Apple Tree, by Gail Gibbons, $4.99. Arnold has a favorite apple tree. He spends time in it throughout the year, picking fruit, smelling blossoms, feeding the birds, and basking in its shade. In simple language, Gibbons walks readers through a year in the life of a tree. Don’t miss the recipe for apple pie and the description of how a cider press works!
How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World, by Marjorie Priceman, $4.99. From our readalouds with recipes list: “As Carl Sagan once said, if you want to make an apple pie from scratch, first you have to create the universe. In this playful picture book, you don’t have to create the world but you do have to travel it, journeying around the globe to collect far-flung ingredients for the perfect apple pie.”
Apples and How They Grow, by Laura Driscoll, $4.99. Let your beginning reader read about apples on their own! This short and sweet nonfiction book is full of details about how apples grow. Kids (and adults) may be surprised to learn about grafting branches from one tree onto another.
We Dream of Space, by Erin Entrada Kelly, $1.99. That historical fiction is now set in the 1980s makes me feel a little old, but I’m excited to read this new middle grade novel. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Cash, who loves basketball but has a newly broken wrist, is in danger of failing seventh grade for the second time. Fitch spends every afternoon playing Major Havoc at the arcade on Main and wrestles with an explosive temper that he doesn’t understand. And Bird, his twelve-year-old twin, dreams of being NASA’s first female shuttle commander, but feels like she’s disappearing. The Thomas children exist in their own orbits, circling a tense and unpredictable household, with little in common except an enthusiastic science teacher named Ms. Salonga. As the launch of the Challenger approaches, Ms. Salonga gives her students a project—they are separated into spacecraft crews and must create and complete a mission. When the fated day finally arrives, it changes all of their lives and brings them together in unexpected ways.”
Space Opera, by Catherynne M. Valente, $1.99. Amy and Suzanne really enjoyed this book. Here’s what Amy has to say about it: “So earlier this fall, I told Suzanne that I needed to read something that would just make me happy, and she suggested this space saga. NEVER DOUBT SUZANNE. This zany, Douglas Adams-ish (and I don’t throw that around lightly) story centers around an intergalactic version of American Idol, in which planets compete not for record deals but for the right for their species to be considered sentient by the rest of the universe. All newly space-faring species must compete to prove their sentience — and if they come in last, their whole species will be wiped right out of existence. Now that Earth is in the space game, and the future of humanity is in the hands of aging 70s rocker Decibel Jones. It sounds wacky and all over the place because it is wacky and all over the place — but in a way that made me really happy.”
Suni Goes to Space, by Arthy Muthanna Singh and Mamta Nainy, $0.99. When Sunita Williams was young, she dreamed of going into space like Neil Armstrong. Singh and Nainy introduce us to Suni, the inquisitive and creative girl who grew up to become an astronaut.
Scream: Chilling Adventures in the Science of Fear, by Margee Kerr, $1.99. Why do we feel afraid? Why do we deliberately seek out horror movies and haunted houses? Sociologist Margee Kerr investigates the individual and societal experiences of fear. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Fear is a universal human experience, but do we really understand it? If we're so terrified of monsters and serial killers, why do we flock to the theaters to see them? Why do people avoid thinking about death, but jump out of planes and swim with sharks? For Kerr, there was only one way to find out. In this eye-opening, adventurous book, she takes us on a tour of the world's scariest experiences: into an abandoned prison long after dark, hanging by a cord from the highest tower in the Western hemisphere, and deep into Japan's mysterious ‘suicide forest.’ She even goes on a ghost hunt with a group of paranormal adventurers. Along the way, Kerr shows us the surprising science from the newest studies of fear -- what it means, how it works, and what it can do for us. Full of entertaining science and the thrills of a good ghost story, this book will make you think, laugh -- and scream.”
Alice in Zombieland, by Gena Showalter, $2.99. It’s Alice in Wonderland… sort of. With zombies! This YA zombie novel is filled with allusions to Wonderland.
His Hideous Heart: 13 of Edgar Allen Poe’s Most Unsettling Tales Reimagined, edited by Dahlia Adler, $2.99. Teens have loved Poe’s creepy tales for the last hundred and fifty years. Now they can experience the themes in new ways through this collection of modern short stories from big names in current YA.
Teach Your Own: The John Holt Book of Homeschooling, by John Holt and Pat Farenga, $2.99. John Holt is one of the founders of the modern homeschool movement. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In this expanded edition of the book that helped launch the whole movement, Pat Farenga has distilled John Holt's timeless understanding of the ways children come to understand the world and added up-to-the-moment legal, financial, and logistical advice. No parent even considering homeschooling should be without this wise and unique reference. Rather than proposing that parents turn their homes into miniature schools, Holt and Farenga demonstrate how ordinary parents can help children grow as social, active learners. Chapters on living with children, "serious play," children and work, and learning difficulties will fascinate and encourage parents and help them enjoy each "homeschool" day. John Holt's warm understanding of children and his passionate belief in every child's ability to learn have made this book the bible of homeschooling families everywhere.”
My Strong Mind: A Story about Developing Mental Strength, by Niels van Hove, $2.99. This is a pretty didactic but accessible book about developing good habits. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Kate faces several situations your children will face too. She applies a positive attitude to deal with her challenges. Amongst them are getting ready in time in the morning, doing cartwheels, standing in front of the whole class with show and tell and playing basketball. Kate applies techniques like goal setting, positive self-talk, accept failure as learning, visualisation of a problem, breathing or mindfulness exercise, gratitude, and controlled distraction. These tips to build a strong mind in children are presented in an easy to read, fun and practical way.”
It’s Okay to Make Mistakes, by Todd Parr, $1.99. Todd Parr’s books are like big, extra-tight hugs. His simple style is bold, funny, and diverse. For every mistake he mentions, he offers a hint at what can happen next (e.g., “It’s OK to not know the answer. Asking questions helps you learn.”) My toddler could recite Todd Parr books way before she could read them on her own.
Storybound, by Melissa Burt, $3.99. I haven’t had a chance to read this series yet, but it sounds like a delightful bookish adventure. Here’s the publisher’s description: “When Una Fairchild stumbles upon a mysterious book buried deep in the basement of her school library, she thinks nothing of opening the cover and diving in. But instead of paging through a regular novel, Una suddenly finds herself Written In to the land of Story—a world filled with Heroes and Villains and fairy-tale characters. But not everything in Story is as magical as it seems. Una must figure out why she has been Written In—and fast—before anyone else discovers her secret. Together with her new friend Peter and a talking cat named Sam, Una digs deep into Story's shadowy past. She quickly realizes that she is tied to the world in ways she never could have imagined—and it might be up to her to save it.”
A Dash of Magic, by Kathryn Littlewood, $3.99. The Bliss series is a mouth-watering literary treat. In this second book in the series, Rosemary is determined to retrieve the magical Cookery Booke that her aunt has stolen — even if it means facing off in an Iron Chef-style food battle. The competition takes the Bliss family to Paris, where the family rushes around famous sites collecting the magical ingredients Rosemary needs. There’s an excellent sense of place. If you enjoy this book, the sequel is also on sale.
Sleep, Big Bear, Sleep! by Maureen Wright, $0.99. It’s time to hibernate in this charming picture book. Bear knows there’s something he needs to do, but he keeps mishearing Old Man Winter’s “Sleep” message and instead thinks he is supposed to leap or sweep. It’s a sweet, funny story perfect for fall.
Scaredy Squirrel, by Melanie Watt, $0.99. Scaredy Squirrel wants to be prepared. He has all of his emergency gear at the ready, prepared for bees, Martians, whatever might happen. He prefers to stick to his safe, steady routine. When a chance encounter causes him to leap into the unknown, he gets a big surprise.
Shampoodle, by Joan Holub, $3.99. This fun easy reader will have kids giggling! The funny, rhyming text describes a day at the dog groomer. The dogs are all very exuberant, even before a cat wanders in and causes mayhem. I love the pictures in this one; there’s lots to see!
Bad Kitty Camp Daze, by Nick Bruel, $4.96. Bad Kitty has an attitude problem that will endear her to surly children everywhere. Bruel built on his picture book series with these early chapter books that contain lots of illustrated action. When Bad Kittle sneaks away to Uncle Murray’s Camp for Stressed-Out Dogs, she learns more than she bargains for about the natural world.
The Hobbits of Tolkien: An Illustrated Exploration of Tolkien’s Hobbits and the Sources that Inspired His Work From Myth, Legend, and History, by David Day, $3.99. Want to know more about the mythology behind Middle Earth? Curious about the etymology of some place names and people? This book perfectly balances detailed research with cozy illustrations. The author has written similar volumes about other elements of Tolkien’s work.
A Dictionary of Sources of Tolkien: The History and Mythology That Inspired Tolkien’s World, by David Day, $3.99. I enjoy sweeping fantasy, but I definitely struggle to keep all the names and places straight. In this extensive volume, Day provides information about all the proper nouns of Middle Earth, both their relevance to the narrative and their allusions to other literary traditions.
An Unexpected Cookbook: The Unofficial Book of Hobbit Cookery, by Chris-Rachael Oseland, $5.99. This book is more expensive than my typical Kindle deals, but I didn’t think we could properly celebrate Hobbit Day without at least one food book. The recipes are broken up into all seven Hobbit meals, with delicious treats like Lavender and Lemon Bread, Yorkshire Pudding, and Honey Cakes. You’ll find detailed recipe notes and mouthwatering photos throughout.
Fear of Physics: A Guide for the Perplexed, by Lawrence M. Krauss, $1.99. Krauss is a theoretical physicist who works on the deepest mysteries of the universe. But don’t let that intimidate you! Here’s the publisher’s description: “Assume the cow is a sphere." So begins this lively, irreverent, and informative look at everything from the physics of boiling water to cutting-edge research at the observable limits of the universe. Rich with anecdotes and accessible examples, Fear of Physics nimbly ranges over the tools and thought behind the world of modern physics, taking the mystery out of what is essentially a very human intellectual endeavour.”
Caesar’s Last Breath: Decoding the Secrets of the Air Around Us, by Sam Kean, $2.99. Science writer Sam Kean has written about the chemical elements, neuroscience, genetics, and the creation of the atomic bomb. In this book, he explores the air around us and the molecules we find within it. He travels throughout history and across several continents in his quest to understand the air we breathe.
Scienceblind: Why Our Intuitive Theories About the World Are So Often Wrong, by Andrew Shtulman, $4.99. Our brains are wired to make connections that help us make sense of the world. But that does not mean that our brains always interpret the world correctly. Cognitive psychologist Andrew Shtulman explains the reasons why people tend to believe weird things in this fascinating book. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Why do we catch colds? What causes seasons to change? And if you fire a bullet from a gun and drop one from your hand, which bullet hits the ground first? In a pinch we almost always get these questions wrong. Worse, we regularly misconstrue fundamental qualities of the world around us. In Scienceblind, cognitive and developmental psychologist Andrew Shtulman shows that the root of our misconceptions lies in the theories about the world we develop as children. They're not only wrong, they close our minds to ideas inconsistent with them, making us unable to learn science later in life. So how do we get the world right? We must dismantle our intuitive theories and rebuild our knowledge from its foundations. The reward won't just be a truer picture of the world, but clearer solutions to many controversies -- around vaccines, climate change, or evolution -- that plague our politics today.”
Uncommon Paper Flowers: Extraordinary Botanicals and How to Craft Them, by Kate Alcaron, $2.99. You’ve made a paper rose before, now get ready to try something unique! Alcaron has collected 30 unusual plants and created paper models of them. The book contains detailed botanical descriptions, an extensive technique section, and templates for creating your own dramatic floral display.
Parenting in a Pandemic: How to Help Your Family Through Covid-19, by Kelly Fradin, $0.99. This just came out and will (I hope) only be useful for a limited time, but the price is right and the advice is solid. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Parents are burning out while kids need more help than ever. With so many families in crisis, pediatrician and child advocate Dr. Kelly Fradin sees an urgent need for help. As a mother of two, Dr. Fradin shares practical, evidence-based and reassuring advice on what families need to know. Parents are forced to make decisions now despite seemingly constant change and many unknowns. In Parenting in a Pandemic, Dr. Fradin provides the information and strategies you need to help navigate coronavirus. The book reviews the science necessary to understand the news and care for your family. Dr. Fradin explains the specific risks of coronavirus to children of all ages and adults, including parents, grandparents, pregnant women, and essential workers. She gives realistic strategies you can use to improve this time for your family whether you are protecting a newborn, virtually schooling or convincing a teen to physically distance.”
The House Takes a Vacation, by Jacqueline Davies, $0.99. Get ready for a surreal and wacky adventure! When the house’s people go on vacation, the house decides to take its own trip. Kids and adults will enjoy the pun-filled text and personality-filled illustrations.
Little House in the Big Woods, by Laura Ingalls Wilder, $3.99. The Little House books are among the most read children’s books of all time, and with good reason. Wilder does a tremendous job of creating a vivid and inviting glimpse into life on the frontier. Later books in the series have problematic depictions of conflicts with Native Americans and have not aged well. Little House in the Big Woods, however, is a cozy and gentle peek into the past. Read this one by candle or fire as the temperatures start to dip this fall!
The Hero’s Guide to Saving Your Kingdom, by Christopher Healy, $3.99. You think you know the classic fairytale stories, but they are usually centered around the princesses. This fun middle grade series focuses on the princes. After the “happily ever after” the princes discover that their kingdoms are in danger, and they set off take on all kinds of mythical monsters. This fun and funny book is the first in a series that your middle-grade reader will love.
The Element Encyclopedia of Magical Creatures, by John and Caitlin Matthews, $3.99. Looking for a reference on obscure creatures? Every time I open this book, I discover a new mythological animal I haven’t heard of before. Here’s the publisher’s description: “From unicorns and trolls to werewolves and griffins, this comprehensive guide is the key to discovering every magical creature from myth, folklore and legend around the world. This compendium of magical creatures explores the history, folklore and mythology of fascinating beasts throughout all the magical worlds. Including stories, celebrations, traditions, and amazing facts, the book spans every major culture across the globe.”
Steampunk! An Anthology of Fantastically Rich and Strange Stories, edited by Kelly Link and Gavin J. Grant, $0.99. Are you new to steampunk but interested in exploring alternate versions of the world shaped by a different series of technological innovations? This anthology will introduce you to many excellent YA steampunk authors. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Imagine an alternate universe where romance and technology reign. Where tinkerers and dreamers craft and re-craft a world of automatons, clockworks, calculating machines, and other marvels that never were. Where scientists and schoolgirls, fair folk and Romans, intergalactic bandits, utopian revolutionaries, and intrepid orphans solve crimes, escape from monstrous predicaments, consult oracles, and hover over volcanoes in steam-powered airships. Here, fourteen masters of speculative fiction, including two graphic storytellers, embrace the genre's established themes and refashion them in surprising ways and settings as diverse as Appalachia, ancient Rome, future Australia, and alternate California. Visionaries Kelly Link and Gavin J. Grant have invited all-new explorations and expansions, taking a genre already rich, strange, and inventive in the extreme and challenging contributors to remake it from the ground up. The result is an anthology that defies its genre even as it defines it.”
The Wonderling, by Mira Bartok, $0.99. In Mira Bartok’s imagined world, groundlings are creatures that are part animal, part human. Thirteen, a fox groundling, escapes the Dickensian workhouse where has been raised and sets off on an adventure of his own. The tone is similar to Lemony Snicket, but the story is entirely unique, full of mechanical details and animals with extraordinary abilities. Put this strange and interesting book in the hands of your middle-grade reader!
My Robots: The Robotic Genius of Lady Regina Bonquers III, by Johan Olander, $3.99. Olander creates such interesting books! This heavily illustrated book purports to be the design scrapbook of an elusive roboticist. Lady Regina has created bots to fight fires, pluck nose hairs, and even give hugs. Kids will enjoy all the details of the development process, the unique visual style, and a frisson of mystery over Lady Regina’s whereabouts.
The Last Kids on Earth, by Max Brallier, $1.99. Are you ready for some funny post-apocalyptic lit for kids? This madcap adventure mixes peril, gross out humor, and teamwork as an unlikely band of teens works to save the day and stay alive. It’s a middle grade chapter book riddled with exciting and gruesome illustrations. If this sounds like something you’d be into, several books in the series are on sale today.
Big History: From the Big Bang to the Present, by Cynthia Stokes Brown, $3.99. The Big History movement combines science with history to study Earth from the moment of the big bang all the way through current events. Brown does a remarkable job finding through lines in the vast sweep of history. Each era is necessarily brief, but readers will be pleased to see that the history is not overly focused on Western civilization.
Bear and Fred: A World War II Story, by Iris Argaman, $4.99. Picture books can make challenging subjects understandable for small children. In this book, Israeli author Iris Argaman tells the true story of a boy’s time hiding from Nazis during WWII — from the perspective of his loyal teddy bear. It’s a tough but uplifting story that gently introduces the topic of the Holocaust.
Sleepover Larry, by Daniel Pinkwater, $3.99. Larry is a dapper polar bear who lives in a hotel owned by his human family. When Larry learns the concept of sleepovers, he is determined to have a great one with his bear friends from the zoo!
National Geographic Readers: Bears, by Elizabeth Carney, $3.99. Learn about bear species from all over the world in this fun, brightly illustrated easy reader. Sections cover habitats, adaptations, diet, cubs, and more. The level 3 books pack in a lot of detail without complicated vocabulary.
Magic Tree House: Polar Bears Past Bedtime, by Mary Pope Osborne, $3.99. Jack and Annie are off on another adventure, this time to the Arctic! They encounter indigenous hunters, polar bears, the Northern Lights, and more. The Magic Tree House series is great for beginning readers who are looking for fast-paced, exciting (but short) chapter books.
Bibliophile: An Illustrated Miscellany, by Jane Mount, $2.99. This is a literary bonbon for any book lover. As the title suggests, it’s a wonderful collection of miscellaneous facts about books, writers, bookstores, characters, and more. I can almost guarantee that you will find a new author to check out, or even a new favorite book, in the illustrated book lists.
The Man Who Made Lists: Love, Death, Madness, and the Creation of Roget’s Thesaurus, by Joshua Kendall. When I was a kid, I found thesauruses fascinating. I loved flipping through themed lists of words. I don’t think many kids use paper thesauruses now; the function built into your word processor isn’t really the same. Whether you are nostalgic for your childhood thesaurus or have never really used one, you’ll find the story behind the creation of the first modern thesaurus unexpectedly fascinating. Here’s a brief publisher’s description: “Polymath, eccentric, and synonym aficionado, Peter Mark Roget had a host of female admirers, was one of the first to test the effects of laughing gas, invented the slide rule, and narrowly escaped jail in Napoleon's France. But Roget is best known for making lists. After the tragic turmoil of his early life (both his mother and sister were institutionalized), Roget longed for order in his chaotic world. At the age of eight, he began his quest to put everything in its rightful place, one word at a time. This is the fascinating story of a driven man and a brilliant scholar-and the legacy he has left for generations.”
A Spy in the House, by Y.S. Lee, $0.99. This is the first in a series of YA historical mysteries about a young Asian sleuth in Victorian London. Mary is an orphan doomed for the gallows when she is rescued and offered a position at the mysterious Miss Scrimshaw’s Academy for Girls. The school is the training ground for an elite group of detectives who can infiltrate high society households. Lee does an excellent job of offering the gritty details of the Victorian city while staying away from graphic details. The immigrant experience is rarely discussed in historical fiction, so this series provides an interesting perspective.
The March on Washington, by Bonnie Bader, $3.99. American Girl has been bringing accessible historical fiction to early readers for more than 30 years. More recently, the company has published factual companion books that provide deeper background into important events. This book about the 1963 March on Washington includes photos, timelines, maps, and a bibliography for more research.
One Crazy Summer, by Rita Williams-Garcia, $4.99. When the three Gaither sisters travel to California to spend time with their estranged mother, they are expecting movie stars and Disneyland. What they actually experience is a little different: summer camp run by the Black Panthers. The girls spend the next four weeks learning about the movement and discovering their own identities. This work of historical fiction set in 1968 is a nice point of entry for a discussion about the Civil Rights movement and the Black Panthers.
Susan B. Anthony: Her Fight for Equal Rights, by Monica Kulling, $4.99. Get to know one of America’s strongest proponents of women’s voting rights, Susan B. Anthony, in this book for early readers. Anthony was determined to vote in an election, even though it was illegal for women to do so at the time. Her civil disobedience led to her arrest. Young readers will learn about how Anthony’s actions paved the way for the 19th Amendment.
Lillian’s Right to Vote: A Celebration of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, by Jonah Winter and Shane W. Evans, $4.99. Sadly, the 19th Amendment did not make voting accessible to ALL women. In many places, unfair practices like poll taxes, complicated literacy tests, and property ownership rules made it nearly impossible for people of color to vote. In this moving picture book, an old woman reminisces about her family’s history and the many barriers to voting they faced.
The Women’s Suffrage Movement, edited by Sally Roesch Wagner, $4.99. What is the study of history without primary sources? This great collection from Penguin Classics looks at the quest for women’s rights in a delightfully intersectional array of essays, letters, speeches, and other texts. Readers will discover Black and Native American women whose ideas were crucial to the movement but have been overlooked in historical accounts.
The Templeton Twins Have an Idea, by Ellis Weiner, $0.99. If your reader has plowed the A Series of Unfortunate Events and would like something with a similar feel, look no further. The Templetons feel very similar to the Baudelaires. A snippet from the book description gives you an excellent feel for the tone: “Suppose there were 12-year-old twins, a boy and girl named John and Abigail Templeton. Let's say John was pragmatic and played the drums, and Abigail was theoretical and solved cryptic crosswords. Now suppose their father was a brilliant, if sometimes confused, inventor. And suppose that another set of twins—adults—named Dean D. Dean and Dan D. Dean, kidnapped the Templeton twins and their ridiculous dog in order to get their father to turn over one of his genius (sort of) inventions. Yes, I said kidnapped. Wouldn't it be fun to read about that? Oh please. It would so. Luckily for you, this is just the first in a series perfect for boys and girls who are smart, clever, and funny (just like the twins), and enjoy reading adventurous stories (who doesn't?!).”
Ella Enchanted, by Gail Carson Levine, $1.99. This Newberry Honor book has been beloved for two decades, and with good reason. A unique twist on the Cinderella story, this book focuses on Ella, a girl who has been cursed (“gifted”?) with obedience to others’ orders. In order to break this curse, she must track down and convince the fairy godmother who bestowed it.
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.
801 Things You Should Know: From Greek Philosophy to Today’s Technology, by David Olsen, $1.99. You’re a smart person. You’ve probably heard of many of the concepts and events in this book. But you may not be clear on all the details. This collection of short entries about everything from politics to medical terminology to economic principals will serve as a great introduction or refresher. Hand this to a tween/teen along with a newspaper — they’ll be able to quickly get background on unfamiliar terms like bear markets, the Hundred Years’ War, and the Invisible Hand theory.
A Field Guide to Monsters, by Johan Olander, $0.99. Olander is a “monstrologist” who documents monsters’ behavior in the wild. In this whimsical and imaginative book, he collects illustrations and artifacts from the Slobber Bug, Beach Krill, Tadpole-Monster, and other previously unknown (aka imaginary) creatures. It would be fun to compare this book with other, more scientific field guides.
Iron Hearted Violet, by Kelly Barnhill, $1.99. Kelly Barnhill tells such compelling twists on fairytale tropes. In this book, Princess Violet must work with the last dragon alive to protect the world from an evil being she has only read about in a forbidden book. Violet is brave, but not beautiful, strong, but not perfect.
The Menagerie, by Tui T. Sutherland and Kari Sutherland, $3.99. If your middle-grade reader enjoys books where the magical world bumps into the real world, The Menagerie series may be the perfect next adventure. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In the small town of Xanadu, Wyoming lies the Menagerie, a top secret facility filled with unicorns, dragons, phoenixes, and other fairy tale creatures. At least, it was a secret—until six griffin cubs escaped. If Logan and Zoe don’t get the cubs back fast, the entire Menagerie will be shut down. The race is on and the resulting adventure is only the beginning of a thrilling series that will leave readers wanting a magical menagerie of their very own.”
An Optimist’s Tour of the Future, by Mark Stevenson, $4.99. My husband loves this book, which does a great job of musing about how technology could change our future for the better. Here’s the publisher’s description: “When unexpectedly confronted with his own mortality, Mark Stevenson-a writer, deep-thinker, and stand-up comedian-began to ponder what the future holds for our species. ‘The past is a foreign country,’ writes Stevenson. ‘By my analysis it's a bit like France-in that I've been to parts of it and eaten some nice food there. But the future? The future is an unknown territory-and there isn't a guidebook.’ Thus, his ambition was born. Stevenson set out simply, asking, ‘What's next?’ and then traveled the globe in pursuit of the answers. Along the way, he visited the Australian outback to visit the farmers who can save us from climate change, met a robot with mood swings, and talked to the Spaniard who's putting a hotel in space. While some might be overwhelmed, or even dismayed by the looming realities of genome sequencing, synthetic biology, a nuclear renaissance, and carbon scrubbing, Stevenson remains, well, optimistic. Drawing on his singular humor and storytelling to break down these sometimes complicated discoveries, An Optimist's Tour of the Future paints a wonderfully readable, and completely enthralling portrait of where we'll be when we grow up- and why it's not so scary.”
50 Ways to Beat Boredom with LEGO Bricks, by DK Publishing, $0.99. If your house is anything like mine, you have no shortage of LEGO pieces. This short book introduces 50 quick activities and games using the beloved building materials. Build a mountain to create a 3D game board (instructions for a spinner also included) or design a functional piggy bank! This is an idea book, not a book of detailed instructions, but it’s a great jumping off point for an hour or a day of LEGO exploration. Note: If you already have 365 Things to Do with LEGO Bricks, you don’t need this book; this book is a shorter extract of that one.
Would You Rather? Made You Think Edition, by Lindsey Daly, $0.99. They start simple: “Would you rather kiss a fish that’s living in a radioactive pond or roll down a hill while hugging a porcupine?” The questions only get more interesting from there. Turn the questions into a game by scoring points for the best reasoning (guidelines are given in the introduction).
Diary of a Pug: Pug Blasts Off, by Kyla May, $2.99. Meet Bub, aka Baron von Bubbles, beloved pet of Bella. He loves doing everything with his human, so when she enters an invention contest, Bub is determined to help her. But this means he needs to deal with his squirrel nemesis, Nutz. This fun, brightly colored diary is full of wacky adventures and adorable illustrations. Early chapter book readers will love it!
Chickadee, by Louise Erdrich, $4.49. Chickadee takes place within the family introduced in Birchbark House. Omakayas is grown with a family of her own, and this story focuses on her twin sons, Chickadee and Makoons. After a prank gone wrong, Chickadee is kidnapped by angry men. This is the tale of Chickadee’s long path to reunion with his family. As with Erdrich’s other books, Chickadee’s story is filled with vivid details about Ojibwe life and traditions.
Young Water Protetctors: A Story About Standing Rock, by Aslan and Kelly Tudor, $2.99. Aslan Tudor was 10 years old when he wrote this book about his time participating in the Standing Rock protests. This is a great, age appropriate introduction to the conflict between native peoples and developers of the Dakota Access Pipeline.
My Heart Fills with Happiness, by Monique Gray Smith, $4.99. This sweet picture book introduces many things that bring happiness — good smells, good friends, and the beauty of nature. The lovely illustrations show many elements in the life on an indigenous family.
The Odds of Loving Grover Cleveland, by Rebekah Crane, $0.99. This Grover Cleveland isn’t a president; he’s a resident at Camp Padua, a summer program for at-risk teens. When Zander’s parents insist she leave home to attend camp, she is sure that she won’t fit in. She’s surprised to make connections with her fellow campers, even though they are all dealing with big problems of their own. This tough but ultimately hopeful novel is also filled with darkly funny moments.
The Mermaid’s Sister, by Carrie Anne Noble, $0.99. I haven’t read this YA fantasy novel yet, but it’s definitely on my To Read list. Here’s the publisher’s summary: In a cottage high atop Llanfair Mountain, sixteen-year-old Clara lives with her sister, Maren, and guardian Auntie. By day, they gather herbs for Auntie’s healing potions; by night, Auntie spins tales of faraway lands and wicked fairies. Clara’s favorite story tells of three orphaned infants—Clara, who was brought to Auntie by a stork; Maren, who arrived in a seashell; and their best friend, O’Neill, who was found beneath an apple tree. One day, Clara discovers iridescent scales just beneath her sister’s skin: Maren is becoming a mermaid and must be taken to the sea or she will die. So Clara, O’Neill, and the mermaid-girl set out for the shore. But the trio encounters trouble around every bend. Ensnared by an evil troupe of traveling performers, Clara and O’Neill must find a way to save themselves and the ever-weakening Maren.
The Testing, by Joelle Charbonneau, $1.99. Calling all fans of The Hunger Games or Divergent! This series should scratch that dystopian coming-of-age itch. Here’s a summary from the publisher: “It’s graduation day for sixteen-year-old Malencia Vale, and the entire Five Lakes Colony (the former Great Lakes) is celebrating. All Cia can think about—hope for—is whether she’ll be chosen for The Testing, a United Commonwealth program that selects the best and brightest new graduates to become possible leaders of the slowly revitalizing post-war civilization. When Cia is chosen, her father finally tells her about his own nightmarish half-memories of The Testing. Armed with his dire warnings (“Cia, trust no one”), she bravely heads off to Tosu City, far away from friends and family, perhaps forever. Danger, romance—and sheer terror—await.”
Princess Academy, by Shannon Hale, $0.99. You may be starting to get the impression that I love Shannon Hale, and you would be right. Princess Academy is the first in a middle grade series about a land where a rich urban royal class benefits from the poorly paid labor of all the surrounding towns. When it is decided that the Prince’s wife should come from Miri’s village, all the teen girls are rounded up and sent to a school where they will be taught the ways of court. Booklist says, “Hale nicely interweaves feminist sensibilities in this quest-for-a-prince-charming, historical-fantasy tale. Strong suspense and plot drive the action as the girls outwit would-be kidnappers and explore the boundaries of leadership, competition, and friendship.” If you are looking for books with strong heroines who overcome difficulties to make a difference in their world, this is the book for you.
Bound: 15 Beautiful Bookbinding Projects, by Rachel Hazell, $3.99. If your family is anything like mine, you probably have dozens of stories your kids have written and illustrated. Why not turn them into an art project by binding them into book form? Or set yourself up for a new school year by creating small notebooks for nature observations or other projects. This book goes through multiple styles, from basic to complex, with step by step instructions.
Mini Weapons of Mass Destruction: Make Mayhem from your Stationery with 35 Models to Build Yourself, by John Austin, $3.99. Do you have pens, rubber bands, and plastic utensils? If so, you’re ready to build a catapult or trebuchet! All of these weapons are small scale but need adult supervision to prevent injury. Keep this book as a resource for discussing wars and weaponry throughout history.
American Heritage History of Flight, by Arthur Gordon, $1.99. This detailed look at aviation begins with ancient attempts to harness the wind and moves through modern technological innovations. While there are few illustrations, the Kindle version includes in-text links to Wikipedia for additional information and visuals.
National Geographic Readers: Planes, by Amy Shields, $4.99. If you are looking for a detailed book that your early elementary students can read on their own, the National Geographic Reader series is a great place to start. This one covers all types of planes, including some unusual ones (have you ever seen the inside of a C-17?) sure to pique interest.
Amazing Airplanes, by Tony Mitton, $3.54. For our youngest family members, we have this bright and simple picture book. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Buckle up to learn all about flying! Amazing Airplanes follows the animal crew, as they become pilots, baggage handlers, and air stewards. Each page is filled with details that machine-mad kids love, such as the cockpit, landing gear, and much more. This book is perfect for budding pilots or happy vacationers! From airplanes to fire engines, the internationally bestselling Amazing Machines series is the perfect way for children to learn about all sorts of vehicles! Each book introduces a new vehicle and the jobs it can do. Bright, engaging artwork and simple, rhyming text combine to make these fantastic books for young children. Kids will love getting to know the friendly, animal characters who feature throughout the series and reading about their fast-paced adventures!”
Her Right Foot, by Dave Eggers, $2.99. This beautiful picture book takes a look at the history of the Statue of Liberty. More than that, Eggers uses the statue to address the inherent freedoms that form the basis of American culture and government. Shawn Harris’s mixed-media illustrations are simple but visually interesting.
Epic Fails: Not-So-Great Presidents, by Ben Thompson and Erik Slader. This newer history series is a lot of fun for middle-grade readers. Rather than focusing on successes, the authors emphasize foibles (e.g., Washington’s mistakes early in his career as a British soldier, Nixon’s Watergate scandal). The result is humanizing; presidents are just people, and everyone makes mistakes. The tone is light and full of contemporary references. A good choice for history fans and history skeptics!
Small Wonders: Jean-Henri Fabre and His World of Insects, by Matthew Clark Smith, $3.99. Fabre is one of the most famous naturalists in history. His interest started when he was a small child fascinated by moths, wasps, and other insects. Instead of merely collecting and dissecting them, Fabre was among the first to study insect behavior in the natural environment.
Microadventures: Local Discoveries, Great Escapes, by Alastair Humphreys, $4.99. The adventures are small, but the world is large! Humphreys is a naturalist and adventurer who has explored all over the world. This book focuses on really getting to know the world right around you. These outdoor adventures can be accomplished in a day or less, with minimal supplies. Humphreys encourages you to chase down a full moon, explore woods and forests, swim in a river, and more. Humphreys is based in the UK, so some of the challenges may not be applicable (e.g., there are few places in the US where you can walk from coast to coast), but most can be adapted to any local environment. This book is perfect for a family looking for new recreation ideas during the pandemic.
Rules, by Cynthia Lord, $3.99. Catherine loves her brother, but she’s not always nice to him. He has autism, and she has created a long list of rules for him to follow so that he doesn’t embarrass her in public. When she meets Jason, a paraplegic who uses a wheelchair and communicates through picture cards, Catherine begins to realize that there’s no one “normal” way to be, and that she needs to find more acceptance and understanding for others, even her own brother.
Freak the Mighty, by Rodman Philbrick, $3.99. This classic story of an unusual friendship has been made into a movie. Kevin has a disorder that prevents him from growing; Max is large for his age and struggles with learning disabilities. Together, Kevin and Max form “Freak the Mighty,” with Kevin riding Max’s shoulders as they explore their surroundings and defeat bullies. Both boys have unique perspectives. Content warning: this book is poignant and tragic.
Missing Math: A Number Mystery, by Loreen Leedy, $3.99. This bright and fun picture book will convince kids of the importance of numbers. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In Missing Math, the numbers all over town suddenly disappear. The animals can’t count, use the phone, or even find out what time it is. Rulers, money, and computers have all become completely useless. . . . Can the town’s detective solve this numerical mystery? Will he ever bring the numbers back home again? Loreen Leedy’s clever rhyming text PLUS her amusing digitally painted illustrations EQUALS proof that we need math each and every day.”
Alone: A Story of Friendship in the Darkness of Space, by Scott Stuart, $0.99. Earth is all alone in space, so it goes off looking for a friend. This sweet, fanciful book includes a few interesting scientific tidbits.
Blast Off to the Moon! by Lauren Gunderson, $3.99. Dr. Wonderful just wants to know why things happen, and she’s willing to explore to find out. When she becomes curious about why the moon changes shape each night, she and her dog decide to go up into space for research. Kids will love the funny illustrations; parents will appreciate the way Dr. Wonderful carefully works through the scientific process to answer her questions.
The Upside of Falling Down, by Rebekah Crane, $1.99. A coming-of-age novel with an unusual twist: Clementine is the sole survivor of a plane crash, and she’s now in Ireland suffering from amnesia. Here’s the plot summary: “With the relentless Irish press bearing down on her, and a father she may not even recognize on his way from America to take her home, Clementine assumes a new identity and enlists a blue-eyed Irish stranger, Kieran O’Connell, to help her escape her forgotten life…and start a new one. Hiding out in the sleepy town of Waterville, Ireland, Clementine discovers there’s an upside to a life that’s fallen apart. But as her lies grow, so does her affection for Kieran, and the truth about her identity becomes harder and harder to reveal, forcing Clementine to decide: Can she leave her past behind for a new love she’ll never forget?”
Zoey and Sassafras: Dragons and Marshmallows, by Asia Citro, $1.99. Science can be magic! Zoey and her cat Sassafras have a big secret: magical creatures are real and come to them for help! Zoey is a budding scientist and uses the scientific method to figure out what is wrong with a sick dragon. This is the first in a series; the short chapters, charming illustrations, and simple language make these books a good choice for budding readers.
What Lives in a Shell? by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld, $2.99. This charming book from the “Let’s Read and Find Out” series is a great introduction to crustaceans and other shelled creatures for early elementary readers. Detailed illustrations introduce clams, snails, crabs, and more.
A Tale of Two Cities, by Charles Dickens, $2.99. A classic adventure from Charles Dickens presents the story of the French Revolution through the eyes of the aristocrats, opportunists, and spies of Paris. Break out your knitting needles and settle in for an engrossing read. This edition includes a brief biography of Dickens and some contextual material.
I Survived The Battle of D-Day, by Lauren Tarshis, $3.99. My elementary-schooler has enjoyed several of the books in this series about deadly wars, plagues, and natural disasters. Each book includes a fictionalized story and a short section of historical information. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Eleven-year-old Paul's French village has been under Nazi control for years. His Jewish best friend has disappeared. Food is scarce. And there doesn't seem to be anything Paul can do to make things better. Then Paul finds an American paratrooper in a tree near his home. The soldier says the Allies have a plan to crush the Nazis once and for all. But the soldier needs Paul's help. This is Paul's chance to make a difference. Soon he finds himself in the midst of the largest invasion in history. Can he do his part to turn horror into hope?”
Magic Tree House: Night of the New Magicians, by Mary Pope Osborne, $3.99. Jack and Annie are heading to France! Merlin has sent them to pass along a message to four magicians at the 1889 World’s Fair in Paris. This is a “Merlin Mission,” so it is longer and more involved than the original Magic Tree House books.
Zane and the Hurricane: A Story of Katrina, by Rodman Philbrick, $3.99. Zane doesn’t know New Orleans well; he is visiting his great-grandmother when Hurricane Katrina makes landfall. After chasing his runaway dog, he finds himself fending for himself until he is rescued by a passing canoe. Philbrick includes realistic historical details and deftly addresses issues of race, class, and privilege.
Gandhi: A March to the Sea, by Alice B. McGinty, $1.99. This picture book with beautiful painted illustrations focuses on the nonviolent Satyagraha movement. There’s a free educator’s guide available as a PDF.
The Sky Painter: Louis Fuertes, Bird Artist, by Margarita Engle, $1.99. I will admit that I had never heard of Fuertes before I discovered this book. Thank you, Margarita Engle, for introducing me to his beautiful work. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Louis loves to watch birds. He takes care of injured birds and studies how they look and how they move. His father wants him to become an engineer, but Louis dreams of being a bird artist. To achieve this dream, he must practice, practice, practice. He learns from the art of John James Audubon. But as Louis grows up, he begins to draw and paint living, flying birds in their natural habitats. Louis Agassiz Fuertes (1874–1927) is now known as the father of modern bird art. He traveled with many scientific expeditions all over the world. His best-known works—paintings for habitat exhibits at the American Museum of Natural History in New York—are still beloved by visitors today. His art helped to encourage wildlife conservation, inspiring people to celebrate and protect the world of wings. Poems by Newbery Honor–winning author Margarita Engle and illustrations by Aliona Bereghici capture the life of Louis Fuertes and the deep sense of wonder that he felt when he painted the sky.”
Escape North! The Story of Harriet Tubman, by Monica Kulling, $4.99. I found my copy of this book at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park (which is great and you should go!). As I’ve mentioned before, I really like the higher level nonfiction “Step into Reading” books for providing a solid foundation on a topic at the elementary level. Kids will learn about Tubman’s missions escorting enslaved people to freedom, but also about her work as a spy and women’s rights advocate.
Frog and Toad are Friends, by Arnold Lobel, $4.99. This is an easy reader classic! Frog and Toad are not always alike, but they are always there for each other. Join them on their funny adventures swimming, looking for a lost button, and waiting for a letter. Fun pictures and few words on each page make this the perfect first chapter book for a new reader.
I am (Not) Scared, by Anna Kang, $1.99. The bears from You are (Not) Small and That’s (Not) Mine are back with a trip to the amusement park. They are frightened of, and exhilarated by, a whole host of new experiences and discover that being together can make hard things seem less scary.
A Snicker of Magic, by Natalie Lloyd, $3.99. My daughter loves this book! Here’s what she says: “A shy girl who’s been traveling around her whole life moves to a town that used to have magic. She learns that her ancestors were cursed and becomes determined to break the curse. This is a really heartwarming book, and I recommend it to people who like The Magic Half.”
Give Yourself Goosebumps: Tick Tock, You’re Dead, by R.L. Stine. A scary Goosebumps novel where you get to choose how the story turns out? Sign me up for this perfect campfire read!
Kindle Deals for October 20, 2020
When humans meet the natural world…
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 Silver Arrow, by Lev Grossman, $2.99. This new release is one of my daughter’s favorite books of 2020! When Kate’s uncle bring her a very unusual birthday present (a sentient train), Kate and her brother set off on an amazing adventure. Along the way, they pick up and drop off countless animals and begin to understand the purpose of the magic train. Grossman has created a really interesting world with a subtle environmental allegory.
A Home for Leo, by Vin Vogel, $0.99. This charming story looks at the intertwined worlds of humans and other animals. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Leo grew up in the sea. He has a family of sea lions he loves. He’s happy, but he has always known he was different. Then Leo’s suddenly reunited with his human parents, and he finds he loves them too. But he still feels like a fish out of water. Being from two worlds and having two families isn’t so easy. Leo has a lot to figure out… Splashed with humor and grounded in heart, this brightly illustrated story explores ideas of family, home, and belonging in a way that’s as relatable as it is unique.”
The Wild Robot, by Peter Brown, $1.99. This is probably the most moving and special book I have read in the ten years I have been a parent. Both an action/survival story and a philosophical musing on what it means to be alive, this book will capture the hearts of kids and adults. We listened to the audiobook on a road trip and nearly had to pull over because the adults were tearing up with happy tears. Amy describes the plot in a detailed review here.
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.”
STILL ON SALE
Inside-Outside Dinosaurs, by Roxie Munro, $0.99. Not a lot of words in this one. If you have a younger kid fascinated by dinosaurs, Munro’s illustrations of how fossil skeletons may translate into their ancient environment will be highly appealing. Fact lists and suggestions for further reading round out this interesting resource.
How to Catch a Dinosaur, by Adam Wallace, $1.99. Check out this fun, rhyming picture book! When a kid decides he wants to prove dinosaurs were real by capturing one and bringing it to the science fair, he and his friends start working on elaborate plans for lures and traps. While the subject matter is wacky, this book offers and excellent glimpse at STEM skills at work.
Fossils for Kids: A Junior Scientist’s Guide to Dinosaur Bones, Ancient Animals, and Prehistoric Life on Earth, by Ashley Hall, $4.99. If your upper elementary student is hoping to learn more about what it’s really like to be a paleontologist, snag them this book! While describing ancient creatures, how fossils are formed, and how to identify fossils, paleontologist Ashley Hall offers lots of information on how scientists to their work.
The Dog that Dug for Dinosaurs, by Shirley Raye Redmond, $4.99. Get ready for a true story about a very clever dog! This Ready to Read book is written for early readers who can handle short paragraphs. Vivid color illustrations make it an enjoyable read. Here’s the publisher’s description: “There once was a little dog named Tray. He lived in England with his owner, Mary Ann Anning. Besides Mary Ann, Tray loved one other thing: He loved to dig for dinosaur bones. Together he and Mary Ann found small bones, big bones, and even entire skeletons! People came from all around the world to see the bones they found. This is the honestly true story of Tray, the dog that dug for dinosaurs.”
Blood, Sweat, and Pixels: The Triumphant, Turbulent Stories Behind How Video Games are Made, by Jason Schrier, $2.99. I am not a gamer, but I love learning about how things are made. This book takes a look at the tremendous effort that goes into creating modern video games. From the publisher: “In Blood, Sweat, and Pixels, Jason Schreier takes readers on a fascinating odyssey behind the scenes of video game development, where the creator may be a team of 600 overworked underdogs or a solitary geek genius. Exploring the artistic challenges, technical impossibilities, marketplace demands, and Donkey Kong-sized monkey wrenches thrown into the works by corporate, Blood, Sweat, and Pixels reveals how bringing any game to completion is more than Sisyphean—it's nothing short of miraculous.”
Star Wars: From a Certain Point of View, by various authors, $4.99. What happens when you ask 40 big-time authors to write a Star Wars short story? You get this fun and fascinating collection that retells major events in Star Wars from the perspective of supporting characters. You’ll find out what was going on in Aunt Beru’s mind as Luke headed off, all you ever wanted to know about the creature in the trash compactor, and more. This is a must for any big Star Wars fan, but it’s also an interesting read for anyone who is intrigued by more than one way to tell a story.
The Nerdy Nummies Cookbook: Sweet Treats for the Geek in All of Us, by Rosanna Pansino, $1.99. Pansino is known for her YouTube baking channel, where she creates delicious treats based on pop culture. This cookbook is full of recipes for recipes for all flavors of geeks: science, gaming, sci-fi, cartoon, and more.
The Economics of Star Trek: The Proto-Post-Scarcity Economy, by Rick Webb, $4.99. Rick Webb made a splash a few years ago with a long-form article about the economics of Star Trek. This book presents an expanded version of that essay along with discussion of Universal Basic Income, cryptocurrency, and other economic issues in terms of the Star Trek universe.
Sheepish: Two Women, Fifty Sheep, and Enough Wool to Save the Planet, by Catherine Friend, $1.99. Just yesterday, my family was discussing what animal we would choose if we could have any habitat in our backyard, and I chose sheep. I can’t quite decide whether this book cements my choice or makes me regret my decision. Catherine Friend describes all the hard work and reward of raising sheep.
DK Smithsonian Natural History Mammals Carnivores: The Definitive Visual Guide, by DK Publishing, $4.99. Want to know more about meat eaters? This book brings DK’s classic photo-rich style to dozens of mammals — bears, seals, even skunks!
Girls Save the World in This One, by Ash Parsons, $2.99. Zombies, conventions, and girl power? Sign me up! The publisher’s description was so good I immediately put this book on my reading list. Here’s what they said: “Shaun of the Dead meets Clueless in this hilarious YA horror comedy set at a local zombie convention–featuring a teenage girl gang that has to save the world from a horde of actual zombies. Perfect for fans of Geekerella, Undead Girl Gang, and Anna and the Apocalypse.”
Small Spaces, by Katherine Arden, $2.99. I don’t even know where to begin with this one. It’s a middle grade novel, but even the back of the book description kind of freaks me out. If you have a middle schooler looking for a ghost tale about a class trip gone wrong, this is a great option. Arden is known for creating rich, detailed worlds, and she puts that skill to work creating some memorable locations and characters.
Duck for President, by Doreen Cronin, $1.99. The wacky barnyard creatures from Click, Clack, Moo are back in this fun and topical picture book. When duck is tired of being asked to do work around the farm, he decides to hold and election and run against the farmer. This successful run leads to a turn as governor and eventually president. At each step along the way, Duck discovers that leading is actually a lot of work.
What is an Election?, by Caryn Jenner, $2.99. This leveled reader is a great introduction to basic concepts in the democratic process. It’s not America-specific; there’s a section on elections around the world. DK’s levels tend to be a bit more advanced that other easy readers. This one is suitable for kids who can read short paragraphs.
Secret Lives of the U.S. Presidents, by Cormac O’Brien, $2.99. Did you know that George Washington had leopard-skin robes made for his horses? Or that Thomas Jefferson smuggled rice from Europe in his pants? These weird facts and more will entertain and enlighten.
Thank You For Voting: The Maddening, Enlightening, Inspiring Truth About Voting in America, by Erin Geiger Smith, $3.99. Geiger Smith is a journalist who has been covering elections for years. In this book, she examines the reasons many people do not participate in elections. She traces the history of voting rights, social and economic factors, and issues that confuse or put off potential voters. The tone is engaging and helpful, with advice on how to encourage those around you to vote.
The Trail of Tears, by Joseph Bruchac, $4.99. This early chapter book does not shy away from the realities of The Trail of Tears. The author, a member of the Abenaki tribe, describes Chief John Ross leading the Cherokee people 1,200 miles to new territory Oklahoma. Hardship and injustices are described in detail appropriate for elementary readers. Don’t discount this book for older readers; the level 4 and 5 books from Step into Reading are great for concise and engaging reading on a narrow topic.
You Hold Me Up, by Monique Gray Smith and Danielle Daniel, $4.99. This sweet picture book describes the ways people look out for each other (e.g., kindness and sharing). The illustrations feature Native people young and old. You’ll find this book a great conversation starter for a discussion about empathy and community spirit.
Why Indigenous Literatures Matter, by Daniel Heath Justice, $4.99. Are you looking to learn more about Indigenous authors? This book, written by a scholar for a broader audience, is a great place to start. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In considering the connections between literature and lived experience, this book contemplates four key questions at the heart of Indigenous kinship traditions: How do we learn to be human? How do we become good relatives? How do we become good ancestors? How do we learn to live together? Blending personal narrative and broader historical and cultural analysis with close readings of key creative and critical texts, Justice argues that Indigenous writers engage with these questions in part to challenge settler-colonial policies and practices that have targeted Indigenous connections to land, history, family, and self. More importantly, Indigenous writers imaginatively engage the many ways that communities and individuals have sought to nurture these relationships and project them into the future. This provocative volume challenges readers to critically consider and rethink their assumptions about Indigenous literature, history, and politics while never forgetting the emotional connections of our shared humanity and the power of story to effect personal and social change. Written with a generalist reader firmly in mind, but addressing issues of interest to specialists in the field, this book welcomes new audiences to Indigenous literary studies while offering more seasoned readers a renewed appreciation for these transformative literary traditions.”
Hearts Unbroken, by Cynthia Leitich Smith, $0.99. High school is complicated for everyone, even more so in this YA novel about a community in racial and cultural conflict. Here’s the publisher’s description: “When Louise Wolfe’s first real boyfriend mocks and disrespects Native people in front of her, she breaks things off and dumps him over e-mail. It’s her senior year, anyway, and she’d rather spend her time with her family and friends and working on the school newspaper. The editors pair her up with Joey Kairouz, the ambitious new photojournalist, and in no time the paper’s staff find themselves with a major story to cover: the school musical director’s inclusive approach to casting The Wizard of Oz has been provoking backlash in their mostly white, middle-class Kansas town. From the newly formed Parents Against Revisionist Theater to anonymous threats, long-held prejudices are being laid bare and hostilities are spreading against teachers, parents, and students — especially the cast members at the center of the controversy, including Lou’s little brother, who’s playing the Tin Man. As tensions mount at school, so does a romance between Lou and Joey — but as she’s learned, ‘dating while Native’ can be difficult. In trying to protect her own heart, will Lou break Joey’s?”
Greenglass House, by Kate Milford, $1.99. OK, it would be false advertising to compare this book to The Westing Game, but if there is a contemporary literary descendant of Raskin's deliciously complex mystery, it's The Greenglass House—a genuine, bona fide middle grades mystery that gives its readers credit for being intelligent and that delivers a satisfying mystery, sophisticated character development, and a few (well set-up) twists along the way. Adopted innkeepers' son Milo and his friend—the cook's daughter, Meddy—unravel the clues to discover why their off-season inn is full of unexpected visitors, at least one of whom seems set on sabotaging Greenglass House. It's a terrific mystery. Highly recommended.
A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning, by Lemony Snicket, $2.99. The first book is Lemony Snicket’s hilariously tragic series chronicles the moment things begin to go terribly wrong in the lives of the ill-fated Baudelaire orphans. Kids will love the over-the-top storytelling; parents will be tickled by all the interesting words Snicket throws in.
The Thickety: A Path Begins, by J.A. White, $3.99. Looking for a seriously creepy and sometimes dark middle-grade fantasy? The Thickety does a good job of balancing real menace with imaginative storytelling. Here’s a bit of the publisher’s description: “When Kara Westfall was five years old, her mother was convicted of the worst of all crimes: witchcraft. Years later, Kara and her little brother, Taff, are still shunned by the people of their village, who believe that nothing is more evil than magic…except, perhaps, the mysterious forest that covers nearly the entire island. It has many names, this place. Sometimes it is called the Dark Wood, or Sordyr's Realm. But mostly it's called the Thickety. The villagers live in fear of the Thickety and the terrible creatures that live there. But when an unusual bird lures Kara into the forbidden forest, she discovers a strange book with unspeakable powers. A book that might have belonged to her mother. And that is just the beginning of the story.”
Spontaneous, by Aaron Starmer, $2.99. I just bought this one for myself! The idea of a darkly funny YA novel about a wave of spontaneous combustions just felt right for 2020. The publisher’s description hooked me. Will it do the same for you? “Mara Carlyle’s senior year is going as normally as could be expected, until fellow senior Katelyn Ogden explodes during third period pre-calc. Katelyn is the first, but she won’t be the last teenager to blow up without warning or explanation. As the national eye turns to Mara’s suburban New Jersey hometown, the FBI rolls in and the search for a reason is on. Mara narrates the end of their world as she knows it while trying to make it to graduation in one piece. It’s an explosive year punctuated by romance, quarantine, lifelong friendship, hallucinogenic mushrooms, bloggers, ice cream trucks, and Bon Jovi.”
Three Faces of Me, by R.L. Stine, $0.99. No one beats R.L. Stine for a kid-appropriate intro to the horror genre. Here’s the publisher’s description of this eerie tale: “When Ira Fishman wins a prize in the machine outside a candy store, he’s disappointed it’s not the squirt gun he had his eye on. The little black plastic box looks like a camera, but when Ira presses the green button on top, nothing happens. After dinner that night, Ira can’t believe what he sees in his room: a boy with the same clothes—and face—as Ira! He tries to get this second Ira to leave, but it’s no use. Deciding to have a little fun, Ira makes the boy go to school in his place—but it’s a disaster. The new Ira isn’t good at math like the real Ira, and he’s horrible at softball. Worst of all, he plays with the girls during recess! Ira’s clone is ruining his rep—fast. And when a third Ira shows up, Ira number one has to find a way to make the others disappear for good before his whole world is turned upside down. But how do you get rid of yourself?”
Turkey Trick of Treat, by Wendi Silvano, $0.99. The wacky turkey from Turkey Trouble is back, this time to celebrate Halloween! He wants candy, but the farmer will only give it to kids in costumes. Can he and the other barnyard animals trick the farmer into giving them treats?
Halloween Hustle, by Charlotte Gunnufson, $0.99. Kids will love the spooky-cute illustrations and the fun rhyming text. Skeleton is on his way to a party, and he can’t help but dance. But he has a problem — he keeps tripping and falling apart. Can he keep it together?
How to Build a Haunted House, by Frank Tupta, $1.99. In this rhyming story, classic monsters are are working together to make a spooky haunted house. The twist? It’s for vampire family in need!
The Magic Half, by Annie Barrows, $4.79. My daughter loved this series when she was in elementary school. When Miri’s family moves into a new house, she is thrilled with her interesting new room in the attic. Things get a little strange, and more interesting, when she discovers that her room is somehow connected to 1935 and a girl in need of help. Miri has to learn the secrets of this time travel to rescue Molly.
Stepping Stones: The Time Machine, by H.G. Wells and Les Martin, $3.99. The Stepping Stones series adapts classic literature to an early chapter book level. This adaptation of the H.G. Wells classic is heavy on the action and includes engaging illustrations. This is a great introduction to one of the foundational texts of science fiction.
Apples, Apples, Apples, by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace, $0.99. The bunny family is heading to the orchard to pick some fresh apples! They meet up with Farmer Miller, who explains the different varieties of apples and how they grow. When they have gathered all they need, they head home to make fresh applesauce (recipe included!). Wallace’s unique cut paper illustrations are very sweet.
The Seasons of Arnold’s Apple Tree, by Gail Gibbons, $4.99. Arnold has a favorite apple tree. He spends time in it throughout the year, picking fruit, smelling blossoms, feeding the birds, and basking in its shade. In simple language, Gibbons walks readers through a year in the life of a tree. Don’t miss the recipe for apple pie and the description of how a cider press works!
How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World, by Marjorie Priceman, $4.99. From our readalouds with recipes list: “As Carl Sagan once said, if you want to make an apple pie from scratch, first you have to create the universe. In this playful picture book, you don’t have to create the world but you do have to travel it, journeying around the globe to collect far-flung ingredients for the perfect apple pie.”
Apples and How They Grow, by Laura Driscoll, $4.99. Let your beginning reader read about apples on their own! This short and sweet nonfiction book is full of details about how apples grow. Kids (and adults) may be surprised to learn about grafting branches from one tree onto another.
We Dream of Space, by Erin Entrada Kelly, $1.99. That historical fiction is now set in the 1980s makes me feel a little old, but I’m excited to read this new middle grade novel. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Cash, who loves basketball but has a newly broken wrist, is in danger of failing seventh grade for the second time. Fitch spends every afternoon playing Major Havoc at the arcade on Main and wrestles with an explosive temper that he doesn’t understand. And Bird, his twelve-year-old twin, dreams of being NASA’s first female shuttle commander, but feels like she’s disappearing. The Thomas children exist in their own orbits, circling a tense and unpredictable household, with little in common except an enthusiastic science teacher named Ms. Salonga. As the launch of the Challenger approaches, Ms. Salonga gives her students a project—they are separated into spacecraft crews and must create and complete a mission. When the fated day finally arrives, it changes all of their lives and brings them together in unexpected ways.”
Space Opera, by Catherynne M. Valente, $1.99. Amy and Suzanne really enjoyed this book. Here’s what Amy has to say about it: “So earlier this fall, I told Suzanne that I needed to read something that would just make me happy, and she suggested this space saga. NEVER DOUBT SUZANNE. This zany, Douglas Adams-ish (and I don’t throw that around lightly) story centers around an intergalactic version of American Idol, in which planets compete not for record deals but for the right for their species to be considered sentient by the rest of the universe. All newly space-faring species must compete to prove their sentience — and if they come in last, their whole species will be wiped right out of existence. Now that Earth is in the space game, and the future of humanity is in the hands of aging 70s rocker Decibel Jones. It sounds wacky and all over the place because it is wacky and all over the place — but in a way that made me really happy.”
Suni Goes to Space, by Arthy Muthanna Singh and Mamta Nainy, $0.99. When Sunita Williams was young, she dreamed of going into space like Neil Armstrong. Singh and Nainy introduce us to Suni, the inquisitive and creative girl who grew up to become an astronaut.
Scream: Chilling Adventures in the Science of Fear, by Margee Kerr, $1.99. Why do we feel afraid? Why do we deliberately seek out horror movies and haunted houses? Sociologist Margee Kerr investigates the individual and societal experiences of fear. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Fear is a universal human experience, but do we really understand it? If we're so terrified of monsters and serial killers, why do we flock to the theaters to see them? Why do people avoid thinking about death, but jump out of planes and swim with sharks? For Kerr, there was only one way to find out. In this eye-opening, adventurous book, she takes us on a tour of the world's scariest experiences: into an abandoned prison long after dark, hanging by a cord from the highest tower in the Western hemisphere, and deep into Japan's mysterious ‘suicide forest.’ She even goes on a ghost hunt with a group of paranormal adventurers. Along the way, Kerr shows us the surprising science from the newest studies of fear -- what it means, how it works, and what it can do for us. Full of entertaining science and the thrills of a good ghost story, this book will make you think, laugh -- and scream.”
Alice in Zombieland, by Gena Showalter, $2.99. It’s Alice in Wonderland… sort of. With zombies! This YA zombie novel is filled with allusions to Wonderland.
His Hideous Heart: 13 of Edgar Allen Poe’s Most Unsettling Tales Reimagined, edited by Dahlia Adler, $2.99. Teens have loved Poe’s creepy tales for the last hundred and fifty years. Now they can experience the themes in new ways through this collection of modern short stories from big names in current YA.
Teach Your Own: The John Holt Book of Homeschooling, by John Holt and Pat Farenga, $2.99. John Holt is one of the founders of the modern homeschool movement. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In this expanded edition of the book that helped launch the whole movement, Pat Farenga has distilled John Holt's timeless understanding of the ways children come to understand the world and added up-to-the-moment legal, financial, and logistical advice. No parent even considering homeschooling should be without this wise and unique reference. Rather than proposing that parents turn their homes into miniature schools, Holt and Farenga demonstrate how ordinary parents can help children grow as social, active learners. Chapters on living with children, "serious play," children and work, and learning difficulties will fascinate and encourage parents and help them enjoy each "homeschool" day. John Holt's warm understanding of children and his passionate belief in every child's ability to learn have made this book the bible of homeschooling families everywhere.”
My Strong Mind: A Story about Developing Mental Strength, by Niels van Hove, $2.99. This is a pretty didactic but accessible book about developing good habits. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Kate faces several situations your children will face too. She applies a positive attitude to deal with her challenges. Amongst them are getting ready in time in the morning, doing cartwheels, standing in front of the whole class with show and tell and playing basketball. Kate applies techniques like goal setting, positive self-talk, accept failure as learning, visualisation of a problem, breathing or mindfulness exercise, gratitude, and controlled distraction. These tips to build a strong mind in children are presented in an easy to read, fun and practical way.”
It’s Okay to Make Mistakes, by Todd Parr, $1.99. Todd Parr’s books are like big, extra-tight hugs. His simple style is bold, funny, and diverse. For every mistake he mentions, he offers a hint at what can happen next (e.g., “It’s OK to not know the answer. Asking questions helps you learn.”) My toddler could recite Todd Parr books way before she could read them on her own.
Storybound, by Melissa Burt, $3.99. I haven’t had a chance to read this series yet, but it sounds like a delightful bookish adventure. Here’s the publisher’s description: “When Una Fairchild stumbles upon a mysterious book buried deep in the basement of her school library, she thinks nothing of opening the cover and diving in. But instead of paging through a regular novel, Una suddenly finds herself Written In to the land of Story—a world filled with Heroes and Villains and fairy-tale characters. But not everything in Story is as magical as it seems. Una must figure out why she has been Written In—and fast—before anyone else discovers her secret. Together with her new friend Peter and a talking cat named Sam, Una digs deep into Story's shadowy past. She quickly realizes that she is tied to the world in ways she never could have imagined—and it might be up to her to save it.”
A Dash of Magic, by Kathryn Littlewood, $3.99. The Bliss series is a mouth-watering literary treat. In this second book in the series, Rosemary is determined to retrieve the magical Cookery Booke that her aunt has stolen — even if it means facing off in an Iron Chef-style food battle. The competition takes the Bliss family to Paris, where the family rushes around famous sites collecting the magical ingredients Rosemary needs. There’s an excellent sense of place. If you enjoy this book, the sequel is also on sale.
Sleep, Big Bear, Sleep! by Maureen Wright, $0.99. It’s time to hibernate in this charming picture book. Bear knows there’s something he needs to do, but he keeps mishearing Old Man Winter’s “Sleep” message and instead thinks he is supposed to leap or sweep. It’s a sweet, funny story perfect for fall.
Scaredy Squirrel, by Melanie Watt, $0.99. Scaredy Squirrel wants to be prepared. He has all of his emergency gear at the ready, prepared for bees, Martians, whatever might happen. He prefers to stick to his safe, steady routine. When a chance encounter causes him to leap into the unknown, he gets a big surprise.
Shampoodle, by Joan Holub, $3.99. This fun easy reader will have kids giggling! The funny, rhyming text describes a day at the dog groomer. The dogs are all very exuberant, even before a cat wanders in and causes mayhem. I love the pictures in this one; there’s lots to see!
Bad Kitty Camp Daze, by Nick Bruel, $4.96. Bad Kitty has an attitude problem that will endear her to surly children everywhere. Bruel built on his picture book series with these early chapter books that contain lots of illustrated action. When Bad Kittle sneaks away to Uncle Murray’s Camp for Stressed-Out Dogs, she learns more than she bargains for about the natural world.
The Hobbits of Tolkien: An Illustrated Exploration of Tolkien’s Hobbits and the Sources that Inspired His Work From Myth, Legend, and History, by David Day, $3.99. Want to know more about the mythology behind Middle Earth? Curious about the etymology of some place names and people? This book perfectly balances detailed research with cozy illustrations. The author has written similar volumes about other elements of Tolkien’s work.
A Dictionary of Sources of Tolkien: The History and Mythology That Inspired Tolkien’s World, by David Day, $3.99. I enjoy sweeping fantasy, but I definitely struggle to keep all the names and places straight. In this extensive volume, Day provides information about all the proper nouns of Middle Earth, both their relevance to the narrative and their allusions to other literary traditions.
An Unexpected Cookbook: The Unofficial Book of Hobbit Cookery, by Chris-Rachael Oseland, $5.99. This book is more expensive than my typical Kindle deals, but I didn’t think we could properly celebrate Hobbit Day without at least one food book. The recipes are broken up into all seven Hobbit meals, with delicious treats like Lavender and Lemon Bread, Yorkshire Pudding, and Honey Cakes. You’ll find detailed recipe notes and mouthwatering photos throughout.
Fear of Physics: A Guide for the Perplexed, by Lawrence M. Krauss, $1.99. Krauss is a theoretical physicist who works on the deepest mysteries of the universe. But don’t let that intimidate you! Here’s the publisher’s description: “Assume the cow is a sphere." So begins this lively, irreverent, and informative look at everything from the physics of boiling water to cutting-edge research at the observable limits of the universe. Rich with anecdotes and accessible examples, Fear of Physics nimbly ranges over the tools and thought behind the world of modern physics, taking the mystery out of what is essentially a very human intellectual endeavour.”
Caesar’s Last Breath: Decoding the Secrets of the Air Around Us, by Sam Kean, $2.99. Science writer Sam Kean has written about the chemical elements, neuroscience, genetics, and the creation of the atomic bomb. In this book, he explores the air around us and the molecules we find within it. He travels throughout history and across several continents in his quest to understand the air we breathe.
Scienceblind: Why Our Intuitive Theories About the World Are So Often Wrong, by Andrew Shtulman, $4.99. Our brains are wired to make connections that help us make sense of the world. But that does not mean that our brains always interpret the world correctly. Cognitive psychologist Andrew Shtulman explains the reasons why people tend to believe weird things in this fascinating book. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Why do we catch colds? What causes seasons to change? And if you fire a bullet from a gun and drop one from your hand, which bullet hits the ground first? In a pinch we almost always get these questions wrong. Worse, we regularly misconstrue fundamental qualities of the world around us. In Scienceblind, cognitive and developmental psychologist Andrew Shtulman shows that the root of our misconceptions lies in the theories about the world we develop as children. They're not only wrong, they close our minds to ideas inconsistent with them, making us unable to learn science later in life. So how do we get the world right? We must dismantle our intuitive theories and rebuild our knowledge from its foundations. The reward won't just be a truer picture of the world, but clearer solutions to many controversies -- around vaccines, climate change, or evolution -- that plague our politics today.”
Uncommon Paper Flowers: Extraordinary Botanicals and How to Craft Them, by Kate Alcaron, $2.99. You’ve made a paper rose before, now get ready to try something unique! Alcaron has collected 30 unusual plants and created paper models of them. The book contains detailed botanical descriptions, an extensive technique section, and templates for creating your own dramatic floral display.
Parenting in a Pandemic: How to Help Your Family Through Covid-19, by Kelly Fradin, $0.99. This just came out and will (I hope) only be useful for a limited time, but the price is right and the advice is solid. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Parents are burning out while kids need more help than ever. With so many families in crisis, pediatrician and child advocate Dr. Kelly Fradin sees an urgent need for help. As a mother of two, Dr. Fradin shares practical, evidence-based and reassuring advice on what families need to know. Parents are forced to make decisions now despite seemingly constant change and many unknowns. In Parenting in a Pandemic, Dr. Fradin provides the information and strategies you need to help navigate coronavirus. The book reviews the science necessary to understand the news and care for your family. Dr. Fradin explains the specific risks of coronavirus to children of all ages and adults, including parents, grandparents, pregnant women, and essential workers. She gives realistic strategies you can use to improve this time for your family whether you are protecting a newborn, virtually schooling or convincing a teen to physically distance.”
The House Takes a Vacation, by Jacqueline Davies, $0.99. Get ready for a surreal and wacky adventure! When the house’s people go on vacation, the house decides to take its own trip. Kids and adults will enjoy the pun-filled text and personality-filled illustrations.
Little House in the Big Woods, by Laura Ingalls Wilder, $3.99. The Little House books are among the most read children’s books of all time, and with good reason. Wilder does a tremendous job of creating a vivid and inviting glimpse into life on the frontier. Later books in the series have problematic depictions of conflicts with Native Americans and have not aged well. Little House in the Big Woods, however, is a cozy and gentle peek into the past. Read this one by candle or fire as the temperatures start to dip this fall!
The Hero’s Guide to Saving Your Kingdom, by Christopher Healy, $3.99. You think you know the classic fairytale stories, but they are usually centered around the princesses. This fun middle grade series focuses on the princes. After the “happily ever after” the princes discover that their kingdoms are in danger, and they set off take on all kinds of mythical monsters. This fun and funny book is the first in a series that your middle-grade reader will love.
The Element Encyclopedia of Magical Creatures, by John and Caitlin Matthews, $3.99. Looking for a reference on obscure creatures? Every time I open this book, I discover a new mythological animal I haven’t heard of before. Here’s the publisher’s description: “From unicorns and trolls to werewolves and griffins, this comprehensive guide is the key to discovering every magical creature from myth, folklore and legend around the world. This compendium of magical creatures explores the history, folklore and mythology of fascinating beasts throughout all the magical worlds. Including stories, celebrations, traditions, and amazing facts, the book spans every major culture across the globe.”
Steampunk! An Anthology of Fantastically Rich and Strange Stories, edited by Kelly Link and Gavin J. Grant, $0.99. Are you new to steampunk but interested in exploring alternate versions of the world shaped by a different series of technological innovations? This anthology will introduce you to many excellent YA steampunk authors. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Imagine an alternate universe where romance and technology reign. Where tinkerers and dreamers craft and re-craft a world of automatons, clockworks, calculating machines, and other marvels that never were. Where scientists and schoolgirls, fair folk and Romans, intergalactic bandits, utopian revolutionaries, and intrepid orphans solve crimes, escape from monstrous predicaments, consult oracles, and hover over volcanoes in steam-powered airships. Here, fourteen masters of speculative fiction, including two graphic storytellers, embrace the genre's established themes and refashion them in surprising ways and settings as diverse as Appalachia, ancient Rome, future Australia, and alternate California. Visionaries Kelly Link and Gavin J. Grant have invited all-new explorations and expansions, taking a genre already rich, strange, and inventive in the extreme and challenging contributors to remake it from the ground up. The result is an anthology that defies its genre even as it defines it.”
The Wonderling, by Mira Bartok, $0.99. In Mira Bartok’s imagined world, groundlings are creatures that are part animal, part human. Thirteen, a fox groundling, escapes the Dickensian workhouse where has been raised and sets off on an adventure of his own. The tone is similar to Lemony Snicket, but the story is entirely unique, full of mechanical details and animals with extraordinary abilities. Put this strange and interesting book in the hands of your middle-grade reader!
My Robots: The Robotic Genius of Lady Regina Bonquers III, by Johan Olander, $3.99. Olander creates such interesting books! This heavily illustrated book purports to be the design scrapbook of an elusive roboticist. Lady Regina has created bots to fight fires, pluck nose hairs, and even give hugs. Kids will enjoy all the details of the development process, the unique visual style, and a frisson of mystery over Lady Regina’s whereabouts.
The Last Kids on Earth, by Max Brallier, $1.99. Are you ready for some funny post-apocalyptic lit for kids? This madcap adventure mixes peril, gross out humor, and teamwork as an unlikely band of teens works to save the day and stay alive. It’s a middle grade chapter book riddled with exciting and gruesome illustrations. If this sounds like something you’d be into, several books in the series are on sale today.
Big History: From the Big Bang to the Present, by Cynthia Stokes Brown, $3.99. The Big History movement combines science with history to study Earth from the moment of the big bang all the way through current events. Brown does a remarkable job finding through lines in the vast sweep of history. Each era is necessarily brief, but readers will be pleased to see that the history is not overly focused on Western civilization.
Bear and Fred: A World War II Story, by Iris Argaman, $4.99. Picture books can make challenging subjects understandable for small children. In this book, Israeli author Iris Argaman tells the true story of a boy’s time hiding from Nazis during WWII — from the perspective of his loyal teddy bear. It’s a tough but uplifting story that gently introduces the topic of the Holocaust.
Sleepover Larry, by Daniel Pinkwater, $3.99. Larry is a dapper polar bear who lives in a hotel owned by his human family. When Larry learns the concept of sleepovers, he is determined to have a great one with his bear friends from the zoo!
National Geographic Readers: Bears, by Elizabeth Carney, $3.99. Learn about bear species from all over the world in this fun, brightly illustrated easy reader. Sections cover habitats, adaptations, diet, cubs, and more. The level 3 books pack in a lot of detail without complicated vocabulary.
Magic Tree House: Polar Bears Past Bedtime, by Mary Pope Osborne, $3.99. Jack and Annie are off on another adventure, this time to the Arctic! They encounter indigenous hunters, polar bears, the Northern Lights, and more. The Magic Tree House series is great for beginning readers who are looking for fast-paced, exciting (but short) chapter books.
Bibliophile: An Illustrated Miscellany, by Jane Mount, $2.99. This is a literary bonbon for any book lover. As the title suggests, it’s a wonderful collection of miscellaneous facts about books, writers, bookstores, characters, and more. I can almost guarantee that you will find a new author to check out, or even a new favorite book, in the illustrated book lists.
The Man Who Made Lists: Love, Death, Madness, and the Creation of Roget’s Thesaurus, by Joshua Kendall. When I was a kid, I found thesauruses fascinating. I loved flipping through themed lists of words. I don’t think many kids use paper thesauruses now; the function built into your word processor isn’t really the same. Whether you are nostalgic for your childhood thesaurus or have never really used one, you’ll find the story behind the creation of the first modern thesaurus unexpectedly fascinating. Here’s a brief publisher’s description: “Polymath, eccentric, and synonym aficionado, Peter Mark Roget had a host of female admirers, was one of the first to test the effects of laughing gas, invented the slide rule, and narrowly escaped jail in Napoleon's France. But Roget is best known for making lists. After the tragic turmoil of his early life (both his mother and sister were institutionalized), Roget longed for order in his chaotic world. At the age of eight, he began his quest to put everything in its rightful place, one word at a time. This is the fascinating story of a driven man and a brilliant scholar-and the legacy he has left for generations.”
A Spy in the House, by Y.S. Lee, $0.99. This is the first in a series of YA historical mysteries about a young Asian sleuth in Victorian London. Mary is an orphan doomed for the gallows when she is rescued and offered a position at the mysterious Miss Scrimshaw’s Academy for Girls. The school is the training ground for an elite group of detectives who can infiltrate high society households. Lee does an excellent job of offering the gritty details of the Victorian city while staying away from graphic details. The immigrant experience is rarely discussed in historical fiction, so this series provides an interesting perspective.
The March on Washington, by Bonnie Bader, $3.99. American Girl has been bringing accessible historical fiction to early readers for more than 30 years. More recently, the company has published factual companion books that provide deeper background into important events. This book about the 1963 March on Washington includes photos, timelines, maps, and a bibliography for more research.
One Crazy Summer, by Rita Williams-Garcia, $4.99. When the three Gaither sisters travel to California to spend time with their estranged mother, they are expecting movie stars and Disneyland. What they actually experience is a little different: summer camp run by the Black Panthers. The girls spend the next four weeks learning about the movement and discovering their own identities. This work of historical fiction set in 1968 is a nice point of entry for a discussion about the Civil Rights movement and the Black Panthers.
Susan B. Anthony: Her Fight for Equal Rights, by Monica Kulling, $4.99. Get to know one of America’s strongest proponents of women’s voting rights, Susan B. Anthony, in this book for early readers. Anthony was determined to vote in an election, even though it was illegal for women to do so at the time. Her civil disobedience led to her arrest. Young readers will learn about how Anthony’s actions paved the way for the 19th Amendment.
Lillian’s Right to Vote: A Celebration of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, by Jonah Winter and Shane W. Evans, $4.99. Sadly, the 19th Amendment did not make voting accessible to ALL women. In many places, unfair practices like poll taxes, complicated literacy tests, and property ownership rules made it nearly impossible for people of color to vote. In this moving picture book, an old woman reminisces about her family’s history and the many barriers to voting they faced.
The Women’s Suffrage Movement, edited by Sally Roesch Wagner, $4.99. What is the study of history without primary sources? This great collection from Penguin Classics looks at the quest for women’s rights in a delightfully intersectional array of essays, letters, speeches, and other texts. Readers will discover Black and Native American women whose ideas were crucial to the movement but have been overlooked in historical accounts.
The Templeton Twins Have an Idea, by Ellis Weiner, $0.99. If your reader has plowed the A Series of Unfortunate Events and would like something with a similar feel, look no further. The Templetons feel very similar to the Baudelaires. A snippet from the book description gives you an excellent feel for the tone: “Suppose there were 12-year-old twins, a boy and girl named John and Abigail Templeton. Let's say John was pragmatic and played the drums, and Abigail was theoretical and solved cryptic crosswords. Now suppose their father was a brilliant, if sometimes confused, inventor. And suppose that another set of twins—adults—named Dean D. Dean and Dan D. Dean, kidnapped the Templeton twins and their ridiculous dog in order to get their father to turn over one of his genius (sort of) inventions. Yes, I said kidnapped. Wouldn't it be fun to read about that? Oh please. It would so. Luckily for you, this is just the first in a series perfect for boys and girls who are smart, clever, and funny (just like the twins), and enjoy reading adventurous stories (who doesn't?!).”
Ella Enchanted, by Gail Carson Levine, $1.99. This Newberry Honor book has been beloved for two decades, and with good reason. A unique twist on the Cinderella story, this book focuses on Ella, a girl who has been cursed (“gifted”?) with obedience to others’ orders. In order to break this curse, she must track down and convince the fairy godmother who bestowed it.
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.
801 Things You Should Know: From Greek Philosophy to Today’s Technology, by David Olsen, $1.99. You’re a smart person. You’ve probably heard of many of the concepts and events in this book. But you may not be clear on all the details. This collection of short entries about everything from politics to medical terminology to economic principals will serve as a great introduction or refresher. Hand this to a tween/teen along with a newspaper — they’ll be able to quickly get background on unfamiliar terms like bear markets, the Hundred Years’ War, and the Invisible Hand theory.
A Field Guide to Monsters, by Johan Olander, $0.99. Olander is a “monstrologist” who documents monsters’ behavior in the wild. In this whimsical and imaginative book, he collects illustrations and artifacts from the Slobber Bug, Beach Krill, Tadpole-Monster, and other previously unknown (aka imaginary) creatures. It would be fun to compare this book with other, more scientific field guides.
Iron Hearted Violet, by Kelly Barnhill, $1.99. Kelly Barnhill tells such compelling twists on fairytale tropes. In this book, Princess Violet must work with the last dragon alive to protect the world from an evil being she has only read about in a forbidden book. Violet is brave, but not beautiful, strong, but not perfect.
The Menagerie, by Tui T. Sutherland and Kari Sutherland, $3.99. If your middle-grade reader enjoys books where the magical world bumps into the real world, The Menagerie series may be the perfect next adventure. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In the small town of Xanadu, Wyoming lies the Menagerie, a top secret facility filled with unicorns, dragons, phoenixes, and other fairy tale creatures. At least, it was a secret—until six griffin cubs escaped. If Logan and Zoe don’t get the cubs back fast, the entire Menagerie will be shut down. The race is on and the resulting adventure is only the beginning of a thrilling series that will leave readers wanting a magical menagerie of their very own.”
An Optimist’s Tour of the Future, by Mark Stevenson, $4.99. My husband loves this book, which does a great job of musing about how technology could change our future for the better. Here’s the publisher’s description: “When unexpectedly confronted with his own mortality, Mark Stevenson-a writer, deep-thinker, and stand-up comedian-began to ponder what the future holds for our species. ‘The past is a foreign country,’ writes Stevenson. ‘By my analysis it's a bit like France-in that I've been to parts of it and eaten some nice food there. But the future? The future is an unknown territory-and there isn't a guidebook.’ Thus, his ambition was born. Stevenson set out simply, asking, ‘What's next?’ and then traveled the globe in pursuit of the answers. Along the way, he visited the Australian outback to visit the farmers who can save us from climate change, met a robot with mood swings, and talked to the Spaniard who's putting a hotel in space. While some might be overwhelmed, or even dismayed by the looming realities of genome sequencing, synthetic biology, a nuclear renaissance, and carbon scrubbing, Stevenson remains, well, optimistic. Drawing on his singular humor and storytelling to break down these sometimes complicated discoveries, An Optimist's Tour of the Future paints a wonderfully readable, and completely enthralling portrait of where we'll be when we grow up- and why it's not so scary.”
50 Ways to Beat Boredom with LEGO Bricks, by DK Publishing, $0.99. If your house is anything like mine, you have no shortage of LEGO pieces. This short book introduces 50 quick activities and games using the beloved building materials. Build a mountain to create a 3D game board (instructions for a spinner also included) or design a functional piggy bank! This is an idea book, not a book of detailed instructions, but it’s a great jumping off point for an hour or a day of LEGO exploration. Note: If you already have 365 Things to Do with LEGO Bricks, you don’t need this book; this book is a shorter extract of that one.
Would You Rather? Made You Think Edition, by Lindsey Daly, $0.99. They start simple: “Would you rather kiss a fish that’s living in a radioactive pond or roll down a hill while hugging a porcupine?” The questions only get more interesting from there. Turn the questions into a game by scoring points for the best reasoning (guidelines are given in the introduction).
Diary of a Pug: Pug Blasts Off, by Kyla May, $2.99. Meet Bub, aka Baron von Bubbles, beloved pet of Bella. He loves doing everything with his human, so when she enters an invention contest, Bub is determined to help her. But this means he needs to deal with his squirrel nemesis, Nutz. This fun, brightly colored diary is full of wacky adventures and adorable illustrations. Early chapter book readers will love it!
Chickadee, by Louise Erdrich, $4.49. Chickadee takes place within the family introduced in Birchbark House. Omakayas is grown with a family of her own, and this story focuses on her twin sons, Chickadee and Makoons. After a prank gone wrong, Chickadee is kidnapped by angry men. This is the tale of Chickadee’s long path to reunion with his family. As with Erdrich’s other books, Chickadee’s story is filled with vivid details about Ojibwe life and traditions.
Young Water Protetctors: A Story About Standing Rock, by Aslan and Kelly Tudor, $2.99. Aslan Tudor was 10 years old when he wrote this book about his time participating in the Standing Rock protests. This is a great, age appropriate introduction to the conflict between native peoples and developers of the Dakota Access Pipeline.
My Heart Fills with Happiness, by Monique Gray Smith, $4.99. This sweet picture book introduces many things that bring happiness — good smells, good friends, and the beauty of nature. The lovely illustrations show many elements in the life on an indigenous family.
The Odds of Loving Grover Cleveland, by Rebekah Crane, $0.99. This Grover Cleveland isn’t a president; he’s a resident at Camp Padua, a summer program for at-risk teens. When Zander’s parents insist she leave home to attend camp, she is sure that she won’t fit in. She’s surprised to make connections with her fellow campers, even though they are all dealing with big problems of their own. This tough but ultimately hopeful novel is also filled with darkly funny moments.
The Mermaid’s Sister, by Carrie Anne Noble, $0.99. I haven’t read this YA fantasy novel yet, but it’s definitely on my To Read list. Here’s the publisher’s summary: In a cottage high atop Llanfair Mountain, sixteen-year-old Clara lives with her sister, Maren, and guardian Auntie. By day, they gather herbs for Auntie’s healing potions; by night, Auntie spins tales of faraway lands and wicked fairies. Clara’s favorite story tells of three orphaned infants—Clara, who was brought to Auntie by a stork; Maren, who arrived in a seashell; and their best friend, O’Neill, who was found beneath an apple tree. One day, Clara discovers iridescent scales just beneath her sister’s skin: Maren is becoming a mermaid and must be taken to the sea or she will die. So Clara, O’Neill, and the mermaid-girl set out for the shore. But the trio encounters trouble around every bend. Ensnared by an evil troupe of traveling performers, Clara and O’Neill must find a way to save themselves and the ever-weakening Maren.
The Testing, by Joelle Charbonneau, $1.99. Calling all fans of The Hunger Games or Divergent! This series should scratch that dystopian coming-of-age itch. Here’s a summary from the publisher: “It’s graduation day for sixteen-year-old Malencia Vale, and the entire Five Lakes Colony (the former Great Lakes) is celebrating. All Cia can think about—hope for—is whether she’ll be chosen for The Testing, a United Commonwealth program that selects the best and brightest new graduates to become possible leaders of the slowly revitalizing post-war civilization. When Cia is chosen, her father finally tells her about his own nightmarish half-memories of The Testing. Armed with his dire warnings (“Cia, trust no one”), she bravely heads off to Tosu City, far away from friends and family, perhaps forever. Danger, romance—and sheer terror—await.”
Princess Academy, by Shannon Hale, $0.99. You may be starting to get the impression that I love Shannon Hale, and you would be right. Princess Academy is the first in a middle grade series about a land where a rich urban royal class benefits from the poorly paid labor of all the surrounding towns. When it is decided that the Prince’s wife should come from Miri’s village, all the teen girls are rounded up and sent to a school where they will be taught the ways of court. Booklist says, “Hale nicely interweaves feminist sensibilities in this quest-for-a-prince-charming, historical-fantasy tale. Strong suspense and plot drive the action as the girls outwit would-be kidnappers and explore the boundaries of leadership, competition, and friendship.” If you are looking for books with strong heroines who overcome difficulties to make a difference in their world, this is the book for you.
Bound: 15 Beautiful Bookbinding Projects, by Rachel Hazell, $3.99. If your family is anything like mine, you probably have dozens of stories your kids have written and illustrated. Why not turn them into an art project by binding them into book form? Or set yourself up for a new school year by creating small notebooks for nature observations or other projects. This book goes through multiple styles, from basic to complex, with step by step instructions.
Mini Weapons of Mass Destruction: Make Mayhem from your Stationery with 35 Models to Build Yourself, by John Austin, $3.99. Do you have pens, rubber bands, and plastic utensils? If so, you’re ready to build a catapult or trebuchet! All of these weapons are small scale but need adult supervision to prevent injury. Keep this book as a resource for discussing wars and weaponry throughout history.
American Heritage History of Flight, by Arthur Gordon, $1.99. This detailed look at aviation begins with ancient attempts to harness the wind and moves through modern technological innovations. While there are few illustrations, the Kindle version includes in-text links to Wikipedia for additional information and visuals.
National Geographic Readers: Planes, by Amy Shields, $4.99. If you are looking for a detailed book that your early elementary students can read on their own, the National Geographic Reader series is a great place to start. This one covers all types of planes, including some unusual ones (have you ever seen the inside of a C-17?) sure to pique interest.
Amazing Airplanes, by Tony Mitton, $3.54. For our youngest family members, we have this bright and simple picture book. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Buckle up to learn all about flying! Amazing Airplanes follows the animal crew, as they become pilots, baggage handlers, and air stewards. Each page is filled with details that machine-mad kids love, such as the cockpit, landing gear, and much more. This book is perfect for budding pilots or happy vacationers! From airplanes to fire engines, the internationally bestselling Amazing Machines series is the perfect way for children to learn about all sorts of vehicles! Each book introduces a new vehicle and the jobs it can do. Bright, engaging artwork and simple, rhyming text combine to make these fantastic books for young children. Kids will love getting to know the friendly, animal characters who feature throughout the series and reading about their fast-paced adventures!”
Her Right Foot, by Dave Eggers, $2.99. This beautiful picture book takes a look at the history of the Statue of Liberty. More than that, Eggers uses the statue to address the inherent freedoms that form the basis of American culture and government. Shawn Harris’s mixed-media illustrations are simple but visually interesting.
Epic Fails: Not-So-Great Presidents, by Ben Thompson and Erik Slader. This newer history series is a lot of fun for middle-grade readers. Rather than focusing on successes, the authors emphasize foibles (e.g., Washington’s mistakes early in his career as a British soldier, Nixon’s Watergate scandal). The result is humanizing; presidents are just people, and everyone makes mistakes. The tone is light and full of contemporary references. A good choice for history fans and history skeptics!
Small Wonders: Jean-Henri Fabre and His World of Insects, by Matthew Clark Smith, $3.99. Fabre is one of the most famous naturalists in history. His interest started when he was a small child fascinated by moths, wasps, and other insects. Instead of merely collecting and dissecting them, Fabre was among the first to study insect behavior in the natural environment.
Microadventures: Local Discoveries, Great Escapes, by Alastair Humphreys, $4.99. The adventures are small, but the world is large! Humphreys is a naturalist and adventurer who has explored all over the world. This book focuses on really getting to know the world right around you. These outdoor adventures can be accomplished in a day or less, with minimal supplies. Humphreys encourages you to chase down a full moon, explore woods and forests, swim in a river, and more. Humphreys is based in the UK, so some of the challenges may not be applicable (e.g., there are few places in the US where you can walk from coast to coast), but most can be adapted to any local environment. This book is perfect for a family looking for new recreation ideas during the pandemic.
Rules, by Cynthia Lord, $3.99. Catherine loves her brother, but she’s not always nice to him. He has autism, and she has created a long list of rules for him to follow so that he doesn’t embarrass her in public. When she meets Jason, a paraplegic who uses a wheelchair and communicates through picture cards, Catherine begins to realize that there’s no one “normal” way to be, and that she needs to find more acceptance and understanding for others, even her own brother.
Freak the Mighty, by Rodman Philbrick, $3.99. This classic story of an unusual friendship has been made into a movie. Kevin has a disorder that prevents him from growing; Max is large for his age and struggles with learning disabilities. Together, Kevin and Max form “Freak the Mighty,” with Kevin riding Max’s shoulders as they explore their surroundings and defeat bullies. Both boys have unique perspectives. Content warning: this book is poignant and tragic.
Missing Math: A Number Mystery, by Loreen Leedy, $3.99. This bright and fun picture book will convince kids of the importance of numbers. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In Missing Math, the numbers all over town suddenly disappear. The animals can’t count, use the phone, or even find out what time it is. Rulers, money, and computers have all become completely useless. . . . Can the town’s detective solve this numerical mystery? Will he ever bring the numbers back home again? Loreen Leedy’s clever rhyming text PLUS her amusing digitally painted illustrations EQUALS proof that we need math each and every day.”
Alone: A Story of Friendship in the Darkness of Space, by Scott Stuart, $0.99. Earth is all alone in space, so it goes off looking for a friend. This sweet, fanciful book includes a few interesting scientific tidbits.
Blast Off to the Moon! by Lauren Gunderson, $3.99. Dr. Wonderful just wants to know why things happen, and she’s willing to explore to find out. When she becomes curious about why the moon changes shape each night, she and her dog decide to go up into space for research. Kids will love the funny illustrations; parents will appreciate the way Dr. Wonderful carefully works through the scientific process to answer her questions.
The Upside of Falling Down, by Rebekah Crane, $1.99. A coming-of-age novel with an unusual twist: Clementine is the sole survivor of a plane crash, and she’s now in Ireland suffering from amnesia. Here’s the plot summary: “With the relentless Irish press bearing down on her, and a father she may not even recognize on his way from America to take her home, Clementine assumes a new identity and enlists a blue-eyed Irish stranger, Kieran O’Connell, to help her escape her forgotten life…and start a new one. Hiding out in the sleepy town of Waterville, Ireland, Clementine discovers there’s an upside to a life that’s fallen apart. But as her lies grow, so does her affection for Kieran, and the truth about her identity becomes harder and harder to reveal, forcing Clementine to decide: Can she leave her past behind for a new love she’ll never forget?”
Zoey and Sassafras: Dragons and Marshmallows, by Asia Citro, $1.99. Science can be magic! Zoey and her cat Sassafras have a big secret: magical creatures are real and come to them for help! Zoey is a budding scientist and uses the scientific method to figure out what is wrong with a sick dragon. This is the first in a series; the short chapters, charming illustrations, and simple language make these books a good choice for budding readers.
What Lives in a Shell? by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld, $2.99. This charming book from the “Let’s Read and Find Out” series is a great introduction to crustaceans and other shelled creatures for early elementary readers. Detailed illustrations introduce clams, snails, crabs, and more.
A Tale of Two Cities, by Charles Dickens, $2.99. A classic adventure from Charles Dickens presents the story of the French Revolution through the eyes of the aristocrats, opportunists, and spies of Paris. Break out your knitting needles and settle in for an engrossing read. This edition includes a brief biography of Dickens and some contextual material.
I Survived The Battle of D-Day, by Lauren Tarshis, $3.99. My elementary-schooler has enjoyed several of the books in this series about deadly wars, plagues, and natural disasters. Each book includes a fictionalized story and a short section of historical information. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Eleven-year-old Paul's French village has been under Nazi control for years. His Jewish best friend has disappeared. Food is scarce. And there doesn't seem to be anything Paul can do to make things better. Then Paul finds an American paratrooper in a tree near his home. The soldier says the Allies have a plan to crush the Nazis once and for all. But the soldier needs Paul's help. This is Paul's chance to make a difference. Soon he finds himself in the midst of the largest invasion in history. Can he do his part to turn horror into hope?”
Magic Tree House: Night of the New Magicians, by Mary Pope Osborne, $3.99. Jack and Annie are heading to France! Merlin has sent them to pass along a message to four magicians at the 1889 World’s Fair in Paris. This is a “Merlin Mission,” so it is longer and more involved than the original Magic Tree House books.
Zane and the Hurricane: A Story of Katrina, by Rodman Philbrick, $3.99. Zane doesn’t know New Orleans well; he is visiting his great-grandmother when Hurricane Katrina makes landfall. After chasing his runaway dog, he finds himself fending for himself until he is rescued by a passing canoe. Philbrick includes realistic historical details and deftly addresses issues of race, class, and privilege.
Gandhi: A March to the Sea, by Alice B. McGinty, $1.99. This picture book with beautiful painted illustrations focuses on the nonviolent Satyagraha movement. There’s a free educator’s guide available as a PDF.
The Sky Painter: Louis Fuertes, Bird Artist, by Margarita Engle, $1.99. I will admit that I had never heard of Fuertes before I discovered this book. Thank you, Margarita Engle, for introducing me to his beautiful work. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Louis loves to watch birds. He takes care of injured birds and studies how they look and how they move. His father wants him to become an engineer, but Louis dreams of being a bird artist. To achieve this dream, he must practice, practice, practice. He learns from the art of John James Audubon. But as Louis grows up, he begins to draw and paint living, flying birds in their natural habitats. Louis Agassiz Fuertes (1874–1927) is now known as the father of modern bird art. He traveled with many scientific expeditions all over the world. His best-known works—paintings for habitat exhibits at the American Museum of Natural History in New York—are still beloved by visitors today. His art helped to encourage wildlife conservation, inspiring people to celebrate and protect the world of wings. Poems by Newbery Honor–winning author Margarita Engle and illustrations by Aliona Bereghici capture the life of Louis Fuertes and the deep sense of wonder that he felt when he painted the sky.”
Escape North! The Story of Harriet Tubman, by Monica Kulling, $4.99. I found my copy of this book at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park (which is great and you should go!). As I’ve mentioned before, I really like the higher level nonfiction “Step into Reading” books for providing a solid foundation on a topic at the elementary level. Kids will learn about Tubman’s missions escorting enslaved people to freedom, but also about her work as a spy and women’s rights advocate.
Frog and Toad are Friends, by Arnold Lobel, $4.99. This is an easy reader classic! Frog and Toad are not always alike, but they are always there for each other. Join them on their funny adventures swimming, looking for a lost button, and waiting for a letter. Fun pictures and few words on each page make this the perfect first chapter book for a new reader.
I am (Not) Scared, by Anna Kang, $1.99. The bears from You are (Not) Small and That’s (Not) Mine are back with a trip to the amusement park. They are frightened of, and exhilarated by, a whole host of new experiences and discover that being together can make hard things seem less scary.
A Snicker of Magic, by Natalie Lloyd, $3.99. My daughter loves this book! Here’s what she says: “A shy girl who’s been traveling around her whole life moves to a town that used to have magic. She learns that her ancestors were cursed and becomes determined to break the curse. This is a really heartwarming book, and I recommend it to people who like The Magic Half.”
Give Yourself Goosebumps: Tick Tock, You’re Dead, by R.L. Stine. A scary Goosebumps novel where you get to choose how the story turns out? Sign me up for this perfect campfire read!
Kindle Deals for October 19, 2020
Dig into these books about dinosaurs and fossils.
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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Inside-Outside Dinosaurs, by Roxie Munro, $0.99. Not a lot of words in this one. If you have a younger kid fascinated by dinosaurs, Munro’s illustrations of how fossil skeletons may translate into their ancient environment will be highly appealing. Fact lists and suggestions for further reading round out this interesting resource.
How to Catch a Dinosaur, by Adam Wallace, $1.99. Check out this fun, rhyming picture book! When a kid decides he wants to prove dinosaurs were real by capturing one and bringing it to the science fair, he and his friends start working on elaborate plans for lures and traps. While the subject matter is wacky, this book offers and excellent glimpse at STEM skills at work.
Fossils for Kids: A Junior Scientist’s Guide to Dinosaur Bones, Ancient Animals, and Prehistoric Life on Earth, by Ashley Hall, $4.99. If your upper elementary student is hoping to learn more about what it’s really like to be a paleontologist, snag them this book! While describing ancient creatures, how fossils are formed, and how to identify fossils, paleontologist Ashley Hall offers lots of information on how scientists to their work.
The Dog that Dug for Dinosaurs, by Shirley Raye Redmond, $4.99. Get ready for a true story about a very clever dog! This Ready to Read book is written for early readers who can handle short paragraphs. Vivid color illustrations make it an enjoyable read. Here’s the publisher’s description: “There once was a little dog named Tray. He lived in England with his owner, Mary Ann Anning. Besides Mary Ann, Tray loved one other thing: He loved to dig for dinosaur bones. Together he and Mary Ann found small bones, big bones, and even entire skeletons! People came from all around the world to see the bones they found. This is the honestly true story of Tray, the dog that dug for dinosaurs.”
STILL ON SALE
Blood, Sweat, and Pixels: The Triumphant, Turbulent Stories Behind How Video Games are Made, by Jason Schrier, $2.99. I am not a gamer, but I love learning about how things are made. This book takes a look at the tremendous effort that goes into creating modern video games. From the publisher: “In Blood, Sweat, and Pixels, Jason Schreier takes readers on a fascinating odyssey behind the scenes of video game development, where the creator may be a team of 600 overworked underdogs or a solitary geek genius. Exploring the artistic challenges, technical impossibilities, marketplace demands, and Donkey Kong-sized monkey wrenches thrown into the works by corporate, Blood, Sweat, and Pixels reveals how bringing any game to completion is more than Sisyphean—it's nothing short of miraculous.”
Star Wars: From a Certain Point of View, by various authors, $4.99. What happens when you ask 40 big-time authors to write a Star Wars short story? You get this fun and fascinating collection that retells major events in Star Wars from the perspective of supporting characters. You’ll find out what was going on in Aunt Beru’s mind as Luke headed off, all you ever wanted to know about the creature in the trash compactor, and more. This is a must for any big Star Wars fan, but it’s also an interesting read for anyone who is intrigued by more than one way to tell a story.
The Nerdy Nummies Cookbook: Sweet Treats for the Geek in All of Us, by Rosanna Pansino, $1.99. Pansino is known for her YouTube baking channel, where she creates delicious treats based on pop culture. This cookbook is full of recipes for recipes for all flavors of geeks: science, gaming, sci-fi, cartoon, and more.
The Economics of Star Trek: The Proto-Post-Scarcity Economy, by Rick Webb, $4.99. Rick Webb made a splash a few years ago with a long-form article about the economics of Star Trek. This book presents an expanded version of that essay along with discussion of Universal Basic Income, cryptocurrency, and other economic issues in terms of the Star Trek universe.
Sheepish: Two Women, Fifty Sheep, and Enough Wool to Save the Planet, by Catherine Friend, $1.99. Just yesterday, my family was discussing what animal we would choose if we could have any habitat in our backyard, and I chose sheep. I can’t quite decide whether this book cements my choice or makes me regret my decision. Catherine Friend describes all the hard work and reward of raising sheep.
DK Smithsonian Natural History Mammals Carnivores: The Definitive Visual Guide, by DK Publishing, $4.99. Want to know more about meat eaters? This book brings DK’s classic photo-rich style to dozens of mammals — bears, seals, even skunks!
Girls Save the World in This One, by Ash Parsons, $2.99. Zombies, conventions, and girl power? Sign me up! The publisher’s description was so good I immediately put this book on my reading list. Here’s what they said: “Shaun of the Dead meets Clueless in this hilarious YA horror comedy set at a local zombie convention–featuring a teenage girl gang that has to save the world from a horde of actual zombies. Perfect for fans of Geekerella, Undead Girl Gang, and Anna and the Apocalypse.”
Small Spaces, by Katherine Arden, $2.99. I don’t even know where to begin with this one. It’s a middle grade novel, but even the back of the book description kind of freaks me out. If you have a middle schooler looking for a ghost tale about a class trip gone wrong, this is a great option. Arden is known for creating rich, detailed worlds, and she puts that skill to work creating some memorable locations and characters.
Duck for President, by Doreen Cronin, $1.99. The wacky barnyard creatures from Click, Clack, Moo are back in this fun and topical picture book. When duck is tired of being asked to do work around the farm, he decides to hold and election and run against the farmer. This successful run leads to a turn as governor and eventually president. At each step along the way, Duck discovers that leading is actually a lot of work.
What is an Election?, by Caryn Jenner, $2.99. This leveled reader is a great introduction to basic concepts in the democratic process. It’s not America-specific; there’s a section on elections around the world. DK’s levels tend to be a bit more advanced that other easy readers. This one is suitable for kids who can read short paragraphs.
Secret Lives of the U.S. Presidents, by Cormac O’Brien, $2.99. Did you know that George Washington had leopard-skin robes made for his horses? Or that Thomas Jefferson smuggled rice from Europe in his pants? These weird facts and more will entertain and enlighten.
Thank You For Voting: The Maddening, Enlightening, Inspiring Truth About Voting in America, by Erin Geiger Smith, $3.99. Geiger Smith is a journalist who has been covering elections for years. In this book, she examines the reasons many people do not participate in elections. She traces the history of voting rights, social and economic factors, and issues that confuse or put off potential voters. The tone is engaging and helpful, with advice on how to encourage those around you to vote.
The Trail of Tears, by Joseph Bruchac, $4.99. This early chapter book does not shy away from the realities of The Trail of Tears. The author, a member of the Abenaki tribe, describes Chief John Ross leading the Cherokee people 1,200 miles to new territory Oklahoma. Hardship and injustices are described in detail appropriate for elementary readers. Don’t discount this book for older readers; the level 4 and 5 books from Step into Reading are great for concise and engaging reading on a narrow topic.
You Hold Me Up, by Monique Gray Smith and Danielle Daniel, $4.99. This sweet picture book describes the ways people look out for each other (e.g., kindness and sharing). The illustrations feature Native people young and old. You’ll find this book a great conversation starter for a discussion about empathy and community spirit.
Why Indigenous Literatures Matter, by Daniel Heath Justice, $4.99. Are you looking to learn more about Indigenous authors? This book, written by a scholar for a broader audience, is a great place to start. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In considering the connections between literature and lived experience, this book contemplates four key questions at the heart of Indigenous kinship traditions: How do we learn to be human? How do we become good relatives? How do we become good ancestors? How do we learn to live together? Blending personal narrative and broader historical and cultural analysis with close readings of key creative and critical texts, Justice argues that Indigenous writers engage with these questions in part to challenge settler-colonial policies and practices that have targeted Indigenous connections to land, history, family, and self. More importantly, Indigenous writers imaginatively engage the many ways that communities and individuals have sought to nurture these relationships and project them into the future. This provocative volume challenges readers to critically consider and rethink their assumptions about Indigenous literature, history, and politics while never forgetting the emotional connections of our shared humanity and the power of story to effect personal and social change. Written with a generalist reader firmly in mind, but addressing issues of interest to specialists in the field, this book welcomes new audiences to Indigenous literary studies while offering more seasoned readers a renewed appreciation for these transformative literary traditions.”
Hearts Unbroken, by Cynthia Leitich Smith, $0.99. High school is complicated for everyone, even more so in this YA novel about a community in racial and cultural conflict. Here’s the publisher’s description: “When Louise Wolfe’s first real boyfriend mocks and disrespects Native people in front of her, she breaks things off and dumps him over e-mail. It’s her senior year, anyway, and she’d rather spend her time with her family and friends and working on the school newspaper. The editors pair her up with Joey Kairouz, the ambitious new photojournalist, and in no time the paper’s staff find themselves with a major story to cover: the school musical director’s inclusive approach to casting The Wizard of Oz has been provoking backlash in their mostly white, middle-class Kansas town. From the newly formed Parents Against Revisionist Theater to anonymous threats, long-held prejudices are being laid bare and hostilities are spreading against teachers, parents, and students — especially the cast members at the center of the controversy, including Lou’s little brother, who’s playing the Tin Man. As tensions mount at school, so does a romance between Lou and Joey — but as she’s learned, ‘dating while Native’ can be difficult. In trying to protect her own heart, will Lou break Joey’s?”
Greenglass House, by Kate Milford, $1.99. OK, it would be false advertising to compare this book to The Westing Game, but if there is a contemporary literary descendant of Raskin's deliciously complex mystery, it's The Greenglass House—a genuine, bona fide middle grades mystery that gives its readers credit for being intelligent and that delivers a satisfying mystery, sophisticated character development, and a few (well set-up) twists along the way. Adopted innkeepers' son Milo and his friend—the cook's daughter, Meddy—unravel the clues to discover why their off-season inn is full of unexpected visitors, at least one of whom seems set on sabotaging Greenglass House. It's a terrific mystery. Highly recommended.
A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning, by Lemony Snicket, $2.99. The first book is Lemony Snicket’s hilariously tragic series chronicles the moment things begin to go terribly wrong in the lives of the ill-fated Baudelaire orphans. Kids will love the over-the-top storytelling; parents will be tickled by all the interesting words Snicket throws in.
The Thickety: A Path Begins, by J.A. White, $3.99. Looking for a seriously creepy and sometimes dark middle-grade fantasy? The Thickety does a good job of balancing real menace with imaginative storytelling. Here’s a bit of the publisher’s description: “When Kara Westfall was five years old, her mother was convicted of the worst of all crimes: witchcraft. Years later, Kara and her little brother, Taff, are still shunned by the people of their village, who believe that nothing is more evil than magic…except, perhaps, the mysterious forest that covers nearly the entire island. It has many names, this place. Sometimes it is called the Dark Wood, or Sordyr's Realm. But mostly it's called the Thickety. The villagers live in fear of the Thickety and the terrible creatures that live there. But when an unusual bird lures Kara into the forbidden forest, she discovers a strange book with unspeakable powers. A book that might have belonged to her mother. And that is just the beginning of the story.”
Spontaneous, by Aaron Starmer, $2.99. I just bought this one for myself! The idea of a darkly funny YA novel about a wave of spontaneous combustions just felt right for 2020. The publisher’s description hooked me. Will it do the same for you? “Mara Carlyle’s senior year is going as normally as could be expected, until fellow senior Katelyn Ogden explodes during third period pre-calc. Katelyn is the first, but she won’t be the last teenager to blow up without warning or explanation. As the national eye turns to Mara’s suburban New Jersey hometown, the FBI rolls in and the search for a reason is on. Mara narrates the end of their world as she knows it while trying to make it to graduation in one piece. It’s an explosive year punctuated by romance, quarantine, lifelong friendship, hallucinogenic mushrooms, bloggers, ice cream trucks, and Bon Jovi.”
Three Faces of Me, by R.L. Stine, $0.99. No one beats R.L. Stine for a kid-appropriate intro to the horror genre. Here’s the publisher’s description of this eerie tale: “When Ira Fishman wins a prize in the machine outside a candy store, he’s disappointed it’s not the squirt gun he had his eye on. The little black plastic box looks like a camera, but when Ira presses the green button on top, nothing happens. After dinner that night, Ira can’t believe what he sees in his room: a boy with the same clothes—and face—as Ira! He tries to get this second Ira to leave, but it’s no use. Deciding to have a little fun, Ira makes the boy go to school in his place—but it’s a disaster. The new Ira isn’t good at math like the real Ira, and he’s horrible at softball. Worst of all, he plays with the girls during recess! Ira’s clone is ruining his rep—fast. And when a third Ira shows up, Ira number one has to find a way to make the others disappear for good before his whole world is turned upside down. But how do you get rid of yourself?”
Turkey Trick of Treat, by Wendi Silvano, $0.99. The wacky turkey from Turkey Trouble is back, this time to celebrate Halloween! He wants candy, but the farmer will only give it to kids in costumes. Can he and the other barnyard animals trick the farmer into giving them treats?
Halloween Hustle, by Charlotte Gunnufson, $0.99. Kids will love the spooky-cute illustrations and the fun rhyming text. Skeleton is on his way to a party, and he can’t help but dance. But he has a problem — he keeps tripping and falling apart. Can he keep it together?
How to Build a Haunted House, by Frank Tupta, $1.99. In this rhyming story, classic monsters are are working together to make a spooky haunted house. The twist? It’s for vampire family in need!
The Magic Half, by Annie Barrows, $4.79. My daughter loved this series when she was in elementary school. When Miri’s family moves into a new house, she is thrilled with her interesting new room in the attic. Things get a little strange, and more interesting, when she discovers that her room is somehow connected to 1935 and a girl in need of help. Miri has to learn the secrets of this time travel to rescue Molly.
Stepping Stones: The Time Machine, by H.G. Wells and Les Martin, $3.99. The Stepping Stones series adapts classic literature to an early chapter book level. This adaptation of the H.G. Wells classic is heavy on the action and includes engaging illustrations. This is a great introduction to one of the foundational texts of science fiction.
Apples, Apples, Apples, by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace, $0.99. The bunny family is heading to the orchard to pick some fresh apples! They meet up with Farmer Miller, who explains the different varieties of apples and how they grow. When they have gathered all they need, they head home to make fresh applesauce (recipe included!). Wallace’s unique cut paper illustrations are very sweet.
The Seasons of Arnold’s Apple Tree, by Gail Gibbons, $4.99. Arnold has a favorite apple tree. He spends time in it throughout the year, picking fruit, smelling blossoms, feeding the birds, and basking in its shade. In simple language, Gibbons walks readers through a year in the life of a tree. Don’t miss the recipe for apple pie and the description of how a cider press works!
How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World, by Marjorie Priceman, $4.99. From our readalouds with recipes list: “As Carl Sagan once said, if you want to make an apple pie from scratch, first you have to create the universe. In this playful picture book, you don’t have to create the world but you do have to travel it, journeying around the globe to collect far-flung ingredients for the perfect apple pie.”
Apples and How They Grow, by Laura Driscoll, $4.99. Let your beginning reader read about apples on their own! This short and sweet nonfiction book is full of details about how apples grow. Kids (and adults) may be surprised to learn about grafting branches from one tree onto another.
We Dream of Space, by Erin Entrada Kelly, $1.99. That historical fiction is now set in the 1980s makes me feel a little old, but I’m excited to read this new middle grade novel. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Cash, who loves basketball but has a newly broken wrist, is in danger of failing seventh grade for the second time. Fitch spends every afternoon playing Major Havoc at the arcade on Main and wrestles with an explosive temper that he doesn’t understand. And Bird, his twelve-year-old twin, dreams of being NASA’s first female shuttle commander, but feels like she’s disappearing. The Thomas children exist in their own orbits, circling a tense and unpredictable household, with little in common except an enthusiastic science teacher named Ms. Salonga. As the launch of the Challenger approaches, Ms. Salonga gives her students a project—they are separated into spacecraft crews and must create and complete a mission. When the fated day finally arrives, it changes all of their lives and brings them together in unexpected ways.”
Space Opera, by Catherynne M. Valente, $1.99. Amy and Suzanne really enjoyed this book. Here’s what Amy has to say about it: “So earlier this fall, I told Suzanne that I needed to read something that would just make me happy, and she suggested this space saga. NEVER DOUBT SUZANNE. This zany, Douglas Adams-ish (and I don’t throw that around lightly) story centers around an intergalactic version of American Idol, in which planets compete not for record deals but for the right for their species to be considered sentient by the rest of the universe. All newly space-faring species must compete to prove their sentience — and if they come in last, their whole species will be wiped right out of existence. Now that Earth is in the space game, and the future of humanity is in the hands of aging 70s rocker Decibel Jones. It sounds wacky and all over the place because it is wacky and all over the place — but in a way that made me really happy.”
Suni Goes to Space, by Arthy Muthanna Singh and Mamta Nainy, $0.99. When Sunita Williams was young, she dreamed of going into space like Neil Armstrong. Singh and Nainy introduce us to Suni, the inquisitive and creative girl who grew up to become an astronaut.
Scream: Chilling Adventures in the Science of Fear, by Margee Kerr, $1.99. Why do we feel afraid? Why do we deliberately seek out horror movies and haunted houses? Sociologist Margee Kerr investigates the individual and societal experiences of fear. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Fear is a universal human experience, but do we really understand it? If we're so terrified of monsters and serial killers, why do we flock to the theaters to see them? Why do people avoid thinking about death, but jump out of planes and swim with sharks? For Kerr, there was only one way to find out. In this eye-opening, adventurous book, she takes us on a tour of the world's scariest experiences: into an abandoned prison long after dark, hanging by a cord from the highest tower in the Western hemisphere, and deep into Japan's mysterious ‘suicide forest.’ She even goes on a ghost hunt with a group of paranormal adventurers. Along the way, Kerr shows us the surprising science from the newest studies of fear -- what it means, how it works, and what it can do for us. Full of entertaining science and the thrills of a good ghost story, this book will make you think, laugh -- and scream.”
Alice in Zombieland, by Gena Showalter, $2.99. It’s Alice in Wonderland… sort of. With zombies! This YA zombie novel is filled with allusions to Wonderland.
His Hideous Heart: 13 of Edgar Allen Poe’s Most Unsettling Tales Reimagined, edited by Dahlia Adler, $2.99. Teens have loved Poe’s creepy tales for the last hundred and fifty years. Now they can experience the themes in new ways through this collection of modern short stories from big names in current YA.
Teach Your Own: The John Holt Book of Homeschooling, by John Holt and Pat Farenga, $2.99. John Holt is one of the founders of the modern homeschool movement. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In this expanded edition of the book that helped launch the whole movement, Pat Farenga has distilled John Holt's timeless understanding of the ways children come to understand the world and added up-to-the-moment legal, financial, and logistical advice. No parent even considering homeschooling should be without this wise and unique reference. Rather than proposing that parents turn their homes into miniature schools, Holt and Farenga demonstrate how ordinary parents can help children grow as social, active learners. Chapters on living with children, "serious play," children and work, and learning difficulties will fascinate and encourage parents and help them enjoy each "homeschool" day. John Holt's warm understanding of children and his passionate belief in every child's ability to learn have made this book the bible of homeschooling families everywhere.”
My Strong Mind: A Story about Developing Mental Strength, by Niels van Hove, $2.99. This is a pretty didactic but accessible book about developing good habits. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Kate faces several situations your children will face too. She applies a positive attitude to deal with her challenges. Amongst them are getting ready in time in the morning, doing cartwheels, standing in front of the whole class with show and tell and playing basketball. Kate applies techniques like goal setting, positive self-talk, accept failure as learning, visualisation of a problem, breathing or mindfulness exercise, gratitude, and controlled distraction. These tips to build a strong mind in children are presented in an easy to read, fun and practical way.”
It’s Okay to Make Mistakes, by Todd Parr, $1.99. Todd Parr’s books are like big, extra-tight hugs. His simple style is bold, funny, and diverse. For every mistake he mentions, he offers a hint at what can happen next (e.g., “It’s OK to not know the answer. Asking questions helps you learn.”) My toddler could recite Todd Parr books way before she could read them on her own.
Storybound, by Melissa Burt, $3.99. I haven’t had a chance to read this series yet, but it sounds like a delightful bookish adventure. Here’s the publisher’s description: “When Una Fairchild stumbles upon a mysterious book buried deep in the basement of her school library, she thinks nothing of opening the cover and diving in. But instead of paging through a regular novel, Una suddenly finds herself Written In to the land of Story—a world filled with Heroes and Villains and fairy-tale characters. But not everything in Story is as magical as it seems. Una must figure out why she has been Written In—and fast—before anyone else discovers her secret. Together with her new friend Peter and a talking cat named Sam, Una digs deep into Story's shadowy past. She quickly realizes that she is tied to the world in ways she never could have imagined—and it might be up to her to save it.”
A Dash of Magic, by Kathryn Littlewood, $3.99. The Bliss series is a mouth-watering literary treat. In this second book in the series, Rosemary is determined to retrieve the magical Cookery Booke that her aunt has stolen — even if it means facing off in an Iron Chef-style food battle. The competition takes the Bliss family to Paris, where the family rushes around famous sites collecting the magical ingredients Rosemary needs. There’s an excellent sense of place. If you enjoy this book, the sequel is also on sale.
Sleep, Big Bear, Sleep! by Maureen Wright, $0.99. It’s time to hibernate in this charming picture book. Bear knows there’s something he needs to do, but he keeps mishearing Old Man Winter’s “Sleep” message and instead thinks he is supposed to leap or sweep. It’s a sweet, funny story perfect for fall.
Scaredy Squirrel, by Melanie Watt, $0.99. Scaredy Squirrel wants to be prepared. He has all of his emergency gear at the ready, prepared for bees, Martians, whatever might happen. He prefers to stick to his safe, steady routine. When a chance encounter causes him to leap into the unknown, he gets a big surprise.
Shampoodle, by Joan Holub, $3.99. This fun easy reader will have kids giggling! The funny, rhyming text describes a day at the dog groomer. The dogs are all very exuberant, even before a cat wanders in and causes mayhem. I love the pictures in this one; there’s lots to see!
Bad Kitty Camp Daze, by Nick Bruel, $4.96. Bad Kitty has an attitude problem that will endear her to surly children everywhere. Bruel built on his picture book series with these early chapter books that contain lots of illustrated action. When Bad Kittle sneaks away to Uncle Murray’s Camp for Stressed-Out Dogs, she learns more than she bargains for about the natural world.
The Hobbits of Tolkien: An Illustrated Exploration of Tolkien’s Hobbits and the Sources that Inspired His Work From Myth, Legend, and History, by David Day, $3.99. Want to know more about the mythology behind Middle Earth? Curious about the etymology of some place names and people? This book perfectly balances detailed research with cozy illustrations. The author has written similar volumes about other elements of Tolkien’s work.
A Dictionary of Sources of Tolkien: The History and Mythology That Inspired Tolkien’s World, by David Day, $3.99. I enjoy sweeping fantasy, but I definitely struggle to keep all the names and places straight. In this extensive volume, Day provides information about all the proper nouns of Middle Earth, both their relevance to the narrative and their allusions to other literary traditions.
An Unexpected Cookbook: The Unofficial Book of Hobbit Cookery, by Chris-Rachael Oseland, $5.99. This book is more expensive than my typical Kindle deals, but I didn’t think we could properly celebrate Hobbit Day without at least one food book. The recipes are broken up into all seven Hobbit meals, with delicious treats like Lavender and Lemon Bread, Yorkshire Pudding, and Honey Cakes. You’ll find detailed recipe notes and mouthwatering photos throughout.
Fear of Physics: A Guide for the Perplexed, by Lawrence M. Krauss, $1.99. Krauss is a theoretical physicist who works on the deepest mysteries of the universe. But don’t let that intimidate you! Here’s the publisher’s description: “Assume the cow is a sphere." So begins this lively, irreverent, and informative look at everything from the physics of boiling water to cutting-edge research at the observable limits of the universe. Rich with anecdotes and accessible examples, Fear of Physics nimbly ranges over the tools and thought behind the world of modern physics, taking the mystery out of what is essentially a very human intellectual endeavour.”
Caesar’s Last Breath: Decoding the Secrets of the Air Around Us, by Sam Kean, $2.99. Science writer Sam Kean has written about the chemical elements, neuroscience, genetics, and the creation of the atomic bomb. In this book, he explores the air around us and the molecules we find within it. He travels throughout history and across several continents in his quest to understand the air we breathe.
Scienceblind: Why Our Intuitive Theories About the World Are So Often Wrong, by Andrew Shtulman, $4.99. Our brains are wired to make connections that help us make sense of the world. But that does not mean that our brains always interpret the world correctly. Cognitive psychologist Andrew Shtulman explains the reasons why people tend to believe weird things in this fascinating book. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Why do we catch colds? What causes seasons to change? And if you fire a bullet from a gun and drop one from your hand, which bullet hits the ground first? In a pinch we almost always get these questions wrong. Worse, we regularly misconstrue fundamental qualities of the world around us. In Scienceblind, cognitive and developmental psychologist Andrew Shtulman shows that the root of our misconceptions lies in the theories about the world we develop as children. They're not only wrong, they close our minds to ideas inconsistent with them, making us unable to learn science later in life. So how do we get the world right? We must dismantle our intuitive theories and rebuild our knowledge from its foundations. The reward won't just be a truer picture of the world, but clearer solutions to many controversies -- around vaccines, climate change, or evolution -- that plague our politics today.”
Uncommon Paper Flowers: Extraordinary Botanicals and How to Craft Them, by Kate Alcaron, $2.99. You’ve made a paper rose before, now get ready to try something unique! Alcaron has collected 30 unusual plants and created paper models of them. The book contains detailed botanical descriptions, an extensive technique section, and templates for creating your own dramatic floral display.
Parenting in a Pandemic: How to Help Your Family Through Covid-19, by Kelly Fradin, $0.99. This just came out and will (I hope) only be useful for a limited time, but the price is right and the advice is solid. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Parents are burning out while kids need more help than ever. With so many families in crisis, pediatrician and child advocate Dr. Kelly Fradin sees an urgent need for help. As a mother of two, Dr. Fradin shares practical, evidence-based and reassuring advice on what families need to know. Parents are forced to make decisions now despite seemingly constant change and many unknowns. In Parenting in a Pandemic, Dr. Fradin provides the information and strategies you need to help navigate coronavirus. The book reviews the science necessary to understand the news and care for your family. Dr. Fradin explains the specific risks of coronavirus to children of all ages and adults, including parents, grandparents, pregnant women, and essential workers. She gives realistic strategies you can use to improve this time for your family whether you are protecting a newborn, virtually schooling or convincing a teen to physically distance.”
The House Takes a Vacation, by Jacqueline Davies, $0.99. Get ready for a surreal and wacky adventure! When the house’s people go on vacation, the house decides to take its own trip. Kids and adults will enjoy the pun-filled text and personality-filled illustrations.
Little House in the Big Woods, by Laura Ingalls Wilder, $3.99. The Little House books are among the most read children’s books of all time, and with good reason. Wilder does a tremendous job of creating a vivid and inviting glimpse into life on the frontier. Later books in the series have problematic depictions of conflicts with Native Americans and have not aged well. Little House in the Big Woods, however, is a cozy and gentle peek into the past. Read this one by candle or fire as the temperatures start to dip this fall!
The Hero’s Guide to Saving Your Kingdom, by Christopher Healy, $3.99. You think you know the classic fairytale stories, but they are usually centered around the princesses. This fun middle grade series focuses on the princes. After the “happily ever after” the princes discover that their kingdoms are in danger, and they set off take on all kinds of mythical monsters. This fun and funny book is the first in a series that your middle-grade reader will love.
The Element Encyclopedia of Magical Creatures, by John and Caitlin Matthews, $3.99. Looking for a reference on obscure creatures? Every time I open this book, I discover a new mythological animal I haven’t heard of before. Here’s the publisher’s description: “From unicorns and trolls to werewolves and griffins, this comprehensive guide is the key to discovering every magical creature from myth, folklore and legend around the world. This compendium of magical creatures explores the history, folklore and mythology of fascinating beasts throughout all the magical worlds. Including stories, celebrations, traditions, and amazing facts, the book spans every major culture across the globe.”
Steampunk! An Anthology of Fantastically Rich and Strange Stories, edited by Kelly Link and Gavin J. Grant, $0.99. Are you new to steampunk but interested in exploring alternate versions of the world shaped by a different series of technological innovations? This anthology will introduce you to many excellent YA steampunk authors. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Imagine an alternate universe where romance and technology reign. Where tinkerers and dreamers craft and re-craft a world of automatons, clockworks, calculating machines, and other marvels that never were. Where scientists and schoolgirls, fair folk and Romans, intergalactic bandits, utopian revolutionaries, and intrepid orphans solve crimes, escape from monstrous predicaments, consult oracles, and hover over volcanoes in steam-powered airships. Here, fourteen masters of speculative fiction, including two graphic storytellers, embrace the genre's established themes and refashion them in surprising ways and settings as diverse as Appalachia, ancient Rome, future Australia, and alternate California. Visionaries Kelly Link and Gavin J. Grant have invited all-new explorations and expansions, taking a genre already rich, strange, and inventive in the extreme and challenging contributors to remake it from the ground up. The result is an anthology that defies its genre even as it defines it.”
The Wonderling, by Mira Bartok, $0.99. In Mira Bartok’s imagined world, groundlings are creatures that are part animal, part human. Thirteen, a fox groundling, escapes the Dickensian workhouse where has been raised and sets off on an adventure of his own. The tone is similar to Lemony Snicket, but the story is entirely unique, full of mechanical details and animals with extraordinary abilities. Put this strange and interesting book in the hands of your middle-grade reader!
My Robots: The Robotic Genius of Lady Regina Bonquers III, by Johan Olander, $3.99. Olander creates such interesting books! This heavily illustrated book purports to be the design scrapbook of an elusive roboticist. Lady Regina has created bots to fight fires, pluck nose hairs, and even give hugs. Kids will enjoy all the details of the development process, the unique visual style, and a frisson of mystery over Lady Regina’s whereabouts.
The Last Kids on Earth, by Max Brallier, $1.99. Are you ready for some funny post-apocalyptic lit for kids? This madcap adventure mixes peril, gross out humor, and teamwork as an unlikely band of teens works to save the day and stay alive. It’s a middle grade chapter book riddled with exciting and gruesome illustrations. If this sounds like something you’d be into, several books in the series are on sale today.
Big History: From the Big Bang to the Present, by Cynthia Stokes Brown, $3.99. The Big History movement combines science with history to study Earth from the moment of the big bang all the way through current events. Brown does a remarkable job finding through lines in the vast sweep of history. Each era is necessarily brief, but readers will be pleased to see that the history is not overly focused on Western civilization.
Bear and Fred: A World War II Story, by Iris Argaman, $4.99. Picture books can make challenging subjects understandable for small children. In this book, Israeli author Iris Argaman tells the true story of a boy’s time hiding from Nazis during WWII — from the perspective of his loyal teddy bear. It’s a tough but uplifting story that gently introduces the topic of the Holocaust.
Sleepover Larry, by Daniel Pinkwater, $3.99. Larry is a dapper polar bear who lives in a hotel owned by his human family. When Larry learns the concept of sleepovers, he is determined to have a great one with his bear friends from the zoo!
National Geographic Readers: Bears, by Elizabeth Carney, $3.99. Learn about bear species from all over the world in this fun, brightly illustrated easy reader. Sections cover habitats, adaptations, diet, cubs, and more. The level 3 books pack in a lot of detail without complicated vocabulary.
Magic Tree House: Polar Bears Past Bedtime, by Mary Pope Osborne, $3.99. Jack and Annie are off on another adventure, this time to the Arctic! They encounter indigenous hunters, polar bears, the Northern Lights, and more. The Magic Tree House series is great for beginning readers who are looking for fast-paced, exciting (but short) chapter books.
Bibliophile: An Illustrated Miscellany, by Jane Mount, $2.99. This is a literary bonbon for any book lover. As the title suggests, it’s a wonderful collection of miscellaneous facts about books, writers, bookstores, characters, and more. I can almost guarantee that you will find a new author to check out, or even a new favorite book, in the illustrated book lists.
The Man Who Made Lists: Love, Death, Madness, and the Creation of Roget’s Thesaurus, by Joshua Kendall. When I was a kid, I found thesauruses fascinating. I loved flipping through themed lists of words. I don’t think many kids use paper thesauruses now; the function built into your word processor isn’t really the same. Whether you are nostalgic for your childhood thesaurus or have never really used one, you’ll find the story behind the creation of the first modern thesaurus unexpectedly fascinating. Here’s a brief publisher’s description: “Polymath, eccentric, and synonym aficionado, Peter Mark Roget had a host of female admirers, was one of the first to test the effects of laughing gas, invented the slide rule, and narrowly escaped jail in Napoleon's France. But Roget is best known for making lists. After the tragic turmoil of his early life (both his mother and sister were institutionalized), Roget longed for order in his chaotic world. At the age of eight, he began his quest to put everything in its rightful place, one word at a time. This is the fascinating story of a driven man and a brilliant scholar-and the legacy he has left for generations.”
A Spy in the House, by Y.S. Lee, $0.99. This is the first in a series of YA historical mysteries about a young Asian sleuth in Victorian London. Mary is an orphan doomed for the gallows when she is rescued and offered a position at the mysterious Miss Scrimshaw’s Academy for Girls. The school is the training ground for an elite group of detectives who can infiltrate high society households. Lee does an excellent job of offering the gritty details of the Victorian city while staying away from graphic details. The immigrant experience is rarely discussed in historical fiction, so this series provides an interesting perspective.
The March on Washington, by Bonnie Bader, $3.99. American Girl has been bringing accessible historical fiction to early readers for more than 30 years. More recently, the company has published factual companion books that provide deeper background into important events. This book about the 1963 March on Washington includes photos, timelines, maps, and a bibliography for more research.
One Crazy Summer, by Rita Williams-Garcia, $4.99. When the three Gaither sisters travel to California to spend time with their estranged mother, they are expecting movie stars and Disneyland. What they actually experience is a little different: summer camp run by the Black Panthers. The girls spend the next four weeks learning about the movement and discovering their own identities. This work of historical fiction set in 1968 is a nice point of entry for a discussion about the Civil Rights movement and the Black Panthers.
Susan B. Anthony: Her Fight for Equal Rights, by Monica Kulling, $4.99. Get to know one of America’s strongest proponents of women’s voting rights, Susan B. Anthony, in this book for early readers. Anthony was determined to vote in an election, even though it was illegal for women to do so at the time. Her civil disobedience led to her arrest. Young readers will learn about how Anthony’s actions paved the way for the 19th Amendment.
Lillian’s Right to Vote: A Celebration of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, by Jonah Winter and Shane W. Evans, $4.99. Sadly, the 19th Amendment did not make voting accessible to ALL women. In many places, unfair practices like poll taxes, complicated literacy tests, and property ownership rules made it nearly impossible for people of color to vote. In this moving picture book, an old woman reminisces about her family’s history and the many barriers to voting they faced.
The Women’s Suffrage Movement, edited by Sally Roesch Wagner, $4.99. What is the study of history without primary sources? This great collection from Penguin Classics looks at the quest for women’s rights in a delightfully intersectional array of essays, letters, speeches, and other texts. Readers will discover Black and Native American women whose ideas were crucial to the movement but have been overlooked in historical accounts.
The Templeton Twins Have an Idea, by Ellis Weiner, $0.99. If your reader has plowed the A Series of Unfortunate Events and would like something with a similar feel, look no further. The Templetons feel very similar to the Baudelaires. A snippet from the book description gives you an excellent feel for the tone: “Suppose there were 12-year-old twins, a boy and girl named John and Abigail Templeton. Let's say John was pragmatic and played the drums, and Abigail was theoretical and solved cryptic crosswords. Now suppose their father was a brilliant, if sometimes confused, inventor. And suppose that another set of twins—adults—named Dean D. Dean and Dan D. Dean, kidnapped the Templeton twins and their ridiculous dog in order to get their father to turn over one of his genius (sort of) inventions. Yes, I said kidnapped. Wouldn't it be fun to read about that? Oh please. It would so. Luckily for you, this is just the first in a series perfect for boys and girls who are smart, clever, and funny (just like the twins), and enjoy reading adventurous stories (who doesn't?!).”
Ella Enchanted, by Gail Carson Levine, $1.99. This Newberry Honor book has been beloved for two decades, and with good reason. A unique twist on the Cinderella story, this book focuses on Ella, a girl who has been cursed (“gifted”?) with obedience to others’ orders. In order to break this curse, she must track down and convince the fairy godmother who bestowed it.
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.
801 Things You Should Know: From Greek Philosophy to Today’s Technology, by David Olsen, $1.99. You’re a smart person. You’ve probably heard of many of the concepts and events in this book. But you may not be clear on all the details. This collection of short entries about everything from politics to medical terminology to economic principals will serve as a great introduction or refresher. Hand this to a tween/teen along with a newspaper — they’ll be able to quickly get background on unfamiliar terms like bear markets, the Hundred Years’ War, and the Invisible Hand theory.
A Field Guide to Monsters, by Johan Olander, $0.99. Olander is a “monstrologist” who documents monsters’ behavior in the wild. In this whimsical and imaginative book, he collects illustrations and artifacts from the Slobber Bug, Beach Krill, Tadpole-Monster, and other previously unknown (aka imaginary) creatures. It would be fun to compare this book with other, more scientific field guides.
Iron Hearted Violet, by Kelly Barnhill, $1.99. Kelly Barnhill tells such compelling twists on fairytale tropes. In this book, Princess Violet must work with the last dragon alive to protect the world from an evil being she has only read about in a forbidden book. Violet is brave, but not beautiful, strong, but not perfect.
The Menagerie, by Tui T. Sutherland and Kari Sutherland, $3.99. If your middle-grade reader enjoys books where the magical world bumps into the real world, The Menagerie series may be the perfect next adventure. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In the small town of Xanadu, Wyoming lies the Menagerie, a top secret facility filled with unicorns, dragons, phoenixes, and other fairy tale creatures. At least, it was a secret—until six griffin cubs escaped. If Logan and Zoe don’t get the cubs back fast, the entire Menagerie will be shut down. The race is on and the resulting adventure is only the beginning of a thrilling series that will leave readers wanting a magical menagerie of their very own.”
An Optimist’s Tour of the Future, by Mark Stevenson, $4.99. My husband loves this book, which does a great job of musing about how technology could change our future for the better. Here’s the publisher’s description: “When unexpectedly confronted with his own mortality, Mark Stevenson-a writer, deep-thinker, and stand-up comedian-began to ponder what the future holds for our species. ‘The past is a foreign country,’ writes Stevenson. ‘By my analysis it's a bit like France-in that I've been to parts of it and eaten some nice food there. But the future? The future is an unknown territory-and there isn't a guidebook.’ Thus, his ambition was born. Stevenson set out simply, asking, ‘What's next?’ and then traveled the globe in pursuit of the answers. Along the way, he visited the Australian outback to visit the farmers who can save us from climate change, met a robot with mood swings, and talked to the Spaniard who's putting a hotel in space. While some might be overwhelmed, or even dismayed by the looming realities of genome sequencing, synthetic biology, a nuclear renaissance, and carbon scrubbing, Stevenson remains, well, optimistic. Drawing on his singular humor and storytelling to break down these sometimes complicated discoveries, An Optimist's Tour of the Future paints a wonderfully readable, and completely enthralling portrait of where we'll be when we grow up- and why it's not so scary.”
50 Ways to Beat Boredom with LEGO Bricks, by DK Publishing, $0.99. If your house is anything like mine, you have no shortage of LEGO pieces. This short book introduces 50 quick activities and games using the beloved building materials. Build a mountain to create a 3D game board (instructions for a spinner also included) or design a functional piggy bank! This is an idea book, not a book of detailed instructions, but it’s a great jumping off point for an hour or a day of LEGO exploration. Note: If you already have 365 Things to Do with LEGO Bricks, you don’t need this book; this book is a shorter extract of that one.
Would You Rather? Made You Think Edition, by Lindsey Daly, $0.99. They start simple: “Would you rather kiss a fish that’s living in a radioactive pond or roll down a hill while hugging a porcupine?” The questions only get more interesting from there. Turn the questions into a game by scoring points for the best reasoning (guidelines are given in the introduction).
Diary of a Pug: Pug Blasts Off, by Kyla May, $2.99. Meet Bub, aka Baron von Bubbles, beloved pet of Bella. He loves doing everything with his human, so when she enters an invention contest, Bub is determined to help her. But this means he needs to deal with his squirrel nemesis, Nutz. This fun, brightly colored diary is full of wacky adventures and adorable illustrations. Early chapter book readers will love it!
Chickadee, by Louise Erdrich, $4.49. Chickadee takes place within the family introduced in Birchbark House. Omakayas is grown with a family of her own, and this story focuses on her twin sons, Chickadee and Makoons. After a prank gone wrong, Chickadee is kidnapped by angry men. This is the tale of Chickadee’s long path to reunion with his family. As with Erdrich’s other books, Chickadee’s story is filled with vivid details about Ojibwe life and traditions.
Young Water Protetctors: A Story About Standing Rock, by Aslan and Kelly Tudor, $2.99. Aslan Tudor was 10 years old when he wrote this book about his time participating in the Standing Rock protests. This is a great, age appropriate introduction to the conflict between native peoples and developers of the Dakota Access Pipeline.
My Heart Fills with Happiness, by Monique Gray Smith, $4.99. This sweet picture book introduces many things that bring happiness — good smells, good friends, and the beauty of nature. The lovely illustrations show many elements in the life on an indigenous family.
The Odds of Loving Grover Cleveland, by Rebekah Crane, $0.99. This Grover Cleveland isn’t a president; he’s a resident at Camp Padua, a summer program for at-risk teens. When Zander’s parents insist she leave home to attend camp, she is sure that she won’t fit in. She’s surprised to make connections with her fellow campers, even though they are all dealing with big problems of their own. This tough but ultimately hopeful novel is also filled with darkly funny moments.
The Mermaid’s Sister, by Carrie Anne Noble, $0.99. I haven’t read this YA fantasy novel yet, but it’s definitely on my To Read list. Here’s the publisher’s summary: In a cottage high atop Llanfair Mountain, sixteen-year-old Clara lives with her sister, Maren, and guardian Auntie. By day, they gather herbs for Auntie’s healing potions; by night, Auntie spins tales of faraway lands and wicked fairies. Clara’s favorite story tells of three orphaned infants—Clara, who was brought to Auntie by a stork; Maren, who arrived in a seashell; and their best friend, O’Neill, who was found beneath an apple tree. One day, Clara discovers iridescent scales just beneath her sister’s skin: Maren is becoming a mermaid and must be taken to the sea or she will die. So Clara, O’Neill, and the mermaid-girl set out for the shore. But the trio encounters trouble around every bend. Ensnared by an evil troupe of traveling performers, Clara and O’Neill must find a way to save themselves and the ever-weakening Maren.
The Testing, by Joelle Charbonneau, $1.99. Calling all fans of The Hunger Games or Divergent! This series should scratch that dystopian coming-of-age itch. Here’s a summary from the publisher: “It’s graduation day for sixteen-year-old Malencia Vale, and the entire Five Lakes Colony (the former Great Lakes) is celebrating. All Cia can think about—hope for—is whether she’ll be chosen for The Testing, a United Commonwealth program that selects the best and brightest new graduates to become possible leaders of the slowly revitalizing post-war civilization. When Cia is chosen, her father finally tells her about his own nightmarish half-memories of The Testing. Armed with his dire warnings (“Cia, trust no one”), she bravely heads off to Tosu City, far away from friends and family, perhaps forever. Danger, romance—and sheer terror—await.”
Princess Academy, by Shannon Hale, $0.99. You may be starting to get the impression that I love Shannon Hale, and you would be right. Princess Academy is the first in a middle grade series about a land where a rich urban royal class benefits from the poorly paid labor of all the surrounding towns. When it is decided that the Prince’s wife should come from Miri’s village, all the teen girls are rounded up and sent to a school where they will be taught the ways of court. Booklist says, “Hale nicely interweaves feminist sensibilities in this quest-for-a-prince-charming, historical-fantasy tale. Strong suspense and plot drive the action as the girls outwit would-be kidnappers and explore the boundaries of leadership, competition, and friendship.” If you are looking for books with strong heroines who overcome difficulties to make a difference in their world, this is the book for you.
Bound: 15 Beautiful Bookbinding Projects, by Rachel Hazell, $3.99. If your family is anything like mine, you probably have dozens of stories your kids have written and illustrated. Why not turn them into an art project by binding them into book form? Or set yourself up for a new school year by creating small notebooks for nature observations or other projects. This book goes through multiple styles, from basic to complex, with step by step instructions.
Mini Weapons of Mass Destruction: Make Mayhem from your Stationery with 35 Models to Build Yourself, by John Austin, $3.99. Do you have pens, rubber bands, and plastic utensils? If so, you’re ready to build a catapult or trebuchet! All of these weapons are small scale but need adult supervision to prevent injury. Keep this book as a resource for discussing wars and weaponry throughout history.
American Heritage History of Flight, by Arthur Gordon, $1.99. This detailed look at aviation begins with ancient attempts to harness the wind and moves through modern technological innovations. While there are few illustrations, the Kindle version includes in-text links to Wikipedia for additional information and visuals.
National Geographic Readers: Planes, by Amy Shields, $4.99. If you are looking for a detailed book that your early elementary students can read on their own, the National Geographic Reader series is a great place to start. This one covers all types of planes, including some unusual ones (have you ever seen the inside of a C-17?) sure to pique interest.
Amazing Airplanes, by Tony Mitton, $3.54. For our youngest family members, we have this bright and simple picture book. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Buckle up to learn all about flying! Amazing Airplanes follows the animal crew, as they become pilots, baggage handlers, and air stewards. Each page is filled with details that machine-mad kids love, such as the cockpit, landing gear, and much more. This book is perfect for budding pilots or happy vacationers! From airplanes to fire engines, the internationally bestselling Amazing Machines series is the perfect way for children to learn about all sorts of vehicles! Each book introduces a new vehicle and the jobs it can do. Bright, engaging artwork and simple, rhyming text combine to make these fantastic books for young children. Kids will love getting to know the friendly, animal characters who feature throughout the series and reading about their fast-paced adventures!”
Her Right Foot, by Dave Eggers, $2.99. This beautiful picture book takes a look at the history of the Statue of Liberty. More than that, Eggers uses the statue to address the inherent freedoms that form the basis of American culture and government. Shawn Harris’s mixed-media illustrations are simple but visually interesting.
Epic Fails: Not-So-Great Presidents, by Ben Thompson and Erik Slader. This newer history series is a lot of fun for middle-grade readers. Rather than focusing on successes, the authors emphasize foibles (e.g., Washington’s mistakes early in his career as a British soldier, Nixon’s Watergate scandal). The result is humanizing; presidents are just people, and everyone makes mistakes. The tone is light and full of contemporary references. A good choice for history fans and history skeptics!
Small Wonders: Jean-Henri Fabre and His World of Insects, by Matthew Clark Smith, $3.99. Fabre is one of the most famous naturalists in history. His interest started when he was a small child fascinated by moths, wasps, and other insects. Instead of merely collecting and dissecting them, Fabre was among the first to study insect behavior in the natural environment.
Microadventures: Local Discoveries, Great Escapes, by Alastair Humphreys, $4.99. The adventures are small, but the world is large! Humphreys is a naturalist and adventurer who has explored all over the world. This book focuses on really getting to know the world right around you. These outdoor adventures can be accomplished in a day or less, with minimal supplies. Humphreys encourages you to chase down a full moon, explore woods and forests, swim in a river, and more. Humphreys is based in the UK, so some of the challenges may not be applicable (e.g., there are few places in the US where you can walk from coast to coast), but most can be adapted to any local environment. This book is perfect for a family looking for new recreation ideas during the pandemic.
Rules, by Cynthia Lord, $3.99. Catherine loves her brother, but she’s not always nice to him. He has autism, and she has created a long list of rules for him to follow so that he doesn’t embarrass her in public. When she meets Jason, a paraplegic who uses a wheelchair and communicates through picture cards, Catherine begins to realize that there’s no one “normal” way to be, and that she needs to find more acceptance and understanding for others, even her own brother.
Freak the Mighty, by Rodman Philbrick, $3.99. This classic story of an unusual friendship has been made into a movie. Kevin has a disorder that prevents him from growing; Max is large for his age and struggles with learning disabilities. Together, Kevin and Max form “Freak the Mighty,” with Kevin riding Max’s shoulders as they explore their surroundings and defeat bullies. Both boys have unique perspectives. Content warning: this book is poignant and tragic.
Missing Math: A Number Mystery, by Loreen Leedy, $3.99. This bright and fun picture book will convince kids of the importance of numbers. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In Missing Math, the numbers all over town suddenly disappear. The animals can’t count, use the phone, or even find out what time it is. Rulers, money, and computers have all become completely useless. . . . Can the town’s detective solve this numerical mystery? Will he ever bring the numbers back home again? Loreen Leedy’s clever rhyming text PLUS her amusing digitally painted illustrations EQUALS proof that we need math each and every day.”
Alone: A Story of Friendship in the Darkness of Space, by Scott Stuart, $0.99. Earth is all alone in space, so it goes off looking for a friend. This sweet, fanciful book includes a few interesting scientific tidbits.
Blast Off to the Moon! by Lauren Gunderson, $3.99. Dr. Wonderful just wants to know why things happen, and she’s willing to explore to find out. When she becomes curious about why the moon changes shape each night, she and her dog decide to go up into space for research. Kids will love the funny illustrations; parents will appreciate the way Dr. Wonderful carefully works through the scientific process to answer her questions.
The Upside of Falling Down, by Rebekah Crane, $1.99. A coming-of-age novel with an unusual twist: Clementine is the sole survivor of a plane crash, and she’s now in Ireland suffering from amnesia. Here’s the plot summary: “With the relentless Irish press bearing down on her, and a father she may not even recognize on his way from America to take her home, Clementine assumes a new identity and enlists a blue-eyed Irish stranger, Kieran O’Connell, to help her escape her forgotten life…and start a new one. Hiding out in the sleepy town of Waterville, Ireland, Clementine discovers there’s an upside to a life that’s fallen apart. But as her lies grow, so does her affection for Kieran, and the truth about her identity becomes harder and harder to reveal, forcing Clementine to decide: Can she leave her past behind for a new love she’ll never forget?”
Zoey and Sassafras: Dragons and Marshmallows, by Asia Citro, $1.99. Science can be magic! Zoey and her cat Sassafras have a big secret: magical creatures are real and come to them for help! Zoey is a budding scientist and uses the scientific method to figure out what is wrong with a sick dragon. This is the first in a series; the short chapters, charming illustrations, and simple language make these books a good choice for budding readers.
What Lives in a Shell? by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld, $2.99. This charming book from the “Let’s Read and Find Out” series is a great introduction to crustaceans and other shelled creatures for early elementary readers. Detailed illustrations introduce clams, snails, crabs, and more.
A Tale of Two Cities, by Charles Dickens, $2.99. A classic adventure from Charles Dickens presents the story of the French Revolution through the eyes of the aristocrats, opportunists, and spies of Paris. Break out your knitting needles and settle in for an engrossing read. This edition includes a brief biography of Dickens and some contextual material.
I Survived The Battle of D-Day, by Lauren Tarshis, $3.99. My elementary-schooler has enjoyed several of the books in this series about deadly wars, plagues, and natural disasters. Each book includes a fictionalized story and a short section of historical information. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Eleven-year-old Paul's French village has been under Nazi control for years. His Jewish best friend has disappeared. Food is scarce. And there doesn't seem to be anything Paul can do to make things better. Then Paul finds an American paratrooper in a tree near his home. The soldier says the Allies have a plan to crush the Nazis once and for all. But the soldier needs Paul's help. This is Paul's chance to make a difference. Soon he finds himself in the midst of the largest invasion in history. Can he do his part to turn horror into hope?”
Magic Tree House: Night of the New Magicians, by Mary Pope Osborne, $3.99. Jack and Annie are heading to France! Merlin has sent them to pass along a message to four magicians at the 1889 World’s Fair in Paris. This is a “Merlin Mission,” so it is longer and more involved than the original Magic Tree House books.
Zane and the Hurricane: A Story of Katrina, by Rodman Philbrick, $3.99. Zane doesn’t know New Orleans well; he is visiting his great-grandmother when Hurricane Katrina makes landfall. After chasing his runaway dog, he finds himself fending for himself until he is rescued by a passing canoe. Philbrick includes realistic historical details and deftly addresses issues of race, class, and privilege.
Gandhi: A March to the Sea, by Alice B. McGinty, $1.99. This picture book with beautiful painted illustrations focuses on the nonviolent Satyagraha movement. There’s a free educator’s guide available as a PDF.
The Sky Painter: Louis Fuertes, Bird Artist, by Margarita Engle, $1.99. I will admit that I had never heard of Fuertes before I discovered this book. Thank you, Margarita Engle, for introducing me to his beautiful work. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Louis loves to watch birds. He takes care of injured birds and studies how they look and how they move. His father wants him to become an engineer, but Louis dreams of being a bird artist. To achieve this dream, he must practice, practice, practice. He learns from the art of John James Audubon. But as Louis grows up, he begins to draw and paint living, flying birds in their natural habitats. Louis Agassiz Fuertes (1874–1927) is now known as the father of modern bird art. He traveled with many scientific expeditions all over the world. His best-known works—paintings for habitat exhibits at the American Museum of Natural History in New York—are still beloved by visitors today. His art helped to encourage wildlife conservation, inspiring people to celebrate and protect the world of wings. Poems by Newbery Honor–winning author Margarita Engle and illustrations by Aliona Bereghici capture the life of Louis Fuertes and the deep sense of wonder that he felt when he painted the sky.”
Escape North! The Story of Harriet Tubman, by Monica Kulling, $4.99. I found my copy of this book at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park (which is great and you should go!). As I’ve mentioned before, I really like the higher level nonfiction “Step into Reading” books for providing a solid foundation on a topic at the elementary level. Kids will learn about Tubman’s missions escorting enslaved people to freedom, but also about her work as a spy and women’s rights advocate.
Frog and Toad are Friends, by Arnold Lobel, $4.99. This is an easy reader classic! Frog and Toad are not always alike, but they are always there for each other. Join them on their funny adventures swimming, looking for a lost button, and waiting for a letter. Fun pictures and few words on each page make this the perfect first chapter book for a new reader.
I am (Not) Scared, by Anna Kang, $1.99. The bears from You are (Not) Small and That’s (Not) Mine are back with a trip to the amusement park. They are frightened of, and exhilarated by, a whole host of new experiences and discover that being together can make hard things seem less scary.
A Snicker of Magic, by Natalie Lloyd, $3.99. My daughter loves this book! Here’s what she says: “A shy girl who’s been traveling around her whole life moves to a town that used to have magic. She learns that her ancestors were cursed and becomes determined to break the curse. This is a really heartwarming book, and I recommend it to people who like The Magic Half.”
Give Yourself Goosebumps: Tick Tock, You’re Dead, by R.L. Stine. A scary Goosebumps novel where you get to choose how the story turns out? Sign me up for this perfect campfire read!
Kindle Deals for October 17, 2020
Geek out this 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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Blood, Sweat, and Pixels: The Triumphant, Turbulent Stories Behind How Video Games are Made, by Jason Schrier, $2.99. I am not a gamer, but I love learning about how things are made. This book takes a look at the tremendous effort that goes into creating modern video games. From the publisher: “In Blood, Sweat, and Pixels, Jason Schreier takes readers on a fascinating odyssey behind the scenes of video game development, where the creator may be a team of 600 overworked underdogs or a solitary geek genius. Exploring the artistic challenges, technical impossibilities, marketplace demands, and Donkey Kong-sized monkey wrenches thrown into the works by corporate, Blood, Sweat, and Pixels reveals how bringing any game to completion is more than Sisyphean—it's nothing short of miraculous.”
Star Wars: From a Certain Point of View, by various authors, $4.99. What happens when you ask 40 big-time authors to write a Star Wars short story? You get this fun and fascinating collection that retells major events in Star Wars from the perspective of supporting characters. You’ll find out what was going on in Aunt Beru’s mind as Luke headed off, all you ever wanted to know about the creature in the trash compactor, and more. This is a must for any big Star Wars fan, but it’s also an interesting read for anyone who is intrigued by more than one way to tell a story.
The Nerdy Nummies Cookbook: Sweet Treats for the Geek in All of Us, by Rosanna Pansino, $1.99. Pansino is known for her YouTube baking channel, where she creates delicious treats based on pop culture. This cookbook is full of recipes for recipes for all flavors of geeks: science, gaming, sci-fi, cartoon, and more.
The Economics of Star Trek: The Proto-Post-Scarcity Economy, by Rick Webb, $4.99. Rick Webb made a splash a few years ago with a long-form article about the economics of Star Trek. This book presents an expanded version of that essay along with discussion of Universal Basic Income, cryptocurrency, and other economic issues in terms of the Star Trek universe.
STILL ON SALE
The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating, by Elisabeth Tova Bradley, $1.99. When Bradley finds herself confined to her bed for an extended period, she looks for things to do. She discovers an unlikely companion: a small snail living on a plant in her bedroom. Bradley’s writing is beautiful and vivid, and her nature observations will inspire readers to keep an eye out for the wonders around them.
Sheepish: Two Women, Fifty Sheep, and Enough Wool to Save the Planet, by Catherine Friend, $1.99. Just yesterday, my family was discussing what animal we would choose if we could have any habitat in our backyard, and I chose sheep. I can’t quite decide whether this book cements my choice or makes me regret my decision. Catherine Friend describes all the hard work and reward of raising sheep.
DK Smithsonian Natural History Mammals Carnivores: The Definitive Visual Guide, by DK Publishing, $4.99. Want to know more about meat eaters? This book brings DK’s classic photo-rich style to dozens of mammals — bears, seals, even skunks!
The Witches, by Roald Dahl, $2.99. Dahl is the perfect author to introduce your kids to the horror genre. From our Spooky Books to Read for Halloween List: Witches are real, and the last place you want to be if you're a child is at their annual meeting. Roald Dahl is so silly, so funny, so charming that you almost forget to be completely terrified by this creepy tale. Almost.
These Witches Won’t Burn, by Isabel Sterling, $2.99. This YA novel combines small town queer romance with witchcraft and the powers of evil. When Hannah starts noticing signs of dark magic, she must team up with her ex-girlfriend to track down the Blood Witch before something terrible happens. Hannah is attempting to balance world saving and moving on to a new girl in this sweet, dark, and thrilling novel.
Girls Save the World in This One, by Ash Parsons, $2.99. Zombies, conventions, and girl power? Sign me up! The publisher’s description was so good I immediately put this book on my reading list. Here’s what they said: “Shaun of the Dead meets Clueless in this hilarious YA horror comedy set at a local zombie convention–featuring a teenage girl gang that has to save the world from a horde of actual zombies. Perfect for fans of Geekerella, Undead Girl Gang, and Anna and the Apocalypse.”
Small Spaces, by Katherine Arden, $2.99. I don’t even know where to begin with this one. It’s a middle grade novel, but even the back of the book description kind of freaks me out. If you have a middle schooler looking for a ghost tale about a class trip gone wrong, this is a great option. Arden is known for creating rich, detailed worlds, and she puts that skill to work creating some memorable locations and characters.
Duck for President, by Doreen Cronin, $1.99. The wacky barnyard creatures from Click, Clack, Moo are back in this fun and topical picture book. When duck is tired of being asked to do work around the farm, he decides to hold and election and run against the farmer. This successful run leads to a turn as governor and eventually president. At each step along the way, Duck discovers that leading is actually a lot of work.
What is an Election?, by Caryn Jenner, $2.99. This leveled reader is a great introduction to basic concepts in the democratic process. It’s not America-specific; there’s a section on elections around the world. DK’s levels tend to be a bit more advanced that other easy readers. This one is suitable for kids who can read short paragraphs.
Secret Lives of the U.S. Presidents, by Cormac O’Brien, $2.99. Did you know that George Washington had leopard-skin robes made for his horses? Or that Thomas Jefferson smuggled rice from Europe in his pants? These weird facts and more will entertain and enlighten.
Thank You For Voting: The Maddening, Enlightening, Inspiring Truth About Voting in America, by Erin Geiger Smith, $3.99. Geiger Smith is a journalist who has been covering elections for years. In this book, she examines the reasons many people do not participate in elections. She traces the history of voting rights, social and economic factors, and issues that confuse or put off potential voters. The tone is engaging and helpful, with advice on how to encourage those around you to vote.
The Trail of Tears, by Joseph Bruchac, $4.99. This early chapter book does not shy away from the realities of The Trail of Tears. The author, a member of the Abenaki tribe, describes Chief John Ross leading the Cherokee people 1,200 miles to new territory Oklahoma. Hardship and injustices are described in detail appropriate for elementary readers. Don’t discount this book for older readers; the level 4 and 5 books from Step into Reading are great for concise and engaging reading on a narrow topic.
You Hold Me Up, by Monique Gray Smith and Danielle Daniel, $4.99. This sweet picture book describes the ways people look out for each other (e.g., kindness and sharing). The illustrations feature Native people young and old. You’ll find this book a great conversation starter for a discussion about empathy and community spirit.
Why Indigenous Literatures Matter, by Daniel Heath Justice, $4.99. Are you looking to learn more about Indigenous authors? This book, written by a scholar for a broader audience, is a great place to start. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In considering the connections between literature and lived experience, this book contemplates four key questions at the heart of Indigenous kinship traditions: How do we learn to be human? How do we become good relatives? How do we become good ancestors? How do we learn to live together? Blending personal narrative and broader historical and cultural analysis with close readings of key creative and critical texts, Justice argues that Indigenous writers engage with these questions in part to challenge settler-colonial policies and practices that have targeted Indigenous connections to land, history, family, and self. More importantly, Indigenous writers imaginatively engage the many ways that communities and individuals have sought to nurture these relationships and project them into the future. This provocative volume challenges readers to critically consider and rethink their assumptions about Indigenous literature, history, and politics while never forgetting the emotional connections of our shared humanity and the power of story to effect personal and social change. Written with a generalist reader firmly in mind, but addressing issues of interest to specialists in the field, this book welcomes new audiences to Indigenous literary studies while offering more seasoned readers a renewed appreciation for these transformative literary traditions.”
Hearts Unbroken, by Cynthia Leitich Smith, $0.99. High school is complicated for everyone, even more so in this YA novel about a community in racial and cultural conflict. Here’s the publisher’s description: “When Louise Wolfe’s first real boyfriend mocks and disrespects Native people in front of her, she breaks things off and dumps him over e-mail. It’s her senior year, anyway, and she’d rather spend her time with her family and friends and working on the school newspaper. The editors pair her up with Joey Kairouz, the ambitious new photojournalist, and in no time the paper’s staff find themselves with a major story to cover: the school musical director’s inclusive approach to casting The Wizard of Oz has been provoking backlash in their mostly white, middle-class Kansas town. From the newly formed Parents Against Revisionist Theater to anonymous threats, long-held prejudices are being laid bare and hostilities are spreading against teachers, parents, and students — especially the cast members at the center of the controversy, including Lou’s little brother, who’s playing the Tin Man. As tensions mount at school, so does a romance between Lou and Joey — but as she’s learned, ‘dating while Native’ can be difficult. In trying to protect her own heart, will Lou break Joey’s?”
Greenglass House, by Kate Milford, $1.99. OK, it would be false advertising to compare this book to The Westing Game, but if there is a contemporary literary descendant of Raskin's deliciously complex mystery, it's The Greenglass House—a genuine, bona fide middle grades mystery that gives its readers credit for being intelligent and that delivers a satisfying mystery, sophisticated character development, and a few (well set-up) twists along the way. Adopted innkeepers' son Milo and his friend—the cook's daughter, Meddy—unravel the clues to discover why their off-season inn is full of unexpected visitors, at least one of whom seems set on sabotaging Greenglass House. It's a terrific mystery. Highly recommended.
A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning, by Lemony Snicket, $2.99. The first book is Lemony Snicket’s hilariously tragic series chronicles the moment things begin to go terribly wrong in the lives of the ill-fated Baudelaire orphans. Kids will love the over-the-top storytelling; parents will be tickled by all the interesting words Snicket throws in.
The Thickety: A Path Begins, by J.A. White, $3.99. Looking for a seriously creepy and sometimes dark middle-grade fantasy? The Thickety does a good job of balancing real menace with imaginative storytelling. Here’s a bit of the publisher’s description: “When Kara Westfall was five years old, her mother was convicted of the worst of all crimes: witchcraft. Years later, Kara and her little brother, Taff, are still shunned by the people of their village, who believe that nothing is more evil than magic…except, perhaps, the mysterious forest that covers nearly the entire island. It has many names, this place. Sometimes it is called the Dark Wood, or Sordyr's Realm. But mostly it's called the Thickety. The villagers live in fear of the Thickety and the terrible creatures that live there. But when an unusual bird lures Kara into the forbidden forest, she discovers a strange book with unspeakable powers. A book that might have belonged to her mother. And that is just the beginning of the story.”
Spontaneous, by Aaron Starmer, $2.99. I just bought this one for myself! The idea of a darkly funny YA novel about a wave of spontaneous combustions just felt right for 2020. The publisher’s description hooked me. Will it do the same for you? “Mara Carlyle’s senior year is going as normally as could be expected, until fellow senior Katelyn Ogden explodes during third period pre-calc. Katelyn is the first, but she won’t be the last teenager to blow up without warning or explanation. As the national eye turns to Mara’s suburban New Jersey hometown, the FBI rolls in and the search for a reason is on. Mara narrates the end of their world as she knows it while trying to make it to graduation in one piece. It’s an explosive year punctuated by romance, quarantine, lifelong friendship, hallucinogenic mushrooms, bloggers, ice cream trucks, and Bon Jovi.”
Three Faces of Me, by R.L. Stine, $0.99. No one beats R.L. Stine for a kid-appropriate intro to the horror genre. Here’s the publisher’s description of this eerie tale: “When Ira Fishman wins a prize in the machine outside a candy store, he’s disappointed it’s not the squirt gun he had his eye on. The little black plastic box looks like a camera, but when Ira presses the green button on top, nothing happens. After dinner that night, Ira can’t believe what he sees in his room: a boy with the same clothes—and face—as Ira! He tries to get this second Ira to leave, but it’s no use. Deciding to have a little fun, Ira makes the boy go to school in his place—but it’s a disaster. The new Ira isn’t good at math like the real Ira, and he’s horrible at softball. Worst of all, he plays with the girls during recess! Ira’s clone is ruining his rep—fast. And when a third Ira shows up, Ira number one has to find a way to make the others disappear for good before his whole world is turned upside down. But how do you get rid of yourself?”
Turkey Trick of Treat, by Wendi Silvano, $0.99. The wacky turkey from Turkey Trouble is back, this time to celebrate Halloween! He wants candy, but the farmer will only give it to kids in costumes. Can he and the other barnyard animals trick the farmer into giving them treats?
Halloween Hustle, by Charlotte Gunnufson, $0.99. Kids will love the spooky-cute illustrations and the fun rhyming text. Skeleton is on his way to a party, and he can’t help but dance. But he has a problem — he keeps tripping and falling apart. Can he keep it together?
How to Build a Haunted House, by Frank Tupta, $1.99. In this rhyming story, classic monsters are are working together to make a spooky haunted house. The twist? It’s for vampire family in need!
The Magic Half, by Annie Barrows, $4.79. My daughter loved this series when she was in elementary school. When Miri’s family moves into a new house, she is thrilled with her interesting new room in the attic. Things get a little strange, and more interesting, when she discovers that her room is somehow connected to 1935 and a girl in need of help. Miri has to learn the secrets of this time travel to rescue Molly.
Stepping Stones: The Time Machine, by H.G. Wells and Les Martin, $3.99. The Stepping Stones series adapts classic literature to an early chapter book level. This adaptation of the H.G. Wells classic is heavy on the action and includes engaging illustrations. This is a great introduction to one of the foundational texts of science fiction.
Apples, Apples, Apples, by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace, $0.99. The bunny family is heading to the orchard to pick some fresh apples! They meet up with Farmer Miller, who explains the different varieties of apples and how they grow. When they have gathered all they need, they head home to make fresh applesauce (recipe included!). Wallace’s unique cut paper illustrations are very sweet.
The Seasons of Arnold’s Apple Tree, by Gail Gibbons, $4.99. Arnold has a favorite apple tree. He spends time in it throughout the year, picking fruit, smelling blossoms, feeding the birds, and basking in its shade. In simple language, Gibbons walks readers through a year in the life of a tree. Don’t miss the recipe for apple pie and the description of how a cider press works!
How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World, by Marjorie Priceman, $4.99. From our readalouds with recipes list: “As Carl Sagan once said, if you want to make an apple pie from scratch, first you have to create the universe. In this playful picture book, you don’t have to create the world but you do have to travel it, journeying around the globe to collect far-flung ingredients for the perfect apple pie.”
Apples and How They Grow, by Laura Driscoll, $4.99. Let your beginning reader read about apples on their own! This short and sweet nonfiction book is full of details about how apples grow. Kids (and adults) may be surprised to learn about grafting branches from one tree onto another.
We Dream of Space, by Erin Entrada Kelly, $1.99. That historical fiction is now set in the 1980s makes me feel a little old, but I’m excited to read this new middle grade novel. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Cash, who loves basketball but has a newly broken wrist, is in danger of failing seventh grade for the second time. Fitch spends every afternoon playing Major Havoc at the arcade on Main and wrestles with an explosive temper that he doesn’t understand. And Bird, his twelve-year-old twin, dreams of being NASA’s first female shuttle commander, but feels like she’s disappearing. The Thomas children exist in their own orbits, circling a tense and unpredictable household, with little in common except an enthusiastic science teacher named Ms. Salonga. As the launch of the Challenger approaches, Ms. Salonga gives her students a project—they are separated into spacecraft crews and must create and complete a mission. When the fated day finally arrives, it changes all of their lives and brings them together in unexpected ways.”
Space Opera, by Catherynne M. Valente, $1.99. Amy and Suzanne really enjoyed this book. Here’s what Amy has to say about it: “So earlier this fall, I told Suzanne that I needed to read something that would just make me happy, and she suggested this space saga. NEVER DOUBT SUZANNE. This zany, Douglas Adams-ish (and I don’t throw that around lightly) story centers around an intergalactic version of American Idol, in which planets compete not for record deals but for the right for their species to be considered sentient by the rest of the universe. All newly space-faring species must compete to prove their sentience — and if they come in last, their whole species will be wiped right out of existence. Now that Earth is in the space game, and the future of humanity is in the hands of aging 70s rocker Decibel Jones. It sounds wacky and all over the place because it is wacky and all over the place — but in a way that made me really happy.”
Suni Goes to Space, by Arthy Muthanna Singh and Mamta Nainy, $0.99. When Sunita Williams was young, she dreamed of going into space like Neil Armstrong. Singh and Nainy introduce us to Suni, the inquisitive and creative girl who grew up to become an astronaut.
Scream: Chilling Adventures in the Science of Fear, by Margee Kerr, $1.99. Why do we feel afraid? Why do we deliberately seek out horror movies and haunted houses? Sociologist Margee Kerr investigates the individual and societal experiences of fear. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Fear is a universal human experience, but do we really understand it? If we're so terrified of monsters and serial killers, why do we flock to the theaters to see them? Why do people avoid thinking about death, but jump out of planes and swim with sharks? For Kerr, there was only one way to find out. In this eye-opening, adventurous book, she takes us on a tour of the world's scariest experiences: into an abandoned prison long after dark, hanging by a cord from the highest tower in the Western hemisphere, and deep into Japan's mysterious ‘suicide forest.’ She even goes on a ghost hunt with a group of paranormal adventurers. Along the way, Kerr shows us the surprising science from the newest studies of fear -- what it means, how it works, and what it can do for us. Full of entertaining science and the thrills of a good ghost story, this book will make you think, laugh -- and scream.”
Alice in Zombieland, by Gena Showalter, $2.99. It’s Alice in Wonderland… sort of. With zombies! This YA zombie novel is filled with allusions to Wonderland.
His Hideous Heart: 13 of Edgar Allen Poe’s Most Unsettling Tales Reimagined, edited by Dahlia Adler, $2.99. Teens have loved Poe’s creepy tales for the last hundred and fifty years. Now they can experience the themes in new ways through this collection of modern short stories from big names in current YA.
Teach Your Own: The John Holt Book of Homeschooling, by John Holt and Pat Farenga, $2.99. John Holt is one of the founders of the modern homeschool movement. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In this expanded edition of the book that helped launch the whole movement, Pat Farenga has distilled John Holt's timeless understanding of the ways children come to understand the world and added up-to-the-moment legal, financial, and logistical advice. No parent even considering homeschooling should be without this wise and unique reference. Rather than proposing that parents turn their homes into miniature schools, Holt and Farenga demonstrate how ordinary parents can help children grow as social, active learners. Chapters on living with children, "serious play," children and work, and learning difficulties will fascinate and encourage parents and help them enjoy each "homeschool" day. John Holt's warm understanding of children and his passionate belief in every child's ability to learn have made this book the bible of homeschooling families everywhere.”
My Strong Mind: A Story about Developing Mental Strength, by Niels van Hove, $2.99. This is a pretty didactic but accessible book about developing good habits. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Kate faces several situations your children will face too. She applies a positive attitude to deal with her challenges. Amongst them are getting ready in time in the morning, doing cartwheels, standing in front of the whole class with show and tell and playing basketball. Kate applies techniques like goal setting, positive self-talk, accept failure as learning, visualisation of a problem, breathing or mindfulness exercise, gratitude, and controlled distraction. These tips to build a strong mind in children are presented in an easy to read, fun and practical way.”
It’s Okay to Make Mistakes, by Todd Parr, $1.99. Todd Parr’s books are like big, extra-tight hugs. His simple style is bold, funny, and diverse. For every mistake he mentions, he offers a hint at what can happen next (e.g., “It’s OK to not know the answer. Asking questions helps you learn.”) My toddler could recite Todd Parr books way before she could read them on her own.
Storybound, by Melissa Burt, $3.99. I haven’t had a chance to read this series yet, but it sounds like a delightful bookish adventure. Here’s the publisher’s description: “When Una Fairchild stumbles upon a mysterious book buried deep in the basement of her school library, she thinks nothing of opening the cover and diving in. But instead of paging through a regular novel, Una suddenly finds herself Written In to the land of Story—a world filled with Heroes and Villains and fairy-tale characters. But not everything in Story is as magical as it seems. Una must figure out why she has been Written In—and fast—before anyone else discovers her secret. Together with her new friend Peter and a talking cat named Sam, Una digs deep into Story's shadowy past. She quickly realizes that she is tied to the world in ways she never could have imagined—and it might be up to her to save it.”
A Dash of Magic, by Kathryn Littlewood, $3.99. The Bliss series is a mouth-watering literary treat. In this second book in the series, Rosemary is determined to retrieve the magical Cookery Booke that her aunt has stolen — even if it means facing off in an Iron Chef-style food battle. The competition takes the Bliss family to Paris, where the family rushes around famous sites collecting the magical ingredients Rosemary needs. There’s an excellent sense of place. If you enjoy this book, the sequel is also on sale.
Sleep, Big Bear, Sleep! by Maureen Wright, $0.99. It’s time to hibernate in this charming picture book. Bear knows there’s something he needs to do, but he keeps mishearing Old Man Winter’s “Sleep” message and instead thinks he is supposed to leap or sweep. It’s a sweet, funny story perfect for fall.
Scaredy Squirrel, by Melanie Watt, $0.99. Scaredy Squirrel wants to be prepared. He has all of his emergency gear at the ready, prepared for bees, Martians, whatever might happen. He prefers to stick to his safe, steady routine. When a chance encounter causes him to leap into the unknown, he gets a big surprise.
Shampoodle, by Joan Holub, $3.99. This fun easy reader will have kids giggling! The funny, rhyming text describes a day at the dog groomer. The dogs are all very exuberant, even before a cat wanders in and causes mayhem. I love the pictures in this one; there’s lots to see!
Bad Kitty Camp Daze, by Nick Bruel, $4.96. Bad Kitty has an attitude problem that will endear her to surly children everywhere. Bruel built on his picture book series with these early chapter books that contain lots of illustrated action. When Bad Kittle sneaks away to Uncle Murray’s Camp for Stressed-Out Dogs, she learns more than she bargains for about the natural world.
The Hobbits of Tolkien: An Illustrated Exploration of Tolkien’s Hobbits and the Sources that Inspired His Work From Myth, Legend, and History, by David Day, $3.99. Want to know more about the mythology behind Middle Earth? Curious about the etymology of some place names and people? This book perfectly balances detailed research with cozy illustrations. The author has written similar volumes about other elements of Tolkien’s work.
A Dictionary of Sources of Tolkien: The History and Mythology That Inspired Tolkien’s World, by David Day, $3.99. I enjoy sweeping fantasy, but I definitely struggle to keep all the names and places straight. In this extensive volume, Day provides information about all the proper nouns of Middle Earth, both their relevance to the narrative and their allusions to other literary traditions.
An Unexpected Cookbook: The Unofficial Book of Hobbit Cookery, by Chris-Rachael Oseland, $5.99. This book is more expensive than my typical Kindle deals, but I didn’t think we could properly celebrate Hobbit Day without at least one food book. The recipes are broken up into all seven Hobbit meals, with delicious treats like Lavender and Lemon Bread, Yorkshire Pudding, and Honey Cakes. You’ll find detailed recipe notes and mouthwatering photos throughout.
Fear of Physics: A Guide for the Perplexed, by Lawrence M. Krauss, $1.99. Krauss is a theoretical physicist who works on the deepest mysteries of the universe. But don’t let that intimidate you! Here’s the publisher’s description: “Assume the cow is a sphere." So begins this lively, irreverent, and informative look at everything from the physics of boiling water to cutting-edge research at the observable limits of the universe. Rich with anecdotes and accessible examples, Fear of Physics nimbly ranges over the tools and thought behind the world of modern physics, taking the mystery out of what is essentially a very human intellectual endeavour.”
Caesar’s Last Breath: Decoding the Secrets of the Air Around Us, by Sam Kean, $2.99. Science writer Sam Kean has written about the chemical elements, neuroscience, genetics, and the creation of the atomic bomb. In this book, he explores the air around us and the molecules we find within it. He travels throughout history and across several continents in his quest to understand the air we breathe.
Scienceblind: Why Our Intuitive Theories About the World Are So Often Wrong, by Andrew Shtulman, $4.99. Our brains are wired to make connections that help us make sense of the world. But that does not mean that our brains always interpret the world correctly. Cognitive psychologist Andrew Shtulman explains the reasons why people tend to believe weird things in this fascinating book. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Why do we catch colds? What causes seasons to change? And if you fire a bullet from a gun and drop one from your hand, which bullet hits the ground first? In a pinch we almost always get these questions wrong. Worse, we regularly misconstrue fundamental qualities of the world around us. In Scienceblind, cognitive and developmental psychologist Andrew Shtulman shows that the root of our misconceptions lies in the theories about the world we develop as children. They're not only wrong, they close our minds to ideas inconsistent with them, making us unable to learn science later in life. So how do we get the world right? We must dismantle our intuitive theories and rebuild our knowledge from its foundations. The reward won't just be a truer picture of the world, but clearer solutions to many controversies -- around vaccines, climate change, or evolution -- that plague our politics today.”
Uncommon Paper Flowers: Extraordinary Botanicals and How to Craft Them, by Kate Alcaron, $2.99. You’ve made a paper rose before, now get ready to try something unique! Alcaron has collected 30 unusual plants and created paper models of them. The book contains detailed botanical descriptions, an extensive technique section, and templates for creating your own dramatic floral display.
Parenting in a Pandemic: How to Help Your Family Through Covid-19, by Kelly Fradin, $0.99. This just came out and will (I hope) only be useful for a limited time, but the price is right and the advice is solid. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Parents are burning out while kids need more help than ever. With so many families in crisis, pediatrician and child advocate Dr. Kelly Fradin sees an urgent need for help. As a mother of two, Dr. Fradin shares practical, evidence-based and reassuring advice on what families need to know. Parents are forced to make decisions now despite seemingly constant change and many unknowns. In Parenting in a Pandemic, Dr. Fradin provides the information and strategies you need to help navigate coronavirus. The book reviews the science necessary to understand the news and care for your family. Dr. Fradin explains the specific risks of coronavirus to children of all ages and adults, including parents, grandparents, pregnant women, and essential workers. She gives realistic strategies you can use to improve this time for your family whether you are protecting a newborn, virtually schooling or convincing a teen to physically distance.”
The House Takes a Vacation, by Jacqueline Davies, $0.99. Get ready for a surreal and wacky adventure! When the house’s people go on vacation, the house decides to take its own trip. Kids and adults will enjoy the pun-filled text and personality-filled illustrations.
Little House in the Big Woods, by Laura Ingalls Wilder, $3.99. The Little House books are among the most read children’s books of all time, and with good reason. Wilder does a tremendous job of creating a vivid and inviting glimpse into life on the frontier. Later books in the series have problematic depictions of conflicts with Native Americans and have not aged well. Little House in the Big Woods, however, is a cozy and gentle peek into the past. Read this one by candle or fire as the temperatures start to dip this fall!
The Hero’s Guide to Saving Your Kingdom, by Christopher Healy, $3.99. You think you know the classic fairytale stories, but they are usually centered around the princesses. This fun middle grade series focuses on the princes. After the “happily ever after” the princes discover that their kingdoms are in danger, and they set off take on all kinds of mythical monsters. This fun and funny book is the first in a series that your middle-grade reader will love.
The Element Encyclopedia of Magical Creatures, by John and Caitlin Matthews, $3.99. Looking for a reference on obscure creatures? Every time I open this book, I discover a new mythological animal I haven’t heard of before. Here’s the publisher’s description: “From unicorns and trolls to werewolves and griffins, this comprehensive guide is the key to discovering every magical creature from myth, folklore and legend around the world. This compendium of magical creatures explores the history, folklore and mythology of fascinating beasts throughout all the magical worlds. Including stories, celebrations, traditions, and amazing facts, the book spans every major culture across the globe.”
Steampunk! An Anthology of Fantastically Rich and Strange Stories, edited by Kelly Link and Gavin J. Grant, $0.99. Are you new to steampunk but interested in exploring alternate versions of the world shaped by a different series of technological innovations? This anthology will introduce you to many excellent YA steampunk authors. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Imagine an alternate universe where romance and technology reign. Where tinkerers and dreamers craft and re-craft a world of automatons, clockworks, calculating machines, and other marvels that never were. Where scientists and schoolgirls, fair folk and Romans, intergalactic bandits, utopian revolutionaries, and intrepid orphans solve crimes, escape from monstrous predicaments, consult oracles, and hover over volcanoes in steam-powered airships. Here, fourteen masters of speculative fiction, including two graphic storytellers, embrace the genre's established themes and refashion them in surprising ways and settings as diverse as Appalachia, ancient Rome, future Australia, and alternate California. Visionaries Kelly Link and Gavin J. Grant have invited all-new explorations and expansions, taking a genre already rich, strange, and inventive in the extreme and challenging contributors to remake it from the ground up. The result is an anthology that defies its genre even as it defines it.”
The Wonderling, by Mira Bartok, $0.99. In Mira Bartok’s imagined world, groundlings are creatures that are part animal, part human. Thirteen, a fox groundling, escapes the Dickensian workhouse where has been raised and sets off on an adventure of his own. The tone is similar to Lemony Snicket, but the story is entirely unique, full of mechanical details and animals with extraordinary abilities. Put this strange and interesting book in the hands of your middle-grade reader!
My Robots: The Robotic Genius of Lady Regina Bonquers III, by Johan Olander, $3.99. Olander creates such interesting books! This heavily illustrated book purports to be the design scrapbook of an elusive roboticist. Lady Regina has created bots to fight fires, pluck nose hairs, and even give hugs. Kids will enjoy all the details of the development process, the unique visual style, and a frisson of mystery over Lady Regina’s whereabouts.
The Last Kids on Earth, by Max Brallier, $1.99. Are you ready for some funny post-apocalyptic lit for kids? This madcap adventure mixes peril, gross out humor, and teamwork as an unlikely band of teens works to save the day and stay alive. It’s a middle grade chapter book riddled with exciting and gruesome illustrations. If this sounds like something you’d be into, several books in the series are on sale today.
Big History: From the Big Bang to the Present, by Cynthia Stokes Brown, $3.99. The Big History movement combines science with history to study Earth from the moment of the big bang all the way through current events. Brown does a remarkable job finding through lines in the vast sweep of history. Each era is necessarily brief, but readers will be pleased to see that the history is not overly focused on Western civilization.
Bear and Fred: A World War II Story, by Iris Argaman, $4.99. Picture books can make challenging subjects understandable for small children. In this book, Israeli author Iris Argaman tells the true story of a boy’s time hiding from Nazis during WWII — from the perspective of his loyal teddy bear. It’s a tough but uplifting story that gently introduces the topic of the Holocaust.
Sleepover Larry, by Daniel Pinkwater, $3.99. Larry is a dapper polar bear who lives in a hotel owned by his human family. When Larry learns the concept of sleepovers, he is determined to have a great one with his bear friends from the zoo!
National Geographic Readers: Bears, by Elizabeth Carney, $3.99. Learn about bear species from all over the world in this fun, brightly illustrated easy reader. Sections cover habitats, adaptations, diet, cubs, and more. The level 3 books pack in a lot of detail without complicated vocabulary.
Magic Tree House: Polar Bears Past Bedtime, by Mary Pope Osborne, $3.99. Jack and Annie are off on another adventure, this time to the Arctic! They encounter indigenous hunters, polar bears, the Northern Lights, and more. The Magic Tree House series is great for beginning readers who are looking for fast-paced, exciting (but short) chapter books.
Bibliophile: An Illustrated Miscellany, by Jane Mount, $2.99. This is a literary bonbon for any book lover. As the title suggests, it’s a wonderful collection of miscellaneous facts about books, writers, bookstores, characters, and more. I can almost guarantee that you will find a new author to check out, or even a new favorite book, in the illustrated book lists.
The Man Who Made Lists: Love, Death, Madness, and the Creation of Roget’s Thesaurus, by Joshua Kendall. When I was a kid, I found thesauruses fascinating. I loved flipping through themed lists of words. I don’t think many kids use paper thesauruses now; the function built into your word processor isn’t really the same. Whether you are nostalgic for your childhood thesaurus or have never really used one, you’ll find the story behind the creation of the first modern thesaurus unexpectedly fascinating. Here’s a brief publisher’s description: “Polymath, eccentric, and synonym aficionado, Peter Mark Roget had a host of female admirers, was one of the first to test the effects of laughing gas, invented the slide rule, and narrowly escaped jail in Napoleon's France. But Roget is best known for making lists. After the tragic turmoil of his early life (both his mother and sister were institutionalized), Roget longed for order in his chaotic world. At the age of eight, he began his quest to put everything in its rightful place, one word at a time. This is the fascinating story of a driven man and a brilliant scholar-and the legacy he has left for generations.”
The Food Explorer: The True Adventures of the Globe-Trotting Botanist Who Transformed What America Eats, by Daniel Stone, $4.99. So many of the foods we now consider to be standard American fare are not native to this continent. The diversity of our current palate is partially the work of David Fairchild, a 19th century botanist who traveled the world looking for interesting plants that he could introduce to American audiences. Both food history and a globe-trotting adventure book, The Food Explorer is a delicious piece of writing.
Suffering Succotash: A Picky Eater’s Quest to Understand Why We Hate the Foods We Hate, by Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic, $4.99. There are tons of books about helping kids who are picky eaters, but this is the first one I’ve seen that is written by an actual picky eater. Lucianovic considers the roles of gag reflexes, anxiety, supertasters, support groups, and many other factors. The author’s personal experiences add a warm, personal touch.
A Spy in the House, by Y.S. Lee, $0.99. This is the first in a series of YA historical mysteries about a young Asian sleuth in Victorian London. Mary is an orphan doomed for the gallows when she is rescued and offered a position at the mysterious Miss Scrimshaw’s Academy for Girls. The school is the training ground for an elite group of detectives who can infiltrate high society households. Lee does an excellent job of offering the gritty details of the Victorian city while staying away from graphic details. The immigrant experience is rarely discussed in historical fiction, so this series provides an interesting perspective.
Seafaring Women: Adventures of Pirate Queens, Female Stowaways, and Sailors’ Wives, by David Cordingly, $4.99. Women have been taking to the seas, sometimes in secret, for hundreds of years. Cordingly has collected the stories of dozens of maritime women who lived life on the open water.
The March on Washington, by Bonnie Bader, $3.99. American Girl has been bringing accessible historical fiction to early readers for more than 30 years. More recently, the company has published factual companion books that provide deeper background into important events. This book about the 1963 March on Washington includes photos, timelines, maps, and a bibliography for more research.
One Crazy Summer, by Rita Williams-Garcia, $4.99. When the three Gaither sisters travel to California to spend time with their estranged mother, they are expecting movie stars and Disneyland. What they actually experience is a little different: summer camp run by the Black Panthers. The girls spend the next four weeks learning about the movement and discovering their own identities. This work of historical fiction set in 1968 is a nice point of entry for a discussion about the Civil Rights movement and the Black Panthers.
Susan B. Anthony: Her Fight for Equal Rights, by Monica Kulling, $4.99. Get to know one of America’s strongest proponents of women’s voting rights, Susan B. Anthony, in this book for early readers. Anthony was determined to vote in an election, even though it was illegal for women to do so at the time. Her civil disobedience led to her arrest. Young readers will learn about how Anthony’s actions paved the way for the 19th Amendment.
Lillian’s Right to Vote: A Celebration of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, by Jonah Winter and Shane W. Evans, $4.99. Sadly, the 19th Amendment did not make voting accessible to ALL women. In many places, unfair practices like poll taxes, complicated literacy tests, and property ownership rules made it nearly impossible for people of color to vote. In this moving picture book, an old woman reminisces about her family’s history and the many barriers to voting they faced.
The Women’s Suffrage Movement, edited by Sally Roesch Wagner, $4.99. What is the study of history without primary sources? This great collection from Penguin Classics looks at the quest for women’s rights in a delightfully intersectional array of essays, letters, speeches, and other texts. Readers will discover Black and Native American women whose ideas were crucial to the movement but have been overlooked in historical accounts.
The Templeton Twins Have an Idea, by Ellis Weiner, $0.99. If your reader has plowed the A Series of Unfortunate Events and would like something with a similar feel, look no further. The Templetons feel very similar to the Baudelaires. A snippet from the book description gives you an excellent feel for the tone: “Suppose there were 12-year-old twins, a boy and girl named John and Abigail Templeton. Let's say John was pragmatic and played the drums, and Abigail was theoretical and solved cryptic crosswords. Now suppose their father was a brilliant, if sometimes confused, inventor. And suppose that another set of twins—adults—named Dean D. Dean and Dan D. Dean, kidnapped the Templeton twins and their ridiculous dog in order to get their father to turn over one of his genius (sort of) inventions. Yes, I said kidnapped. Wouldn't it be fun to read about that? Oh please. It would so. Luckily for you, this is just the first in a series perfect for boys and girls who are smart, clever, and funny (just like the twins), and enjoy reading adventurous stories (who doesn't?!).”
Ella Enchanted, by Gail Carson Levine, $1.99. This Newberry Honor book has been beloved for two decades, and with good reason. A unique twist on the Cinderella story, this book focuses on Ella, a girl who has been cursed (“gifted”?) with obedience to others’ orders. In order to break this curse, she must track down and convince the fairy godmother who bestowed it.
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.
801 Things You Should Know: From Greek Philosophy to Today’s Technology, by David Olsen, $1.99. You’re a smart person. You’ve probably heard of many of the concepts and events in this book. But you may not be clear on all the details. This collection of short entries about everything from politics to medical terminology to economic principals will serve as a great introduction or refresher. Hand this to a tween/teen along with a newspaper — they’ll be able to quickly get background on unfamiliar terms like bear markets, the Hundred Years’ War, and the Invisible Hand theory.
A Field Guide to Monsters, by Johan Olander, $0.99. Olander is a “monstrologist” who documents monsters’ behavior in the wild. In this whimsical and imaginative book, he collects illustrations and artifacts from the Slobber Bug, Beach Krill, Tadpole-Monster, and other previously unknown (aka imaginary) creatures. It would be fun to compare this book with other, more scientific field guides.
Iron Hearted Violet, by Kelly Barnhill, $1.99. Kelly Barnhill tells such compelling twists on fairytale tropes. In this book, Princess Violet must work with the last dragon alive to protect the world from an evil being she has only read about in a forbidden book. Violet is brave, but not beautiful, strong, but not perfect.
The Menagerie, by Tui T. Sutherland and Kari Sutherland, $3.99. If your middle-grade reader enjoys books where the magical world bumps into the real world, The Menagerie series may be the perfect next adventure. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In the small town of Xanadu, Wyoming lies the Menagerie, a top secret facility filled with unicorns, dragons, phoenixes, and other fairy tale creatures. At least, it was a secret—until six griffin cubs escaped. If Logan and Zoe don’t get the cubs back fast, the entire Menagerie will be shut down. The race is on and the resulting adventure is only the beginning of a thrilling series that will leave readers wanting a magical menagerie of their very own.”
An Optimist’s Tour of the Future, by Mark Stevenson, $4.99. My husband loves this book, which does a great job of musing about how technology could change our future for the better. Here’s the publisher’s description: “When unexpectedly confronted with his own mortality, Mark Stevenson-a writer, deep-thinker, and stand-up comedian-began to ponder what the future holds for our species. ‘The past is a foreign country,’ writes Stevenson. ‘By my analysis it's a bit like France-in that I've been to parts of it and eaten some nice food there. But the future? The future is an unknown territory-and there isn't a guidebook.’ Thus, his ambition was born. Stevenson set out simply, asking, ‘What's next?’ and then traveled the globe in pursuit of the answers. Along the way, he visited the Australian outback to visit the farmers who can save us from climate change, met a robot with mood swings, and talked to the Spaniard who's putting a hotel in space. While some might be overwhelmed, or even dismayed by the looming realities of genome sequencing, synthetic biology, a nuclear renaissance, and carbon scrubbing, Stevenson remains, well, optimistic. Drawing on his singular humor and storytelling to break down these sometimes complicated discoveries, An Optimist's Tour of the Future paints a wonderfully readable, and completely enthralling portrait of where we'll be when we grow up- and why it's not so scary.”
50 Ways to Beat Boredom with LEGO Bricks, by DK Publishing, $0.99. If your house is anything like mine, you have no shortage of LEGO pieces. This short book introduces 50 quick activities and games using the beloved building materials. Build a mountain to create a 3D game board (instructions for a spinner also included) or design a functional piggy bank! This is an idea book, not a book of detailed instructions, but it’s a great jumping off point for an hour or a day of LEGO exploration. Note: If you already have 365 Things to Do with LEGO Bricks, you don’t need this book; this book is a shorter extract of that one.
Would You Rather? Made You Think Edition, by Lindsey Daly, $0.99. They start simple: “Would you rather kiss a fish that’s living in a radioactive pond or roll down a hill while hugging a porcupine?” The questions only get more interesting from there. Turn the questions into a game by scoring points for the best reasoning (guidelines are given in the introduction).
Diary of a Pug: Pug Blasts Off, by Kyla May, $2.99. Meet Bub, aka Baron von Bubbles, beloved pet of Bella. He loves doing everything with his human, so when she enters an invention contest, Bub is determined to help her. But this means he needs to deal with his squirrel nemesis, Nutz. This fun, brightly colored diary is full of wacky adventures and adorable illustrations. Early chapter book readers will love it!
Chickadee, by Louise Erdrich, $4.49. Chickadee takes place within the family introduced in Birchbark House. Omakayas is grown with a family of her own, and this story focuses on her twin sons, Chickadee and Makoons. After a prank gone wrong, Chickadee is kidnapped by angry men. This is the tale of Chickadee’s long path to reunion with his family. As with Erdrich’s other books, Chickadee’s story is filled with vivid details about Ojibwe life and traditions.
Young Water Protetctors: A Story About Standing Rock, by Aslan and Kelly Tudor, $2.99. Aslan Tudor was 10 years old when he wrote this book about his time participating in the Standing Rock protests. This is a great, age appropriate introduction to the conflict between native peoples and developers of the Dakota Access Pipeline.
My Heart Fills with Happiness, by Monique Gray Smith, $4.99. This sweet picture book introduces many things that bring happiness — good smells, good friends, and the beauty of nature. The lovely illustrations show many elements in the life on an indigenous family.
The Odds of Loving Grover Cleveland, by Rebekah Crane, $0.99. This Grover Cleveland isn’t a president; he’s a resident at Camp Padua, a summer program for at-risk teens. When Zander’s parents insist she leave home to attend camp, she is sure that she won’t fit in. She’s surprised to make connections with her fellow campers, even though they are all dealing with big problems of their own. This tough but ultimately hopeful novel is also filled with darkly funny moments.
The Mermaid’s Sister, by Carrie Anne Noble, $0.99. I haven’t read this YA fantasy novel yet, but it’s definitely on my To Read list. Here’s the publisher’s summary: In a cottage high atop Llanfair Mountain, sixteen-year-old Clara lives with her sister, Maren, and guardian Auntie. By day, they gather herbs for Auntie’s healing potions; by night, Auntie spins tales of faraway lands and wicked fairies. Clara’s favorite story tells of three orphaned infants—Clara, who was brought to Auntie by a stork; Maren, who arrived in a seashell; and their best friend, O’Neill, who was found beneath an apple tree. One day, Clara discovers iridescent scales just beneath her sister’s skin: Maren is becoming a mermaid and must be taken to the sea or she will die. So Clara, O’Neill, and the mermaid-girl set out for the shore. But the trio encounters trouble around every bend. Ensnared by an evil troupe of traveling performers, Clara and O’Neill must find a way to save themselves and the ever-weakening Maren.
The Testing, by Joelle Charbonneau, $1.99. Calling all fans of The Hunger Games or Divergent! This series should scratch that dystopian coming-of-age itch. Here’s a summary from the publisher: “It’s graduation day for sixteen-year-old Malencia Vale, and the entire Five Lakes Colony (the former Great Lakes) is celebrating. All Cia can think about—hope for—is whether she’ll be chosen for The Testing, a United Commonwealth program that selects the best and brightest new graduates to become possible leaders of the slowly revitalizing post-war civilization. When Cia is chosen, her father finally tells her about his own nightmarish half-memories of The Testing. Armed with his dire warnings (“Cia, trust no one”), she bravely heads off to Tosu City, far away from friends and family, perhaps forever. Danger, romance—and sheer terror—await.”
Princess Academy, by Shannon Hale, $0.99. You may be starting to get the impression that I love Shannon Hale, and you would be right. Princess Academy is the first in a middle grade series about a land where a rich urban royal class benefits from the poorly paid labor of all the surrounding towns. When it is decided that the Prince’s wife should come from Miri’s village, all the teen girls are rounded up and sent to a school where they will be taught the ways of court. Booklist says, “Hale nicely interweaves feminist sensibilities in this quest-for-a-prince-charming, historical-fantasy tale. Strong suspense and plot drive the action as the girls outwit would-be kidnappers and explore the boundaries of leadership, competition, and friendship.” If you are looking for books with strong heroines who overcome difficulties to make a difference in their world, this is the book for you.
Bound: 15 Beautiful Bookbinding Projects, by Rachel Hazell, $3.99. If your family is anything like mine, you probably have dozens of stories your kids have written and illustrated. Why not turn them into an art project by binding them into book form? Or set yourself up for a new school year by creating small notebooks for nature observations or other projects. This book goes through multiple styles, from basic to complex, with step by step instructions.
Mini Weapons of Mass Destruction: Make Mayhem from your Stationery with 35 Models to Build Yourself, by John Austin, $3.99. Do you have pens, rubber bands, and plastic utensils? If so, you’re ready to build a catapult or trebuchet! All of these weapons are small scale but need adult supervision to prevent injury. Keep this book as a resource for discussing wars and weaponry throughout history.
American Heritage History of Flight, by Arthur Gordon, $1.99. This detailed look at aviation begins with ancient attempts to harness the wind and moves through modern technological innovations. While there are few illustrations, the Kindle version includes in-text links to Wikipedia for additional information and visuals.
National Geographic Readers: Planes, by Amy Shields, $4.99. If you are looking for a detailed book that your early elementary students can read on their own, the National Geographic Reader series is a great place to start. This one covers all types of planes, including some unusual ones (have you ever seen the inside of a C-17?) sure to pique interest.
Amazing Airplanes, by Tony Mitton, $3.54. For our youngest family members, we have this bright and simple picture book. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Buckle up to learn all about flying! Amazing Airplanes follows the animal crew, as they become pilots, baggage handlers, and air stewards. Each page is filled with details that machine-mad kids love, such as the cockpit, landing gear, and much more. This book is perfect for budding pilots or happy vacationers! From airplanes to fire engines, the internationally bestselling Amazing Machines series is the perfect way for children to learn about all sorts of vehicles! Each book introduces a new vehicle and the jobs it can do. Bright, engaging artwork and simple, rhyming text combine to make these fantastic books for young children. Kids will love getting to know the friendly, animal characters who feature throughout the series and reading about their fast-paced adventures!”
Her Right Foot, by Dave Eggers, $2.99. This beautiful picture book takes a look at the history of the Statue of Liberty. More than that, Eggers uses the statue to address the inherent freedoms that form the basis of American culture and government. Shawn Harris’s mixed-media illustrations are simple but visually interesting.
Epic Fails: Not-So-Great Presidents, by Ben Thompson and Erik Slader. This newer history series is a lot of fun for middle-grade readers. Rather than focusing on successes, the authors emphasize foibles (e.g., Washington’s mistakes early in his career as a British soldier, Nixon’s Watergate scandal). The result is humanizing; presidents are just people, and everyone makes mistakes. The tone is light and full of contemporary references. A good choice for history fans and history skeptics!
Small Wonders: Jean-Henri Fabre and His World of Insects, by Matthew Clark Smith, $3.99. Fabre is one of the most famous naturalists in history. His interest started when he was a small child fascinated by moths, wasps, and other insects. Instead of merely collecting and dissecting them, Fabre was among the first to study insect behavior in the natural environment.
Microadventures: Local Discoveries, Great Escapes, by Alastair Humphreys, $4.99. The adventures are small, but the world is large! Humphreys is a naturalist and adventurer who has explored all over the world. This book focuses on really getting to know the world right around you. These outdoor adventures can be accomplished in a day or less, with minimal supplies. Humphreys encourages you to chase down a full moon, explore woods and forests, swim in a river, and more. Humphreys is based in the UK, so some of the challenges may not be applicable (e.g., there are few places in the US where you can walk from coast to coast), but most can be adapted to any local environment. This book is perfect for a family looking for new recreation ideas during the pandemic.
Rules, by Cynthia Lord, $3.99. Catherine loves her brother, but she’s not always nice to him. He has autism, and she has created a long list of rules for him to follow so that he doesn’t embarrass her in public. When she meets Jason, a paraplegic who uses a wheelchair and communicates through picture cards, Catherine begins to realize that there’s no one “normal” way to be, and that she needs to find more acceptance and understanding for others, even her own brother.
Freak the Mighty, by Rodman Philbrick, $3.99. This classic story of an unusual friendship has been made into a movie. Kevin has a disorder that prevents him from growing; Max is large for his age and struggles with learning disabilities. Together, Kevin and Max form “Freak the Mighty,” with Kevin riding Max’s shoulders as they explore their surroundings and defeat bullies. Both boys have unique perspectives. Content warning: this book is poignant and tragic.
Missing Math: A Number Mystery, by Loreen Leedy, $3.99. This bright and fun picture book will convince kids of the importance of numbers. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In Missing Math, the numbers all over town suddenly disappear. The animals can’t count, use the phone, or even find out what time it is. Rulers, money, and computers have all become completely useless. . . . Can the town’s detective solve this numerical mystery? Will he ever bring the numbers back home again? Loreen Leedy’s clever rhyming text PLUS her amusing digitally painted illustrations EQUALS proof that we need math each and every day.”
Alone: A Story of Friendship in the Darkness of Space, by Scott Stuart, $0.99. Earth is all alone in space, so it goes off looking for a friend. This sweet, fanciful book includes a few interesting scientific tidbits.
Blast Off to the Moon! by Lauren Gunderson, $3.99. Dr. Wonderful just wants to know why things happen, and she’s willing to explore to find out. When she becomes curious about why the moon changes shape each night, she and her dog decide to go up into space for research. Kids will love the funny illustrations; parents will appreciate the way Dr. Wonderful carefully works through the scientific process to answer her questions.
The Upside of Falling Down, by Rebekah Crane, $1.99. A coming-of-age novel with an unusual twist: Clementine is the sole survivor of a plane crash, and she’s now in Ireland suffering from amnesia. Here’s the plot summary: “With the relentless Irish press bearing down on her, and a father she may not even recognize on his way from America to take her home, Clementine assumes a new identity and enlists a blue-eyed Irish stranger, Kieran O’Connell, to help her escape her forgotten life…and start a new one. Hiding out in the sleepy town of Waterville, Ireland, Clementine discovers there’s an upside to a life that’s fallen apart. But as her lies grow, so does her affection for Kieran, and the truth about her identity becomes harder and harder to reveal, forcing Clementine to decide: Can she leave her past behind for a new love she’ll never forget?”
Zoey and Sassafras: Dragons and Marshmallows, by Asia Citro, $1.99. Science can be magic! Zoey and her cat Sassafras have a big secret: magical creatures are real and come to them for help! Zoey is a budding scientist and uses the scientific method to figure out what is wrong with a sick dragon. This is the first in a series; the short chapters, charming illustrations, and simple language make these books a good choice for budding readers.
What Lives in a Shell? by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld, $2.99. This charming book from the “Let’s Read and Find Out” series is a great introduction to crustaceans and other shelled creatures for early elementary readers. Detailed illustrations introduce clams, snails, crabs, and more.
A Tale of Two Cities, by Charles Dickens, $2.99. A classic adventure from Charles Dickens presents the story of the French Revolution through the eyes of the aristocrats, opportunists, and spies of Paris. Break out your knitting needles and settle in for an engrossing read. This edition includes a brief biography of Dickens and some contextual material.
I Survived The Battle of D-Day, by Lauren Tarshis, $3.99. My elementary-schooler has enjoyed several of the books in this series about deadly wars, plagues, and natural disasters. Each book includes a fictionalized story and a short section of historical information. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Eleven-year-old Paul's French village has been under Nazi control for years. His Jewish best friend has disappeared. Food is scarce. And there doesn't seem to be anything Paul can do to make things better. Then Paul finds an American paratrooper in a tree near his home. The soldier says the Allies have a plan to crush the Nazis once and for all. But the soldier needs Paul's help. This is Paul's chance to make a difference. Soon he finds himself in the midst of the largest invasion in history. Can he do his part to turn horror into hope?”
Magic Tree House: Night of the New Magicians, by Mary Pope Osborne, $3.99. Jack and Annie are heading to France! Merlin has sent them to pass along a message to four magicians at the 1889 World’s Fair in Paris. This is a “Merlin Mission,” so it is longer and more involved than the original Magic Tree House books.
Zane and the Hurricane: A Story of Katrina, by Rodman Philbrick, $3.99. Zane doesn’t know New Orleans well; he is visiting his great-grandmother when Hurricane Katrina makes landfall. After chasing his runaway dog, he finds himself fending for himself until he is rescued by a passing canoe. Philbrick includes realistic historical details and deftly addresses issues of race, class, and privilege.
Gandhi: A March to the Sea, by Alice B. McGinty, $1.99. This picture book with beautiful painted illustrations focuses on the nonviolent Satyagraha movement. There’s a free educator’s guide available as a PDF.
The Sky Painter: Louis Fuertes, Bird Artist, by Margarita Engle, $1.99. I will admit that I had never heard of Fuertes before I discovered this book. Thank you, Margarita Engle, for introducing me to his beautiful work. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Louis loves to watch birds. He takes care of injured birds and studies how they look and how they move. His father wants him to become an engineer, but Louis dreams of being a bird artist. To achieve this dream, he must practice, practice, practice. He learns from the art of John James Audubon. But as Louis grows up, he begins to draw and paint living, flying birds in their natural habitats. Louis Agassiz Fuertes (1874–1927) is now known as the father of modern bird art. He traveled with many scientific expeditions all over the world. His best-known works—paintings for habitat exhibits at the American Museum of Natural History in New York—are still beloved by visitors today. His art helped to encourage wildlife conservation, inspiring people to celebrate and protect the world of wings. Poems by Newbery Honor–winning author Margarita Engle and illustrations by Aliona Bereghici capture the life of Louis Fuertes and the deep sense of wonder that he felt when he painted the sky.”
Escape North! The Story of Harriet Tubman, by Monica Kulling, $4.99. I found my copy of this book at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park (which is great and you should go!). As I’ve mentioned before, I really like the higher level nonfiction “Step into Reading” books for providing a solid foundation on a topic at the elementary level. Kids will learn about Tubman’s missions escorting enslaved people to freedom, but also about her work as a spy and women’s rights advocate.
Frog and Toad are Friends, by Arnold Lobel, $4.99. This is an easy reader classic! Frog and Toad are not always alike, but they are always there for each other. Join them on their funny adventures swimming, looking for a lost button, and waiting for a letter. Fun pictures and few words on each page make this the perfect first chapter book for a new reader.
I am (Not) Scared, by Anna Kang, $1.99. The bears from You are (Not) Small and That’s (Not) Mine are back with a trip to the amusement park. They are frightened of, and exhilarated by, a whole host of new experiences and discover that being together can make hard things seem less scary.
A Snicker of Magic, by Natalie Lloyd, $3.99. My daughter loves this book! Here’s what she says: “A shy girl who’s been traveling around her whole life moves to a town that used to have magic. She learns that her ancestors were cursed and becomes determined to break the curse. This is a really heartwarming book, and I recommend it to people who like The Magic Half.”
Give Yourself Goosebumps: Tick Tock, You’re Dead, by R.L. Stine. A scary Goosebumps novel where you get to choose how the story turns out? Sign me up for this perfect campfire read!
Kindle Deals for October 16, 2020
Explore the natural world!
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 Sound of a Wild Snail Eating, by Elisabeth Tova Bradley, $1.99. When Bradley finds herself confined to her bed for an extended period, she looks for things to do. She discovers an unlikely companion: a small snail living on a plant in her bedroom. Bradley’s writing is beautiful and vivid, and her nature observations will inspire readers to keep an eye out for the wonders around them.
Sheepish: Two Women, Fifty Sheep, and Enough Wool to Save the Planet, by Catherine Friend, $1.99. Just yesterday, my family was discussing what animal we would choose if we could have any habitat in our backyard, and I chose sheep. I can’t quite decide whether this book cements my choice or makes me regret my decision. Catherine Friend describes all the hard work and reward of raising sheep.
The Secret Lives of Bats, by Merlin Tuttle, $2.99. I first encountered Merlin Tuttle on the fantastic Ologies podcast. Tuttle has devoted his live to studying and protecting bats. This book is part appreciation of all bats have to offer, part impassioned plea for public support for these misunderstood animals.
DK Smithsonian Natural History Mammals Carnivores: The Definitive Visual Guide, by DK Publishing, $4.99. Want to know more about meat eaters? This book brings DK’s classic photo-rich style to dozens of mammals — bears, seals, even skunks!
STILL ON SALE
The Witches, by Roald Dahl, $2.99. Dahl is the perfect author to introduce your kids to the horror genre. From our Spooky Books to Read for Halloween List: Witches are real, and the last place you want to be if you're a child is at their annual meeting. Roald Dahl is so silly, so funny, so charming that you almost forget to be completely terrified by this creepy tale. Almost.
These Witches Won’t Burn, by Isabel Sterling, $2.99. This YA novel combines small town queer romance with witchcraft and the powers of evil. When Hannah starts noticing signs of dark magic, she must team up with her ex-girlfriend to track down the Blood Witch before something terrible happens. Hannah is attempting to balance world saving and moving on to a new girl in this sweet, dark, and thrilling novel.
Girls Save the World in This One, by Ash Parsons, $2.99. Zombies, conventions, and girl power? Sign me up! The publisher’s description was so good I immediately put this book on my reading list. Here’s what they said: “Shaun of the Dead meets Clueless in this hilarious YA horror comedy set at a local zombie convention–featuring a teenage girl gang that has to save the world from a horde of actual zombies. Perfect for fans of Geekerella, Undead Girl Gang, and Anna and the Apocalypse.”
Small Spaces, by Katherine Arden, $2.99. I don’t even know where to begin with this one. It’s a middle grade novel, but even the back of the book description kind of freaks me out. If you have a middle schooler looking for a ghost tale about a class trip gone wrong, this is a great option. Arden is known for creating rich, detailed worlds, and she puts that skill to work creating some memorable locations and characters.
Duck for President, by Doreen Cronin, $1.99. The wacky barnyard creatures from Click, Clack, Moo are back in this fun and topical picture book. When duck is tired of being asked to do work around the farm, he decides to hold and election and run against the farmer. This successful run leads to a turn as governor and eventually president. At each step along the way, Duck discovers that leading is actually a lot of work.
What is an Election?, by Caryn Jenner, $2.99. This leveled reader is a great introduction to basic concepts in the democratic process. It’s not America-specific; there’s a section on elections around the world. DK’s levels tend to be a bit more advanced that other easy readers. This one is suitable for kids who can read short paragraphs.
Secret Lives of the U.S. Presidents, by Cormac O’Brien, $2.99. Did you know that George Washington had leopard-skin robes made for his horses? Or that Thomas Jefferson smuggled rice from Europe in his pants? These weird facts and more will entertain and enlighten.
Thank You For Voting: The Maddening, Enlightening, Inspiring Truth About Voting in America, by Erin Geiger Smith, $3.99. Geiger Smith is a journalist who has been covering elections for years. In this book, she examines the reasons many people do not participate in elections. She traces the history of voting rights, social and economic factors, and issues that confuse or put off potential voters. The tone is engaging and helpful, with advice on how to encourage those around you to vote.
The Trail of Tears, by Joseph Bruchac, $4.99. This early chapter book does not shy away from the realities of The Trail of Tears. The author, a member of the Abenaki tribe, describes Chief John Ross leading the Cherokee people 1,200 miles to new territory Oklahoma. Hardship and injustices are described in detail appropriate for elementary readers. Don’t discount this book for older readers; the level 4 and 5 books from Step into Reading are great for concise and engaging reading on a narrow topic.
You Hold Me Up, by Monique Gray Smith and Danielle Daniel, $4.99. This sweet picture book describes the ways people look out for each other (e.g., kindness and sharing). The illustrations feature Native people young and old. You’ll find this book a great conversation starter for a discussion about empathy and community spirit.
Why Indigenous Literatures Matter, by Daniel Heath Justice, $4.99. Are you looking to learn more about Indigenous authors? This book, written by a scholar for a broader audience, is a great place to start. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In considering the connections between literature and lived experience, this book contemplates four key questions at the heart of Indigenous kinship traditions: How do we learn to be human? How do we become good relatives? How do we become good ancestors? How do we learn to live together? Blending personal narrative and broader historical and cultural analysis with close readings of key creative and critical texts, Justice argues that Indigenous writers engage with these questions in part to challenge settler-colonial policies and practices that have targeted Indigenous connections to land, history, family, and self. More importantly, Indigenous writers imaginatively engage the many ways that communities and individuals have sought to nurture these relationships and project them into the future. This provocative volume challenges readers to critically consider and rethink their assumptions about Indigenous literature, history, and politics while never forgetting the emotional connections of our shared humanity and the power of story to effect personal and social change. Written with a generalist reader firmly in mind, but addressing issues of interest to specialists in the field, this book welcomes new audiences to Indigenous literary studies while offering more seasoned readers a renewed appreciation for these transformative literary traditions.”
Hearts Unbroken, by Cynthia Leitich Smith, $0.99. High school is complicated for everyone, even more so in this YA novel about a community in racial and cultural conflict. Here’s the publisher’s description: “When Louise Wolfe’s first real boyfriend mocks and disrespects Native people in front of her, she breaks things off and dumps him over e-mail. It’s her senior year, anyway, and she’d rather spend her time with her family and friends and working on the school newspaper. The editors pair her up with Joey Kairouz, the ambitious new photojournalist, and in no time the paper’s staff find themselves with a major story to cover: the school musical director’s inclusive approach to casting The Wizard of Oz has been provoking backlash in their mostly white, middle-class Kansas town. From the newly formed Parents Against Revisionist Theater to anonymous threats, long-held prejudices are being laid bare and hostilities are spreading against teachers, parents, and students — especially the cast members at the center of the controversy, including Lou’s little brother, who’s playing the Tin Man. As tensions mount at school, so does a romance between Lou and Joey — but as she’s learned, ‘dating while Native’ can be difficult. In trying to protect her own heart, will Lou break Joey’s?”
Greenglass House, by Kate Milford, $1.99. OK, it would be false advertising to compare this book to The Westing Game, but if there is a contemporary literary descendant of Raskin's deliciously complex mystery, it's The Greenglass House—a genuine, bona fide middle grades mystery that gives its readers credit for being intelligent and that delivers a satisfying mystery, sophisticated character development, and a few (well set-up) twists along the way. Adopted innkeepers' son Milo and his friend—the cook's daughter, Meddy—unravel the clues to discover why their off-season inn is full of unexpected visitors, at least one of whom seems set on sabotaging Greenglass House. It's a terrific mystery. Highly recommended.
A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning, by Lemony Snicket, $2.99. The first book is Lemony Snicket’s hilariously tragic series chronicles the moment things begin to go terribly wrong in the lives of the ill-fated Baudelaire orphans. Kids will love the over-the-top storytelling; parents will be tickled by all the interesting words Snicket throws in.
The Thickety: A Path Begins, by J.A. White, $3.99. Looking for a seriously creepy and sometimes dark middle-grade fantasy? The Thickety does a good job of balancing real menace with imaginative storytelling. Here’s a bit of the publisher’s description: “When Kara Westfall was five years old, her mother was convicted of the worst of all crimes: witchcraft. Years later, Kara and her little brother, Taff, are still shunned by the people of their village, who believe that nothing is more evil than magic…except, perhaps, the mysterious forest that covers nearly the entire island. It has many names, this place. Sometimes it is called the Dark Wood, or Sordyr's Realm. But mostly it's called the Thickety. The villagers live in fear of the Thickety and the terrible creatures that live there. But when an unusual bird lures Kara into the forbidden forest, she discovers a strange book with unspeakable powers. A book that might have belonged to her mother. And that is just the beginning of the story.”
Spontaneous, by Aaron Starmer, $2.99. I just bought this one for myself! The idea of a darkly funny YA novel about a wave of spontaneous combustions just felt right for 2020. The publisher’s description hooked me. Will it do the same for you? “Mara Carlyle’s senior year is going as normally as could be expected, until fellow senior Katelyn Ogden explodes during third period pre-calc. Katelyn is the first, but she won’t be the last teenager to blow up without warning or explanation. As the national eye turns to Mara’s suburban New Jersey hometown, the FBI rolls in and the search for a reason is on. Mara narrates the end of their world as she knows it while trying to make it to graduation in one piece. It’s an explosive year punctuated by romance, quarantine, lifelong friendship, hallucinogenic mushrooms, bloggers, ice cream trucks, and Bon Jovi.”
Three Faces of Me, by R.L. Stine, $0.99. No one beats R.L. Stine for a kid-appropriate intro to the horror genre. Here’s the publisher’s description of this eerie tale: “When Ira Fishman wins a prize in the machine outside a candy store, he’s disappointed it’s not the squirt gun he had his eye on. The little black plastic box looks like a camera, but when Ira presses the green button on top, nothing happens. After dinner that night, Ira can’t believe what he sees in his room: a boy with the same clothes—and face—as Ira! He tries to get this second Ira to leave, but it’s no use. Deciding to have a little fun, Ira makes the boy go to school in his place—but it’s a disaster. The new Ira isn’t good at math like the real Ira, and he’s horrible at softball. Worst of all, he plays with the girls during recess! Ira’s clone is ruining his rep—fast. And when a third Ira shows up, Ira number one has to find a way to make the others disappear for good before his whole world is turned upside down. But how do you get rid of yourself?”
Turkey Trick of Treat, by Wendi Silvano, $0.99. The wacky turkey from Turkey Trouble is back, this time to celebrate Halloween! He wants candy, but the farmer will only give it to kids in costumes. Can he and the other barnyard animals trick the farmer into giving them treats?
Halloween Hustle, by Charlotte Gunnufson, $0.99. Kids will love the spooky-cute illustrations and the fun rhyming text. Skeleton is on his way to a party, and he can’t help but dance. But he has a problem — he keeps tripping and falling apart. Can he keep it together?
How to Build a Haunted House, by Frank Tupta, $1.99. In this rhyming story, classic monsters are are working together to make a spooky haunted house. The twist? It’s for vampire family in need!
The Magic Half, by Annie Barrows, $4.79. My daughter loved this series when she was in elementary school. When Miri’s family moves into a new house, she is thrilled with her interesting new room in the attic. Things get a little strange, and more interesting, when she discovers that her room is somehow connected to 1935 and a girl in need of help. Miri has to learn the secrets of this time travel to rescue Molly.
Stepping Stones: The Time Machine, by H.G. Wells and Les Martin, $3.99. The Stepping Stones series adapts classic literature to an early chapter book level. This adaptation of the H.G. Wells classic is heavy on the action and includes engaging illustrations. This is a great introduction to one of the foundational texts of science fiction.
Apples, Apples, Apples, by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace, $0.99. The bunny family is heading to the orchard to pick some fresh apples! They meet up with Farmer Miller, who explains the different varieties of apples and how they grow. When they have gathered all they need, they head home to make fresh applesauce (recipe included!). Wallace’s unique cut paper illustrations are very sweet.
The Seasons of Arnold’s Apple Tree, by Gail Gibbons, $4.99. Arnold has a favorite apple tree. He spends time in it throughout the year, picking fruit, smelling blossoms, feeding the birds, and basking in its shade. In simple language, Gibbons walks readers through a year in the life of a tree. Don’t miss the recipe for apple pie and the description of how a cider press works!
How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World, by Marjorie Priceman, $4.99. From our readalouds with recipes list: “As Carl Sagan once said, if you want to make an apple pie from scratch, first you have to create the universe. In this playful picture book, you don’t have to create the world but you do have to travel it, journeying around the globe to collect far-flung ingredients for the perfect apple pie.”
Apples and How They Grow, by Laura Driscoll, $4.99. Let your beginning reader read about apples on their own! This short and sweet nonfiction book is full of details about how apples grow. Kids (and adults) may be surprised to learn about grafting branches from one tree onto another.
We Dream of Space, by Erin Entrada Kelly, $1.99. That historical fiction is now set in the 1980s makes me feel a little old, but I’m excited to read this new middle grade novel. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Cash, who loves basketball but has a newly broken wrist, is in danger of failing seventh grade for the second time. Fitch spends every afternoon playing Major Havoc at the arcade on Main and wrestles with an explosive temper that he doesn’t understand. And Bird, his twelve-year-old twin, dreams of being NASA’s first female shuttle commander, but feels like she’s disappearing. The Thomas children exist in their own orbits, circling a tense and unpredictable household, with little in common except an enthusiastic science teacher named Ms. Salonga. As the launch of the Challenger approaches, Ms. Salonga gives her students a project—they are separated into spacecraft crews and must create and complete a mission. When the fated day finally arrives, it changes all of their lives and brings them together in unexpected ways.”
Space Opera, by Catherynne M. Valente, $1.99. Amy and Suzanne really enjoyed this book. Here’s what Amy has to say about it: “So earlier this fall, I told Suzanne that I needed to read something that would just make me happy, and she suggested this space saga. NEVER DOUBT SUZANNE. This zany, Douglas Adams-ish (and I don’t throw that around lightly) story centers around an intergalactic version of American Idol, in which planets compete not for record deals but for the right for their species to be considered sentient by the rest of the universe. All newly space-faring species must compete to prove their sentience — and if they come in last, their whole species will be wiped right out of existence. Now that Earth is in the space game, and the future of humanity is in the hands of aging 70s rocker Decibel Jones. It sounds wacky and all over the place because it is wacky and all over the place — but in a way that made me really happy.”
Suni Goes to Space, by Arthy Muthanna Singh and Mamta Nainy, $0.99. When Sunita Williams was young, she dreamed of going into space like Neil Armstrong. Singh and Nainy introduce us to Suni, the inquisitive and creative girl who grew up to become an astronaut.
Scream: Chilling Adventures in the Science of Fear, by Margee Kerr, $1.99. Why do we feel afraid? Why do we deliberately seek out horror movies and haunted houses? Sociologist Margee Kerr investigates the individual and societal experiences of fear. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Fear is a universal human experience, but do we really understand it? If we're so terrified of monsters and serial killers, why do we flock to the theaters to see them? Why do people avoid thinking about death, but jump out of planes and swim with sharks? For Kerr, there was only one way to find out. In this eye-opening, adventurous book, she takes us on a tour of the world's scariest experiences: into an abandoned prison long after dark, hanging by a cord from the highest tower in the Western hemisphere, and deep into Japan's mysterious ‘suicide forest.’ She even goes on a ghost hunt with a group of paranormal adventurers. Along the way, Kerr shows us the surprising science from the newest studies of fear -- what it means, how it works, and what it can do for us. Full of entertaining science and the thrills of a good ghost story, this book will make you think, laugh -- and scream.”
Alice in Zombieland, by Gena Showalter, $2.99. It’s Alice in Wonderland… sort of. With zombies! This YA zombie novel is filled with allusions to Wonderland.
His Hideous Heart: 13 of Edgar Allen Poe’s Most Unsettling Tales Reimagined, edited by Dahlia Adler, $2.99. Teens have loved Poe’s creepy tales for the last hundred and fifty years. Now they can experience the themes in new ways through this collection of modern short stories from big names in current YA.
Teach Your Own: The John Holt Book of Homeschooling, by John Holt and Pat Farenga, $2.99. John Holt is one of the founders of the modern homeschool movement. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In this expanded edition of the book that helped launch the whole movement, Pat Farenga has distilled John Holt's timeless understanding of the ways children come to understand the world and added up-to-the-moment legal, financial, and logistical advice. No parent even considering homeschooling should be without this wise and unique reference. Rather than proposing that parents turn their homes into miniature schools, Holt and Farenga demonstrate how ordinary parents can help children grow as social, active learners. Chapters on living with children, "serious play," children and work, and learning difficulties will fascinate and encourage parents and help them enjoy each "homeschool" day. John Holt's warm understanding of children and his passionate belief in every child's ability to learn have made this book the bible of homeschooling families everywhere.”
My Strong Mind: A Story about Developing Mental Strength, by Niels van Hove, $2.99. This is a pretty didactic but accessible book about developing good habits. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Kate faces several situations your children will face too. She applies a positive attitude to deal with her challenges. Amongst them are getting ready in time in the morning, doing cartwheels, standing in front of the whole class with show and tell and playing basketball. Kate applies techniques like goal setting, positive self-talk, accept failure as learning, visualisation of a problem, breathing or mindfulness exercise, gratitude, and controlled distraction. These tips to build a strong mind in children are presented in an easy to read, fun and practical way.”
It’s Okay to Make Mistakes, by Todd Parr, $1.99. Todd Parr’s books are like big, extra-tight hugs. His simple style is bold, funny, and diverse. For every mistake he mentions, he offers a hint at what can happen next (e.g., “It’s OK to not know the answer. Asking questions helps you learn.”) My toddler could recite Todd Parr books way before she could read them on her own.
Storybound, by Melissa Burt, $3.99. I haven’t had a chance to read this series yet, but it sounds like a delightful bookish adventure. Here’s the publisher’s description: “When Una Fairchild stumbles upon a mysterious book buried deep in the basement of her school library, she thinks nothing of opening the cover and diving in. But instead of paging through a regular novel, Una suddenly finds herself Written In to the land of Story—a world filled with Heroes and Villains and fairy-tale characters. But not everything in Story is as magical as it seems. Una must figure out why she has been Written In—and fast—before anyone else discovers her secret. Together with her new friend Peter and a talking cat named Sam, Una digs deep into Story's shadowy past. She quickly realizes that she is tied to the world in ways she never could have imagined—and it might be up to her to save it.”
A Dash of Magic, by Kathryn Littlewood, $3.99. The Bliss series is a mouth-watering literary treat. In this second book in the series, Rosemary is determined to retrieve the magical Cookery Booke that her aunt has stolen — even if it means facing off in an Iron Chef-style food battle. The competition takes the Bliss family to Paris, where the family rushes around famous sites collecting the magical ingredients Rosemary needs. There’s an excellent sense of place. If you enjoy this book, the sequel is also on sale.
Sleep, Big Bear, Sleep! by Maureen Wright, $0.99. It’s time to hibernate in this charming picture book. Bear knows there’s something he needs to do, but he keeps mishearing Old Man Winter’s “Sleep” message and instead thinks he is supposed to leap or sweep. It’s a sweet, funny story perfect for fall.
Scaredy Squirrel, by Melanie Watt, $0.99. Scaredy Squirrel wants to be prepared. He has all of his emergency gear at the ready, prepared for bees, Martians, whatever might happen. He prefers to stick to his safe, steady routine. When a chance encounter causes him to leap into the unknown, he gets a big surprise.
Shampoodle, by Joan Holub, $3.99. This fun easy reader will have kids giggling! The funny, rhyming text describes a day at the dog groomer. The dogs are all very exuberant, even before a cat wanders in and causes mayhem. I love the pictures in this one; there’s lots to see!
Bad Kitty Camp Daze, by Nick Bruel, $4.96. Bad Kitty has an attitude problem that will endear her to surly children everywhere. Bruel built on his picture book series with these early chapter books that contain lots of illustrated action. When Bad Kittle sneaks away to Uncle Murray’s Camp for Stressed-Out Dogs, she learns more than she bargains for about the natural world.
The Hobbits of Tolkien: An Illustrated Exploration of Tolkien’s Hobbits and the Sources that Inspired His Work From Myth, Legend, and History, by David Day, $3.99. Want to know more about the mythology behind Middle Earth? Curious about the etymology of some place names and people? This book perfectly balances detailed research with cozy illustrations. The author has written similar volumes about other elements of Tolkien’s work.
A Dictionary of Sources of Tolkien: The History and Mythology That Inspired Tolkien’s World, by David Day, $3.99. I enjoy sweeping fantasy, but I definitely struggle to keep all the names and places straight. In this extensive volume, Day provides information about all the proper nouns of Middle Earth, both their relevance to the narrative and their allusions to other literary traditions.
An Unexpected Cookbook: The Unofficial Book of Hobbit Cookery, by Chris-Rachael Oseland, $5.99. This book is more expensive than my typical Kindle deals, but I didn’t think we could properly celebrate Hobbit Day without at least one food book. The recipes are broken up into all seven Hobbit meals, with delicious treats like Lavender and Lemon Bread, Yorkshire Pudding, and Honey Cakes. You’ll find detailed recipe notes and mouthwatering photos throughout.
Fear of Physics: A Guide for the Perplexed, by Lawrence M. Krauss, $1.99. Krauss is a theoretical physicist who works on the deepest mysteries of the universe. But don’t let that intimidate you! Here’s the publisher’s description: “Assume the cow is a sphere." So begins this lively, irreverent, and informative look at everything from the physics of boiling water to cutting-edge research at the observable limits of the universe. Rich with anecdotes and accessible examples, Fear of Physics nimbly ranges over the tools and thought behind the world of modern physics, taking the mystery out of what is essentially a very human intellectual endeavour.”
Caesar’s Last Breath: Decoding the Secrets of the Air Around Us, by Sam Kean, $2.99. Science writer Sam Kean has written about the chemical elements, neuroscience, genetics, and the creation of the atomic bomb. In this book, he explores the air around us and the molecules we find within it. He travels throughout history and across several continents in his quest to understand the air we breathe.
Scienceblind: Why Our Intuitive Theories About the World Are So Often Wrong, by Andrew Shtulman, $4.99. Our brains are wired to make connections that help us make sense of the world. But that does not mean that our brains always interpret the world correctly. Cognitive psychologist Andrew Shtulman explains the reasons why people tend to believe weird things in this fascinating book. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Why do we catch colds? What causes seasons to change? And if you fire a bullet from a gun and drop one from your hand, which bullet hits the ground first? In a pinch we almost always get these questions wrong. Worse, we regularly misconstrue fundamental qualities of the world around us. In Scienceblind, cognitive and developmental psychologist Andrew Shtulman shows that the root of our misconceptions lies in the theories about the world we develop as children. They're not only wrong, they close our minds to ideas inconsistent with them, making us unable to learn science later in life. So how do we get the world right? We must dismantle our intuitive theories and rebuild our knowledge from its foundations. The reward won't just be a truer picture of the world, but clearer solutions to many controversies -- around vaccines, climate change, or evolution -- that plague our politics today.”
Uncommon Paper Flowers: Extraordinary Botanicals and How to Craft Them, by Kate Alcaron, $2.99. You’ve made a paper rose before, now get ready to try something unique! Alcaron has collected 30 unusual plants and created paper models of them. The book contains detailed botanical descriptions, an extensive technique section, and templates for creating your own dramatic floral display.
Parenting in a Pandemic: How to Help Your Family Through Covid-19, by Kelly Fradin, $0.99. This just came out and will (I hope) only be useful for a limited time, but the price is right and the advice is solid. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Parents are burning out while kids need more help than ever. With so many families in crisis, pediatrician and child advocate Dr. Kelly Fradin sees an urgent need for help. As a mother of two, Dr. Fradin shares practical, evidence-based and reassuring advice on what families need to know. Parents are forced to make decisions now despite seemingly constant change and many unknowns. In Parenting in a Pandemic, Dr. Fradin provides the information and strategies you need to help navigate coronavirus. The book reviews the science necessary to understand the news and care for your family. Dr. Fradin explains the specific risks of coronavirus to children of all ages and adults, including parents, grandparents, pregnant women, and essential workers. She gives realistic strategies you can use to improve this time for your family whether you are protecting a newborn, virtually schooling or convincing a teen to physically distance.”
The House Takes a Vacation, by Jacqueline Davies, $0.99. Get ready for a surreal and wacky adventure! When the house’s people go on vacation, the house decides to take its own trip. Kids and adults will enjoy the pun-filled text and personality-filled illustrations.
Little House in the Big Woods, by Laura Ingalls Wilder, $3.99. The Little House books are among the most read children’s books of all time, and with good reason. Wilder does a tremendous job of creating a vivid and inviting glimpse into life on the frontier. Later books in the series have problematic depictions of conflicts with Native Americans and have not aged well. Little House in the Big Woods, however, is a cozy and gentle peek into the past. Read this one by candle or fire as the temperatures start to dip this fall!
The Hero’s Guide to Saving Your Kingdom, by Christopher Healy, $3.99. You think you know the classic fairytale stories, but they are usually centered around the princesses. This fun middle grade series focuses on the princes. After the “happily ever after” the princes discover that their kingdoms are in danger, and they set off take on all kinds of mythical monsters. This fun and funny book is the first in a series that your middle-grade reader will love.
The Element Encyclopedia of Magical Creatures, by John and Caitlin Matthews, $3.99. Looking for a reference on obscure creatures? Every time I open this book, I discover a new mythological animal I haven’t heard of before. Here’s the publisher’s description: “From unicorns and trolls to werewolves and griffins, this comprehensive guide is the key to discovering every magical creature from myth, folklore and legend around the world. This compendium of magical creatures explores the history, folklore and mythology of fascinating beasts throughout all the magical worlds. Including stories, celebrations, traditions, and amazing facts, the book spans every major culture across the globe.”
Steampunk! An Anthology of Fantastically Rich and Strange Stories, edited by Kelly Link and Gavin J. Grant, $0.99. Are you new to steampunk but interested in exploring alternate versions of the world shaped by a different series of technological innovations? This anthology will introduce you to many excellent YA steampunk authors. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Imagine an alternate universe where romance and technology reign. Where tinkerers and dreamers craft and re-craft a world of automatons, clockworks, calculating machines, and other marvels that never were. Where scientists and schoolgirls, fair folk and Romans, intergalactic bandits, utopian revolutionaries, and intrepid orphans solve crimes, escape from monstrous predicaments, consult oracles, and hover over volcanoes in steam-powered airships. Here, fourteen masters of speculative fiction, including two graphic storytellers, embrace the genre's established themes and refashion them in surprising ways and settings as diverse as Appalachia, ancient Rome, future Australia, and alternate California. Visionaries Kelly Link and Gavin J. Grant have invited all-new explorations and expansions, taking a genre already rich, strange, and inventive in the extreme and challenging contributors to remake it from the ground up. The result is an anthology that defies its genre even as it defines it.”
The Wonderling, by Mira Bartok, $0.99. In Mira Bartok’s imagined world, groundlings are creatures that are part animal, part human. Thirteen, a fox groundling, escapes the Dickensian workhouse where has been raised and sets off on an adventure of his own. The tone is similar to Lemony Snicket, but the story is entirely unique, full of mechanical details and animals with extraordinary abilities. Put this strange and interesting book in the hands of your middle-grade reader!
My Robots: The Robotic Genius of Lady Regina Bonquers III, by Johan Olander, $3.99. Olander creates such interesting books! This heavily illustrated book purports to be the design scrapbook of an elusive roboticist. Lady Regina has created bots to fight fires, pluck nose hairs, and even give hugs. Kids will enjoy all the details of the development process, the unique visual style, and a frisson of mystery over Lady Regina’s whereabouts.
The Last Kids on Earth, by Max Brallier, $1.99. Are you ready for some funny post-apocalyptic lit for kids? This madcap adventure mixes peril, gross out humor, and teamwork as an unlikely band of teens works to save the day and stay alive. It’s a middle grade chapter book riddled with exciting and gruesome illustrations. If this sounds like something you’d be into, several books in the series are on sale today.
Big History: From the Big Bang to the Present, by Cynthia Stokes Brown, $3.99. The Big History movement combines science with history to study Earth from the moment of the big bang all the way through current events. Brown does a remarkable job finding through lines in the vast sweep of history. Each era is necessarily brief, but readers will be pleased to see that the history is not overly focused on Western civilization.
Bear and Fred: A World War II Story, by Iris Argaman, $4.99. Picture books can make challenging subjects understandable for small children. In this book, Israeli author Iris Argaman tells the true story of a boy’s time hiding from Nazis during WWII — from the perspective of his loyal teddy bear. It’s a tough but uplifting story that gently introduces the topic of the Holocaust.
Sleepover Larry, by Daniel Pinkwater, $3.99. Larry is a dapper polar bear who lives in a hotel owned by his human family. When Larry learns the concept of sleepovers, he is determined to have a great one with his bear friends from the zoo!
National Geographic Readers: Bears, by Elizabeth Carney, $3.99. Learn about bear species from all over the world in this fun, brightly illustrated easy reader. Sections cover habitats, adaptations, diet, cubs, and more. The level 3 books pack in a lot of detail without complicated vocabulary.
Magic Tree House: Polar Bears Past Bedtime, by Mary Pope Osborne, $3.99. Jack and Annie are off on another adventure, this time to the Arctic! They encounter indigenous hunters, polar bears, the Northern Lights, and more. The Magic Tree House series is great for beginning readers who are looking for fast-paced, exciting (but short) chapter books.
Bibliophile: An Illustrated Miscellany, by Jane Mount, $2.99. This is a literary bonbon for any book lover. As the title suggests, it’s a wonderful collection of miscellaneous facts about books, writers, bookstores, characters, and more. I can almost guarantee that you will find a new author to check out, or even a new favorite book, in the illustrated book lists.
The Man Who Made Lists: Love, Death, Madness, and the Creation of Roget’s Thesaurus, by Joshua Kendall. When I was a kid, I found thesauruses fascinating. I loved flipping through themed lists of words. I don’t think many kids use paper thesauruses now; the function built into your word processor isn’t really the same. Whether you are nostalgic for your childhood thesaurus or have never really used one, you’ll find the story behind the creation of the first modern thesaurus unexpectedly fascinating. Here’s a brief publisher’s description: “Polymath, eccentric, and synonym aficionado, Peter Mark Roget had a host of female admirers, was one of the first to test the effects of laughing gas, invented the slide rule, and narrowly escaped jail in Napoleon's France. But Roget is best known for making lists. After the tragic turmoil of his early life (both his mother and sister were institutionalized), Roget longed for order in his chaotic world. At the age of eight, he began his quest to put everything in its rightful place, one word at a time. This is the fascinating story of a driven man and a brilliant scholar-and the legacy he has left for generations.”
The Food Explorer: The True Adventures of the Globe-Trotting Botanist Who Transformed What America Eats, by Daniel Stone, $4.99. So many of the foods we now consider to be standard American fare are not native to this continent. The diversity of our current palate is partially the work of David Fairchild, a 19th century botanist who traveled the world looking for interesting plants that he could introduce to American audiences. Both food history and a globe-trotting adventure book, The Food Explorer is a delicious piece of writing.
Suffering Succotash: A Picky Eater’s Quest to Understand Why We Hate the Foods We Hate, by Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic, $4.99. There are tons of books about helping kids who are picky eaters, but this is the first one I’ve seen that is written by an actual picky eater. Lucianovic considers the roles of gag reflexes, anxiety, supertasters, support groups, and many other factors. The author’s personal experiences add a warm, personal touch.
A Spy in the House, by Y.S. Lee, $0.99. This is the first in a series of YA historical mysteries about a young Asian sleuth in Victorian London. Mary is an orphan doomed for the gallows when she is rescued and offered a position at the mysterious Miss Scrimshaw’s Academy for Girls. The school is the training ground for an elite group of detectives who can infiltrate high society households. Lee does an excellent job of offering the gritty details of the Victorian city while staying away from graphic details. The immigrant experience is rarely discussed in historical fiction, so this series provides an interesting perspective.
Seafaring Women: Adventures of Pirate Queens, Female Stowaways, and Sailors’ Wives, by David Cordingly, $4.99. Women have been taking to the seas, sometimes in secret, for hundreds of years. Cordingly has collected the stories of dozens of maritime women who lived life on the open water.
The March on Washington, by Bonnie Bader, $3.99. American Girl has been bringing accessible historical fiction to early readers for more than 30 years. More recently, the company has published factual companion books that provide deeper background into important events. This book about the 1963 March on Washington includes photos, timelines, maps, and a bibliography for more research.
One Crazy Summer, by Rita Williams-Garcia, $4.99. When the three Gaither sisters travel to California to spend time with their estranged mother, they are expecting movie stars and Disneyland. What they actually experience is a little different: summer camp run by the Black Panthers. The girls spend the next four weeks learning about the movement and discovering their own identities. This work of historical fiction set in 1968 is a nice point of entry for a discussion about the Civil Rights movement and the Black Panthers.
Susan B. Anthony: Her Fight for Equal Rights, by Monica Kulling, $4.99. Get to know one of America’s strongest proponents of women’s voting rights, Susan B. Anthony, in this book for early readers. Anthony was determined to vote in an election, even though it was illegal for women to do so at the time. Her civil disobedience led to her arrest. Young readers will learn about how Anthony’s actions paved the way for the 19th Amendment.
Lillian’s Right to Vote: A Celebration of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, by Jonah Winter and Shane W. Evans, $4.99. Sadly, the 19th Amendment did not make voting accessible to ALL women. In many places, unfair practices like poll taxes, complicated literacy tests, and property ownership rules made it nearly impossible for people of color to vote. In this moving picture book, an old woman reminisces about her family’s history and the many barriers to voting they faced.
The Women’s Suffrage Movement, edited by Sally Roesch Wagner, $4.99. What is the study of history without primary sources? This great collection from Penguin Classics looks at the quest for women’s rights in a delightfully intersectional array of essays, letters, speeches, and other texts. Readers will discover Black and Native American women whose ideas were crucial to the movement but have been overlooked in historical accounts.
The Templeton Twins Have an Idea, by Ellis Weiner, $0.99. If your reader has plowed the A Series of Unfortunate Events and would like something with a similar feel, look no further. The Templetons feel very similar to the Baudelaires. A snippet from the book description gives you an excellent feel for the tone: “Suppose there were 12-year-old twins, a boy and girl named John and Abigail Templeton. Let's say John was pragmatic and played the drums, and Abigail was theoretical and solved cryptic crosswords. Now suppose their father was a brilliant, if sometimes confused, inventor. And suppose that another set of twins—adults—named Dean D. Dean and Dan D. Dean, kidnapped the Templeton twins and their ridiculous dog in order to get their father to turn over one of his genius (sort of) inventions. Yes, I said kidnapped. Wouldn't it be fun to read about that? Oh please. It would so. Luckily for you, this is just the first in a series perfect for boys and girls who are smart, clever, and funny (just like the twins), and enjoy reading adventurous stories (who doesn't?!).”
Ella Enchanted, by Gail Carson Levine, $1.99. This Newberry Honor book has been beloved for two decades, and with good reason. A unique twist on the Cinderella story, this book focuses on Ella, a girl who has been cursed (“gifted”?) with obedience to others’ orders. In order to break this curse, she must track down and convince the fairy godmother who bestowed it.
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.
801 Things You Should Know: From Greek Philosophy to Today’s Technology, by David Olsen, $1.99. You’re a smart person. You’ve probably heard of many of the concepts and events in this book. But you may not be clear on all the details. This collection of short entries about everything from politics to medical terminology to economic principals will serve as a great introduction or refresher. Hand this to a tween/teen along with a newspaper — they’ll be able to quickly get background on unfamiliar terms like bear markets, the Hundred Years’ War, and the Invisible Hand theory.
A Field Guide to Monsters, by Johan Olander, $0.99. Olander is a “monstrologist” who documents monsters’ behavior in the wild. In this whimsical and imaginative book, he collects illustrations and artifacts from the Slobber Bug, Beach Krill, Tadpole-Monster, and other previously unknown (aka imaginary) creatures. It would be fun to compare this book with other, more scientific field guides.
Iron Hearted Violet, by Kelly Barnhill, $1.99. Kelly Barnhill tells such compelling twists on fairytale tropes. In this book, Princess Violet must work with the last dragon alive to protect the world from an evil being she has only read about in a forbidden book. Violet is brave, but not beautiful, strong, but not perfect.
The Menagerie, by Tui T. Sutherland and Kari Sutherland, $3.99. If your middle-grade reader enjoys books where the magical world bumps into the real world, The Menagerie series may be the perfect next adventure. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In the small town of Xanadu, Wyoming lies the Menagerie, a top secret facility filled with unicorns, dragons, phoenixes, and other fairy tale creatures. At least, it was a secret—until six griffin cubs escaped. If Logan and Zoe don’t get the cubs back fast, the entire Menagerie will be shut down. The race is on and the resulting adventure is only the beginning of a thrilling series that will leave readers wanting a magical menagerie of their very own.”
An Optimist’s Tour of the Future, by Mark Stevenson, $4.99. My husband loves this book, which does a great job of musing about how technology could change our future for the better. Here’s the publisher’s description: “When unexpectedly confronted with his own mortality, Mark Stevenson-a writer, deep-thinker, and stand-up comedian-began to ponder what the future holds for our species. ‘The past is a foreign country,’ writes Stevenson. ‘By my analysis it's a bit like France-in that I've been to parts of it and eaten some nice food there. But the future? The future is an unknown territory-and there isn't a guidebook.’ Thus, his ambition was born. Stevenson set out simply, asking, ‘What's next?’ and then traveled the globe in pursuit of the answers. Along the way, he visited the Australian outback to visit the farmers who can save us from climate change, met a robot with mood swings, and talked to the Spaniard who's putting a hotel in space. While some might be overwhelmed, or even dismayed by the looming realities of genome sequencing, synthetic biology, a nuclear renaissance, and carbon scrubbing, Stevenson remains, well, optimistic. Drawing on his singular humor and storytelling to break down these sometimes complicated discoveries, An Optimist's Tour of the Future paints a wonderfully readable, and completely enthralling portrait of where we'll be when we grow up- and why it's not so scary.”
50 Ways to Beat Boredom with LEGO Bricks, by DK Publishing, $0.99. If your house is anything like mine, you have no shortage of LEGO pieces. This short book introduces 50 quick activities and games using the beloved building materials. Build a mountain to create a 3D game board (instructions for a spinner also included) or design a functional piggy bank! This is an idea book, not a book of detailed instructions, but it’s a great jumping off point for an hour or a day of LEGO exploration. Note: If you already have 365 Things to Do with LEGO Bricks, you don’t need this book; this book is a shorter extract of that one.
Would You Rather? Made You Think Edition, by Lindsey Daly, $0.99. They start simple: “Would you rather kiss a fish that’s living in a radioactive pond or roll down a hill while hugging a porcupine?” The questions only get more interesting from there. Turn the questions into a game by scoring points for the best reasoning (guidelines are given in the introduction).
Diary of a Pug: Pug Blasts Off, by Kyla May, $2.99. Meet Bub, aka Baron von Bubbles, beloved pet of Bella. He loves doing everything with his human, so when she enters an invention contest, Bub is determined to help her. But this means he needs to deal with his squirrel nemesis, Nutz. This fun, brightly colored diary is full of wacky adventures and adorable illustrations. Early chapter book readers will love it!
Chickadee, by Louise Erdrich, $4.49. Chickadee takes place within the family introduced in Birchbark House. Omakayas is grown with a family of her own, and this story focuses on her twin sons, Chickadee and Makoons. After a prank gone wrong, Chickadee is kidnapped by angry men. This is the tale of Chickadee’s long path to reunion with his family. As with Erdrich’s other books, Chickadee’s story is filled with vivid details about Ojibwe life and traditions.
Young Water Protetctors: A Story About Standing Rock, by Aslan and Kelly Tudor, $2.99. Aslan Tudor was 10 years old when he wrote this book about his time participating in the Standing Rock protests. This is a great, age appropriate introduction to the conflict between native peoples and developers of the Dakota Access Pipeline.
My Heart Fills with Happiness, by Monique Gray Smith, $4.99. This sweet picture book introduces many things that bring happiness — good smells, good friends, and the beauty of nature. The lovely illustrations show many elements in the life on an indigenous family.
The Odds of Loving Grover Cleveland, by Rebekah Crane, $0.99. This Grover Cleveland isn’t a president; he’s a resident at Camp Padua, a summer program for at-risk teens. When Zander’s parents insist she leave home to attend camp, she is sure that she won’t fit in. She’s surprised to make connections with her fellow campers, even though they are all dealing with big problems of their own. This tough but ultimately hopeful novel is also filled with darkly funny moments.
The Mermaid’s Sister, by Carrie Anne Noble, $0.99. I haven’t read this YA fantasy novel yet, but it’s definitely on my To Read list. Here’s the publisher’s summary: In a cottage high atop Llanfair Mountain, sixteen-year-old Clara lives with her sister, Maren, and guardian Auntie. By day, they gather herbs for Auntie’s healing potions; by night, Auntie spins tales of faraway lands and wicked fairies. Clara’s favorite story tells of three orphaned infants—Clara, who was brought to Auntie by a stork; Maren, who arrived in a seashell; and their best friend, O’Neill, who was found beneath an apple tree. One day, Clara discovers iridescent scales just beneath her sister’s skin: Maren is becoming a mermaid and must be taken to the sea or she will die. So Clara, O’Neill, and the mermaid-girl set out for the shore. But the trio encounters trouble around every bend. Ensnared by an evil troupe of traveling performers, Clara and O’Neill must find a way to save themselves and the ever-weakening Maren.
The Testing, by Joelle Charbonneau, $1.99. Calling all fans of The Hunger Games or Divergent! This series should scratch that dystopian coming-of-age itch. Here’s a summary from the publisher: “It’s graduation day for sixteen-year-old Malencia Vale, and the entire Five Lakes Colony (the former Great Lakes) is celebrating. All Cia can think about—hope for—is whether she’ll be chosen for The Testing, a United Commonwealth program that selects the best and brightest new graduates to become possible leaders of the slowly revitalizing post-war civilization. When Cia is chosen, her father finally tells her about his own nightmarish half-memories of The Testing. Armed with his dire warnings (“Cia, trust no one”), she bravely heads off to Tosu City, far away from friends and family, perhaps forever. Danger, romance—and sheer terror—await.”
Princess Academy, by Shannon Hale, $0.99. You may be starting to get the impression that I love Shannon Hale, and you would be right. Princess Academy is the first in a middle grade series about a land where a rich urban royal class benefits from the poorly paid labor of all the surrounding towns. When it is decided that the Prince’s wife should come from Miri’s village, all the teen girls are rounded up and sent to a school where they will be taught the ways of court. Booklist says, “Hale nicely interweaves feminist sensibilities in this quest-for-a-prince-charming, historical-fantasy tale. Strong suspense and plot drive the action as the girls outwit would-be kidnappers and explore the boundaries of leadership, competition, and friendship.” If you are looking for books with strong heroines who overcome difficulties to make a difference in their world, this is the book for you.
Bound: 15 Beautiful Bookbinding Projects, by Rachel Hazell, $3.99. If your family is anything like mine, you probably have dozens of stories your kids have written and illustrated. Why not turn them into an art project by binding them into book form? Or set yourself up for a new school year by creating small notebooks for nature observations or other projects. This book goes through multiple styles, from basic to complex, with step by step instructions.
Mini Weapons of Mass Destruction: Make Mayhem from your Stationery with 35 Models to Build Yourself, by John Austin, $3.99. Do you have pens, rubber bands, and plastic utensils? If so, you’re ready to build a catapult or trebuchet! All of these weapons are small scale but need adult supervision to prevent injury. Keep this book as a resource for discussing wars and weaponry throughout history.
American Heritage History of Flight, by Arthur Gordon, $1.99. This detailed look at aviation begins with ancient attempts to harness the wind and moves through modern technological innovations. While there are few illustrations, the Kindle version includes in-text links to Wikipedia for additional information and visuals.
National Geographic Readers: Planes, by Amy Shields, $4.99. If you are looking for a detailed book that your early elementary students can read on their own, the National Geographic Reader series is a great place to start. This one covers all types of planes, including some unusual ones (have you ever seen the inside of a C-17?) sure to pique interest.
Amazing Airplanes, by Tony Mitton, $3.54. For our youngest family members, we have this bright and simple picture book. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Buckle up to learn all about flying! Amazing Airplanes follows the animal crew, as they become pilots, baggage handlers, and air stewards. Each page is filled with details that machine-mad kids love, such as the cockpit, landing gear, and much more. This book is perfect for budding pilots or happy vacationers! From airplanes to fire engines, the internationally bestselling Amazing Machines series is the perfect way for children to learn about all sorts of vehicles! Each book introduces a new vehicle and the jobs it can do. Bright, engaging artwork and simple, rhyming text combine to make these fantastic books for young children. Kids will love getting to know the friendly, animal characters who feature throughout the series and reading about their fast-paced adventures!”
Her Right Foot, by Dave Eggers, $2.99. This beautiful picture book takes a look at the history of the Statue of Liberty. More than that, Eggers uses the statue to address the inherent freedoms that form the basis of American culture and government. Shawn Harris’s mixed-media illustrations are simple but visually interesting.
Epic Fails: Not-So-Great Presidents, by Ben Thompson and Erik Slader. This newer history series is a lot of fun for middle-grade readers. Rather than focusing on successes, the authors emphasize foibles (e.g., Washington’s mistakes early in his career as a British soldier, Nixon’s Watergate scandal). The result is humanizing; presidents are just people, and everyone makes mistakes. The tone is light and full of contemporary references. A good choice for history fans and history skeptics!
Small Wonders: Jean-Henri Fabre and His World of Insects, by Matthew Clark Smith, $3.99. Fabre is one of the most famous naturalists in history. His interest started when he was a small child fascinated by moths, wasps, and other insects. Instead of merely collecting and dissecting them, Fabre was among the first to study insect behavior in the natural environment.
Microadventures: Local Discoveries, Great Escapes, by Alastair Humphreys, $4.99. The adventures are small, but the world is large! Humphreys is a naturalist and adventurer who has explored all over the world. This book focuses on really getting to know the world right around you. These outdoor adventures can be accomplished in a day or less, with minimal supplies. Humphreys encourages you to chase down a full moon, explore woods and forests, swim in a river, and more. Humphreys is based in the UK, so some of the challenges may not be applicable (e.g., there are few places in the US where you can walk from coast to coast), but most can be adapted to any local environment. This book is perfect for a family looking for new recreation ideas during the pandemic.
Rules, by Cynthia Lord, $3.99. Catherine loves her brother, but she’s not always nice to him. He has autism, and she has created a long list of rules for him to follow so that he doesn’t embarrass her in public. When she meets Jason, a paraplegic who uses a wheelchair and communicates through picture cards, Catherine begins to realize that there’s no one “normal” way to be, and that she needs to find more acceptance and understanding for others, even her own brother.
Freak the Mighty, by Rodman Philbrick, $3.99. This classic story of an unusual friendship has been made into a movie. Kevin has a disorder that prevents him from growing; Max is large for his age and struggles with learning disabilities. Together, Kevin and Max form “Freak the Mighty,” with Kevin riding Max’s shoulders as they explore their surroundings and defeat bullies. Both boys have unique perspectives. Content warning: this book is poignant and tragic.
Missing Math: A Number Mystery, by Loreen Leedy, $3.99. This bright and fun picture book will convince kids of the importance of numbers. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In Missing Math, the numbers all over town suddenly disappear. The animals can’t count, use the phone, or even find out what time it is. Rulers, money, and computers have all become completely useless. . . . Can the town’s detective solve this numerical mystery? Will he ever bring the numbers back home again? Loreen Leedy’s clever rhyming text PLUS her amusing digitally painted illustrations EQUALS proof that we need math each and every day.”
Alone: A Story of Friendship in the Darkness of Space, by Scott Stuart, $0.99. Earth is all alone in space, so it goes off looking for a friend. This sweet, fanciful book includes a few interesting scientific tidbits.
Blast Off to the Moon! by Lauren Gunderson, $3.99. Dr. Wonderful just wants to know why things happen, and she’s willing to explore to find out. When she becomes curious about why the moon changes shape each night, she and her dog decide to go up into space for research. Kids will love the funny illustrations; parents will appreciate the way Dr. Wonderful carefully works through the scientific process to answer her questions.
The Upside of Falling Down, by Rebekah Crane, $1.99. A coming-of-age novel with an unusual twist: Clementine is the sole survivor of a plane crash, and she’s now in Ireland suffering from amnesia. Here’s the plot summary: “With the relentless Irish press bearing down on her, and a father she may not even recognize on his way from America to take her home, Clementine assumes a new identity and enlists a blue-eyed Irish stranger, Kieran O’Connell, to help her escape her forgotten life…and start a new one. Hiding out in the sleepy town of Waterville, Ireland, Clementine discovers there’s an upside to a life that’s fallen apart. But as her lies grow, so does her affection for Kieran, and the truth about her identity becomes harder and harder to reveal, forcing Clementine to decide: Can she leave her past behind for a new love she’ll never forget?”
Zoey and Sassafras: Dragons and Marshmallows, by Asia Citro, $1.99. Science can be magic! Zoey and her cat Sassafras have a big secret: magical creatures are real and come to them for help! Zoey is a budding scientist and uses the scientific method to figure out what is wrong with a sick dragon. This is the first in a series; the short chapters, charming illustrations, and simple language make these books a good choice for budding readers.
What Lives in a Shell? by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld, $2.99. This charming book from the “Let’s Read and Find Out” series is a great introduction to crustaceans and other shelled creatures for early elementary readers. Detailed illustrations introduce clams, snails, crabs, and more.
A Tale of Two Cities, by Charles Dickens, $2.99. A classic adventure from Charles Dickens presents the story of the French Revolution through the eyes of the aristocrats, opportunists, and spies of Paris. Break out your knitting needles and settle in for an engrossing read. This edition includes a brief biography of Dickens and some contextual material.
I Survived The Battle of D-Day, by Lauren Tarshis, $3.99. My elementary-schooler has enjoyed several of the books in this series about deadly wars, plagues, and natural disasters. Each book includes a fictionalized story and a short section of historical information. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Eleven-year-old Paul's French village has been under Nazi control for years. His Jewish best friend has disappeared. Food is scarce. And there doesn't seem to be anything Paul can do to make things better. Then Paul finds an American paratrooper in a tree near his home. The soldier says the Allies have a plan to crush the Nazis once and for all. But the soldier needs Paul's help. This is Paul's chance to make a difference. Soon he finds himself in the midst of the largest invasion in history. Can he do his part to turn horror into hope?”
Magic Tree House: Night of the New Magicians, by Mary Pope Osborne, $3.99. Jack and Annie are heading to France! Merlin has sent them to pass along a message to four magicians at the 1889 World’s Fair in Paris. This is a “Merlin Mission,” so it is longer and more involved than the original Magic Tree House books.
Zane and the Hurricane: A Story of Katrina, by Rodman Philbrick, $3.99. Zane doesn’t know New Orleans well; he is visiting his great-grandmother when Hurricane Katrina makes landfall. After chasing his runaway dog, he finds himself fending for himself until he is rescued by a passing canoe. Philbrick includes realistic historical details and deftly addresses issues of race, class, and privilege.
Gandhi: A March to the Sea, by Alice B. McGinty, $1.99. This picture book with beautiful painted illustrations focuses on the nonviolent Satyagraha movement. There’s a free educator’s guide available as a PDF.
The Sky Painter: Louis Fuertes, Bird Artist, by Margarita Engle, $1.99. I will admit that I had never heard of Fuertes before I discovered this book. Thank you, Margarita Engle, for introducing me to his beautiful work. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Louis loves to watch birds. He takes care of injured birds and studies how they look and how they move. His father wants him to become an engineer, but Louis dreams of being a bird artist. To achieve this dream, he must practice, practice, practice. He learns from the art of John James Audubon. But as Louis grows up, he begins to draw and paint living, flying birds in their natural habitats. Louis Agassiz Fuertes (1874–1927) is now known as the father of modern bird art. He traveled with many scientific expeditions all over the world. His best-known works—paintings for habitat exhibits at the American Museum of Natural History in New York—are still beloved by visitors today. His art helped to encourage wildlife conservation, inspiring people to celebrate and protect the world of wings. Poems by Newbery Honor–winning author Margarita Engle and illustrations by Aliona Bereghici capture the life of Louis Fuertes and the deep sense of wonder that he felt when he painted the sky.”
Escape North! The Story of Harriet Tubman, by Monica Kulling, $4.99. I found my copy of this book at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park (which is great and you should go!). As I’ve mentioned before, I really like the higher level nonfiction “Step into Reading” books for providing a solid foundation on a topic at the elementary level. Kids will learn about Tubman’s missions escorting enslaved people to freedom, but also about her work as a spy and women’s rights advocate.
Frog and Toad are Friends, by Arnold Lobel, $4.99. This is an easy reader classic! Frog and Toad are not always alike, but they are always there for each other. Join them on their funny adventures swimming, looking for a lost button, and waiting for a letter. Fun pictures and few words on each page make this the perfect first chapter book for a new reader.
I am (Not) Scared, by Anna Kang, $1.99. The bears from You are (Not) Small and That’s (Not) Mine are back with a trip to the amusement park. They are frightened of, and exhilarated by, a whole host of new experiences and discover that being together can make hard things seem less scary.
A Snicker of Magic, by Natalie Lloyd, $3.99. My daughter loves this book! Here’s what she says: “A shy girl who’s been traveling around her whole life moves to a town that used to have magic. She learns that her ancestors were cursed and becomes determined to break the curse. This is a really heartwarming book, and I recommend it to people who like The Magic Half.”
Give Yourself Goosebumps: Tick Tock, You’re Dead, by R.L. Stine. A scary Goosebumps novel where you get to choose how the story turns out? Sign me up for this perfect campfire read!
Kindle Deals for October 14, 2020
Middle grade and YA books with a scary twist
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 Witches, by Roald Dahl, $2.99. Dahl is the perfect author to introduce your kids to the horror genre. From our Spooky Books to Read for Halloween List: Witches are real, and the last place you want to be if you're a child is at their annual meeting. Roald Dahl is so silly, so funny, so charming that you almost forget to be completely terrified by this creepy tale. Almost.
These Witches Won’t Burn, by Isabel Sterling, $2.99. This YA novel combines small town queer romance with witchcraft and the powers of evil. When Hannah starts noticing signs of dark magic, she must team up with her ex-girlfriend to track down the Blood Witch before something terrible happens. Hannah is attempting to balance world saving and moving on to a new girl in this sweet, dark, and thrilling novel
Girls Save the World in This One, by Ash Parsons, $2.99. Zombies, conventions, and girl power? Sign me up! The publisher’s description was so good I immediately put this book on my reading list. Here’s what they said: “Shaun of the Dead meets Clueless in this hilarious YA horror comedy set at a local zombie convention–featuring a teenage girl gang that has to save the world from a horde of actual zombies. Perfect for fans of Geekerella, Undead Girl Gang, and Anna and the Apocalypse.”
Small Spaces, by Katherine Arden, $2.99. I don’t even know where to begin with this one. It’s a middle grade novel, but even the back of the book description kind of freaks me out. If you have a middle schooler looking for a ghost tale about a class trip gone wrong, this is a great option. Arden is known for creating rich, detailed worlds, and she puts that skill to work creating some memorable locations and characters.
STILL ON SALE
Duck for President, by Doreen Cronin, $1.99. The wacky barnyard creatures from Click, Clack, Moo are back in this fun and topical picture book. When duck is tired of being asked to do work around the farm, he decides to hold and election and run against the farmer. This successful run leads to a turn as governor and eventually president. At each step along the way, Duck discovers that leading is actually a lot of work.
What is an Election?, by Caryn Jenner, $2.99. This leveled reader is a great introduction to basic concepts in the democratic process. It’s not America-specific; there’s a section on elections around the world. DK’s levels tend to be a bit more advanced that other easy readers. This one is suitable for kids who can read short paragraphs.
Secret Lives of the U.S. Presidents, by Cormac O’Brien, $2.99. Did you know that George Washington had leopard-skin robes made for his horses? Or that Thomas Jefferson smuggled rice from Europe in his pants? These weird facts and more will entertain and enlighten.
Thank You For Voting: The Maddening, Enlightening, Inspiring Truth About Voting in America, by Erin Geiger Smith, $3.99. Geiger Smith is a journalist who has been covering elections for years. In this book, she examines the reasons many people do not participate in elections. She traces the history of voting rights, social and economic factors, and issues that confuse or put off potential voters. The tone is engaging and helpful, with advice on how to encourage those around you to vote.
The Trail of Tears, by Joseph Bruchac, $4.99. This early chapter book does not shy away from the realities of The Trail of Tears. The author, a member of the Abenaki tribe, describes Chief John Ross leading the Cherokee people 1,200 miles to new territory Oklahoma. Hardship and injustices are described in detail appropriate for elementary readers. Don’t discount this book for older readers; the level 4 and 5 books from Step into Reading are great for concise and engaging reading on a narrow topic.
You Hold Me Up, by Monique Gray Smith and Danielle Daniel, $4.99. This sweet picture book describes the ways people look out for each other (e.g., kindness and sharing). The illustrations feature Native people young and old. You’ll find this book a great conversation starter for a discussion about empathy and community spirit.
Why Indigenous Literatures Matter, by Daniel Heath Justice, $4.99. Are you looking to learn more about Indigenous authors? This book, written by a scholar for a broader audience, is a great place to start. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In considering the connections between literature and lived experience, this book contemplates four key questions at the heart of Indigenous kinship traditions: How do we learn to be human? How do we become good relatives? How do we become good ancestors? How do we learn to live together? Blending personal narrative and broader historical and cultural analysis with close readings of key creative and critical texts, Justice argues that Indigenous writers engage with these questions in part to challenge settler-colonial policies and practices that have targeted Indigenous connections to land, history, family, and self. More importantly, Indigenous writers imaginatively engage the many ways that communities and individuals have sought to nurture these relationships and project them into the future. This provocative volume challenges readers to critically consider and rethink their assumptions about Indigenous literature, history, and politics while never forgetting the emotional connections of our shared humanity and the power of story to effect personal and social change. Written with a generalist reader firmly in mind, but addressing issues of interest to specialists in the field, this book welcomes new audiences to Indigenous literary studies while offering more seasoned readers a renewed appreciation for these transformative literary traditions.”
Hearts Unbroken, by Cynthia Leitich Smith, $0.99. High school is complicated for everyone, even more so in this YA novel about a community in racial and cultural conflict. Here’s the publisher’s description: “When Louise Wolfe’s first real boyfriend mocks and disrespects Native people in front of her, she breaks things off and dumps him over e-mail. It’s her senior year, anyway, and she’d rather spend her time with her family and friends and working on the school newspaper. The editors pair her up with Joey Kairouz, the ambitious new photojournalist, and in no time the paper’s staff find themselves with a major story to cover: the school musical director’s inclusive approach to casting The Wizard of Oz has been provoking backlash in their mostly white, middle-class Kansas town. From the newly formed Parents Against Revisionist Theater to anonymous threats, long-held prejudices are being laid bare and hostilities are spreading against teachers, parents, and students — especially the cast members at the center of the controversy, including Lou’s little brother, who’s playing the Tin Man. As tensions mount at school, so does a romance between Lou and Joey — but as she’s learned, ‘dating while Native’ can be difficult. In trying to protect her own heart, will Lou break Joey’s?”
Greenglass House, by Kate Milford, $1.99. OK, it would be false advertising to compare this book to The Westing Game, but if there is a contemporary literary descendant of Raskin's deliciously complex mystery, it's The Greenglass House—a genuine, bona fide middle grades mystery that gives its readers credit for being intelligent and that delivers a satisfying mystery, sophisticated character development, and a few (well set-up) twists along the way. Adopted innkeepers' son Milo and his friend—the cook's daughter, Meddy—unravel the clues to discover why their off-season inn is full of unexpected visitors, at least one of whom seems set on sabotaging Greenglass House. It's a terrific mystery. Highly recommended.
A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning, by Lemony Snicket, $2.99. The first book is Lemony Snicket’s hilariously tragic series chronicles the moment things begin to go terribly wrong in the lives of the ill-fated Baudelaire orphans. Kids will love the over-the-top storytelling; parents will be tickled by all the interesting words Snicket throws in.
The Thickety: A Path Begins, by J.A. White, $3.99. Looking for a seriously creepy and sometimes dark middle-grade fantasy? The Thickety does a good job of balancing real menace with imaginative storytelling. Here’s a bit of the publisher’s description: “When Kara Westfall was five years old, her mother was convicted of the worst of all crimes: witchcraft. Years later, Kara and her little brother, Taff, are still shunned by the people of their village, who believe that nothing is more evil than magic…except, perhaps, the mysterious forest that covers nearly the entire island. It has many names, this place. Sometimes it is called the Dark Wood, or Sordyr's Realm. But mostly it's called the Thickety. The villagers live in fear of the Thickety and the terrible creatures that live there. But when an unusual bird lures Kara into the forbidden forest, she discovers a strange book with unspeakable powers. A book that might have belonged to her mother. And that is just the beginning of the story.”
Spontaneous, by Aaron Starmer, $2.99. I just bought this one for myself! The idea of a darkly funny YA novel about a wave of spontaneous combustions just felt right for 2020. The publisher’s description hooked me. Will it do the same for you? “Mara Carlyle’s senior year is going as normally as could be expected, until fellow senior Katelyn Ogden explodes during third period pre-calc. Katelyn is the first, but she won’t be the last teenager to blow up without warning or explanation. As the national eye turns to Mara’s suburban New Jersey hometown, the FBI rolls in and the search for a reason is on. Mara narrates the end of their world as she knows it while trying to make it to graduation in one piece. It’s an explosive year punctuated by romance, quarantine, lifelong friendship, hallucinogenic mushrooms, bloggers, ice cream trucks, and Bon Jovi.”
Three Faces of Me, by R.L. Stine, $0.99. No one beats R.L. Stine for a kid-appropriate intro to the horror genre. Here’s the publisher’s description of this eerie tale: “When Ira Fishman wins a prize in the machine outside a candy store, he’s disappointed it’s not the squirt gun he had his eye on. The little black plastic box looks like a camera, but when Ira presses the green button on top, nothing happens. After dinner that night, Ira can’t believe what he sees in his room: a boy with the same clothes—and face—as Ira! He tries to get this second Ira to leave, but it’s no use. Deciding to have a little fun, Ira makes the boy go to school in his place—but it’s a disaster. The new Ira isn’t good at math like the real Ira, and he’s horrible at softball. Worst of all, he plays with the girls during recess! Ira’s clone is ruining his rep—fast. And when a third Ira shows up, Ira number one has to find a way to make the others disappear for good before his whole world is turned upside down. But how do you get rid of yourself?”
Turkey Trick of Treat, by Wendi Silvano, $0.99. The wacky turkey from Turkey Trouble is back, this time to celebrate Halloween! He wants candy, but the farmer will only give it to kids in costumes. Can he and the other barnyard animals trick the farmer into giving them treats?
Halloween Hustle, by Charlotte Gunnufson, $0.99. Kids will love the spooky-cute illustrations and the fun rhyming text. Skeleton is on his way to a party, and he can’t help but dance. But he has a problem — he keeps tripping and falling apart. Can he keep it together?
How to Build a Haunted House, by Frank Tupta, $1.99. In this rhyming story, classic monsters are are working together to make a spooky haunted house. The twist? It’s for vampire family in need!
The Magic Half, by Annie Barrows, $4.79. My daughter loved this series when she was in elementary school. When Miri’s family moves into a new house, she is thrilled with her interesting new room in the attic. Things get a little strange, and more interesting, when she discovers that her room is somehow connected to 1935 and a girl in need of help. Miri has to learn the secrets of this time travel to rescue Molly.
Stepping Stones: The Time Machine, by H.G. Wells and Les Martin, $3.99. The Stepping Stones series adapts classic literature to an early chapter book level. This adaptation of the H.G. Wells classic is heavy on the action and includes engaging illustrations. This is a great introduction to one of the foundational texts of science fiction.
Apples, Apples, Apples, by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace, $0.99. The bunny family is heading to the orchard to pick some fresh apples! They meet up with Farmer Miller, who explains the different varieties of apples and how they grow. When they have gathered all they need, they head home to make fresh applesauce (recipe included!). Wallace’s unique cut paper illustrations are very sweet.
The Seasons of Arnold’s Apple Tree, by Gail Gibbons, $4.99. Arnold has a favorite apple tree. He spends time in it throughout the year, picking fruit, smelling blossoms, feeding the birds, and basking in its shade. In simple language, Gibbons walks readers through a year in the life of a tree. Don’t miss the recipe for apple pie and the description of how a cider press works!
How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World, by Marjorie Priceman, $4.99. From our readalouds with recipes list: “As Carl Sagan once said, if you want to make an apple pie from scratch, first you have to create the universe. In this playful picture book, you don’t have to create the world but you do have to travel it, journeying around the globe to collect far-flung ingredients for the perfect apple pie.”
Apples and How They Grow, by Laura Driscoll, $4.99. Let your beginning reader read about apples on their own! This short and sweet nonfiction book is full of details about how apples grow. Kids (and adults) may be surprised to learn about grafting branches from one tree onto another.
We Dream of Space, by Erin Entrada Kelly, $1.99. That historical fiction is now set in the 1980s makes me feel a little old, but I’m excited to read this new middle grade novel. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Cash, who loves basketball but has a newly broken wrist, is in danger of failing seventh grade for the second time. Fitch spends every afternoon playing Major Havoc at the arcade on Main and wrestles with an explosive temper that he doesn’t understand. And Bird, his twelve-year-old twin, dreams of being NASA’s first female shuttle commander, but feels like she’s disappearing. The Thomas children exist in their own orbits, circling a tense and unpredictable household, with little in common except an enthusiastic science teacher named Ms. Salonga. As the launch of the Challenger approaches, Ms. Salonga gives her students a project—they are separated into spacecraft crews and must create and complete a mission. When the fated day finally arrives, it changes all of their lives and brings them together in unexpected ways.”
Space Opera, by Catherynne M. Valente, $1.99. Amy and Suzanne really enjoyed this book. Here’s what Amy has to say about it: “So earlier this fall, I told Suzanne that I needed to read something that would just make me happy, and she suggested this space saga. NEVER DOUBT SUZANNE. This zany, Douglas Adams-ish (and I don’t throw that around lightly) story centers around an intergalactic version of American Idol, in which planets compete not for record deals but for the right for their species to be considered sentient by the rest of the universe. All newly space-faring species must compete to prove their sentience — and if they come in last, their whole species will be wiped right out of existence. Now that Earth is in the space game, and the future of humanity is in the hands of aging 70s rocker Decibel Jones. It sounds wacky and all over the place because it is wacky and all over the place — but in a way that made me really happy.”
Suni Goes to Space, by Arthy Muthanna Singh and Mamta Nainy, $0.99. When Sunita Williams was young, she dreamed of going into space like Neil Armstrong. Singh and Nainy introduce us to Suni, the inquisitive and creative girl who grew up to become an astronaut.
Scream: Chilling Adventures in the Science of Fear, by Margee Kerr, $1.99. Why do we feel afraid? Why do we deliberately seek out horror movies and haunted houses? Sociologist Margee Kerr investigates the individual and societal experiences of fear. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Fear is a universal human experience, but do we really understand it? If we're so terrified of monsters and serial killers, why do we flock to the theaters to see them? Why do people avoid thinking about death, but jump out of planes and swim with sharks? For Kerr, there was only one way to find out. In this eye-opening, adventurous book, she takes us on a tour of the world's scariest experiences: into an abandoned prison long after dark, hanging by a cord from the highest tower in the Western hemisphere, and deep into Japan's mysterious ‘suicide forest.’ She even goes on a ghost hunt with a group of paranormal adventurers. Along the way, Kerr shows us the surprising science from the newest studies of fear -- what it means, how it works, and what it can do for us. Full of entertaining science and the thrills of a good ghost story, this book will make you think, laugh -- and scream.”
Alice in Zombieland, by Gena Showalter, $2.99. It’s Alice in Wonderland… sort of. With zombies! This YA zombie novel is filled with allusions to Wonderland.
His Hideous Heart: 13 of Edgar Allen Poe’s Most Unsettling Tales Reimagined, edited by Dahlia Adler, $2.99. Teens have loved Poe’s creepy tales for the last hundred and fifty years. Now they can experience the themes in new ways through this collection of modern short stories from big names in current YA.
Teach Your Own: The John Holt Book of Homeschooling, by John Holt and Pat Farenga, $2.99. John Holt is one of the founders of the modern homeschool movement. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In this expanded edition of the book that helped launch the whole movement, Pat Farenga has distilled John Holt's timeless understanding of the ways children come to understand the world and added up-to-the-moment legal, financial, and logistical advice. No parent even considering homeschooling should be without this wise and unique reference. Rather than proposing that parents turn their homes into miniature schools, Holt and Farenga demonstrate how ordinary parents can help children grow as social, active learners. Chapters on living with children, "serious play," children and work, and learning difficulties will fascinate and encourage parents and help them enjoy each "homeschool" day. John Holt's warm understanding of children and his passionate belief in every child's ability to learn have made this book the bible of homeschooling families everywhere.”
My Strong Mind: A Story about Developing Mental Strength, by Niels van Hove, $2.99. This is a pretty didactic but accessible book about developing good habits. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Kate faces several situations your children will face too. She applies a positive attitude to deal with her challenges. Amongst them are getting ready in time in the morning, doing cartwheels, standing in front of the whole class with show and tell and playing basketball. Kate applies techniques like goal setting, positive self-talk, accept failure as learning, visualisation of a problem, breathing or mindfulness exercise, gratitude, and controlled distraction. These tips to build a strong mind in children are presented in an easy to read, fun and practical way.”
It’s Okay to Make Mistakes, by Todd Parr, $1.99. Todd Parr’s books are like big, extra-tight hugs. His simple style is bold, funny, and diverse. For every mistake he mentions, he offers a hint at what can happen next (e.g., “It’s OK to not know the answer. Asking questions helps you learn.”) My toddler could recite Todd Parr books way before she could read them on her own.
Storybound, by Melissa Burt, $3.99. I haven’t had a chance to read this series yet, but it sounds like a delightful bookish adventure. Here’s the publisher’s description: “When Una Fairchild stumbles upon a mysterious book buried deep in the basement of her school library, she thinks nothing of opening the cover and diving in. But instead of paging through a regular novel, Una suddenly finds herself Written In to the land of Story—a world filled with Heroes and Villains and fairy-tale characters. But not everything in Story is as magical as it seems. Una must figure out why she has been Written In—and fast—before anyone else discovers her secret. Together with her new friend Peter and a talking cat named Sam, Una digs deep into Story's shadowy past. She quickly realizes that she is tied to the world in ways she never could have imagined—and it might be up to her to save it.”
A Dash of Magic, by Kathryn Littlewood, $3.99. The Bliss series is a mouth-watering literary treat. In this second book in the series, Rosemary is determined to retrieve the magical Cookery Booke that her aunt has stolen — even if it means facing off in an Iron Chef-style food battle. The competition takes the Bliss family to Paris, where the family rushes around famous sites collecting the magical ingredients Rosemary needs. There’s an excellent sense of place. If you enjoy this book, the sequel is also on sale.
Sleep, Big Bear, Sleep! by Maureen Wright, $0.99. It’s time to hibernate in this charming picture book. Bear knows there’s something he needs to do, but he keeps mishearing Old Man Winter’s “Sleep” message and instead thinks he is supposed to leap or sweep. It’s a sweet, funny story perfect for fall.
Scaredy Squirrel, by Melanie Watt, $0.99. Scaredy Squirrel wants to be prepared. He has all of his emergency gear at the ready, prepared for bees, Martians, whatever might happen. He prefers to stick to his safe, steady routine. When a chance encounter causes him to leap into the unknown, he gets a big surprise.
Shampoodle, by Joan Holub, $3.99. This fun easy reader will have kids giggling! The funny, rhyming text describes a day at the dog groomer. The dogs are all very exuberant, even before a cat wanders in and causes mayhem. I love the pictures in this one; there’s lots to see!
Bad Kitty Camp Daze, by Nick Bruel, $4.96. Bad Kitty has an attitude problem that will endear her to surly children everywhere. Bruel built on his picture book series with these early chapter books that contain lots of illustrated action. When Bad Kittle sneaks away to Uncle Murray’s Camp for Stressed-Out Dogs, she learns more than she bargains for about the natural world.
The Hobbits of Tolkien: An Illustrated Exploration of Tolkien’s Hobbits and the Sources that Inspired His Work From Myth, Legend, and History, by David Day, $3.99. Want to know more about the mythology behind Middle Earth? Curious about the etymology of some place names and people? This book perfectly balances detailed research with cozy illustrations. The author has written similar volumes about other elements of Tolkien’s work.
A Dictionary of Sources of Tolkien: The History and Mythology That Inspired Tolkien’s World, by David Day, $3.99. I enjoy sweeping fantasy, but I definitely struggle to keep all the names and places straight. In this extensive volume, Day provides information about all the proper nouns of Middle Earth, both their relevance to the narrative and their allusions to other literary traditions.
An Unexpected Cookbook: The Unofficial Book of Hobbit Cookery, by Chris-Rachael Oseland, $5.99. This book is more expensive than my typical Kindle deals, but I didn’t think we could properly celebrate Hobbit Day without at least one food book. The recipes are broken up into all seven Hobbit meals, with delicious treats like Lavender and Lemon Bread, Yorkshire Pudding, and Honey Cakes. You’ll find detailed recipe notes and mouthwatering photos throughout.
Fear of Physics: A Guide for the Perplexed, by Lawrence M. Krauss, $1.99. Krauss is a theoretical physicist who works on the deepest mysteries of the universe. But don’t let that intimidate you! Here’s the publisher’s description: “Assume the cow is a sphere." So begins this lively, irreverent, and informative look at everything from the physics of boiling water to cutting-edge research at the observable limits of the universe. Rich with anecdotes and accessible examples, Fear of Physics nimbly ranges over the tools and thought behind the world of modern physics, taking the mystery out of what is essentially a very human intellectual endeavour.”
Caesar’s Last Breath: Decoding the Secrets of the Air Around Us, by Sam Kean, $2.99. Science writer Sam Kean has written about the chemical elements, neuroscience, genetics, and the creation of the atomic bomb. In this book, he explores the air around us and the molecules we find within it. He travels throughout history and across several continents in his quest to understand the air we breathe.
Scienceblind: Why Our Intuitive Theories About the World Are So Often Wrong, by Andrew Shtulman, $4.99. Our brains are wired to make connections that help us make sense of the world. But that does not mean that our brains always interpret the world correctly. Cognitive psychologist Andrew Shtulman explains the reasons why people tend to believe weird things in this fascinating book. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Why do we catch colds? What causes seasons to change? And if you fire a bullet from a gun and drop one from your hand, which bullet hits the ground first? In a pinch we almost always get these questions wrong. Worse, we regularly misconstrue fundamental qualities of the world around us. In Scienceblind, cognitive and developmental psychologist Andrew Shtulman shows that the root of our misconceptions lies in the theories about the world we develop as children. They're not only wrong, they close our minds to ideas inconsistent with them, making us unable to learn science later in life. So how do we get the world right? We must dismantle our intuitive theories and rebuild our knowledge from its foundations. The reward won't just be a truer picture of the world, but clearer solutions to many controversies -- around vaccines, climate change, or evolution -- that plague our politics today.”
Uncommon Paper Flowers: Extraordinary Botanicals and How to Craft Them, by Kate Alcaron, $2.99. You’ve made a paper rose before, now get ready to try something unique! Alcaron has collected 30 unusual plants and created paper models of them. The book contains detailed botanical descriptions, an extensive technique section, and templates for creating your own dramatic floral display.
Parenting in a Pandemic: How to Help Your Family Through Covid-19, by Kelly Fradin, $0.99. This just came out and will (I hope) only be useful for a limited time, but the price is right and the advice is solid. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Parents are burning out while kids need more help than ever. With so many families in crisis, pediatrician and child advocate Dr. Kelly Fradin sees an urgent need for help. As a mother of two, Dr. Fradin shares practical, evidence-based and reassuring advice on what families need to know. Parents are forced to make decisions now despite seemingly constant change and many unknowns. In Parenting in a Pandemic, Dr. Fradin provides the information and strategies you need to help navigate coronavirus. The book reviews the science necessary to understand the news and care for your family. Dr. Fradin explains the specific risks of coronavirus to children of all ages and adults, including parents, grandparents, pregnant women, and essential workers. She gives realistic strategies you can use to improve this time for your family whether you are protecting a newborn, virtually schooling or convincing a teen to physically distance.”
The House Takes a Vacation, by Jacqueline Davies, $0.99. Get ready for a surreal and wacky adventure! When the house’s people go on vacation, the house decides to take its own trip. Kids and adults will enjoy the pun-filled text and personality-filled illustrations.
Little House in the Big Woods, by Laura Ingalls Wilder, $3.99. The Little House books are among the most read children’s books of all time, and with good reason. Wilder does a tremendous job of creating a vivid and inviting glimpse into life on the frontier. Later books in the series have problematic depictions of conflicts with Native Americans and have not aged well. Little House in the Big Woods, however, is a cozy and gentle peek into the past. Read this one by candle or fire as the temperatures start to dip this fall!
The Hero’s Guide to Saving Your Kingdom, by Christopher Healy, $3.99. You think you know the classic fairytale stories, but they are usually centered around the princesses. This fun middle grade series focuses on the princes. After the “happily ever after” the princes discover that their kingdoms are in danger, and they set off take on all kinds of mythical monsters. This fun and funny book is the first in a series that your middle-grade reader will love.
The Element Encyclopedia of Magical Creatures, by John and Caitlin Matthews, $3.99. Looking for a reference on obscure creatures? Every time I open this book, I discover a new mythological animal I haven’t heard of before. Here’s the publisher’s description: “From unicorns and trolls to werewolves and griffins, this comprehensive guide is the key to discovering every magical creature from myth, folklore and legend around the world. This compendium of magical creatures explores the history, folklore and mythology of fascinating beasts throughout all the magical worlds. Including stories, celebrations, traditions, and amazing facts, the book spans every major culture across the globe.”
Steampunk! An Anthology of Fantastically Rich and Strange Stories, edited by Kelly Link and Gavin J. Grant, $0.99. Are you new to steampunk but interested in exploring alternate versions of the world shaped by a different series of technological innovations? This anthology will introduce you to many excellent YA steampunk authors. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Imagine an alternate universe where romance and technology reign. Where tinkerers and dreamers craft and re-craft a world of automatons, clockworks, calculating machines, and other marvels that never were. Where scientists and schoolgirls, fair folk and Romans, intergalactic bandits, utopian revolutionaries, and intrepid orphans solve crimes, escape from monstrous predicaments, consult oracles, and hover over volcanoes in steam-powered airships. Here, fourteen masters of speculative fiction, including two graphic storytellers, embrace the genre's established themes and refashion them in surprising ways and settings as diverse as Appalachia, ancient Rome, future Australia, and alternate California. Visionaries Kelly Link and Gavin J. Grant have invited all-new explorations and expansions, taking a genre already rich, strange, and inventive in the extreme and challenging contributors to remake it from the ground up. The result is an anthology that defies its genre even as it defines it.”
The Wonderling, by Mira Bartok, $0.99. In Mira Bartok’s imagined world, groundlings are creatures that are part animal, part human. Thirteen, a fox groundling, escapes the Dickensian workhouse where has been raised and sets off on an adventure of his own. The tone is similar to Lemony Snicket, but the story is entirely unique, full of mechanical details and animals with extraordinary abilities. Put this strange and interesting book in the hands of your middle-grade reader!
My Robots: The Robotic Genius of Lady Regina Bonquers III, by Johan Olander, $3.99. Olander creates such interesting books! This heavily illustrated book purports to be the design scrapbook of an elusive roboticist. Lady Regina has created bots to fight fires, pluck nose hairs, and even give hugs. Kids will enjoy all the details of the development process, the unique visual style, and a frisson of mystery over Lady Regina’s whereabouts.
The Last Kids on Earth, by Max Brallier, $1.99. Are you ready for some funny post-apocalyptic lit for kids? This madcap adventure mixes peril, gross out humor, and teamwork as an unlikely band of teens works to save the day and stay alive. It’s a middle grade chapter book riddled with exciting and gruesome illustrations. If this sounds like something you’d be into, several books in the series are on sale today.
Big History: From the Big Bang to the Present, by Cynthia Stokes Brown, $3.99. The Big History movement combines science with history to study Earth from the moment of the big bang all the way through current events. Brown does a remarkable job finding through lines in the vast sweep of history. Each era is necessarily brief, but readers will be pleased to see that the history is not overly focused on Western civilization.
Bear and Fred: A World War II Story, by Iris Argaman, $4.99. Picture books can make challenging subjects understandable for small children. In this book, Israeli author Iris Argaman tells the true story of a boy’s time hiding from Nazis during WWII — from the perspective of his loyal teddy bear. It’s a tough but uplifting story that gently introduces the topic of the Holocaust.
Sleepover Larry, by Daniel Pinkwater, $3.99. Larry is a dapper polar bear who lives in a hotel owned by his human family. When Larry learns the concept of sleepovers, he is determined to have a great one with his bear friends from the zoo!
National Geographic Readers: Bears, by Elizabeth Carney, $3.99. Learn about bear species from all over the world in this fun, brightly illustrated easy reader. Sections cover habitats, adaptations, diet, cubs, and more. The level 3 books pack in a lot of detail without complicated vocabulary.
Magic Tree House: Polar Bears Past Bedtime, by Mary Pope Osborne, $3.99. Jack and Annie are off on another adventure, this time to the Arctic! They encounter indigenous hunters, polar bears, the Northern Lights, and more. The Magic Tree House series is great for beginning readers who are looking for fast-paced, exciting (but short) chapter books.
Bibliophile: An Illustrated Miscellany, by Jane Mount, $2.99. This is a literary bonbon for any book lover. As the title suggests, it’s a wonderful collection of miscellaneous facts about books, writers, bookstores, characters, and more. I can almost guarantee that you will find a new author to check out, or even a new favorite book, in the illustrated book lists.
The Man Who Made Lists: Love, Death, Madness, and the Creation of Roget’s Thesaurus, by Joshua Kendall. When I was a kid, I found thesauruses fascinating. I loved flipping through themed lists of words. I don’t think many kids use paper thesauruses now; the function built into your word processor isn’t really the same. Whether you are nostalgic for your childhood thesaurus or have never really used one, you’ll find the story behind the creation of the first modern thesaurus unexpectedly fascinating. Here’s a brief publisher’s description: “Polymath, eccentric, and synonym aficionado, Peter Mark Roget had a host of female admirers, was one of the first to test the effects of laughing gas, invented the slide rule, and narrowly escaped jail in Napoleon's France. But Roget is best known for making lists. After the tragic turmoil of his early life (both his mother and sister were institutionalized), Roget longed for order in his chaotic world. At the age of eight, he began his quest to put everything in its rightful place, one word at a time. This is the fascinating story of a driven man and a brilliant scholar-and the legacy he has left for generations.”
The Food Explorer: The True Adventures of the Globe-Trotting Botanist Who Transformed What America Eats, by Daniel Stone, $4.99. So many of the foods we now consider to be standard American fare are not native to this continent. The diversity of our current palate is partially the work of David Fairchild, a 19th century botanist who traveled the world looking for interesting plants that he could introduce to American audiences. Both food history and a globe-trotting adventure book, The Food Explorer is a delicious piece of writing.
Suffering Succotash: A Picky Eater’s Quest to Understand Why We Hate the Foods We Hate, by Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic, $4.99. There are tons of books about helping kids who are picky eaters, but this is the first one I’ve seen that is written by an actual picky eater. Lucianovic considers the roles of gag reflexes, anxiety, supertasters, support groups, and many other factors. The author’s personal experiences add a warm, personal touch.
A Spy in the House, by Y.S. Lee, $0.99. This is the first in a series of YA historical mysteries about a young Asian sleuth in Victorian London. Mary is an orphan doomed for the gallows when she is rescued and offered a position at the mysterious Miss Scrimshaw’s Academy for Girls. The school is the training ground for an elite group of detectives who can infiltrate high society households. Lee does an excellent job of offering the gritty details of the Victorian city while staying away from graphic details. The immigrant experience is rarely discussed in historical fiction, so this series provides an interesting perspective.
Seafaring Women: Adventures of Pirate Queens, Female Stowaways, and Sailors’ Wives, by David Cordingly, $4.99. Women have been taking to the seas, sometimes in secret, for hundreds of years. Cordingly has collected the stories of dozens of maritime women who lived life on the open water.
The March on Washington, by Bonnie Bader, $3.99. American Girl has been bringing accessible historical fiction to early readers for more than 30 years. More recently, the company has published factual companion books that provide deeper background into important events. This book about the 1963 March on Washington includes photos, timelines, maps, and a bibliography for more research.
One Crazy Summer, by Rita Williams-Garcia, $4.99. When the three Gaither sisters travel to California to spend time with their estranged mother, they are expecting movie stars and Disneyland. What they actually experience is a little different: summer camp run by the Black Panthers. The girls spend the next four weeks learning about the movement and discovering their own identities. This work of historical fiction set in 1968 is a nice point of entry for a discussion about the Civil Rights movement and the Black Panthers.
Susan B. Anthony: Her Fight for Equal Rights, by Monica Kulling, $4.99. Get to know one of America’s strongest proponents of women’s voting rights, Susan B. Anthony, in this book for early readers. Anthony was determined to vote in an election, even though it was illegal for women to do so at the time. Her civil disobedience led to her arrest. Young readers will learn about how Anthony’s actions paved the way for the 19th Amendment.
Lillian’s Right to Vote: A Celebration of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, by Jonah Winter and Shane W. Evans, $4.99. Sadly, the 19th Amendment did not make voting accessible to ALL women. In many places, unfair practices like poll taxes, complicated literacy tests, and property ownership rules made it nearly impossible for people of color to vote. In this moving picture book, an old woman reminisces about her family’s history and the many barriers to voting they faced.
The Women’s Suffrage Movement, edited by Sally Roesch Wagner, $4.99. What is the study of history without primary sources? This great collection from Penguin Classics looks at the quest for women’s rights in a delightfully intersectional array of essays, letters, speeches, and other texts. Readers will discover Black and Native American women whose ideas were crucial to the movement but have been overlooked in historical accounts.
The Templeton Twins Have an Idea, by Ellis Weiner, $0.99. If your reader has plowed the A Series of Unfortunate Events and would like something with a similar feel, look no further. The Templetons feel very similar to the Baudelaires. A snippet from the book description gives you an excellent feel for the tone: “Suppose there were 12-year-old twins, a boy and girl named John and Abigail Templeton. Let's say John was pragmatic and played the drums, and Abigail was theoretical and solved cryptic crosswords. Now suppose their father was a brilliant, if sometimes confused, inventor. And suppose that another set of twins—adults—named Dean D. Dean and Dan D. Dean, kidnapped the Templeton twins and their ridiculous dog in order to get their father to turn over one of his genius (sort of) inventions. Yes, I said kidnapped. Wouldn't it be fun to read about that? Oh please. It would so. Luckily for you, this is just the first in a series perfect for boys and girls who are smart, clever, and funny (just like the twins), and enjoy reading adventurous stories (who doesn't?!).”
Ella Enchanted, by Gail Carson Levine, $1.99. This Newberry Honor book has been beloved for two decades, and with good reason. A unique twist on the Cinderella story, this book focuses on Ella, a girl who has been cursed (“gifted”?) with obedience to others’ orders. In order to break this curse, she must track down and convince the fairy godmother who bestowed it.
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.
801 Things You Should Know: From Greek Philosophy to Today’s Technology, by David Olsen, $1.99. You’re a smart person. You’ve probably heard of many of the concepts and events in this book. But you may not be clear on all the details. This collection of short entries about everything from politics to medical terminology to economic principals will serve as a great introduction or refresher. Hand this to a tween/teen along with a newspaper — they’ll be able to quickly get background on unfamiliar terms like bear markets, the Hundred Years’ War, and the Invisible Hand theory.
A Field Guide to Monsters, by Johan Olander, $0.99. Olander is a “monstrologist” who documents monsters’ behavior in the wild. In this whimsical and imaginative book, he collects illustrations and artifacts from the Slobber Bug, Beach Krill, Tadpole-Monster, and other previously unknown (aka imaginary) creatures. It would be fun to compare this book with other, more scientific field guides.
Iron Hearted Violet, by Kelly Barnhill, $1.99. Kelly Barnhill tells such compelling twists on fairytale tropes. In this book, Princess Violet must work with the last dragon alive to protect the world from an evil being she has only read about in a forbidden book. Violet is brave, but not beautiful, strong, but not perfect.
The Menagerie, by Tui T. Sutherland and Kari Sutherland, $3.99. If your middle-grade reader enjoys books where the magical world bumps into the real world, The Menagerie series may be the perfect next adventure. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In the small town of Xanadu, Wyoming lies the Menagerie, a top secret facility filled with unicorns, dragons, phoenixes, and other fairy tale creatures. At least, it was a secret—until six griffin cubs escaped. If Logan and Zoe don’t get the cubs back fast, the entire Menagerie will be shut down. The race is on and the resulting adventure is only the beginning of a thrilling series that will leave readers wanting a magical menagerie of their very own.”
An Optimist’s Tour of the Future, by Mark Stevenson, $4.99. My husband loves this book, which does a great job of musing about how technology could change our future for the better. Here’s the publisher’s description: “When unexpectedly confronted with his own mortality, Mark Stevenson-a writer, deep-thinker, and stand-up comedian-began to ponder what the future holds for our species. ‘The past is a foreign country,’ writes Stevenson. ‘By my analysis it's a bit like France-in that I've been to parts of it and eaten some nice food there. But the future? The future is an unknown territory-and there isn't a guidebook.’ Thus, his ambition was born. Stevenson set out simply, asking, ‘What's next?’ and then traveled the globe in pursuit of the answers. Along the way, he visited the Australian outback to visit the farmers who can save us from climate change, met a robot with mood swings, and talked to the Spaniard who's putting a hotel in space. While some might be overwhelmed, or even dismayed by the looming realities of genome sequencing, synthetic biology, a nuclear renaissance, and carbon scrubbing, Stevenson remains, well, optimistic. Drawing on his singular humor and storytelling to break down these sometimes complicated discoveries, An Optimist's Tour of the Future paints a wonderfully readable, and completely enthralling portrait of where we'll be when we grow up- and why it's not so scary.”
50 Ways to Beat Boredom with LEGO Bricks, by DK Publishing, $0.99. If your house is anything like mine, you have no shortage of LEGO pieces. This short book introduces 50 quick activities and games using the beloved building materials. Build a mountain to create a 3D game board (instructions for a spinner also included) or design a functional piggy bank! This is an idea book, not a book of detailed instructions, but it’s a great jumping off point for an hour or a day of LEGO exploration. Note: If you already have 365 Things to Do with LEGO Bricks, you don’t need this book; this book is a shorter extract of that one.
Would You Rather? Made You Think Edition, by Lindsey Daly, $0.99. They start simple: “Would you rather kiss a fish that’s living in a radioactive pond or roll down a hill while hugging a porcupine?” The questions only get more interesting from there. Turn the questions into a game by scoring points for the best reasoning (guidelines are given in the introduction).
Diary of a Pug: Pug Blasts Off, by Kyla May, $2.99. Meet Bub, aka Baron von Bubbles, beloved pet of Bella. He loves doing everything with his human, so when she enters an invention contest, Bub is determined to help her. But this means he needs to deal with his squirrel nemesis, Nutz. This fun, brightly colored diary is full of wacky adventures and adorable illustrations. Early chapter book readers will love it!
Chickadee, by Louise Erdrich, $4.49. Chickadee takes place within the family introduced in Birchbark House. Omakayas is grown with a family of her own, and this story focuses on her twin sons, Chickadee and Makoons. After a prank gone wrong, Chickadee is kidnapped by angry men. This is the tale of Chickadee’s long path to reunion with his family. As with Erdrich’s other books, Chickadee’s story is filled with vivid details about Ojibwe life and traditions.
Young Water Protetctors: A Story About Standing Rock, by Aslan and Kelly Tudor, $2.99. Aslan Tudor was 10 years old when he wrote this book about his time participating in the Standing Rock protests. This is a great, age appropriate introduction to the conflict between native peoples and developers of the Dakota Access Pipeline.
My Heart Fills with Happiness, by Monique Gray Smith, $4.99. This sweet picture book introduces many things that bring happiness — good smells, good friends, and the beauty of nature. The lovely illustrations show many elements in the life on an indigenous family.
The Odds of Loving Grover Cleveland, by Rebekah Crane, $0.99. This Grover Cleveland isn’t a president; he’s a resident at Camp Padua, a summer program for at-risk teens. When Zander’s parents insist she leave home to attend camp, she is sure that she won’t fit in. She’s surprised to make connections with her fellow campers, even though they are all dealing with big problems of their own. This tough but ultimately hopeful novel is also filled with darkly funny moments.
The Mermaid’s Sister, by Carrie Anne Noble, $0.99. I haven’t read this YA fantasy novel yet, but it’s definitely on my To Read list. Here’s the publisher’s summary: In a cottage high atop Llanfair Mountain, sixteen-year-old Clara lives with her sister, Maren, and guardian Auntie. By day, they gather herbs for Auntie’s healing potions; by night, Auntie spins tales of faraway lands and wicked fairies. Clara’s favorite story tells of three orphaned infants—Clara, who was brought to Auntie by a stork; Maren, who arrived in a seashell; and their best friend, O’Neill, who was found beneath an apple tree. One day, Clara discovers iridescent scales just beneath her sister’s skin: Maren is becoming a mermaid and must be taken to the sea or she will die. So Clara, O’Neill, and the mermaid-girl set out for the shore. But the trio encounters trouble around every bend. Ensnared by an evil troupe of traveling performers, Clara and O’Neill must find a way to save themselves and the ever-weakening Maren.
The Testing, by Joelle Charbonneau, $1.99. Calling all fans of The Hunger Games or Divergent! This series should scratch that dystopian coming-of-age itch. Here’s a summary from the publisher: “It’s graduation day for sixteen-year-old Malencia Vale, and the entire Five Lakes Colony (the former Great Lakes) is celebrating. All Cia can think about—hope for—is whether she’ll be chosen for The Testing, a United Commonwealth program that selects the best and brightest new graduates to become possible leaders of the slowly revitalizing post-war civilization. When Cia is chosen, her father finally tells her about his own nightmarish half-memories of The Testing. Armed with his dire warnings (“Cia, trust no one”), she bravely heads off to Tosu City, far away from friends and family, perhaps forever. Danger, romance—and sheer terror—await.”
Princess Academy, by Shannon Hale, $0.99. You may be starting to get the impression that I love Shannon Hale, and you would be right. Princess Academy is the first in a middle grade series about a land where a rich urban royal class benefits from the poorly paid labor of all the surrounding towns. When it is decided that the Prince’s wife should come from Miri’s village, all the teen girls are rounded up and sent to a school where they will be taught the ways of court. Booklist says, “Hale nicely interweaves feminist sensibilities in this quest-for-a-prince-charming, historical-fantasy tale. Strong suspense and plot drive the action as the girls outwit would-be kidnappers and explore the boundaries of leadership, competition, and friendship.” If you are looking for books with strong heroines who overcome difficulties to make a difference in their world, this is the book for you.
Bound: 15 Beautiful Bookbinding Projects, by Rachel Hazell, $3.99. If your family is anything like mine, you probably have dozens of stories your kids have written and illustrated. Why not turn them into an art project by binding them into book form? Or set yourself up for a new school year by creating small notebooks for nature observations or other projects. This book goes through multiple styles, from basic to complex, with step by step instructions.
Mini Weapons of Mass Destruction: Make Mayhem from your Stationery with 35 Models to Build Yourself, by John Austin, $3.99. Do you have pens, rubber bands, and plastic utensils? If so, you’re ready to build a catapult or trebuchet! All of these weapons are small scale but need adult supervision to prevent injury. Keep this book as a resource for discussing wars and weaponry throughout history.
American Heritage History of Flight, by Arthur Gordon, $1.99. This detailed look at aviation begins with ancient attempts to harness the wind and moves through modern technological innovations. While there are few illustrations, the Kindle version includes in-text links to Wikipedia for additional information and visuals.
National Geographic Readers: Planes, by Amy Shields, $4.99. If you are looking for a detailed book that your early elementary students can read on their own, the National Geographic Reader series is a great place to start. This one covers all types of planes, including some unusual ones (have you ever seen the inside of a C-17?) sure to pique interest.
Amazing Airplanes, by Tony Mitton, $3.54. For our youngest family members, we have this bright and simple picture book. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Buckle up to learn all about flying! Amazing Airplanes follows the animal crew, as they become pilots, baggage handlers, and air stewards. Each page is filled with details that machine-mad kids love, such as the cockpit, landing gear, and much more. This book is perfect for budding pilots or happy vacationers! From airplanes to fire engines, the internationally bestselling Amazing Machines series is the perfect way for children to learn about all sorts of vehicles! Each book introduces a new vehicle and the jobs it can do. Bright, engaging artwork and simple, rhyming text combine to make these fantastic books for young children. Kids will love getting to know the friendly, animal characters who feature throughout the series and reading about their fast-paced adventures!”
Her Right Foot, by Dave Eggers, $2.99. This beautiful picture book takes a look at the history of the Statue of Liberty. More than that, Eggers uses the statue to address the inherent freedoms that form the basis of American culture and government. Shawn Harris’s mixed-media illustrations are simple but visually interesting.
Epic Fails: Not-So-Great Presidents, by Ben Thompson and Erik Slader. This newer history series is a lot of fun for middle-grade readers. Rather than focusing on successes, the authors emphasize foibles (e.g., Washington’s mistakes early in his career as a British soldier, Nixon’s Watergate scandal). The result is humanizing; presidents are just people, and everyone makes mistakes. The tone is light and full of contemporary references. A good choice for history fans and history skeptics!
Small Wonders: Jean-Henri Fabre and His World of Insects, by Matthew Clark Smith, $3.99. Fabre is one of the most famous naturalists in history. His interest started when he was a small child fascinated by moths, wasps, and other insects. Instead of merely collecting and dissecting them, Fabre was among the first to study insect behavior in the natural environment.
Microadventures: Local Discoveries, Great Escapes, by Alastair Humphreys, $4.99. The adventures are small, but the world is large! Humphreys is a naturalist and adventurer who has explored all over the world. This book focuses on really getting to know the world right around you. These outdoor adventures can be accomplished in a day or less, with minimal supplies. Humphreys encourages you to chase down a full moon, explore woods and forests, swim in a river, and more. Humphreys is based in the UK, so some of the challenges may not be applicable (e.g., there are few places in the US where you can walk from coast to coast), but most can be adapted to any local environment. This book is perfect for a family looking for new recreation ideas during the pandemic.
Rules, by Cynthia Lord, $3.99. Catherine loves her brother, but she’s not always nice to him. He has autism, and she has created a long list of rules for him to follow so that he doesn’t embarrass her in public. When she meets Jason, a paraplegic who uses a wheelchair and communicates through picture cards, Catherine begins to realize that there’s no one “normal” way to be, and that she needs to find more acceptance and understanding for others, even her own brother.
Freak the Mighty, by Rodman Philbrick, $3.99. This classic story of an unusual friendship has been made into a movie. Kevin has a disorder that prevents him from growing; Max is large for his age and struggles with learning disabilities. Together, Kevin and Max form “Freak the Mighty,” with Kevin riding Max’s shoulders as they explore their surroundings and defeat bullies. Both boys have unique perspectives. Content warning: this book is poignant and tragic.
Missing Math: A Number Mystery, by Loreen Leedy, $3.99. This bright and fun picture book will convince kids of the importance of numbers. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In Missing Math, the numbers all over town suddenly disappear. The animals can’t count, use the phone, or even find out what time it is. Rulers, money, and computers have all become completely useless. . . . Can the town’s detective solve this numerical mystery? Will he ever bring the numbers back home again? Loreen Leedy’s clever rhyming text PLUS her amusing digitally painted illustrations EQUALS proof that we need math each and every day.”
Alone: A Story of Friendship in the Darkness of Space, by Scott Stuart, $0.99. Earth is all alone in space, so it goes off looking for a friend. This sweet, fanciful book includes a few interesting scientific tidbits.
Blast Off to the Moon! by Lauren Gunderson, $3.99. Dr. Wonderful just wants to know why things happen, and she’s willing to explore to find out. When she becomes curious about why the moon changes shape each night, she and her dog decide to go up into space for research. Kids will love the funny illustrations; parents will appreciate the way Dr. Wonderful carefully works through the scientific process to answer her questions.
The Upside of Falling Down, by Rebekah Crane, $1.99. A coming-of-age novel with an unusual twist: Clementine is the sole survivor of a plane crash, and she’s now in Ireland suffering from amnesia. Here’s the plot summary: “With the relentless Irish press bearing down on her, and a father she may not even recognize on his way from America to take her home, Clementine assumes a new identity and enlists a blue-eyed Irish stranger, Kieran O’Connell, to help her escape her forgotten life…and start a new one. Hiding out in the sleepy town of Waterville, Ireland, Clementine discovers there’s an upside to a life that’s fallen apart. But as her lies grow, so does her affection for Kieran, and the truth about her identity becomes harder and harder to reveal, forcing Clementine to decide: Can she leave her past behind for a new love she’ll never forget?”
Zoey and Sassafras: Dragons and Marshmallows, by Asia Citro, $1.99. Science can be magic! Zoey and her cat Sassafras have a big secret: magical creatures are real and come to them for help! Zoey is a budding scientist and uses the scientific method to figure out what is wrong with a sick dragon. This is the first in a series; the short chapters, charming illustrations, and simple language make these books a good choice for budding readers.
What Lives in a Shell? by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld, $2.99. This charming book from the “Let’s Read and Find Out” series is a great introduction to crustaceans and other shelled creatures for early elementary readers. Detailed illustrations introduce clams, snails, crabs, and more.
A Tale of Two Cities, by Charles Dickens, $2.99. A classic adventure from Charles Dickens presents the story of the French Revolution through the eyes of the aristocrats, opportunists, and spies of Paris. Break out your knitting needles and settle in for an engrossing read. This edition includes a brief biography of Dickens and some contextual material.
I Survived The Battle of D-Day, by Lauren Tarshis, $3.99. My elementary-schooler has enjoyed several of the books in this series about deadly wars, plagues, and natural disasters. Each book includes a fictionalized story and a short section of historical information. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Eleven-year-old Paul's French village has been under Nazi control for years. His Jewish best friend has disappeared. Food is scarce. And there doesn't seem to be anything Paul can do to make things better. Then Paul finds an American paratrooper in a tree near his home. The soldier says the Allies have a plan to crush the Nazis once and for all. But the soldier needs Paul's help. This is Paul's chance to make a difference. Soon he finds himself in the midst of the largest invasion in history. Can he do his part to turn horror into hope?”
Magic Tree House: Night of the New Magicians, by Mary Pope Osborne, $3.99. Jack and Annie are heading to France! Merlin has sent them to pass along a message to four magicians at the 1889 World’s Fair in Paris. This is a “Merlin Mission,” so it is longer and more involved than the original Magic Tree House books.
Zane and the Hurricane: A Story of Katrina, by Rodman Philbrick, $3.99. Zane doesn’t know New Orleans well; he is visiting his great-grandmother when Hurricane Katrina makes landfall. After chasing his runaway dog, he finds himself fending for himself until he is rescued by a passing canoe. Philbrick includes realistic historical details and deftly addresses issues of race, class, and privilege.
Gandhi: A March to the Sea, by Alice B. McGinty, $1.99. This picture book with beautiful painted illustrations focuses on the nonviolent Satyagraha movement. There’s a free educator’s guide available as a PDF.
The Sky Painter: Louis Fuertes, Bird Artist, by Margarita Engle, $1.99. I will admit that I had never heard of Fuertes before I discovered this book. Thank you, Margarita Engle, for introducing me to his beautiful work. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Louis loves to watch birds. He takes care of injured birds and studies how they look and how they move. His father wants him to become an engineer, but Louis dreams of being a bird artist. To achieve this dream, he must practice, practice, practice. He learns from the art of John James Audubon. But as Louis grows up, he begins to draw and paint living, flying birds in their natural habitats. Louis Agassiz Fuertes (1874–1927) is now known as the father of modern bird art. He traveled with many scientific expeditions all over the world. His best-known works—paintings for habitat exhibits at the American Museum of Natural History in New York—are still beloved by visitors today. His art helped to encourage wildlife conservation, inspiring people to celebrate and protect the world of wings. Poems by Newbery Honor–winning author Margarita Engle and illustrations by Aliona Bereghici capture the life of Louis Fuertes and the deep sense of wonder that he felt when he painted the sky.”
Escape North! The Story of Harriet Tubman, by Monica Kulling, $4.99. I found my copy of this book at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park (which is great and you should go!). As I’ve mentioned before, I really like the higher level nonfiction “Step into Reading” books for providing a solid foundation on a topic at the elementary level. Kids will learn about Tubman’s missions escorting enslaved people to freedom, but also about her work as a spy and women’s rights advocate.
Frog and Toad are Friends, by Arnold Lobel, $4.99. This is an easy reader classic! Frog and Toad are not always alike, but they are always there for each other. Join them on their funny adventures swimming, looking for a lost button, and waiting for a letter. Fun pictures and few words on each page make this the perfect first chapter book for a new reader.
I am (Not) Scared, by Anna Kang, $1.99. The bears from You are (Not) Small and That’s (Not) Mine are back with a trip to the amusement park. They are frightened of, and exhilarated by, a whole host of new experiences and discover that being together can make hard things seem less scary.
A Snicker of Magic, by Natalie Lloyd, $3.99. My daughter loves this book! Here’s what she says: “A shy girl who’s been traveling around her whole life moves to a town that used to have magic. She learns that her ancestors were cursed and becomes determined to break the curse. This is a really heartwarming book, and I recommend it to people who like The Magic Half.”
Give Yourself Goosebumps: Tick Tock, You’re Dead, by R.L. Stine. A scary Goosebumps novel where you get to choose how the story turns out? Sign me up for this perfect campfire read!
Kindle Deals for October 13, 2020
These books get my vote!
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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Duck for President, by Doreen Cronin, $1.99. The wacky barnyard creatures from Click, Clack, Moo are back in this fun and topical picture book. When duck is tired of being asked to do work around the farm, he decides to hold and election and run against the farmer. This successful run leads to a turn as governor and eventually president. At each step along the way, Duck discovers that leading is actually a lot of work.
What is an Election?, by Caryn Jenner, $2.99. This leveled reader is a great introduction to basic concepts in the democratic process. It’s not America-specific; there’s a section on elections around the world. DK’s levels tend to be a bit more advanced that other easy readers. This one is suitable for kids who can read short paragraphs.
Secret Lives of the U.S. Presidents, by Cormac O’Brien, $2.99. Did you know that George Washington had leopard-skin robes made for his horses? Or that Thomas Jefferson smuggled rice from Europe in his pants? These weird facts and more will entertain and enlighten.
Thank You For Voting: The Maddening, Enlightening, Inspiring Truth About Voting in America, by Erin Geiger Smith, $3.99. Geiger Smith is a journalist who has been covering elections for years. In this book, she examines the reasons many people do not participate in elections. She traces the history of voting rights, social and economic factors, and issues that confuse or put off potential voters. The tone is engaging and helpful, with advice on how to encourage those around you to vote.
STILL ON SALE
The Trail of Tears, by Joseph Bruchac, $4.99. This early chapter book does not shy away from the realities of The Trail of Tears. The author, a member of the Abenaki tribe, describes Chief John Ross leading the Cherokee people 1,200 miles to new territory Oklahoma. Hardship and injustices are described in detail appropriate for elementary readers. Don’t discount this book for older readers; the level 4 and 5 books from Step into Reading are great for concise and engaging reading on a narrow topic.
You Hold Me Up, by Monique Gray Smith and Danielle Daniel, $4.99. This sweet picture book describes the ways people look out for each other (e.g., kindness and sharing). The illustrations feature Native people young and old. You’ll find this book a great conversation starter for a discussion about empathy and community spirit.
Why Indigenous Literatures Matter, by Daniel Heath Justice, $4.99. Are you looking to learn more about Indigenous authors? This book, written by a scholar for a broader audience, is a great place to start. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In considering the connections between literature and lived experience, this book contemplates four key questions at the heart of Indigenous kinship traditions: How do we learn to be human? How do we become good relatives? How do we become good ancestors? How do we learn to live together? Blending personal narrative and broader historical and cultural analysis with close readings of key creative and critical texts, Justice argues that Indigenous writers engage with these questions in part to challenge settler-colonial policies and practices that have targeted Indigenous connections to land, history, family, and self. More importantly, Indigenous writers imaginatively engage the many ways that communities and individuals have sought to nurture these relationships and project them into the future. This provocative volume challenges readers to critically consider and rethink their assumptions about Indigenous literature, history, and politics while never forgetting the emotional connections of our shared humanity and the power of story to effect personal and social change. Written with a generalist reader firmly in mind, but addressing issues of interest to specialists in the field, this book welcomes new audiences to Indigenous literary studies while offering more seasoned readers a renewed appreciation for these transformative literary traditions.”
Hearts Unbroken, by Cynthia Leitich Smith, $0.99. High school is complicated for everyone, even more so in this YA novel about a community in racial and cultural conflict. Here’s the publisher’s description: “When Louise Wolfe’s first real boyfriend mocks and disrespects Native people in front of her, she breaks things off and dumps him over e-mail. It’s her senior year, anyway, and she’d rather spend her time with her family and friends and working on the school newspaper. The editors pair her up with Joey Kairouz, the ambitious new photojournalist, and in no time the paper’s staff find themselves with a major story to cover: the school musical director’s inclusive approach to casting The Wizard of Oz has been provoking backlash in their mostly white, middle-class Kansas town. From the newly formed Parents Against Revisionist Theater to anonymous threats, long-held prejudices are being laid bare and hostilities are spreading against teachers, parents, and students — especially the cast members at the center of the controversy, including Lou’s little brother, who’s playing the Tin Man. As tensions mount at school, so does a romance between Lou and Joey — but as she’s learned, ‘dating while Native’ can be difficult. In trying to protect her own heart, will Lou break Joey’s?”
Greenglass House, by Kate Milford, $1.99. OK, it would be false advertising to compare this book to The Westing Game, but if there is a contemporary literary descendant of Raskin's deliciously complex mystery, it's The Greenglass House—a genuine, bona fide middle grades mystery that gives its readers credit for being intelligent and that delivers a satisfying mystery, sophisticated character development, and a few (well set-up) twists along the way. Adopted innkeepers' son Milo and his friend—the cook's daughter, Meddy—unravel the clues to discover why their off-season inn is full of unexpected visitors, at least one of whom seems set on sabotaging Greenglass House. It's a terrific mystery. Highly recommended.
A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning, by Lemony Snicket, $2.99. The first book is Lemony Snicket’s hilariously tragic series chronicles the moment things begin to go terribly wrong in the lives of the ill-fated Baudelaire orphans. Kids will love the over-the-top storytelling; parents will be tickled by all the interesting words Snicket throws in.
The Thickety: A Path Begins, by J.A. White, $3.99. Looking for a seriously creepy and sometimes dark middle-grade fantasy? The Thickety does a good job of balancing real menace with imaginative storytelling. Here’s a bit of the publisher’s description: “When Kara Westfall was five years old, her mother was convicted of the worst of all crimes: witchcraft. Years later, Kara and her little brother, Taff, are still shunned by the people of their village, who believe that nothing is more evil than magic…except, perhaps, the mysterious forest that covers nearly the entire island. It has many names, this place. Sometimes it is called the Dark Wood, or Sordyr's Realm. But mostly it's called the Thickety. The villagers live in fear of the Thickety and the terrible creatures that live there. But when an unusual bird lures Kara into the forbidden forest, she discovers a strange book with unspeakable powers. A book that might have belonged to her mother. And that is just the beginning of the story.”
Spontaneous, by Aaron Starmer, $2.99. I just bought this one for myself! The idea of a darkly funny YA novel about a wave of spontaneous combustions just felt right for 2020. The publisher’s description hooked me. Will it do the same for you? “Mara Carlyle’s senior year is going as normally as could be expected, until fellow senior Katelyn Ogden explodes during third period pre-calc. Katelyn is the first, but she won’t be the last teenager to blow up without warning or explanation. As the national eye turns to Mara’s suburban New Jersey hometown, the FBI rolls in and the search for a reason is on. Mara narrates the end of their world as she knows it while trying to make it to graduation in one piece. It’s an explosive year punctuated by romance, quarantine, lifelong friendship, hallucinogenic mushrooms, bloggers, ice cream trucks, and Bon Jovi.”
Three Faces of Me, by R.L. Stine, $0.99. No one beats R.L. Stine for a kid-appropriate intro to the horror genre. Here’s the publisher’s description of this eerie tale: “When Ira Fishman wins a prize in the machine outside a candy store, he’s disappointed it’s not the squirt gun he had his eye on. The little black plastic box looks like a camera, but when Ira presses the green button on top, nothing happens. After dinner that night, Ira can’t believe what he sees in his room: a boy with the same clothes—and face—as Ira! He tries to get this second Ira to leave, but it’s no use. Deciding to have a little fun, Ira makes the boy go to school in his place—but it’s a disaster. The new Ira isn’t good at math like the real Ira, and he’s horrible at softball. Worst of all, he plays with the girls during recess! Ira’s clone is ruining his rep—fast. And when a third Ira shows up, Ira number one has to find a way to make the others disappear for good before his whole world is turned upside down. But how do you get rid of yourself?”
Turkey Trick of Treat, by Wendi Silvano, $0.99. The wacky turkey from Turkey Trouble is back, this time to celebrate Halloween! He wants candy, but the farmer will only give it to kids in costumes. Can he and the other barnyard animals trick the farmer into giving them treats?
Halloween Hustle, by Charlotte Gunnufson, $0.99. Kids will love the spooky-cute illustrations and the fun rhyming text. Skeleton is on his way to a party, and he can’t help but dance. But he has a problem — he keeps tripping and falling apart. Can he keep it together?
How to Build a Haunted House, by Frank Tupta, $1.99. In this rhyming story, classic monsters are are working together to make a spooky haunted house. The twist? It’s for vampire family in need!
The Magic Half, by Annie Barrows, $4.79. My daughter loved this series when she was in elementary school. When Miri’s family moves into a new house, she is thrilled with her interesting new room in the attic. Things get a little strange, and more interesting, when she discovers that her room is somehow connected to 1935 and a girl in need of help. Miri has to learn the secrets of this time travel to rescue Molly.
Stepping Stones: The Time Machine, by H.G. Wells and Les Martin, $3.99. The Stepping Stones series adapts classic literature to an early chapter book level. This adaptation of the H.G. Wells classic is heavy on the action and includes engaging illustrations. This is a great introduction to one of the foundational texts of science fiction.
Apples, Apples, Apples, by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace, $0.99. The bunny family is heading to the orchard to pick some fresh apples! They meet up with Farmer Miller, who explains the different varieties of apples and how they grow. When they have gathered all they need, they head home to make fresh applesauce (recipe included!). Wallace’s unique cut paper illustrations are very sweet.
The Seasons of Arnold’s Apple Tree, by Gail Gibbons, $4.99. Arnold has a favorite apple tree. He spends time in it throughout the year, picking fruit, smelling blossoms, feeding the birds, and basking in its shade. In simple language, Gibbons walks readers through a year in the life of a tree. Don’t miss the recipe for apple pie and the description of how a cider press works!
How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World, by Marjorie Priceman, $4.99. From our readalouds with recipes list: “As Carl Sagan once said, if you want to make an apple pie from scratch, first you have to create the universe. In this playful picture book, you don’t have to create the world but you do have to travel it, journeying around the globe to collect far-flung ingredients for the perfect apple pie.”
Apples and How They Grow, by Laura Driscoll, $4.99. Let your beginning reader read about apples on their own! This short and sweet nonfiction book is full of details about how apples grow. Kids (and adults) may be surprised to learn about grafting branches from one tree onto another.
We Dream of Space, by Erin Entrada Kelly, $1.99. That historical fiction is now set in the 1980s makes me feel a little old, but I’m excited to read this new middle grade novel. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Cash, who loves basketball but has a newly broken wrist, is in danger of failing seventh grade for the second time. Fitch spends every afternoon playing Major Havoc at the arcade on Main and wrestles with an explosive temper that he doesn’t understand. And Bird, his twelve-year-old twin, dreams of being NASA’s first female shuttle commander, but feels like she’s disappearing. The Thomas children exist in their own orbits, circling a tense and unpredictable household, with little in common except an enthusiastic science teacher named Ms. Salonga. As the launch of the Challenger approaches, Ms. Salonga gives her students a project—they are separated into spacecraft crews and must create and complete a mission. When the fated day finally arrives, it changes all of their lives and brings them together in unexpected ways.”
Space Opera, by Catherynne M. Valente, $1.99. Amy and Suzanne really enjoyed this book. Here’s what Amy has to say about it: “So earlier this fall, I told Suzanne that I needed to read something that would just make me happy, and she suggested this space saga. NEVER DOUBT SUZANNE. This zany, Douglas Adams-ish (and I don’t throw that around lightly) story centers around an intergalactic version of American Idol, in which planets compete not for record deals but for the right for their species to be considered sentient by the rest of the universe. All newly space-faring species must compete to prove their sentience — and if they come in last, their whole species will be wiped right out of existence. Now that Earth is in the space game, and the future of humanity is in the hands of aging 70s rocker Decibel Jones. It sounds wacky and all over the place because it is wacky and all over the place — but in a way that made me really happy.”
Suni Goes to Space, by Arthy Muthanna Singh and Mamta Nainy, $0.99. When Sunita Williams was young, she dreamed of going into space like Neil Armstrong. Singh and Nainy introduce us to Suni, the inquisitive and creative girl who grew up to become an astronaut.
Scream: Chilling Adventures in the Science of Fear, by Margee Kerr, $1.99. Why do we feel afraid? Why do we deliberately seek out horror movies and haunted houses? Sociologist Margee Kerr investigates the individual and societal experiences of fear. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Fear is a universal human experience, but do we really understand it? If we're so terrified of monsters and serial killers, why do we flock to the theaters to see them? Why do people avoid thinking about death, but jump out of planes and swim with sharks? For Kerr, there was only one way to find out. In this eye-opening, adventurous book, she takes us on a tour of the world's scariest experiences: into an abandoned prison long after dark, hanging by a cord from the highest tower in the Western hemisphere, and deep into Japan's mysterious ‘suicide forest.’ She even goes on a ghost hunt with a group of paranormal adventurers. Along the way, Kerr shows us the surprising science from the newest studies of fear -- what it means, how it works, and what it can do for us. Full of entertaining science and the thrills of a good ghost story, this book will make you think, laugh -- and scream.”
Alice in Zombieland, by Gena Showalter, $2.99. It’s Alice in Wonderland… sort of. With zombies! This YA zombie novel is filled with allusions to Wonderland.
His Hideous Heart: 13 of Edgar Allen Poe’s Most Unsettling Tales Reimagined, edited by Dahlia Adler, $2.99. Teens have loved Poe’s creepy tales for the last hundred and fifty years. Now they can experience the themes in new ways through this collection of modern short stories from big names in current YA.
Teach Your Own: The John Holt Book of Homeschooling, by John Holt and Pat Farenga, $2.99. John Holt is one of the founders of the modern homeschool movement. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In this expanded edition of the book that helped launch the whole movement, Pat Farenga has distilled John Holt's timeless understanding of the ways children come to understand the world and added up-to-the-moment legal, financial, and logistical advice. No parent even considering homeschooling should be without this wise and unique reference. Rather than proposing that parents turn their homes into miniature schools, Holt and Farenga demonstrate how ordinary parents can help children grow as social, active learners. Chapters on living with children, "serious play," children and work, and learning difficulties will fascinate and encourage parents and help them enjoy each "homeschool" day. John Holt's warm understanding of children and his passionate belief in every child's ability to learn have made this book the bible of homeschooling families everywhere.”
My Strong Mind: A Story about Developing Mental Strength, by Niels van Hove, $2.99. This is a pretty didactic but accessible book about developing good habits. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Kate faces several situations your children will face too. She applies a positive attitude to deal with her challenges. Amongst them are getting ready in time in the morning, doing cartwheels, standing in front of the whole class with show and tell and playing basketball. Kate applies techniques like goal setting, positive self-talk, accept failure as learning, visualisation of a problem, breathing or mindfulness exercise, gratitude, and controlled distraction. These tips to build a strong mind in children are presented in an easy to read, fun and practical way.”
It’s Okay to Make Mistakes, by Todd Parr, $1.99. Todd Parr’s books are like big, extra-tight hugs. His simple style is bold, funny, and diverse. For every mistake he mentions, he offers a hint at what can happen next (e.g., “It’s OK to not know the answer. Asking questions helps you learn.”) My toddler could recite Todd Parr books way before she could read them on her own.
Storybound, by Melissa Burt, $3.99. I haven’t had a chance to read this series yet, but it sounds like a delightful bookish adventure. Here’s the publisher’s description: “When Una Fairchild stumbles upon a mysterious book buried deep in the basement of her school library, she thinks nothing of opening the cover and diving in. But instead of paging through a regular novel, Una suddenly finds herself Written In to the land of Story—a world filled with Heroes and Villains and fairy-tale characters. But not everything in Story is as magical as it seems. Una must figure out why she has been Written In—and fast—before anyone else discovers her secret. Together with her new friend Peter and a talking cat named Sam, Una digs deep into Story's shadowy past. She quickly realizes that she is tied to the world in ways she never could have imagined—and it might be up to her to save it.”
A Dash of Magic, by Kathryn Littlewood, $3.99. The Bliss series is a mouth-watering literary treat. In this second book in the series, Rosemary is determined to retrieve the magical Cookery Booke that her aunt has stolen — even if it means facing off in an Iron Chef-style food battle. The competition takes the Bliss family to Paris, where the family rushes around famous sites collecting the magical ingredients Rosemary needs. There’s an excellent sense of place. If you enjoy this book, the sequel is also on sale.
Sleep, Big Bear, Sleep! by Maureen Wright, $0.99. It’s time to hibernate in this charming picture book. Bear knows there’s something he needs to do, but he keeps mishearing Old Man Winter’s “Sleep” message and instead thinks he is supposed to leap or sweep. It’s a sweet, funny story perfect for fall.
Scaredy Squirrel, by Melanie Watt, $0.99. Scaredy Squirrel wants to be prepared. He has all of his emergency gear at the ready, prepared for bees, Martians, whatever might happen. He prefers to stick to his safe, steady routine. When a chance encounter causes him to leap into the unknown, he gets a big surprise.
Shampoodle, by Joan Holub, $3.99. This fun easy reader will have kids giggling! The funny, rhyming text describes a day at the dog groomer. The dogs are all very exuberant, even before a cat wanders in and causes mayhem. I love the pictures in this one; there’s lots to see!
Bad Kitty Camp Daze, by Nick Bruel, $4.96. Bad Kitty has an attitude problem that will endear her to surly children everywhere. Bruel built on his picture book series with these early chapter books that contain lots of illustrated action. When Bad Kittle sneaks away to Uncle Murray’s Camp for Stressed-Out Dogs, she learns more than she bargains for about the natural world.
The Hobbits of Tolkien: An Illustrated Exploration of Tolkien’s Hobbits and the Sources that Inspired His Work From Myth, Legend, and History, by David Day, $3.99. Want to know more about the mythology behind Middle Earth? Curious about the etymology of some place names and people? This book perfectly balances detailed research with cozy illustrations. The author has written similar volumes about other elements of Tolkien’s work.
A Dictionary of Sources of Tolkien: The History and Mythology That Inspired Tolkien’s World, by David Day, $3.99. I enjoy sweeping fantasy, but I definitely struggle to keep all the names and places straight. In this extensive volume, Day provides information about all the proper nouns of Middle Earth, both their relevance to the narrative and their allusions to other literary traditions.
An Unexpected Cookbook: The Unofficial Book of Hobbit Cookery, by Chris-Rachael Oseland, $5.99. This book is more expensive than my typical Kindle deals, but I didn’t think we could properly celebrate Hobbit Day without at least one food book. The recipes are broken up into all seven Hobbit meals, with delicious treats like Lavender and Lemon Bread, Yorkshire Pudding, and Honey Cakes. You’ll find detailed recipe notes and mouthwatering photos throughout.
Fear of Physics: A Guide for the Perplexed, by Lawrence M. Krauss, $1.99. Krauss is a theoretical physicist who works on the deepest mysteries of the universe. But don’t let that intimidate you! Here’s the publisher’s description: “Assume the cow is a sphere." So begins this lively, irreverent, and informative look at everything from the physics of boiling water to cutting-edge research at the observable limits of the universe. Rich with anecdotes and accessible examples, Fear of Physics nimbly ranges over the tools and thought behind the world of modern physics, taking the mystery out of what is essentially a very human intellectual endeavour.”
Caesar’s Last Breath: Decoding the Secrets of the Air Around Us, by Sam Kean, $2.99. Science writer Sam Kean has written about the chemical elements, neuroscience, genetics, and the creation of the atomic bomb. In this book, he explores the air around us and the molecules we find within it. He travels throughout history and across several continents in his quest to understand the air we breathe.
Scienceblind: Why Our Intuitive Theories About the World Are So Often Wrong, by Andrew Shtulman, $4.99. Our brains are wired to make connections that help us make sense of the world. But that does not mean that our brains always interpret the world correctly. Cognitive psychologist Andrew Shtulman explains the reasons why people tend to believe weird things in this fascinating book. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Why do we catch colds? What causes seasons to change? And if you fire a bullet from a gun and drop one from your hand, which bullet hits the ground first? In a pinch we almost always get these questions wrong. Worse, we regularly misconstrue fundamental qualities of the world around us. In Scienceblind, cognitive and developmental psychologist Andrew Shtulman shows that the root of our misconceptions lies in the theories about the world we develop as children. They're not only wrong, they close our minds to ideas inconsistent with them, making us unable to learn science later in life. So how do we get the world right? We must dismantle our intuitive theories and rebuild our knowledge from its foundations. The reward won't just be a truer picture of the world, but clearer solutions to many controversies -- around vaccines, climate change, or evolution -- that plague our politics today.”
Uncommon Paper Flowers: Extraordinary Botanicals and How to Craft Them, by Kate Alcaron, $2.99. You’ve made a paper rose before, now get ready to try something unique! Alcaron has collected 30 unusual plants and created paper models of them. The book contains detailed botanical descriptions, an extensive technique section, and templates for creating your own dramatic floral display.
Parenting in a Pandemic: How to Help Your Family Through Covid-19, by Kelly Fradin, $0.99. This just came out and will (I hope) only be useful for a limited time, but the price is right and the advice is solid. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Parents are burning out while kids need more help than ever. With so many families in crisis, pediatrician and child advocate Dr. Kelly Fradin sees an urgent need for help. As a mother of two, Dr. Fradin shares practical, evidence-based and reassuring advice on what families need to know. Parents are forced to make decisions now despite seemingly constant change and many unknowns. In Parenting in a Pandemic, Dr. Fradin provides the information and strategies you need to help navigate coronavirus. The book reviews the science necessary to understand the news and care for your family. Dr. Fradin explains the specific risks of coronavirus to children of all ages and adults, including parents, grandparents, pregnant women, and essential workers. She gives realistic strategies you can use to improve this time for your family whether you are protecting a newborn, virtually schooling or convincing a teen to physically distance.”
The House Takes a Vacation, by Jacqueline Davies, $0.99. Get ready for a surreal and wacky adventure! When the house’s people go on vacation, the house decides to take its own trip. Kids and adults will enjoy the pun-filled text and personality-filled illustrations.
Little House in the Big Woods, by Laura Ingalls Wilder, $3.99. The Little House books are among the most read children’s books of all time, and with good reason. Wilder does a tremendous job of creating a vivid and inviting glimpse into life on the frontier. Later books in the series have problematic depictions of conflicts with Native Americans and have not aged well. Little House in the Big Woods, however, is a cozy and gentle peek into the past. Read this one by candle or fire as the temperatures start to dip this fall!
The Hero’s Guide to Saving Your Kingdom, by Christopher Healy, $3.99. You think you know the classic fairytale stories, but they are usually centered around the princesses. This fun middle grade series focuses on the princes. After the “happily ever after” the princes discover that their kingdoms are in danger, and they set off take on all kinds of mythical monsters. This fun and funny book is the first in a series that your middle-grade reader will love.
The Element Encyclopedia of Magical Creatures, by John and Caitlin Matthews, $3.99. Looking for a reference on obscure creatures? Every time I open this book, I discover a new mythological animal I haven’t heard of before. Here’s the publisher’s description: “From unicorns and trolls to werewolves and griffins, this comprehensive guide is the key to discovering every magical creature from myth, folklore and legend around the world. This compendium of magical creatures explores the history, folklore and mythology of fascinating beasts throughout all the magical worlds. Including stories, celebrations, traditions, and amazing facts, the book spans every major culture across the globe.”
Steampunk! An Anthology of Fantastically Rich and Strange Stories, edited by Kelly Link and Gavin J. Grant, $0.99. Are you new to steampunk but interested in exploring alternate versions of the world shaped by a different series of technological innovations? This anthology will introduce you to many excellent YA steampunk authors. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Imagine an alternate universe where romance and technology reign. Where tinkerers and dreamers craft and re-craft a world of automatons, clockworks, calculating machines, and other marvels that never were. Where scientists and schoolgirls, fair folk and Romans, intergalactic bandits, utopian revolutionaries, and intrepid orphans solve crimes, escape from monstrous predicaments, consult oracles, and hover over volcanoes in steam-powered airships. Here, fourteen masters of speculative fiction, including two graphic storytellers, embrace the genre's established themes and refashion them in surprising ways and settings as diverse as Appalachia, ancient Rome, future Australia, and alternate California. Visionaries Kelly Link and Gavin J. Grant have invited all-new explorations and expansions, taking a genre already rich, strange, and inventive in the extreme and challenging contributors to remake it from the ground up. The result is an anthology that defies its genre even as it defines it.”
The Wonderling, by Mira Bartok, $0.99. In Mira Bartok’s imagined world, groundlings are creatures that are part animal, part human. Thirteen, a fox groundling, escapes the Dickensian workhouse where has been raised and sets off on an adventure of his own. The tone is similar to Lemony Snicket, but the story is entirely unique, full of mechanical details and animals with extraordinary abilities. Put this strange and interesting book in the hands of your middle-grade reader!
My Robots: The Robotic Genius of Lady Regina Bonquers III, by Johan Olander, $3.99. Olander creates such interesting books! This heavily illustrated book purports to be the design scrapbook of an elusive roboticist. Lady Regina has created bots to fight fires, pluck nose hairs, and even give hugs. Kids will enjoy all the details of the development process, the unique visual style, and a frisson of mystery over Lady Regina’s whereabouts.
The Last Kids on Earth, by Max Brallier, $1.99. Are you ready for some funny post-apocalyptic lit for kids? This madcap adventure mixes peril, gross out humor, and teamwork as an unlikely band of teens works to save the day and stay alive. It’s a middle grade chapter book riddled with exciting and gruesome illustrations. If this sounds like something you’d be into, several books in the series are on sale today.
Big History: From the Big Bang to the Present, by Cynthia Stokes Brown, $3.99. The Big History movement combines science with history to study Earth from the moment of the big bang all the way through current events. Brown does a remarkable job finding through lines in the vast sweep of history. Each era is necessarily brief, but readers will be pleased to see that the history is not overly focused on Western civilization.
Bear and Fred: A World War II Story, by Iris Argaman, $4.99. Picture books can make challenging subjects understandable for small children. In this book, Israeli author Iris Argaman tells the true story of a boy’s time hiding from Nazis during WWII — from the perspective of his loyal teddy bear. It’s a tough but uplifting story that gently introduces the topic of the Holocaust.
Sleepover Larry, by Daniel Pinkwater, $3.99. Larry is a dapper polar bear who lives in a hotel owned by his human family. When Larry learns the concept of sleepovers, he is determined to have a great one with his bear friends from the zoo!
National Geographic Readers: Bears, by Elizabeth Carney, $3.99. Learn about bear species from all over the world in this fun, brightly illustrated easy reader. Sections cover habitats, adaptations, diet, cubs, and more. The level 3 books pack in a lot of detail without complicated vocabulary.
Magic Tree House: Polar Bears Past Bedtime, by Mary Pope Osborne, $3.99. Jack and Annie are off on another adventure, this time to the Arctic! They encounter indigenous hunters, polar bears, the Northern Lights, and more. The Magic Tree House series is great for beginning readers who are looking for fast-paced, exciting (but short) chapter books.
Bibliophile: An Illustrated Miscellany, by Jane Mount, $2.99. This is a literary bonbon for any book lover. As the title suggests, it’s a wonderful collection of miscellaneous facts about books, writers, bookstores, characters, and more. I can almost guarantee that you will find a new author to check out, or even a new favorite book, in the illustrated book lists.
The Man Who Made Lists: Love, Death, Madness, and the Creation of Roget’s Thesaurus, by Joshua Kendall. When I was a kid, I found thesauruses fascinating. I loved flipping through themed lists of words. I don’t think many kids use paper thesauruses now; the function built into your word processor isn’t really the same. Whether you are nostalgic for your childhood thesaurus or have never really used one, you’ll find the story behind the creation of the first modern thesaurus unexpectedly fascinating. Here’s a brief publisher’s description: “Polymath, eccentric, and synonym aficionado, Peter Mark Roget had a host of female admirers, was one of the first to test the effects of laughing gas, invented the slide rule, and narrowly escaped jail in Napoleon's France. But Roget is best known for making lists. After the tragic turmoil of his early life (both his mother and sister were institutionalized), Roget longed for order in his chaotic world. At the age of eight, he began his quest to put everything in its rightful place, one word at a time. This is the fascinating story of a driven man and a brilliant scholar-and the legacy he has left for generations.”
The Food Explorer: The True Adventures of the Globe-Trotting Botanist Who Transformed What America Eats, by Daniel Stone, $4.99. So many of the foods we now consider to be standard American fare are not native to this continent. The diversity of our current palate is partially the work of David Fairchild, a 19th century botanist who traveled the world looking for interesting plants that he could introduce to American audiences. Both food history and a globe-trotting adventure book, The Food Explorer is a delicious piece of writing.
Suffering Succotash: A Picky Eater’s Quest to Understand Why We Hate the Foods We Hate, by Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic, $4.99. There are tons of books about helping kids who are picky eaters, but this is the first one I’ve seen that is written by an actual picky eater. Lucianovic considers the roles of gag reflexes, anxiety, supertasters, support groups, and many other factors. The author’s personal experiences add a warm, personal touch.
A Spy in the House, by Y.S. Lee, $0.99. This is the first in a series of YA historical mysteries about a young Asian sleuth in Victorian London. Mary is an orphan doomed for the gallows when she is rescued and offered a position at the mysterious Miss Scrimshaw’s Academy for Girls. The school is the training ground for an elite group of detectives who can infiltrate high society households. Lee does an excellent job of offering the gritty details of the Victorian city while staying away from graphic details. The immigrant experience is rarely discussed in historical fiction, so this series provides an interesting perspective.
Seafaring Women: Adventures of Pirate Queens, Female Stowaways, and Sailors’ Wives, by David Cordingly, $4.99. Women have been taking to the seas, sometimes in secret, for hundreds of years. Cordingly has collected the stories of dozens of maritime women who lived life on the open water.
The March on Washington, by Bonnie Bader, $3.99. American Girl has been bringing accessible historical fiction to early readers for more than 30 years. More recently, the company has published factual companion books that provide deeper background into important events. This book about the 1963 March on Washington includes photos, timelines, maps, and a bibliography for more research.
One Crazy Summer, by Rita Williams-Garcia, $4.99. When the three Gaither sisters travel to California to spend time with their estranged mother, they are expecting movie stars and Disneyland. What they actually experience is a little different: summer camp run by the Black Panthers. The girls spend the next four weeks learning about the movement and discovering their own identities. This work of historical fiction set in 1968 is a nice point of entry for a discussion about the Civil Rights movement and the Black Panthers.
Susan B. Anthony: Her Fight for Equal Rights, by Monica Kulling, $4.99. Get to know one of America’s strongest proponents of women’s voting rights, Susan B. Anthony, in this book for early readers. Anthony was determined to vote in an election, even though it was illegal for women to do so at the time. Her civil disobedience led to her arrest. Young readers will learn about how Anthony’s actions paved the way for the 19th Amendment.
Lillian’s Right to Vote: A Celebration of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, by Jonah Winter and Shane W. Evans, $4.99. Sadly, the 19th Amendment did not make voting accessible to ALL women. In many places, unfair practices like poll taxes, complicated literacy tests, and property ownership rules made it nearly impossible for people of color to vote. In this moving picture book, an old woman reminisces about her family’s history and the many barriers to voting they faced.
The Women’s Suffrage Movement, edited by Sally Roesch Wagner, $4.99. What is the study of history without primary sources? This great collection from Penguin Classics looks at the quest for women’s rights in a delightfully intersectional array of essays, letters, speeches, and other texts. Readers will discover Black and Native American women whose ideas were crucial to the movement but have been overlooked in historical accounts.
The Templeton Twins Have an Idea, by Ellis Weiner, $0.99. If your reader has plowed the A Series of Unfortunate Events and would like something with a similar feel, look no further. The Templetons feel very similar to the Baudelaires. A snippet from the book description gives you an excellent feel for the tone: “Suppose there were 12-year-old twins, a boy and girl named John and Abigail Templeton. Let's say John was pragmatic and played the drums, and Abigail was theoretical and solved cryptic crosswords. Now suppose their father was a brilliant, if sometimes confused, inventor. And suppose that another set of twins—adults—named Dean D. Dean and Dan D. Dean, kidnapped the Templeton twins and their ridiculous dog in order to get their father to turn over one of his genius (sort of) inventions. Yes, I said kidnapped. Wouldn't it be fun to read about that? Oh please. It would so. Luckily for you, this is just the first in a series perfect for boys and girls who are smart, clever, and funny (just like the twins), and enjoy reading adventurous stories (who doesn't?!).”
Ella Enchanted, by Gail Carson Levine, $1.99. This Newberry Honor book has been beloved for two decades, and with good reason. A unique twist on the Cinderella story, this book focuses on Ella, a girl who has been cursed (“gifted”?) with obedience to others’ orders. In order to break this curse, she must track down and convince the fairy godmother who bestowed it.
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.
801 Things You Should Know: From Greek Philosophy to Today’s Technology, by David Olsen, $1.99. You’re a smart person. You’ve probably heard of many of the concepts and events in this book. But you may not be clear on all the details. This collection of short entries about everything from politics to medical terminology to economic principals will serve as a great introduction or refresher. Hand this to a tween/teen along with a newspaper — they’ll be able to quickly get background on unfamiliar terms like bear markets, the Hundred Years’ War, and the Invisible Hand theory.
A Field Guide to Monsters, by Johan Olander, $0.99. Olander is a “monstrologist” who documents monsters’ behavior in the wild. In this whimsical and imaginative book, he collects illustrations and artifacts from the Slobber Bug, Beach Krill, Tadpole-Monster, and other previously unknown (aka imaginary) creatures. It would be fun to compare this book with other, more scientific field guides.
Iron Hearted Violet, by Kelly Barnhill, $1.99. Kelly Barnhill tells such compelling twists on fairytale tropes. In this book, Princess Violet must work with the last dragon alive to protect the world from an evil being she has only read about in a forbidden book. Violet is brave, but not beautiful, strong, but not perfect.
The Menagerie, by Tui T. Sutherland and Kari Sutherland, $3.99. If your middle-grade reader enjoys books where the magical world bumps into the real world, The Menagerie series may be the perfect next adventure. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In the small town of Xanadu, Wyoming lies the Menagerie, a top secret facility filled with unicorns, dragons, phoenixes, and other fairy tale creatures. At least, it was a secret—until six griffin cubs escaped. If Logan and Zoe don’t get the cubs back fast, the entire Menagerie will be shut down. The race is on and the resulting adventure is only the beginning of a thrilling series that will leave readers wanting a magical menagerie of their very own.”
An Optimist’s Tour of the Future, by Mark Stevenson, $4.99. My husband loves this book, which does a great job of musing about how technology could change our future for the better. Here’s the publisher’s description: “When unexpectedly confronted with his own mortality, Mark Stevenson-a writer, deep-thinker, and stand-up comedian-began to ponder what the future holds for our species. ‘The past is a foreign country,’ writes Stevenson. ‘By my analysis it's a bit like France-in that I've been to parts of it and eaten some nice food there. But the future? The future is an unknown territory-and there isn't a guidebook.’ Thus, his ambition was born. Stevenson set out simply, asking, ‘What's next?’ and then traveled the globe in pursuit of the answers. Along the way, he visited the Australian outback to visit the farmers who can save us from climate change, met a robot with mood swings, and talked to the Spaniard who's putting a hotel in space. While some might be overwhelmed, or even dismayed by the looming realities of genome sequencing, synthetic biology, a nuclear renaissance, and carbon scrubbing, Stevenson remains, well, optimistic. Drawing on his singular humor and storytelling to break down these sometimes complicated discoveries, An Optimist's Tour of the Future paints a wonderfully readable, and completely enthralling portrait of where we'll be when we grow up- and why it's not so scary.”
50 Ways to Beat Boredom with LEGO Bricks, by DK Publishing, $0.99. If your house is anything like mine, you have no shortage of LEGO pieces. This short book introduces 50 quick activities and games using the beloved building materials. Build a mountain to create a 3D game board (instructions for a spinner also included) or design a functional piggy bank! This is an idea book, not a book of detailed instructions, but it’s a great jumping off point for an hour or a day of LEGO exploration. Note: If you already have 365 Things to Do with LEGO Bricks, you don’t need this book; this book is a shorter extract of that one.
Would You Rather? Made You Think Edition, by Lindsey Daly, $0.99. They start simple: “Would you rather kiss a fish that’s living in a radioactive pond or roll down a hill while hugging a porcupine?” The questions only get more interesting from there. Turn the questions into a game by scoring points for the best reasoning (guidelines are given in the introduction).
Diary of a Pug: Pug Blasts Off, by Kyla May, $2.99. Meet Bub, aka Baron von Bubbles, beloved pet of Bella. He loves doing everything with his human, so when she enters an invention contest, Bub is determined to help her. But this means he needs to deal with his squirrel nemesis, Nutz. This fun, brightly colored diary is full of wacky adventures and adorable illustrations. Early chapter book readers will love it!
Chickadee, by Louise Erdrich, $4.49. Chickadee takes place within the family introduced in Birchbark House. Omakayas is grown with a family of her own, and this story focuses on her twin sons, Chickadee and Makoons. After a prank gone wrong, Chickadee is kidnapped by angry men. This is the tale of Chickadee’s long path to reunion with his family. As with Erdrich’s other books, Chickadee’s story is filled with vivid details about Ojibwe life and traditions.
Young Water Protetctors: A Story About Standing Rock, by Aslan and Kelly Tudor, $2.99. Aslan Tudor was 10 years old when he wrote this book about his time participating in the Standing Rock protests. This is a great, age appropriate introduction to the conflict between native peoples and developers of the Dakota Access Pipeline.
My Heart Fills with Happiness, by Monique Gray Smith, $4.99. This sweet picture book introduces many things that bring happiness — good smells, good friends, and the beauty of nature. The lovely illustrations show many elements in the life on an indigenous family.
The Odds of Loving Grover Cleveland, by Rebekah Crane, $0.99. This Grover Cleveland isn’t a president; he’s a resident at Camp Padua, a summer program for at-risk teens. When Zander’s parents insist she leave home to attend camp, she is sure that she won’t fit in. She’s surprised to make connections with her fellow campers, even though they are all dealing with big problems of their own. This tough but ultimately hopeful novel is also filled with darkly funny moments.
The Mermaid’s Sister, by Carrie Anne Noble, $0.99. I haven’t read this YA fantasy novel yet, but it’s definitely on my To Read list. Here’s the publisher’s summary: In a cottage high atop Llanfair Mountain, sixteen-year-old Clara lives with her sister, Maren, and guardian Auntie. By day, they gather herbs for Auntie’s healing potions; by night, Auntie spins tales of faraway lands and wicked fairies. Clara’s favorite story tells of three orphaned infants—Clara, who was brought to Auntie by a stork; Maren, who arrived in a seashell; and their best friend, O’Neill, who was found beneath an apple tree. One day, Clara discovers iridescent scales just beneath her sister’s skin: Maren is becoming a mermaid and must be taken to the sea or she will die. So Clara, O’Neill, and the mermaid-girl set out for the shore. But the trio encounters trouble around every bend. Ensnared by an evil troupe of traveling performers, Clara and O’Neill must find a way to save themselves and the ever-weakening Maren.
The Testing, by Joelle Charbonneau, $1.99. Calling all fans of The Hunger Games or Divergent! This series should scratch that dystopian coming-of-age itch. Here’s a summary from the publisher: “It’s graduation day for sixteen-year-old Malencia Vale, and the entire Five Lakes Colony (the former Great Lakes) is celebrating. All Cia can think about—hope for—is whether she’ll be chosen for The Testing, a United Commonwealth program that selects the best and brightest new graduates to become possible leaders of the slowly revitalizing post-war civilization. When Cia is chosen, her father finally tells her about his own nightmarish half-memories of The Testing. Armed with his dire warnings (“Cia, trust no one”), she bravely heads off to Tosu City, far away from friends and family, perhaps forever. Danger, romance—and sheer terror—await.”
Princess Academy, by Shannon Hale, $0.99. You may be starting to get the impression that I love Shannon Hale, and you would be right. Princess Academy is the first in a middle grade series about a land where a rich urban royal class benefits from the poorly paid labor of all the surrounding towns. When it is decided that the Prince’s wife should come from Miri’s village, all the teen girls are rounded up and sent to a school where they will be taught the ways of court. Booklist says, “Hale nicely interweaves feminist sensibilities in this quest-for-a-prince-charming, historical-fantasy tale. Strong suspense and plot drive the action as the girls outwit would-be kidnappers and explore the boundaries of leadership, competition, and friendship.” If you are looking for books with strong heroines who overcome difficulties to make a difference in their world, this is the book for you.
Bound: 15 Beautiful Bookbinding Projects, by Rachel Hazell, $3.99. If your family is anything like mine, you probably have dozens of stories your kids have written and illustrated. Why not turn them into an art project by binding them into book form? Or set yourself up for a new school year by creating small notebooks for nature observations or other projects. This book goes through multiple styles, from basic to complex, with step by step instructions.
Mini Weapons of Mass Destruction: Make Mayhem from your Stationery with 35 Models to Build Yourself, by John Austin, $3.99. Do you have pens, rubber bands, and plastic utensils? If so, you’re ready to build a catapult or trebuchet! All of these weapons are small scale but need adult supervision to prevent injury. Keep this book as a resource for discussing wars and weaponry throughout history.
American Heritage History of Flight, by Arthur Gordon, $1.99. This detailed look at aviation begins with ancient attempts to harness the wind and moves through modern technological innovations. While there are few illustrations, the Kindle version includes in-text links to Wikipedia for additional information and visuals.
National Geographic Readers: Planes, by Amy Shields, $4.99. If you are looking for a detailed book that your early elementary students can read on their own, the National Geographic Reader series is a great place to start. This one covers all types of planes, including some unusual ones (have you ever seen the inside of a C-17?) sure to pique interest.
Amazing Airplanes, by Tony Mitton, $3.54. For our youngest family members, we have this bright and simple picture book. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Buckle up to learn all about flying! Amazing Airplanes follows the animal crew, as they become pilots, baggage handlers, and air stewards. Each page is filled with details that machine-mad kids love, such as the cockpit, landing gear, and much more. This book is perfect for budding pilots or happy vacationers! From airplanes to fire engines, the internationally bestselling Amazing Machines series is the perfect way for children to learn about all sorts of vehicles! Each book introduces a new vehicle and the jobs it can do. Bright, engaging artwork and simple, rhyming text combine to make these fantastic books for young children. Kids will love getting to know the friendly, animal characters who feature throughout the series and reading about their fast-paced adventures!”
Her Right Foot, by Dave Eggers, $2.99. This beautiful picture book takes a look at the history of the Statue of Liberty. More than that, Eggers uses the statue to address the inherent freedoms that form the basis of American culture and government. Shawn Harris’s mixed-media illustrations are simple but visually interesting.
Epic Fails: Not-So-Great Presidents, by Ben Thompson and Erik Slader. This newer history series is a lot of fun for middle-grade readers. Rather than focusing on successes, the authors emphasize foibles (e.g., Washington’s mistakes early in his career as a British soldier, Nixon’s Watergate scandal). The result is humanizing; presidents are just people, and everyone makes mistakes. The tone is light and full of contemporary references. A good choice for history fans and history skeptics!
Small Wonders: Jean-Henri Fabre and His World of Insects, by Matthew Clark Smith, $3.99. Fabre is one of the most famous naturalists in history. His interest started when he was a small child fascinated by moths, wasps, and other insects. Instead of merely collecting and dissecting them, Fabre was among the first to study insect behavior in the natural environment.
Microadventures: Local Discoveries, Great Escapes, by Alastair Humphreys, $4.99. The adventures are small, but the world is large! Humphreys is a naturalist and adventurer who has explored all over the world. This book focuses on really getting to know the world right around you. These outdoor adventures can be accomplished in a day or less, with minimal supplies. Humphreys encourages you to chase down a full moon, explore woods and forests, swim in a river, and more. Humphreys is based in the UK, so some of the challenges may not be applicable (e.g., there are few places in the US where you can walk from coast to coast), but most can be adapted to any local environment. This book is perfect for a family looking for new recreation ideas during the pandemic.
Rules, by Cynthia Lord, $3.99. Catherine loves her brother, but she’s not always nice to him. He has autism, and she has created a long list of rules for him to follow so that he doesn’t embarrass her in public. When she meets Jason, a paraplegic who uses a wheelchair and communicates through picture cards, Catherine begins to realize that there’s no one “normal” way to be, and that she needs to find more acceptance and understanding for others, even her own brother.
Freak the Mighty, by Rodman Philbrick, $3.99. This classic story of an unusual friendship has been made into a movie. Kevin has a disorder that prevents him from growing; Max is large for his age and struggles with learning disabilities. Together, Kevin and Max form “Freak the Mighty,” with Kevin riding Max’s shoulders as they explore their surroundings and defeat bullies. Both boys have unique perspectives. Content warning: this book is poignant and tragic.
Missing Math: A Number Mystery, by Loreen Leedy, $3.99. This bright and fun picture book will convince kids of the importance of numbers. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In Missing Math, the numbers all over town suddenly disappear. The animals can’t count, use the phone, or even find out what time it is. Rulers, money, and computers have all become completely useless. . . . Can the town’s detective solve this numerical mystery? Will he ever bring the numbers back home again? Loreen Leedy’s clever rhyming text PLUS her amusing digitally painted illustrations EQUALS proof that we need math each and every day.”
Alone: A Story of Friendship in the Darkness of Space, by Scott Stuart, $0.99. Earth is all alone in space, so it goes off looking for a friend. This sweet, fanciful book includes a few interesting scientific tidbits.
Blast Off to the Moon! by Lauren Gunderson, $3.99. Dr. Wonderful just wants to know why things happen, and she’s willing to explore to find out. When she becomes curious about why the moon changes shape each night, she and her dog decide to go up into space for research. Kids will love the funny illustrations; parents will appreciate the way Dr. Wonderful carefully works through the scientific process to answer her questions.
The Upside of Falling Down, by Rebekah Crane, $1.99. A coming-of-age novel with an unusual twist: Clementine is the sole survivor of a plane crash, and she’s now in Ireland suffering from amnesia. Here’s the plot summary: “With the relentless Irish press bearing down on her, and a father she may not even recognize on his way from America to take her home, Clementine assumes a new identity and enlists a blue-eyed Irish stranger, Kieran O’Connell, to help her escape her forgotten life…and start a new one. Hiding out in the sleepy town of Waterville, Ireland, Clementine discovers there’s an upside to a life that’s fallen apart. But as her lies grow, so does her affection for Kieran, and the truth about her identity becomes harder and harder to reveal, forcing Clementine to decide: Can she leave her past behind for a new love she’ll never forget?”
Zoey and Sassafras: Dragons and Marshmallows, by Asia Citro, $1.99. Science can be magic! Zoey and her cat Sassafras have a big secret: magical creatures are real and come to them for help! Zoey is a budding scientist and uses the scientific method to figure out what is wrong with a sick dragon. This is the first in a series; the short chapters, charming illustrations, and simple language make these books a good choice for budding readers.
What Lives in a Shell? by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld, $2.99. This charming book from the “Let’s Read and Find Out” series is a great introduction to crustaceans and other shelled creatures for early elementary readers. Detailed illustrations introduce clams, snails, crabs, and more.
A Tale of Two Cities, by Charles Dickens, $2.99. A classic adventure from Charles Dickens presents the story of the French Revolution through the eyes of the aristocrats, opportunists, and spies of Paris. Break out your knitting needles and settle in for an engrossing read. This edition includes a brief biography of Dickens and some contextual material.
I Survived The Battle of D-Day, by Lauren Tarshis, $3.99. My elementary-schooler has enjoyed several of the books in this series about deadly wars, plagues, and natural disasters. Each book includes a fictionalized story and a short section of historical information. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Eleven-year-old Paul's French village has been under Nazi control for years. His Jewish best friend has disappeared. Food is scarce. And there doesn't seem to be anything Paul can do to make things better. Then Paul finds an American paratrooper in a tree near his home. The soldier says the Allies have a plan to crush the Nazis once and for all. But the soldier needs Paul's help. This is Paul's chance to make a difference. Soon he finds himself in the midst of the largest invasion in history. Can he do his part to turn horror into hope?”
Magic Tree House: Night of the New Magicians, by Mary Pope Osborne, $3.99. Jack and Annie are heading to France! Merlin has sent them to pass along a message to four magicians at the 1889 World’s Fair in Paris. This is a “Merlin Mission,” so it is longer and more involved than the original Magic Tree House books.
Zane and the Hurricane: A Story of Katrina, by Rodman Philbrick, $3.99. Zane doesn’t know New Orleans well; he is visiting his great-grandmother when Hurricane Katrina makes landfall. After chasing his runaway dog, he finds himself fending for himself until he is rescued by a passing canoe. Philbrick includes realistic historical details and deftly addresses issues of race, class, and privilege.
Gandhi: A March to the Sea, by Alice B. McGinty, $1.99. This picture book with beautiful painted illustrations focuses on the nonviolent Satyagraha movement. There’s a free educator’s guide available as a PDF.
The Sky Painter: Louis Fuertes, Bird Artist, by Margarita Engle, $1.99. I will admit that I had never heard of Fuertes before I discovered this book. Thank you, Margarita Engle, for introducing me to his beautiful work. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Louis loves to watch birds. He takes care of injured birds and studies how they look and how they move. His father wants him to become an engineer, but Louis dreams of being a bird artist. To achieve this dream, he must practice, practice, practice. He learns from the art of John James Audubon. But as Louis grows up, he begins to draw and paint living, flying birds in their natural habitats. Louis Agassiz Fuertes (1874–1927) is now known as the father of modern bird art. He traveled with many scientific expeditions all over the world. His best-known works—paintings for habitat exhibits at the American Museum of Natural History in New York—are still beloved by visitors today. His art helped to encourage wildlife conservation, inspiring people to celebrate and protect the world of wings. Poems by Newbery Honor–winning author Margarita Engle and illustrations by Aliona Bereghici capture the life of Louis Fuertes and the deep sense of wonder that he felt when he painted the sky.”
Escape North! The Story of Harriet Tubman, by Monica Kulling, $4.99. I found my copy of this book at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park (which is great and you should go!). As I’ve mentioned before, I really like the higher level nonfiction “Step into Reading” books for providing a solid foundation on a topic at the elementary level. Kids will learn about Tubman’s missions escorting enslaved people to freedom, but also about her work as a spy and women’s rights advocate.
Frog and Toad are Friends, by Arnold Lobel, $4.99. This is an easy reader classic! Frog and Toad are not always alike, but they are always there for each other. Join them on their funny adventures swimming, looking for a lost button, and waiting for a letter. Fun pictures and few words on each page make this the perfect first chapter book for a new reader.
I am (Not) Scared, by Anna Kang, $1.99. The bears from You are (Not) Small and That’s (Not) Mine are back with a trip to the amusement park. They are frightened of, and exhilarated by, a whole host of new experiences and discover that being together can make hard things seem less scary.
A Snicker of Magic, by Natalie Lloyd, $3.99. My daughter loves this book! Here’s what she says: “A shy girl who’s been traveling around her whole life moves to a town that used to have magic. She learns that her ancestors were cursed and becomes determined to break the curse. This is a really heartwarming book, and I recommend it to people who like The Magic Half.”
Give Yourself Goosebumps: Tick Tock, You’re Dead, by R.L. Stine. A scary Goosebumps novel where you get to choose how the story turns out? Sign me up for this perfect campfire read!
Kindle Deals for October 12, 2020
Books to celebrate Indigenous People’s Day.
Today's Best Book Deals for Your Homeschool
(Prices are correct as of the time of writing, but y'all know sales move fast — check before you click the buy button! These are Amazon links — read more about how we use affiliate links to help support some of the costs of the HSL blog here.)
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The Trail of Tears, by Joseph Bruchac, $4.99. This early chapter book does not shy away from the realities of The Trail of Tears. The author, a member of the Abenaki tribe, describes Chief John Ross leading the Cherokee people 1,200 miles to new territory Oklahoma. Hardship and injustices are described in detail appropriate for elementary readers. Don’t discount this book for older readers; the level 4 and 5 books from Step into Reading are great for concise and engaging reading on a narrow topic.
You Hold Me Up, by Monique Gray Smith and Danielle Daniel, $4.99. This sweet picture book describes the ways people look out for each other (e.g., kindness and sharing). The illustrations feature Native people young and old. You’ll find this book a great conversation starter for a discussion about empathy and community spirit.
Why Indigenous Literatures Matter, by Daniel Heath Justice, $4.99. Are you looking to learn more about Indigenous authors? This book, written by a scholar for a broader audience, is a great place to start. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In considering the connections between literature and lived experience, this book contemplates four key questions at the heart of Indigenous kinship traditions: How do we learn to be human? How do we become good relatives? How do we become good ancestors? How do we learn to live together? Blending personal narrative and broader historical and cultural analysis with close readings of key creative and critical texts, Justice argues that Indigenous writers engage with these questions in part to challenge settler-colonial policies and practices that have targeted Indigenous connections to land, history, family, and self. More importantly, Indigenous writers imaginatively engage the many ways that communities and individuals have sought to nurture these relationships and project them into the future. This provocative volume challenges readers to critically consider and rethink their assumptions about Indigenous literature, history, and politics while never forgetting the emotional connections of our shared humanity and the power of story to effect personal and social change. Written with a generalist reader firmly in mind, but addressing issues of interest to specialists in the field, this book welcomes new audiences to Indigenous literary studies while offering more seasoned readers a renewed appreciation for these transformative literary traditions.”
Hearts Unbroken, by Cynthia Leitich Smith, $0.99. High school is complicated for everyone, even more so in this YA novel about a community in racial and cultural conflict. Here’s the publisher’s description: “When Louise Wolfe’s first real boyfriend mocks and disrespects Native people in front of her, she breaks things off and dumps him over e-mail. It’s her senior year, anyway, and she’d rather spend her time with her family and friends and working on the school newspaper. The editors pair her up with Joey Kairouz, the ambitious new photojournalist, and in no time the paper’s staff find themselves with a major story to cover: the school musical director’s inclusive approach to casting The Wizard of Oz has been provoking backlash in their mostly white, middle-class Kansas town. From the newly formed Parents Against Revisionist Theater to anonymous threats, long-held prejudices are being laid bare and hostilities are spreading against teachers, parents, and students — especially the cast members at the center of the controversy, including Lou’s little brother, who’s playing the Tin Man. As tensions mount at school, so does a romance between Lou and Joey — but as she’s learned, ‘dating while Native’ can be difficult. In trying to protect her own heart, will Lou break Joey’s?”
STILL ON SALE
Greenglass House, by Kate Milford, $1.99. OK, it would be false advertising to compare this book to The Westing Game, but if there is a contemporary literary descendant of Raskin's deliciously complex mystery, it's The Greenglass House—a genuine, bona fide middle grades mystery that gives its readers credit for being intelligent and that delivers a satisfying mystery, sophisticated character development, and a few (well set-up) twists along the way. Adopted innkeepers' son Milo and his friend—the cook's daughter, Meddy—unravel the clues to discover why their off-season inn is full of unexpected visitors, at least one of whom seems set on sabotaging Greenglass House. It's a terrific mystery. Highly recommended.
A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning, by Lemony Snicket, $2.99. The first book is Lemony Snicket’s hilariously tragic series chronicles the moment things begin to go terribly wrong in the lives of the ill-fated Baudelaire orphans. Kids will love the over-the-top storytelling; parents will be tickled by all the interesting words Snicket throws in.
The Thickety: A Path Begins, by J.A. White, $3.99. Looking for a seriously creepy and sometimes dark middle-grade fantasy? The Thickety does a good job of balancing real menace with imaginative storytelling. Here’s a bit of the publisher’s description: “When Kara Westfall was five years old, her mother was convicted of the worst of all crimes: witchcraft. Years later, Kara and her little brother, Taff, are still shunned by the people of their village, who believe that nothing is more evil than magic…except, perhaps, the mysterious forest that covers nearly the entire island. It has many names, this place. Sometimes it is called the Dark Wood, or Sordyr's Realm. But mostly it's called the Thickety. The villagers live in fear of the Thickety and the terrible creatures that live there. But when an unusual bird lures Kara into the forbidden forest, she discovers a strange book with unspeakable powers. A book that might have belonged to her mother. And that is just the beginning of the story.”
Spontaneous, by Aaron Starmer, $2.99. I just bought this one for myself! The idea of a darkly funny YA novel about a wave of spontaneous combustions just felt right for 2020. The publisher’s description hooked me. Will it do the same for you? “Mara Carlyle’s senior year is going as normally as could be expected, until fellow senior Katelyn Ogden explodes during third period pre-calc. Katelyn is the first, but she won’t be the last teenager to blow up without warning or explanation. As the national eye turns to Mara’s suburban New Jersey hometown, the FBI rolls in and the search for a reason is on. Mara narrates the end of their world as she knows it while trying to make it to graduation in one piece. It’s an explosive year punctuated by romance, quarantine, lifelong friendship, hallucinogenic mushrooms, bloggers, ice cream trucks, and Bon Jovi.”
Three Faces of Me, by R.L. Stine, $0.99. No one beats R.L. Stine for a kid-appropriate intro to the horror genre. Here’s the publisher’s description of this eerie tale: “When Ira Fishman wins a prize in the machine outside a candy store, he’s disappointed it’s not the squirt gun he had his eye on. The little black plastic box looks like a camera, but when Ira presses the green button on top, nothing happens. After dinner that night, Ira can’t believe what he sees in his room: a boy with the same clothes—and face—as Ira! He tries to get this second Ira to leave, but it’s no use. Deciding to have a little fun, Ira makes the boy go to school in his place—but it’s a disaster. The new Ira isn’t good at math like the real Ira, and he’s horrible at softball. Worst of all, he plays with the girls during recess! Ira’s clone is ruining his rep—fast. And when a third Ira shows up, Ira number one has to find a way to make the others disappear for good before his whole world is turned upside down. But how do you get rid of yourself?”
Turkey Trick of Treat, by Wendi Silvano, $0.99. The wacky turkey from Turkey Trouble is back, this time to celebrate Halloween! He wants candy, but the farmer will only give it to kids in costumes. Can he and the other barnyard animals trick the farmer into giving them treats?
Halloween Hustle, by Charlotte Gunnufson, $0.99. Kids will love the spooky-cute illustrations and the fun rhyming text. Skeleton is on his way to a party, and he can’t help but dance. But he has a problem — he keeps tripping and falling apart. Can he keep it together?
How to Build a Haunted House, by Frank Tupta, $1.99. In this rhyming story, classic monsters are are working together to make a spooky haunted house. The twist? It’s for vampire family in need!
The Magic Half, by Annie Barrows, $4.79. My daughter loved this series when she was in elementary school. When Miri’s family moves into a new house, she is thrilled with her interesting new room in the attic. Things get a little strange, and more interesting, when she discovers that her room is somehow connected to 1935 and a girl in need of help. Miri has to learn the secrets of this time travel to rescue Molly.
Stepping Stones: The Time Machine, by H.G. Wells and Les Martin, $3.99. The Stepping Stones series adapts classic literature to an early chapter book level. This adaptation of the H.G. Wells classic is heavy on the action and includes engaging illustrations. This is a great introduction to one of the foundational texts of science fiction.
Apples, Apples, Apples, by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace, $0.99. The bunny family is heading to the orchard to pick some fresh apples! They meet up with Farmer Miller, who explains the different varieties of apples and how they grow. When they have gathered all they need, they head home to make fresh applesauce (recipe included!). Wallace’s unique cut paper illustrations are very sweet.
The Seasons of Arnold’s Apple Tree, by Gail Gibbons, $4.99. Arnold has a favorite apple tree. He spends time in it throughout the year, picking fruit, smelling blossoms, feeding the birds, and basking in its shade. In simple language, Gibbons walks readers through a year in the life of a tree. Don’t miss the recipe for apple pie and the description of how a cider press works!
How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World, by Marjorie Priceman, $4.99. From our readalouds with recipes list: “As Carl Sagan once said, if you want to make an apple pie from scratch, first you have to create the universe. In this playful picture book, you don’t have to create the world but you do have to travel it, journeying around the globe to collect far-flung ingredients for the perfect apple pie.”
Apples and How They Grow, by Laura Driscoll, $4.99. Let your beginning reader read about apples on their own! This short and sweet nonfiction book is full of details about how apples grow. Kids (and adults) may be surprised to learn about grafting branches from one tree onto another.
We Dream of Space, by Erin Entrada Kelly, $1.99. That historical fiction is now set in the 1980s makes me feel a little old, but I’m excited to read this new middle grade novel. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Cash, who loves basketball but has a newly broken wrist, is in danger of failing seventh grade for the second time. Fitch spends every afternoon playing Major Havoc at the arcade on Main and wrestles with an explosive temper that he doesn’t understand. And Bird, his twelve-year-old twin, dreams of being NASA’s first female shuttle commander, but feels like she’s disappearing. The Thomas children exist in their own orbits, circling a tense and unpredictable household, with little in common except an enthusiastic science teacher named Ms. Salonga. As the launch of the Challenger approaches, Ms. Salonga gives her students a project—they are separated into spacecraft crews and must create and complete a mission. When the fated day finally arrives, it changes all of their lives and brings them together in unexpected ways.”
Space Opera, by Catherynne M. Valente, $1.99. Amy and Suzanne really enjoyed this book. Here’s what Amy has to say about it: “So earlier this fall, I told Suzanne that I needed to read something that would just make me happy, and she suggested this space saga. NEVER DOUBT SUZANNE. This zany, Douglas Adams-ish (and I don’t throw that around lightly) story centers around an intergalactic version of American Idol, in which planets compete not for record deals but for the right for their species to be considered sentient by the rest of the universe. All newly space-faring species must compete to prove their sentience — and if they come in last, their whole species will be wiped right out of existence. Now that Earth is in the space game, and the future of humanity is in the hands of aging 70s rocker Decibel Jones. It sounds wacky and all over the place because it is wacky and all over the place — but in a way that made me really happy.”
Suni Goes to Space, by Arthy Muthanna Singh and Mamta Nainy, $0.99. When Sunita Williams was young, she dreamed of going into space like Neil Armstrong. Singh and Nainy introduce us to Suni, the inquisitive and creative girl who grew up to become an astronaut.
Scream: Chilling Adventures in the Science of Fear, by Margee Kerr, $1.99. Why do we feel afraid? Why do we deliberately seek out horror movies and haunted houses? Sociologist Margee Kerr investigates the individual and societal experiences of fear. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Fear is a universal human experience, but do we really understand it? If we're so terrified of monsters and serial killers, why do we flock to the theaters to see them? Why do people avoid thinking about death, but jump out of planes and swim with sharks? For Kerr, there was only one way to find out. In this eye-opening, adventurous book, she takes us on a tour of the world's scariest experiences: into an abandoned prison long after dark, hanging by a cord from the highest tower in the Western hemisphere, and deep into Japan's mysterious ‘suicide forest.’ She even goes on a ghost hunt with a group of paranormal adventurers. Along the way, Kerr shows us the surprising science from the newest studies of fear -- what it means, how it works, and what it can do for us. Full of entertaining science and the thrills of a good ghost story, this book will make you think, laugh -- and scream.”
Alice in Zombieland, by Gena Showalter, $2.99. It’s Alice in Wonderland… sort of. With zombies! This YA zombie novel is filled with allusions to Wonderland.
His Hideous Heart: 13 of Edgar Allen Poe’s Most Unsettling Tales Reimagined, edited by Dahlia Adler, $2.99. Teens have loved Poe’s creepy tales for the last hundred and fifty years. Now they can experience the themes in new ways through this collection of modern short stories from big names in current YA.
Teach Your Own: The John Holt Book of Homeschooling, by John Holt and Pat Farenga, $2.99. John Holt is one of the founders of the modern homeschool movement. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In this expanded edition of the book that helped launch the whole movement, Pat Farenga has distilled John Holt's timeless understanding of the ways children come to understand the world and added up-to-the-moment legal, financial, and logistical advice. No parent even considering homeschooling should be without this wise and unique reference. Rather than proposing that parents turn their homes into miniature schools, Holt and Farenga demonstrate how ordinary parents can help children grow as social, active learners. Chapters on living with children, "serious play," children and work, and learning difficulties will fascinate and encourage parents and help them enjoy each "homeschool" day. John Holt's warm understanding of children and his passionate belief in every child's ability to learn have made this book the bible of homeschooling families everywhere.”
My Strong Mind: A Story about Developing Mental Strength, by Niels van Hove, $2.99. This is a pretty didactic but accessible book about developing good habits. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Kate faces several situations your children will face too. She applies a positive attitude to deal with her challenges. Amongst them are getting ready in time in the morning, doing cartwheels, standing in front of the whole class with show and tell and playing basketball. Kate applies techniques like goal setting, positive self-talk, accept failure as learning, visualisation of a problem, breathing or mindfulness exercise, gratitude, and controlled distraction. These tips to build a strong mind in children are presented in an easy to read, fun and practical way.”
It’s Okay to Make Mistakes, by Todd Parr, $1.99. Todd Parr’s books are like big, extra-tight hugs. His simple style is bold, funny, and diverse. For every mistake he mentions, he offers a hint at what can happen next (e.g., “It’s OK to not know the answer. Asking questions helps you learn.”) My toddler could recite Todd Parr books way before she could read them on her own.
Storybound, by Melissa Burt, $3.99. I haven’t had a chance to read this series yet, but it sounds like a delightful bookish adventure. Here’s the publisher’s description: “When Una Fairchild stumbles upon a mysterious book buried deep in the basement of her school library, she thinks nothing of opening the cover and diving in. But instead of paging through a regular novel, Una suddenly finds herself Written In to the land of Story—a world filled with Heroes and Villains and fairy-tale characters. But not everything in Story is as magical as it seems. Una must figure out why she has been Written In—and fast—before anyone else discovers her secret. Together with her new friend Peter and a talking cat named Sam, Una digs deep into Story's shadowy past. She quickly realizes that she is tied to the world in ways she never could have imagined—and it might be up to her to save it.”
A Dash of Magic, by Kathryn Littlewood, $3.99. The Bliss series is a mouth-watering literary treat. In this second book in the series, Rosemary is determined to retrieve the magical Cookery Booke that her aunt has stolen — even if it means facing off in an Iron Chef-style food battle. The competition takes the Bliss family to Paris, where the family rushes around famous sites collecting the magical ingredients Rosemary needs. There’s an excellent sense of place. If you enjoy this book, the sequel is also on sale.
Sleep, Big Bear, Sleep! by Maureen Wright, $0.99. It’s time to hibernate in this charming picture book. Bear knows there’s something he needs to do, but he keeps mishearing Old Man Winter’s “Sleep” message and instead thinks he is supposed to leap or sweep. It’s a sweet, funny story perfect for fall.
Scaredy Squirrel, by Melanie Watt, $0.99. Scaredy Squirrel wants to be prepared. He has all of his emergency gear at the ready, prepared for bees, Martians, whatever might happen. He prefers to stick to his safe, steady routine. When a chance encounter causes him to leap into the unknown, he gets a big surprise.
Shampoodle, by Joan Holub, $3.99. This fun easy reader will have kids giggling! The funny, rhyming text describes a day at the dog groomer. The dogs are all very exuberant, even before a cat wanders in and causes mayhem. I love the pictures in this one; there’s lots to see!
Bad Kitty Camp Daze, by Nick Bruel, $4.96. Bad Kitty has an attitude problem that will endear her to surly children everywhere. Bruel built on his picture book series with these early chapter books that contain lots of illustrated action. When Bad Kittle sneaks away to Uncle Murray’s Camp for Stressed-Out Dogs, she learns more than she bargains for about the natural world.
The Hobbits of Tolkien: An Illustrated Exploration of Tolkien’s Hobbits and the Sources that Inspired His Work From Myth, Legend, and History, by David Day, $3.99. Want to know more about the mythology behind Middle Earth? Curious about the etymology of some place names and people? This book perfectly balances detailed research with cozy illustrations. The author has written similar volumes about other elements of Tolkien’s work.
A Dictionary of Sources of Tolkien: The History and Mythology That Inspired Tolkien’s World, by David Day, $3.99. I enjoy sweeping fantasy, but I definitely struggle to keep all the names and places straight. In this extensive volume, Day provides information about all the proper nouns of Middle Earth, both their relevance to the narrative and their allusions to other literary traditions.
An Unexpected Cookbook: The Unofficial Book of Hobbit Cookery, by Chris-Rachael Oseland, $5.99. This book is more expensive than my typical Kindle deals, but I didn’t think we could properly celebrate Hobbit Day without at least one food book. The recipes are broken up into all seven Hobbit meals, with delicious treats like Lavender and Lemon Bread, Yorkshire Pudding, and Honey Cakes. You’ll find detailed recipe notes and mouthwatering photos throughout.
Fear of Physics: A Guide for the Perplexed, by Lawrence M. Krauss, $1.99. Krauss is a theoretical physicist who works on the deepest mysteries of the universe. But don’t let that intimidate you! Here’s the publisher’s description: “Assume the cow is a sphere." So begins this lively, irreverent, and informative look at everything from the physics of boiling water to cutting-edge research at the observable limits of the universe. Rich with anecdotes and accessible examples, Fear of Physics nimbly ranges over the tools and thought behind the world of modern physics, taking the mystery out of what is essentially a very human intellectual endeavour.”
Caesar’s Last Breath: Decoding the Secrets of the Air Around Us, by Sam Kean, $2.99. Science writer Sam Kean has written about the chemical elements, neuroscience, genetics, and the creation of the atomic bomb. In this book, he explores the air around us and the molecules we find within it. He travels throughout history and across several continents in his quest to understand the air we breathe.
Scienceblind: Why Our Intuitive Theories About the World Are So Often Wrong, by Andrew Shtulman, $4.99. Our brains are wired to make connections that help us make sense of the world. But that does not mean that our brains always interpret the world correctly. Cognitive psychologist Andrew Shtulman explains the reasons why people tend to believe weird things in this fascinating book. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Why do we catch colds? What causes seasons to change? And if you fire a bullet from a gun and drop one from your hand, which bullet hits the ground first? In a pinch we almost always get these questions wrong. Worse, we regularly misconstrue fundamental qualities of the world around us. In Scienceblind, cognitive and developmental psychologist Andrew Shtulman shows that the root of our misconceptions lies in the theories about the world we develop as children. They're not only wrong, they close our minds to ideas inconsistent with them, making us unable to learn science later in life. So how do we get the world right? We must dismantle our intuitive theories and rebuild our knowledge from its foundations. The reward won't just be a truer picture of the world, but clearer solutions to many controversies -- around vaccines, climate change, or evolution -- that plague our politics today.”
Uncommon Paper Flowers: Extraordinary Botanicals and How to Craft Them, by Kate Alcaron, $2.99. You’ve made a paper rose before, now get ready to try something unique! Alcaron has collected 30 unusual plants and created paper models of them. The book contains detailed botanical descriptions, an extensive technique section, and templates for creating your own dramatic floral display.
Parenting in a Pandemic: How to Help Your Family Through Covid-19, by Kelly Fradin, $0.99. This just came out and will (I hope) only be useful for a limited time, but the price is right and the advice is solid. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Parents are burning out while kids need more help than ever. With so many families in crisis, pediatrician and child advocate Dr. Kelly Fradin sees an urgent need for help. As a mother of two, Dr. Fradin shares practical, evidence-based and reassuring advice on what families need to know. Parents are forced to make decisions now despite seemingly constant change and many unknowns. In Parenting in a Pandemic, Dr. Fradin provides the information and strategies you need to help navigate coronavirus. The book reviews the science necessary to understand the news and care for your family. Dr. Fradin explains the specific risks of coronavirus to children of all ages and adults, including parents, grandparents, pregnant women, and essential workers. She gives realistic strategies you can use to improve this time for your family whether you are protecting a newborn, virtually schooling or convincing a teen to physically distance.”
The House Takes a Vacation, by Jacqueline Davies, $0.99. Get ready for a surreal and wacky adventure! When the house’s people go on vacation, the house decides to take its own trip. Kids and adults will enjoy the pun-filled text and personality-filled illustrations.
Little House in the Big Woods, by Laura Ingalls Wilder, $3.99. The Little House books are among the most read children’s books of all time, and with good reason. Wilder does a tremendous job of creating a vivid and inviting glimpse into life on the frontier. Later books in the series have problematic depictions of conflicts with Native Americans and have not aged well. Little House in the Big Woods, however, is a cozy and gentle peek into the past. Read this one by candle or fire as the temperatures start to dip this fall!
The Hero’s Guide to Saving Your Kingdom, by Christopher Healy, $3.99. You think you know the classic fairytale stories, but they are usually centered around the princesses. This fun middle grade series focuses on the princes. After the “happily ever after” the princes discover that their kingdoms are in danger, and they set off take on all kinds of mythical monsters. This fun and funny book is the first in a series that your middle-grade reader will love.
The Element Encyclopedia of Magical Creatures, by John and Caitlin Matthews, $3.99. Looking for a reference on obscure creatures? Every time I open this book, I discover a new mythological animal I haven’t heard of before. Here’s the publisher’s description: “From unicorns and trolls to werewolves and griffins, this comprehensive guide is the key to discovering every magical creature from myth, folklore and legend around the world. This compendium of magical creatures explores the history, folklore and mythology of fascinating beasts throughout all the magical worlds. Including stories, celebrations, traditions, and amazing facts, the book spans every major culture across the globe.”
Steampunk! An Anthology of Fantastically Rich and Strange Stories, edited by Kelly Link and Gavin J. Grant, $0.99. Are you new to steampunk but interested in exploring alternate versions of the world shaped by a different series of technological innovations? This anthology will introduce you to many excellent YA steampunk authors. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Imagine an alternate universe where romance and technology reign. Where tinkerers and dreamers craft and re-craft a world of automatons, clockworks, calculating machines, and other marvels that never were. Where scientists and schoolgirls, fair folk and Romans, intergalactic bandits, utopian revolutionaries, and intrepid orphans solve crimes, escape from monstrous predicaments, consult oracles, and hover over volcanoes in steam-powered airships. Here, fourteen masters of speculative fiction, including two graphic storytellers, embrace the genre's established themes and refashion them in surprising ways and settings as diverse as Appalachia, ancient Rome, future Australia, and alternate California. Visionaries Kelly Link and Gavin J. Grant have invited all-new explorations and expansions, taking a genre already rich, strange, and inventive in the extreme and challenging contributors to remake it from the ground up. The result is an anthology that defies its genre even as it defines it.”
The Wonderling, by Mira Bartok, $0.99. In Mira Bartok’s imagined world, groundlings are creatures that are part animal, part human. Thirteen, a fox groundling, escapes the Dickensian workhouse where has been raised and sets off on an adventure of his own. The tone is similar to Lemony Snicket, but the story is entirely unique, full of mechanical details and animals with extraordinary abilities. Put this strange and interesting book in the hands of your middle-grade reader!
My Robots: The Robotic Genius of Lady Regina Bonquers III, by Johan Olander, $3.99. Olander creates such interesting books! This heavily illustrated book purports to be the design scrapbook of an elusive roboticist. Lady Regina has created bots to fight fires, pluck nose hairs, and even give hugs. Kids will enjoy all the details of the development process, the unique visual style, and a frisson of mystery over Lady Regina’s whereabouts.
The Last Kids on Earth, by Max Brallier, $1.99. Are you ready for some funny post-apocalyptic lit for kids? This madcap adventure mixes peril, gross out humor, and teamwork as an unlikely band of teens works to save the day and stay alive. It’s a middle grade chapter book riddled with exciting and gruesome illustrations. If this sounds like something you’d be into, several books in the series are on sale today.
Big History: From the Big Bang to the Present, by Cynthia Stokes Brown, $3.99. The Big History movement combines science with history to study Earth from the moment of the big bang all the way through current events. Brown does a remarkable job finding through lines in the vast sweep of history. Each era is necessarily brief, but readers will be pleased to see that the history is not overly focused on Western civilization.
Bear and Fred: A World War II Story, by Iris Argaman, $4.99. Picture books can make challenging subjects understandable for small children. In this book, Israeli author Iris Argaman tells the true story of a boy’s time hiding from Nazis during WWII — from the perspective of his loyal teddy bear. It’s a tough but uplifting story that gently introduces the topic of the Holocaust.
Sleepover Larry, by Daniel Pinkwater, $3.99. Larry is a dapper polar bear who lives in a hotel owned by his human family. When Larry learns the concept of sleepovers, he is determined to have a great one with his bear friends from the zoo!
National Geographic Readers: Bears, by Elizabeth Carney, $3.99. Learn about bear species from all over the world in this fun, brightly illustrated easy reader. Sections cover habitats, adaptations, diet, cubs, and more. The level 3 books pack in a lot of detail without complicated vocabulary.
Magic Tree House: Polar Bears Past Bedtime, by Mary Pope Osborne, $3.99. Jack and Annie are off on another adventure, this time to the Arctic! They encounter indigenous hunters, polar bears, the Northern Lights, and more. The Magic Tree House series is great for beginning readers who are looking for fast-paced, exciting (but short) chapter books.
Bibliophile: An Illustrated Miscellany, by Jane Mount, $2.99. This is a literary bonbon for any book lover. As the title suggests, it’s a wonderful collection of miscellaneous facts about books, writers, bookstores, characters, and more. I can almost guarantee that you will find a new author to check out, or even a new favorite book, in the illustrated book lists.
The Man Who Made Lists: Love, Death, Madness, and the Creation of Roget’s Thesaurus, by Joshua Kendall. When I was a kid, I found thesauruses fascinating. I loved flipping through themed lists of words. I don’t think many kids use paper thesauruses now; the function built into your word processor isn’t really the same. Whether you are nostalgic for your childhood thesaurus or have never really used one, you’ll find the story behind the creation of the first modern thesaurus unexpectedly fascinating. Here’s a brief publisher’s description: “Polymath, eccentric, and synonym aficionado, Peter Mark Roget had a host of female admirers, was one of the first to test the effects of laughing gas, invented the slide rule, and narrowly escaped jail in Napoleon's France. But Roget is best known for making lists. After the tragic turmoil of his early life (both his mother and sister were institutionalized), Roget longed for order in his chaotic world. At the age of eight, he began his quest to put everything in its rightful place, one word at a time. This is the fascinating story of a driven man and a brilliant scholar-and the legacy he has left for generations.”
The Food Explorer: The True Adventures of the Globe-Trotting Botanist Who Transformed What America Eats, by Daniel Stone, $4.99. So many of the foods we now consider to be standard American fare are not native to this continent. The diversity of our current palate is partially the work of David Fairchild, a 19th century botanist who traveled the world looking for interesting plants that he could introduce to American audiences. Both food history and a globe-trotting adventure book, The Food Explorer is a delicious piece of writing.
Suffering Succotash: A Picky Eater’s Quest to Understand Why We Hate the Foods We Hate, by Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic, $4.99. There are tons of books about helping kids who are picky eaters, but this is the first one I’ve seen that is written by an actual picky eater. Lucianovic considers the roles of gag reflexes, anxiety, supertasters, support groups, and many other factors. The author’s personal experiences add a warm, personal touch.
A Spy in the House, by Y.S. Lee, $0.99. This is the first in a series of YA historical mysteries about a young Asian sleuth in Victorian London. Mary is an orphan doomed for the gallows when she is rescued and offered a position at the mysterious Miss Scrimshaw’s Academy for Girls. The school is the training ground for an elite group of detectives who can infiltrate high society households. Lee does an excellent job of offering the gritty details of the Victorian city while staying away from graphic details. The immigrant experience is rarely discussed in historical fiction, so this series provides an interesting perspective.
Seafaring Women: Adventures of Pirate Queens, Female Stowaways, and Sailors’ Wives, by David Cordingly, $4.99. Women have been taking to the seas, sometimes in secret, for hundreds of years. Cordingly has collected the stories of dozens of maritime women who lived life on the open water.
The March on Washington, by Bonnie Bader, $3.99. American Girl has been bringing accessible historical fiction to early readers for more than 30 years. More recently, the company has published factual companion books that provide deeper background into important events. This book about the 1963 March on Washington includes photos, timelines, maps, and a bibliography for more research.
One Crazy Summer, by Rita Williams-Garcia, $4.99. When the three Gaither sisters travel to California to spend time with their estranged mother, they are expecting movie stars and Disneyland. What they actually experience is a little different: summer camp run by the Black Panthers. The girls spend the next four weeks learning about the movement and discovering their own identities. This work of historical fiction set in 1968 is a nice point of entry for a discussion about the Civil Rights movement and the Black Panthers.
Susan B. Anthony: Her Fight for Equal Rights, by Monica Kulling, $4.99. Get to know one of America’s strongest proponents of women’s voting rights, Susan B. Anthony, in this book for early readers. Anthony was determined to vote in an election, even though it was illegal for women to do so at the time. Her civil disobedience led to her arrest. Young readers will learn about how Anthony’s actions paved the way for the 19th Amendment.
Lillian’s Right to Vote: A Celebration of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, by Jonah Winter and Shane W. Evans, $4.99. Sadly, the 19th Amendment did not make voting accessible to ALL women. In many places, unfair practices like poll taxes, complicated literacy tests, and property ownership rules made it nearly impossible for people of color to vote. In this moving picture book, an old woman reminisces about her family’s history and the many barriers to voting they faced.
The Women’s Suffrage Movement, edited by Sally Roesch Wagner, $4.99. What is the study of history without primary sources? This great collection from Penguin Classics looks at the quest for women’s rights in a delightfully intersectional array of essays, letters, speeches, and other texts. Readers will discover Black and Native American women whose ideas were crucial to the movement but have been overlooked in historical accounts.
The Templeton Twins Have an Idea, by Ellis Weiner, $0.99. If your reader has plowed the A Series of Unfortunate Events and would like something with a similar feel, look no further. The Templetons feel very similar to the Baudelaires. A snippet from the book description gives you an excellent feel for the tone: “Suppose there were 12-year-old twins, a boy and girl named John and Abigail Templeton. Let's say John was pragmatic and played the drums, and Abigail was theoretical and solved cryptic crosswords. Now suppose their father was a brilliant, if sometimes confused, inventor. And suppose that another set of twins—adults—named Dean D. Dean and Dan D. Dean, kidnapped the Templeton twins and their ridiculous dog in order to get their father to turn over one of his genius (sort of) inventions. Yes, I said kidnapped. Wouldn't it be fun to read about that? Oh please. It would so. Luckily for you, this is just the first in a series perfect for boys and girls who are smart, clever, and funny (just like the twins), and enjoy reading adventurous stories (who doesn't?!).”
Ella Enchanted, by Gail Carson Levine, $1.99. This Newberry Honor book has been beloved for two decades, and with good reason. A unique twist on the Cinderella story, this book focuses on Ella, a girl who has been cursed (“gifted”?) with obedience to others’ orders. In order to break this curse, she must track down and convince the fairy godmother who bestowed it.
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.
801 Things You Should Know: From Greek Philosophy to Today’s Technology, by David Olsen, $1.99. You’re a smart person. You’ve probably heard of many of the concepts and events in this book. But you may not be clear on all the details. This collection of short entries about everything from politics to medical terminology to economic principals will serve as a great introduction or refresher. Hand this to a tween/teen along with a newspaper — they’ll be able to quickly get background on unfamiliar terms like bear markets, the Hundred Years’ War, and the Invisible Hand theory.
A Field Guide to Monsters, by Johan Olander, $0.99. Olander is a “monstrologist” who documents monsters’ behavior in the wild. In this whimsical and imaginative book, he collects illustrations and artifacts from the Slobber Bug, Beach Krill, Tadpole-Monster, and other previously unknown (aka imaginary) creatures. It would be fun to compare this book with other, more scientific field guides.
Iron Hearted Violet, by Kelly Barnhill, $1.99. Kelly Barnhill tells such compelling twists on fairytale tropes. In this book, Princess Violet must work with the last dragon alive to protect the world from an evil being she has only read about in a forbidden book. Violet is brave, but not beautiful, strong, but not perfect.
The Menagerie, by Tui T. Sutherland and Kari Sutherland, $3.99. If your middle-grade reader enjoys books where the magical world bumps into the real world, The Menagerie series may be the perfect next adventure. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In the small town of Xanadu, Wyoming lies the Menagerie, a top secret facility filled with unicorns, dragons, phoenixes, and other fairy tale creatures. At least, it was a secret—until six griffin cubs escaped. If Logan and Zoe don’t get the cubs back fast, the entire Menagerie will be shut down. The race is on and the resulting adventure is only the beginning of a thrilling series that will leave readers wanting a magical menagerie of their very own.”
An Optimist’s Tour of the Future, by Mark Stevenson, $4.99. My husband loves this book, which does a great job of musing about how technology could change our future for the better. Here’s the publisher’s description: “When unexpectedly confronted with his own mortality, Mark Stevenson-a writer, deep-thinker, and stand-up comedian-began to ponder what the future holds for our species. ‘The past is a foreign country,’ writes Stevenson. ‘By my analysis it's a bit like France-in that I've been to parts of it and eaten some nice food there. But the future? The future is an unknown territory-and there isn't a guidebook.’ Thus, his ambition was born. Stevenson set out simply, asking, ‘What's next?’ and then traveled the globe in pursuit of the answers. Along the way, he visited the Australian outback to visit the farmers who can save us from climate change, met a robot with mood swings, and talked to the Spaniard who's putting a hotel in space. While some might be overwhelmed, or even dismayed by the looming realities of genome sequencing, synthetic biology, a nuclear renaissance, and carbon scrubbing, Stevenson remains, well, optimistic. Drawing on his singular humor and storytelling to break down these sometimes complicated discoveries, An Optimist's Tour of the Future paints a wonderfully readable, and completely enthralling portrait of where we'll be when we grow up- and why it's not so scary.”
50 Ways to Beat Boredom with LEGO Bricks, by DK Publishing, $0.99. If your house is anything like mine, you have no shortage of LEGO pieces. This short book introduces 50 quick activities and games using the beloved building materials. Build a mountain to create a 3D game board (instructions for a spinner also included) or design a functional piggy bank! This is an idea book, not a book of detailed instructions, but it’s a great jumping off point for an hour or a day of LEGO exploration. Note: If you already have 365 Things to Do with LEGO Bricks, you don’t need this book; this book is a shorter extract of that one.
Would You Rather? Made You Think Edition, by Lindsey Daly, $0.99. They start simple: “Would you rather kiss a fish that’s living in a radioactive pond or roll down a hill while hugging a porcupine?” The questions only get more interesting from there. Turn the questions into a game by scoring points for the best reasoning (guidelines are given in the introduction).
Diary of a Pug: Pug Blasts Off, by Kyla May, $2.99. Meet Bub, aka Baron von Bubbles, beloved pet of Bella. He loves doing everything with his human, so when she enters an invention contest, Bub is determined to help her. But this means he needs to deal with his squirrel nemesis, Nutz. This fun, brightly colored diary is full of wacky adventures and adorable illustrations. Early chapter book readers will love it!
Chickadee, by Louise Erdrich, $4.49. Chickadee takes place within the family introduced in Birchbark House. Omakayas is grown with a family of her own, and this story focuses on her twin sons, Chickadee and Makoons. After a prank gone wrong, Chickadee is kidnapped by angry men. This is the tale of Chickadee’s long path to reunion with his family. As with Erdrich’s other books, Chickadee’s story is filled with vivid details about Ojibwe life and traditions.
Young Water Protetctors: A Story About Standing Rock, by Aslan and Kelly Tudor, $2.99. Aslan Tudor was 10 years old when he wrote this book about his time participating in the Standing Rock protests. This is a great, age appropriate introduction to the conflict between native peoples and developers of the Dakota Access Pipeline.
My Heart Fills with Happiness, by Monique Gray Smith, $4.99. This sweet picture book introduces many things that bring happiness — good smells, good friends, and the beauty of nature. The lovely illustrations show many elements in the life on an indigenous family.
The Odds of Loving Grover Cleveland, by Rebekah Crane, $0.99. This Grover Cleveland isn’t a president; he’s a resident at Camp Padua, a summer program for at-risk teens. When Zander’s parents insist she leave home to attend camp, she is sure that she won’t fit in. She’s surprised to make connections with her fellow campers, even though they are all dealing with big problems of their own. This tough but ultimately hopeful novel is also filled with darkly funny moments.
The Mermaid’s Sister, by Carrie Anne Noble, $0.99. I haven’t read this YA fantasy novel yet, but it’s definitely on my To Read list. Here’s the publisher’s summary: In a cottage high atop Llanfair Mountain, sixteen-year-old Clara lives with her sister, Maren, and guardian Auntie. By day, they gather herbs for Auntie’s healing potions; by night, Auntie spins tales of faraway lands and wicked fairies. Clara’s favorite story tells of three orphaned infants—Clara, who was brought to Auntie by a stork; Maren, who arrived in a seashell; and their best friend, O’Neill, who was found beneath an apple tree. One day, Clara discovers iridescent scales just beneath her sister’s skin: Maren is becoming a mermaid and must be taken to the sea or she will die. So Clara, O’Neill, and the mermaid-girl set out for the shore. But the trio encounters trouble around every bend. Ensnared by an evil troupe of traveling performers, Clara and O’Neill must find a way to save themselves and the ever-weakening Maren.
The Testing, by Joelle Charbonneau, $1.99. Calling all fans of The Hunger Games or Divergent! This series should scratch that dystopian coming-of-age itch. Here’s a summary from the publisher: “It’s graduation day for sixteen-year-old Malencia Vale, and the entire Five Lakes Colony (the former Great Lakes) is celebrating. All Cia can think about—hope for—is whether she’ll be chosen for The Testing, a United Commonwealth program that selects the best and brightest new graduates to become possible leaders of the slowly revitalizing post-war civilization. When Cia is chosen, her father finally tells her about his own nightmarish half-memories of The Testing. Armed with his dire warnings (“Cia, trust no one”), she bravely heads off to Tosu City, far away from friends and family, perhaps forever. Danger, romance—and sheer terror—await.”
Princess Academy, by Shannon Hale, $0.99. You may be starting to get the impression that I love Shannon Hale, and you would be right. Princess Academy is the first in a middle grade series about a land where a rich urban royal class benefits from the poorly paid labor of all the surrounding towns. When it is decided that the Prince’s wife should come from Miri’s village, all the teen girls are rounded up and sent to a school where they will be taught the ways of court. Booklist says, “Hale nicely interweaves feminist sensibilities in this quest-for-a-prince-charming, historical-fantasy tale. Strong suspense and plot drive the action as the girls outwit would-be kidnappers and explore the boundaries of leadership, competition, and friendship.” If you are looking for books with strong heroines who overcome difficulties to make a difference in their world, this is the book for you.
Bound: 15 Beautiful Bookbinding Projects, by Rachel Hazell, $3.99. If your family is anything like mine, you probably have dozens of stories your kids have written and illustrated. Why not turn them into an art project by binding them into book form? Or set yourself up for a new school year by creating small notebooks for nature observations or other projects. This book goes through multiple styles, from basic to complex, with step by step instructions.
Mini Weapons of Mass Destruction: Make Mayhem from your Stationery with 35 Models to Build Yourself, by John Austin, $3.99. Do you have pens, rubber bands, and plastic utensils? If so, you’re ready to build a catapult or trebuchet! All of these weapons are small scale but need adult supervision to prevent injury. Keep this book as a resource for discussing wars and weaponry throughout history.
American Heritage History of Flight, by Arthur Gordon, $1.99. This detailed look at aviation begins with ancient attempts to harness the wind and moves through modern technological innovations. While there are few illustrations, the Kindle version includes in-text links to Wikipedia for additional information and visuals.
National Geographic Readers: Planes, by Amy Shields, $4.99. If you are looking for a detailed book that your early elementary students can read on their own, the National Geographic Reader series is a great place to start. This one covers all types of planes, including some unusual ones (have you ever seen the inside of a C-17?) sure to pique interest.
Amazing Airplanes, by Tony Mitton, $3.54. For our youngest family members, we have this bright and simple picture book. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Buckle up to learn all about flying! Amazing Airplanes follows the animal crew, as they become pilots, baggage handlers, and air stewards. Each page is filled with details that machine-mad kids love, such as the cockpit, landing gear, and much more. This book is perfect for budding pilots or happy vacationers! From airplanes to fire engines, the internationally bestselling Amazing Machines series is the perfect way for children to learn about all sorts of vehicles! Each book introduces a new vehicle and the jobs it can do. Bright, engaging artwork and simple, rhyming text combine to make these fantastic books for young children. Kids will love getting to know the friendly, animal characters who feature throughout the series and reading about their fast-paced adventures!”
Her Right Foot, by Dave Eggers, $2.99. This beautiful picture book takes a look at the history of the Statue of Liberty. More than that, Eggers uses the statue to address the inherent freedoms that form the basis of American culture and government. Shawn Harris’s mixed-media illustrations are simple but visually interesting.
Epic Fails: Not-So-Great Presidents, by Ben Thompson and Erik Slader. This newer history series is a lot of fun for middle-grade readers. Rather than focusing on successes, the authors emphasize foibles (e.g., Washington’s mistakes early in his career as a British soldier, Nixon’s Watergate scandal). The result is humanizing; presidents are just people, and everyone makes mistakes. The tone is light and full of contemporary references. A good choice for history fans and history skeptics!
Small Wonders: Jean-Henri Fabre and His World of Insects, by Matthew Clark Smith, $3.99. Fabre is one of the most famous naturalists in history. His interest started when he was a small child fascinated by moths, wasps, and other insects. Instead of merely collecting and dissecting them, Fabre was among the first to study insect behavior in the natural environment.
Microadventures: Local Discoveries, Great Escapes, by Alastair Humphreys, $4.99. The adventures are small, but the world is large! Humphreys is a naturalist and adventurer who has explored all over the world. This book focuses on really getting to know the world right around you. These outdoor adventures can be accomplished in a day or less, with minimal supplies. Humphreys encourages you to chase down a full moon, explore woods and forests, swim in a river, and more. Humphreys is based in the UK, so some of the challenges may not be applicable (e.g., there are few places in the US where you can walk from coast to coast), but most can be adapted to any local environment. This book is perfect for a family looking for new recreation ideas during the pandemic.
Rules, by Cynthia Lord, $3.99. Catherine loves her brother, but she’s not always nice to him. He has autism, and she has created a long list of rules for him to follow so that he doesn’t embarrass her in public. When she meets Jason, a paraplegic who uses a wheelchair and communicates through picture cards, Catherine begins to realize that there’s no one “normal” way to be, and that she needs to find more acceptance and understanding for others, even her own brother.
Freak the Mighty, by Rodman Philbrick, $3.99. This classic story of an unusual friendship has been made into a movie. Kevin has a disorder that prevents him from growing; Max is large for his age and struggles with learning disabilities. Together, Kevin and Max form “Freak the Mighty,” with Kevin riding Max’s shoulders as they explore their surroundings and defeat bullies. Both boys have unique perspectives. Content warning: this book is poignant and tragic.
Missing Math: A Number Mystery, by Loreen Leedy, $3.99. This bright and fun picture book will convince kids of the importance of numbers. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In Missing Math, the numbers all over town suddenly disappear. The animals can’t count, use the phone, or even find out what time it is. Rulers, money, and computers have all become completely useless. . . . Can the town’s detective solve this numerical mystery? Will he ever bring the numbers back home again? Loreen Leedy’s clever rhyming text PLUS her amusing digitally painted illustrations EQUALS proof that we need math each and every day.”
Alone: A Story of Friendship in the Darkness of Space, by Scott Stuart, $0.99. Earth is all alone in space, so it goes off looking for a friend. This sweet, fanciful book includes a few interesting scientific tidbits.
Blast Off to the Moon! by Lauren Gunderson, $3.99. Dr. Wonderful just wants to know why things happen, and she’s willing to explore to find out. When she becomes curious about why the moon changes shape each night, she and her dog decide to go up into space for research. Kids will love the funny illustrations; parents will appreciate the way Dr. Wonderful carefully works through the scientific process to answer her questions.
The Upside of Falling Down, by Rebekah Crane, $1.99. A coming-of-age novel with an unusual twist: Clementine is the sole survivor of a plane crash, and she’s now in Ireland suffering from amnesia. Here’s the plot summary: “With the relentless Irish press bearing down on her, and a father she may not even recognize on his way from America to take her home, Clementine assumes a new identity and enlists a blue-eyed Irish stranger, Kieran O’Connell, to help her escape her forgotten life…and start a new one. Hiding out in the sleepy town of Waterville, Ireland, Clementine discovers there’s an upside to a life that’s fallen apart. But as her lies grow, so does her affection for Kieran, and the truth about her identity becomes harder and harder to reveal, forcing Clementine to decide: Can she leave her past behind for a new love she’ll never forget?”
Zoey and Sassafras: Dragons and Marshmallows, by Asia Citro, $1.99. Science can be magic! Zoey and her cat Sassafras have a big secret: magical creatures are real and come to them for help! Zoey is a budding scientist and uses the scientific method to figure out what is wrong with a sick dragon. This is the first in a series; the short chapters, charming illustrations, and simple language make these books a good choice for budding readers.
What Lives in a Shell? by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld, $2.99. This charming book from the “Let’s Read and Find Out” series is a great introduction to crustaceans and other shelled creatures for early elementary readers. Detailed illustrations introduce clams, snails, crabs, and more.
A Tale of Two Cities, by Charles Dickens, $2.99. A classic adventure from Charles Dickens presents the story of the French Revolution through the eyes of the aristocrats, opportunists, and spies of Paris. Break out your knitting needles and settle in for an engrossing read. This edition includes a brief biography of Dickens and some contextual material.
I Survived The Battle of D-Day, by Lauren Tarshis, $3.99. My elementary-schooler has enjoyed several of the books in this series about deadly wars, plagues, and natural disasters. Each book includes a fictionalized story and a short section of historical information. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Eleven-year-old Paul's French village has been under Nazi control for years. His Jewish best friend has disappeared. Food is scarce. And there doesn't seem to be anything Paul can do to make things better. Then Paul finds an American paratrooper in a tree near his home. The soldier says the Allies have a plan to crush the Nazis once and for all. But the soldier needs Paul's help. This is Paul's chance to make a difference. Soon he finds himself in the midst of the largest invasion in history. Can he do his part to turn horror into hope?”
Magic Tree House: Night of the New Magicians, by Mary Pope Osborne, $3.99. Jack and Annie are heading to France! Merlin has sent them to pass along a message to four magicians at the 1889 World’s Fair in Paris. This is a “Merlin Mission,” so it is longer and more involved than the original Magic Tree House books.
Zane and the Hurricane: A Story of Katrina, by Rodman Philbrick, $3.99. Zane doesn’t know New Orleans well; he is visiting his great-grandmother when Hurricane Katrina makes landfall. After chasing his runaway dog, he finds himself fending for himself until he is rescued by a passing canoe. Philbrick includes realistic historical details and deftly addresses issues of race, class, and privilege.
Gandhi: A March to the Sea, by Alice B. McGinty, $1.99. This picture book with beautiful painted illustrations focuses on the nonviolent Satyagraha movement. There’s a free educator’s guide available as a PDF.
The Sky Painter: Louis Fuertes, Bird Artist, by Margarita Engle, $1.99. I will admit that I had never heard of Fuertes before I discovered this book. Thank you, Margarita Engle, for introducing me to his beautiful work. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Louis loves to watch birds. He takes care of injured birds and studies how they look and how they move. His father wants him to become an engineer, but Louis dreams of being a bird artist. To achieve this dream, he must practice, practice, practice. He learns from the art of John James Audubon. But as Louis grows up, he begins to draw and paint living, flying birds in their natural habitats. Louis Agassiz Fuertes (1874–1927) is now known as the father of modern bird art. He traveled with many scientific expeditions all over the world. His best-known works—paintings for habitat exhibits at the American Museum of Natural History in New York—are still beloved by visitors today. His art helped to encourage wildlife conservation, inspiring people to celebrate and protect the world of wings. Poems by Newbery Honor–winning author Margarita Engle and illustrations by Aliona Bereghici capture the life of Louis Fuertes and the deep sense of wonder that he felt when he painted the sky.”
Escape North! The Story of Harriet Tubman, by Monica Kulling, $4.99. I found my copy of this book at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park (which is great and you should go!). As I’ve mentioned before, I really like the higher level nonfiction “Step into Reading” books for providing a solid foundation on a topic at the elementary level. Kids will learn about Tubman’s missions escorting enslaved people to freedom, but also about her work as a spy and women’s rights advocate.
Frog and Toad are Friends, by Arnold Lobel, $4.99. This is an easy reader classic! Frog and Toad are not always alike, but they are always there for each other. Join them on their funny adventures swimming, looking for a lost button, and waiting for a letter. Fun pictures and few words on each page make this the perfect first chapter book for a new reader.
I am (Not) Scared, by Anna Kang, $1.99. The bears from You are (Not) Small and That’s (Not) Mine are back with a trip to the amusement park. They are frightened of, and exhilarated by, a whole host of new experiences and discover that being together can make hard things seem less scary.
A Snicker of Magic, by Natalie Lloyd, $3.99. My daughter loves this book! Here’s what she says: “A shy girl who’s been traveling around her whole life moves to a town that used to have magic. She learns that her ancestors were cursed and becomes determined to break the curse. This is a really heartwarming book, and I recommend it to people who like The Magic Half.”
Give Yourself Goosebumps: Tick Tock, You’re Dead, by R.L. Stine. A scary Goosebumps novel where you get to choose how the story turns out? Sign me up for this perfect campfire read!
Kindle Deals for October 9, 2020
Tales of the creepy and uncanny!
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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Greenglass House, by Kate Milford, $1.99. OK, it would be false advertising to compare this book to The Westing Game, but if there is a contemporary literary descendant of Raskin's deliciously complex mystery, it's The Greenglass House—a genuine, bona fide middle grades mystery that gives its readers credit for being intelligent and that delivers a satisfying mystery, sophisticated character development, and a few (well set-up) twists along the way. Adopted innkeepers' son Milo and his friend—the cook's daughter, Meddy—unravel the clues to discover why their off-season inn is full of unexpected visitors, at least one of whom seems set on sabotaging Greenglass House. It's a terrific mystery. Highly recommended.
A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning, by Lemony Snicket, $2.99. The first book is Lemony Snicket’s hilariously tragic series chronicles the moment things begin to go terribly wrong in the lives of the ill-fated Baudelaire orphans. Kids will love the over-the-top storytelling; parents will be tickled by all the interesting words Snicket throws in.
The Thickety: A Path Begins, by J.A. White, $3.99. Looking for a seriously creepy and sometimes dark middle-grade fantasy? The Thickety does a good job of balancing real menace with imaginative storytelling. Here’s a bit of the publisher’s description: “When Kara Westfall was five years old, her mother was convicted of the worst of all crimes: witchcraft. Years later, Kara and her little brother, Taff, are still shunned by the people of their village, who believe that nothing is more evil than magic…except, perhaps, the mysterious forest that covers nearly the entire island. It has many names, this place. Sometimes it is called the Dark Wood, or Sordyr's Realm. But mostly it's called the Thickety. The villagers live in fear of the Thickety and the terrible creatures that live there. But when an unusual bird lures Kara into the forbidden forest, she discovers a strange book with unspeakable powers. A book that might have belonged to her mother. And that is just the beginning of the story.”
Spontaneous, by Aaron Starmer, $2.99. I just bought this one for myself! The idea of a darkly funny YA novel about a wave of spontaneous combustions just felt right for 2020. The publisher’s description hooked me. Will it do the same for you? “Mara Carlyle’s senior year is going as normally as could be expected, until fellow senior Katelyn Ogden explodes during third period pre-calc. Katelyn is the first, but she won’t be the last teenager to blow up without warning or explanation. As the national eye turns to Mara’s suburban New Jersey hometown, the FBI rolls in and the search for a reason is on. Mara narrates the end of their world as she knows it while trying to make it to graduation in one piece. It’s an explosive year punctuated by romance, quarantine, lifelong friendship, hallucinogenic mushrooms, bloggers, ice cream trucks, and Bon Jovi.”
STILL ON SALE
Three Faces of Me, by R.L. Stine, $0.99. No one beats R.L. Stine for a kid-appropriate intro to the horror genre. Here’s the publisher’s description of this eerie tale: “When Ira Fishman wins a prize in the machine outside a candy store, he’s disappointed it’s not the squirt gun he had his eye on. The little black plastic box looks like a camera, but when Ira presses the green button on top, nothing happens. After dinner that night, Ira can’t believe what he sees in his room: a boy with the same clothes—and face—as Ira! He tries to get this second Ira to leave, but it’s no use. Deciding to have a little fun, Ira makes the boy go to school in his place—but it’s a disaster. The new Ira isn’t good at math like the real Ira, and he’s horrible at softball. Worst of all, he plays with the girls during recess! Ira’s clone is ruining his rep—fast. And when a third Ira shows up, Ira number one has to find a way to make the others disappear for good before his whole world is turned upside down. But how do you get rid of yourself?”
Turkey Trick of Treat, by Wendi Silvano, $0.99. The wacky turkey from Turkey Trouble is back, this time to celebrate Halloween! He wants candy, but the farmer will only give it to kids in costumes. Can he and the other barnyard animals trick the farmer into giving them treats?
Halloween Hustle, by Charlotte Gunnufson, $0.99. Kids will love the spooky-cute illustrations and the fun rhyming text. Skeleton is on his way to a party, and he can’t help but dance. But he has a problem — he keeps tripping and falling apart. Can he keep it together?
How to Build a Haunted House, by Frank Tupta, $1.99. In this rhyming story, classic monsters are are working together to make a spooky haunted house. The twist? It’s for vampire family in need!
The Magic Half, by Annie Barrows, $4.79. My daughter loved this series when she was in elementary school. When Miri’s family moves into a new house, she is thrilled with her interesting new room in the attic. Things get a little strange, and more interesting, when she discovers that her room is somehow connected to 1935 and a girl in need of help. Miri has to learn the secrets of this time travel to rescue Molly.
Stepping Stones: The Time Machine, by H.G. Wells and Les Martin, $3.99. The Stepping Stones series adapts classic literature to an early chapter book level. This adaptation of the H.G. Wells classic is heavy on the action and includes engaging illustrations. This is a great introduction to one of the foundational texts of science fiction.
Time Travel in Einstein’s Universe, by J. Richard Gott, $1.99. Are you looking to dig into the elements of relativity that make time travel possible? This detailed look at the physics from a Princeton astrophysicist lays all the possibilities in high-level detail.
The Science of Time Travel: The Secrets Behind Time Machines, Time Loops, Alternate Realities, and More, by Elizabeth Howell, $1.99. This scientific look at science fiction will thrill fans. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Science fiction is the perfect window into the possibilities and perils of time travel. What would happen if you went back in time and killed your own grandparent? If you knew how to stop a presidential assassination, would time travel allow you to make your wish come true? Can we use time travel as a tool to escape the destiny of our future or mistakes of the past? The Science of Time Travel explores time travel through your favorite science-fiction franchises, from the classic time travel paradoxes of Star Trek to the universe-crossing shenanigans of Doctor Who.”
Apples, Apples, Apples, by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace, $0.99. The bunny family is heading to the orchard to pick some fresh apples! They meet up with Farmer Miller, who explains the different varieties of apples and how they grow. When they have gathered all they need, they head home to make fresh applesauce (recipe included!). Wallace’s unique cut paper illustrations are very sweet.
The Seasons of Arnold’s Apple Tree, by Gail Gibbons, $4.99. Arnold has a favorite apple tree. He spends time in it throughout the year, picking fruit, smelling blossoms, feeding the birds, and basking in its shade. In simple language, Gibbons walks readers through a year in the life of a tree. Don’t miss the recipe for apple pie and the description of how a cider press works!
How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World, by Marjorie Priceman, $4.99. From our readalouds with recipes list: “As Carl Sagan once said, if you want to make an apple pie from scratch, first you have to create the universe. In this playful picture book, you don’t have to create the world but you do have to travel it, journeying around the globe to collect far-flung ingredients for the perfect apple pie.”
Apples and How They Grow, by Laura Driscoll, $4.99. Let your beginning reader read about apples on their own! This short and sweet nonfiction book is full of details about how apples grow. Kids (and adults) may be surprised to learn about grafting branches from one tree onto another.
We Dream of Space, by Erin Entrada Kelly, $1.99. That historical fiction is now set in the 1980s makes me feel a little old, but I’m excited to read this new middle grade novel. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Cash, who loves basketball but has a newly broken wrist, is in danger of failing seventh grade for the second time. Fitch spends every afternoon playing Major Havoc at the arcade on Main and wrestles with an explosive temper that he doesn’t understand. And Bird, his twelve-year-old twin, dreams of being NASA’s first female shuttle commander, but feels like she’s disappearing. The Thomas children exist in their own orbits, circling a tense and unpredictable household, with little in common except an enthusiastic science teacher named Ms. Salonga. As the launch of the Challenger approaches, Ms. Salonga gives her students a project—they are separated into spacecraft crews and must create and complete a mission. When the fated day finally arrives, it changes all of their lives and brings them together in unexpected ways.”
Space Opera, by Catherynne M. Valente, $1.99. Amy and Suzanne really enjoyed this book. Here’s what Amy has to say about it: “So earlier this fall, I told Suzanne that I needed to read something that would just make me happy, and she suggested this space saga. NEVER DOUBT SUZANNE. This zany, Douglas Adams-ish (and I don’t throw that around lightly) story centers around an intergalactic version of American Idol, in which planets compete not for record deals but for the right for their species to be considered sentient by the rest of the universe. All newly space-faring species must compete to prove their sentience — and if they come in last, their whole species will be wiped right out of existence. Now that Earth is in the space game, and the future of humanity is in the hands of aging 70s rocker Decibel Jones. It sounds wacky and all over the place because it is wacky and all over the place — but in a way that made me really happy.”
Rise of the Rocket Girls, by Nathalia Holt, $2.99. The original computers weren't machines, they were people—specifically women who, armed with slide rules and sharpened pencils, performed the complex calculations needed to get the space program (literally) off the ground. This book shines a long overdue spotlight on the women scientists and mathematicians who contributed to the early work of the space program, and it's a great read on its own or as part of a larger study with The Glass Universe and Hidden Figures.
Suni Goes to Space, by Arthy Muthanna Singh and Mamta Nainy, $0.99. When Sunita Williams was young, she dreamed of going into space like Neil Armstrong. Singh and Nainy introduce us to Suni, the inquisitive and creative girl who grew up to become an astronaut.
Scream: Chilling Adventures in the Science of Fear, by Margee Kerr, $1.99. Why do we feel afraid? Why do we deliberately seek out horror movies and haunted houses? Sociologist Margee Kerr investigates the individual and societal experiences of fear. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Fear is a universal human experience, but do we really understand it? If we're so terrified of monsters and serial killers, why do we flock to the theaters to see them? Why do people avoid thinking about death, but jump out of planes and swim with sharks? For Kerr, there was only one way to find out. In this eye-opening, adventurous book, she takes us on a tour of the world's scariest experiences: into an abandoned prison long after dark, hanging by a cord from the highest tower in the Western hemisphere, and deep into Japan's mysterious ‘suicide forest.’ She even goes on a ghost hunt with a group of paranormal adventurers. Along the way, Kerr shows us the surprising science from the newest studies of fear -- what it means, how it works, and what it can do for us. Full of entertaining science and the thrills of a good ghost story, this book will make you think, laugh -- and scream.”
Alice in Zombieland, by Gena Showalter, $2.99. It’s Alice in Wonderland… sort of. With zombies! This YA zombie novel is filled with allusions to Wonderland.
His Hideous Heart: 13 of Edgar Allen Poe’s Most Unsettling Tales Reimagined, edited by Dahlia Adler, $2.99. Teens have loved Poe’s creepy tales for the last hundred and fifty years. Now they can experience the themes in new ways through this collection of modern short stories from big names in current YA.
Teach Your Own: The John Holt Book of Homeschooling, by John Holt and Pat Farenga, $2.99. John Holt is one of the founders of the modern homeschool movement. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In this expanded edition of the book that helped launch the whole movement, Pat Farenga has distilled John Holt's timeless understanding of the ways children come to understand the world and added up-to-the-moment legal, financial, and logistical advice. No parent even considering homeschooling should be without this wise and unique reference. Rather than proposing that parents turn their homes into miniature schools, Holt and Farenga demonstrate how ordinary parents can help children grow as social, active learners. Chapters on living with children, "serious play," children and work, and learning difficulties will fascinate and encourage parents and help them enjoy each "homeschool" day. John Holt's warm understanding of children and his passionate belief in every child's ability to learn have made this book the bible of homeschooling families everywhere.”
My Strong Mind: A Story about Developing Mental Strength, by Niels van Hove, $2.99. This is a pretty didactic but accessible book about developing good habits. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Kate faces several situations your children will face too. She applies a positive attitude to deal with her challenges. Amongst them are getting ready in time in the morning, doing cartwheels, standing in front of the whole class with show and tell and playing basketball. Kate applies techniques like goal setting, positive self-talk, accept failure as learning, visualisation of a problem, breathing or mindfulness exercise, gratitude, and controlled distraction. These tips to build a strong mind in children are presented in an easy to read, fun and practical way.”
It’s Okay to Make Mistakes, by Todd Parr, $1.99. Todd Parr’s books are like big, extra-tight hugs. His simple style is bold, funny, and diverse. For every mistake he mentions, he offers a hint at what can happen next (e.g., “It’s OK to not know the answer. Asking questions helps you learn.”) My toddler could recite Todd Parr books way before she could read them on her own.
Storybound, by Melissa Burt, $3.99. I haven’t had a chance to read this series yet, but it sounds like a delightful bookish adventure. Here’s the publisher’s description: “When Una Fairchild stumbles upon a mysterious book buried deep in the basement of her school library, she thinks nothing of opening the cover and diving in. But instead of paging through a regular novel, Una suddenly finds herself Written In to the land of Story—a world filled with Heroes and Villains and fairy-tale characters. But not everything in Story is as magical as it seems. Una must figure out why she has been Written In—and fast—before anyone else discovers her secret. Together with her new friend Peter and a talking cat named Sam, Una digs deep into Story's shadowy past. She quickly realizes that she is tied to the world in ways she never could have imagined—and it might be up to her to save it.”
A Dash of Magic, by Kathryn Littlewood, $3.99. The Bliss series is a mouth-watering literary treat. In this second book in the series, Rosemary is determined to retrieve the magical Cookery Booke that her aunt has stolen — even if it means facing off in an Iron Chef-style food battle. The competition takes the Bliss family to Paris, where the family rushes around famous sites collecting the magical ingredients Rosemary needs. There’s an excellent sense of place. If you enjoy this book, the sequel is also on sale.
Sleep, Big Bear, Sleep! by Maureen Wright, $0.99. It’s time to hibernate in this charming picture book. Bear knows there’s something he needs to do, but he keeps mishearing Old Man Winter’s “Sleep” message and instead thinks he is supposed to leap or sweep. It’s a sweet, funny story perfect for fall.
Scaredy Squirrel, by Melanie Watt, $0.99. Scaredy Squirrel wants to be prepared. He has all of his emergency gear at the ready, prepared for bees, Martians, whatever might happen. He prefers to stick to his safe, steady routine. When a chance encounter causes him to leap into the unknown, he gets a big surprise.
Shampoodle, by Joan Holub, $3.99. This fun easy reader will have kids giggling! The funny, rhyming text describes a day at the dog groomer. The dogs are all very exuberant, even before a cat wanders in and causes mayhem. I love the pictures in this one; there’s lots to see!
Bad Kitty Camp Daze, by Nick Bruel, $4.96. Bad Kitty has an attitude problem that will endear her to surly children everywhere. Bruel built on his picture book series with these early chapter books that contain lots of illustrated action. When Bad Kittle sneaks away to Uncle Murray’s Camp for Stressed-Out Dogs, she learns more than she bargains for about the natural world.
The Hobbits of Tolkien: An Illustrated Exploration of Tolkien’s Hobbits and the Sources that Inspired His Work From Myth, Legend, and History, by David Day, $3.99. Want to know more about the mythology behind Middle Earth? Curious about the etymology of some place names and people? This book perfectly balances detailed research with cozy illustrations. The author has written similar volumes about other elements of Tolkien’s work.
A Dictionary of Sources of Tolkien: The History and Mythology That Inspired Tolkien’s World, by David Day, $3.99. I enjoy sweeping fantasy, but I definitely struggle to keep all the names and places straight. In this extensive volume, Day provides information about all the proper nouns of Middle Earth, both their relevance to the narrative and their allusions to other literary traditions.
An Unexpected Cookbook: The Unofficial Book of Hobbit Cookery, by Chris-Rachael Oseland, $5.99. This book is more expensive than my typical Kindle deals, but I didn’t think we could properly celebrate Hobbit Day without at least one food book. The recipes are broken up into all seven Hobbit meals, with delicious treats like Lavender and Lemon Bread, Yorkshire Pudding, and Honey Cakes. You’ll find detailed recipe notes and mouthwatering photos throughout.
Fear of Physics: A Guide for the Perplexed, by Lawrence M. Krauss, $1.99. Krauss is a theoretical physicist who works on the deepest mysteries of the universe. But don’t let that intimidate you! Here’s the publisher’s description: “Assume the cow is a sphere." So begins this lively, irreverent, and informative look at everything from the physics of boiling water to cutting-edge research at the observable limits of the universe. Rich with anecdotes and accessible examples, Fear of Physics nimbly ranges over the tools and thought behind the world of modern physics, taking the mystery out of what is essentially a very human intellectual endeavour.”
Caesar’s Last Breath: Decoding the Secrets of the Air Around Us, by Sam Kean, $2.99. Science writer Sam Kean has written about the chemical elements, neuroscience, genetics, and the creation of the atomic bomb. In this book, he explores the air around us and the molecules we find within it. He travels throughout history and across several continents in his quest to understand the air we breathe.
Scienceblind: Why Our Intuitive Theories About the World Are So Often Wrong, by Andrew Shtulman, $4.99. Our brains are wired to make connections that help us make sense of the world. But that does not mean that our brains always interpret the world correctly. Cognitive psychologist Andrew Shtulman explains the reasons why people tend to believe weird things in this fascinating book. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Why do we catch colds? What causes seasons to change? And if you fire a bullet from a gun and drop one from your hand, which bullet hits the ground first? In a pinch we almost always get these questions wrong. Worse, we regularly misconstrue fundamental qualities of the world around us. In Scienceblind, cognitive and developmental psychologist Andrew Shtulman shows that the root of our misconceptions lies in the theories about the world we develop as children. They're not only wrong, they close our minds to ideas inconsistent with them, making us unable to learn science later in life. So how do we get the world right? We must dismantle our intuitive theories and rebuild our knowledge from its foundations. The reward won't just be a truer picture of the world, but clearer solutions to many controversies -- around vaccines, climate change, or evolution -- that plague our politics today.”
Uncommon Paper Flowers: Extraordinary Botanicals and How to Craft Them, by Kate Alcaron, $2.99. You’ve made a paper rose before, now get ready to try something unique! Alcaron has collected 30 unusual plants and created paper models of them. The book contains detailed botanical descriptions, an extensive technique section, and templates for creating your own dramatic floral display.
Parenting in a Pandemic: How to Help Your Family Through Covid-19, by Kelly Fradin, $0.99. This just came out and will (I hope) only be useful for a limited time, but the price is right and the advice is solid. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Parents are burning out while kids need more help than ever. With so many families in crisis, pediatrician and child advocate Dr. Kelly Fradin sees an urgent need for help. As a mother of two, Dr. Fradin shares practical, evidence-based and reassuring advice on what families need to know. Parents are forced to make decisions now despite seemingly constant change and many unknowns. In Parenting in a Pandemic, Dr. Fradin provides the information and strategies you need to help navigate coronavirus. The book reviews the science necessary to understand the news and care for your family. Dr. Fradin explains the specific risks of coronavirus to children of all ages and adults, including parents, grandparents, pregnant women, and essential workers. She gives realistic strategies you can use to improve this time for your family whether you are protecting a newborn, virtually schooling or convincing a teen to physically distance.”
The House Takes a Vacation, by Jacqueline Davies, $0.99. Get ready for a surreal and wacky adventure! When the house’s people go on vacation, the house decides to take its own trip. Kids and adults will enjoy the pun-filled text and personality-filled illustrations.
The Archaeology of Home: An Epic Set on a Thousand Square Feet of the Lower East Side, by Katharine Greider, $3.99. When Greider’s NYC home is condemned, she decides to trace all the decisions and events that led to the destruction. Her research goes all the way back to the earliest settlers of New York City. The result of this research is a fascinating microhistory of an urban neighborhood that incorporates the individual stories of its former inhabitants.
Little House in the Big Woods, by Laura Ingalls Wilder, $3.99. The Little House books are among the most read children’s books of all time, and with good reason. Wilder does a tremendous job of creating a vivid and inviting glimpse into life on the frontier. Later books in the series have problematic depictions of conflicts with Native Americans and have not aged well. Little House in the Big Woods, however, is a cozy and gentle peek into the past. Read this one by candle or fire as the temperatures start to dip this fall!
The Hero’s Guide to Saving Your Kingdom, by Christopher Healy, $3.99. You think you know the classic fairytale stories, but they are usually centered around the princesses. This fun middle grade series focuses on the princes. After the “happily ever after” the princes discover that their kingdoms are in danger, and they set off take on all kinds of mythical monsters. This fun and funny book is the first in a series that your middle-grade reader will love.
The Element Encyclopedia of Magical Creatures, by John and Caitlin Matthews, $3.99. Looking for a reference on obscure creatures? Every time I open this book, I discover a new mythological animal I haven’t heard of before. Here’s the publisher’s description: “From unicorns and trolls to werewolves and griffins, this comprehensive guide is the key to discovering every magical creature from myth, folklore and legend around the world. This compendium of magical creatures explores the history, folklore and mythology of fascinating beasts throughout all the magical worlds. Including stories, celebrations, traditions, and amazing facts, the book spans every major culture across the globe.”
Steampunk! An Anthology of Fantastically Rich and Strange Stories, edited by Kelly Link and Gavin J. Grant, $0.99. Are you new to steampunk but interested in exploring alternate versions of the world shaped by a different series of technological innovations? This anthology will introduce you to many excellent YA steampunk authors. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Imagine an alternate universe where romance and technology reign. Where tinkerers and dreamers craft and re-craft a world of automatons, clockworks, calculating machines, and other marvels that never were. Where scientists and schoolgirls, fair folk and Romans, intergalactic bandits, utopian revolutionaries, and intrepid orphans solve crimes, escape from monstrous predicaments, consult oracles, and hover over volcanoes in steam-powered airships. Here, fourteen masters of speculative fiction, including two graphic storytellers, embrace the genre's established themes and refashion them in surprising ways and settings as diverse as Appalachia, ancient Rome, future Australia, and alternate California. Visionaries Kelly Link and Gavin J. Grant have invited all-new explorations and expansions, taking a genre already rich, strange, and inventive in the extreme and challenging contributors to remake it from the ground up. The result is an anthology that defies its genre even as it defines it.”
The Wonderling, by Mira Bartok, $0.99. In Mira Bartok’s imagined world, groundlings are creatures that are part animal, part human. Thirteen, a fox groundling, escapes the Dickensian workhouse where has been raised and sets off on an adventure of his own. The tone is similar to Lemony Snicket, but the story is entirely unique, full of mechanical details and animals with extraordinary abilities. Put this strange and interesting book in the hands of your middle-grade reader!
My Robots: The Robotic Genius of Lady Regina Bonquers III, by Johan Olander, $3.99. Olander creates such interesting books! This heavily illustrated book purports to be the design scrapbook of an elusive roboticist. Lady Regina has created bots to fight fires, pluck nose hairs, and even give hugs. Kids will enjoy all the details of the development process, the unique visual style, and a frisson of mystery over Lady Regina’s whereabouts.
The Last Kids on Earth, by Max Brallier, $1.99. Are you ready for some funny post-apocalyptic lit for kids? This madcap adventure mixes peril, gross out humor, and teamwork as an unlikely band of teens works to save the day and stay alive. It’s a middle grade chapter book riddled with exciting and gruesome illustrations. If this sounds like something you’d be into, several books in the series are on sale today.
Big History: From the Big Bang to the Present, by Cynthia Stokes Brown, $3.99. The Big History movement combines science with history to study Earth from the moment of the big bang all the way through current events. Brown does a remarkable job finding through lines in the vast sweep of history. Each era is necessarily brief, but readers will be pleased to see that the history is not overly focused on Western civilization.
Bear and Fred: A World War II Story, by Iris Argaman, $4.99. Picture books can make challenging subjects understandable for small children. In this book, Israeli author Iris Argaman tells the true story of a boy’s time hiding from Nazis during WWII — from the perspective of his loyal teddy bear. It’s a tough but uplifting story that gently introduces the topic of the Holocaust.
Sleepover Larry, by Daniel Pinkwater, $3.99. Larry is a dapper polar bear who lives in a hotel owned by his human family. When Larry learns the concept of sleepovers, he is determined to have a great one with his bear friends from the zoo!
National Geographic Readers: Bears, by Elizabeth Carney, $3.99. Learn about bear species from all over the world in this fun, brightly illustrated easy reader. Sections cover habitats, adaptations, diet, cubs, and more. The level 3 books pack in a lot of detail without complicated vocabulary.
Magic Tree House: Polar Bears Past Bedtime, by Mary Pope Osborne, $3.99. Jack and Annie are off on another adventure, this time to the Arctic! They encounter indigenous hunters, polar bears, the Northern Lights, and more. The Magic Tree House series is great for beginning readers who are looking for fast-paced, exciting (but short) chapter books.
Bibliophile: An Illustrated Miscellany, by Jane Mount, $2.99. This is a literary bonbon for any book lover. As the title suggests, it’s a wonderful collection of miscellaneous facts about books, writers, bookstores, characters, and more. I can almost guarantee that you will find a new author to check out, or even a new favorite book, in the illustrated book lists.
The Man Who Made Lists: Love, Death, Madness, and the Creation of Roget’s Thesaurus, by Joshua Kendall. When I was a kid, I found thesauruses fascinating. I loved flipping through themed lists of words. I don’t think many kids use paper thesauruses now; the function built into your word processor isn’t really the same. Whether you are nostalgic for your childhood thesaurus or have never really used one, you’ll find the story behind the creation of the first modern thesaurus unexpectedly fascinating. Here’s a brief publisher’s description: “Polymath, eccentric, and synonym aficionado, Peter Mark Roget had a host of female admirers, was one of the first to test the effects of laughing gas, invented the slide rule, and narrowly escaped jail in Napoleon's France. But Roget is best known for making lists. After the tragic turmoil of his early life (both his mother and sister were institutionalized), Roget longed for order in his chaotic world. At the age of eight, he began his quest to put everything in its rightful place, one word at a time. This is the fascinating story of a driven man and a brilliant scholar-and the legacy he has left for generations.”
The Food Explorer: The True Adventures of the Globe-Trotting Botanist Who Transformed What America Eats, by Daniel Stone, $4.99. So many of the foods we now consider to be standard American fare are not native to this continent. The diversity of our current palate is partially the work of David Fairchild, a 19th century botanist who traveled the world looking for interesting plants that he could introduce to American audiences. Both food history and a globe-trotting adventure book, The Food Explorer is a delicious piece of writing.
Suffering Succotash: A Picky Eater’s Quest to Understand Why We Hate the Foods We Hate, by Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic, $4.99. There are tons of books about helping kids who are picky eaters, but this is the first one I’ve seen that is written by an actual picky eater. Lucianovic considers the roles of gag reflexes, anxiety, supertasters, support groups, and many other factors. The author’s personal experiences add a warm, personal touch.
A Spy in the House, by Y.S. Lee, $0.99. This is the first in a series of YA historical mysteries about a young Asian sleuth in Victorian London. Mary is an orphan doomed for the gallows when she is rescued and offered a position at the mysterious Miss Scrimshaw’s Academy for Girls. The school is the training ground for an elite group of detectives who can infiltrate high society households. Lee does an excellent job of offering the gritty details of the Victorian city while staying away from graphic details. The immigrant experience is rarely discussed in historical fiction, so this series provides an interesting perspective.
Seafaring Women: Adventures of Pirate Queens, Female Stowaways, and Sailors’ Wives, by David Cordingly, $4.99. Women have been taking to the seas, sometimes in secret, for hundreds of years. Cordingly has collected the stories of dozens of maritime women who lived life on the open water.
The March on Washington, by Bonnie Bader, $3.99. American Girl has been bringing accessible historical fiction to early readers for more than 30 years. More recently, the company has published factual companion books that provide deeper background into important events. This book about the 1963 March on Washington includes photos, timelines, maps, and a bibliography for more research.
One Crazy Summer, by Rita Williams-Garcia, $4.99. When the three Gaither sisters travel to California to spend time with their estranged mother, they are expecting movie stars and Disneyland. What they actually experience is a little different: summer camp run by the Black Panthers. The girls spend the next four weeks learning about the movement and discovering their own identities. This work of historical fiction set in 1968 is a nice point of entry for a discussion about the Civil Rights movement and the Black Panthers.
Susan B. Anthony: Her Fight for Equal Rights, by Monica Kulling, $4.99. Get to know one of America’s strongest proponents of women’s voting rights, Susan B. Anthony, in this book for early readers. Anthony was determined to vote in an election, even though it was illegal for women to do so at the time. Her civil disobedience led to her arrest. Young readers will learn about how Anthony’s actions paved the way for the 19th Amendment.
Lillian’s Right to Vote: A Celebration of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, by Jonah Winter and Shane W. Evans, $4.99. Sadly, the 19th Amendment did not make voting accessible to ALL women. In many places, unfair practices like poll taxes, complicated literacy tests, and property ownership rules made it nearly impossible for people of color to vote. In this moving picture book, an old woman reminisces about her family’s history and the many barriers to voting they faced.
The Women’s Suffrage Movement, edited by Sally Roesch Wagner, $4.99. What is the study of history without primary sources? This great collection from Penguin Classics looks at the quest for women’s rights in a delightfully intersectional array of essays, letters, speeches, and other texts. Readers will discover Black and Native American women whose ideas were crucial to the movement but have been overlooked in historical accounts.
The Templeton Twins Have an Idea, by Ellis Weiner, $0.99. If your reader has plowed the A Series of Unfortunate Events and would like something with a similar feel, look no further. The Templetons feel very similar to the Baudelaires. A snippet from the book description gives you an excellent feel for the tone: “Suppose there were 12-year-old twins, a boy and girl named John and Abigail Templeton. Let's say John was pragmatic and played the drums, and Abigail was theoretical and solved cryptic crosswords. Now suppose their father was a brilliant, if sometimes confused, inventor. And suppose that another set of twins—adults—named Dean D. Dean and Dan D. Dean, kidnapped the Templeton twins and their ridiculous dog in order to get their father to turn over one of his genius (sort of) inventions. Yes, I said kidnapped. Wouldn't it be fun to read about that? Oh please. It would so. Luckily for you, this is just the first in a series perfect for boys and girls who are smart, clever, and funny (just like the twins), and enjoy reading adventurous stories (who doesn't?!).”
Ella Enchanted, by Gail Carson Levine, $1.99. This Newberry Honor book has been beloved for two decades, and with good reason. A unique twist on the Cinderella story, this book focuses on Ella, a girl who has been cursed (“gifted”?) with obedience to others’ orders. In order to break this curse, she must track down and convince the fairy godmother who bestowed it.
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.
801 Things You Should Know: From Greek Philosophy to Today’s Technology, by David Olsen, $1.99. You’re a smart person. You’ve probably heard of many of the concepts and events in this book. But you may not be clear on all the details. This collection of short entries about everything from politics to medical terminology to economic principals will serve as a great introduction or refresher. Hand this to a tween/teen along with a newspaper — they’ll be able to quickly get background on unfamiliar terms like bear markets, the Hundred Years’ War, and the Invisible Hand theory.
A Field Guide to Monsters, by Johan Olander, $0.99. Olander is a “monstrologist” who documents monsters’ behavior in the wild. In this whimsical and imaginative book, he collects illustrations and artifacts from the Slobber Bug, Beach Krill, Tadpole-Monster, and other previously unknown (aka imaginary) creatures. It would be fun to compare this book with other, more scientific field guides.
Iron Hearted Violet, by Kelly Barnhill, $1.99. Kelly Barnhill tells such compelling twists on fairytale tropes. In this book, Princess Violet must work with the last dragon alive to protect the world from an evil being she has only read about in a forbidden book. Violet is brave, but not beautiful, strong, but not perfect.
The Menagerie, by Tui T. Sutherland and Kari Sutherland, $3.99. If your middle-grade reader enjoys books where the magical world bumps into the real world, The Menagerie series may be the perfect next adventure. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In the small town of Xanadu, Wyoming lies the Menagerie, a top secret facility filled with unicorns, dragons, phoenixes, and other fairy tale creatures. At least, it was a secret—until six griffin cubs escaped. If Logan and Zoe don’t get the cubs back fast, the entire Menagerie will be shut down. The race is on and the resulting adventure is only the beginning of a thrilling series that will leave readers wanting a magical menagerie of their very own.”
An Optimist’s Tour of the Future, by Mark Stevenson, $4.99. My husband loves this book, which does a great job of musing about how technology could change our future for the better. Here’s the publisher’s description: “When unexpectedly confronted with his own mortality, Mark Stevenson-a writer, deep-thinker, and stand-up comedian-began to ponder what the future holds for our species. ‘The past is a foreign country,’ writes Stevenson. ‘By my analysis it's a bit like France-in that I've been to parts of it and eaten some nice food there. But the future? The future is an unknown territory-and there isn't a guidebook.’ Thus, his ambition was born. Stevenson set out simply, asking, ‘What's next?’ and then traveled the globe in pursuit of the answers. Along the way, he visited the Australian outback to visit the farmers who can save us from climate change, met a robot with mood swings, and talked to the Spaniard who's putting a hotel in space. While some might be overwhelmed, or even dismayed by the looming realities of genome sequencing, synthetic biology, a nuclear renaissance, and carbon scrubbing, Stevenson remains, well, optimistic. Drawing on his singular humor and storytelling to break down these sometimes complicated discoveries, An Optimist's Tour of the Future paints a wonderfully readable, and completely enthralling portrait of where we'll be when we grow up- and why it's not so scary.”
50 Ways to Beat Boredom with LEGO Bricks, by DK Publishing, $0.99. If your house is anything like mine, you have no shortage of LEGO pieces. This short book introduces 50 quick activities and games using the beloved building materials. Build a mountain to create a 3D game board (instructions for a spinner also included) or design a functional piggy bank! This is an idea book, not a book of detailed instructions, but it’s a great jumping off point for an hour or a day of LEGO exploration. Note: If you already have 365 Things to Do with LEGO Bricks, you don’t need this book; this book is a shorter extract of that one.
Would You Rather? Made You Think Edition, by Lindsey Daly, $0.99. They start simple: “Would you rather kiss a fish that’s living in a radioactive pond or roll down a hill while hugging a porcupine?” The questions only get more interesting from there. Turn the questions into a game by scoring points for the best reasoning (guidelines are given in the introduction).
Diary of a Pug: Pug Blasts Off, by Kyla May, $2.99. Meet Bub, aka Baron von Bubbles, beloved pet of Bella. He loves doing everything with his human, so when she enters an invention contest, Bub is determined to help her. But this means he needs to deal with his squirrel nemesis, Nutz. This fun, brightly colored diary is full of wacky adventures and adorable illustrations. Early chapter book readers will love it!
Chickadee, by Louise Erdrich, $4.49. Chickadee takes place within the family introduced in Birchbark House. Omakayas is grown with a family of her own, and this story focuses on her twin sons, Chickadee and Makoons. After a prank gone wrong, Chickadee is kidnapped by angry men. This is the tale of Chickadee’s long path to reunion with his family. As with Erdrich’s other books, Chickadee’s story is filled with vivid details about Ojibwe life and traditions.
Young Water Protetctors: A Story About Standing Rock, by Aslan and Kelly Tudor, $2.99. Aslan Tudor was 10 years old when he wrote this book about his time participating in the Standing Rock protests. This is a great, age appropriate introduction to the conflict between native peoples and developers of the Dakota Access Pipeline.
My Heart Fills with Happiness, by Monique Gray Smith, $4.99. This sweet picture book introduces many things that bring happiness — good smells, good friends, and the beauty of nature. The lovely illustrations show many elements in the life on an indigenous family.
Hearts Unbroken, by Cynthia Leitich Smith, $0.99. High school is complicated for everyone, even more so in this YA novel about a community in racial and cultural conflict. Here’s the publisher’s description: “When Louise Wolfe’s first real boyfriend mocks and disrespects Native people in front of her, she breaks things off and dumps him over e-mail. It’s her senior year, anyway, and she’d rather spend her time with her family and friends and working on the school newspaper. The editors pair her up with Joey Kairouz, the ambitious new photojournalist, and in no time the paper’s staff find themselves with a major story to cover: the school musical director’s inclusive approach to casting The Wizard of Oz has been provoking backlash in their mostly white, middle-class Kansas town. From the newly formed Parents Against Revisionist Theater to anonymous threats, long-held prejudices are being laid bare and hostilities are spreading against teachers, parents, and students — especially the cast members at the center of the controversy, including Lou’s little brother, who’s playing the Tin Man. As tensions mount at school, so does a romance between Lou and Joey — but as she’s learned, ‘dating while Native’ can be difficult. In trying to protect her own heart, will Lou break Joey’s?”
The Odds of Loving Grover Cleveland, by Rebekah Crane, $0.99. This Grover Cleveland isn’t a president; he’s a resident at Camp Padua, a summer program for at-risk teens. When Zander’s parents insist she leave home to attend camp, she is sure that she won’t fit in. She’s surprised to make connections with her fellow campers, even though they are all dealing with big problems of their own. This tough but ultimately hopeful novel is also filled with darkly funny moments.
The Mermaid’s Sister, by Carrie Anne Noble, $0.99. I haven’t read this YA fantasy novel yet, but it’s definitely on my To Read list. Here’s the publisher’s summary: In a cottage high atop Llanfair Mountain, sixteen-year-old Clara lives with her sister, Maren, and guardian Auntie. By day, they gather herbs for Auntie’s healing potions; by night, Auntie spins tales of faraway lands and wicked fairies. Clara’s favorite story tells of three orphaned infants—Clara, who was brought to Auntie by a stork; Maren, who arrived in a seashell; and their best friend, O’Neill, who was found beneath an apple tree. One day, Clara discovers iridescent scales just beneath her sister’s skin: Maren is becoming a mermaid and must be taken to the sea or she will die. So Clara, O’Neill, and the mermaid-girl set out for the shore. But the trio encounters trouble around every bend. Ensnared by an evil troupe of traveling performers, Clara and O’Neill must find a way to save themselves and the ever-weakening Maren.
The Testing, by Joelle Charbonneau, $1.99. Calling all fans of The Hunger Games or Divergent! This series should scratch that dystopian coming-of-age itch. Here’s a summary from the publisher: “It’s graduation day for sixteen-year-old Malencia Vale, and the entire Five Lakes Colony (the former Great Lakes) is celebrating. All Cia can think about—hope for—is whether she’ll be chosen for The Testing, a United Commonwealth program that selects the best and brightest new graduates to become possible leaders of the slowly revitalizing post-war civilization. When Cia is chosen, her father finally tells her about his own nightmarish half-memories of The Testing. Armed with his dire warnings (“Cia, trust no one”), she bravely heads off to Tosu City, far away from friends and family, perhaps forever. Danger, romance—and sheer terror—await.”
Princess Academy, by Shannon Hale, $0.99. You may be starting to get the impression that I love Shannon Hale, and you would be right. Princess Academy is the first in a middle grade series about a land where a rich urban royal class benefits from the poorly paid labor of all the surrounding towns. When it is decided that the Prince’s wife should come from Miri’s village, all the teen girls are rounded up and sent to a school where they will be taught the ways of court. Booklist says, “Hale nicely interweaves feminist sensibilities in this quest-for-a-prince-charming, historical-fantasy tale. Strong suspense and plot drive the action as the girls outwit would-be kidnappers and explore the boundaries of leadership, competition, and friendship.” If you are looking for books with strong heroines who overcome difficulties to make a difference in their world, this is the book for you.
Bound: 15 Beautiful Bookbinding Projects, by Rachel Hazell, $3.99. If your family is anything like mine, you probably have dozens of stories your kids have written and illustrated. Why not turn them into an art project by binding them into book form? Or set yourself up for a new school year by creating small notebooks for nature observations or other projects. This book goes through multiple styles, from basic to complex, with step by step instructions.
Mini Weapons of Mass Destruction: Make Mayhem from your Stationery with 35 Models to Build Yourself, by John Austin, $3.99. Do you have pens, rubber bands, and plastic utensils? If so, you’re ready to build a catapult or trebuchet! All of these weapons are small scale but need adult supervision to prevent injury. Keep this book as a resource for discussing wars and weaponry throughout history.
American Heritage History of Flight, by Arthur Gordon, $1.99. This detailed look at aviation begins with ancient attempts to harness the wind and moves through modern technological innovations. While there are few illustrations, the Kindle version includes in-text links to Wikipedia for additional information and visuals.
National Geographic Readers: Planes, by Amy Shields, $4.99. If you are looking for a detailed book that your early elementary students can read on their own, the National Geographic Reader series is a great place to start. This one covers all types of planes, including some unusual ones (have you ever seen the inside of a C-17?) sure to pique interest.
Amazing Airplanes, by Tony Mitton, $3.54. For our youngest family members, we have this bright and simple picture book. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Buckle up to learn all about flying! Amazing Airplanes follows the animal crew, as they become pilots, baggage handlers, and air stewards. Each page is filled with details that machine-mad kids love, such as the cockpit, landing gear, and much more. This book is perfect for budding pilots or happy vacationers! From airplanes to fire engines, the internationally bestselling Amazing Machines series is the perfect way for children to learn about all sorts of vehicles! Each book introduces a new vehicle and the jobs it can do. Bright, engaging artwork and simple, rhyming text combine to make these fantastic books for young children. Kids will love getting to know the friendly, animal characters who feature throughout the series and reading about their fast-paced adventures!”
Her Right Foot, by Dave Eggers, $2.99. This beautiful picture book takes a look at the history of the Statue of Liberty. More than that, Eggers uses the statue to address the inherent freedoms that form the basis of American culture and government. Shawn Harris’s mixed-media illustrations are simple but visually interesting.
Epic Fails: Not-So-Great Presidents, by Ben Thompson and Erik Slader. This newer history series is a lot of fun for middle-grade readers. Rather than focusing on successes, the authors emphasize foibles (e.g., Washington’s mistakes early in his career as a British soldier, Nixon’s Watergate scandal). The result is humanizing; presidents are just people, and everyone makes mistakes. The tone is light and full of contemporary references. A good choice for history fans and history skeptics!
Small Wonders: Jean-Henri Fabre and His World of Insects, by Matthew Clark Smith, $3.99. Fabre is one of the most famous naturalists in history. His interest started when he was a small child fascinated by moths, wasps, and other insects. Instead of merely collecting and dissecting them, Fabre was among the first to study insect behavior in the natural environment.
Microadventures: Local Discoveries, Great Escapes, by Alastair Humphreys, $4.99. The adventures are small, but the world is large! Humphreys is a naturalist and adventurer who has explored all over the world. This book focuses on really getting to know the world right around you. These outdoor adventures can be accomplished in a day or less, with minimal supplies. Humphreys encourages you to chase down a full moon, explore woods and forests, swim in a river, and more. Humphreys is based in the UK, so some of the challenges may not be applicable (e.g., there are few places in the US where you can walk from coast to coast), but most can be adapted to any local environment. This book is perfect for a family looking for new recreation ideas during the pandemic.
Rules, by Cynthia Lord, $3.99. Catherine loves her brother, but she’s not always nice to him. He has autism, and she has created a long list of rules for him to follow so that he doesn’t embarrass her in public. When she meets Jason, a paraplegic who uses a wheelchair and communicates through picture cards, Catherine begins to realize that there’s no one “normal” way to be, and that she needs to find more acceptance and understanding for others, even her own brother.
Freak the Mighty, by Rodman Philbrick, $3.99. This classic story of an unusual friendship has been made into a movie. Kevin has a disorder that prevents him from growing; Max is large for his age and struggles with learning disabilities. Together, Kevin and Max form “Freak the Mighty,” with Kevin riding Max’s shoulders as they explore their surroundings and defeat bullies. Both boys have unique perspectives. Content warning: this book is poignant and tragic.
Missing Math: A Number Mystery, by Loreen Leedy, $3.99. This bright and fun picture book will convince kids of the importance of numbers. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In Missing Math, the numbers all over town suddenly disappear. The animals can’t count, use the phone, or even find out what time it is. Rulers, money, and computers have all become completely useless. . . . Can the town’s detective solve this numerical mystery? Will he ever bring the numbers back home again? Loreen Leedy’s clever rhyming text PLUS her amusing digitally painted illustrations EQUALS proof that we need math each and every day.”
Alone: A Story of Friendship in the Darkness of Space, by Scott Stuart, $0.99. Earth is all alone in space, so it goes off looking for a friend. This sweet, fanciful book includes a few interesting scientific tidbits.
Blast Off to the Moon! by Lauren Gunderson, $3.99. Dr. Wonderful just wants to know why things happen, and she’s willing to explore to find out. When she becomes curious about why the moon changes shape each night, she and her dog decide to go up into space for research. Kids will love the funny illustrations; parents will appreciate the way Dr. Wonderful carefully works through the scientific process to answer her questions.
The Upside of Falling Down, by Rebekah Crane, $1.99. A coming-of-age novel with an unusual twist: Clementine is the sole survivor of a plane crash, and she’s now in Ireland suffering from amnesia. Here’s the plot summary: “With the relentless Irish press bearing down on her, and a father she may not even recognize on his way from America to take her home, Clementine assumes a new identity and enlists a blue-eyed Irish stranger, Kieran O’Connell, to help her escape her forgotten life…and start a new one. Hiding out in the sleepy town of Waterville, Ireland, Clementine discovers there’s an upside to a life that’s fallen apart. But as her lies grow, so does her affection for Kieran, and the truth about her identity becomes harder and harder to reveal, forcing Clementine to decide: Can she leave her past behind for a new love she’ll never forget?”
Zoey and Sassafras: Dragons and Marshmallows, by Asia Citro, $1.99. Science can be magic! Zoey and her cat Sassafras have a big secret: magical creatures are real and come to them for help! Zoey is a budding scientist and uses the scientific method to figure out what is wrong with a sick dragon. This is the first in a series; the short chapters, charming illustrations, and simple language make these books a good choice for budding readers.
What Lives in a Shell? by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld, $2.99. This charming book from the “Let’s Read and Find Out” series is a great introduction to crustaceans and other shelled creatures for early elementary readers. Detailed illustrations introduce clams, snails, crabs, and more.
A Tale of Two Cities, by Charles Dickens, $2.99. A classic adventure from Charles Dickens presents the story of the French Revolution through the eyes of the aristocrats, opportunists, and spies of Paris. Break out your knitting needles and settle in for an engrossing read. This edition includes a brief biography of Dickens and some contextual material.
I Survived The Battle of D-Day, by Lauren Tarshis, $3.99. My elementary-schooler has enjoyed several of the books in this series about deadly wars, plagues, and natural disasters. Each book includes a fictionalized story and a short section of historical information. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Eleven-year-old Paul's French village has been under Nazi control for years. His Jewish best friend has disappeared. Food is scarce. And there doesn't seem to be anything Paul can do to make things better. Then Paul finds an American paratrooper in a tree near his home. The soldier says the Allies have a plan to crush the Nazis once and for all. But the soldier needs Paul's help. This is Paul's chance to make a difference. Soon he finds himself in the midst of the largest invasion in history. Can he do his part to turn horror into hope?”
Magic Tree House: Night of the New Magicians, by Mary Pope Osborne, $3.99. Jack and Annie are heading to France! Merlin has sent them to pass along a message to four magicians at the 1889 World’s Fair in Paris. This is a “Merlin Mission,” so it is longer and more involved than the original Magic Tree House books.
Zane and the Hurricane: A Story of Katrina, by Rodman Philbrick, $3.99. Zane doesn’t know New Orleans well; he is visiting his great-grandmother when Hurricane Katrina makes landfall. After chasing his runaway dog, he finds himself fending for himself until he is rescued by a passing canoe. Philbrick includes realistic historical details and deftly addresses issues of race, class, and privilege.
Gandhi: A March to the Sea, by Alice B. McGinty, $1.99. This picture book with beautiful painted illustrations focuses on the nonviolent Satyagraha movement. There’s a free educator’s guide available as a PDF.
The Sky Painter: Louis Fuertes, Bird Artist, by Margarita Engle, $1.99. I will admit that I had never heard of Fuertes before I discovered this book. Thank you, Margarita Engle, for introducing me to his beautiful work. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Louis loves to watch birds. He takes care of injured birds and studies how they look and how they move. His father wants him to become an engineer, but Louis dreams of being a bird artist. To achieve this dream, he must practice, practice, practice. He learns from the art of John James Audubon. But as Louis grows up, he begins to draw and paint living, flying birds in their natural habitats. Louis Agassiz Fuertes (1874–1927) is now known as the father of modern bird art. He traveled with many scientific expeditions all over the world. His best-known works—paintings for habitat exhibits at the American Museum of Natural History in New York—are still beloved by visitors today. His art helped to encourage wildlife conservation, inspiring people to celebrate and protect the world of wings. Poems by Newbery Honor–winning author Margarita Engle and illustrations by Aliona Bereghici capture the life of Louis Fuertes and the deep sense of wonder that he felt when he painted the sky.”
Escape North! The Story of Harriet Tubman, by Monica Kulling, $4.99. I found my copy of this book at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park (which is great and you should go!). As I’ve mentioned before, I really like the higher level nonfiction “Step into Reading” books for providing a solid foundation on a topic at the elementary level. Kids will learn about Tubman’s missions escorting enslaved people to freedom, but also about her work as a spy and women’s rights advocate.
Frog and Toad are Friends, by Arnold Lobel, $4.99. This is an easy reader classic! Frog and Toad are not always alike, but they are always there for each other. Join them on their funny adventures swimming, looking for a lost button, and waiting for a letter. Fun pictures and few words on each page make this the perfect first chapter book for a new reader.
I am (Not) Scared, by Anna Kang, $1.99. The bears from You are (Not) Small and That’s (Not) Mine are back with a trip to the amusement park. They are frightened of, and exhilarated by, a whole host of new experiences and discover that being together can make hard things seem less scary.
A Snicker of Magic, by Natalie Lloyd, $3.99. My daughter loves this book! Here’s what she says: “A shy girl who’s been traveling around her whole life moves to a town that used to have magic. She learns that her ancestors were cursed and becomes determined to break the curse. This is a really heartwarming book, and I recommend it to people who like The Magic Half.”
Give Yourself Goosebumps: Tick Tock, You’re Dead, by R.L. Stine. A scary Goosebumps novel where you get to choose how the story turns out? Sign me up for this perfect campfire read!
Kindle Deals for October 8, 2020
More haunted reads for Halloween!
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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Three Faces of Me, by R.L. Stine, $0.99. No one beats R.L. Stine for a kid-appropriate intro to the horror genre. Here’s the publisher’s description of this eerie tale: “When Ira Fishman wins a prize in the machine outside a candy store, he’s disappointed it’s not the squirt gun he had his eye on. The little black plastic box looks like a camera, but when Ira presses the green button on top, nothing happens. After dinner that night, Ira can’t believe what he sees in his room: a boy with the same clothes—and face—as Ira! He tries to get this second Ira to leave, but it’s no use. Deciding to have a little fun, Ira makes the boy go to school in his place—but it’s a disaster. The new Ira isn’t good at math like the real Ira, and he’s horrible at softball. Worst of all, he plays with the girls during recess! Ira’s clone is ruining his rep—fast. And when a third Ira shows up, Ira number one has to find a way to make the others disappear for good before his whole world is turned upside down. But how do you get rid of yourself?”
Turkey Trick of Treat, by Wendi Silvano, $0.99. The wacky turkey from Turkey Trouble is back, this time to celebrate Halloween! He wants candy, but the farmer will only give it to kids in costumes. Can he and the other barnyard animals trick the farmer into giving them treats?
Halloween Hustle, by Charlotte Gunnufson, $0.99. Kids will love the spooky-cute illustrations and the fun rhyming text. Skeleton is on his way to a party, and he can’t help but dance. But he has a problem — he keeps tripping and falling apart. Can he keep it together?
How to Build a Haunted House, by Frank Tupta, $1.99. In this rhyming story, classic monsters are are working together to make a spooky haunted house. The twist? It’s for vampire family in need!
STILL ON SALE
The Magic Half, by Annie Barrows, $4.79. My daughter loved this series when she was in elementary school. When Miri’s family moves into a new house, she is thrilled with her interesting new room in the attic. Things get a little strange, and more interesting, when she discovers that her room is somehow connected to 1935 and a girl in need of help. Miri has to learn the secrets of this time travel to rescue Molly.
Stepping Stones: The Time Machine, by H.G. Wells and Les Martin, $3.99. The Stepping Stones series adapts classic literature to an early chapter book level. This adaptation of the H.G. Wells classic is heavy on the action and includes engaging illustrations. This is a great introduction to one of the foundational texts of science fiction.
Time Travel in Einstein’s Universe, by J. Richard Gott, $1.99. Are you looking to dig into the elements of relativity that make time travel possible? This detailed look at the physics from a Princeton astrophysicist lays all the possibilities in high-level detail.
The Science of Time Travel: The Secrets Behind Time Machines, Time Loops, Alternate Realities, and More, by Elizabeth Howell, $1.99. This scientific look at science fiction will thrill fans. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Science fiction is the perfect window into the possibilities and perils of time travel. What would happen if you went back in time and killed your own grandparent? If you knew how to stop a presidential assassination, would time travel allow you to make your wish come true? Can we use time travel as a tool to escape the destiny of our future or mistakes of the past? The Science of Time Travel explores time travel through your favorite science-fiction franchises, from the classic time travel paradoxes of Star Trek to the universe-crossing shenanigans of Doctor Who.”
Apples, Apples, Apples, by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace, $0.99. The bunny family is heading to the orchard to pick some fresh apples! They meet up with Farmer Miller, who explains the different varieties of apples and how they grow. When they have gathered all they need, they head home to make fresh applesauce (recipe included!). Wallace’s unique cut paper illustrations are very sweet.
The Seasons of Arnold’s Apple Tree, by Gail Gibbons, $4.99. Arnold has a favorite apple tree. He spends time in it throughout the year, picking fruit, smelling blossoms, feeding the birds, and basking in its shade. In simple language, Gibbons walks readers through a year in the life of a tree. Don’t miss the recipe for apple pie and the description of how a cider press works!
How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World, by Marjorie Priceman, $4.99. From our readalouds with recipes list: “As Carl Sagan once said, if you want to make an apple pie from scratch, first you have to create the universe. In this playful picture book, you don’t have to create the world but you do have to travel it, journeying around the globe to collect far-flung ingredients for the perfect apple pie.”
Apples and How They Grow, by Laura Driscoll, $4.99. Let your beginning reader read about apples on their own! This short and sweet nonfiction book is full of details about how apples grow. Kids (and adults) may be surprised to learn about grafting branches from one tree onto another.
We Dream of Space, by Erin Entrada Kelly, $1.99. That historical fiction is now set in the 1980s makes me feel a little old, but I’m excited to read this new middle grade novel. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Cash, who loves basketball but has a newly broken wrist, is in danger of failing seventh grade for the second time. Fitch spends every afternoon playing Major Havoc at the arcade on Main and wrestles with an explosive temper that he doesn’t understand. And Bird, his twelve-year-old twin, dreams of being NASA’s first female shuttle commander, but feels like she’s disappearing. The Thomas children exist in their own orbits, circling a tense and unpredictable household, with little in common except an enthusiastic science teacher named Ms. Salonga. As the launch of the Challenger approaches, Ms. Salonga gives her students a project—they are separated into spacecraft crews and must create and complete a mission. When the fated day finally arrives, it changes all of their lives and brings them together in unexpected ways.”
Space Opera, by Catherynne M. Valente, $1.99. Amy and Suzanne really enjoyed this book. Here’s what Amy has to say about it: “So earlier this fall, I told Suzanne that I needed to read something that would just make me happy, and she suggested this space saga. NEVER DOUBT SUZANNE. This zany, Douglas Adams-ish (and I don’t throw that around lightly) story centers around an intergalactic version of American Idol, in which planets compete not for record deals but for the right for their species to be considered sentient by the rest of the universe. All newly space-faring species must compete to prove their sentience — and if they come in last, their whole species will be wiped right out of existence. Now that Earth is in the space game, and the future of humanity is in the hands of aging 70s rocker Decibel Jones. It sounds wacky and all over the place because it is wacky and all over the place — but in a way that made me really happy.”
Rise of the Rocket Girls, by Nathalia Holt, $2.99. The original computers weren't machines, they were people—specifically women who, armed with slide rules and sharpened pencils, performed the complex calculations needed to get the space program (literally) off the ground. This book shines a long overdue spotlight on the women scientists and mathematicians who contributed to the early work of the space program, and it's a great read on its own or as part of a larger study with The Glass Universe and Hidden Figures.
Suni Goes to Space, by Arthy Muthanna Singh and Mamta Nainy, $0.99. When Sunita Williams was young, she dreamed of going into space like Neil Armstrong. Singh and Nainy introduce us to Suni, the inquisitive and creative girl who grew up to become an astronaut.
Scream: Chilling Adventures in the Science of Fear, by Margee Kerr, $1.99. Why do we feel afraid? Why do we deliberately seek out horror movies and haunted houses? Sociologist Margee Kerr investigates the individual and societal experiences of fear. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Fear is a universal human experience, but do we really understand it? If we're so terrified of monsters and serial killers, why do we flock to the theaters to see them? Why do people avoid thinking about death, but jump out of planes and swim with sharks? For Kerr, there was only one way to find out. In this eye-opening, adventurous book, she takes us on a tour of the world's scariest experiences: into an abandoned prison long after dark, hanging by a cord from the highest tower in the Western hemisphere, and deep into Japan's mysterious ‘suicide forest.’ She even goes on a ghost hunt with a group of paranormal adventurers. Along the way, Kerr shows us the surprising science from the newest studies of fear -- what it means, how it works, and what it can do for us. Full of entertaining science and the thrills of a good ghost story, this book will make you think, laugh -- and scream.”
Alice in Zombieland, by Gena Showalter, $2.99. It’s Alice in Wonderland… sort of. With zombies! This YA zombie novel is filled with allusions to Wonderland.
His Hideous Heart: 13 of Edgar Allen Poe’s Most Unsettling Tales Reimagined, edited by Dahlia Adler, $2.99. Teens have loved Poe’s creepy tales for the last hundred and fifty years. Now they can experience the themes in new ways through this collection of modern short stories from big names in current YA.
Teach Your Own: The John Holt Book of Homeschooling, by John Holt and Pat Farenga, $2.99. John Holt is one of the founders of the modern homeschool movement. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In this expanded edition of the book that helped launch the whole movement, Pat Farenga has distilled John Holt's timeless understanding of the ways children come to understand the world and added up-to-the-moment legal, financial, and logistical advice. No parent even considering homeschooling should be without this wise and unique reference. Rather than proposing that parents turn their homes into miniature schools, Holt and Farenga demonstrate how ordinary parents can help children grow as social, active learners. Chapters on living with children, "serious play," children and work, and learning difficulties will fascinate and encourage parents and help them enjoy each "homeschool" day. John Holt's warm understanding of children and his passionate belief in every child's ability to learn have made this book the bible of homeschooling families everywhere.”
My Strong Mind: A Story about Developing Mental Strength, by Niels van Hove, $2.99. This is a pretty didactic but accessible book about developing good habits. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Kate faces several situations your children will face too. She applies a positive attitude to deal with her challenges. Amongst them are getting ready in time in the morning, doing cartwheels, standing in front of the whole class with show and tell and playing basketball. Kate applies techniques like goal setting, positive self-talk, accept failure as learning, visualisation of a problem, breathing or mindfulness exercise, gratitude, and controlled distraction. These tips to build a strong mind in children are presented in an easy to read, fun and practical way.”
It’s Okay to Make Mistakes, by Todd Parr, $1.99. Todd Parr’s books are like big, extra-tight hugs. His simple style is bold, funny, and diverse. For every mistake he mentions, he offers a hint at what can happen next (e.g., “It’s OK to not know the answer. Asking questions helps you learn.”) My toddler could recite Todd Parr books way before she could read them on her own.
Storybound, by Melissa Burt, $3.99. I haven’t had a chance to read this series yet, but it sounds like a delightful bookish adventure. Here’s the publisher’s description: “When Una Fairchild stumbles upon a mysterious book buried deep in the basement of her school library, she thinks nothing of opening the cover and diving in. But instead of paging through a regular novel, Una suddenly finds herself Written In to the land of Story—a world filled with Heroes and Villains and fairy-tale characters. But not everything in Story is as magical as it seems. Una must figure out why she has been Written In—and fast—before anyone else discovers her secret. Together with her new friend Peter and a talking cat named Sam, Una digs deep into Story's shadowy past. She quickly realizes that she is tied to the world in ways she never could have imagined—and it might be up to her to save it.”
A Dash of Magic, by Kathryn Littlewood, $3.99. The Bliss series is a mouth-watering literary treat. In this second book in the series, Rosemary is determined to retrieve the magical Cookery Booke that her aunt has stolen — even if it means facing off in an Iron Chef-style food battle. The competition takes the Bliss family to Paris, where the family rushes around famous sites collecting the magical ingredients Rosemary needs. There’s an excellent sense of place. If you enjoy this book, the sequel is also on sale.
Sleep, Big Bear, Sleep! by Maureen Wright, $0.99. It’s time to hibernate in this charming picture book. Bear knows there’s something he needs to do, but he keeps mishearing Old Man Winter’s “Sleep” message and instead thinks he is supposed to leap or sweep. It’s a sweet, funny story perfect for fall.
Scaredy Squirrel, by Melanie Watt, $0.99. Scaredy Squirrel wants to be prepared. He has all of his emergency gear at the ready, prepared for bees, Martians, whatever might happen. He prefers to stick to his safe, steady routine. When a chance encounter causes him to leap into the unknown, he gets a big surprise.
Shampoodle, by Joan Holub, $3.99. This fun easy reader will have kids giggling! The funny, rhyming text describes a day at the dog groomer. The dogs are all very exuberant, even before a cat wanders in and causes mayhem. I love the pictures in this one; there’s lots to see!
Bad Kitty Camp Daze, by Nick Bruel, $4.96. Bad Kitty has an attitude problem that will endear her to surly children everywhere. Bruel built on his picture book series with these early chapter books that contain lots of illustrated action. When Bad Kittle sneaks away to Uncle Murray’s Camp for Stressed-Out Dogs, she learns more than she bargains for about the natural world.
The Hobbits of Tolkien: An Illustrated Exploration of Tolkien’s Hobbits and the Sources that Inspired His Work From Myth, Legend, and History, by David Day, $3.99. Want to know more about the mythology behind Middle Earth? Curious about the etymology of some place names and people? This book perfectly balances detailed research with cozy illustrations. The author has written similar volumes about other elements of Tolkien’s work.
A Dictionary of Sources of Tolkien: The History and Mythology That Inspired Tolkien’s World, by David Day, $3.99. I enjoy sweeping fantasy, but I definitely struggle to keep all the names and places straight. In this extensive volume, Day provides information about all the proper nouns of Middle Earth, both their relevance to the narrative and their allusions to other literary traditions.
An Unexpected Cookbook: The Unofficial Book of Hobbit Cookery, by Chris-Rachael Oseland, $5.99. This book is more expensive than my typical Kindle deals, but I didn’t think we could properly celebrate Hobbit Day without at least one food book. The recipes are broken up into all seven Hobbit meals, with delicious treats like Lavender and Lemon Bread, Yorkshire Pudding, and Honey Cakes. You’ll find detailed recipe notes and mouthwatering photos throughout.
Fear of Physics: A Guide for the Perplexed, by Lawrence M. Krauss, $1.99. Krauss is a theoretical physicist who works on the deepest mysteries of the universe. But don’t let that intimidate you! Here’s the publisher’s description: “Assume the cow is a sphere." So begins this lively, irreverent, and informative look at everything from the physics of boiling water to cutting-edge research at the observable limits of the universe. Rich with anecdotes and accessible examples, Fear of Physics nimbly ranges over the tools and thought behind the world of modern physics, taking the mystery out of what is essentially a very human intellectual endeavour.”
Caesar’s Last Breath: Decoding the Secrets of the Air Around Us, by Sam Kean, $2.99. Science writer Sam Kean has written about the chemical elements, neuroscience, genetics, and the creation of the atomic bomb. In this book, he explores the air around us and the molecules we find within it. He travels throughout history and across several continents in his quest to understand the air we breathe.
Scienceblind: Why Our Intuitive Theories About the World Are So Often Wrong, by Andrew Shtulman, $4.99. Our brains are wired to make connections that help us make sense of the world. But that does not mean that our brains always interpret the world correctly. Cognitive psychologist Andrew Shtulman explains the reasons why people tend to believe weird things in this fascinating book. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Why do we catch colds? What causes seasons to change? And if you fire a bullet from a gun and drop one from your hand, which bullet hits the ground first? In a pinch we almost always get these questions wrong. Worse, we regularly misconstrue fundamental qualities of the world around us. In Scienceblind, cognitive and developmental psychologist Andrew Shtulman shows that the root of our misconceptions lies in the theories about the world we develop as children. They're not only wrong, they close our minds to ideas inconsistent with them, making us unable to learn science later in life. So how do we get the world right? We must dismantle our intuitive theories and rebuild our knowledge from its foundations. The reward won't just be a truer picture of the world, but clearer solutions to many controversies -- around vaccines, climate change, or evolution -- that plague our politics today.”
Uncommon Paper Flowers: Extraordinary Botanicals and How to Craft Them, by Kate Alcaron, $2.99. You’ve made a paper rose before, now get ready to try something unique! Alcaron has collected 30 unusual plants and created paper models of them. The book contains detailed botanical descriptions, an extensive technique section, and templates for creating your own dramatic floral display.
Parenting in a Pandemic: How to Help Your Family Through Covid-19, by Kelly Fradin, $0.99. This just came out and will (I hope) only be useful for a limited time, but the price is right and the advice is solid. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Parents are burning out while kids need more help than ever. With so many families in crisis, pediatrician and child advocate Dr. Kelly Fradin sees an urgent need for help. As a mother of two, Dr. Fradin shares practical, evidence-based and reassuring advice on what families need to know. Parents are forced to make decisions now despite seemingly constant change and many unknowns. In Parenting in a Pandemic, Dr. Fradin provides the information and strategies you need to help navigate coronavirus. The book reviews the science necessary to understand the news and care for your family. Dr. Fradin explains the specific risks of coronavirus to children of all ages and adults, including parents, grandparents, pregnant women, and essential workers. She gives realistic strategies you can use to improve this time for your family whether you are protecting a newborn, virtually schooling or convincing a teen to physically distance.”
The House Takes a Vacation, by Jacqueline Davies, $0.99. Get ready for a surreal and wacky adventure! When the house’s people go on vacation, the house decides to take its own trip. Kids and adults will enjoy the pun-filled text and personality-filled illustrations.
The Archaeology of Home: An Epic Set on a Thousand Square Feet of the Lower East Side, by Katharine Greider, $3.99. When Greider’s NYC home is condemned, she decides to trace all the decisions and events that led to the destruction. Her research goes all the way back to the earliest settlers of New York City. The result of this research is a fascinating microhistory of an urban neighborhood that incorporates the individual stories of its former inhabitants.
Little House in the Big Woods, by Laura Ingalls Wilder, $3.99. The Little House books are among the most read children’s books of all time, and with good reason. Wilder does a tremendous job of creating a vivid and inviting glimpse into life on the frontier. Later books in the series have problematic depictions of conflicts with Native Americans and have not aged well. Little House in the Big Woods, however, is a cozy and gentle peek into the past. Read this one by candle or fire as the temperatures start to dip this fall!
The Hero’s Guide to Saving Your Kingdom, by Christopher Healy, $3.99. You think you know the classic fairytale stories, but they are usually centered around the princesses. This fun middle grade series focuses on the princes. After the “happily ever after” the princes discover that their kingdoms are in danger, and they set off take on all kinds of mythical monsters. This fun and funny book is the first in a series that your middle-grade reader will love.
The Element Encyclopedia of Magical Creatures, by John and Caitlin Matthews, $3.99. Looking for a reference on obscure creatures? Every time I open this book, I discover a new mythological animal I haven’t heard of before. Here’s the publisher’s description: “From unicorns and trolls to werewolves and griffins, this comprehensive guide is the key to discovering every magical creature from myth, folklore and legend around the world. This compendium of magical creatures explores the history, folklore and mythology of fascinating beasts throughout all the magical worlds. Including stories, celebrations, traditions, and amazing facts, the book spans every major culture across the globe.”
Steampunk! An Anthology of Fantastically Rich and Strange Stories, edited by Kelly Link and Gavin J. Grant, $0.99. Are you new to steampunk but interested in exploring alternate versions of the world shaped by a different series of technological innovations? This anthology will introduce you to many excellent YA steampunk authors. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Imagine an alternate universe where romance and technology reign. Where tinkerers and dreamers craft and re-craft a world of automatons, clockworks, calculating machines, and other marvels that never were. Where scientists and schoolgirls, fair folk and Romans, intergalactic bandits, utopian revolutionaries, and intrepid orphans solve crimes, escape from monstrous predicaments, consult oracles, and hover over volcanoes in steam-powered airships. Here, fourteen masters of speculative fiction, including two graphic storytellers, embrace the genre's established themes and refashion them in surprising ways and settings as diverse as Appalachia, ancient Rome, future Australia, and alternate California. Visionaries Kelly Link and Gavin J. Grant have invited all-new explorations and expansions, taking a genre already rich, strange, and inventive in the extreme and challenging contributors to remake it from the ground up. The result is an anthology that defies its genre even as it defines it.”
The Wonderling, by Mira Bartok, $0.99. In Mira Bartok’s imagined world, groundlings are creatures that are part animal, part human. Thirteen, a fox groundling, escapes the Dickensian workhouse where has been raised and sets off on an adventure of his own. The tone is similar to Lemony Snicket, but the story is entirely unique, full of mechanical details and animals with extraordinary abilities. Put this strange and interesting book in the hands of your middle-grade reader!
My Robots: The Robotic Genius of Lady Regina Bonquers III, by Johan Olander, $3.99. Olander creates such interesting books! This heavily illustrated book purports to be the design scrapbook of an elusive roboticist. Lady Regina has created bots to fight fires, pluck nose hairs, and even give hugs. Kids will enjoy all the details of the development process, the unique visual style, and a frisson of mystery over Lady Regina’s whereabouts.
The Last Kids on Earth, by Max Brallier, $1.99. Are you ready for some funny post-apocalyptic lit for kids? This madcap adventure mixes peril, gross out humor, and teamwork as an unlikely band of teens works to save the day and stay alive. It’s a middle grade chapter book riddled with exciting and gruesome illustrations. If this sounds like something you’d be into, several books in the series are on sale today.
Big History: From the Big Bang to the Present, by Cynthia Stokes Brown, $3.99. The Big History movement combines science with history to study Earth from the moment of the big bang all the way through current events. Brown does a remarkable job finding through lines in the vast sweep of history. Each era is necessarily brief, but readers will be pleased to see that the history is not overly focused on Western civilization.
Bear and Fred: A World War II Story, by Iris Argaman, $4.99. Picture books can make challenging subjects understandable for small children. In this book, Israeli author Iris Argaman tells the true story of a boy’s time hiding from Nazis during WWII — from the perspective of his loyal teddy bear. It’s a tough but uplifting story that gently introduces the topic of the Holocaust.
Sleepover Larry, by Daniel Pinkwater, $3.99. Larry is a dapper polar bear who lives in a hotel owned by his human family. When Larry learns the concept of sleepovers, he is determined to have a great one with his bear friends from the zoo!
National Geographic Readers: Bears, by Elizabeth Carney, $3.99. Learn about bear species from all over the world in this fun, brightly illustrated easy reader. Sections cover habitats, adaptations, diet, cubs, and more. The level 3 books pack in a lot of detail without complicated vocabulary.
Magic Tree House: Polar Bears Past Bedtime, by Mary Pope Osborne, $3.99. Jack and Annie are off on another adventure, this time to the Arctic! They encounter indigenous hunters, polar bears, the Northern Lights, and more. The Magic Tree House series is great for beginning readers who are looking for fast-paced, exciting (but short) chapter books.
Bibliophile: An Illustrated Miscellany, by Jane Mount, $2.99. This is a literary bonbon for any book lover. As the title suggests, it’s a wonderful collection of miscellaneous facts about books, writers, bookstores, characters, and more. I can almost guarantee that you will find a new author to check out, or even a new favorite book, in the illustrated book lists.
The Man Who Made Lists: Love, Death, Madness, and the Creation of Roget’s Thesaurus, by Joshua Kendall. When I was a kid, I found thesauruses fascinating. I loved flipping through themed lists of words. I don’t think many kids use paper thesauruses now; the function built into your word processor isn’t really the same. Whether you are nostalgic for your childhood thesaurus or have never really used one, you’ll find the story behind the creation of the first modern thesaurus unexpectedly fascinating. Here’s a brief publisher’s description: “Polymath, eccentric, and synonym aficionado, Peter Mark Roget had a host of female admirers, was one of the first to test the effects of laughing gas, invented the slide rule, and narrowly escaped jail in Napoleon's France. But Roget is best known for making lists. After the tragic turmoil of his early life (both his mother and sister were institutionalized), Roget longed for order in his chaotic world. At the age of eight, he began his quest to put everything in its rightful place, one word at a time. This is the fascinating story of a driven man and a brilliant scholar-and the legacy he has left for generations.”
The Food Explorer: The True Adventures of the Globe-Trotting Botanist Who Transformed What America Eats, by Daniel Stone, $4.99. So many of the foods we now consider to be standard American fare are not native to this continent. The diversity of our current palate is partially the work of David Fairchild, a 19th century botanist who traveled the world looking for interesting plants that he could introduce to American audiences. Both food history and a globe-trotting adventure book, The Food Explorer is a delicious piece of writing.
Suffering Succotash: A Picky Eater’s Quest to Understand Why We Hate the Foods We Hate, by Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic, $4.99. There are tons of books about helping kids who are picky eaters, but this is the first one I’ve seen that is written by an actual picky eater. Lucianovic considers the roles of gag reflexes, anxiety, supertasters, support groups, and many other factors. The author’s personal experiences add a warm, personal touch.
A Spy in the House, by Y.S. Lee, $0.99. This is the first in a series of YA historical mysteries about a young Asian sleuth in Victorian London. Mary is an orphan doomed for the gallows when she is rescued and offered a position at the mysterious Miss Scrimshaw’s Academy for Girls. The school is the training ground for an elite group of detectives who can infiltrate high society households. Lee does an excellent job of offering the gritty details of the Victorian city while staying away from graphic details. The immigrant experience is rarely discussed in historical fiction, so this series provides an interesting perspective.
Seafaring Women: Adventures of Pirate Queens, Female Stowaways, and Sailors’ Wives, by David Cordingly, $4.99. Women have been taking to the seas, sometimes in secret, for hundreds of years. Cordingly has collected the stories of dozens of maritime women who lived life on the open water.
The March on Washington, by Bonnie Bader, $3.99. American Girl has been bringing accessible historical fiction to early readers for more than 30 years. More recently, the company has published factual companion books that provide deeper background into important events. This book about the 1963 March on Washington includes photos, timelines, maps, and a bibliography for more research.
One Crazy Summer, by Rita Williams-Garcia, $4.99. When the three Gaither sisters travel to California to spend time with their estranged mother, they are expecting movie stars and Disneyland. What they actually experience is a little different: summer camp run by the Black Panthers. The girls spend the next four weeks learning about the movement and discovering their own identities. This work of historical fiction set in 1968 is a nice point of entry for a discussion about the Civil Rights movement and the Black Panthers.
Susan B. Anthony: Her Fight for Equal Rights, by Monica Kulling, $4.99. Get to know one of America’s strongest proponents of women’s voting rights, Susan B. Anthony, in this book for early readers. Anthony was determined to vote in an election, even though it was illegal for women to do so at the time. Her civil disobedience led to her arrest. Young readers will learn about how Anthony’s actions paved the way for the 19th Amendment.
Lillian’s Right to Vote: A Celebration of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, by Jonah Winter and Shane W. Evans, $4.99. Sadly, the 19th Amendment did not make voting accessible to ALL women. In many places, unfair practices like poll taxes, complicated literacy tests, and property ownership rules made it nearly impossible for people of color to vote. In this moving picture book, an old woman reminisces about her family’s history and the many barriers to voting they faced.
The Women’s Suffrage Movement, edited by Sally Roesch Wagner, $4.99. What is the study of history without primary sources? This great collection from Penguin Classics looks at the quest for women’s rights in a delightfully intersectional array of essays, letters, speeches, and other texts. Readers will discover Black and Native American women whose ideas were crucial to the movement but have been overlooked in historical accounts.
The Templeton Twins Have an Idea, by Ellis Weiner, $0.99. If your reader has plowed the A Series of Unfortunate Events and would like something with a similar feel, look no further. The Templetons feel very similar to the Baudelaires. A snippet from the book description gives you an excellent feel for the tone: “Suppose there were 12-year-old twins, a boy and girl named John and Abigail Templeton. Let's say John was pragmatic and played the drums, and Abigail was theoretical and solved cryptic crosswords. Now suppose their father was a brilliant, if sometimes confused, inventor. And suppose that another set of twins—adults—named Dean D. Dean and Dan D. Dean, kidnapped the Templeton twins and their ridiculous dog in order to get their father to turn over one of his genius (sort of) inventions. Yes, I said kidnapped. Wouldn't it be fun to read about that? Oh please. It would so. Luckily for you, this is just the first in a series perfect for boys and girls who are smart, clever, and funny (just like the twins), and enjoy reading adventurous stories (who doesn't?!).”
Ella Enchanted, by Gail Carson Levine, $1.99. This Newberry Honor book has been beloved for two decades, and with good reason. A unique twist on the Cinderella story, this book focuses on Ella, a girl who has been cursed (“gifted”?) with obedience to others’ orders. In order to break this curse, she must track down and convince the fairy godmother who bestowed it.
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.
801 Things You Should Know: From Greek Philosophy to Today’s Technology, by David Olsen, $1.99. You’re a smart person. You’ve probably heard of many of the concepts and events in this book. But you may not be clear on all the details. This collection of short entries about everything from politics to medical terminology to economic principals will serve as a great introduction or refresher. Hand this to a tween/teen along with a newspaper — they’ll be able to quickly get background on unfamiliar terms like bear markets, the Hundred Years’ War, and the Invisible Hand theory.
A Field Guide to Monsters, by Johan Olander, $0.99. Olander is a “monstrologist” who documents monsters’ behavior in the wild. In this whimsical and imaginative book, he collects illustrations and artifacts from the Slobber Bug, Beach Krill, Tadpole-Monster, and other previously unknown (aka imaginary) creatures. It would be fun to compare this book with other, more scientific field guides.
Iron Hearted Violet, by Kelly Barnhill, $1.99. Kelly Barnhill tells such compelling twists on fairytale tropes. In this book, Princess Violet must work with the last dragon alive to protect the world from an evil being she has only read about in a forbidden book. Violet is brave, but not beautiful, strong, but not perfect.
The Menagerie, by Tui T. Sutherland and Kari Sutherland, $3.99. If your middle-grade reader enjoys books where the magical world bumps into the real world, The Menagerie series may be the perfect next adventure. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In the small town of Xanadu, Wyoming lies the Menagerie, a top secret facility filled with unicorns, dragons, phoenixes, and other fairy tale creatures. At least, it was a secret—until six griffin cubs escaped. If Logan and Zoe don’t get the cubs back fast, the entire Menagerie will be shut down. The race is on and the resulting adventure is only the beginning of a thrilling series that will leave readers wanting a magical menagerie of their very own.”
An Optimist’s Tour of the Future, by Mark Stevenson, $4.99. My husband loves this book, which does a great job of musing about how technology could change our future for the better. Here’s the publisher’s description: “When unexpectedly confronted with his own mortality, Mark Stevenson-a writer, deep-thinker, and stand-up comedian-began to ponder what the future holds for our species. ‘The past is a foreign country,’ writes Stevenson. ‘By my analysis it's a bit like France-in that I've been to parts of it and eaten some nice food there. But the future? The future is an unknown territory-and there isn't a guidebook.’ Thus, his ambition was born. Stevenson set out simply, asking, ‘What's next?’ and then traveled the globe in pursuit of the answers. Along the way, he visited the Australian outback to visit the farmers who can save us from climate change, met a robot with mood swings, and talked to the Spaniard who's putting a hotel in space. While some might be overwhelmed, or even dismayed by the looming realities of genome sequencing, synthetic biology, a nuclear renaissance, and carbon scrubbing, Stevenson remains, well, optimistic. Drawing on his singular humor and storytelling to break down these sometimes complicated discoveries, An Optimist's Tour of the Future paints a wonderfully readable, and completely enthralling portrait of where we'll be when we grow up- and why it's not so scary.”
50 Ways to Beat Boredom with LEGO Bricks, by DK Publishing, $0.99. If your house is anything like mine, you have no shortage of LEGO pieces. This short book introduces 50 quick activities and games using the beloved building materials. Build a mountain to create a 3D game board (instructions for a spinner also included) or design a functional piggy bank! This is an idea book, not a book of detailed instructions, but it’s a great jumping off point for an hour or a day of LEGO exploration. Note: If you already have 365 Things to Do with LEGO Bricks, you don’t need this book; this book is a shorter extract of that one.
Would You Rather? Made You Think Edition, by Lindsey Daly, $0.99. They start simple: “Would you rather kiss a fish that’s living in a radioactive pond or roll down a hill while hugging a porcupine?” The questions only get more interesting from there. Turn the questions into a game by scoring points for the best reasoning (guidelines are given in the introduction).
Diary of a Pug: Pug Blasts Off, by Kyla May, $2.99. Meet Bub, aka Baron von Bubbles, beloved pet of Bella. He loves doing everything with his human, so when she enters an invention contest, Bub is determined to help her. But this means he needs to deal with his squirrel nemesis, Nutz. This fun, brightly colored diary is full of wacky adventures and adorable illustrations. Early chapter book readers will love it!
Chickadee, by Louise Erdrich, $4.49. Chickadee takes place within the family introduced in Birchbark House. Omakayas is grown with a family of her own, and this story focuses on her twin sons, Chickadee and Makoons. After a prank gone wrong, Chickadee is kidnapped by angry men. This is the tale of Chickadee’s long path to reunion with his family. As with Erdrich’s other books, Chickadee’s story is filled with vivid details about Ojibwe life and traditions.
Young Water Protetctors: A Story About Standing Rock, by Aslan and Kelly Tudor, $2.99. Aslan Tudor was 10 years old when he wrote this book about his time participating in the Standing Rock protests. This is a great, age appropriate introduction to the conflict between native peoples and developers of the Dakota Access Pipeline.
My Heart Fills with Happiness, by Monique Gray Smith, $4.99. This sweet picture book introduces many things that bring happiness — good smells, good friends, and the beauty of nature. The lovely illustrations show many elements in the life on an indigenous family.
Hearts Unbroken, by Cynthia Leitich Smith, $0.99. High school is complicated for everyone, even more so in this YA novel about a community in racial and cultural conflict. Here’s the publisher’s description: “When Louise Wolfe’s first real boyfriend mocks and disrespects Native people in front of her, she breaks things off and dumps him over e-mail. It’s her senior year, anyway, and she’d rather spend her time with her family and friends and working on the school newspaper. The editors pair her up with Joey Kairouz, the ambitious new photojournalist, and in no time the paper’s staff find themselves with a major story to cover: the school musical director’s inclusive approach to casting The Wizard of Oz has been provoking backlash in their mostly white, middle-class Kansas town. From the newly formed Parents Against Revisionist Theater to anonymous threats, long-held prejudices are being laid bare and hostilities are spreading against teachers, parents, and students — especially the cast members at the center of the controversy, including Lou’s little brother, who’s playing the Tin Man. As tensions mount at school, so does a romance between Lou and Joey — but as she’s learned, ‘dating while Native’ can be difficult. In trying to protect her own heart, will Lou break Joey’s?”
The Odds of Loving Grover Cleveland, by Rebekah Crane, $0.99. This Grover Cleveland isn’t a president; he’s a resident at Camp Padua, a summer program for at-risk teens. When Zander’s parents insist she leave home to attend camp, she is sure that she won’t fit in. She’s surprised to make connections with her fellow campers, even though they are all dealing with big problems of their own. This tough but ultimately hopeful novel is also filled with darkly funny moments.
The Mermaid’s Sister, by Carrie Anne Noble, $0.99. I haven’t read this YA fantasy novel yet, but it’s definitely on my To Read list. Here’s the publisher’s summary: In a cottage high atop Llanfair Mountain, sixteen-year-old Clara lives with her sister, Maren, and guardian Auntie. By day, they gather herbs for Auntie’s healing potions; by night, Auntie spins tales of faraway lands and wicked fairies. Clara’s favorite story tells of three orphaned infants—Clara, who was brought to Auntie by a stork; Maren, who arrived in a seashell; and their best friend, O’Neill, who was found beneath an apple tree. One day, Clara discovers iridescent scales just beneath her sister’s skin: Maren is becoming a mermaid and must be taken to the sea or she will die. So Clara, O’Neill, and the mermaid-girl set out for the shore. But the trio encounters trouble around every bend. Ensnared by an evil troupe of traveling performers, Clara and O’Neill must find a way to save themselves and the ever-weakening Maren.
The Testing, by Joelle Charbonneau, $1.99. Calling all fans of The Hunger Games or Divergent! This series should scratch that dystopian coming-of-age itch. Here’s a summary from the publisher: “It’s graduation day for sixteen-year-old Malencia Vale, and the entire Five Lakes Colony (the former Great Lakes) is celebrating. All Cia can think about—hope for—is whether she’ll be chosen for The Testing, a United Commonwealth program that selects the best and brightest new graduates to become possible leaders of the slowly revitalizing post-war civilization. When Cia is chosen, her father finally tells her about his own nightmarish half-memories of The Testing. Armed with his dire warnings (“Cia, trust no one”), she bravely heads off to Tosu City, far away from friends and family, perhaps forever. Danger, romance—and sheer terror—await.”
Princess Academy, by Shannon Hale, $0.99. You may be starting to get the impression that I love Shannon Hale, and you would be right. Princess Academy is the first in a middle grade series about a land where a rich urban royal class benefits from the poorly paid labor of all the surrounding towns. When it is decided that the Prince’s wife should come from Miri’s village, all the teen girls are rounded up and sent to a school where they will be taught the ways of court. Booklist says, “Hale nicely interweaves feminist sensibilities in this quest-for-a-prince-charming, historical-fantasy tale. Strong suspense and plot drive the action as the girls outwit would-be kidnappers and explore the boundaries of leadership, competition, and friendship.” If you are looking for books with strong heroines who overcome difficulties to make a difference in their world, this is the book for you.
Bound: 15 Beautiful Bookbinding Projects, by Rachel Hazell, $3.99. If your family is anything like mine, you probably have dozens of stories your kids have written and illustrated. Why not turn them into an art project by binding them into book form? Or set yourself up for a new school year by creating small notebooks for nature observations or other projects. This book goes through multiple styles, from basic to complex, with step by step instructions.
Mini Weapons of Mass Destruction: Make Mayhem from your Stationery with 35 Models to Build Yourself, by John Austin, $3.99. Do you have pens, rubber bands, and plastic utensils? If so, you’re ready to build a catapult or trebuchet! All of these weapons are small scale but need adult supervision to prevent injury. Keep this book as a resource for discussing wars and weaponry throughout history.
American Heritage History of Flight, by Arthur Gordon, $1.99. This detailed look at aviation begins with ancient attempts to harness the wind and moves through modern technological innovations. While there are few illustrations, the Kindle version includes in-text links to Wikipedia for additional information and visuals.
National Geographic Readers: Planes, by Amy Shields, $4.99. If you are looking for a detailed book that your early elementary students can read on their own, the National Geographic Reader series is a great place to start. This one covers all types of planes, including some unusual ones (have you ever seen the inside of a C-17?) sure to pique interest.
Amazing Airplanes, by Tony Mitton, $3.54. For our youngest family members, we have this bright and simple picture book. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Buckle up to learn all about flying! Amazing Airplanes follows the animal crew, as they become pilots, baggage handlers, and air stewards. Each page is filled with details that machine-mad kids love, such as the cockpit, landing gear, and much more. This book is perfect for budding pilots or happy vacationers! From airplanes to fire engines, the internationally bestselling Amazing Machines series is the perfect way for children to learn about all sorts of vehicles! Each book introduces a new vehicle and the jobs it can do. Bright, engaging artwork and simple, rhyming text combine to make these fantastic books for young children. Kids will love getting to know the friendly, animal characters who feature throughout the series and reading about their fast-paced adventures!”
Her Right Foot, by Dave Eggers, $2.99. This beautiful picture book takes a look at the history of the Statue of Liberty. More than that, Eggers uses the statue to address the inherent freedoms that form the basis of American culture and government. Shawn Harris’s mixed-media illustrations are simple but visually interesting.
Epic Fails: Not-So-Great Presidents, by Ben Thompson and Erik Slader. This newer history series is a lot of fun for middle-grade readers. Rather than focusing on successes, the authors emphasize foibles (e.g., Washington’s mistakes early in his career as a British soldier, Nixon’s Watergate scandal). The result is humanizing; presidents are just people, and everyone makes mistakes. The tone is light and full of contemporary references. A good choice for history fans and history skeptics!
Small Wonders: Jean-Henri Fabre and His World of Insects, by Matthew Clark Smith, $3.99. Fabre is one of the most famous naturalists in history. His interest started when he was a small child fascinated by moths, wasps, and other insects. Instead of merely collecting and dissecting them, Fabre was among the first to study insect behavior in the natural environment.
Microadventures: Local Discoveries, Great Escapes, by Alastair Humphreys, $4.99. The adventures are small, but the world is large! Humphreys is a naturalist and adventurer who has explored all over the world. This book focuses on really getting to know the world right around you. These outdoor adventures can be accomplished in a day or less, with minimal supplies. Humphreys encourages you to chase down a full moon, explore woods and forests, swim in a river, and more. Humphreys is based in the UK, so some of the challenges may not be applicable (e.g., there are few places in the US where you can walk from coast to coast), but most can be adapted to any local environment. This book is perfect for a family looking for new recreation ideas during the pandemic.
Rules, by Cynthia Lord, $3.99. Catherine loves her brother, but she’s not always nice to him. He has autism, and she has created a long list of rules for him to follow so that he doesn’t embarrass her in public. When she meets Jason, a paraplegic who uses a wheelchair and communicates through picture cards, Catherine begins to realize that there’s no one “normal” way to be, and that she needs to find more acceptance and understanding for others, even her own brother.
Freak the Mighty, by Rodman Philbrick, $3.99. This classic story of an unusual friendship has been made into a movie. Kevin has a disorder that prevents him from growing; Max is large for his age and struggles with learning disabilities. Together, Kevin and Max form “Freak the Mighty,” with Kevin riding Max’s shoulders as they explore their surroundings and defeat bullies. Both boys have unique perspectives. Content warning: this book is poignant and tragic.
Missing Math: A Number Mystery, by Loreen Leedy, $3.99. This bright and fun picture book will convince kids of the importance of numbers. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In Missing Math, the numbers all over town suddenly disappear. The animals can’t count, use the phone, or even find out what time it is. Rulers, money, and computers have all become completely useless. . . . Can the town’s detective solve this numerical mystery? Will he ever bring the numbers back home again? Loreen Leedy’s clever rhyming text PLUS her amusing digitally painted illustrations EQUALS proof that we need math each and every day.”
Alone: A Story of Friendship in the Darkness of Space, by Scott Stuart, $0.99. Earth is all alone in space, so it goes off looking for a friend. This sweet, fanciful book includes a few interesting scientific tidbits.
Blast Off to the Moon! by Lauren Gunderson, $3.99. Dr. Wonderful just wants to know why things happen, and she’s willing to explore to find out. When she becomes curious about why the moon changes shape each night, she and her dog decide to go up into space for research. Kids will love the funny illustrations; parents will appreciate the way Dr. Wonderful carefully works through the scientific process to answer her questions.
The Upside of Falling Down, by Rebekah Crane, $1.99. A coming-of-age novel with an unusual twist: Clementine is the sole survivor of a plane crash, and she’s now in Ireland suffering from amnesia. Here’s the plot summary: “With the relentless Irish press bearing down on her, and a father she may not even recognize on his way from America to take her home, Clementine assumes a new identity and enlists a blue-eyed Irish stranger, Kieran O’Connell, to help her escape her forgotten life…and start a new one. Hiding out in the sleepy town of Waterville, Ireland, Clementine discovers there’s an upside to a life that’s fallen apart. But as her lies grow, so does her affection for Kieran, and the truth about her identity becomes harder and harder to reveal, forcing Clementine to decide: Can she leave her past behind for a new love she’ll never forget?”
Zoey and Sassafras: Dragons and Marshmallows, by Asia Citro, $1.99. Science can be magic! Zoey and her cat Sassafras have a big secret: magical creatures are real and come to them for help! Zoey is a budding scientist and uses the scientific method to figure out what is wrong with a sick dragon. This is the first in a series; the short chapters, charming illustrations, and simple language make these books a good choice for budding readers.
What Lives in a Shell? by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld, $2.99. This charming book from the “Let’s Read and Find Out” series is a great introduction to crustaceans and other shelled creatures for early elementary readers. Detailed illustrations introduce clams, snails, crabs, and more.
A Tale of Two Cities, by Charles Dickens, $2.99. A classic adventure from Charles Dickens presents the story of the French Revolution through the eyes of the aristocrats, opportunists, and spies of Paris. Break out your knitting needles and settle in for an engrossing read. This edition includes a brief biography of Dickens and some contextual material.
I Survived The Battle of D-Day, by Lauren Tarshis, $3.99. My elementary-schooler has enjoyed several of the books in this series about deadly wars, plagues, and natural disasters. Each book includes a fictionalized story and a short section of historical information. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Eleven-year-old Paul's French village has been under Nazi control for years. His Jewish best friend has disappeared. Food is scarce. And there doesn't seem to be anything Paul can do to make things better. Then Paul finds an American paratrooper in a tree near his home. The soldier says the Allies have a plan to crush the Nazis once and for all. But the soldier needs Paul's help. This is Paul's chance to make a difference. Soon he finds himself in the midst of the largest invasion in history. Can he do his part to turn horror into hope?”
Magic Tree House: Night of the New Magicians, by Mary Pope Osborne, $3.99. Jack and Annie are heading to France! Merlin has sent them to pass along a message to four magicians at the 1889 World’s Fair in Paris. This is a “Merlin Mission,” so it is longer and more involved than the original Magic Tree House books.
Zane and the Hurricane: A Story of Katrina, by Rodman Philbrick, $3.99. Zane doesn’t know New Orleans well; he is visiting his great-grandmother when Hurricane Katrina makes landfall. After chasing his runaway dog, he finds himself fending for himself until he is rescued by a passing canoe. Philbrick includes realistic historical details and deftly addresses issues of race, class, and privilege.
Gandhi: A March to the Sea, by Alice B. McGinty, $1.99. This picture book with beautiful painted illustrations focuses on the nonviolent Satyagraha movement. There’s a free educator’s guide available as a PDF.
The Sky Painter: Louis Fuertes, Bird Artist, by Margarita Engle, $1.99. I will admit that I had never heard of Fuertes before I discovered this book. Thank you, Margarita Engle, for introducing me to his beautiful work. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Louis loves to watch birds. He takes care of injured birds and studies how they look and how they move. His father wants him to become an engineer, but Louis dreams of being a bird artist. To achieve this dream, he must practice, practice, practice. He learns from the art of John James Audubon. But as Louis grows up, he begins to draw and paint living, flying birds in their natural habitats. Louis Agassiz Fuertes (1874–1927) is now known as the father of modern bird art. He traveled with many scientific expeditions all over the world. His best-known works—paintings for habitat exhibits at the American Museum of Natural History in New York—are still beloved by visitors today. His art helped to encourage wildlife conservation, inspiring people to celebrate and protect the world of wings. Poems by Newbery Honor–winning author Margarita Engle and illustrations by Aliona Bereghici capture the life of Louis Fuertes and the deep sense of wonder that he felt when he painted the sky.”
Escape North! The Story of Harriet Tubman, by Monica Kulling, $4.99. I found my copy of this book at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park (which is great and you should go!). As I’ve mentioned before, I really like the higher level nonfiction “Step into Reading” books for providing a solid foundation on a topic at the elementary level. Kids will learn about Tubman’s missions escorting enslaved people to freedom, but also about her work as a spy and women’s rights advocate.
Frog and Toad are Friends, by Arnold Lobel, $4.99. This is an easy reader classic! Frog and Toad are not always alike, but they are always there for each other. Join them on their funny adventures swimming, looking for a lost button, and waiting for a letter. Fun pictures and few words on each page make this the perfect first chapter book for a new reader.
I am (Not) Scared, by Anna Kang, $1.99. The bears from You are (Not) Small and That’s (Not) Mine are back with a trip to the amusement park. They are frightened of, and exhilarated by, a whole host of new experiences and discover that being together can make hard things seem less scary.
A Snicker of Magic, by Natalie Lloyd, $3.99. My daughter loves this book! Here’s what she says: “A shy girl who’s been traveling around her whole life moves to a town that used to have magic. She learns that her ancestors were cursed and becomes determined to break the curse. This is a really heartwarming book, and I recommend it to people who like The Magic Half.”
Give Yourself Goosebumps: Tick Tock, You’re Dead, by R.L. Stine. A scary Goosebumps novel where you get to choose how the story turns out? Sign me up for this perfect campfire read!
Kindle Deals for October 6, 2020
It’s apple season!
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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Apples, Apples, Apples, by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace, $0.99. The bunny family is heading to the orchard to pick some fresh apples! They meet up with Farmer Miller, who explains the different varieties of apples and how they grow. When they have gathered all they need, they head home to make fresh applesauce (recipe included!). Wallace’s unique cut paper illustrations are very sweet.
The Seasons of Arnold’s Apple Tree, by Gail Gibbons, $4.99. Arnold has a favorite apple tree. He spends time in it throughout the year, picking fruit, smelling blossoms, feeding the birds, and basking in its shade. In simple language, Gibbons walks readers through a year in the life of a tree. Don’t miss the recipe for apple pie and the description of how a cider press works!
How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World, by Marjorie Priceman, $4.99. From our readalouds with recipes list: “As Carl Sagan once said, if you want to make an apple pie from scratch, first you have to create the universe. In this playful picture book, you don’t have to create the world but you do have to travel it, journeying around the globe to collect far-flung ingredients for the perfect apple pie.”
Apples and How They Grow, by Laura Driscoll, $4.99. Let your beginning reader read about apples on their own! This short and sweet nonfiction book is full of details about how apples grow. Kids (and adults) may be surprised to learn about grafting branches from one tree onto another.
STILL ON SALE
We Dream of Space, by Erin Entrada Kelly, $1.99. That historical fiction is now set in the 1980s makes me feel a little old, but I’m excited to read this new middle grade novel. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Cash, who loves basketball but has a newly broken wrist, is in danger of failing seventh grade for the second time. Fitch spends every afternoon playing Major Havoc at the arcade on Main and wrestles with an explosive temper that he doesn’t understand. And Bird, his twelve-year-old twin, dreams of being NASA’s first female shuttle commander, but feels like she’s disappearing. The Thomas children exist in their own orbits, circling a tense and unpredictable household, with little in common except an enthusiastic science teacher named Ms. Salonga. As the launch of the Challenger approaches, Ms. Salonga gives her students a project—they are separated into spacecraft crews and must create and complete a mission. When the fated day finally arrives, it changes all of their lives and brings them together in unexpected ways.”
Space Opera, by Catherynne M. Valente, $1.99. Amy and Suzanne really enjoyed this book. Here’s what Amy has to say about it: “So earlier this fall, I told Suzanne that I needed to read something that would just make me happy, and she suggested this space saga. NEVER DOUBT SUZANNE. This zany, Douglas Adams-ish (and I don’t throw that around lightly) story centers around an intergalactic version of American Idol, in which planets compete not for record deals but for the right for their species to be considered sentient by the rest of the universe. All newly space-faring species must compete to prove their sentience — and if they come in last, their whole species will be wiped right out of existence. Now that Earth is in the space game, and the future of humanity is in the hands of aging 70s rocker Decibel Jones. It sounds wacky and all over the place because it is wacky and all over the place — but in a way that made me really happy.”
Rise of the Rocket Girls, by Nathalia Holt, $2.99. The original computers weren't machines, they were people—specifically women who, armed with slide rules and sharpened pencils, performed the complex calculations needed to get the space program (literally) off the ground. This book shines a long overdue spotlight on the women scientists and mathematicians who contributed to the early work of the space program, and it's a great read on its own or as part of a larger study with The Glass Universe and Hidden Figures.
Suni Goes to Space, by Arthy Muthanna Singh and Mamta Nainy, $0.99. When Sunita Williams was young, she dreamed of going into space like Neil Armstrong. Singh and Nainy introduce us to Suni, the inquisitive and creative girl who grew up to become an astronaut.
Scream: Chilling Adventures in the Science of Fear, by Margee Kerr, $1.99. Why do we feel afraid? Why do we deliberately seek out horror movies and haunted houses? Sociologist Margee Kerr investigates the individual and societal experiences of fear. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Fear is a universal human experience, but do we really understand it? If we're so terrified of monsters and serial killers, why do we flock to the theaters to see them? Why do people avoid thinking about death, but jump out of planes and swim with sharks? For Kerr, there was only one way to find out. In this eye-opening, adventurous book, she takes us on a tour of the world's scariest experiences: into an abandoned prison long after dark, hanging by a cord from the highest tower in the Western hemisphere, and deep into Japan's mysterious ‘suicide forest.’ She even goes on a ghost hunt with a group of paranormal adventurers. Along the way, Kerr shows us the surprising science from the newest studies of fear -- what it means, how it works, and what it can do for us. Full of entertaining science and the thrills of a good ghost story, this book will make you think, laugh -- and scream.”
Alice in Zombieland, by Gena Showalter, $2.99. It’s Alice in Wonderland… sort of. With zombies! This YA zombie novel is filled with allusions to Wonderland.
His Hideous Heart: 13 of Edgar Allen Poe’s Most Unsettling Tales Reimagined, edited by Dahlia Adler, $2.99. Teens have loved Poe’s creepy tales for the last hundred and fifty years. Now they can experience the themes in new ways through this collection of modern short stories from big names in current YA.
Teach Your Own: The John Holt Book of Homeschooling, by John Holt and Pat Farenga, $2.99. John Holt is one of the founders of the modern homeschool movement. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In this expanded edition of the book that helped launch the whole movement, Pat Farenga has distilled John Holt's timeless understanding of the ways children come to understand the world and added up-to-the-moment legal, financial, and logistical advice. No parent even considering homeschooling should be without this wise and unique reference. Rather than proposing that parents turn their homes into miniature schools, Holt and Farenga demonstrate how ordinary parents can help children grow as social, active learners. Chapters on living with children, "serious play," children and work, and learning difficulties will fascinate and encourage parents and help them enjoy each "homeschool" day. John Holt's warm understanding of children and his passionate belief in every child's ability to learn have made this book the bible of homeschooling families everywhere.”
Evolution for Smart Kids: A Little Scientist’s Guide to the Origins of Life, by Carlos Pazos, $1.99. Pick it up because it offers detailed factual information about evolution. Enjoy it because the story is just so darn cute. When Darwin the chicken is frustrated that he’s the smallest animal on the farm, Valentina takes him back in time to show him his exciting dinosaur roots.
My Strong Mind: A Story about Developing Mental Strength, by Niels van Hove, $2.99. This is a pretty didactic but accessible book about developing good habits. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Kate faces several situations your children will face too. She applies a positive attitude to deal with her challenges. Amongst them are getting ready in time in the morning, doing cartwheels, standing in front of the whole class with show and tell and playing basketball. Kate applies techniques like goal setting, positive self-talk, accept failure as learning, visualisation of a problem, breathing or mindfulness exercise, gratitude, and controlled distraction. These tips to build a strong mind in children are presented in an easy to read, fun and practical way.”
It’s Okay to Make Mistakes, by Todd Parr, $1.99. Todd Parr’s books are like big, extra-tight hugs. His simple style is bold, funny, and diverse. For every mistake he mentions, he offers a hint at what can happen next (e.g., “It’s OK to not know the answer. Asking questions helps you learn.”) My toddler could recite Todd Parr books way before she could read them on her own.
Storybound, by Melissa Burt, $3.99. I haven’t had a chance to read this series yet, but it sounds like a delightful bookish adventure. Here’s the publisher’s description: “When Una Fairchild stumbles upon a mysterious book buried deep in the basement of her school library, she thinks nothing of opening the cover and diving in. But instead of paging through a regular novel, Una suddenly finds herself Written In to the land of Story—a world filled with Heroes and Villains and fairy-tale characters. But not everything in Story is as magical as it seems. Una must figure out why she has been Written In—and fast—before anyone else discovers her secret. Together with her new friend Peter and a talking cat named Sam, Una digs deep into Story's shadowy past. She quickly realizes that she is tied to the world in ways she never could have imagined—and it might be up to her to save it.”
A Dash of Magic, by Kathryn Littlewood, $3.99. The Bliss series is a mouth-watering literary treat. In this second book in the series, Rosemary is determined to retrieve the magical Cookery Booke that her aunt has stolen — even if it means facing off in an Iron Chef-style food battle. The competition takes the Bliss family to Paris, where the family rushes around famous sites collecting the magical ingredients Rosemary needs. There’s an excellent sense of place. If you enjoy this book, the sequel is also on sale.
Sleep, Big Bear, Sleep! by Maureen Wright, $0.99. It’s time to hibernate in this charming picture book. Bear knows there’s something he needs to do, but he keeps mishearing Old Man Winter’s “Sleep” message and instead thinks he is supposed to leap or sweep. It’s a sweet, funny story perfect for fall.
Scaredy Squirrel, by Melanie Watt, $0.99. Scaredy Squirrel wants to be prepared. He has all of his emergency gear at the ready, prepared for bees, Martians, whatever might happen. He prefers to stick to his safe, steady routine. When a chance encounter causes him to leap into the unknown, he gets a big surprise.
Shampoodle, by Joan Holub, $3.99. This fun easy reader will have kids giggling! The funny, rhyming text describes a day at the dog groomer. The dogs are all very exuberant, even before a cat wanders in and causes mayhem. I love the pictures in this one; there’s lots to see!
Bad Kitty Camp Daze, by Nick Bruel, $4.96. Bad Kitty has an attitude problem that will endear her to surly children everywhere. Bruel built on his picture book series with these early chapter books that contain lots of illustrated action. When Bad Kittle sneaks away to Uncle Murray’s Camp for Stressed-Out Dogs, she learns more than she bargains for about the natural world.
The Hobbits of Tolkien: An Illustrated Exploration of Tolkien’s Hobbits and the Sources that Inspired His Work From Myth, Legend, and History, by David Day, $3.99. Want to know more about the mythology behind Middle Earth? Curious about the etymology of some place names and people? This book perfectly balances detailed research with cozy illustrations. The author has written similar volumes about other elements of Tolkien’s work.
A Dictionary of Sources of Tolkien: The History and Mythology That Inspired Tolkien’s World, by David Day, $3.99. I enjoy sweeping fantasy, but I definitely struggle to keep all the names and places straight. In this extensive volume, Day provides information about all the proper nouns of Middle Earth, both their relevance to the narrative and their allusions to other literary traditions.
An Unexpected Cookbook: The Unofficial Book of Hobbit Cookery, by Chris-Rachael Oseland, $5.99. This book is more expensive than my typical Kindle deals, but I didn’t think we could properly celebrate Hobbit Day without at least one food book. The recipes are broken up into all seven Hobbit meals, with delicious treats like Lavender and Lemon Bread, Yorkshire Pudding, and Honey Cakes. You’ll find detailed recipe notes and mouthwatering photos throughout.
Fear of Physics: A Guide for the Perplexed, by Lawrence M. Krauss, $1.99. Krauss is a theoretical physicist who works on the deepest mysteries of the universe. But don’t let that intimidate you! Here’s the publisher’s description: “Assume the cow is a sphere." So begins this lively, irreverent, and informative look at everything from the physics of boiling water to cutting-edge research at the observable limits of the universe. Rich with anecdotes and accessible examples, Fear of Physics nimbly ranges over the tools and thought behind the world of modern physics, taking the mystery out of what is essentially a very human intellectual endeavour.”
Caesar’s Last Breath: Decoding the Secrets of the Air Around Us, by Sam Kean, $2.99. Science writer Sam Kean has written about the chemical elements, neuroscience, genetics, and the creation of the atomic bomb. In this book, he explores the air around us and the molecules we find within it. He travels throughout history and across several continents in his quest to understand the air we breathe.
Scienceblind: Why Our Intuitive Theories About the World Are So Often Wrong, by Andrew Shtulman, $4.99. Our brains are wired to make connections that help us make sense of the world. But that does not mean that our brains always interpret the world correctly. Cognitive psychologist Andrew Shtulman explains the reasons why people tend to believe weird things in this fascinating book. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Why do we catch colds? What causes seasons to change? And if you fire a bullet from a gun and drop one from your hand, which bullet hits the ground first? In a pinch we almost always get these questions wrong. Worse, we regularly misconstrue fundamental qualities of the world around us. In Scienceblind, cognitive and developmental psychologist Andrew Shtulman shows that the root of our misconceptions lies in the theories about the world we develop as children. They're not only wrong, they close our minds to ideas inconsistent with them, making us unable to learn science later in life. So how do we get the world right? We must dismantle our intuitive theories and rebuild our knowledge from its foundations. The reward won't just be a truer picture of the world, but clearer solutions to many controversies -- around vaccines, climate change, or evolution -- that plague our politics today.”
Uncommon Paper Flowers: Extraordinary Botanicals and How to Craft Them, by Kate Alcaron, $2.99. You’ve made a paper rose before, now get ready to try something unique! Alcaron has collected 30 unusual plants and created paper models of them. The book contains detailed botanical descriptions, an extensive technique section, and templates for creating your own dramatic floral display.
Parenting in a Pandemic: How to Help Your Family Through Covid-19, by Kelly Fradin, $0.99. This just came out and will (I hope) only be useful for a limited time, but the price is right and the advice is solid. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Parents are burning out while kids need more help than ever. With so many families in crisis, pediatrician and child advocate Dr. Kelly Fradin sees an urgent need for help. As a mother of two, Dr. Fradin shares practical, evidence-based and reassuring advice on what families need to know. Parents are forced to make decisions now despite seemingly constant change and many unknowns. In Parenting in a Pandemic, Dr. Fradin provides the information and strategies you need to help navigate coronavirus. The book reviews the science necessary to understand the news and care for your family. Dr. Fradin explains the specific risks of coronavirus to children of all ages and adults, including parents, grandparents, pregnant women, and essential workers. She gives realistic strategies you can use to improve this time for your family whether you are protecting a newborn, virtually schooling or convincing a teen to physically distance.”
The House Takes a Vacation, by Jacqueline Davies, $0.99. Get ready for a surreal and wacky adventure! When the house’s people go on vacation, the house decides to take its own trip. Kids and adults will enjoy the pun-filled text and personality-filled illustrations.
The Archaeology of Home: An Epic Set on a Thousand Square Feet of the Lower East Side, by Katharine Greider, $3.99. When Greider’s NYC home is condemned, she decides to trace all the decisions and events that led to the destruction. Her research goes all the way back to the earliest settlers of New York City. The result of this research is a fascinating microhistory of an urban neighborhood that incorporates the individual stories of its former inhabitants.
Little House in the Big Woods, by Laura Ingalls Wilder, $3.99. The Little House books are among the most read children’s books of all time, and with good reason. Wilder does a tremendous job of creating a vivid and inviting glimpse into life on the frontier. Later books in the series have problematic depictions of conflicts with Native Americans and have not aged well. Little House in the Big Woods, however, is a cozy and gentle peek into the past. Read this one by candle or fire as the temperatures start to dip this fall!
The Language of Spells, by Garret Weyr, $1.99. Amy liked this book, but warns that it is SAD. It’s a metaphor of the Holocaust through dragon-based fantasy. Here’s a bit of her review: “A lonely Viennese girl teams up with a dragon to solve the biggest mystery of World War II and figure out what happened to all the dragons. You’re plunged into an alternate magical world, where cats can run government agencies and dragons can spend decades trapped inside a teapot, and it’s a thrilling plunge. It’s alternate history! And magic! And lonely girls finding their people (or, you know, dragons) for the first time.”
The Hero’s Guide to Saving Your Kingdom, by Christopher Healy, $3.99. You think you know the classic fairytale stories, but they are usually centered around the princesses. This fun middle grade series focuses on the princes. After the “happily ever after” the princes discover that their kingdoms are in danger, and they set off take on all kinds of mythical monsters. This fun and funny book is the first in a series that your middle-grade reader will love.
The Element Encyclopedia of Magical Creatures, by John and Caitlin Matthews, $3.99. Looking for a reference on obscure creatures? Every time I open this book, I discover a new mythological animal I haven’t heard of before. Here’s the publisher’s description: “From unicorns and trolls to werewolves and griffins, this comprehensive guide is the key to discovering every magical creature from myth, folklore and legend around the world. This compendium of magical creatures explores the history, folklore and mythology of fascinating beasts throughout all the magical worlds. Including stories, celebrations, traditions, and amazing facts, the book spans every major culture across the globe.”
Steampunk! An Anthology of Fantastically Rich and Strange Stories, edited by Kelly Link and Gavin J. Grant, $0.99. Are you new to steampunk but interested in exploring alternate versions of the world shaped by a different series of technological innovations? This anthology will introduce you to many excellent YA steampunk authors. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Imagine an alternate universe where romance and technology reign. Where tinkerers and dreamers craft and re-craft a world of automatons, clockworks, calculating machines, and other marvels that never were. Where scientists and schoolgirls, fair folk and Romans, intergalactic bandits, utopian revolutionaries, and intrepid orphans solve crimes, escape from monstrous predicaments, consult oracles, and hover over volcanoes in steam-powered airships. Here, fourteen masters of speculative fiction, including two graphic storytellers, embrace the genre's established themes and refashion them in surprising ways and settings as diverse as Appalachia, ancient Rome, future Australia, and alternate California. Visionaries Kelly Link and Gavin J. Grant have invited all-new explorations and expansions, taking a genre already rich, strange, and inventive in the extreme and challenging contributors to remake it from the ground up. The result is an anthology that defies its genre even as it defines it.”
The Wonderling, by Mira Bartok, $0.99. In Mira Bartok’s imagined world, groundlings are creatures that are part animal, part human. Thirteen, a fox groundling, escapes the Dickensian workhouse where has been raised and sets off on an adventure of his own. The tone is similar to Lemony Snicket, but the story is entirely unique, full of mechanical details and animals with extraordinary abilities. Put this strange and interesting book in the hands of your middle-grade reader!
My Robots: The Robotic Genius of Lady Regina Bonquers III, by Johan Olander, $3.99. Olander creates such interesting books! This heavily illustrated book purports to be the design scrapbook of an elusive roboticist. Lady Regina has created bots to fight fires, pluck nose hairs, and even give hugs. Kids will enjoy all the details of the development process, the unique visual style, and a frisson of mystery over Lady Regina’s whereabouts.
The Last Kids on Earth, by Max Brallier, $1.99. Are you ready for some funny post-apocalyptic lit for kids? This madcap adventure mixes peril, gross out humor, and teamwork as an unlikely band of teens works to save the day and stay alive. It’s a middle grade chapter book riddled with exciting and gruesome illustrations. If this sounds like something you’d be into, several books in the series are on sale today.
Big History: From the Big Bang to the Present, by Cynthia Stokes Brown, $3.99. The Big History movement combines science with history to study Earth from the moment of the big bang all the way through current events. Brown does a remarkable job finding through lines in the vast sweep of history. Each era is necessarily brief, but readers will be pleased to see that the history is not overly focused on Western civilization.
Bear and Fred: A World War II Story, by Iris Argaman, $4.99. Picture books can make challenging subjects understandable for small children. In this book, Israeli author Iris Argaman tells the true story of a boy’s time hiding from Nazis during WWII — from the perspective of his loyal teddy bear. It’s a tough but uplifting story that gently introduces the topic of the Holocaust.
Sleepover Larry, by Daniel Pinkwater, $3.99. Larry is a dapper polar bear who lives in a hotel owned by his human family. When Larry learns the concept of sleepovers, he is determined to have a great one with his bear friends from the zoo!
National Geographic Readers: Bears, by Elizabeth Carney, $3.99. Learn about bear species from all over the world in this fun, brightly illustrated easy reader. Sections cover habitats, adaptations, diet, cubs, and more. The level 3 books pack in a lot of detail without complicated vocabulary.
Magic Tree House: Polar Bears Past Bedtime, by Mary Pope Osborne, $3.99. Jack and Annie are off on another adventure, this time to the Arctic! They encounter indigenous hunters, polar bears, the Northern Lights, and more. The Magic Tree House series is great for beginning readers who are looking for fast-paced, exciting (but short) chapter books.
Bibliophile: An Illustrated Miscellany, by Jane Mount, $2.99. This is a literary bonbon for any book lover. As the title suggests, it’s a wonderful collection of miscellaneous facts about books, writers, bookstores, characters, and more. I can almost guarantee that you will find a new author to check out, or even a new favorite book, in the illustrated book lists.
The Man Who Made Lists: Love, Death, Madness, and the Creation of Roget’s Thesaurus, by Joshua Kendall. When I was a kid, I found thesauruses fascinating. I loved flipping through themed lists of words. I don’t think many kids use paper thesauruses now; the function built into your word processor isn’t really the same. Whether you are nostalgic for your childhood thesaurus or have never really used one, you’ll find the story behind the creation of the first modern thesaurus unexpectedly fascinating. Here’s a brief publisher’s description: “Polymath, eccentric, and synonym aficionado, Peter Mark Roget had a host of female admirers, was one of the first to test the effects of laughing gas, invented the slide rule, and narrowly escaped jail in Napoleon's France. But Roget is best known for making lists. After the tragic turmoil of his early life (both his mother and sister were institutionalized), Roget longed for order in his chaotic world. At the age of eight, he began his quest to put everything in its rightful place, one word at a time. This is the fascinating story of a driven man and a brilliant scholar-and the legacy he has left for generations.”
The Food Explorer: The True Adventures of the Globe-Trotting Botanist Who Transformed What America Eats, by Daniel Stone, $4.99. So many of the foods we now consider to be standard American fare are not native to this continent. The diversity of our current palate is partially the work of David Fairchild, a 19th century botanist who traveled the world looking for interesting plants that he could introduce to American audiences. Both food history and a globe-trotting adventure book, The Food Explorer is a delicious piece of writing.
Suffering Succotash: A Picky Eater’s Quest to Understand Why We Hate the Foods We Hate, by Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic, $4.99. There are tons of books about helping kids who are picky eaters, but this is the first one I’ve seen that is written by an actual picky eater. Lucianovic considers the roles of gag reflexes, anxiety, supertasters, support groups, and many other factors. The author’s personal experiences add a warm, personal touch.
A Spy in the House, by Y.S. Lee, $0.99. This is the first in a series of YA historical mysteries about a young Asian sleuth in Victorian London. Mary is an orphan doomed for the gallows when she is rescued and offered a position at the mysterious Miss Scrimshaw’s Academy for Girls. The school is the training ground for an elite group of detectives who can infiltrate high society households. Lee does an excellent job of offering the gritty details of the Victorian city while staying away from graphic details. The immigrant experience is rarely discussed in historical fiction, so this series provides an interesting perspective.
Seafaring Women: Adventures of Pirate Queens, Female Stowaways, and Sailors’ Wives, by David Cordingly, $4.99. Women have been taking to the seas, sometimes in secret, for hundreds of years. Cordingly has collected the stories of dozens of maritime women who lived life on the open water.
The March on Washington, by Bonnie Bader, $3.99. American Girl has been bringing accessible historical fiction to early readers for more than 30 years. More recently, the company has published factual companion books that provide deeper background into important events. This book about the 1963 March on Washington includes photos, timelines, maps, and a bibliography for more research.
One Crazy Summer, by Rita Williams-Garcia, $4.99. When the three Gaither sisters travel to California to spend time with their estranged mother, they are expecting movie stars and Disneyland. What they actually experience is a little different: summer camp run by the Black Panthers. The girls spend the next four weeks learning about the movement and discovering their own identities. This work of historical fiction set in 1968 is a nice point of entry for a discussion about the Civil Rights movement and the Black Panthers.
Susan B. Anthony: Her Fight for Equal Rights, by Monica Kulling, $4.99. Get to know one of America’s strongest proponents of women’s voting rights, Susan B. Anthony, in this book for early readers. Anthony was determined to vote in an election, even though it was illegal for women to do so at the time. Her civil disobedience led to her arrest. Young readers will learn about how Anthony’s actions paved the way for the 19th Amendment.
Lillian’s Right to Vote: A Celebration of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, by Jonah Winter and Shane W. Evans, $4.99. Sadly, the 19th Amendment did not make voting accessible to ALL women. In many places, unfair practices like poll taxes, complicated literacy tests, and property ownership rules made it nearly impossible for people of color to vote. In this moving picture book, an old woman reminisces about her family’s history and the many barriers to voting they faced.
The Women’s Suffrage Movement, edited by Sally Roesch Wagner, $4.99. What is the study of history without primary sources? This great collection from Penguin Classics looks at the quest for women’s rights in a delightfully intersectional array of essays, letters, speeches, and other texts. Readers will discover Black and Native American women whose ideas were crucial to the movement but have been overlooked in historical accounts.
The Templeton Twins Have an Idea, by Ellis Weiner, $0.99. If your reader has plowed the A Series of Unfortunate Events and would like something with a similar feel, look no further. The Templetons feel very similar to the Baudelaires. A snippet from the book description gives you an excellent feel for the tone: “Suppose there were 12-year-old twins, a boy and girl named John and Abigail Templeton. Let's say John was pragmatic and played the drums, and Abigail was theoretical and solved cryptic crosswords. Now suppose their father was a brilliant, if sometimes confused, inventor. And suppose that another set of twins—adults—named Dean D. Dean and Dan D. Dean, kidnapped the Templeton twins and their ridiculous dog in order to get their father to turn over one of his genius (sort of) inventions. Yes, I said kidnapped. Wouldn't it be fun to read about that? Oh please. It would so. Luckily for you, this is just the first in a series perfect for boys and girls who are smart, clever, and funny (just like the twins), and enjoy reading adventurous stories (who doesn't?!).”
Ella Enchanted, by Gail Carson Levine, $1.99. This Newberry Honor book has been beloved for two decades, and with good reason. A unique twist on the Cinderella story, this book focuses on Ella, a girl who has been cursed (“gifted”?) with obedience to others’ orders. In order to break this curse, she must track down and convince the fairy godmother who bestowed it.
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.
801 Things You Should Know: From Greek Philosophy to Today’s Technology, by David Olsen, $1.99. You’re a smart person. You’ve probably heard of many of the concepts and events in this book. But you may not be clear on all the details. This collection of short entries about everything from politics to medical terminology to economic principals will serve as a great introduction or refresher. Hand this to a tween/teen along with a newspaper — they’ll be able to quickly get background on unfamiliar terms like bear markets, the Hundred Years’ War, and the Invisible Hand theory.
A Field Guide to Monsters, by Johan Olander, $0.99. Olander is a “monstrologist” who documents monsters’ behavior in the wild. In this whimsical and imaginative book, he collects illustrations and artifacts from the Slobber Bug, Beach Krill, Tadpole-Monster, and other previously unknown (aka imaginary) creatures. It would be fun to compare this book with other, more scientific field guides.
Iron Hearted Violet, by Kelly Barnhill, $1.99. Kelly Barnhill tells such compelling twists on fairytale tropes. In this book, Princess Violet must work with the last dragon alive to protect the world from an evil being she has only read about in a forbidden book. Violet is brave, but not beautiful, strong, but not perfect.
The Menagerie, by Tui T. Sutherland and Kari Sutherland, $3.99. If your middle-grade reader enjoys books where the magical world bumps into the real world, The Menagerie series may be the perfect next adventure. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In the small town of Xanadu, Wyoming lies the Menagerie, a top secret facility filled with unicorns, dragons, phoenixes, and other fairy tale creatures. At least, it was a secret—until six griffin cubs escaped. If Logan and Zoe don’t get the cubs back fast, the entire Menagerie will be shut down. The race is on and the resulting adventure is only the beginning of a thrilling series that will leave readers wanting a magical menagerie of their very own.”
An Optimist’s Tour of the Future, by Mark Stevenson, $4.99. My husband loves this book, which does a great job of musing about how technology could change our future for the better. Here’s the publisher’s description: “When unexpectedly confronted with his own mortality, Mark Stevenson-a writer, deep-thinker, and stand-up comedian-began to ponder what the future holds for our species. ‘The past is a foreign country,’ writes Stevenson. ‘By my analysis it's a bit like France-in that I've been to parts of it and eaten some nice food there. But the future? The future is an unknown territory-and there isn't a guidebook.’ Thus, his ambition was born. Stevenson set out simply, asking, ‘What's next?’ and then traveled the globe in pursuit of the answers. Along the way, he visited the Australian outback to visit the farmers who can save us from climate change, met a robot with mood swings, and talked to the Spaniard who's putting a hotel in space. While some might be overwhelmed, or even dismayed by the looming realities of genome sequencing, synthetic biology, a nuclear renaissance, and carbon scrubbing, Stevenson remains, well, optimistic. Drawing on his singular humor and storytelling to break down these sometimes complicated discoveries, An Optimist's Tour of the Future paints a wonderfully readable, and completely enthralling portrait of where we'll be when we grow up- and why it's not so scary.”
50 Ways to Beat Boredom with LEGO Bricks, by DK Publishing, $0.99. If your house is anything like mine, you have no shortage of LEGO pieces. This short book introduces 50 quick activities and games using the beloved building materials. Build a mountain to create a 3D game board (instructions for a spinner also included) or design a functional piggy bank! This is an idea book, not a book of detailed instructions, but it’s a great jumping off point for an hour or a day of LEGO exploration. Note: If you already have 365 Things to Do with LEGO Bricks, you don’t need this book; this book is a shorter extract of that one.
Would You Rather? Made You Think Edition, by Lindsey Daly, $0.99. They start simple: “Would you rather kiss a fish that’s living in a radioactive pond or roll down a hill while hugging a porcupine?” The questions only get more interesting from there. Turn the questions into a game by scoring points for the best reasoning (guidelines are given in the introduction).
Diary of a Pug: Pug Blasts Off, by Kyla May, $2.99. Meet Bub, aka Baron von Bubbles, beloved pet of Bella. He loves doing everything with his human, so when she enters an invention contest, Bub is determined to help her. But this means he needs to deal with his squirrel nemesis, Nutz. This fun, brightly colored diary is full of wacky adventures and adorable illustrations. Early chapter book readers will love it!
Chickadee, by Louise Erdrich, $4.49. Chickadee takes place within the family introduced in Birchbark House. Omakayas is grown with a family of her own, and this story focuses on her twin sons, Chickadee and Makoons. After a prank gone wrong, Chickadee is kidnapped by angry men. This is the tale of Chickadee’s long path to reunion with his family. As with Erdrich’s other books, Chickadee’s story is filled with vivid details about Ojibwe life and traditions.
Young Water Protetctors: A Story About Standing Rock, by Aslan and Kelly Tudor, $2.99. Aslan Tudor was 10 years old when he wrote this book about his time participating in the Standing Rock protests. This is a great, age appropriate introduction to the conflict between native peoples and developers of the Dakota Access Pipeline.
My Heart Fills with Happiness, by Monique Gray Smith, $4.99. This sweet picture book introduces many things that bring happiness — good smells, good friends, and the beauty of nature. The lovely illustrations show many elements in the life on an indigenous family.
Hearts Unbroken, by Cynthia Leitich Smith, $0.99. High school is complicated for everyone, even more so in this YA novel about a community in racial and cultural conflict. Here’s the publisher’s description: “When Louise Wolfe’s first real boyfriend mocks and disrespects Native people in front of her, she breaks things off and dumps him over e-mail. It’s her senior year, anyway, and she’d rather spend her time with her family and friends and working on the school newspaper. The editors pair her up with Joey Kairouz, the ambitious new photojournalist, and in no time the paper’s staff find themselves with a major story to cover: the school musical director’s inclusive approach to casting The Wizard of Oz has been provoking backlash in their mostly white, middle-class Kansas town. From the newly formed Parents Against Revisionist Theater to anonymous threats, long-held prejudices are being laid bare and hostilities are spreading against teachers, parents, and students — especially the cast members at the center of the controversy, including Lou’s little brother, who’s playing the Tin Man. As tensions mount at school, so does a romance between Lou and Joey — but as she’s learned, ‘dating while Native’ can be difficult. In trying to protect her own heart, will Lou break Joey’s?”
The Odds of Loving Grover Cleveland, by Rebekah Crane, $0.99. This Grover Cleveland isn’t a president; he’s a resident at Camp Padua, a summer program for at-risk teens. When Zander’s parents insist she leave home to attend camp, she is sure that she won’t fit in. She’s surprised to make connections with her fellow campers, even though they are all dealing with big problems of their own. This tough but ultimately hopeful novel is also filled with darkly funny moments.
The Mermaid’s Sister, by Carrie Anne Noble, $0.99. I haven’t read this YA fantasy novel yet, but it’s definitely on my To Read list. Here’s the publisher’s summary: In a cottage high atop Llanfair Mountain, sixteen-year-old Clara lives with her sister, Maren, and guardian Auntie. By day, they gather herbs for Auntie’s healing potions; by night, Auntie spins tales of faraway lands and wicked fairies. Clara’s favorite story tells of three orphaned infants—Clara, who was brought to Auntie by a stork; Maren, who arrived in a seashell; and their best friend, O’Neill, who was found beneath an apple tree. One day, Clara discovers iridescent scales just beneath her sister’s skin: Maren is becoming a mermaid and must be taken to the sea or she will die. So Clara, O’Neill, and the mermaid-girl set out for the shore. But the trio encounters trouble around every bend. Ensnared by an evil troupe of traveling performers, Clara and O’Neill must find a way to save themselves and the ever-weakening Maren.
The Testing, by Joelle Charbonneau, $1.99. Calling all fans of The Hunger Games or Divergent! This series should scratch that dystopian coming-of-age itch. Here’s a summary from the publisher: “It’s graduation day for sixteen-year-old Malencia Vale, and the entire Five Lakes Colony (the former Great Lakes) is celebrating. All Cia can think about—hope for—is whether she’ll be chosen for The Testing, a United Commonwealth program that selects the best and brightest new graduates to become possible leaders of the slowly revitalizing post-war civilization. When Cia is chosen, her father finally tells her about his own nightmarish half-memories of The Testing. Armed with his dire warnings (“Cia, trust no one”), she bravely heads off to Tosu City, far away from friends and family, perhaps forever. Danger, romance—and sheer terror—await.”
Princess Academy, by Shannon Hale, $0.99. You may be starting to get the impression that I love Shannon Hale, and you would be right. Princess Academy is the first in a middle grade series about a land where a rich urban royal class benefits from the poorly paid labor of all the surrounding towns. When it is decided that the Prince’s wife should come from Miri’s village, all the teen girls are rounded up and sent to a school where they will be taught the ways of court. Booklist says, “Hale nicely interweaves feminist sensibilities in this quest-for-a-prince-charming, historical-fantasy tale. Strong suspense and plot drive the action as the girls outwit would-be kidnappers and explore the boundaries of leadership, competition, and friendship.” If you are looking for books with strong heroines who overcome difficulties to make a difference in their world, this is the book for you.
Bound: 15 Beautiful Bookbinding Projects, by Rachel Hazell, $3.99. If your family is anything like mine, you probably have dozens of stories your kids have written and illustrated. Why not turn them into an art project by binding them into book form? Or set yourself up for a new school year by creating small notebooks for nature observations or other projects. This book goes through multiple styles, from basic to complex, with step by step instructions.
Mini Weapons of Mass Destruction: Make Mayhem from your Stationery with 35 Models to Build Yourself, by John Austin, $3.99. Do you have pens, rubber bands, and plastic utensils? If so, you’re ready to build a catapult or trebuchet! All of these weapons are small scale but need adult supervision to prevent injury. Keep this book as a resource for discussing wars and weaponry throughout history.
American Heritage History of Flight, by Arthur Gordon, $1.99. This detailed look at aviation begins with ancient attempts to harness the wind and moves through modern technological innovations. While there are few illustrations, the Kindle version includes in-text links to Wikipedia for additional information and visuals.
National Geographic Readers: Planes, by Amy Shields, $4.99. If you are looking for a detailed book that your early elementary students can read on their own, the National Geographic Reader series is a great place to start. This one covers all types of planes, including some unusual ones (have you ever seen the inside of a C-17?) sure to pique interest.
Amazing Airplanes, by Tony Mitton, $3.54. For our youngest family members, we have this bright and simple picture book. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Buckle up to learn all about flying! Amazing Airplanes follows the animal crew, as they become pilots, baggage handlers, and air stewards. Each page is filled with details that machine-mad kids love, such as the cockpit, landing gear, and much more. This book is perfect for budding pilots or happy vacationers! From airplanes to fire engines, the internationally bestselling Amazing Machines series is the perfect way for children to learn about all sorts of vehicles! Each book introduces a new vehicle and the jobs it can do. Bright, engaging artwork and simple, rhyming text combine to make these fantastic books for young children. Kids will love getting to know the friendly, animal characters who feature throughout the series and reading about their fast-paced adventures!”
Her Right Foot, by Dave Eggers, $2.99. This beautiful picture book takes a look at the history of the Statue of Liberty. More than that, Eggers uses the statue to address the inherent freedoms that form the basis of American culture and government. Shawn Harris’s mixed-media illustrations are simple but visually interesting.
Epic Fails: Not-So-Great Presidents, by Ben Thompson and Erik Slader. This newer history series is a lot of fun for middle-grade readers. Rather than focusing on successes, the authors emphasize foibles (e.g., Washington’s mistakes early in his career as a British soldier, Nixon’s Watergate scandal). The result is humanizing; presidents are just people, and everyone makes mistakes. The tone is light and full of contemporary references. A good choice for history fans and history skeptics!
Small Wonders: Jean-Henri Fabre and His World of Insects, by Matthew Clark Smith, $3.99. Fabre is one of the most famous naturalists in history. His interest started when he was a small child fascinated by moths, wasps, and other insects. Instead of merely collecting and dissecting them, Fabre was among the first to study insect behavior in the natural environment.
Microadventures: Local Discoveries, Great Escapes, by Alastair Humphreys, $4.99. The adventures are small, but the world is large! Humphreys is a naturalist and adventurer who has explored all over the world. This book focuses on really getting to know the world right around you. These outdoor adventures can be accomplished in a day or less, with minimal supplies. Humphreys encourages you to chase down a full moon, explore woods and forests, swim in a river, and more. Humphreys is based in the UK, so some of the challenges may not be applicable (e.g., there are few places in the US where you can walk from coast to coast), but most can be adapted to any local environment. This book is perfect for a family looking for new recreation ideas during the pandemic.
Rules, by Cynthia Lord, $3.99. Catherine loves her brother, but she’s not always nice to him. He has autism, and she has created a long list of rules for him to follow so that he doesn’t embarrass her in public. When she meets Jason, a paraplegic who uses a wheelchair and communicates through picture cards, Catherine begins to realize that there’s no one “normal” way to be, and that she needs to find more acceptance and understanding for others, even her own brother.
Freak the Mighty, by Rodman Philbrick, $3.99. This classic story of an unusual friendship has been made into a movie. Kevin has a disorder that prevents him from growing; Max is large for his age and struggles with learning disabilities. Together, Kevin and Max form “Freak the Mighty,” with Kevin riding Max’s shoulders as they explore their surroundings and defeat bullies. Both boys have unique perspectives. Content warning: this book is poignant and tragic.
Missing Math: A Number Mystery, by Loreen Leedy, $3.99. This bright and fun picture book will convince kids of the importance of numbers. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In Missing Math, the numbers all over town suddenly disappear. The animals can’t count, use the phone, or even find out what time it is. Rulers, money, and computers have all become completely useless. . . . Can the town’s detective solve this numerical mystery? Will he ever bring the numbers back home again? Loreen Leedy’s clever rhyming text PLUS her amusing digitally painted illustrations EQUALS proof that we need math each and every day.”
Alone: A Story of Friendship in the Darkness of Space, by Scott Stuart, $0.99. Earth is all alone in space, so it goes off looking for a friend. This sweet, fanciful book includes a few interesting scientific tidbits.
Blast Off to the Moon! by Lauren Gunderson, $3.99. Dr. Wonderful just wants to know why things happen, and she’s willing to explore to find out. When she becomes curious about why the moon changes shape each night, she and her dog decide to go up into space for research. Kids will love the funny illustrations; parents will appreciate the way Dr. Wonderful carefully works through the scientific process to answer her questions.
The Upside of Falling Down, by Rebekah Crane, $1.99. A coming-of-age novel with an unusual twist: Clementine is the sole survivor of a plane crash, and she’s now in Ireland suffering from amnesia. Here’s the plot summary: “With the relentless Irish press bearing down on her, and a father she may not even recognize on his way from America to take her home, Clementine assumes a new identity and enlists a blue-eyed Irish stranger, Kieran O’Connell, to help her escape her forgotten life…and start a new one. Hiding out in the sleepy town of Waterville, Ireland, Clementine discovers there’s an upside to a life that’s fallen apart. But as her lies grow, so does her affection for Kieran, and the truth about her identity becomes harder and harder to reveal, forcing Clementine to decide: Can she leave her past behind for a new love she’ll never forget?”
Zoey and Sassafras: Dragons and Marshmallows, by Asia Citro, $1.99. Science can be magic! Zoey and her cat Sassafras have a big secret: magical creatures are real and come to them for help! Zoey is a budding scientist and uses the scientific method to figure out what is wrong with a sick dragon. This is the first in a series; the short chapters, charming illustrations, and simple language make these books a good choice for budding readers.
What Lives in a Shell? by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld, $2.99. This charming book from the “Let’s Read and Find Out” series is a great introduction to crustaceans and other shelled creatures for early elementary readers. Detailed illustrations introduce clams, snails, crabs, and more.
A Tale of Two Cities, by Charles Dickens, $2.99. A classic adventure from Charles Dickens presents the story of the French Revolution through the eyes of the aristocrats, opportunists, and spies of Paris. Break out your knitting needles and settle in for an engrossing read. This edition includes a brief biography of Dickens and some contextual material.
I Survived The Battle of D-Day, by Lauren Tarshis, $3.99. My elementary-schooler has enjoyed several of the books in this series about deadly wars, plagues, and natural disasters. Each book includes a fictionalized story and a short section of historical information. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Eleven-year-old Paul's French village has been under Nazi control for years. His Jewish best friend has disappeared. Food is scarce. And there doesn't seem to be anything Paul can do to make things better. Then Paul finds an American paratrooper in a tree near his home. The soldier says the Allies have a plan to crush the Nazis once and for all. But the soldier needs Paul's help. This is Paul's chance to make a difference. Soon he finds himself in the midst of the largest invasion in history. Can he do his part to turn horror into hope?”
Magic Tree House: Night of the New Magicians, by Mary Pope Osborne, $3.99. Jack and Annie are heading to France! Merlin has sent them to pass along a message to four magicians at the 1889 World’s Fair in Paris. This is a “Merlin Mission,” so it is longer and more involved than the original Magic Tree House books.
Zane and the Hurricane: A Story of Katrina, by Rodman Philbrick, $3.99. Zane doesn’t know New Orleans well; he is visiting his great-grandmother when Hurricane Katrina makes landfall. After chasing his runaway dog, he finds himself fending for himself until he is rescued by a passing canoe. Philbrick includes realistic historical details and deftly addresses issues of race, class, and privilege.
Gandhi: A March to the Sea, by Alice B. McGinty, $1.99. This picture book with beautiful painted illustrations focuses on the nonviolent Satyagraha movement. There’s a free educator’s guide available as a PDF.
The Sky Painter: Louis Fuertes, Bird Artist, by Margarita Engle, $1.99. I will admit that I had never heard of Fuertes before I discovered this book. Thank you, Margarita Engle, for introducing me to his beautiful work. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Louis loves to watch birds. He takes care of injured birds and studies how they look and how they move. His father wants him to become an engineer, but Louis dreams of being a bird artist. To achieve this dream, he must practice, practice, practice. He learns from the art of John James Audubon. But as Louis grows up, he begins to draw and paint living, flying birds in their natural habitats. Louis Agassiz Fuertes (1874–1927) is now known as the father of modern bird art. He traveled with many scientific expeditions all over the world. His best-known works—paintings for habitat exhibits at the American Museum of Natural History in New York—are still beloved by visitors today. His art helped to encourage wildlife conservation, inspiring people to celebrate and protect the world of wings. Poems by Newbery Honor–winning author Margarita Engle and illustrations by Aliona Bereghici capture the life of Louis Fuertes and the deep sense of wonder that he felt when he painted the sky.”
Escape North! The Story of Harriet Tubman, by Monica Kulling, $4.99. I found my copy of this book at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park (which is great and you should go!). As I’ve mentioned before, I really like the higher level nonfiction “Step into Reading” books for providing a solid foundation on a topic at the elementary level. Kids will learn about Tubman’s missions escorting enslaved people to freedom, but also about her work as a spy and women’s rights advocate.
Frog and Toad are Friends, by Arnold Lobel, $4.99. This is an easy reader classic! Frog and Toad are not always alike, but they are always there for each other. Join them on their funny adventures swimming, looking for a lost button, and waiting for a letter. Fun pictures and few words on each page make this the perfect first chapter book for a new reader.
I am (Not) Scared, by Anna Kang, $1.99. The bears from You are (Not) Small and That’s (Not) Mine are back with a trip to the amusement park. They are frightened of, and exhilarated by, a whole host of new experiences and discover that being together can make hard things seem less scary.
A Snicker of Magic, by Natalie Lloyd, $3.99. My daughter loves this book! Here’s what she says: “A shy girl who’s been traveling around her whole life moves to a town that used to have magic. She learns that her ancestors were cursed and becomes determined to break the curse. This is a really heartwarming book, and I recommend it to people who like The Magic Half.”
Give Yourself Goosebumps: Tick Tock, You’re Dead, by R.L. Stine. A scary Goosebumps novel where you get to choose how the story turns out? Sign me up for this perfect campfire read!
Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type, by Doreen Cronin, $3.99. When the cows on Farmer Brown’s farm discover that they can use a typewriter, they begin leaving him notes with their feedback and demands. This is a great book for introducing young kids to both onomatopoeia and the concept of striking for improved conditions. Plus, it’s just really funny.
The Typewriter, by Bill Thomson, $3.99. Kids either love or hate Bill Thomson’s low- or no-text stories. His imaginative illustrations allow the reader to make up the words as they go along. In this tale, kids discover a mysterious typewriter that allows them bring things into being by typing. They begin a magical adventure along a beach.
Typewriter Manual: An Explanation of Parts and How to Clean Everything! by Ryan Smits, $0.99. Typewriters can often be found at a thrift store for about $20. If you pick one up and need information about how to use or repair it, this is a good starting place. The information is brief, and the writing style is not sophisticated, but the price is right.
I Stink! by Kate and Jim McMullen, $0.99. This garbage truck is proud of all the things it can do! Kids will love the brash bragging about all the cool things a garbage truck does to keep towns clean. There’s also a fun alphabetical list of types of trash. This is a great book to read aloud.
Monster Trucks! by Susan E. Goodman, $4.99. Step into the loud, thrilling world of monster trucks with this early reader. The level 3 books are broken into topical sections containing lots of detail. Kids will learn about how the trucks are built, what kind of tricks they can perform, and the history of monster truck racing.
My Hands Sing the Blues: Romare Bearden’s Childhood Journey, by Jeanne Walker Harvey, $1.99. This lyrical picture book tells the story of Romare Bearden, an artist reknowned for his painting and collage work. As Bearden creates one of his collages, he reflects on the moments and memories in his life that have inspired the images. The effect makes for a uniquely compelling biography.
Over and Under the Snow, by Kate Messner, $4.99. I’ve talked about Kate Messner’s books before. These picture books do a lovely job of illustrating the parts of nature that are hard for us to observe. Take a break from your warm summer day to explore how many animals spend their winters.
DKFindOut! Human Body, by DK Publishing, $1.99. Designed for kids ages 6-9, this colorful book covers all the major systems of the human body with detailed illustrations and interesting, occasionally gruesome facts. Definitely read this one on a tablet!
Calm: Mindfulness for Kids, by Wynne Kinder, $1.99. Especially in this time of heightened uncertainty and increased togetherness, we need to be proactive about supporting our kids’ mental health. Kinder has collected a variety of mindfulness activities to try with your family, with options that will appeal to kids who can easily sit still and those who need some kinetic activity to calm their minds. Activities are aimed at kids ages 7-9, but many would appeal to older or younger children.
The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: The Mysterious Howling, by Maryrose Wood, $3.99. If A Series of Unfortunate Events went back in time, you’d get The Incorrigible Children. The publisher’s description gets the tone of the book just right: “Found running wild in the forest of Ashton Place, the Incorrigibles are no ordinary children: Alexander, age ten or thereabouts, keeps his siblings in line with gentle nips; Cassiopeia, perhaps four or five, has a bark that is (usually) worse than her bite; and Beowulf, age somewhere-in-the-middle, is alarmingly adept at chasing squirrels. Luckily, Miss Penelope Lumley is no ordinary governess. Only fifteen years old and a recent graduate of the Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females, Penelope embraces the challenge of her new position. Though she is eager to instruct the children in Latin verbs and the proper use of globes, first she must help them overcome their canine tendencies. But mysteries abound at Ashton Place: Who are these three wild creatures, and how did they come to live in the vast forests of the estate? Why does Old Timothy, the coachman, lurk around every corner? Will Penelope be able to teach the Incorrigibles table manners and socially useful phrases in time for Lady Constance's holiday ball? And what on earth is a schottische?”
Lies We Tell Ourselves, by Robin Talley, $3.99. Talley looks at school desegregation with an unflinching eye. Sarah is one of the first black students to attend Jefferson High School, and every day brings new indignities and mistreatment. Linda’s family vehemently opposed integration. When the two are forced to work together, they are drawn to each other despite their differences. But how can they be together in a society that rejects interracial and same-sex relationships?
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!”
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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!
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Kindle Deals for October 5, 2020
Books from space!
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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We Dream of Space, by Erin Entrada Kelly, $1.99. That historical fiction is now set in the 1980s makes me feel a little old, but I’m excited to read this new middle grade novel. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Cash, who loves basketball but has a newly broken wrist, is in danger of failing seventh grade for the second time. Fitch spends every afternoon playing Major Havoc at the arcade on Main and wrestles with an explosive temper that he doesn’t understand. And Bird, his twelve-year-old twin, dreams of being NASA’s first female shuttle commander, but feels like she’s disappearing. The Thomas children exist in their own orbits, circling a tense and unpredictable household, with little in common except an enthusiastic science teacher named Ms. Salonga. As the launch of the Challenger approaches, Ms. Salonga gives her students a project—they are separated into spacecraft crews and must create and complete a mission. When the fated day finally arrives, it changes all of their lives and brings them together in unexpected ways.”
Space Opera, by Catherynne M. Valente, $1.99. Amy and Suzanne really enjoyed this book. Here’s what Amy has to say about it: “So earlier this fall, I told Suzanne that I needed to read something that would just make me happy, and she suggested this space saga. NEVER DOUBT SUZANNE. This zany, Douglas Adams-ish (and I don’t throw that around lightly) story centers around an intergalactic version of American Idol, in which planets compete not for record deals but for the right for their species to be considered sentient by the rest of the universe. All newly space-faring species must compete to prove their sentience — and if they come in last, their whole species will be wiped right out of existence. Now that Earth is in the space game, and the future of humanity is in the hands of aging 70s rocker Decibel Jones. It sounds wacky and all over the place because it is wacky and all over the place — but in a way that made me really happy.”
Rise of the Rocket Girls, by Nathalia Holt, $2.99. The original computers weren't machines, they were people—specifically women who, armed with slide rules and sharpened pencils, performed the complex calculations needed to get the space program (literally) off the ground. This book shines a long overdue spotlight on the women scientists and mathematicians who contributed to the early work of the space program, and it's a great read on its own or as part of a larger study with The Glass Universe and Hidden Figures.
Suni Goes to Space, by Arthy Muthanna Singh and Mamta Nainy, $0.99. When Sunita Williams was young, she dreamed of going into space like Neil Armstrong. Singh and Nainy introduce us to Suni, the inquisitive and creative girl who grew up to become an astronaut.
STILL ON SALE
Scream: Chilling Adventures in the Science of Fear, by Margee Kerr, $1.99. Why do we feel afraid? Why do we deliberately seek out horror movies and haunted houses? Sociologist Margee Kerr investigates the individual and societal experiences of fear. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Fear is a universal human experience, but do we really understand it? If we're so terrified of monsters and serial killers, why do we flock to the theaters to see them? Why do people avoid thinking about death, but jump out of planes and swim with sharks? For Kerr, there was only one way to find out. In this eye-opening, adventurous book, she takes us on a tour of the world's scariest experiences: into an abandoned prison long after dark, hanging by a cord from the highest tower in the Western hemisphere, and deep into Japan's mysterious ‘suicide forest.’ She even goes on a ghost hunt with a group of paranormal adventurers. Along the way, Kerr shows us the surprising science from the newest studies of fear -- what it means, how it works, and what it can do for us. Full of entertaining science and the thrills of a good ghost story, this book will make you think, laugh -- and scream.”
European Travel for the Monstrous Gentlewoman, by Theodora Goss, $1.99. The daughters of classic horror characters take on and adventure of their own in this thrilling series. You’ll find Misses Jekyll, Hyde, Frankenstein, Moreau, and many other familiar faces. The women have banded together to form the Athena Club for unusual young ladies. When they receive a plea for help tracking down a kidnapped girl with vampire connections, the club undertakes an elaborate rescue mission that leads them all over Europe. This (massive) novel is written for adults, but all the characters are in the YA age range and there isn’t any particularly objectionable content. I personally love the constant third-wall breaking asides and footnotes sprinkled throughout. This is the second in a series, but events of the previous book are explained well enough for those who want to start with this book.
Alice in Zombieland, by Gena Showalter, $2.99. It’s Alice in Wonderland… sort of. With zombies! This YA zombie novel is filled with allusions to Wonderland.
His Hideous Heart: 13 of Edgar Allen Poe’s Most Unsettling Tales Reimagined, edited by Dahlia Adler, $2.99. Teens have loved Poe’s creepy tales for the last hundred and fifty years. Now they can experience the themes in new ways through this collection of modern short stories from big names in current YA.
Teach Your Own: The John Holt Book of Homeschooling, by John Holt and Pat Farenga, $2.99. John Holt is one of the founders of the modern homeschool movement. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In this expanded edition of the book that helped launch the whole movement, Pat Farenga has distilled John Holt's timeless understanding of the ways children come to understand the world and added up-to-the-moment legal, financial, and logistical advice. No parent even considering homeschooling should be without this wise and unique reference. Rather than proposing that parents turn their homes into miniature schools, Holt and Farenga demonstrate how ordinary parents can help children grow as social, active learners. Chapters on living with children, "serious play," children and work, and learning difficulties will fascinate and encourage parents and help them enjoy each "homeschool" day. John Holt's warm understanding of children and his passionate belief in every child's ability to learn have made this book the bible of homeschooling families everywhere.”
Evolution for Smart Kids: A Little Scientist’s Guide to the Origins of Life, by Carlos Pazos, $1.99. Pick it up because it offers detailed factual information about evolution. Enjoy it because the story is just so darn cute. When Darwin the chicken is frustrated that he’s the smallest animal on the farm, Valentina takes him back in time to show him his exciting dinosaur roots.
My Strong Mind: A Story about Developing Mental Strength, by Niels van Hove, $2.99. This is a pretty didactic but accessible book about developing good habits. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Kate faces several situations your children will face too. She applies a positive attitude to deal with her challenges. Amongst them are getting ready in time in the morning, doing cartwheels, standing in front of the whole class with show and tell and playing basketball. Kate applies techniques like goal setting, positive self-talk, accept failure as learning, visualisation of a problem, breathing or mindfulness exercise, gratitude, and controlled distraction. These tips to build a strong mind in children are presented in an easy to read, fun and practical way.”
It’s Okay to Make Mistakes, by Todd Parr, $1.99. Todd Parr’s books are like big, extra-tight hugs. His simple style is bold, funny, and diverse. For every mistake he mentions, he offers a hint at what can happen next (e.g., “It’s OK to not know the answer. Asking questions helps you learn.”) My toddler could recite Todd Parr books way before she could read them on her own.
Storybound, by Melissa Burt, $3.99. I haven’t had a chance to read this series yet, but it sounds like a delightful bookish adventure. Here’s the publisher’s description: “When Una Fairchild stumbles upon a mysterious book buried deep in the basement of her school library, she thinks nothing of opening the cover and diving in. But instead of paging through a regular novel, Una suddenly finds herself Written In to the land of Story—a world filled with Heroes and Villains and fairy-tale characters. But not everything in Story is as magical as it seems. Una must figure out why she has been Written In—and fast—before anyone else discovers her secret. Together with her new friend Peter and a talking cat named Sam, Una digs deep into Story's shadowy past. She quickly realizes that she is tied to the world in ways she never could have imagined—and it might be up to her to save it.”
A Dash of Magic, by Kathryn Littlewood, $3.99. The Bliss series is a mouth-watering literary treat. In this second book in the series, Rosemary is determined to retrieve the magical Cookery Booke that her aunt has stolen — even if it means facing off in an Iron Chef-style food battle. The competition takes the Bliss family to Paris, where the family rushes around famous sites collecting the magical ingredients Rosemary needs. There’s an excellent sense of place. If you enjoy this book, the sequel is also on sale.
Sleep, Big Bear, Sleep! by Maureen Wright, $0.99. It’s time to hibernate in this charming picture book. Bear knows there’s something he needs to do, but he keeps mishearing Old Man Winter’s “Sleep” message and instead thinks he is supposed to leap or sweep. It’s a sweet, funny story perfect for fall.
Scaredy Squirrel, by Melanie Watt, $0.99. Scaredy Squirrel wants to be prepared. He has all of his emergency gear at the ready, prepared for bees, Martians, whatever might happen. He prefers to stick to his safe, steady routine. When a chance encounter causes him to leap into the unknown, he gets a big surprise.
Shampoodle, by Joan Holub, $3.99. This fun easy reader will have kids giggling! The funny, rhyming text describes a day at the dog groomer. The dogs are all very exuberant, even before a cat wanders in and causes mayhem. I love the pictures in this one; there’s lots to see!
Bad Kitty Camp Daze, by Nick Bruel, $4.96. Bad Kitty has an attitude problem that will endear her to surly children everywhere. Bruel built on his picture book series with these early chapter books that contain lots of illustrated action. When Bad Kittle sneaks away to Uncle Murray’s Camp for Stressed-Out Dogs, she learns more than she bargains for about the natural world.
The Hobbits of Tolkien: An Illustrated Exploration of Tolkien’s Hobbits and the Sources that Inspired His Work From Myth, Legend, and History, by David Day, $3.99. Want to know more about the mythology behind Middle Earth? Curious about the etymology of some place names and people? This book perfectly balances detailed research with cozy illustrations. The author has written similar volumes about other elements of Tolkien’s work.
A Dictionary of Sources of Tolkien: The History and Mythology That Inspired Tolkien’s World, by David Day, $3.99. I enjoy sweeping fantasy, but I definitely struggle to keep all the names and places straight. In this extensive volume, Day provides information about all the proper nouns of Middle Earth, both their relevance to the narrative and their allusions to other literary traditions.
An Unexpected Cookbook: The Unofficial Book of Hobbit Cookery, by Chris-Rachael Oseland, $5.99. This book is more expensive than my typical Kindle deals, but I didn’t think we could properly celebrate Hobbit Day without at least one food book. The recipes are broken up into all seven Hobbit meals, with delicious treats like Lavender and Lemon Bread, Yorkshire Pudding, and Honey Cakes. You’ll find detailed recipe notes and mouthwatering photos throughout.
Fear of Physics: A Guide for the Perplexed, by Lawrence M. Krauss, $1.99. Krauss is a theoretical physicist who works on the deepest mysteries of the universe. But don’t let that intimidate you! Here’s the publisher’s description: “Assume the cow is a sphere." So begins this lively, irreverent, and informative look at everything from the physics of boiling water to cutting-edge research at the observable limits of the universe. Rich with anecdotes and accessible examples, Fear of Physics nimbly ranges over the tools and thought behind the world of modern physics, taking the mystery out of what is essentially a very human intellectual endeavour.”
Caesar’s Last Breath: Decoding the Secrets of the Air Around Us, by Sam Kean, $2.99. Science writer Sam Kean has written about the chemical elements, neuroscience, genetics, and the creation of the atomic bomb. In this book, he explores the air around us and the molecules we find within it. He travels throughout history and across several continents in his quest to understand the air we breathe.
Scienceblind: Why Our Intuitive Theories About the World Are So Often Wrong, by Andrew Shtulman, $4.99. Our brains are wired to make connections that help us make sense of the world. But that does not mean that our brains always interpret the world correctly. Cognitive psychologist Andrew Shtulman explains the reasons why people tend to believe weird things in this fascinating book. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Why do we catch colds? What causes seasons to change? And if you fire a bullet from a gun and drop one from your hand, which bullet hits the ground first? In a pinch we almost always get these questions wrong. Worse, we regularly misconstrue fundamental qualities of the world around us. In Scienceblind, cognitive and developmental psychologist Andrew Shtulman shows that the root of our misconceptions lies in the theories about the world we develop as children. They're not only wrong, they close our minds to ideas inconsistent with them, making us unable to learn science later in life. So how do we get the world right? We must dismantle our intuitive theories and rebuild our knowledge from its foundations. The reward won't just be a truer picture of the world, but clearer solutions to many controversies -- around vaccines, climate change, or evolution -- that plague our politics today.”
Uncommon Paper Flowers: Extraordinary Botanicals and How to Craft Them, by Kate Alcaron, $2.99. You’ve made a paper rose before, now get ready to try something unique! Alcaron has collected 30 unusual plants and created paper models of them. The book contains detailed botanical descriptions, an extensive technique section, and templates for creating your own dramatic floral display.
Parenting in a Pandemic: How to Help Your Family Through Covid-19, by Kelly Fradin, $0.99. This just came out and will (I hope) only be useful for a limited time, but the price is right and the advice is solid. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Parents are burning out while kids need more help than ever. With so many families in crisis, pediatrician and child advocate Dr. Kelly Fradin sees an urgent need for help. As a mother of two, Dr. Fradin shares practical, evidence-based and reassuring advice on what families need to know. Parents are forced to make decisions now despite seemingly constant change and many unknowns. In Parenting in a Pandemic, Dr. Fradin provides the information and strategies you need to help navigate coronavirus. The book reviews the science necessary to understand the news and care for your family. Dr. Fradin explains the specific risks of coronavirus to children of all ages and adults, including parents, grandparents, pregnant women, and essential workers. She gives realistic strategies you can use to improve this time for your family whether you are protecting a newborn, virtually schooling or convincing a teen to physically distance.”
The House Takes a Vacation, by Jacqueline Davies, $0.99. Get ready for a surreal and wacky adventure! When the house’s people go on vacation, the house decides to take its own trip. Kids and adults will enjoy the pun-filled text and personality-filled illustrations.
The Archaeology of Home: An Epic Set on a Thousand Square Feet of the Lower East Side, by Katharine Greider, $3.99. When Greider’s NYC home is condemned, she decides to trace all the decisions and events that led to the destruction. Her research goes all the way back to the earliest settlers of New York City. The result of this research is a fascinating microhistory of an urban neighborhood that incorporates the individual stories of its former inhabitants.
Little House in the Big Woods, by Laura Ingalls Wilder, $3.99. The Little House books are among the most read children’s books of all time, and with good reason. Wilder does a tremendous job of creating a vivid and inviting glimpse into life on the frontier. Later books in the series have problematic depictions of conflicts with Native Americans and have not aged well. Little House in the Big Woods, however, is a cozy and gentle peek into the past. Read this one by candle or fire as the temperatures start to dip this fall!
The Language of Spells, by Garret Weyr, $1.99. Amy liked this book, but warns that it is SAD. It’s a metaphor of the Holocaust through dragon-based fantasy. Here’s a bit of her review: “A lonely Viennese girl teams up with a dragon to solve the biggest mystery of World War II and figure out what happened to all the dragons. You’re plunged into an alternate magical world, where cats can run government agencies and dragons can spend decades trapped inside a teapot, and it’s a thrilling plunge. It’s alternate history! And magic! And lonely girls finding their people (or, you know, dragons) for the first time.”
The Hero’s Guide to Saving Your Kingdom, by Christopher Healy, $3.99. You think you know the classic fairytale stories, but they are usually centered around the princesses. This fun middle grade series focuses on the princes. After the “happily ever after” the princes discover that their kingdoms are in danger, and they set off take on all kinds of mythical monsters. This fun and funny book is the first in a series that your middle-grade reader will love.
The Element Encyclopedia of Magical Creatures, by John and Caitlin Matthews, $3.99. Looking for a reference on obscure creatures? Every time I open this book, I discover a new mythological animal I haven’t heard of before. Here’s the publisher’s description: “From unicorns and trolls to werewolves and griffins, this comprehensive guide is the key to discovering every magical creature from myth, folklore and legend around the world. This compendium of magical creatures explores the history, folklore and mythology of fascinating beasts throughout all the magical worlds. Including stories, celebrations, traditions, and amazing facts, the book spans every major culture across the globe.”
Steampunk! An Anthology of Fantastically Rich and Strange Stories, edited by Kelly Link and Gavin J. Grant, $0.99. Are you new to steampunk but interested in exploring alternate versions of the world shaped by a different series of technological innovations? This anthology will introduce you to many excellent YA steampunk authors. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Imagine an alternate universe where romance and technology reign. Where tinkerers and dreamers craft and re-craft a world of automatons, clockworks, calculating machines, and other marvels that never were. Where scientists and schoolgirls, fair folk and Romans, intergalactic bandits, utopian revolutionaries, and intrepid orphans solve crimes, escape from monstrous predicaments, consult oracles, and hover over volcanoes in steam-powered airships. Here, fourteen masters of speculative fiction, including two graphic storytellers, embrace the genre's established themes and refashion them in surprising ways and settings as diverse as Appalachia, ancient Rome, future Australia, and alternate California. Visionaries Kelly Link and Gavin J. Grant have invited all-new explorations and expansions, taking a genre already rich, strange, and inventive in the extreme and challenging contributors to remake it from the ground up. The result is an anthology that defies its genre even as it defines it.”
The Wonderling, by Mira Bartok, $0.99. In Mira Bartok’s imagined world, groundlings are creatures that are part animal, part human. Thirteen, a fox groundling, escapes the Dickensian workhouse where has been raised and sets off on an adventure of his own. The tone is similar to Lemony Snicket, but the story is entirely unique, full of mechanical details and animals with extraordinary abilities. Put this strange and interesting book in the hands of your middle-grade reader!
My Robots: The Robotic Genius of Lady Regina Bonquers III, by Johan Olander, $3.99. Olander creates such interesting books! This heavily illustrated book purports to be the design scrapbook of an elusive roboticist. Lady Regina has created bots to fight fires, pluck nose hairs, and even give hugs. Kids will enjoy all the details of the development process, the unique visual style, and a frisson of mystery over Lady Regina’s whereabouts.
The Last Kids on Earth, by Max Brallier, $1.99. Are you ready for some funny post-apocalyptic lit for kids? This madcap adventure mixes peril, gross out humor, and teamwork as an unlikely band of teens works to save the day and stay alive. It’s a middle grade chapter book riddled with exciting and gruesome illustrations. If this sounds like something you’d be into, several books in the series are on sale today.
Big History: From the Big Bang to the Present, by Cynthia Stokes Brown, $3.99. The Big History movement combines science with history to study Earth from the moment of the big bang all the way through current events. Brown does a remarkable job finding through lines in the vast sweep of history. Each era is necessarily brief, but readers will be pleased to see that the history is not overly focused on Western civilization.
Bear and Fred: A World War II Story, by Iris Argaman, $4.99. Picture books can make challenging subjects understandable for small children. In this book, Israeli author Iris Argaman tells the true story of a boy’s time hiding from Nazis during WWII — from the perspective of his loyal teddy bear. It’s a tough but uplifting story that gently introduces the topic of the Holocaust.
Sleepover Larry, by Daniel Pinkwater, $3.99. Larry is a dapper polar bear who lives in a hotel owned by his human family. When Larry learns the concept of sleepovers, he is determined to have a great one with his bear friends from the zoo!
National Geographic Readers: Bears, by Elizabeth Carney, $3.99. Learn about bear species from all over the world in this fun, brightly illustrated easy reader. Sections cover habitats, adaptations, diet, cubs, and more. The level 3 books pack in a lot of detail without complicated vocabulary.
Magic Tree House: Polar Bears Past Bedtime, by Mary Pope Osborne, $3.99. Jack and Annie are off on another adventure, this time to the Arctic! They encounter indigenous hunters, polar bears, the Northern Lights, and more. The Magic Tree House series is great for beginning readers who are looking for fast-paced, exciting (but short) chapter books.
Bibliophile: An Illustrated Miscellany, by Jane Mount, $2.99. This is a literary bonbon for any book lover. As the title suggests, it’s a wonderful collection of miscellaneous facts about books, writers, bookstores, characters, and more. I can almost guarantee that you will find a new author to check out, or even a new favorite book, in the illustrated book lists.
The Man Who Made Lists: Love, Death, Madness, and the Creation of Roget’s Thesaurus, by Joshua Kendall. When I was a kid, I found thesauruses fascinating. I loved flipping through themed lists of words. I don’t think many kids use paper thesauruses now; the function built into your word processor isn’t really the same. Whether you are nostalgic for your childhood thesaurus or have never really used one, you’ll find the story behind the creation of the first modern thesaurus unexpectedly fascinating. Here’s a brief publisher’s description: “Polymath, eccentric, and synonym aficionado, Peter Mark Roget had a host of female admirers, was one of the first to test the effects of laughing gas, invented the slide rule, and narrowly escaped jail in Napoleon's France. But Roget is best known for making lists. After the tragic turmoil of his early life (both his mother and sister were institutionalized), Roget longed for order in his chaotic world. At the age of eight, he began his quest to put everything in its rightful place, one word at a time. This is the fascinating story of a driven man and a brilliant scholar-and the legacy he has left for generations.”
The Food Explorer: The True Adventures of the Globe-Trotting Botanist Who Transformed What America Eats, by Daniel Stone, $4.99. So many of the foods we now consider to be standard American fare are not native to this continent. The diversity of our current palate is partially the work of David Fairchild, a 19th century botanist who traveled the world looking for interesting plants that he could introduce to American audiences. Both food history and a globe-trotting adventure book, The Food Explorer is a delicious piece of writing.
Suffering Succotash: A Picky Eater’s Quest to Understand Why We Hate the Foods We Hate, by Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic, $4.99. There are tons of books about helping kids who are picky eaters, but this is the first one I’ve seen that is written by an actual picky eater. Lucianovic considers the roles of gag reflexes, anxiety, supertasters, support groups, and many other factors. The author’s personal experiences add a warm, personal touch.
A Spy in the House, by Y.S. Lee, $0.99. This is the first in a series of YA historical mysteries about a young Asian sleuth in Victorian London. Mary is an orphan doomed for the gallows when she is rescued and offered a position at the mysterious Miss Scrimshaw’s Academy for Girls. The school is the training ground for an elite group of detectives who can infiltrate high society households. Lee does an excellent job of offering the gritty details of the Victorian city while staying away from graphic details. The immigrant experience is rarely discussed in historical fiction, so this series provides an interesting perspective.
Seafaring Women: Adventures of Pirate Queens, Female Stowaways, and Sailors’ Wives, by David Cordingly, $4.99. Women have been taking to the seas, sometimes in secret, for hundreds of years. Cordingly has collected the stories of dozens of maritime women who lived life on the open water.
The March on Washington, by Bonnie Bader, $3.99. American Girl has been bringing accessible historical fiction to early readers for more than 30 years. More recently, the company has published factual companion books that provide deeper background into important events. This book about the 1963 March on Washington includes photos, timelines, maps, and a bibliography for more research.
One Crazy Summer, by Rita Williams-Garcia, $4.99. When the three Gaither sisters travel to California to spend time with their estranged mother, they are expecting movie stars and Disneyland. What they actually experience is a little different: summer camp run by the Black Panthers. The girls spend the next four weeks learning about the movement and discovering their own identities. This work of historical fiction set in 1968 is a nice point of entry for a discussion about the Civil Rights movement and the Black Panthers.
Susan B. Anthony: Her Fight for Equal Rights, by Monica Kulling, $4.99. Get to know one of America’s strongest proponents of women’s voting rights, Susan B. Anthony, in this book for early readers. Anthony was determined to vote in an election, even though it was illegal for women to do so at the time. Her civil disobedience led to her arrest. Young readers will learn about how Anthony’s actions paved the way for the 19th Amendment.
Lillian’s Right to Vote: A Celebration of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, by Jonah Winter and Shane W. Evans, $4.99. Sadly, the 19th Amendment did not make voting accessible to ALL women. In many places, unfair practices like poll taxes, complicated literacy tests, and property ownership rules made it nearly impossible for people of color to vote. In this moving picture book, an old woman reminisces about her family’s history and the many barriers to voting they faced.
The Women’s Suffrage Movement, edited by Sally Roesch Wagner, $4.99. What is the study of history without primary sources? This great collection from Penguin Classics looks at the quest for women’s rights in a delightfully intersectional array of essays, letters, speeches, and other texts. Readers will discover Black and Native American women whose ideas were crucial to the movement but have been overlooked in historical accounts.
The Templeton Twins Have an Idea, by Ellis Weiner, $0.99. If your reader has plowed the A Series of Unfortunate Events and would like something with a similar feel, look no further. The Templetons feel very similar to the Baudelaires. A snippet from the book description gives you an excellent feel for the tone: “Suppose there were 12-year-old twins, a boy and girl named John and Abigail Templeton. Let's say John was pragmatic and played the drums, and Abigail was theoretical and solved cryptic crosswords. Now suppose their father was a brilliant, if sometimes confused, inventor. And suppose that another set of twins—adults—named Dean D. Dean and Dan D. Dean, kidnapped the Templeton twins and their ridiculous dog in order to get their father to turn over one of his genius (sort of) inventions. Yes, I said kidnapped. Wouldn't it be fun to read about that? Oh please. It would so. Luckily for you, this is just the first in a series perfect for boys and girls who are smart, clever, and funny (just like the twins), and enjoy reading adventurous stories (who doesn't?!).”
Ella Enchanted, by Gail Carson Levine, $1.99. This Newberry Honor book has been beloved for two decades, and with good reason. A unique twist on the Cinderella story, this book focuses on Ella, a girl who has been cursed (“gifted”?) with obedience to others’ orders. In order to break this curse, she must track down and convince the fairy godmother who bestowed it.
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.
801 Things You Should Know: From Greek Philosophy to Today’s Technology, by David Olsen, $1.99. You’re a smart person. You’ve probably heard of many of the concepts and events in this book. But you may not be clear on all the details. This collection of short entries about everything from politics to medical terminology to economic principals will serve as a great introduction or refresher. Hand this to a tween/teen along with a newspaper — they’ll be able to quickly get background on unfamiliar terms like bear markets, the Hundred Years’ War, and the Invisible Hand theory.
A Field Guide to Monsters, by Johan Olander, $0.99. Olander is a “monstrologist” who documents monsters’ behavior in the wild. In this whimsical and imaginative book, he collects illustrations and artifacts from the Slobber Bug, Beach Krill, Tadpole-Monster, and other previously unknown (aka imaginary) creatures. It would be fun to compare this book with other, more scientific field guides.
Iron Hearted Violet, by Kelly Barnhill, $1.99. Kelly Barnhill tells such compelling twists on fairytale tropes. In this book, Princess Violet must work with the last dragon alive to protect the world from an evil being she has only read about in a forbidden book. Violet is brave, but not beautiful, strong, but not perfect.
The Menagerie, by Tui T. Sutherland and Kari Sutherland, $3.99. If your middle-grade reader enjoys books where the magical world bumps into the real world, The Menagerie series may be the perfect next adventure. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In the small town of Xanadu, Wyoming lies the Menagerie, a top secret facility filled with unicorns, dragons, phoenixes, and other fairy tale creatures. At least, it was a secret—until six griffin cubs escaped. If Logan and Zoe don’t get the cubs back fast, the entire Menagerie will be shut down. The race is on and the resulting adventure is only the beginning of a thrilling series that will leave readers wanting a magical menagerie of their very own.”
An Optimist’s Tour of the Future, by Mark Stevenson, $4.99. My husband loves this book, which does a great job of musing about how technology could change our future for the better. Here’s the publisher’s description: “When unexpectedly confronted with his own mortality, Mark Stevenson-a writer, deep-thinker, and stand-up comedian-began to ponder what the future holds for our species. ‘The past is a foreign country,’ writes Stevenson. ‘By my analysis it's a bit like France-in that I've been to parts of it and eaten some nice food there. But the future? The future is an unknown territory-and there isn't a guidebook.’ Thus, his ambition was born. Stevenson set out simply, asking, ‘What's next?’ and then traveled the globe in pursuit of the answers. Along the way, he visited the Australian outback to visit the farmers who can save us from climate change, met a robot with mood swings, and talked to the Spaniard who's putting a hotel in space. While some might be overwhelmed, or even dismayed by the looming realities of genome sequencing, synthetic biology, a nuclear renaissance, and carbon scrubbing, Stevenson remains, well, optimistic. Drawing on his singular humor and storytelling to break down these sometimes complicated discoveries, An Optimist's Tour of the Future paints a wonderfully readable, and completely enthralling portrait of where we'll be when we grow up- and why it's not so scary.”
50 Ways to Beat Boredom with LEGO Bricks, by DK Publishing, $0.99. If your house is anything like mine, you have no shortage of LEGO pieces. This short book introduces 50 quick activities and games using the beloved building materials. Build a mountain to create a 3D game board (instructions for a spinner also included) or design a functional piggy bank! This is an idea book, not a book of detailed instructions, but it’s a great jumping off point for an hour or a day of LEGO exploration. Note: If you already have 365 Things to Do with LEGO Bricks, you don’t need this book; this book is a shorter extract of that one.
Would You Rather? Made You Think Edition, by Lindsey Daly, $0.99. They start simple: “Would you rather kiss a fish that’s living in a radioactive pond or roll down a hill while hugging a porcupine?” The questions only get more interesting from there. Turn the questions into a game by scoring points for the best reasoning (guidelines are given in the introduction).
Astronuts Mission One: The Plant Planet! by Jon Scieszka, $1.99. Picture book author Scieszka has created a hilarious series for somewhat older readers. With his trademark wit and Steven Weinberg’s vibrant illustrations, Astronuts will keep kids turning the pages. Here’s the publisher’s description: “AstroWolf, LaserShark, SmartHawk, and StinkBug are animals that have been hybridized to find other planets for humans to live on once we've ruined Earth. So off they rocket to the Plant Planet! Will that planet support human life? Or do Plant Planet's inhabitants have a more sinister plan? AstroNuts Mission One is a can't-put-it-down page-turner for reluctant readers and fans ready to blast past Wimpy Kid.”
Diary of a Pug: Pug Blasts Off, by Kyla May, $2.99. Meet Bub, aka Baron von Bubbles, beloved pet of Bella. He loves doing everything with his human, so when she enters an invention contest, Bub is determined to help her. But this means he needs to deal with his squirrel nemesis, Nutz. This fun, brightly colored diary is full of wacky adventures and adorable illustrations. Early chapter book readers will love it!
Chickadee, by Louise Erdrich, $4.49. Chickadee takes place within the family introduced in Birchbark House. Omakayas is grown with a family of her own, and this story focuses on her twin sons, Chickadee and Makoons. After a prank gone wrong, Chickadee is kidnapped by angry men. This is the tale of Chickadee’s long path to reunion with his family. As with Erdrich’s other books, Chickadee’s story is filled with vivid details about Ojibwe life and traditions.
Young Water Protetctors: A Story About Standing Rock, by Aslan and Kelly Tudor, $2.99. Aslan Tudor was 10 years old when he wrote this book about his time participating in the Standing Rock protests. This is a great, age appropriate introduction to the conflict between native peoples and developers of the Dakota Access Pipeline.
My Heart Fills with Happiness, by Monique Gray Smith, $4.99. This sweet picture book introduces many things that bring happiness — good smells, good friends, and the beauty of nature. The lovely illustrations show many elements in the life on an indigenous family.
Hearts Unbroken, by Cynthia Leitich Smith, $0.99. High school is complicated for everyone, even more so in this YA novel about a community in racial and cultural conflict. Here’s the publisher’s description: “When Louise Wolfe’s first real boyfriend mocks and disrespects Native people in front of her, she breaks things off and dumps him over e-mail. It’s her senior year, anyway, and she’d rather spend her time with her family and friends and working on the school newspaper. The editors pair her up with Joey Kairouz, the ambitious new photojournalist, and in no time the paper’s staff find themselves with a major story to cover: the school musical director’s inclusive approach to casting The Wizard of Oz has been provoking backlash in their mostly white, middle-class Kansas town. From the newly formed Parents Against Revisionist Theater to anonymous threats, long-held prejudices are being laid bare and hostilities are spreading against teachers, parents, and students — especially the cast members at the center of the controversy, including Lou’s little brother, who’s playing the Tin Man. As tensions mount at school, so does a romance between Lou and Joey — but as she’s learned, ‘dating while Native’ can be difficult. In trying to protect her own heart, will Lou break Joey’s?”
The Odds of Loving Grover Cleveland, by Rebekah Crane, $0.99. This Grover Cleveland isn’t a president; he’s a resident at Camp Padua, a summer program for at-risk teens. When Zander’s parents insist she leave home to attend camp, she is sure that she won’t fit in. She’s surprised to make connections with her fellow campers, even though they are all dealing with big problems of their own. This tough but ultimately hopeful novel is also filled with darkly funny moments.
The Mermaid’s Sister, by Carrie Anne Noble, $0.99. I haven’t read this YA fantasy novel yet, but it’s definitely on my To Read list. Here’s the publisher’s summary: In a cottage high atop Llanfair Mountain, sixteen-year-old Clara lives with her sister, Maren, and guardian Auntie. By day, they gather herbs for Auntie’s healing potions; by night, Auntie spins tales of faraway lands and wicked fairies. Clara’s favorite story tells of three orphaned infants—Clara, who was brought to Auntie by a stork; Maren, who arrived in a seashell; and their best friend, O’Neill, who was found beneath an apple tree. One day, Clara discovers iridescent scales just beneath her sister’s skin: Maren is becoming a mermaid and must be taken to the sea or she will die. So Clara, O’Neill, and the mermaid-girl set out for the shore. But the trio encounters trouble around every bend. Ensnared by an evil troupe of traveling performers, Clara and O’Neill must find a way to save themselves and the ever-weakening Maren.
The Testing, by Joelle Charbonneau, $1.99. Calling all fans of The Hunger Games or Divergent! This series should scratch that dystopian coming-of-age itch. Here’s a summary from the publisher: “It’s graduation day for sixteen-year-old Malencia Vale, and the entire Five Lakes Colony (the former Great Lakes) is celebrating. All Cia can think about—hope for—is whether she’ll be chosen for The Testing, a United Commonwealth program that selects the best and brightest new graduates to become possible leaders of the slowly revitalizing post-war civilization. When Cia is chosen, her father finally tells her about his own nightmarish half-memories of The Testing. Armed with his dire warnings (“Cia, trust no one”), she bravely heads off to Tosu City, far away from friends and family, perhaps forever. Danger, romance—and sheer terror—await.”
Princess Academy, by Shannon Hale, $0.99. You may be starting to get the impression that I love Shannon Hale, and you would be right. Princess Academy is the first in a middle grade series about a land where a rich urban royal class benefits from the poorly paid labor of all the surrounding towns. When it is decided that the Prince’s wife should come from Miri’s village, all the teen girls are rounded up and sent to a school where they will be taught the ways of court. Booklist says, “Hale nicely interweaves feminist sensibilities in this quest-for-a-prince-charming, historical-fantasy tale. Strong suspense and plot drive the action as the girls outwit would-be kidnappers and explore the boundaries of leadership, competition, and friendship.” If you are looking for books with strong heroines who overcome difficulties to make a difference in their world, this is the book for you.
Bound: 15 Beautiful Bookbinding Projects, by Rachel Hazell, $3.99. If your family is anything like mine, you probably have dozens of stories your kids have written and illustrated. Why not turn them into an art project by binding them into book form? Or set yourself up for a new school year by creating small notebooks for nature observations or other projects. This book goes through multiple styles, from basic to complex, with step by step instructions.
Mini Weapons of Mass Destruction: Make Mayhem from your Stationery with 35 Models to Build Yourself, by John Austin, $3.99. Do you have pens, rubber bands, and plastic utensils? If so, you’re ready to build a catapult or trebuchet! All of these weapons are small scale but need adult supervision to prevent injury. Keep this book as a resource for discussing wars and weaponry throughout history.
American Heritage History of Flight, by Arthur Gordon, $1.99. This detailed look at aviation begins with ancient attempts to harness the wind and moves through modern technological innovations. While there are few illustrations, the Kindle version includes in-text links to Wikipedia for additional information and visuals.
National Geographic Readers: Planes, by Amy Shields, $4.99. If you are looking for a detailed book that your early elementary students can read on their own, the National Geographic Reader series is a great place to start. This one covers all types of planes, including some unusual ones (have you ever seen the inside of a C-17?) sure to pique interest.
Amazing Airplanes, by Tony Mitton, $3.54. For our youngest family members, we have this bright and simple picture book. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Buckle up to learn all about flying! Amazing Airplanes follows the animal crew, as they become pilots, baggage handlers, and air stewards. Each page is filled with details that machine-mad kids love, such as the cockpit, landing gear, and much more. This book is perfect for budding pilots or happy vacationers! From airplanes to fire engines, the internationally bestselling Amazing Machines series is the perfect way for children to learn about all sorts of vehicles! Each book introduces a new vehicle and the jobs it can do. Bright, engaging artwork and simple, rhyming text combine to make these fantastic books for young children. Kids will love getting to know the friendly, animal characters who feature throughout the series and reading about their fast-paced adventures!”
Her Right Foot, by Dave Eggers, $2.99. This beautiful picture book takes a look at the history of the Statue of Liberty. More than that, Eggers uses the statue to address the inherent freedoms that form the basis of American culture and government. Shawn Harris’s mixed-media illustrations are simple but visually interesting.
Epic Fails: Not-So-Great Presidents, by Ben Thompson and Erik Slader. This newer history series is a lot of fun for middle-grade readers. Rather than focusing on successes, the authors emphasize foibles (e.g., Washington’s mistakes early in his career as a British soldier, Nixon’s Watergate scandal). The result is humanizing; presidents are just people, and everyone makes mistakes. The tone is light and full of contemporary references. A good choice for history fans and history skeptics!
Small Wonders: Jean-Henri Fabre and His World of Insects, by Matthew Clark Smith, $3.99. Fabre is one of the most famous naturalists in history. His interest started when he was a small child fascinated by moths, wasps, and other insects. Instead of merely collecting and dissecting them, Fabre was among the first to study insect behavior in the natural environment.
Microadventures: Local Discoveries, Great Escapes, by Alastair Humphreys, $4.99. The adventures are small, but the world is large! Humphreys is a naturalist and adventurer who has explored all over the world. This book focuses on really getting to know the world right around you. These outdoor adventures can be accomplished in a day or less, with minimal supplies. Humphreys encourages you to chase down a full moon, explore woods and forests, swim in a river, and more. Humphreys is based in the UK, so some of the challenges may not be applicable (e.g., there are few places in the US where you can walk from coast to coast), but most can be adapted to any local environment. This book is perfect for a family looking for new recreation ideas during the pandemic.
Rules, by Cynthia Lord, $3.99. Catherine loves her brother, but she’s not always nice to him. He has autism, and she has created a long list of rules for him to follow so that he doesn’t embarrass her in public. When she meets Jason, a paraplegic who uses a wheelchair and communicates through picture cards, Catherine begins to realize that there’s no one “normal” way to be, and that she needs to find more acceptance and understanding for others, even her own brother.
Freak the Mighty, by Rodman Philbrick, $3.99. This classic story of an unusual friendship has been made into a movie. Kevin has a disorder that prevents him from growing; Max is large for his age and struggles with learning disabilities. Together, Kevin and Max form “Freak the Mighty,” with Kevin riding Max’s shoulders as they explore their surroundings and defeat bullies. Both boys have unique perspectives. Content warning: this book is poignant and tragic.
Missing Math: A Number Mystery, by Loreen Leedy, $3.99. This bright and fun picture book will convince kids of the importance of numbers. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In Missing Math, the numbers all over town suddenly disappear. The animals can’t count, use the phone, or even find out what time it is. Rulers, money, and computers have all become completely useless. . . . Can the town’s detective solve this numerical mystery? Will he ever bring the numbers back home again? Loreen Leedy’s clever rhyming text PLUS her amusing digitally painted illustrations EQUALS proof that we need math each and every day.”
Alone: A Story of Friendship in the Darkness of Space, by Scott Stuart, $0.99. Earth is all alone in space, so it goes off looking for a friend. This sweet, fanciful book includes a few interesting scientific tidbits.
Blast Off to the Moon! by Lauren Gunderson, $3.99. Dr. Wonderful just wants to know why things happen, and she’s willing to explore to find out. When she becomes curious about why the moon changes shape each night, she and her dog decide to go up into space for research. Kids will love the funny illustrations; parents will appreciate the way Dr. Wonderful carefully works through the scientific process to answer her questions.
The Upside of Falling Down, by Rebekah Crane, $1.99. A coming-of-age novel with an unusual twist: Clementine is the sole survivor of a plane crash, and she’s now in Ireland suffering from amnesia. Here’s the plot summary: “With the relentless Irish press bearing down on her, and a father she may not even recognize on his way from America to take her home, Clementine assumes a new identity and enlists a blue-eyed Irish stranger, Kieran O’Connell, to help her escape her forgotten life…and start a new one. Hiding out in the sleepy town of Waterville, Ireland, Clementine discovers there’s an upside to a life that’s fallen apart. But as her lies grow, so does her affection for Kieran, and the truth about her identity becomes harder and harder to reveal, forcing Clementine to decide: Can she leave her past behind for a new love she’ll never forget?”
Zoey and Sassafras: Dragons and Marshmallows, by Asia Citro, $1.99. Science can be magic! Zoey and her cat Sassafras have a big secret: magical creatures are real and come to them for help! Zoey is a budding scientist and uses the scientific method to figure out what is wrong with a sick dragon. This is the first in a series; the short chapters, charming illustrations, and simple language make these books a good choice for budding readers.
What Lives in a Shell? by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld, $2.99. This charming book from the “Let’s Read and Find Out” series is a great introduction to crustaceans and other shelled creatures for early elementary readers. Detailed illustrations introduce clams, snails, crabs, and more.
A Tale of Two Cities, by Charles Dickens, $2.99. A classic adventure from Charles Dickens presents the story of the French Revolution through the eyes of the aristocrats, opportunists, and spies of Paris. Break out your knitting needles and settle in for an engrossing read. This edition includes a brief biography of Dickens and some contextual material.
I Survived The Battle of D-Day, by Lauren Tarshis, $3.99. My elementary-schooler has enjoyed several of the books in this series about deadly wars, plagues, and natural disasters. Each book includes a fictionalized story and a short section of historical information. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Eleven-year-old Paul's French village has been under Nazi control for years. His Jewish best friend has disappeared. Food is scarce. And there doesn't seem to be anything Paul can do to make things better. Then Paul finds an American paratrooper in a tree near his home. The soldier says the Allies have a plan to crush the Nazis once and for all. But the soldier needs Paul's help. This is Paul's chance to make a difference. Soon he finds himself in the midst of the largest invasion in history. Can he do his part to turn horror into hope?”
Magic Tree House: Night of the New Magicians, by Mary Pope Osborne, $3.99. Jack and Annie are heading to France! Merlin has sent them to pass along a message to four magicians at the 1889 World’s Fair in Paris. This is a “Merlin Mission,” so it is longer and more involved than the original Magic Tree House books.
Zane and the Hurricane: A Story of Katrina, by Rodman Philbrick, $3.99. Zane doesn’t know New Orleans well; he is visiting his great-grandmother when Hurricane Katrina makes landfall. After chasing his runaway dog, he finds himself fending for himself until he is rescued by a passing canoe. Philbrick includes realistic historical details and deftly addresses issues of race, class, and privilege.
Gandhi: A March to the Sea, by Alice B. McGinty, $1.99. This picture book with beautiful painted illustrations focuses on the nonviolent Satyagraha movement. There’s a free educator’s guide available as a PDF.
The Sky Painter: Louis Fuertes, Bird Artist, by Margarita Engle, $1.99. I will admit that I had never heard of Fuertes before I discovered this book. Thank you, Margarita Engle, for introducing me to his beautiful work. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Louis loves to watch birds. He takes care of injured birds and studies how they look and how they move. His father wants him to become an engineer, but Louis dreams of being a bird artist. To achieve this dream, he must practice, practice, practice. He learns from the art of John James Audubon. But as Louis grows up, he begins to draw and paint living, flying birds in their natural habitats. Louis Agassiz Fuertes (1874–1927) is now known as the father of modern bird art. He traveled with many scientific expeditions all over the world. His best-known works—paintings for habitat exhibits at the American Museum of Natural History in New York—are still beloved by visitors today. His art helped to encourage wildlife conservation, inspiring people to celebrate and protect the world of wings. Poems by Newbery Honor–winning author Margarita Engle and illustrations by Aliona Bereghici capture the life of Louis Fuertes and the deep sense of wonder that he felt when he painted the sky.”
Escape North! The Story of Harriet Tubman, by Monica Kulling, $4.99. I found my copy of this book at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park (which is great and you should go!). As I’ve mentioned before, I really like the higher level nonfiction “Step into Reading” books for providing a solid foundation on a topic at the elementary level. Kids will learn about Tubman’s missions escorting enslaved people to freedom, but also about her work as a spy and women’s rights advocate.
Frog and Toad are Friends, by Arnold Lobel, $4.99. This is an easy reader classic! Frog and Toad are not always alike, but they are always there for each other. Join them on their funny adventures swimming, looking for a lost button, and waiting for a letter. Fun pictures and few words on each page make this the perfect first chapter book for a new reader.
I am (Not) Scared, by Anna Kang, $1.99. The bears from You are (Not) Small and That’s (Not) Mine are back with a trip to the amusement park. They are frightened of, and exhilarated by, a whole host of new experiences and discover that being together can make hard things seem less scary.
A Snicker of Magic, by Natalie Lloyd, $3.99. My daughter loves this book! Here’s what she says: “A shy girl who’s been traveling around her whole life moves to a town that used to have magic. She learns that her ancestors were cursed and becomes determined to break the curse. This is a really heartwarming book, and I recommend it to people who like The Magic Half.”
Give Yourself Goosebumps: Tick Tock, You’re Dead, by R.L. Stine. A scary Goosebumps novel where you get to choose how the story turns out? Sign me up for this perfect campfire read!
Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type, by Doreen Cronin, $3.99. When the cows on Farmer Brown’s farm discover that they can use a typewriter, they begin leaving him notes with their feedback and demands. This is a great book for introducing young kids to both onomatopoeia and the concept of striking for improved conditions. Plus, it’s just really funny.
The Typewriter, by Bill Thomson, $3.99. Kids either love or hate Bill Thomson’s low- or no-text stories. His imaginative illustrations allow the reader to make up the words as they go along. In this tale, kids discover a mysterious typewriter that allows them bring things into being by typing. They begin a magical adventure along a beach.
Typewriter Manual: An Explanation of Parts and How to Clean Everything! by Ryan Smits, $0.99. Typewriters can often be found at a thrift store for about $20. If you pick one up and need information about how to use or repair it, this is a good starting place. The information is brief, and the writing style is not sophisticated, but the price is right.
I Stink! by Kate and Jim McMullen, $0.99. This garbage truck is proud of all the things it can do! Kids will love the brash bragging about all the cool things a garbage truck does to keep towns clean. There’s also a fun alphabetical list of types of trash. This is a great book to read aloud.
Monster Trucks! by Susan E. Goodman, $4.99. Step into the loud, thrilling world of monster trucks with this early reader. The level 3 books are broken into topical sections containing lots of detail. Kids will learn about how the trucks are built, what kind of tricks they can perform, and the history of monster truck racing.
My Hands Sing the Blues: Romare Bearden’s Childhood Journey, by Jeanne Walker Harvey, $1.99. This lyrical picture book tells the story of Romare Bearden, an artist reknowned for his painting and collage work. As Bearden creates one of his collages, he reflects on the moments and memories in his life that have inspired the images. The effect makes for a uniquely compelling biography.
Over and Under the Snow, by Kate Messner, $4.99. I’ve talked about Kate Messner’s books before. These picture books do a lovely job of illustrating the parts of nature that are hard for us to observe. Take a break from your warm summer day to explore how many animals spend their winters.
DKFindOut! Human Body, by DK Publishing, $1.99. Designed for kids ages 6-9, this colorful book covers all the major systems of the human body with detailed illustrations and interesting, occasionally gruesome facts. Definitely read this one on a tablet!
Calm: Mindfulness for Kids, by Wynne Kinder, $1.99. Especially in this time of heightened uncertainty and increased togetherness, we need to be proactive about supporting our kids’ mental health. Kinder has collected a variety of mindfulness activities to try with your family, with options that will appeal to kids who can easily sit still and those who need some kinetic activity to calm their minds. Activities are aimed at kids ages 7-9, but many would appeal to older or younger children.
The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: The Mysterious Howling, by Maryrose Wood, $3.99. If A Series of Unfortunate Events went back in time, you’d get The Incorrigible Children. The publisher’s description gets the tone of the book just right: “Found running wild in the forest of Ashton Place, the Incorrigibles are no ordinary children: Alexander, age ten or thereabouts, keeps his siblings in line with gentle nips; Cassiopeia, perhaps four or five, has a bark that is (usually) worse than her bite; and Beowulf, age somewhere-in-the-middle, is alarmingly adept at chasing squirrels. Luckily, Miss Penelope Lumley is no ordinary governess. Only fifteen years old and a recent graduate of the Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females, Penelope embraces the challenge of her new position. Though she is eager to instruct the children in Latin verbs and the proper use of globes, first she must help them overcome their canine tendencies. But mysteries abound at Ashton Place: Who are these three wild creatures, and how did they come to live in the vast forests of the estate? Why does Old Timothy, the coachman, lurk around every corner? Will Penelope be able to teach the Incorrigibles table manners and socially useful phrases in time for Lady Constance's holiday ball? And what on earth is a schottische?”
Lies We Tell Ourselves, by Robin Talley, $3.99. Talley looks at school desegregation with an unflinching eye. Sarah is one of the first black students to attend Jefferson High School, and every day brings new indignities and mistreatment. Linda’s family vehemently opposed integration. When the two are forced to work together, they are drawn to each other despite their differences. But how can they be together in a society that rejects interracial and same-sex relationships?
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!”
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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!
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Kindle Deals for October 2, 2020
One-day sale on nonfiction 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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18 Tiny Deaths, by Bruce Goldfarb, $2.99. My family got to see an exhibition of tiny dollhouse murder scenes a few years ago. These scenes were created by Frances Glessner Lee as a means of introducing crime scene analysis to law enforcement officers. Lee’s story is fascinating, and Goldfarb does a great job of bringing it to life.
Silent Spring, by Rachel Carson, $2.99. Widely considered the founding document of modern environmentalism, Silent Spring is Rachel Carson’s call to arms. Carson was concerned about overuse of pesticides and their effects on vulnerable ecosystems. This book, published in 1962, led to the enactment of many laws limiting the use of dangerous chemicals.
Apollo 13, by Jim Lovell and Jeffrey Kluger, $2.99. This is a history deal for the science lover. Many people are familiar with the story of the disastrous Apollo 13 mission because of the Tom Hanks movie. This book, written by one of the astronauts who lived through the hazardous experience, fills in all the details that the movie couldn’t get to in a two-hour run time. Apollo 13 takes you inside the capsule, to mission control, and more in the desperate quest to get three astronauts home alive.
Humankind: A Hopeful History, by Rutger Bregman, $3.99. This seems like the book we need for the end of 2020 — a look at human nature and the ways humans have worked together through history. Here’s the publisher’s description: “International bestseller Rutger Bregman provides new perspective on the past 200,000 years of human history, setting out to prove that we are hardwired for kindness, geared toward cooperation rather than competition, and more inclined to trust rather than distrust one another. In fact this instinct has a firm evolutionary basis going back to the beginning of Homo sapiens. From the real-life Lord of the Flies to the solidarity in the aftermath of the Blitz, the hidden flaws in the Stanford prison experiment to the true story of twin brothers on opposite sides who helped Mandela end apartheid, Bregman shows us that believing in human generosity and collaboration isn't merely optimistic — it's realistic.”
STILL ON SALE
Scream: Chilling Adventures in the Science of Fear, by Margee Kerr, $1.99. Why do we feel afraid? Why do we deliberately seek out horror movies and haunted houses? Sociologist Margee Kerr investigates the individual and societal experiences of fear. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Fear is a universal human experience, but do we really understand it? If we're so terrified of monsters and serial killers, why do we flock to the theaters to see them? Why do people avoid thinking about death, but jump out of planes and swim with sharks? For Kerr, there was only one way to find out. In this eye-opening, adventurous book, she takes us on a tour of the world's scariest experiences: into an abandoned prison long after dark, hanging by a cord from the highest tower in the Western hemisphere, and deep into Japan's mysterious ‘suicide forest.’ She even goes on a ghost hunt with a group of paranormal adventurers. Along the way, Kerr shows us the surprising science from the newest studies of fear -- what it means, how it works, and what it can do for us. Full of entertaining science and the thrills of a good ghost story, this book will make you think, laugh -- and scream.”
European Travel for the Monstrous Gentlewoman, by Theodora Goss, $1.99. The daughters of classic horror characters take on and adventure of their own in this thrilling series. You’ll find Misses Jekyll, Hyde, Frankenstein, Moreau, and many other familiar faces. The women have banded together to form the Athena Club for unusual young ladies. When they receive a plea for help tracking down a kidnapped girl with vampire connections, the club undertakes an elaborate rescue mission that leads them all over Europe. This (massive) novel is written for adults, but all the characters are in the YA age range and there isn’t any particularly objectionable content. I personally love the constant third-wall breaking asides and footnotes sprinkled throughout. This is the second in a series, but events of the previous book are explained well enough for those who want to start with this book.
Alice in Zombieland, by Gena Showalter, $2.99. It’s Alice in Wonderland… sort of. With zombies! This YA zombie novel is filled with allusions to Wonderland.
His Hideous Heart: 13 of Edgar Allen Poe’s Most Unsettling Tales Reimagined, edited by Dahlia Adler, $2.99. Teens have loved Poe’s creepy tales for the last hundred and fifty years. Now they can experience the themes in new ways through this collection of modern short stories from big names in current YA.
Teach Your Own: The John Holt Book of Homeschooling, by John Holt and Pat Farenga, $2.99. John Holt is one of the founders of the modern homeschool movement. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In this expanded edition of the book that helped launch the whole movement, Pat Farenga has distilled John Holt's timeless understanding of the ways children come to understand the world and added up-to-the-moment legal, financial, and logistical advice. No parent even considering homeschooling should be without this wise and unique reference. Rather than proposing that parents turn their homes into miniature schools, Holt and Farenga demonstrate how ordinary parents can help children grow as social, active learners. Chapters on living with children, "serious play," children and work, and learning difficulties will fascinate and encourage parents and help them enjoy each "homeschool" day. John Holt's warm understanding of children and his passionate belief in every child's ability to learn have made this book the bible of homeschooling families everywhere.”
Differently Wired: A Parent’s Guide to Raising an Atypical Child with Confidence and Hope, by Deborah Reber, $1.99. Many parents choose homeschooling because their child has unique needs and challenges. This book is for you. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Today millions of kids are stuck in a world that doesn’t embrace who they really are. They are the one in five “differently wired” children with ADHD, dyslexia, giftedness, autism, anxiety, or other neurodifferences, and their challenges are many. And for the parents who love them, the challenges are just as numerous, as they struggle to find the right school, the right support, the right path. But now there’s hope. Differently Wired is a revolutionary book—weaving together personal stories and a tool kit of expert advice from author Deborah Reber, it’s a how-to, a manifesto, and a reassuring companion for parents who can so often feel that they have no place to turn. At the heart of Differently Wired are 18 paradigm-shifting ideas—what the author calls “tilts,” which include how to accept and lean in to your role as a parent (#2: Get Out of Isolation and Connect). Deal with the challenges of parenting a differently wired child (#5: Parent from a Place of Possibility Instead of Fear). Support yourself (#11: Let Go of Your Impossible Expectations for Who You “Should” Be as a Parent). And seek community (#18: If It Doesn’t Exist, Create It).”
Evolution for Smart Kids: A Little Scientist’s Guide to the Origins of Life, by Carlos Pazos, $1.99. Pick it up because it offers detailed factual information about evolution. Enjoy it because the story is just so darn cute. When Darwin the chicken is frustrated that he’s the smallest animal on the farm, Valentina takes him back in time to show him his exciting dinosaur roots.
My Strong Mind: A Story about Developing Mental Strength, by Niels van Hove, $2.99. This is a pretty didactic but accessible book about developing good habits. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Kate faces several situations your children will face too. She applies a positive attitude to deal with her challenges. Amongst them are getting ready in time in the morning, doing cartwheels, standing in front of the whole class with show and tell and playing basketball. Kate applies techniques like goal setting, positive self-talk, accept failure as learning, visualisation of a problem, breathing or mindfulness exercise, gratitude, and controlled distraction. These tips to build a strong mind in children are presented in an easy to read, fun and practical way.”
It’s Okay to Make Mistakes, by Todd Parr, $1.99. Todd Parr’s books are like big, extra-tight hugs. His simple style is bold, funny, and diverse. For every mistake he mentions, he offers a hint at what can happen next (e.g., “It’s OK to not know the answer. Asking questions helps you learn.”) My toddler could recite Todd Parr books way before she could read them on her own.
Storybound, by Melissa Burt, $3.99. I haven’t had a chance to read this series yet, but it sounds like a delightful bookish adventure. Here’s the publisher’s description: “When Una Fairchild stumbles upon a mysterious book buried deep in the basement of her school library, she thinks nothing of opening the cover and diving in. But instead of paging through a regular novel, Una suddenly finds herself Written In to the land of Story—a world filled with Heroes and Villains and fairy-tale characters. But not everything in Story is as magical as it seems. Una must figure out why she has been Written In—and fast—before anyone else discovers her secret. Together with her new friend Peter and a talking cat named Sam, Una digs deep into Story's shadowy past. She quickly realizes that she is tied to the world in ways she never could have imagined—and it might be up to her to save it.”
A Dash of Magic, by Kathryn Littlewood, $3.99. The Bliss series is a mouth-watering literary treat. In this second book in the series, Rosemary is determined to retrieve the magical Cookery Booke that her aunt has stolen — even if it means facing off in an Iron Chef-style food battle. The competition takes the Bliss family to Paris, where the family rushes around famous sites collecting the magical ingredients Rosemary needs. There’s an excellent sense of place. If you enjoy this book, the sequel is also on sale.
Sleep, Big Bear, Sleep! by Maureen Wright, $0.99. It’s time to hibernate in this charming picture book. Bear knows there’s something he needs to do, but he keeps mishearing Old Man Winter’s “Sleep” message and instead thinks he is supposed to leap or sweep. It’s a sweet, funny story perfect for fall.
Scaredy Squirrel, by Melanie Watt, $0.99. Scaredy Squirrel wants to be prepared. He has all of his emergency gear at the ready, prepared for bees, Martians, whatever might happen. He prefers to stick to his safe, steady routine. When a chance encounter causes him to leap into the unknown, he gets a big surprise.
Shampoodle, by Joan Holub, $3.99. This fun easy reader will have kids giggling! The funny, rhyming text describes a day at the dog groomer. The dogs are all very exuberant, even before a cat wanders in and causes mayhem. I love the pictures in this one; there’s lots to see!
Bad Kitty Camp Daze, by Nick Bruel, $4.96. Bad Kitty has an attitude problem that will endear her to surly children everywhere. Bruel built on his picture book series with these early chapter books that contain lots of illustrated action. When Bad Kittle sneaks away to Uncle Murray’s Camp for Stressed-Out Dogs, she learns more than she bargains for about the natural world.
The Hobbits of Tolkien: An Illustrated Exploration of Tolkien’s Hobbits and the Sources that Inspired His Work From Myth, Legend, and History, by David Day, $3.99. Want to know more about the mythology behind Middle Earth? Curious about the etymology of some place names and people? This book perfectly balances detailed research with cozy illustrations. The author has written similar volumes about other elements of Tolkien’s work.
A Dictionary of Sources of Tolkien: The History and Mythology That Inspired Tolkien’s World, by David Day, $3.99. I enjoy sweeping fantasy, but I definitely struggle to keep all the names and places straight. In this extensive volume, Day provides information about all the proper nouns of Middle Earth, both their relevance to the narrative and their allusions to other literary traditions.
An Unexpected Cookbook: The Unofficial Book of Hobbit Cookery, by Chris-Rachael Oseland, $5.99. This book is more expensive than my typical Kindle deals, but I didn’t think we could properly celebrate Hobbit Day without at least one food book. The recipes are broken up into all seven Hobbit meals, with delicious treats like Lavender and Lemon Bread, Yorkshire Pudding, and Honey Cakes. You’ll find detailed recipe notes and mouthwatering photos throughout.
Fear of Physics: A Guide for the Perplexed, by Lawrence M. Krauss, $1.99. Krauss is a theoretical physicist who works on the deepest mysteries of the universe. But don’t let that intimidate you! Here’s the publisher’s description: “Assume the cow is a sphere." So begins this lively, irreverent, and informative look at everything from the physics of boiling water to cutting-edge research at the observable limits of the universe. Rich with anecdotes and accessible examples, Fear of Physics nimbly ranges over the tools and thought behind the world of modern physics, taking the mystery out of what is essentially a very human intellectual endeavour.”
Caesar’s Last Breath: Decoding the Secrets of the Air Around Us, by Sam Kean, $2.99. Science writer Sam Kean has written about the chemical elements, neuroscience, genetics, and the creation of the atomic bomb. In this book, he explores the air around us and the molecules we find within it. He travels throughout history and across several continents in his quest to understand the air we breathe.
Scienceblind: Why Our Intuitive Theories About the World Are So Often Wrong, by Andrew Shtulman, $4.99. Our brains are wired to make connections that help us make sense of the world. But that does not mean that our brains always interpret the world correctly. Cognitive psychologist Andrew Shtulman explains the reasons why people tend to believe weird things in this fascinating book. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Why do we catch colds? What causes seasons to change? And if you fire a bullet from a gun and drop one from your hand, which bullet hits the ground first? In a pinch we almost always get these questions wrong. Worse, we regularly misconstrue fundamental qualities of the world around us. In Scienceblind, cognitive and developmental psychologist Andrew Shtulman shows that the root of our misconceptions lies in the theories about the world we develop as children. They're not only wrong, they close our minds to ideas inconsistent with them, making us unable to learn science later in life. So how do we get the world right? We must dismantle our intuitive theories and rebuild our knowledge from its foundations. The reward won't just be a truer picture of the world, but clearer solutions to many controversies -- around vaccines, climate change, or evolution -- that plague our politics today.”
Uncommon Paper Flowers: Extraordinary Botanicals and How to Craft Them, by Kate Alcaron, $2.99. You’ve made a paper rose before, now get ready to try something unique! Alcaron has collected 30 unusual plants and created paper models of them. The book contains detailed botanical descriptions, an extensive technique section, and templates for creating your own dramatic floral display.
How to Raise Successful People, by Esther Wojcicki, $2.99. This guide to parenting by a beloved teacher focuses on building independence and resilience in children and young adults. By focusing on TRICK: Trust, Respect, Independence, Collaboration, and Kindness, Wojcicki asserts that we can raise individuals who can change the world.
Parenting in a Pandemic: How to Help Your Family Through Covid-19, by Kelly Fradin, $0.99. This just came out and will (I hope) only be useful for a limited time, but the price is right and the advice is solid. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Parents are burning out while kids need more help than ever. With so many families in crisis, pediatrician and child advocate Dr. Kelly Fradin sees an urgent need for help. As a mother of two, Dr. Fradin shares practical, evidence-based and reassuring advice on what families need to know. Parents are forced to make decisions now despite seemingly constant change and many unknowns. In Parenting in a Pandemic, Dr. Fradin provides the information and strategies you need to help navigate coronavirus. The book reviews the science necessary to understand the news and care for your family. Dr. Fradin explains the specific risks of coronavirus to children of all ages and adults, including parents, grandparents, pregnant women, and essential workers. She gives realistic strategies you can use to improve this time for your family whether you are protecting a newborn, virtually schooling or convincing a teen to physically distance.”
The House Takes a Vacation, by Jacqueline Davies, $0.99. Get ready for a surreal and wacky adventure! When the house’s people go on vacation, the house decides to take its own trip. Kids and adults will enjoy the pun-filled text and personality-filled illustrations.
The Archaeology of Home: An Epic Set on a Thousand Square Feet of the Lower East Side, by Katharine Greider, $3.99. When Greider’s NYC home is condemned, she decides to trace all the decisions and events that led to the destruction. Her research goes all the way back to the earliest settlers of New York City. The result of this research is a fascinating microhistory of an urban neighborhood that incorporates the individual stories of its former inhabitants.
Little House in the Big Woods, by Laura Ingalls Wilder, $3.99. The Little House books are among the most read children’s books of all time, and with good reason. Wilder does a tremendous job of creating a vivid and inviting glimpse into life on the frontier. Later books in the series have problematic depictions of conflicts with Native Americans and have not aged well. Little House in the Big Woods, however, is a cozy and gentle peek into the past. Read this one by candle or fire as the temperatures start to dip this fall!
Eragon, by Christopher Paolini, $1.99. Eragon is a remarkable fantasy novel created by a 15-year-old homeschooler! Join Eragon and his dragon, Saphira, in this sweeping series. When Eragon discovers a dragon egg, he has no idea it will lead him to adventure, political intrigue, and war. The books in this series are substantial and complicated, good for kids who are transitioning between middle grade and YA.
The Language of Spells, by Garret Weyr, $1.99. Amy liked this book, but warns that it is SAD. It’s a metaphor of the Holocaust through dragon-based fantasy. Here’s a bit of her review: “A lonely Viennese girl teams up with a dragon to solve the biggest mystery of World War II and figure out what happened to all the dragons. You’re plunged into an alternate magical world, where cats can run government agencies and dragons can spend decades trapped inside a teapot, and it’s a thrilling plunge. It’s alternate history! And magic! And lonely girls finding their people (or, you know, dragons) for the first time.”
The Hero’s Guide to Saving Your Kingdom, by Christopher Healy, $3.99. You think you know the classic fairytale stories, but they are usually centered around the princesses. This fun middle grade series focuses on the princes. After the “happily ever after” the princes discover that their kingdoms are in danger, and they set off take on all kinds of mythical monsters. This fun and funny book is the first in a series that your middle-grade reader will love.
The Element Encyclopedia of Magical Creatures, by John and Caitlin Matthews, $3.99. Looking for a reference on obscure creatures? Every time I open this book, I discover a new mythological animal I haven’t heard of before. Here’s the publisher’s description: “From unicorns and trolls to werewolves and griffins, this comprehensive guide is the key to discovering every magical creature from myth, folklore and legend around the world. This compendium of magical creatures explores the history, folklore and mythology of fascinating beasts throughout all the magical worlds. Including stories, celebrations, traditions, and amazing facts, the book spans every major culture across the globe.”
Steampunk! An Anthology of Fantastically Rich and Strange Stories, edited by Kelly Link and Gavin J. Grant, $0.99. Are you new to steampunk but interested in exploring alternate versions of the world shaped by a different series of technological innovations? This anthology will introduce you to many excellent YA steampunk authors. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Imagine an alternate universe where romance and technology reign. Where tinkerers and dreamers craft and re-craft a world of automatons, clockworks, calculating machines, and other marvels that never were. Where scientists and schoolgirls, fair folk and Romans, intergalactic bandits, utopian revolutionaries, and intrepid orphans solve crimes, escape from monstrous predicaments, consult oracles, and hover over volcanoes in steam-powered airships. Here, fourteen masters of speculative fiction, including two graphic storytellers, embrace the genre's established themes and refashion them in surprising ways and settings as diverse as Appalachia, ancient Rome, future Australia, and alternate California. Visionaries Kelly Link and Gavin J. Grant have invited all-new explorations and expansions, taking a genre already rich, strange, and inventive in the extreme and challenging contributors to remake it from the ground up. The result is an anthology that defies its genre even as it defines it.”
The Wonderling, by Mira Bartok, $0.99. In Mira Bartok’s imagined world, groundlings are creatures that are part animal, part human. Thirteen, a fox groundling, escapes the Dickensian workhouse where has been raised and sets off on an adventure of his own. The tone is similar to Lemony Snicket, but the story is entirely unique, full of mechanical details and animals with extraordinary abilities. Put this strange and interesting book in the hands of your middle-grade reader!
My Robots: The Robotic Genius of Lady Regina Bonquers III, by Johan Olander, $3.99. Olander creates such interesting books! This heavily illustrated book purports to be the design scrapbook of an elusive roboticist. Lady Regina has created bots to fight fires, pluck nose hairs, and even give hugs. Kids will enjoy all the details of the development process, the unique visual style, and a frisson of mystery over Lady Regina’s whereabouts.
The Last Kids on Earth, by Max Brallier, $1.99. Are you ready for some funny post-apocalyptic lit for kids? This madcap adventure mixes peril, gross out humor, and teamwork as an unlikely band of teens works to save the day and stay alive. It’s a middle grade chapter book riddled with exciting and gruesome illustrations. If this sounds like something you’d be into, several books in the series are on sale today.
Big History: From the Big Bang to the Present, by Cynthia Stokes Brown, $3.99. The Big History movement combines science with history to study Earth from the moment of the big bang all the way through current events. Brown does a remarkable job finding through lines in the vast sweep of history. Each era is necessarily brief, but readers will be pleased to see that the history is not overly focused on Western civilization.
Bear and Fred: A World War II Story, by Iris Argaman, $4.99. Picture books can make challenging subjects understandable for small children. In this book, Israeli author Iris Argaman tells the true story of a boy’s time hiding from Nazis during WWII — from the perspective of his loyal teddy bear. It’s a tough but uplifting story that gently introduces the topic of the Holocaust.
Sleepover Larry, by Daniel Pinkwater, $3.99. Larry is a dapper polar bear who lives in a hotel owned by his human family. When Larry learns the concept of sleepovers, he is determined to have a great one with his bear friends from the zoo!
National Geographic Readers: Bears, by Elizabeth Carney, $3.99. Learn about bear species from all over the world in this fun, brightly illustrated easy reader. Sections cover habitats, adaptations, diet, cubs, and more. The level 3 books pack in a lot of detail without complicated vocabulary.
Magic Tree House: Polar Bears Past Bedtime, by Mary Pope Osborne, $3.99. Jack and Annie are off on another adventure, this time to the Arctic! They encounter indigenous hunters, polar bears, the Northern Lights, and more. The Magic Tree House series is great for beginning readers who are looking for fast-paced, exciting (but short) chapter books.
Bibliophile: An Illustrated Miscellany, by Jane Mount, $2.99. This is a literary bonbon for any book lover. As the title suggests, it’s a wonderful collection of miscellaneous facts about books, writers, bookstores, characters, and more. I can almost guarantee that you will find a new author to check out, or even a new favorite book, in the illustrated book lists.
The Man Who Made Lists: Love, Death, Madness, and the Creation of Roget’s Thesaurus, by Joshua Kendall. When I was a kid, I found thesauruses fascinating. I loved flipping through themed lists of words. I don’t think many kids use paper thesauruses now; the function built into your word processor isn’t really the same. Whether you are nostalgic for your childhood thesaurus or have never really used one, you’ll find the story behind the creation of the first modern thesaurus unexpectedly fascinating. Here’s a brief publisher’s description: “Polymath, eccentric, and synonym aficionado, Peter Mark Roget had a host of female admirers, was one of the first to test the effects of laughing gas, invented the slide rule, and narrowly escaped jail in Napoleon's France. But Roget is best known for making lists. After the tragic turmoil of his early life (both his mother and sister were institutionalized), Roget longed for order in his chaotic world. At the age of eight, he began his quest to put everything in its rightful place, one word at a time. This is the fascinating story of a driven man and a brilliant scholar-and the legacy he has left for generations.”
The Food Explorer: The True Adventures of the Globe-Trotting Botanist Who Transformed What America Eats, by Daniel Stone, $4.99. So many of the foods we now consider to be standard American fare are not native to this continent. The diversity of our current palate is partially the work of David Fairchild, a 19th century botanist who traveled the world looking for interesting plants that he could introduce to American audiences. Both food history and a globe-trotting adventure book, The Food Explorer is a delicious piece of writing.
Suffering Succotash: A Picky Eater’s Quest to Understand Why We Hate the Foods We Hate, by Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic, $4.99. There are tons of books about helping kids who are picky eaters, but this is the first one I’ve seen that is written by an actual picky eater. Lucianovic considers the roles of gag reflexes, anxiety, supertasters, support groups, and many other factors. The author’s personal experiences add a warm, personal touch.
A Spy in the House, by Y.S. Lee, $0.99. This is the first in a series of YA historical mysteries about a young Asian sleuth in Victorian London. Mary is an orphan doomed for the gallows when she is rescued and offered a position at the mysterious Miss Scrimshaw’s Academy for Girls. The school is the training ground for an elite group of detectives who can infiltrate high society households. Lee does an excellent job of offering the gritty details of the Victorian city while staying away from graphic details. The immigrant experience is rarely discussed in historical fiction, so this series provides an interesting perspective.
Seafaring Women: Adventures of Pirate Queens, Female Stowaways, and Sailors’ Wives, by David Cordingly, $4.99. Women have been taking to the seas, sometimes in secret, for hundreds of years. Cordingly has collected the stories of dozens of maritime women who lived life on the open water.
The March on Washington, by Bonnie Bader, $3.99. American Girl has been bringing accessible historical fiction to early readers for more than 30 years. More recently, the company has published factual companion books that provide deeper background into important events. This book about the 1963 March on Washington includes photos, timelines, maps, and a bibliography for more research.
One Crazy Summer, by Rita Williams-Garcia, $4.99. When the three Gaither sisters travel to California to spend time with their estranged mother, they are expecting movie stars and Disneyland. What they actually experience is a little different: summer camp run by the Black Panthers. The girls spend the next four weeks learning about the movement and discovering their own identities. This work of historical fiction set in 1968 is a nice point of entry for a discussion about the Civil Rights movement and the Black Panthers.
Susan B. Anthony: Her Fight for Equal Rights, by Monica Kulling, $4.99. Get to know one of America’s strongest proponents of women’s voting rights, Susan B. Anthony, in this book for early readers. Anthony was determined to vote in an election, even though it was illegal for women to do so at the time. Her civil disobedience led to her arrest. Young readers will learn about how Anthony’s actions paved the way for the 19th Amendment.
Lillian’s Right to Vote: A Celebration of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, by Jonah Winter and Shane W. Evans, $4.99. Sadly, the 19th Amendment did not make voting accessible to ALL women. In many places, unfair practices like poll taxes, complicated literacy tests, and property ownership rules made it nearly impossible for people of color to vote. In this moving picture book, an old woman reminisces about her family’s history and the many barriers to voting they faced.
The Women’s Suffrage Movement, edited by Sally Roesch Wagner, $4.99. What is the study of history without primary sources? This great collection from Penguin Classics looks at the quest for women’s rights in a delightfully intersectional array of essays, letters, speeches, and other texts. Readers will discover Black and Native American women whose ideas were crucial to the movement but have been overlooked in historical accounts.
The Templeton Twins Have an Idea, by Ellis Weiner, $0.99. If your reader has plowed the A Series of Unfortunate Events and would like something with a similar feel, look no further. The Templetons feel very similar to the Baudelaires. A snippet from the book description gives you an excellent feel for the tone: “Suppose there were 12-year-old twins, a boy and girl named John and Abigail Templeton. Let's say John was pragmatic and played the drums, and Abigail was theoretical and solved cryptic crosswords. Now suppose their father was a brilliant, if sometimes confused, inventor. And suppose that another set of twins—adults—named Dean D. Dean and Dan D. Dean, kidnapped the Templeton twins and their ridiculous dog in order to get their father to turn over one of his genius (sort of) inventions. Yes, I said kidnapped. Wouldn't it be fun to read about that? Oh please. It would so. Luckily for you, this is just the first in a series perfect for boys and girls who are smart, clever, and funny (just like the twins), and enjoy reading adventurous stories (who doesn't?!).”
Ella Enchanted, by Gail Carson Levine, $1.99. This Newberry Honor book has been beloved for two decades, and with good reason. A unique twist on the Cinderella story, this book focuses on Ella, a girl who has been cursed (“gifted”?) with obedience to others’ orders. In order to break this curse, she must track down and convince the fairy godmother who bestowed it.
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.
801 Things You Should Know: From Greek Philosophy to Today’s Technology, by David Olsen, $1.99. You’re a smart person. You’ve probably heard of many of the concepts and events in this book. But you may not be clear on all the details. This collection of short entries about everything from politics to medical terminology to economic principals will serve as a great introduction or refresher. Hand this to a tween/teen along with a newspaper — they’ll be able to quickly get background on unfamiliar terms like bear markets, the Hundred Years’ War, and the Invisible Hand theory.
A Field Guide to Monsters, by Johan Olander, $0.99. Olander is a “monstrologist” who documents monsters’ behavior in the wild. In this whimsical and imaginative book, he collects illustrations and artifacts from the Slobber Bug, Beach Krill, Tadpole-Monster, and other previously unknown (aka imaginary) creatures. It would be fun to compare this book with other, more scientific field guides.
Iron Hearted Violet, by Kelly Barnhill, $1.99. Kelly Barnhill tells such compelling twists on fairytale tropes. In this book, Princess Violet must work with the last dragon alive to protect the world from an evil being she has only read about in a forbidden book. Violet is brave, but not beautiful, strong, but not perfect.
The Menagerie, by Tui T. Sutherland and Kari Sutherland, $3.99. If your middle-grade reader enjoys books where the magical world bumps into the real world, The Menagerie series may be the perfect next adventure. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In the small town of Xanadu, Wyoming lies the Menagerie, a top secret facility filled with unicorns, dragons, phoenixes, and other fairy tale creatures. At least, it was a secret—until six griffin cubs escaped. If Logan and Zoe don’t get the cubs back fast, the entire Menagerie will be shut down. The race is on and the resulting adventure is only the beginning of a thrilling series that will leave readers wanting a magical menagerie of their very own.”
An Optimist’s Tour of the Future, by Mark Stevenson, $4.99. My husband loves this book, which does a great job of musing about how technology could change our future for the better. Here’s the publisher’s description: “When unexpectedly confronted with his own mortality, Mark Stevenson-a writer, deep-thinker, and stand-up comedian-began to ponder what the future holds for our species. ‘The past is a foreign country,’ writes Stevenson. ‘By my analysis it's a bit like France-in that I've been to parts of it and eaten some nice food there. But the future? The future is an unknown territory-and there isn't a guidebook.’ Thus, his ambition was born. Stevenson set out simply, asking, ‘What's next?’ and then traveled the globe in pursuit of the answers. Along the way, he visited the Australian outback to visit the farmers who can save us from climate change, met a robot with mood swings, and talked to the Spaniard who's putting a hotel in space. While some might be overwhelmed, or even dismayed by the looming realities of genome sequencing, synthetic biology, a nuclear renaissance, and carbon scrubbing, Stevenson remains, well, optimistic. Drawing on his singular humor and storytelling to break down these sometimes complicated discoveries, An Optimist's Tour of the Future paints a wonderfully readable, and completely enthralling portrait of where we'll be when we grow up- and why it's not so scary.”
50 Ways to Beat Boredom with LEGO Bricks, by DK Publishing, $0.99. If your house is anything like mine, you have no shortage of LEGO pieces. This short book introduces 50 quick activities and games using the beloved building materials. Build a mountain to create a 3D game board (instructions for a spinner also included) or design a functional piggy bank! This is an idea book, not a book of detailed instructions, but it’s a great jumping off point for an hour or a day of LEGO exploration. Note: If you already have 365 Things to Do with LEGO Bricks, you don’t need this book; this book is a shorter extract of that one.
Would You Rather? Made You Think Edition, by Lindsey Daly, $0.99. They start simple: “Would you rather kiss a fish that’s living in a radioactive pond or roll down a hill while hugging a porcupine?” The questions only get more interesting from there. Turn the questions into a game by scoring points for the best reasoning (guidelines are given in the introduction).
Astronuts Mission One: The Plant Planet! by Jon Scieszka, $1.99. Picture book author Scieszka has created a hilarious series for somewhat older readers. With his trademark wit and Steven Weinberg’s vibrant illustrations, Astronuts will keep kids turning the pages. Here’s the publisher’s description: “AstroWolf, LaserShark, SmartHawk, and StinkBug are animals that have been hybridized to find other planets for humans to live on once we've ruined Earth. So off they rocket to the Plant Planet! Will that planet support human life? Or do Plant Planet's inhabitants have a more sinister plan? AstroNuts Mission One is a can't-put-it-down page-turner for reluctant readers and fans ready to blast past Wimpy Kid.”
Diary of a Pug: Pug Blasts Off, by Kyla May, $2.99. Meet Bub, aka Baron von Bubbles, beloved pet of Bella. He loves doing everything with his human, so when she enters an invention contest, Bub is determined to help her. But this means he needs to deal with his squirrel nemesis, Nutz. This fun, brightly colored diary is full of wacky adventures and adorable illustrations. Early chapter book readers will love it!
Chickadee, by Louise Erdrich, $4.49. Chickadee takes place within the family introduced in Birchbark House. Omakayas is grown with a family of her own, and this story focuses on her twin sons, Chickadee and Makoons. After a prank gone wrong, Chickadee is kidnapped by angry men. This is the tale of Chickadee’s long path to reunion with his family. As with Erdrich’s other books, Chickadee’s story is filled with vivid details about Ojibwe life and traditions.
Young Water Protetctors: A Story About Standing Rock, by Aslan and Kelly Tudor, $2.99. Aslan Tudor was 10 years old when he wrote this book about his time participating in the Standing Rock protests. This is a great, age appropriate introduction to the conflict between native peoples and developers of the Dakota Access Pipeline.
My Heart Fills with Happiness, by Monique Gray Smith, $4.99. This sweet picture book introduces many things that bring happiness — good smells, good friends, and the beauty of nature. The lovely illustrations show many elements in the life on an indigenous family.
Hearts Unbroken, by Cynthia Leitich Smith, $0.99. High school is complicated for everyone, even more so in this YA novel about a community in racial and cultural conflict. Here’s the publisher’s description: “When Louise Wolfe’s first real boyfriend mocks and disrespects Native people in front of her, she breaks things off and dumps him over e-mail. It’s her senior year, anyway, and she’d rather spend her time with her family and friends and working on the school newspaper. The editors pair her up with Joey Kairouz, the ambitious new photojournalist, and in no time the paper’s staff find themselves with a major story to cover: the school musical director’s inclusive approach to casting The Wizard of Oz has been provoking backlash in their mostly white, middle-class Kansas town. From the newly formed Parents Against Revisionist Theater to anonymous threats, long-held prejudices are being laid bare and hostilities are spreading against teachers, parents, and students — especially the cast members at the center of the controversy, including Lou’s little brother, who’s playing the Tin Man. As tensions mount at school, so does a romance between Lou and Joey — but as she’s learned, ‘dating while Native’ can be difficult. In trying to protect her own heart, will Lou break Joey’s?”
The Odds of Loving Grover Cleveland, by Rebekah Crane, $0.99. This Grover Cleveland isn’t a president; he’s a resident at Camp Padua, a summer program for at-risk teens. When Zander’s parents insist she leave home to attend camp, she is sure that she won’t fit in. She’s surprised to make connections with her fellow campers, even though they are all dealing with big problems of their own. This tough but ultimately hopeful novel is also filled with darkly funny moments.
The Mermaid’s Sister, by Carrie Anne Noble, $0.99. I haven’t read this YA fantasy novel yet, but it’s definitely on my To Read list. Here’s the publisher’s summary: In a cottage high atop Llanfair Mountain, sixteen-year-old Clara lives with her sister, Maren, and guardian Auntie. By day, they gather herbs for Auntie’s healing potions; by night, Auntie spins tales of faraway lands and wicked fairies. Clara’s favorite story tells of three orphaned infants—Clara, who was brought to Auntie by a stork; Maren, who arrived in a seashell; and their best friend, O’Neill, who was found beneath an apple tree. One day, Clara discovers iridescent scales just beneath her sister’s skin: Maren is becoming a mermaid and must be taken to the sea or she will die. So Clara, O’Neill, and the mermaid-girl set out for the shore. But the trio encounters trouble around every bend. Ensnared by an evil troupe of traveling performers, Clara and O’Neill must find a way to save themselves and the ever-weakening Maren.
The Testing, by Joelle Charbonneau, $1.99. Calling all fans of The Hunger Games or Divergent! This series should scratch that dystopian coming-of-age itch. Here’s a summary from the publisher: “It’s graduation day for sixteen-year-old Malencia Vale, and the entire Five Lakes Colony (the former Great Lakes) is celebrating. All Cia can think about—hope for—is whether she’ll be chosen for The Testing, a United Commonwealth program that selects the best and brightest new graduates to become possible leaders of the slowly revitalizing post-war civilization. When Cia is chosen, her father finally tells her about his own nightmarish half-memories of The Testing. Armed with his dire warnings (“Cia, trust no one”), she bravely heads off to Tosu City, far away from friends and family, perhaps forever. Danger, romance—and sheer terror—await.”
Princess Academy, by Shannon Hale, $0.99. You may be starting to get the impression that I love Shannon Hale, and you would be right. Princess Academy is the first in a middle grade series about a land where a rich urban royal class benefits from the poorly paid labor of all the surrounding towns. When it is decided that the Prince’s wife should come from Miri’s village, all the teen girls are rounded up and sent to a school where they will be taught the ways of court. Booklist says, “Hale nicely interweaves feminist sensibilities in this quest-for-a-prince-charming, historical-fantasy tale. Strong suspense and plot drive the action as the girls outwit would-be kidnappers and explore the boundaries of leadership, competition, and friendship.” If you are looking for books with strong heroines who overcome difficulties to make a difference in their world, this is the book for you.
Bound: 15 Beautiful Bookbinding Projects, by Rachel Hazell, $3.99. If your family is anything like mine, you probably have dozens of stories your kids have written and illustrated. Why not turn them into an art project by binding them into book form? Or set yourself up for a new school year by creating small notebooks for nature observations or other projects. This book goes through multiple styles, from basic to complex, with step by step instructions.
Mini Weapons of Mass Destruction: Make Mayhem from your Stationery with 35 Models to Build Yourself, by John Austin, $3.99. Do you have pens, rubber bands, and plastic utensils? If so, you’re ready to build a catapult or trebuchet! All of these weapons are small scale but need adult supervision to prevent injury. Keep this book as a resource for discussing wars and weaponry throughout history.
American Heritage History of Flight, by Arthur Gordon, $1.99. This detailed look at aviation begins with ancient attempts to harness the wind and moves through modern technological innovations. While there are few illustrations, the Kindle version includes in-text links to Wikipedia for additional information and visuals.
National Geographic Readers: Planes, by Amy Shields, $4.99. If you are looking for a detailed book that your early elementary students can read on their own, the National Geographic Reader series is a great place to start. This one covers all types of planes, including some unusual ones (have you ever seen the inside of a C-17?) sure to pique interest.
Amazing Airplanes, by Tony Mitton, $3.54. For our youngest family members, we have this bright and simple picture book. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Buckle up to learn all about flying! Amazing Airplanes follows the animal crew, as they become pilots, baggage handlers, and air stewards. Each page is filled with details that machine-mad kids love, such as the cockpit, landing gear, and much more. This book is perfect for budding pilots or happy vacationers! From airplanes to fire engines, the internationally bestselling Amazing Machines series is the perfect way for children to learn about all sorts of vehicles! Each book introduces a new vehicle and the jobs it can do. Bright, engaging artwork and simple, rhyming text combine to make these fantastic books for young children. Kids will love getting to know the friendly, animal characters who feature throughout the series and reading about their fast-paced adventures!”
Her Right Foot, by Dave Eggers, $2.99. This beautiful picture book takes a look at the history of the Statue of Liberty. More than that, Eggers uses the statue to address the inherent freedoms that form the basis of American culture and government. Shawn Harris’s mixed-media illustrations are simple but visually interesting.
Epic Fails: Not-So-Great Presidents, by Ben Thompson and Erik Slader. This newer history series is a lot of fun for middle-grade readers. Rather than focusing on successes, the authors emphasize foibles (e.g., Washington’s mistakes early in his career as a British soldier, Nixon’s Watergate scandal). The result is humanizing; presidents are just people, and everyone makes mistakes. The tone is light and full of contemporary references. A good choice for history fans and history skeptics!
Small Wonders: Jean-Henri Fabre and His World of Insects, by Matthew Clark Smith, $3.99. Fabre is one of the most famous naturalists in history. His interest started when he was a small child fascinated by moths, wasps, and other insects. Instead of merely collecting and dissecting them, Fabre was among the first to study insect behavior in the natural environment.
Microadventures: Local Discoveries, Great Escapes, by Alastair Humphreys, $4.99. The adventures are small, but the world is large! Humphreys is a naturalist and adventurer who has explored all over the world. This book focuses on really getting to know the world right around you. These outdoor adventures can be accomplished in a day or less, with minimal supplies. Humphreys encourages you to chase down a full moon, explore woods and forests, swim in a river, and more. Humphreys is based in the UK, so some of the challenges may not be applicable (e.g., there are few places in the US where you can walk from coast to coast), but most can be adapted to any local environment. This book is perfect for a family looking for new recreation ideas during the pandemic.
Rules, by Cynthia Lord, $3.99. Catherine loves her brother, but she’s not always nice to him. He has autism, and she has created a long list of rules for him to follow so that he doesn’t embarrass her in public. When she meets Jason, a paraplegic who uses a wheelchair and communicates through picture cards, Catherine begins to realize that there’s no one “normal” way to be, and that she needs to find more acceptance and understanding for others, even her own brother.
Freak the Mighty, by Rodman Philbrick, $3.99. This classic story of an unusual friendship has been made into a movie. Kevin has a disorder that prevents him from growing; Max is large for his age and struggles with learning disabilities. Together, Kevin and Max form “Freak the Mighty,” with Kevin riding Max’s shoulders as they explore their surroundings and defeat bullies. Both boys have unique perspectives. Content warning: this book is poignant and tragic.
Missing Math: A Number Mystery, by Loreen Leedy, $3.99. This bright and fun picture book will convince kids of the importance of numbers. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In Missing Math, the numbers all over town suddenly disappear. The animals can’t count, use the phone, or even find out what time it is. Rulers, money, and computers have all become completely useless. . . . Can the town’s detective solve this numerical mystery? Will he ever bring the numbers back home again? Loreen Leedy’s clever rhyming text PLUS her amusing digitally painted illustrations EQUALS proof that we need math each and every day.”
Alone: A Story of Friendship in the Darkness of Space, by Scott Stuart, $0.99. Earth is all alone in space, so it goes off looking for a friend. This sweet, fanciful book includes a few interesting scientific tidbits.
Blast Off to the Moon! by Lauren Gunderson, $3.99. Dr. Wonderful just wants to know why things happen, and she’s willing to explore to find out. When she becomes curious about why the moon changes shape each night, she and her dog decide to go up into space for research. Kids will love the funny illustrations; parents will appreciate the way Dr. Wonderful carefully works through the scientific process to answer her questions.
The Upside of Falling Down, by Rebekah Crane, $1.99. A coming-of-age novel with an unusual twist: Clementine is the sole survivor of a plane crash, and she’s now in Ireland suffering from amnesia. Here’s the plot summary: “With the relentless Irish press bearing down on her, and a father she may not even recognize on his way from America to take her home, Clementine assumes a new identity and enlists a blue-eyed Irish stranger, Kieran O’Connell, to help her escape her forgotten life…and start a new one. Hiding out in the sleepy town of Waterville, Ireland, Clementine discovers there’s an upside to a life that’s fallen apart. But as her lies grow, so does her affection for Kieran, and the truth about her identity becomes harder and harder to reveal, forcing Clementine to decide: Can she leave her past behind for a new love she’ll never forget?”
Zoey and Sassafras: Dragons and Marshmallows, by Asia Citro, $1.99. Science can be magic! Zoey and her cat Sassafras have a big secret: magical creatures are real and come to them for help! Zoey is a budding scientist and uses the scientific method to figure out what is wrong with a sick dragon. This is the first in a series; the short chapters, charming illustrations, and simple language make these books a good choice for budding readers.
What Lives in a Shell? by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld, $2.99. This charming book from the “Let’s Read and Find Out” series is a great introduction to crustaceans and other shelled creatures for early elementary readers. Detailed illustrations introduce clams, snails, crabs, and more.
A Tale of Two Cities, by Charles Dickens, $2.99. A classic adventure from Charles Dickens presents the story of the French Revolution through the eyes of the aristocrats, opportunists, and spies of Paris. Break out your knitting needles and settle in for an engrossing read. This edition includes a brief biography of Dickens and some contextual material.
I Survived The Battle of D-Day, by Lauren Tarshis, $3.99. My elementary-schooler has enjoyed several of the books in this series about deadly wars, plagues, and natural disasters. Each book includes a fictionalized story and a short section of historical information. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Eleven-year-old Paul's French village has been under Nazi control for years. His Jewish best friend has disappeared. Food is scarce. And there doesn't seem to be anything Paul can do to make things better. Then Paul finds an American paratrooper in a tree near his home. The soldier says the Allies have a plan to crush the Nazis once and for all. But the soldier needs Paul's help. This is Paul's chance to make a difference. Soon he finds himself in the midst of the largest invasion in history. Can he do his part to turn horror into hope?”
Magic Tree House: Night of the New Magicians, by Mary Pope Osborne, $3.99. Jack and Annie are heading to France! Merlin has sent them to pass along a message to four magicians at the 1889 World’s Fair in Paris. This is a “Merlin Mission,” so it is longer and more involved than the original Magic Tree House books.
Zane and the Hurricane: A Story of Katrina, by Rodman Philbrick, $3.99. Zane doesn’t know New Orleans well; he is visiting his great-grandmother when Hurricane Katrina makes landfall. After chasing his runaway dog, he finds himself fending for himself until he is rescued by a passing canoe. Philbrick includes realistic historical details and deftly addresses issues of race, class, and privilege.
Gandhi: A March to the Sea, by Alice B. McGinty, $1.99. This picture book with beautiful painted illustrations focuses on the nonviolent Satyagraha movement. There’s a free educator’s guide available as a PDF.
The Sky Painter: Louis Fuertes, Bird Artist, by Margarita Engle, $1.99. I will admit that I had never heard of Fuertes before I discovered this book. Thank you, Margarita Engle, for introducing me to his beautiful work. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Louis loves to watch birds. He takes care of injured birds and studies how they look and how they move. His father wants him to become an engineer, but Louis dreams of being a bird artist. To achieve this dream, he must practice, practice, practice. He learns from the art of John James Audubon. But as Louis grows up, he begins to draw and paint living, flying birds in their natural habitats. Louis Agassiz Fuertes (1874–1927) is now known as the father of modern bird art. He traveled with many scientific expeditions all over the world. His best-known works—paintings for habitat exhibits at the American Museum of Natural History in New York—are still beloved by visitors today. His art helped to encourage wildlife conservation, inspiring people to celebrate and protect the world of wings. Poems by Newbery Honor–winning author Margarita Engle and illustrations by Aliona Bereghici capture the life of Louis Fuertes and the deep sense of wonder that he felt when he painted the sky.”
Escape North! The Story of Harriet Tubman, by Monica Kulling, $4.99. I found my copy of this book at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park (which is great and you should go!). As I’ve mentioned before, I really like the higher level nonfiction “Step into Reading” books for providing a solid foundation on a topic at the elementary level. Kids will learn about Tubman’s missions escorting enslaved people to freedom, but also about her work as a spy and women’s rights advocate.
Frog and Toad are Friends, by Arnold Lobel, $4.99. This is an easy reader classic! Frog and Toad are not always alike, but they are always there for each other. Join them on their funny adventures swimming, looking for a lost button, and waiting for a letter. Fun pictures and few words on each page make this the perfect first chapter book for a new reader.
I am (Not) Scared, by Anna Kang, $1.99. The bears from You are (Not) Small and That’s (Not) Mine are back with a trip to the amusement park. They are frightened of, and exhilarated by, a whole host of new experiences and discover that being together can make hard things seem less scary.
A Snicker of Magic, by Natalie Lloyd, $3.99. My daughter loves this book! Here’s what she says: “A shy girl who’s been traveling around her whole life moves to a town that used to have magic. She learns that her ancestors were cursed and becomes determined to break the curse. This is a really heartwarming book, and I recommend it to people who like The Magic Half.”
Give Yourself Goosebumps: Tick Tock, You’re Dead, by R.L. Stine. A scary Goosebumps novel where you get to choose how the story turns out? Sign me up for this perfect campfire read!
Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type, by Doreen Cronin, $3.99. When the cows on Farmer Brown’s farm discover that they can use a typewriter, they begin leaving him notes with their feedback and demands. This is a great book for introducing young kids to both onomatopoeia and the concept of striking for improved conditions. Plus, it’s just really funny.
The Typewriter, by Bill Thomson, $3.99. Kids either love or hate Bill Thomson’s low- or no-text stories. His imaginative illustrations allow the reader to make up the words as they go along. In this tale, kids discover a mysterious typewriter that allows them bring things into being by typing. They begin a magical adventure along a beach.
Typewriter Manual: An Explanation of Parts and How to Clean Everything! by Ryan Smits, $0.99. Typewriters can often be found at a thrift store for about $20. If you pick one up and need information about how to use or repair it, this is a good starting place. The information is brief, and the writing style is not sophisticated, but the price is right.
I Stink! by Kate and Jim McMullen, $0.99. This garbage truck is proud of all the things it can do! Kids will love the brash bragging about all the cool things a garbage truck does to keep towns clean. There’s also a fun alphabetical list of types of trash. This is a great book to read aloud.
Monster Trucks! by Susan E. Goodman, $4.99. Step into the loud, thrilling world of monster trucks with this early reader. The level 3 books are broken into topical sections containing lots of detail. Kids will learn about how the trucks are built, what kind of tricks they can perform, and the history of monster truck racing.
My Hands Sing the Blues: Romare Bearden’s Childhood Journey, by Jeanne Walker Harvey, $1.99. This lyrical picture book tells the story of Romare Bearden, an artist reknowned for his painting and collage work. As Bearden creates one of his collages, he reflects on the moments and memories in his life that have inspired the images. The effect makes for a uniquely compelling biography.
Over and Under the Snow, by Kate Messner, $4.99. I’ve talked about Kate Messner’s books before. These picture books do a lovely job of illustrating the parts of nature that are hard for us to observe. Take a break from your warm summer day to explore how many animals spend their winters.
DKFindOut! Human Body, by DK Publishing, $1.99. Designed for kids ages 6-9, this colorful book covers all the major systems of the human body with detailed illustrations and interesting, occasionally gruesome facts. Definitely read this one on a tablet!
Calm: Mindfulness for Kids, by Wynne Kinder, $1.99. Especially in this time of heightened uncertainty and increased togetherness, we need to be proactive about supporting our kids’ mental health. Kinder has collected a variety of mindfulness activities to try with your family, with options that will appeal to kids who can easily sit still and those who need some kinetic activity to calm their minds. Activities are aimed at kids ages 7-9, but many would appeal to older or younger children.
The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: The Mysterious Howling, by Maryrose Wood, $3.99. If A Series of Unfortunate Events went back in time, you’d get The Incorrigible Children. The publisher’s description gets the tone of the book just right: “Found running wild in the forest of Ashton Place, the Incorrigibles are no ordinary children: Alexander, age ten or thereabouts, keeps his siblings in line with gentle nips; Cassiopeia, perhaps four or five, has a bark that is (usually) worse than her bite; and Beowulf, age somewhere-in-the-middle, is alarmingly adept at chasing squirrels. Luckily, Miss Penelope Lumley is no ordinary governess. Only fifteen years old and a recent graduate of the Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females, Penelope embraces the challenge of her new position. Though she is eager to instruct the children in Latin verbs and the proper use of globes, first she must help them overcome their canine tendencies. But mysteries abound at Ashton Place: Who are these three wild creatures, and how did they come to live in the vast forests of the estate? Why does Old Timothy, the coachman, lurk around every corner? Will Penelope be able to teach the Incorrigibles table manners and socially useful phrases in time for Lady Constance's holiday ball? And what on earth is a schottische?”
Lies We Tell Ourselves, by Robin Talley, $3.99. Talley looks at school desegregation with an unflinching eye. Sarah is one of the first black students to attend Jefferson High School, and every day brings new indignities and mistreatment. Linda’s family vehemently opposed integration. When the two are forced to work together, they are drawn to each other despite their differences. But how can they be together in a society that rejects interracial and same-sex relationships?
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!”
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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!
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Kindle Deals for October 1, 2020
Rolling into October with some creepy 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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Scream: Chilling Adventures in the Science of Fear, by Margee Kerr, $1.99. Why do we feel afraid? Why do we deliberately seek out horror movies and haunted houses? Sociologist Margee Kerr investigates the individual and societal experiences of fear. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Fear is a universal human experience, but do we really understand it? If we're so terrified of monsters and serial killers, why do we flock to the theaters to see them? Why do people avoid thinking about death, but jump out of planes and swim with sharks? For Kerr, there was only one way to find out. In this eye-opening, adventurous book, she takes us on a tour of the world's scariest experiences: into an abandoned prison long after dark, hanging by a cord from the highest tower in the Western hemisphere, and deep into Japan's mysterious ‘suicide forest.’ She even goes on a ghost hunt with a group of paranormal adventurers. Along the way, Kerr shows us the surprising science from the newest studies of fear -- what it means, how it works, and what it can do for us. Full of entertaining science and the thrills of a good ghost story, this book will make you think, laugh -- and scream.”
European Travel for the Monstrous Gentlewoman, by Theodora Goss, $1.99. The daughters of classic horror characters take on and adventure of their own in this thrilling series. You’ll find Misses Jekyll, Hyde, Frankenstein, Moreau, and many other familiar faces. The women have banded together to form the Athena Club for unusual young ladies. When they receive a plea for help tracking down a kidnapped girl with vampire connections, the club undertakes an elaborate rescue mission that leads them all over Europe. This (massive) novel is written for adults, but all the characters are in the YA age range and there isn’t any particularly objectionable content. I personally love the constant third-wall breaking asides and footnotes sprinkled throughout. This is the second in a series, but events of the previous book are explained well enough for those who want to start with this book.
Alice in Zombieland, by Gena Showalter, $2.99. It’s Alice in Wonderland… sort of. With zombies! This YA zombie novel is filled with allusions to Wonderland.
His Hideous Heart: 13 of Edgar Allen Poe’s Most Unsettling Tales Reimagined, edited by Dahlia Adler, $2.99. Teens have loved Poe’s creepy tales for the last hundred and fifty years. Now they can experience the themes in new ways through this collection of modern short stories from big names in current YA.
STILL ON SALE
Teach Your Own: The John Holt Book of Homeschooling, by John Holt and Pat Farenga, $2.99. John Holt is one of the founders of the modern homeschool movement. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In this expanded edition of the book that helped launch the whole movement, Pat Farenga has distilled John Holt's timeless understanding of the ways children come to understand the world and added up-to-the-moment legal, financial, and logistical advice. No parent even considering homeschooling should be without this wise and unique reference. Rather than proposing that parents turn their homes into miniature schools, Holt and Farenga demonstrate how ordinary parents can help children grow as social, active learners. Chapters on living with children, "serious play," children and work, and learning difficulties will fascinate and encourage parents and help them enjoy each "homeschool" day. John Holt's warm understanding of children and his passionate belief in every child's ability to learn have made this book the bible of homeschooling families everywhere.”
Differently Wired: A Parent’s Guide to Raising an Atypical Child with Confidence and Hope, by Deborah Reber, $1.99. Many parents choose homeschooling because their child has unique needs and challenges. This book is for you. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Today millions of kids are stuck in a world that doesn’t embrace who they really are. They are the one in five “differently wired” children with ADHD, dyslexia, giftedness, autism, anxiety, or other neurodifferences, and their challenges are many. And for the parents who love them, the challenges are just as numerous, as they struggle to find the right school, the right support, the right path. But now there’s hope. Differently Wired is a revolutionary book—weaving together personal stories and a tool kit of expert advice from author Deborah Reber, it’s a how-to, a manifesto, and a reassuring companion for parents who can so often feel that they have no place to turn. At the heart of Differently Wired are 18 paradigm-shifting ideas—what the author calls “tilts,” which include how to accept and lean in to your role as a parent (#2: Get Out of Isolation and Connect). Deal with the challenges of parenting a differently wired child (#5: Parent from a Place of Possibility Instead of Fear). Support yourself (#11: Let Go of Your Impossible Expectations for Who You “Should” Be as a Parent). And seek community (#18: If It Doesn’t Exist, Create It).”
Evolution for Smart Kids: A Little Scientist’s Guide to the Origins of Life, by Carlos Pazos, $1.99. Pick it up because it offers detailed factual information about evolution. Enjoy it because the story is just so darn cute. When Darwin the chicken is frustrated that he’s the smallest animal on the farm, Valentina takes him back in time to show him his exciting dinosaur roots.
My Strong Mind: A Story about Developing Mental Strength, by Niels van Hove, $2.99. This is a pretty didactic but accessible book about developing good habits. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Kate faces several situations your children will face too. She applies a positive attitude to deal with her challenges. Amongst them are getting ready in time in the morning, doing cartwheels, standing in front of the whole class with show and tell and playing basketball. Kate applies techniques like goal setting, positive self-talk, accept failure as learning, visualisation of a problem, breathing or mindfulness exercise, gratitude, and controlled distraction. These tips to build a strong mind in children are presented in an easy to read, fun and practical way.”
It’s Okay to Make Mistakes, by Todd Parr, $1.99. Todd Parr’s books are like big, extra-tight hugs. His simple style is bold, funny, and diverse. For every mistake he mentions, he offers a hint at what can happen next (e.g., “It’s OK to not know the answer. Asking questions helps you learn.”) My toddler could recite Todd Parr books way before she could read them on her own.
Storybound, by Melissa Burt, $3.99. I haven’t had a chance to read this series yet, but it sounds like a delightful bookish adventure. Here’s the publisher’s description: “When Una Fairchild stumbles upon a mysterious book buried deep in the basement of her school library, she thinks nothing of opening the cover and diving in. But instead of paging through a regular novel, Una suddenly finds herself Written In to the land of Story—a world filled with Heroes and Villains and fairy-tale characters. But not everything in Story is as magical as it seems. Una must figure out why she has been Written In—and fast—before anyone else discovers her secret. Together with her new friend Peter and a talking cat named Sam, Una digs deep into Story's shadowy past. She quickly realizes that she is tied to the world in ways she never could have imagined—and it might be up to her to save it.”
A Dash of Magic, by Kathryn Littlewood, $3.99. The Bliss series is a mouth-watering literary treat. In this second book in the series, Rosemary is determined to retrieve the magical Cookery Booke that her aunt has stolen — even if it means facing off in an Iron Chef-style food battle. The competition takes the Bliss family to Paris, where the family rushes around famous sites collecting the magical ingredients Rosemary needs. There’s an excellent sense of place. If you enjoy this book, the sequel is also on sale.
Sleep, Big Bear, Sleep! by Maureen Wright, $0.99. It’s time to hibernate in this charming picture book. Bear knows there’s something he needs to do, but he keeps mishearing Old Man Winter’s “Sleep” message and instead thinks he is supposed to leap or sweep. It’s a sweet, funny story perfect for fall.
Scaredy Squirrel, by Melanie Watt, $0.99. Scaredy Squirrel wants to be prepared. He has all of his emergency gear at the ready, prepared for bees, Martians, whatever might happen. He prefers to stick to his safe, steady routine. When a chance encounter causes him to leap into the unknown, he gets a big surprise.
Shampoodle, by Joan Holub, $3.99. This fun easy reader will have kids giggling! The funny, rhyming text describes a day at the dog groomer. The dogs are all very exuberant, even before a cat wanders in and causes mayhem. I love the pictures in this one; there’s lots to see!
Bad Kitty Camp Daze, by Nick Bruel, $4.96. Bad Kitty has an attitude problem that will endear her to surly children everywhere. Bruel built on his picture book series with these early chapter books that contain lots of illustrated action. When Bad Kittle sneaks away to Uncle Murray’s Camp for Stressed-Out Dogs, she learns more than she bargains for about the natural world.
The Hobbits of Tolkien: An Illustrated Exploration of Tolkien’s Hobbits and the Sources that Inspired His Work From Myth, Legend, and History, by David Day, $3.99. Want to know more about the mythology behind Middle Earth? Curious about the etymology of some place names and people? This book perfectly balances detailed research with cozy illustrations. The author has written similar volumes about other elements of Tolkien’s work.
A Dictionary of Sources of Tolkien: The History and Mythology That Inspired Tolkien’s World, by David Day, $3.99. I enjoy sweeping fantasy, but I definitely struggle to keep all the names and places straight. In this extensive volume, Day provides information about all the proper nouns of Middle Earth, both their relevance to the narrative and their allusions to other literary traditions.
An Unexpected Cookbook: The Unofficial Book of Hobbit Cookery, by Chris-Rachael Oseland, $5.99. This book is more expensive than my typical Kindle deals, but I didn’t think we could properly celebrate Hobbit Day without at least one food book. The recipes are broken up into all seven Hobbit meals, with delicious treats like Lavender and Lemon Bread, Yorkshire Pudding, and Honey Cakes. You’ll find detailed recipe notes and mouthwatering photos throughout.
Fear of Physics: A Guide for the Perplexed, by Lawrence M. Krauss, $1.99. Krauss is a theoretical physicist who works on the deepest mysteries of the universe. But don’t let that intimidate you! Here’s the publisher’s description: “Assume the cow is a sphere." So begins this lively, irreverent, and informative look at everything from the physics of boiling water to cutting-edge research at the observable limits of the universe. Rich with anecdotes and accessible examples, Fear of Physics nimbly ranges over the tools and thought behind the world of modern physics, taking the mystery out of what is essentially a very human intellectual endeavour.”
Caesar’s Last Breath: Decoding the Secrets of the Air Around Us, by Sam Kean, $2.99. Science writer Sam Kean has written about the chemical elements, neuroscience, genetics, and the creation of the atomic bomb. In this book, he explores the air around us and the molecules we find within it. He travels throughout history and across several continents in his quest to understand the air we breathe.
Scienceblind: Why Our Intuitive Theories About the World Are So Often Wrong, by Andrew Shtulman, $4.99. Our brains are wired to make connections that help us make sense of the world. But that does not mean that our brains always interpret the world correctly. Cognitive psychologist Andrew Shtulman explains the reasons why people tend to believe weird things in this fascinating book. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Why do we catch colds? What causes seasons to change? And if you fire a bullet from a gun and drop one from your hand, which bullet hits the ground first? In a pinch we almost always get these questions wrong. Worse, we regularly misconstrue fundamental qualities of the world around us. In Scienceblind, cognitive and developmental psychologist Andrew Shtulman shows that the root of our misconceptions lies in the theories about the world we develop as children. They're not only wrong, they close our minds to ideas inconsistent with them, making us unable to learn science later in life. So how do we get the world right? We must dismantle our intuitive theories and rebuild our knowledge from its foundations. The reward won't just be a truer picture of the world, but clearer solutions to many controversies -- around vaccines, climate change, or evolution -- that plague our politics today.”
Uncommon Paper Flowers: Extraordinary Botanicals and How to Craft Them, by Kate Alcaron, $2.99. You’ve made a paper rose before, now get ready to try something unique! Alcaron has collected 30 unusual plants and created paper models of them. The book contains detailed botanical descriptions, an extensive technique section, and templates for creating your own dramatic floral display.
How to Raise Successful People, by Esther Wojcicki, $2.99. This guide to parenting by a beloved teacher focuses on building independence and resilience in children and young adults. By focusing on TRICK: Trust, Respect, Independence, Collaboration, and Kindness, Wojcicki asserts that we can raise individuals who can change the world.
Parenting in a Pandemic: How to Help Your Family Through Covid-19, by Kelly Fradin, $0.99. This just came out and will (I hope) only be useful for a limited time, but the price is right and the advice is solid. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Parents are burning out while kids need more help than ever. With so many families in crisis, pediatrician and child advocate Dr. Kelly Fradin sees an urgent need for help. As a mother of two, Dr. Fradin shares practical, evidence-based and reassuring advice on what families need to know. Parents are forced to make decisions now despite seemingly constant change and many unknowns. In Parenting in a Pandemic, Dr. Fradin provides the information and strategies you need to help navigate coronavirus. The book reviews the science necessary to understand the news and care for your family. Dr. Fradin explains the specific risks of coronavirus to children of all ages and adults, including parents, grandparents, pregnant women, and essential workers. She gives realistic strategies you can use to improve this time for your family whether you are protecting a newborn, virtually schooling or convincing a teen to physically distance.”
The House Takes a Vacation, by Jacqueline Davies, $0.99. Get ready for a surreal and wacky adventure! When the house’s people go on vacation, the house decides to take its own trip. Kids and adults will enjoy the pun-filled text and personality-filled illustrations.
The Archaeology of Home: An Epic Set on a Thousand Square Feet of the Lower East Side, by Katharine Greider, $3.99. When Greider’s NYC home is condemned, she decides to trace all the decisions and events that led to the destruction. Her research goes all the way back to the earliest settlers of New York City. The result of this research is a fascinating microhistory of an urban neighborhood that incorporates the individual stories of its former inhabitants.
Little House in the Big Woods, by Laura Ingalls Wilder, $3.99. The Little House books are among the most read children’s books of all time, and with good reason. Wilder does a tremendous job of creating a vivid and inviting glimpse into life on the frontier. Later books in the series have problematic depictions of conflicts with Native Americans and have not aged well. Little House in the Big Woods, however, is a cozy and gentle peek into the past. Read this one by candle or fire as the temperatures start to dip this fall!
Eragon, by Christopher Paolini, $1.99. Eragon is a remarkable fantasy novel created by a 15-year-old homeschooler! Join Eragon and his dragon, Saphira, in this sweeping series. When Eragon discovers a dragon egg, he has no idea it will lead him to adventure, political intrigue, and war. The books in this series are substantial and complicated, good for kids who are transitioning between middle grade and YA.
The Language of Spells, by Garret Weyr, $1.99. Amy liked this book, but warns that it is SAD. It’s a metaphor of the Holocaust through dragon-based fantasy. Here’s a bit of her review: “A lonely Viennese girl teams up with a dragon to solve the biggest mystery of World War II and figure out what happened to all the dragons. You’re plunged into an alternate magical world, where cats can run government agencies and dragons can spend decades trapped inside a teapot, and it’s a thrilling plunge. It’s alternate history! And magic! And lonely girls finding their people (or, you know, dragons) for the first time.”
The Hero’s Guide to Saving Your Kingdom, by Christopher Healy, $3.99. You think you know the classic fairytale stories, but they are usually centered around the princesses. This fun middle grade series focuses on the princes. After the “happily ever after” the princes discover that their kingdoms are in danger, and they set off take on all kinds of mythical monsters. This fun and funny book is the first in a series that your middle-grade reader will love.
The Element Encyclopedia of Magical Creatures, by John and Caitlin Matthews, $3.99. Looking for a reference on obscure creatures? Every time I open this book, I discover a new mythological animal I haven’t heard of before. Here’s the publisher’s description: “From unicorns and trolls to werewolves and griffins, this comprehensive guide is the key to discovering every magical creature from myth, folklore and legend around the world. This compendium of magical creatures explores the history, folklore and mythology of fascinating beasts throughout all the magical worlds. Including stories, celebrations, traditions, and amazing facts, the book spans every major culture across the globe.”
Steampunk! An Anthology of Fantastically Rich and Strange Stories, edited by Kelly Link and Gavin J. Grant, $0.99. Are you new to steampunk but interested in exploring alternate versions of the world shaped by a different series of technological innovations? This anthology will introduce you to many excellent YA steampunk authors. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Imagine an alternate universe where romance and technology reign. Where tinkerers and dreamers craft and re-craft a world of automatons, clockworks, calculating machines, and other marvels that never were. Where scientists and schoolgirls, fair folk and Romans, intergalactic bandits, utopian revolutionaries, and intrepid orphans solve crimes, escape from monstrous predicaments, consult oracles, and hover over volcanoes in steam-powered airships. Here, fourteen masters of speculative fiction, including two graphic storytellers, embrace the genre's established themes and refashion them in surprising ways and settings as diverse as Appalachia, ancient Rome, future Australia, and alternate California. Visionaries Kelly Link and Gavin J. Grant have invited all-new explorations and expansions, taking a genre already rich, strange, and inventive in the extreme and challenging contributors to remake it from the ground up. The result is an anthology that defies its genre even as it defines it.”
The Wonderling, by Mira Bartok, $0.99. In Mira Bartok’s imagined world, groundlings are creatures that are part animal, part human. Thirteen, a fox groundling, escapes the Dickensian workhouse where has been raised and sets off on an adventure of his own. The tone is similar to Lemony Snicket, but the story is entirely unique, full of mechanical details and animals with extraordinary abilities. Put this strange and interesting book in the hands of your middle-grade reader!
My Robots: The Robotic Genius of Lady Regina Bonquers III, by Johan Olander, $3.99. Olander creates such interesting books! This heavily illustrated book purports to be the design scrapbook of an elusive roboticist. Lady Regina has created bots to fight fires, pluck nose hairs, and even give hugs. Kids will enjoy all the details of the development process, the unique visual style, and a frisson of mystery over Lady Regina’s whereabouts.
The Last Kids on Earth, by Max Brallier, $1.99. Are you ready for some funny post-apocalyptic lit for kids? This madcap adventure mixes peril, gross out humor, and teamwork as an unlikely band of teens works to save the day and stay alive. It’s a middle grade chapter book riddled with exciting and gruesome illustrations. If this sounds like something you’d be into, several books in the series are on sale today.
Big History: From the Big Bang to the Present, by Cynthia Stokes Brown, $3.99. The Big History movement combines science with history to study Earth from the moment of the big bang all the way through current events. Brown does a remarkable job finding through lines in the vast sweep of history. Each era is necessarily brief, but readers will be pleased to see that the history is not overly focused on Western civilization.
Bear and Fred: A World War II Story, by Iris Argaman, $4.99. Picture books can make challenging subjects understandable for small children. In this book, Israeli author Iris Argaman tells the true story of a boy’s time hiding from Nazis during WWII — from the perspective of his loyal teddy bear. It’s a tough but uplifting story that gently introduces the topic of the Holocaust.
Sleepover Larry, by Daniel Pinkwater, $3.99. Larry is a dapper polar bear who lives in a hotel owned by his human family. When Larry learns the concept of sleepovers, he is determined to have a great one with his bear friends from the zoo!
National Geographic Readers: Bears, by Elizabeth Carney, $3.99. Learn about bear species from all over the world in this fun, brightly illustrated easy reader. Sections cover habitats, adaptations, diet, cubs, and more. The level 3 books pack in a lot of detail without complicated vocabulary.
Magic Tree House: Polar Bears Past Bedtime, by Mary Pope Osborne, $3.99. Jack and Annie are off on another adventure, this time to the Arctic! They encounter indigenous hunters, polar bears, the Northern Lights, and more. The Magic Tree House series is great for beginning readers who are looking for fast-paced, exciting (but short) chapter books.
Bibliophile: An Illustrated Miscellany, by Jane Mount, $2.99. This is a literary bonbon for any book lover. As the title suggests, it’s a wonderful collection of miscellaneous facts about books, writers, bookstores, characters, and more. I can almost guarantee that you will find a new author to check out, or even a new favorite book, in the illustrated book lists.
The Man Who Made Lists: Love, Death, Madness, and the Creation of Roget’s Thesaurus, by Joshua Kendall. When I was a kid, I found thesauruses fascinating. I loved flipping through themed lists of words. I don’t think many kids use paper thesauruses now; the function built into your word processor isn’t really the same. Whether you are nostalgic for your childhood thesaurus or have never really used one, you’ll find the story behind the creation of the first modern thesaurus unexpectedly fascinating. Here’s a brief publisher’s description: “Polymath, eccentric, and synonym aficionado, Peter Mark Roget had a host of female admirers, was one of the first to test the effects of laughing gas, invented the slide rule, and narrowly escaped jail in Napoleon's France. But Roget is best known for making lists. After the tragic turmoil of his early life (both his mother and sister were institutionalized), Roget longed for order in his chaotic world. At the age of eight, he began his quest to put everything in its rightful place, one word at a time. This is the fascinating story of a driven man and a brilliant scholar-and the legacy he has left for generations.”
The Food Explorer: The True Adventures of the Globe-Trotting Botanist Who Transformed What America Eats, by Daniel Stone, $4.99. So many of the foods we now consider to be standard American fare are not native to this continent. The diversity of our current palate is partially the work of David Fairchild, a 19th century botanist who traveled the world looking for interesting plants that he could introduce to American audiences. Both food history and a globe-trotting adventure book, The Food Explorer is a delicious piece of writing.
Suffering Succotash: A Picky Eater’s Quest to Understand Why We Hate the Foods We Hate, by Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic, $4.99. There are tons of books about helping kids who are picky eaters, but this is the first one I’ve seen that is written by an actual picky eater. Lucianovic considers the roles of gag reflexes, anxiety, supertasters, support groups, and many other factors. The author’s personal experiences add a warm, personal touch.
A Spy in the House, by Y.S. Lee, $0.99. This is the first in a series of YA historical mysteries about a young Asian sleuth in Victorian London. Mary is an orphan doomed for the gallows when she is rescued and offered a position at the mysterious Miss Scrimshaw’s Academy for Girls. The school is the training ground for an elite group of detectives who can infiltrate high society households. Lee does an excellent job of offering the gritty details of the Victorian city while staying away from graphic details. The immigrant experience is rarely discussed in historical fiction, so this series provides an interesting perspective.
Seafaring Women: Adventures of Pirate Queens, Female Stowaways, and Sailors’ Wives, by David Cordingly, $4.99. Women have been taking to the seas, sometimes in secret, for hundreds of years. Cordingly has collected the stories of dozens of maritime women who lived life on the open water.
The March on Washington, by Bonnie Bader, $3.99. American Girl has been bringing accessible historical fiction to early readers for more than 30 years. More recently, the company has published factual companion books that provide deeper background into important events. This book about the 1963 March on Washington includes photos, timelines, maps, and a bibliography for more research.
One Crazy Summer, by Rita Williams-Garcia, $4.99. When the three Gaither sisters travel to California to spend time with their estranged mother, they are expecting movie stars and Disneyland. What they actually experience is a little different: summer camp run by the Black Panthers. The girls spend the next four weeks learning about the movement and discovering their own identities. This work of historical fiction set in 1968 is a nice point of entry for a discussion about the Civil Rights movement and the Black Panthers.
Susan B. Anthony: Her Fight for Equal Rights, by Monica Kulling, $4.99. Get to know one of America’s strongest proponents of women’s voting rights, Susan B. Anthony, in this book for early readers. Anthony was determined to vote in an election, even though it was illegal for women to do so at the time. Her civil disobedience led to her arrest. Young readers will learn about how Anthony’s actions paved the way for the 19th Amendment.
Lillian’s Right to Vote: A Celebration of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, by Jonah Winter and Shane W. Evans, $4.99. Sadly, the 19th Amendment did not make voting accessible to ALL women. In many places, unfair practices like poll taxes, complicated literacy tests, and property ownership rules made it nearly impossible for people of color to vote. In this moving picture book, an old woman reminisces about her family’s history and the many barriers to voting they faced.
The Women’s Suffrage Movement, edited by Sally Roesch Wagner, $4.99. What is the study of history without primary sources? This great collection from Penguin Classics looks at the quest for women’s rights in a delightfully intersectional array of essays, letters, speeches, and other texts. Readers will discover Black and Native American women whose ideas were crucial to the movement but have been overlooked in historical accounts.
The Templeton Twins Have an Idea, by Ellis Weiner, $0.99. If your reader has plowed the A Series of Unfortunate Events and would like something with a similar feel, look no further. The Templetons feel very similar to the Baudelaires. A snippet from the book description gives you an excellent feel for the tone: “Suppose there were 12-year-old twins, a boy and girl named John and Abigail Templeton. Let's say John was pragmatic and played the drums, and Abigail was theoretical and solved cryptic crosswords. Now suppose their father was a brilliant, if sometimes confused, inventor. And suppose that another set of twins—adults—named Dean D. Dean and Dan D. Dean, kidnapped the Templeton twins and their ridiculous dog in order to get their father to turn over one of his genius (sort of) inventions. Yes, I said kidnapped. Wouldn't it be fun to read about that? Oh please. It would so. Luckily for you, this is just the first in a series perfect for boys and girls who are smart, clever, and funny (just like the twins), and enjoy reading adventurous stories (who doesn't?!).”
Ella Enchanted, by Gail Carson Levine, $1.99. This Newberry Honor book has been beloved for two decades, and with good reason. A unique twist on the Cinderella story, this book focuses on Ella, a girl who has been cursed (“gifted”?) with obedience to others’ orders. In order to break this curse, she must track down and convince the fairy godmother who bestowed it.
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.
801 Things You Should Know: From Greek Philosophy to Today’s Technology, by David Olsen, $1.99. You’re a smart person. You’ve probably heard of many of the concepts and events in this book. But you may not be clear on all the details. This collection of short entries about everything from politics to medical terminology to economic principals will serve as a great introduction or refresher. Hand this to a tween/teen along with a newspaper — they’ll be able to quickly get background on unfamiliar terms like bear markets, the Hundred Years’ War, and the Invisible Hand theory.
A Field Guide to Monsters, by Johan Olander, $0.99. Olander is a “monstrologist” who documents monsters’ behavior in the wild. In this whimsical and imaginative book, he collects illustrations and artifacts from the Slobber Bug, Beach Krill, Tadpole-Monster, and other previously unknown (aka imaginary) creatures. It would be fun to compare this book with other, more scientific field guides.
Iron Hearted Violet, by Kelly Barnhill, $1.99. Kelly Barnhill tells such compelling twists on fairytale tropes. In this book, Princess Violet must work with the last dragon alive to protect the world from an evil being she has only read about in a forbidden book. Violet is brave, but not beautiful, strong, but not perfect.
The Menagerie, by Tui T. Sutherland and Kari Sutherland, $3.99. If your middle-grade reader enjoys books where the magical world bumps into the real world, The Menagerie series may be the perfect next adventure. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In the small town of Xanadu, Wyoming lies the Menagerie, a top secret facility filled with unicorns, dragons, phoenixes, and other fairy tale creatures. At least, it was a secret—until six griffin cubs escaped. If Logan and Zoe don’t get the cubs back fast, the entire Menagerie will be shut down. The race is on and the resulting adventure is only the beginning of a thrilling series that will leave readers wanting a magical menagerie of their very own.”
An Optimist’s Tour of the Future, by Mark Stevenson, $4.99. My husband loves this book, which does a great job of musing about how technology could change our future for the better. Here’s the publisher’s description: “When unexpectedly confronted with his own mortality, Mark Stevenson-a writer, deep-thinker, and stand-up comedian-began to ponder what the future holds for our species. ‘The past is a foreign country,’ writes Stevenson. ‘By my analysis it's a bit like France-in that I've been to parts of it and eaten some nice food there. But the future? The future is an unknown territory-and there isn't a guidebook.’ Thus, his ambition was born. Stevenson set out simply, asking, ‘What's next?’ and then traveled the globe in pursuit of the answers. Along the way, he visited the Australian outback to visit the farmers who can save us from climate change, met a robot with mood swings, and talked to the Spaniard who's putting a hotel in space. While some might be overwhelmed, or even dismayed by the looming realities of genome sequencing, synthetic biology, a nuclear renaissance, and carbon scrubbing, Stevenson remains, well, optimistic. Drawing on his singular humor and storytelling to break down these sometimes complicated discoveries, An Optimist's Tour of the Future paints a wonderfully readable, and completely enthralling portrait of where we'll be when we grow up- and why it's not so scary.”
50 Ways to Beat Boredom with LEGO Bricks, by DK Publishing, $0.99. If your house is anything like mine, you have no shortage of LEGO pieces. This short book introduces 50 quick activities and games using the beloved building materials. Build a mountain to create a 3D game board (instructions for a spinner also included) or design a functional piggy bank! This is an idea book, not a book of detailed instructions, but it’s a great jumping off point for an hour or a day of LEGO exploration. Note: If you already have 365 Things to Do with LEGO Bricks, you don’t need this book; this book is a shorter extract of that one.
Would You Rather? Made You Think Edition, by Lindsey Daly, $0.99. They start simple: “Would you rather kiss a fish that’s living in a radioactive pond or roll down a hill while hugging a porcupine?” The questions only get more interesting from there. Turn the questions into a game by scoring points for the best reasoning (guidelines are given in the introduction).
Astronuts Mission One: The Plant Planet! by Jon Scieszka, $1.99. Picture book author Scieszka has created a hilarious series for somewhat older readers. With his trademark wit and Steven Weinberg’s vibrant illustrations, Astronuts will keep kids turning the pages. Here’s the publisher’s description: “AstroWolf, LaserShark, SmartHawk, and StinkBug are animals that have been hybridized to find other planets for humans to live on once we've ruined Earth. So off they rocket to the Plant Planet! Will that planet support human life? Or do Plant Planet's inhabitants have a more sinister plan? AstroNuts Mission One is a can't-put-it-down page-turner for reluctant readers and fans ready to blast past Wimpy Kid.”
Diary of a Pug: Pug Blasts Off, by Kyla May, $2.99. Meet Bub, aka Baron von Bubbles, beloved pet of Bella. He loves doing everything with his human, so when she enters an invention contest, Bub is determined to help her. But this means he needs to deal with his squirrel nemesis, Nutz. This fun, brightly colored diary is full of wacky adventures and adorable illustrations. Early chapter book readers will love it!
Chickadee, by Louise Erdrich, $4.49. Chickadee takes place within the family introduced in Birchbark House. Omakayas is grown with a family of her own, and this story focuses on her twin sons, Chickadee and Makoons. After a prank gone wrong, Chickadee is kidnapped by angry men. This is the tale of Chickadee’s long path to reunion with his family. As with Erdrich’s other books, Chickadee’s story is filled with vivid details about Ojibwe life and traditions.
Young Water Protetctors: A Story About Standing Rock, by Aslan and Kelly Tudor, $2.99. Aslan Tudor was 10 years old when he wrote this book about his time participating in the Standing Rock protests. This is a great, age appropriate introduction to the conflict between native peoples and developers of the Dakota Access Pipeline.
My Heart Fills with Happiness, by Monique Gray Smith, $4.99. This sweet picture book introduces many things that bring happiness — good smells, good friends, and the beauty of nature. The lovely illustrations show many elements in the life on an indigenous family.
Hearts Unbroken, by Cynthia Leitich Smith, $0.99. High school is complicated for everyone, even more so in this YA novel about a community in racial and cultural conflict. Here’s the publisher’s description: “When Louise Wolfe’s first real boyfriend mocks and disrespects Native people in front of her, she breaks things off and dumps him over e-mail. It’s her senior year, anyway, and she’d rather spend her time with her family and friends and working on the school newspaper. The editors pair her up with Joey Kairouz, the ambitious new photojournalist, and in no time the paper’s staff find themselves with a major story to cover: the school musical director’s inclusive approach to casting The Wizard of Oz has been provoking backlash in their mostly white, middle-class Kansas town. From the newly formed Parents Against Revisionist Theater to anonymous threats, long-held prejudices are being laid bare and hostilities are spreading against teachers, parents, and students — especially the cast members at the center of the controversy, including Lou’s little brother, who’s playing the Tin Man. As tensions mount at school, so does a romance between Lou and Joey — but as she’s learned, ‘dating while Native’ can be difficult. In trying to protect her own heart, will Lou break Joey’s?”
The Odds of Loving Grover Cleveland, by Rebekah Crane, $0.99. This Grover Cleveland isn’t a president; he’s a resident at Camp Padua, a summer program for at-risk teens. When Zander’s parents insist she leave home to attend camp, she is sure that she won’t fit in. She’s surprised to make connections with her fellow campers, even though they are all dealing with big problems of their own. This tough but ultimately hopeful novel is also filled with darkly funny moments.
The Mermaid’s Sister, by Carrie Anne Noble, $0.99. I haven’t read this YA fantasy novel yet, but it’s definitely on my To Read list. Here’s the publisher’s summary: In a cottage high atop Llanfair Mountain, sixteen-year-old Clara lives with her sister, Maren, and guardian Auntie. By day, they gather herbs for Auntie’s healing potions; by night, Auntie spins tales of faraway lands and wicked fairies. Clara’s favorite story tells of three orphaned infants—Clara, who was brought to Auntie by a stork; Maren, who arrived in a seashell; and their best friend, O’Neill, who was found beneath an apple tree. One day, Clara discovers iridescent scales just beneath her sister’s skin: Maren is becoming a mermaid and must be taken to the sea or she will die. So Clara, O’Neill, and the mermaid-girl set out for the shore. But the trio encounters trouble around every bend. Ensnared by an evil troupe of traveling performers, Clara and O’Neill must find a way to save themselves and the ever-weakening Maren.
The Testing, by Joelle Charbonneau, $1.99. Calling all fans of The Hunger Games or Divergent! This series should scratch that dystopian coming-of-age itch. Here’s a summary from the publisher: “It’s graduation day for sixteen-year-old Malencia Vale, and the entire Five Lakes Colony (the former Great Lakes) is celebrating. All Cia can think about—hope for—is whether she’ll be chosen for The Testing, a United Commonwealth program that selects the best and brightest new graduates to become possible leaders of the slowly revitalizing post-war civilization. When Cia is chosen, her father finally tells her about his own nightmarish half-memories of The Testing. Armed with his dire warnings (“Cia, trust no one”), she bravely heads off to Tosu City, far away from friends and family, perhaps forever. Danger, romance—and sheer terror—await.”
Princess Academy, by Shannon Hale, $0.99. You may be starting to get the impression that I love Shannon Hale, and you would be right. Princess Academy is the first in a middle grade series about a land where a rich urban royal class benefits from the poorly paid labor of all the surrounding towns. When it is decided that the Prince’s wife should come from Miri’s village, all the teen girls are rounded up and sent to a school where they will be taught the ways of court. Booklist says, “Hale nicely interweaves feminist sensibilities in this quest-for-a-prince-charming, historical-fantasy tale. Strong suspense and plot drive the action as the girls outwit would-be kidnappers and explore the boundaries of leadership, competition, and friendship.” If you are looking for books with strong heroines who overcome difficulties to make a difference in their world, this is the book for you.
Bound: 15 Beautiful Bookbinding Projects, by Rachel Hazell, $3.99. If your family is anything like mine, you probably have dozens of stories your kids have written and illustrated. Why not turn them into an art project by binding them into book form? Or set yourself up for a new school year by creating small notebooks for nature observations or other projects. This book goes through multiple styles, from basic to complex, with step by step instructions.
Mini Weapons of Mass Destruction: Make Mayhem from your Stationery with 35 Models to Build Yourself, by John Austin, $3.99. Do you have pens, rubber bands, and plastic utensils? If so, you’re ready to build a catapult or trebuchet! All of these weapons are small scale but need adult supervision to prevent injury. Keep this book as a resource for discussing wars and weaponry throughout history.
American Heritage History of Flight, by Arthur Gordon, $1.99. This detailed look at aviation begins with ancient attempts to harness the wind and moves through modern technological innovations. While there are few illustrations, the Kindle version includes in-text links to Wikipedia for additional information and visuals.
National Geographic Readers: Planes, by Amy Shields, $4.99. If you are looking for a detailed book that your early elementary students can read on their own, the National Geographic Reader series is a great place to start. This one covers all types of planes, including some unusual ones (have you ever seen the inside of a C-17?) sure to pique interest.
Amazing Airplanes, by Tony Mitton, $3.54. For our youngest family members, we have this bright and simple picture book. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Buckle up to learn all about flying! Amazing Airplanes follows the animal crew, as they become pilots, baggage handlers, and air stewards. Each page is filled with details that machine-mad kids love, such as the cockpit, landing gear, and much more. This book is perfect for budding pilots or happy vacationers! From airplanes to fire engines, the internationally bestselling Amazing Machines series is the perfect way for children to learn about all sorts of vehicles! Each book introduces a new vehicle and the jobs it can do. Bright, engaging artwork and simple, rhyming text combine to make these fantastic books for young children. Kids will love getting to know the friendly, animal characters who feature throughout the series and reading about their fast-paced adventures!”
Her Right Foot, by Dave Eggers, $2.99. This beautiful picture book takes a look at the history of the Statue of Liberty. More than that, Eggers uses the statue to address the inherent freedoms that form the basis of American culture and government. Shawn Harris’s mixed-media illustrations are simple but visually interesting.
Epic Fails: Not-So-Great Presidents, by Ben Thompson and Erik Slader. This newer history series is a lot of fun for middle-grade readers. Rather than focusing on successes, the authors emphasize foibles (e.g., Washington’s mistakes early in his career as a British soldier, Nixon’s Watergate scandal). The result is humanizing; presidents are just people, and everyone makes mistakes. The tone is light and full of contemporary references. A good choice for history fans and history skeptics!
Small Wonders: Jean-Henri Fabre and His World of Insects, by Matthew Clark Smith, $3.99. Fabre is one of the most famous naturalists in history. His interest started when he was a small child fascinated by moths, wasps, and other insects. Instead of merely collecting and dissecting them, Fabre was among the first to study insect behavior in the natural environment.
Microadventures: Local Discoveries, Great Escapes, by Alastair Humphreys, $4.99. The adventures are small, but the world is large! Humphreys is a naturalist and adventurer who has explored all over the world. This book focuses on really getting to know the world right around you. These outdoor adventures can be accomplished in a day or less, with minimal supplies. Humphreys encourages you to chase down a full moon, explore woods and forests, swim in a river, and more. Humphreys is based in the UK, so some of the challenges may not be applicable (e.g., there are few places in the US where you can walk from coast to coast), but most can be adapted to any local environment. This book is perfect for a family looking for new recreation ideas during the pandemic.
Rules, by Cynthia Lord, $3.99. Catherine loves her brother, but she’s not always nice to him. He has autism, and she has created a long list of rules for him to follow so that he doesn’t embarrass her in public. When she meets Jason, a paraplegic who uses a wheelchair and communicates through picture cards, Catherine begins to realize that there’s no one “normal” way to be, and that she needs to find more acceptance and understanding for others, even her own brother.
Freak the Mighty, by Rodman Philbrick, $3.99. This classic story of an unusual friendship has been made into a movie. Kevin has a disorder that prevents him from growing; Max is large for his age and struggles with learning disabilities. Together, Kevin and Max form “Freak the Mighty,” with Kevin riding Max’s shoulders as they explore their surroundings and defeat bullies. Both boys have unique perspectives. Content warning: this book is poignant and tragic.
Missing Math: A Number Mystery, by Loreen Leedy, $3.99. This bright and fun picture book will convince kids of the importance of numbers. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In Missing Math, the numbers all over town suddenly disappear. The animals can’t count, use the phone, or even find out what time it is. Rulers, money, and computers have all become completely useless. . . . Can the town’s detective solve this numerical mystery? Will he ever bring the numbers back home again? Loreen Leedy’s clever rhyming text PLUS her amusing digitally painted illustrations EQUALS proof that we need math each and every day.”
Alone: A Story of Friendship in the Darkness of Space, by Scott Stuart, $0.99. Earth is all alone in space, so it goes off looking for a friend. This sweet, fanciful book includes a few interesting scientific tidbits.
Blast Off to the Moon! by Lauren Gunderson, $3.99. Dr. Wonderful just wants to know why things happen, and she’s willing to explore to find out. When she becomes curious about why the moon changes shape each night, she and her dog decide to go up into space for research. Kids will love the funny illustrations; parents will appreciate the way Dr. Wonderful carefully works through the scientific process to answer her questions.
The Upside of Falling Down, by Rebekah Crane, $1.99. A coming-of-age novel with an unusual twist: Clementine is the sole survivor of a plane crash, and she’s now in Ireland suffering from amnesia. Here’s the plot summary: “With the relentless Irish press bearing down on her, and a father she may not even recognize on his way from America to take her home, Clementine assumes a new identity and enlists a blue-eyed Irish stranger, Kieran O’Connell, to help her escape her forgotten life…and start a new one. Hiding out in the sleepy town of Waterville, Ireland, Clementine discovers there’s an upside to a life that’s fallen apart. But as her lies grow, so does her affection for Kieran, and the truth about her identity becomes harder and harder to reveal, forcing Clementine to decide: Can she leave her past behind for a new love she’ll never forget?”
Zoey and Sassafras: Dragons and Marshmallows, by Asia Citro, $1.99. Science can be magic! Zoey and her cat Sassafras have a big secret: magical creatures are real and come to them for help! Zoey is a budding scientist and uses the scientific method to figure out what is wrong with a sick dragon. This is the first in a series; the short chapters, charming illustrations, and simple language make these books a good choice for budding readers.
What Lives in a Shell? by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld, $2.99. This charming book from the “Let’s Read and Find Out” series is a great introduction to crustaceans and other shelled creatures for early elementary readers. Detailed illustrations introduce clams, snails, crabs, and more.
A Tale of Two Cities, by Charles Dickens, $2.99. A classic adventure from Charles Dickens presents the story of the French Revolution through the eyes of the aristocrats, opportunists, and spies of Paris. Break out your knitting needles and settle in for an engrossing read. This edition includes a brief biography of Dickens and some contextual material.
I Survived The Battle of D-Day, by Lauren Tarshis, $3.99. My elementary-schooler has enjoyed several of the books in this series about deadly wars, plagues, and natural disasters. Each book includes a fictionalized story and a short section of historical information. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Eleven-year-old Paul's French village has been under Nazi control for years. His Jewish best friend has disappeared. Food is scarce. And there doesn't seem to be anything Paul can do to make things better. Then Paul finds an American paratrooper in a tree near his home. The soldier says the Allies have a plan to crush the Nazis once and for all. But the soldier needs Paul's help. This is Paul's chance to make a difference. Soon he finds himself in the midst of the largest invasion in history. Can he do his part to turn horror into hope?”
Magic Tree House: Night of the New Magicians, by Mary Pope Osborne, $3.99. Jack and Annie are heading to France! Merlin has sent them to pass along a message to four magicians at the 1889 World’s Fair in Paris. This is a “Merlin Mission,” so it is longer and more involved than the original Magic Tree House books.
Zane and the Hurricane: A Story of Katrina, by Rodman Philbrick, $3.99. Zane doesn’t know New Orleans well; he is visiting his great-grandmother when Hurricane Katrina makes landfall. After chasing his runaway dog, he finds himself fending for himself until he is rescued by a passing canoe. Philbrick includes realistic historical details and deftly addresses issues of race, class, and privilege.
Gandhi: A March to the Sea, by Alice B. McGinty, $1.99. This picture book with beautiful painted illustrations focuses on the nonviolent Satyagraha movement. There’s a free educator’s guide available as a PDF.
The Sky Painter: Louis Fuertes, Bird Artist, by Margarita Engle, $1.99. I will admit that I had never heard of Fuertes before I discovered this book. Thank you, Margarita Engle, for introducing me to his beautiful work. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Louis loves to watch birds. He takes care of injured birds and studies how they look and how they move. His father wants him to become an engineer, but Louis dreams of being a bird artist. To achieve this dream, he must practice, practice, practice. He learns from the art of John James Audubon. But as Louis grows up, he begins to draw and paint living, flying birds in their natural habitats. Louis Agassiz Fuertes (1874–1927) is now known as the father of modern bird art. He traveled with many scientific expeditions all over the world. His best-known works—paintings for habitat exhibits at the American Museum of Natural History in New York—are still beloved by visitors today. His art helped to encourage wildlife conservation, inspiring people to celebrate and protect the world of wings. Poems by Newbery Honor–winning author Margarita Engle and illustrations by Aliona Bereghici capture the life of Louis Fuertes and the deep sense of wonder that he felt when he painted the sky.”
Escape North! The Story of Harriet Tubman, by Monica Kulling, $4.99. I found my copy of this book at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park (which is great and you should go!). As I’ve mentioned before, I really like the higher level nonfiction “Step into Reading” books for providing a solid foundation on a topic at the elementary level. Kids will learn about Tubman’s missions escorting enslaved people to freedom, but also about her work as a spy and women’s rights advocate.
Frog and Toad are Friends, by Arnold Lobel, $4.99. This is an easy reader classic! Frog and Toad are not always alike, but they are always there for each other. Join them on their funny adventures swimming, looking for a lost button, and waiting for a letter. Fun pictures and few words on each page make this the perfect first chapter book for a new reader.
I am (Not) Scared, by Anna Kang, $1.99. The bears from You are (Not) Small and That’s (Not) Mine are back with a trip to the amusement park. They are frightened of, and exhilarated by, a whole host of new experiences and discover that being together can make hard things seem less scary.
A Snicker of Magic, by Natalie Lloyd, $3.99. My daughter loves this book! Here’s what she says: “A shy girl who’s been traveling around her whole life moves to a town that used to have magic. She learns that her ancestors were cursed and becomes determined to break the curse. This is a really heartwarming book, and I recommend it to people who like The Magic Half.”
Give Yourself Goosebumps: Tick Tock, You’re Dead, by R.L. Stine. A scary Goosebumps novel where you get to choose how the story turns out? Sign me up for this perfect campfire read!
Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type, by Doreen Cronin, $3.99. When the cows on Farmer Brown’s farm discover that they can use a typewriter, they begin leaving him notes with their feedback and demands. This is a great book for introducing young kids to both onomatopoeia and the concept of striking for improved conditions. Plus, it’s just really funny.
The Typewriter, by Bill Thomson, $3.99. Kids either love or hate Bill Thomson’s low- or no-text stories. His imaginative illustrations allow the reader to make up the words as they go along. In this tale, kids discover a mysterious typewriter that allows them bring things into being by typing. They begin a magical adventure along a beach.
Typewriter Manual: An Explanation of Parts and How to Clean Everything! by Ryan Smits, $0.99. Typewriters can often be found at a thrift store for about $20. If you pick one up and need information about how to use or repair it, this is a good starting place. The information is brief, and the writing style is not sophisticated, but the price is right.
I Stink! by Kate and Jim McMullen, $0.99. This garbage truck is proud of all the things it can do! Kids will love the brash bragging about all the cool things a garbage truck does to keep towns clean. There’s also a fun alphabetical list of types of trash. This is a great book to read aloud.
Monster Trucks! by Susan E. Goodman, $4.99. Step into the loud, thrilling world of monster trucks with this early reader. The level 3 books are broken into topical sections containing lots of detail. Kids will learn about how the trucks are built, what kind of tricks they can perform, and the history of monster truck racing.
My Hands Sing the Blues: Romare Bearden’s Childhood Journey, by Jeanne Walker Harvey, $1.99. This lyrical picture book tells the story of Romare Bearden, an artist reknowned for his painting and collage work. As Bearden creates one of his collages, he reflects on the moments and memories in his life that have inspired the images. The effect makes for a uniquely compelling biography.
Over and Under the Snow, by Kate Messner, $4.99. I’ve talked about Kate Messner’s books before. These picture books do a lovely job of illustrating the parts of nature that are hard for us to observe. Take a break from your warm summer day to explore how many animals spend their winters.
DKFindOut! Human Body, by DK Publishing, $1.99. Designed for kids ages 6-9, this colorful book covers all the major systems of the human body with detailed illustrations and interesting, occasionally gruesome facts. Definitely read this one on a tablet!
Calm: Mindfulness for Kids, by Wynne Kinder, $1.99. Especially in this time of heightened uncertainty and increased togetherness, we need to be proactive about supporting our kids’ mental health. Kinder has collected a variety of mindfulness activities to try with your family, with options that will appeal to kids who can easily sit still and those who need some kinetic activity to calm their minds. Activities are aimed at kids ages 7-9, but many would appeal to older or younger children.
The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: The Mysterious Howling, by Maryrose Wood, $3.99. If A Series of Unfortunate Events went back in time, you’d get The Incorrigible Children. The publisher’s description gets the tone of the book just right: “Found running wild in the forest of Ashton Place, the Incorrigibles are no ordinary children: Alexander, age ten or thereabouts, keeps his siblings in line with gentle nips; Cassiopeia, perhaps four or five, has a bark that is (usually) worse than her bite; and Beowulf, age somewhere-in-the-middle, is alarmingly adept at chasing squirrels. Luckily, Miss Penelope Lumley is no ordinary governess. Only fifteen years old and a recent graduate of the Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females, Penelope embraces the challenge of her new position. Though she is eager to instruct the children in Latin verbs and the proper use of globes, first she must help them overcome their canine tendencies. But mysteries abound at Ashton Place: Who are these three wild creatures, and how did they come to live in the vast forests of the estate? Why does Old Timothy, the coachman, lurk around every corner? Will Penelope be able to teach the Incorrigibles table manners and socially useful phrases in time for Lady Constance's holiday ball? And what on earth is a schottische?”
Lies We Tell Ourselves, by Robin Talley, $3.99. Talley looks at school desegregation with an unflinching eye. Sarah is one of the first black students to attend Jefferson High School, and every day brings new indignities and mistreatment. Linda’s family vehemently opposed integration. When the two are forced to work together, they are drawn to each other despite their differences. But how can they be together in a society that rejects interracial and same-sex relationships?
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!”
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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!
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Kindle Deals for September 30, 2020
Books about parenting and homeschooling
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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Unschooled: Raising Curious, Well-Educated Children Outside the Conventional Classroom, by Kerry McDonald, $2.59. Unschooling means different things to different people. For some, it’s defaulting to child-led learning when practical. Others completely reject any formal lessons. This book explains some of the history of unschooling, offers examples of how real unschoolers structure their days, and offers practical tips for ensuring a well-balanced education.
The Call of the Wild and Free, by Ainsley Arment, $2.99. It’s pretty rare to find a book deal that is actually about homeschooling, so I am eager to be able to bring you this one! I haven’t read it yet, but here is how the publisher describes it: “The Wild + Free movement is focused on a love of nature, reading great books, pursuing interests and hobbies, making the entire world a classroom, and prolonging the wonder of childhood, an appealing philosophy that is unpacked in the pages of this book. The Call of the Wild and Free offers advice, information, and positive encouragement for parents considering homeschooling, those currently in the trenches looking for inspiration, as well as parents, educators, and caregivers who want supplementary resources to enhance their kids’ traditional educations.”
Teach Your Own: The John Holt Book of Homeschooling, by John Holt and Pat Farenga, $2.99. John Holt is one of the founders of the modern homeschool movement. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In this expanded edition of the book that helped launch the whole movement, Pat Farenga has distilled John Holt's timeless understanding of the ways children come to understand the world and added up-to-the-moment legal, financial, and logistical advice. No parent even considering homeschooling should be without this wise and unique reference. Rather than proposing that parents turn their homes into miniature schools, Holt and Farenga demonstrate how ordinary parents can help children grow as social, active learners. Chapters on living with children, "serious play," children and work, and learning difficulties will fascinate and encourage parents and help them enjoy each "homeschool" day. John Holt's warm understanding of children and his passionate belief in every child's ability to learn have made this book the bible of homeschooling families everywhere.”
Differently Wired: A Parent’s Guide to Raising an Atypical Child with Confidence and Hope, by Deborah Reber, $1.99. Many parents choose homeschooling because their child has unique needs and challenges. This book is for you. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Today millions of kids are stuck in a world that doesn’t embrace who they really are. They are the one in five “differently wired” children with ADHD, dyslexia, giftedness, autism, anxiety, or other neurodifferences, and their challenges are many. And for the parents who love them, the challenges are just as numerous, as they struggle to find the right school, the right support, the right path.
But now there’s hope. Differently Wired is a revolutionary book—weaving together personal stories and a tool kit of expert advice from author Deborah Reber, it’s a how-to, a manifesto, and a reassuring companion for parents who can so often feel that they have no place to turn. At the heart of Differently Wired are 18 paradigm-shifting ideas—what the author calls “tilts,” which include how to accept and lean in to your role as a parent (#2: Get Out of Isolation and Connect). Deal with the challenges of parenting a differently wired child (#5: Parent from a Place of Possibility Instead of Fear). Support yourself (#11: Let Go of Your Impossible Expectations for Who You “Should” Be as a Parent). And seek community (#18: If It Doesn’t Exist, Create It).”
STILL ON SALE
Evolution for Smart Kids: A Little Scientist’s Guide to the Origins of Life, by Carlos Pazos, $1.99. Pick it up because it offers detailed factual information about evolution. Enjoy it because the story is just so darn cute. When Darwin the chicken is frustrated that he’s the smallest animal on the farm, Valentina takes him back in time to show him his exciting dinosaur roots.
Everything You Need to Ace Science in One Big Fat Notebook, by Workman Publishing, $1.99. My family loves this book series so much. Designed to look like a composition book filled with class notes, this book covers all the main topics of middle school science. Each section comes with review questions to help test knowledge. There’s not enough detail (or hands-on activities) to use this book as your sole science curriculum, but it is a fantastic jumping off point and reference for what public school kids are learning in middle school.
Everything You Need to Ace Math in One Big Fat Notebook, by Workman Publishing, $1.99. Another Big Fat Notebook on sale today, hurrah! My daughter worked through this whole book over the summer to fill in a few gaps before we moved on to algebra. The bright, engaging “hand written” text is really appealing to young readers. Math concepts are explained succinctly but comprehensively. My only complaint with this one is that a few chapters are overstuffed with concepts and don’t offer enough practice for each type of problem.
Math with Bad Drawings: Illuminating the Ideas that Shape Our Reality, by Ben Orlin, $2.99. Here’s what Amy says about this fun math book: I love the Math with Bad Drawings blog, so it’s not surprising that this book is one of my favorite math books ever. From the publisher: “A hilarious reeducation in mathematics-full of joy, jokes, and stick figures-that sheds light on the countless practical and wonderful ways that math structures and shapes our world.”
I Can Do Hard Things: Mindful Affirmations for Kids, by Gabi Garcia, $0.99. Beautiful, inclusive illustrations and memorable rhyming words make this picture book something special. Affirmations sprinkled throughout encourage children to choose kindness, practice peace, and do hard things.
My Strong Mind: A Story about Developing Mental Strength, by Niels van Hove, $2.99. This is a pretty didactic but accessible book about developing good habits. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Kate faces several situations your children will face too. She applies a positive attitude to deal with her challenges. Amongst them are getting ready in time in the morning, doing cartwheels, standing in front of the whole class with show and tell and playing basketball. Kate applies techniques like goal setting, positive self-talk, accept failure as learning, visualisation of a problem, breathing or mindfulness exercise, gratitude, and controlled distraction. These tips to build a strong mind in children are presented in an easy to read, fun and practical way.”
The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes, by Mark Pett and Gary Rubinstein, $2.99. I read this book so many times with my tiny perfectionist. Beatrice has somehow made it partway through elementary school without EVER making a mistake. She never forgets her lunch, never drops something, never gets a bad grade. When her first mistake is a big one, she discovers that the world won’t end if things don’t go perfectly.
It’s Okay to Make Mistakes, by Todd Parr, $1.99. Todd Parr’s books are like big, extra-tight hugs. His simple style is bold, funny, and diverse. For every mistake he mentions, he offers a hint at what can happen next (e.g., “It’s OK to not know the answer. Asking questions helps you learn.”) My toddler could recite Todd Parr books way before she could read them on her own.
Storybound, by Melissa Burt, $3.99. I haven’t had a chance to read this series yet, but it sounds like a delightful bookish adventure. Here’s the publisher’s description: “When Una Fairchild stumbles upon a mysterious book buried deep in the basement of her school library, she thinks nothing of opening the cover and diving in. But instead of paging through a regular novel, Una suddenly finds herself Written In to the land of Story—a world filled with Heroes and Villains and fairy-tale characters. But not everything in Story is as magical as it seems. Una must figure out why she has been Written In—and fast—before anyone else discovers her secret. Together with her new friend Peter and a talking cat named Sam, Una digs deep into Story's shadowy past. She quickly realizes that she is tied to the world in ways she never could have imagined—and it might be up to her to save it.”
A Dash of Magic, by Kathryn Littlewood, $3.99. The Bliss series is a mouth-watering literary treat. In this second book in the series, Rosemary is determined to retrieve the magical Cookery Booke that her aunt has stolen — even if it means facing off in an Iron Chef-style food battle. The competition takes the Bliss family to Paris, where the family rushes around famous sites collecting the magical ingredients Rosemary needs. There’s an excellent sense of place. If you enjoy this book, the sequel is also on sale.
Sleep, Big Bear, Sleep! by Maureen Wright, $0.99. It’s time to hibernate in this charming picture book. Bear knows there’s something he needs to do, but he keeps mishearing Old Man Winter’s “Sleep” message and instead thinks he is supposed to leap or sweep. It’s a sweet, funny story perfect for fall.
Scaredy Squirrel, by Melanie Watt, $0.99. Scaredy Squirrel wants to be prepared. He has all of his emergency gear at the ready, prepared for bees, Martians, whatever might happen. He prefers to stick to his safe, steady routine. When a chance encounter causes him to leap into the unknown, he gets a big surprise.
Shampoodle, by Joan Holub, $3.99. This fun easy reader will have kids giggling! The funny, rhyming text describes a day at the dog groomer. The dogs are all very exuberant, even before a cat wanders in and causes mayhem. I love the pictures in this one; there’s lots to see!
Bad Kitty Camp Daze, by Nick Bruel, $4.96. Bad Kitty has an attitude problem that will endear her to surly children everywhere. Bruel built on his picture book series with these early chapter books that contain lots of illustrated action. When Bad Kittle sneaks away to Uncle Murray’s Camp for Stressed-Out Dogs, she learns more than she bargains for about the natural world.
The Hobbits of Tolkien: An Illustrated Exploration of Tolkien’s Hobbits and the Sources that Inspired His Work From Myth, Legend, and History, by David Day, $3.99. Want to know more about the mythology behind Middle Earth? Curious about the etymology of some place names and people? This book perfectly balances detailed research with cozy illustrations. The author has written similar volumes about other elements of Tolkien’s work.
A Dictionary of Sources of Tolkien: The History and Mythology That Inspired Tolkien’s World, by David Day, $3.99. I enjoy sweeping fantasy, but I definitely struggle to keep all the names and places straight. In this extensive volume, Day provides information about all the proper nouns of Middle Earth, both their relevance to the narrative and their allusions to other literary traditions.
An Unexpected Cookbook: The Unofficial Book of Hobbit Cookery, by Chris-Rachael Oseland, $5.99. This book is more expensive than my typical Kindle deals, but I didn’t think we could properly celebrate Hobbit Day without at least one food book. The recipes are broken up into all seven Hobbit meals, with delicious treats like Lavender and Lemon Bread, Yorkshire Pudding, and Honey Cakes. You’ll find detailed recipe notes and mouthwatering photos throughout.
Fear of Physics: A Guide for the Perplexed, by Lawrence M. Krauss, $1.99. Krauss is a theoretical physicist who works on the deepest mysteries of the universe. But don’t let that intimidate you! Here’s the publisher’s description: “Assume the cow is a sphere." So begins this lively, irreverent, and informative look at everything from the physics of boiling water to cutting-edge research at the observable limits of the universe. Rich with anecdotes and accessible examples, Fear of Physics nimbly ranges over the tools and thought behind the world of modern physics, taking the mystery out of what is essentially a very human intellectual endeavour.”
Caesar’s Last Breath: Decoding the Secrets of the Air Around Us, by Sam Kean, $2.99. Science writer Sam Kean has written about the chemical elements, neuroscience, genetics, and the creation of the atomic bomb. In this book, he explores the air around us and the molecules we find within it. He travels throughout history and across several continents in his quest to understand the air we breathe.
Scienceblind: Why Our Intuitive Theories About the World Are So Often Wrong, by Andrew Shtulman, $4.99. Our brains are wired to make connections that help us make sense of the world. But that does not mean that our brains always interpret the world correctly. Cognitive psychologist Andrew Shtulman explains the reasons why people tend to believe weird things in this fascinating book. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Why do we catch colds? What causes seasons to change? And if you fire a bullet from a gun and drop one from your hand, which bullet hits the ground first? In a pinch we almost always get these questions wrong. Worse, we regularly misconstrue fundamental qualities of the world around us. In Scienceblind, cognitive and developmental psychologist Andrew Shtulman shows that the root of our misconceptions lies in the theories about the world we develop as children. They're not only wrong, they close our minds to ideas inconsistent with them, making us unable to learn science later in life. So how do we get the world right? We must dismantle our intuitive theories and rebuild our knowledge from its foundations. The reward won't just be a truer picture of the world, but clearer solutions to many controversies -- around vaccines, climate change, or evolution -- that plague our politics today.”
Uncommon Paper Flowers: Extraordinary Botanicals and How to Craft Them, by Kate Alcaron, $2.99. You’ve made a paper rose before, now get ready to try something unique! Alcaron has collected 30 unusual plants and created paper models of them. The book contains detailed botanical descriptions, an extensive technique section, and templates for creating your own dramatic floral display.
How to Raise Successful People, by Esther Wojcicki, $2.99. This guide to parenting by a beloved teacher focuses on building independence and resilience in children and young adults. By focusing on TRICK: Trust, Respect, Independence, Collaboration, and Kindness, Wojcicki asserts that we can raise individuals who can change the world.
Parenting in a Pandemic: How to Help Your Family Through Covid-19, by Kelly Fradin, $0.99. This just came out and will (I hope) only be useful for a limited time, but the price is right and the advice is solid. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Parents are burning out while kids need more help than ever. With so many families in crisis, pediatrician and child advocate Dr. Kelly Fradin sees an urgent need for help. As a mother of two, Dr. Fradin shares practical, evidence-based and reassuring advice on what families need to know. Parents are forced to make decisions now despite seemingly constant change and many unknowns. In Parenting in a Pandemic, Dr. Fradin provides the information and strategies you need to help navigate coronavirus. The book reviews the science necessary to understand the news and care for your family. Dr. Fradin explains the specific risks of coronavirus to children of all ages and adults, including parents, grandparents, pregnant women, and essential workers. She gives realistic strategies you can use to improve this time for your family whether you are protecting a newborn, virtually schooling or convincing a teen to physically distance.”
The House Takes a Vacation, by Jacqueline Davies, $0.99. Get ready for a surreal and wacky adventure! When the house’s people go on vacation, the house decides to take its own trip. Kids and adults will enjoy the pun-filled text and personality-filled illustrations.
The Archaeology of Home: An Epic Set on a Thousand Square Feet of the Lower East Side, by Katharine Greider, $3.99. When Greider’s NYC home is condemned, she decides to trace all the decisions and events that led to the destruction. Her research goes all the way back to the earliest settlers of New York City. The result of this research is a fascinating microhistory of an urban neighborhood that incorporates the individual stories of its former inhabitants.
Little House in the Big Woods, by Laura Ingalls Wilder, $3.99. The Little House books are among the most read children’s books of all time, and with good reason. Wilder does a tremendous job of creating a vivid and inviting glimpse into life on the frontier. Later books in the series have problematic depictions of conflicts with Native Americans and have not aged well. Little House in the Big Woods, however, is a cozy and gentle peek into the past. Read this one by candle or fire as the temperatures start to dip this fall!
Eragon, by Christopher Paolini, $1.99. Eragon is a remarkable fantasy novel created by a 15-year-old homeschooler! Join Eragon and his dragon, Saphira, in this sweeping series. When Eragon discovers a dragon egg, he has no idea it will lead him to adventure, political intrigue, and war. The books in this series are substantial and complicated, good for kids who are transitioning between middle grade and YA.
The Language of Spells, by Garret Weyr, $1.99. Amy liked this book, but warns that it is SAD. It’s a metaphor of the Holocaust through dragon-based fantasy. Here’s a bit of her review: “A lonely Viennese girl teams up with a dragon to solve the biggest mystery of World War II and figure out what happened to all the dragons. You’re plunged into an alternate magical world, where cats can run government agencies and dragons can spend decades trapped inside a teapot, and it’s a thrilling plunge. It’s alternate history! And magic! And lonely girls finding their people (or, you know, dragons) for the first time.”
The Hero’s Guide to Saving Your Kingdom, by Christopher Healy, $3.99. You think you know the classic fairytale stories, but they are usually centered around the princesses. This fun middle grade series focuses on the princes. After the “happily ever after” the princes discover that their kingdoms are in danger, and they set off take on all kinds of mythical monsters. This fun and funny book is the first in a series that your middle-grade reader will love.
The Element Encyclopedia of Magical Creatures, by John and Caitlin Matthews, $3.99. Looking for a reference on obscure creatures? Every time I open this book, I discover a new mythological animal I haven’t heard of before. Here’s the publisher’s description: “From unicorns and trolls to werewolves and griffins, this comprehensive guide is the key to discovering every magical creature from myth, folklore and legend around the world. This compendium of magical creatures explores the history, folklore and mythology of fascinating beasts throughout all the magical worlds. Including stories, celebrations, traditions, and amazing facts, the book spans every major culture across the globe.”
Steampunk! An Anthology of Fantastically Rich and Strange Stories, edited by Kelly Link and Gavin J. Grant, $0.99. Are you new to steampunk but interested in exploring alternate versions of the world shaped by a different series of technological innovations? This anthology will introduce you to many excellent YA steampunk authors. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Imagine an alternate universe where romance and technology reign. Where tinkerers and dreamers craft and re-craft a world of automatons, clockworks, calculating machines, and other marvels that never were. Where scientists and schoolgirls, fair folk and Romans, intergalactic bandits, utopian revolutionaries, and intrepid orphans solve crimes, escape from monstrous predicaments, consult oracles, and hover over volcanoes in steam-powered airships. Here, fourteen masters of speculative fiction, including two graphic storytellers, embrace the genre's established themes and refashion them in surprising ways and settings as diverse as Appalachia, ancient Rome, future Australia, and alternate California. Visionaries Kelly Link and Gavin J. Grant have invited all-new explorations and expansions, taking a genre already rich, strange, and inventive in the extreme and challenging contributors to remake it from the ground up. The result is an anthology that defies its genre even as it defines it.”
The Wonderling, by Mira Bartok, $0.99. In Mira Bartok’s imagined world, groundlings are creatures that are part animal, part human. Thirteen, a fox groundling, escapes the Dickensian workhouse where has been raised and sets off on an adventure of his own. The tone is similar to Lemony Snicket, but the story is entirely unique, full of mechanical details and animals with extraordinary abilities. Put this strange and interesting book in the hands of your middle-grade reader!
My Robots: The Robotic Genius of Lady Regina Bonquers III, by Johan Olander, $3.99. Olander creates such interesting books! This heavily illustrated book purports to be the design scrapbook of an elusive roboticist. Lady Regina has created bots to fight fires, pluck nose hairs, and even give hugs. Kids will enjoy all the details of the development process, the unique visual style, and a frisson of mystery over Lady Regina’s whereabouts.
The Last Kids on Earth, by Max Brallier, $1.99. Are you ready for some funny post-apocalyptic lit for kids? This madcap adventure mixes peril, gross out humor, and teamwork as an unlikely band of teens works to save the day and stay alive. It’s a middle grade chapter book riddled with exciting and gruesome illustrations. If this sounds like something you’d be into, several books in the series are on sale today.
Big History: From the Big Bang to the Present, by Cynthia Stokes Brown, $3.99. The Big History movement combines science with history to study Earth from the moment of the big bang all the way through current events. Brown does a remarkable job finding through lines in the vast sweep of history. Each era is necessarily brief, but readers will be pleased to see that the history is not overly focused on Western civilization.
Bear and Fred: A World War II Story, by Iris Argaman, $4.99. Picture books can make challenging subjects understandable for small children. In this book, Israeli author Iris Argaman tells the true story of a boy’s time hiding from Nazis during WWII — from the perspective of his loyal teddy bear. It’s a tough but uplifting story that gently introduces the topic of the Holocaust.
Sleepover Larry, by Daniel Pinkwater, $3.99. Larry is a dapper polar bear who lives in a hotel owned by his human family. When Larry learns the concept of sleepovers, he is determined to have a great one with his bear friends from the zoo!
National Geographic Readers: Bears, by Elizabeth Carney, $3.99. Learn about bear species from all over the world in this fun, brightly illustrated easy reader. Sections cover habitats, adaptations, diet, cubs, and more. The level 3 books pack in a lot of detail without complicated vocabulary.
Magic Tree House: Polar Bears Past Bedtime, by Mary Pope Osborne, $3.99. Jack and Annie are off on another adventure, this time to the Arctic! They encounter indigenous hunters, polar bears, the Northern Lights, and more. The Magic Tree House series is great for beginning readers who are looking for fast-paced, exciting (but short) chapter books.
Bibliophile: An Illustrated Miscellany, by Jane Mount, $2.99. This is a literary bonbon for any book lover. As the title suggests, it’s a wonderful collection of miscellaneous facts about books, writers, bookstores, characters, and more. I can almost guarantee that you will find a new author to check out, or even a new favorite book, in the illustrated book lists.
The Man Who Made Lists: Love, Death, Madness, and the Creation of Roget’s Thesaurus, by Joshua Kendall. When I was a kid, I found thesauruses fascinating. I loved flipping through themed lists of words. I don’t think many kids use paper thesauruses now; the function built into your word processor isn’t really the same. Whether you are nostalgic for your childhood thesaurus or have never really used one, you’ll find the story behind the creation of the first modern thesaurus unexpectedly fascinating. Here’s a brief publisher’s description: “Polymath, eccentric, and synonym aficionado, Peter Mark Roget had a host of female admirers, was one of the first to test the effects of laughing gas, invented the slide rule, and narrowly escaped jail in Napoleon's France. But Roget is best known for making lists. After the tragic turmoil of his early life (both his mother and sister were institutionalized), Roget longed for order in his chaotic world. At the age of eight, he began his quest to put everything in its rightful place, one word at a time. This is the fascinating story of a driven man and a brilliant scholar-and the legacy he has left for generations.”
How to Raise a Wild Child: The Art and Science of Falling in Love with Nature, by Scott D. Sampson, $2.99. We know that spending time outside is good for physical and mental health, but some families struggle to make outside time actually happen on a regular basis. Enter Scott Sampson. He is full of practical ideas for incorporating more nature into our lives and making fun for kids and adults of all ages.
Salmon: A Fish, the Earth, and the History of Their Common Fate, by Mark Kurlansky, $1.99. Mark Kurlansky is known for his in-depth microhistories of food-related topics (Salt, Cod). He turns his attention to salmon in this newly released volume. He connects the history of salmon fishing and farming to other changes in the environment. Vivid photo illustrations bring the human and natural subjects to life.
The Food Explorer: The True Adventures of the Globe-Trotting Botanist Who Transformed What America Eats, by Daniel Stone, $4.99. So many of the foods we now consider to be standard American fare are not native to this continent. The diversity of our current palate is partially the work of David Fairchild, a 19th century botanist who traveled the world looking for interesting plants that he could introduce to American audiences. Both food history and a globe-trotting adventure book, The Food Explorer is a delicious piece of writing.
Suffering Succotash: A Picky Eater’s Quest to Understand Why We Hate the Foods We Hate, by Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic, $4.99. There are tons of books about helping kids who are picky eaters, but this is the first one I’ve seen that is written by an actual picky eater. Lucianovic considers the roles of gag reflexes, anxiety, supertasters, support groups, and many other factors. The author’s personal experiences add a warm, personal touch.
A Spy in the House, by Y.S. Lee, $0.99. This is the first in a series of YA historical mysteries about a young Asian sleuth in Victorian London. Mary is an orphan doomed for the gallows when she is rescued and offered a position at the mysterious Miss Scrimshaw’s Academy for Girls. The school is the training ground for an elite group of detectives who can infiltrate high society households. Lee does an excellent job of offering the gritty details of the Victorian city while staying away from graphic details. The immigrant experience is rarely discussed in historical fiction, so this series provides an interesting perspective.
Pie in the Sky, by Remy Lai, $2.99. Does your tween plow through graphic novels at a fantastic pace? Pie in the Sky isn’t quite a graphic novel; it combines comic-style pages with paragraph text. The result is a sweet, touching story about the immigrant experience, grief, and baked goods. Here’s the publisher’s description: “When Jingwen moves to a new country, he feels like he’s landed on Mars. School is torture, making friends is impossible since he doesn’t speak English, and he's often stuck looking after his (extremely irritating) little brother, Yanghao. To distract himself from the loneliness, Jingwen daydreams about making all the cakes on the menu of Pie in the Sky, the bakery his father had planned to open before he unexpectedly passed away. The only problem is his mother has laid down one major rule: the brothers are not to use the oven while she's at work. As Jingwen and Yanghao bake elaborate cakes, they'll have to cook up elaborate excuses to keep the cake making a secret from Mama.”
Seafaring Women: Adventures of Pirate Queens, Female Stowaways, and Sailors’ Wives, by David Cordingly, $4.99. Women have been taking to the seas, sometimes in secret, for hundreds of years. Cordingly has collected the stories of dozens of maritime women who lived life on the open water.
The March on Washington, by Bonnie Bader, $3.99. American Girl has been bringing accessible historical fiction to early readers for more than 30 years. More recently, the company has published factual companion books that provide deeper background into important events. This book about the 1963 March on Washington includes photos, timelines, maps, and a bibliography for more research.
One Crazy Summer, by Rita Williams-Garcia, $4.99. When the three Gaither sisters travel to California to spend time with their estranged mother, they are expecting movie stars and Disneyland. What they actually experience is a little different: summer camp run by the Black Panthers. The girls spend the next four weeks learning about the movement and discovering their own identities. This work of historical fiction set in 1968 is a nice point of entry for a discussion about the Civil Rights movement and the Black Panthers.
Susan B. Anthony: Her Fight for Equal Rights, by Monica Kulling, $4.99. Get to know one of America’s strongest proponents of women’s voting rights, Susan B. Anthony, in this book for early readers. Anthony was determined to vote in an election, even though it was illegal for women to do so at the time. Her civil disobedience led to her arrest. Young readers will learn about how Anthony’s actions paved the way for the 19th Amendment.
Lillian’s Right to Vote: A Celebration of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, by Jonah Winter and Shane W. Evans, $4.99. Sadly, the 19th Amendment did not make voting accessible to ALL women. In many places, unfair practices like poll taxes, complicated literacy tests, and property ownership rules made it nearly impossible for people of color to vote. In this moving picture book, an old woman reminisces about her family’s history and the many barriers to voting they faced.
The Women’s Suffrage Movement, edited by Sally Roesch Wagner, $4.99. What is the study of history without primary sources? This great collection from Penguin Classics looks at the quest for women’s rights in a delightfully intersectional array of essays, letters, speeches, and other texts. Readers will discover Black and Native American women whose ideas were crucial to the movement but have been overlooked in historical accounts.
The Templeton Twins Have an Idea, by Ellis Weiner, $0.99. If your reader has plowed the A Series of Unfortunate Events and would like something with a similar feel, look no further. The Templetons feel very similar to the Baudelaires. A snippet from the book description gives you an excellent feel for the tone: “Suppose there were 12-year-old twins, a boy and girl named John and Abigail Templeton. Let's say John was pragmatic and played the drums, and Abigail was theoretical and solved cryptic crosswords. Now suppose their father was a brilliant, if sometimes confused, inventor. And suppose that another set of twins—adults—named Dean D. Dean and Dan D. Dean, kidnapped the Templeton twins and their ridiculous dog in order to get their father to turn over one of his genius (sort of) inventions. Yes, I said kidnapped. Wouldn't it be fun to read about that? Oh please. It would so. Luckily for you, this is just the first in a series perfect for boys and girls who are smart, clever, and funny (just like the twins), and enjoy reading adventurous stories (who doesn't?!).”
Ella Enchanted, by Gail Carson Levine, $1.99. This Newberry Honor book has been beloved for two decades, and with good reason. A unique twist on the Cinderella story, this book focuses on Ella, a girl who has been cursed (“gifted”?) with obedience to others’ orders. In order to break this curse, she must track down and convince the fairy godmother who bestowed it.
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.
801 Things You Should Know: From Greek Philosophy to Today’s Technology, by David Olsen, $1.99. You’re a smart person. You’ve probably heard of many of the concepts and events in this book. But you may not be clear on all the details. This collection of short entries about everything from politics to medical terminology to economic principals will serve as a great introduction or refresher. Hand this to a tween/teen along with a newspaper — they’ll be able to quickly get background on unfamiliar terms like bear markets, the Hundred Years’ War, and the Invisible Hand theory.
A Field Guide to Monsters, by Johan Olander, $0.99. Olander is a “monstrologist” who documents monsters’ behavior in the wild. In this whimsical and imaginative book, he collects illustrations and artifacts from the Slobber Bug, Beach Krill, Tadpole-Monster, and other previously unknown (aka imaginary) creatures. It would be fun to compare this book with other, more scientific field guides.
Iron Hearted Violet, by Kelly Barnhill, $1.99. Kelly Barnhill tells such compelling twists on fairytale tropes. In this book, Princess Violet must work with the last dragon alive to protect the world from an evil being she has only read about in a forbidden book. Violet is brave, but not beautiful, strong, but not perfect.
The Menagerie, by Tui T. Sutherland and Kari Sutherland, $3.99. If your middle-grade reader enjoys books where the magical world bumps into the real world, The Menagerie series may be the perfect next adventure. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In the small town of Xanadu, Wyoming lies the Menagerie, a top secret facility filled with unicorns, dragons, phoenixes, and other fairy tale creatures. At least, it was a secret—until six griffin cubs escaped. If Logan and Zoe don’t get the cubs back fast, the entire Menagerie will be shut down. The race is on and the resulting adventure is only the beginning of a thrilling series that will leave readers wanting a magical menagerie of their very own.”
An Optimist’s Tour of the Future, by Mark Stevenson, $4.99. My husband loves this book, which does a great job of musing about how technology could change our future for the better. Here’s the publisher’s description: “When unexpectedly confronted with his own mortality, Mark Stevenson-a writer, deep-thinker, and stand-up comedian-began to ponder what the future holds for our species. ‘The past is a foreign country,’ writes Stevenson. ‘By my analysis it's a bit like France-in that I've been to parts of it and eaten some nice food there. But the future? The future is an unknown territory-and there isn't a guidebook.’ Thus, his ambition was born. Stevenson set out simply, asking, ‘What's next?’ and then traveled the globe in pursuit of the answers. Along the way, he visited the Australian outback to visit the farmers who can save us from climate change, met a robot with mood swings, and talked to the Spaniard who's putting a hotel in space. While some might be overwhelmed, or even dismayed by the looming realities of genome sequencing, synthetic biology, a nuclear renaissance, and carbon scrubbing, Stevenson remains, well, optimistic. Drawing on his singular humor and storytelling to break down these sometimes complicated discoveries, An Optimist's Tour of the Future paints a wonderfully readable, and completely enthralling portrait of where we'll be when we grow up- and why it's not so scary.”
50 Ways to Beat Boredom with LEGO Bricks, by DK Publishing, $0.99. If your house is anything like mine, you have no shortage of LEGO pieces. This short book introduces 50 quick activities and games using the beloved building materials. Build a mountain to create a 3D game board (instructions for a spinner also included) or design a functional piggy bank! This is an idea book, not a book of detailed instructions, but it’s a great jumping off point for an hour or a day of LEGO exploration. Note: If you already have 365 Things to Do with LEGO Bricks, you don’t need this book; this book is a shorter extract of that one.
Would You Rather? Made You Think Edition, by Lindsey Daly, $0.99. They start simple: “Would you rather kiss a fish that’s living in a radioactive pond or roll down a hill while hugging a porcupine?” The questions only get more interesting from there. Turn the questions into a game by scoring points for the best reasoning (guidelines are given in the introduction).
Astronuts Mission One: The Plant Planet! by Jon Scieszka, $1.99. Picture book author Scieszka has created a hilarious series for somewhat older readers. With his trademark wit and Steven Weinberg’s vibrant illustrations, Astronuts will keep kids turning the pages. Here’s the publisher’s description: “AstroWolf, LaserShark, SmartHawk, and StinkBug are animals that have been hybridized to find other planets for humans to live on once we've ruined Earth. So off they rocket to the Plant Planet! Will that planet support human life? Or do Plant Planet's inhabitants have a more sinister plan? AstroNuts Mission One is a can't-put-it-down page-turner for reluctant readers and fans ready to blast past Wimpy Kid.”
Diary of a Pug: Pug Blasts Off, by Kyla May, $2.99. Meet Bub, aka Baron von Bubbles, beloved pet of Bella. He loves doing everything with his human, so when she enters an invention contest, Bub is determined to help her. But this means he needs to deal with his squirrel nemesis, Nutz. This fun, brightly colored diary is full of wacky adventures and adorable illustrations. Early chapter book readers will love it!
Chickadee, by Louise Erdrich, $4.49. Chickadee takes place within the family introduced in Birchbark House. Omakayas is grown with a family of her own, and this story focuses on her twin sons, Chickadee and Makoons. After a prank gone wrong, Chickadee is kidnapped by angry men. This is the tale of Chickadee’s long path to reunion with his family. As with Erdrich’s other books, Chickadee’s story is filled with vivid details about Ojibwe life and traditions.
Young Water Protetctors: A Story About Standing Rock, by Aslan and Kelly Tudor, $2.99. Aslan Tudor was 10 years old when he wrote this book about his time participating in the Standing Rock protests. This is a great, age appropriate introduction to the conflict between native peoples and developers of the Dakota Access Pipeline.
My Heart Fills with Happiness, by Monique Gray Smith, $4.99. This sweet picture book introduces many things that bring happiness — good smells, good friends, and the beauty of nature. The lovely illustrations show many elements in the life on an indigenous family.
Hearts Unbroken, by Cynthia Leitich Smith, $0.99. High school is complicated for everyone, even more so in this YA novel about a community in racial and cultural conflict. Here’s the publisher’s description: “When Louise Wolfe’s first real boyfriend mocks and disrespects Native people in front of her, she breaks things off and dumps him over e-mail. It’s her senior year, anyway, and she’d rather spend her time with her family and friends and working on the school newspaper. The editors pair her up with Joey Kairouz, the ambitious new photojournalist, and in no time the paper’s staff find themselves with a major story to cover: the school musical director’s inclusive approach to casting The Wizard of Oz has been provoking backlash in their mostly white, middle-class Kansas town. From the newly formed Parents Against Revisionist Theater to anonymous threats, long-held prejudices are being laid bare and hostilities are spreading against teachers, parents, and students — especially the cast members at the center of the controversy, including Lou’s little brother, who’s playing the Tin Man. As tensions mount at school, so does a romance between Lou and Joey — but as she’s learned, ‘dating while Native’ can be difficult. In trying to protect her own heart, will Lou break Joey’s?”
The Odds of Loving Grover Cleveland, by Rebekah Crane, $0.99. This Grover Cleveland isn’t a president; he’s a resident at Camp Padua, a summer program for at-risk teens. When Zander’s parents insist she leave home to attend camp, she is sure that she won’t fit in. She’s surprised to make connections with her fellow campers, even though they are all dealing with big problems of their own. This tough but ultimately hopeful novel is also filled with darkly funny moments.
The Mermaid’s Sister, by Carrie Anne Noble, $0.99. I haven’t read this YA fantasy novel yet, but it’s definitely on my To Read list. Here’s the publisher’s summary: In a cottage high atop Llanfair Mountain, sixteen-year-old Clara lives with her sister, Maren, and guardian Auntie. By day, they gather herbs for Auntie’s healing potions; by night, Auntie spins tales of faraway lands and wicked fairies. Clara’s favorite story tells of three orphaned infants—Clara, who was brought to Auntie by a stork; Maren, who arrived in a seashell; and their best friend, O’Neill, who was found beneath an apple tree. One day, Clara discovers iridescent scales just beneath her sister’s skin: Maren is becoming a mermaid and must be taken to the sea or she will die. So Clara, O’Neill, and the mermaid-girl set out for the shore. But the trio encounters trouble around every bend. Ensnared by an evil troupe of traveling performers, Clara and O’Neill must find a way to save themselves and the ever-weakening Maren.
The Testing, by Joelle Charbonneau, $1.99. Calling all fans of The Hunger Games or Divergent! This series should scratch that dystopian coming-of-age itch. Here’s a summary from the publisher: “It’s graduation day for sixteen-year-old Malencia Vale, and the entire Five Lakes Colony (the former Great Lakes) is celebrating. All Cia can think about—hope for—is whether she’ll be chosen for The Testing, a United Commonwealth program that selects the best and brightest new graduates to become possible leaders of the slowly revitalizing post-war civilization. When Cia is chosen, her father finally tells her about his own nightmarish half-memories of The Testing. Armed with his dire warnings (“Cia, trust no one”), she bravely heads off to Tosu City, far away from friends and family, perhaps forever. Danger, romance—and sheer terror—await.”
Princess Academy, by Shannon Hale, $0.99. You may be starting to get the impression that I love Shannon Hale, and you would be right. Princess Academy is the first in a middle grade series about a land where a rich urban royal class benefits from the poorly paid labor of all the surrounding towns. When it is decided that the Prince’s wife should come from Miri’s village, all the teen girls are rounded up and sent to a school where they will be taught the ways of court. Booklist says, “Hale nicely interweaves feminist sensibilities in this quest-for-a-prince-charming, historical-fantasy tale. Strong suspense and plot drive the action as the girls outwit would-be kidnappers and explore the boundaries of leadership, competition, and friendship.” If you are looking for books with strong heroines who overcome difficulties to make a difference in their world, this is the book for you.
Bound: 15 Beautiful Bookbinding Projects, by Rachel Hazell, $3.99. If your family is anything like mine, you probably have dozens of stories your kids have written and illustrated. Why not turn them into an art project by binding them into book form? Or set yourself up for a new school year by creating small notebooks for nature observations or other projects. This book goes through multiple styles, from basic to complex, with step by step instructions.
Mini Weapons of Mass Destruction: Make Mayhem from your Stationery with 35 Models to Build Yourself, by John Austin, $3.99. Do you have pens, rubber bands, and plastic utensils? If so, you’re ready to build a catapult or trebuchet! All of these weapons are small scale but need adult supervision to prevent injury. Keep this book as a resource for discussing wars and weaponry throughout history.
American Heritage History of Flight, by Arthur Gordon, $1.99. This detailed look at aviation begins with ancient attempts to harness the wind and moves through modern technological innovations. While there are few illustrations, the Kindle version includes in-text links to Wikipedia for additional information and visuals.
National Geographic Readers: Planes, by Amy Shields, $4.99. If you are looking for a detailed book that your early elementary students can read on their own, the National Geographic Reader series is a great place to start. This one covers all types of planes, including some unusual ones (have you ever seen the inside of a C-17?) sure to pique interest.
Amazing Airplanes, by Tony Mitton, $3.54. For our youngest family members, we have this bright and simple picture book. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Buckle up to learn all about flying! Amazing Airplanes follows the animal crew, as they become pilots, baggage handlers, and air stewards. Each page is filled with details that machine-mad kids love, such as the cockpit, landing gear, and much more. This book is perfect for budding pilots or happy vacationers! From airplanes to fire engines, the internationally bestselling Amazing Machines series is the perfect way for children to learn about all sorts of vehicles! Each book introduces a new vehicle and the jobs it can do. Bright, engaging artwork and simple, rhyming text combine to make these fantastic books for young children. Kids will love getting to know the friendly, animal characters who feature throughout the series and reading about their fast-paced adventures!”
Her Right Foot, by Dave Eggers, $2.99. This beautiful picture book takes a look at the history of the Statue of Liberty. More than that, Eggers uses the statue to address the inherent freedoms that form the basis of American culture and government. Shawn Harris’s mixed-media illustrations are simple but visually interesting.
Epic Fails: Not-So-Great Presidents, by Ben Thompson and Erik Slader. This newer history series is a lot of fun for middle-grade readers. Rather than focusing on successes, the authors emphasize foibles (e.g., Washington’s mistakes early in his career as a British soldier, Nixon’s Watergate scandal). The result is humanizing; presidents are just people, and everyone makes mistakes. The tone is light and full of contemporary references. A good choice for history fans and history skeptics!
Small Wonders: Jean-Henri Fabre and His World of Insects, by Matthew Clark Smith, $3.99. Fabre is one of the most famous naturalists in history. His interest started when he was a small child fascinated by moths, wasps, and other insects. Instead of merely collecting and dissecting them, Fabre was among the first to study insect behavior in the natural environment.
Microadventures: Local Discoveries, Great Escapes, by Alastair Humphreys, $4.99. The adventures are small, but the world is large! Humphreys is a naturalist and adventurer who has explored all over the world. This book focuses on really getting to know the world right around you. These outdoor adventures can be accomplished in a day or less, with minimal supplies. Humphreys encourages you to chase down a full moon, explore woods and forests, swim in a river, and more. Humphreys is based in the UK, so some of the challenges may not be applicable (e.g., there are few places in the US where you can walk from coast to coast), but most can be adapted to any local environment. This book is perfect for a family looking for new recreation ideas during the pandemic.
Rules, by Cynthia Lord, $3.99. Catherine loves her brother, but she’s not always nice to him. He has autism, and she has created a long list of rules for him to follow so that he doesn’t embarrass her in public. When she meets Jason, a paraplegic who uses a wheelchair and communicates through picture cards, Catherine begins to realize that there’s no one “normal” way to be, and that she needs to find more acceptance and understanding for others, even her own brother.
Freak the Mighty, by Rodman Philbrick, $3.99. This classic story of an unusual friendship has been made into a movie. Kevin has a disorder that prevents him from growing; Max is large for his age and struggles with learning disabilities. Together, Kevin and Max form “Freak the Mighty,” with Kevin riding Max’s shoulders as they explore their surroundings and defeat bullies. Both boys have unique perspectives. Content warning: this book is poignant and tragic.
Missing Math: A Number Mystery, by Loreen Leedy, $3.99. This bright and fun picture book will convince kids of the importance of numbers. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In Missing Math, the numbers all over town suddenly disappear. The animals can’t count, use the phone, or even find out what time it is. Rulers, money, and computers have all become completely useless. . . . Can the town’s detective solve this numerical mystery? Will he ever bring the numbers back home again? Loreen Leedy’s clever rhyming text PLUS her amusing digitally painted illustrations EQUALS proof that we need math each and every day.”
Alone: A Story of Friendship in the Darkness of Space, by Scott Stuart, $0.99. Earth is all alone in space, so it goes off looking for a friend. This sweet, fanciful book includes a few interesting scientific tidbits.
Blast Off to the Moon! by Lauren Gunderson, $3.99. Dr. Wonderful just wants to know why things happen, and she’s willing to explore to find out. When she becomes curious about why the moon changes shape each night, she and her dog decide to go up into space for research. Kids will love the funny illustrations; parents will appreciate the way Dr. Wonderful carefully works through the scientific process to answer her questions.
The Upside of Falling Down, by Rebekah Crane, $1.99. A coming-of-age novel with an unusual twist: Clementine is the sole survivor of a plane crash, and she’s now in Ireland suffering from amnesia. Here’s the plot summary: “With the relentless Irish press bearing down on her, and a father she may not even recognize on his way from America to take her home, Clementine assumes a new identity and enlists a blue-eyed Irish stranger, Kieran O’Connell, to help her escape her forgotten life…and start a new one. Hiding out in the sleepy town of Waterville, Ireland, Clementine discovers there’s an upside to a life that’s fallen apart. But as her lies grow, so does her affection for Kieran, and the truth about her identity becomes harder and harder to reveal, forcing Clementine to decide: Can she leave her past behind for a new love she’ll never forget?”
Zoey and Sassafras: Dragons and Marshmallows, by Asia Citro, $1.99. Science can be magic! Zoey and her cat Sassafras have a big secret: magical creatures are real and come to them for help! Zoey is a budding scientist and uses the scientific method to figure out what is wrong with a sick dragon. This is the first in a series; the short chapters, charming illustrations, and simple language make these books a good choice for budding readers.
What Lives in a Shell? by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld, $2.99. This charming book from the “Let’s Read and Find Out” series is a great introduction to crustaceans and other shelled creatures for early elementary readers. Detailed illustrations introduce clams, snails, crabs, and more.
A Tale of Two Cities, by Charles Dickens, $2.99. A classic adventure from Charles Dickens presents the story of the French Revolution through the eyes of the aristocrats, opportunists, and spies of Paris. Break out your knitting needles and settle in for an engrossing read. This edition includes a brief biography of Dickens and some contextual material.
I Survived The Battle of D-Day, by Lauren Tarshis, $3.99. My elementary-schooler has enjoyed several of the books in this series about deadly wars, plagues, and natural disasters. Each book includes a fictionalized story and a short section of historical information. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Eleven-year-old Paul's French village has been under Nazi control for years. His Jewish best friend has disappeared. Food is scarce. And there doesn't seem to be anything Paul can do to make things better. Then Paul finds an American paratrooper in a tree near his home. The soldier says the Allies have a plan to crush the Nazis once and for all. But the soldier needs Paul's help. This is Paul's chance to make a difference. Soon he finds himself in the midst of the largest invasion in history. Can he do his part to turn horror into hope?”
Magic Tree House: Night of the New Magicians, by Mary Pope Osborne, $3.99. Jack and Annie are heading to France! Merlin has sent them to pass along a message to four magicians at the 1889 World’s Fair in Paris. This is a “Merlin Mission,” so it is longer and more involved than the original Magic Tree House books.
Zane and the Hurricane: A Story of Katrina, by Rodman Philbrick, $3.99. Zane doesn’t know New Orleans well; he is visiting his great-grandmother when Hurricane Katrina makes landfall. After chasing his runaway dog, he finds himself fending for himself until he is rescued by a passing canoe. Philbrick includes realistic historical details and deftly addresses issues of race, class, and privilege.
Gandhi: A March to the Sea, by Alice B. McGinty, $1.99. This picture book with beautiful painted illustrations focuses on the nonviolent Satyagraha movement. There’s a free educator’s guide available as a PDF.
The Sky Painter: Louis Fuertes, Bird Artist, by Margarita Engle, $1.99. I will admit that I had never heard of Fuertes before I discovered this book. Thank you, Margarita Engle, for introducing me to his beautiful work. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Louis loves to watch birds. He takes care of injured birds and studies how they look and how they move. His father wants him to become an engineer, but Louis dreams of being a bird artist. To achieve this dream, he must practice, practice, practice. He learns from the art of John James Audubon. But as Louis grows up, he begins to draw and paint living, flying birds in their natural habitats. Louis Agassiz Fuertes (1874–1927) is now known as the father of modern bird art. He traveled with many scientific expeditions all over the world. His best-known works—paintings for habitat exhibits at the American Museum of Natural History in New York—are still beloved by visitors today. His art helped to encourage wildlife conservation, inspiring people to celebrate and protect the world of wings. Poems by Newbery Honor–winning author Margarita Engle and illustrations by Aliona Bereghici capture the life of Louis Fuertes and the deep sense of wonder that he felt when he painted the sky.”
Escape North! The Story of Harriet Tubman, by Monica Kulling, $4.99. I found my copy of this book at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park (which is great and you should go!). As I’ve mentioned before, I really like the higher level nonfiction “Step into Reading” books for providing a solid foundation on a topic at the elementary level. Kids will learn about Tubman’s missions escorting enslaved people to freedom, but also about her work as a spy and women’s rights advocate.
Frog and Toad are Friends, by Arnold Lobel, $4.99. This is an easy reader classic! Frog and Toad are not always alike, but they are always there for each other. Join them on their funny adventures swimming, looking for a lost button, and waiting for a letter. Fun pictures and few words on each page make this the perfect first chapter book for a new reader.
I am (Not) Scared, by Anna Kang, $1.99. The bears from You are (Not) Small and That’s (Not) Mine are back with a trip to the amusement park. They are frightened of, and exhilarated by, a whole host of new experiences and discover that being together can make hard things seem less scary.
A Snicker of Magic, by Natalie Lloyd, $3.99. My daughter loves this book! Here’s what she says: “A shy girl who’s been traveling around her whole life moves to a town that used to have magic. She learns that her ancestors were cursed and becomes determined to break the curse. This is a really heartwarming book, and I recommend it to people who like The Magic Half.”
Give Yourself Goosebumps: Tick Tock, You’re Dead, by R.L. Stine. A scary Goosebumps novel where you get to choose how the story turns out? Sign me up for this perfect campfire read!
Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type, by Doreen Cronin, $3.99. When the cows on Farmer Brown’s farm discover that they can use a typewriter, they begin leaving him notes with their feedback and demands. This is a great book for introducing young kids to both onomatopoeia and the concept of striking for improved conditions. Plus, it’s just really funny.
The Typewriter, by Bill Thomson, $3.99. Kids either love or hate Bill Thomson’s low- or no-text stories. His imaginative illustrations allow the reader to make up the words as they go along. In this tale, kids discover a mysterious typewriter that allows them bring things into being by typing. They begin a magical adventure along a beach.
Typewriter Manual: An Explanation of Parts and How to Clean Everything! by Ryan Smits, $0.99. Typewriters can often be found at a thrift store for about $20. If you pick one up and need information about how to use or repair it, this is a good starting place. The information is brief, and the writing style is not sophisticated, but the price is right.
I Stink! by Kate and Jim McMullen, $0.99. This garbage truck is proud of all the things it can do! Kids will love the brash bragging about all the cool things a garbage truck does to keep towns clean. There’s also a fun alphabetical list of types of trash. This is a great book to read aloud.
Monster Trucks! by Susan E. Goodman, $4.99. Step into the loud, thrilling world of monster trucks with this early reader. The level 3 books are broken into topical sections containing lots of detail. Kids will learn about how the trucks are built, what kind of tricks they can perform, and the history of monster truck racing.
My Hands Sing the Blues: Romare Bearden’s Childhood Journey, by Jeanne Walker Harvey, $1.99. This lyrical picture book tells the story of Romare Bearden, an artist reknowned for his painting and collage work. As Bearden creates one of his collages, he reflects on the moments and memories in his life that have inspired the images. The effect makes for a uniquely compelling biography.
Over and Under the Snow, by Kate Messner, $4.99. I’ve talked about Kate Messner’s books before. These picture books do a lovely job of illustrating the parts of nature that are hard for us to observe. Take a break from your warm summer day to explore how many animals spend their winters.
DKFindOut! Human Body, by DK Publishing, $1.99. Designed for kids ages 6-9, this colorful book covers all the major systems of the human body with detailed illustrations and interesting, occasionally gruesome facts. Definitely read this one on a tablet!
Calm: Mindfulness for Kids, by Wynne Kinder, $1.99. Especially in this time of heightened uncertainty and increased togetherness, we need to be proactive about supporting our kids’ mental health. Kinder has collected a variety of mindfulness activities to try with your family, with options that will appeal to kids who can easily sit still and those who need some kinetic activity to calm their minds. Activities are aimed at kids ages 7-9, but many would appeal to older or younger children.
The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: The Mysterious Howling, by Maryrose Wood, $3.99. If A Series of Unfortunate Events went back in time, you’d get The Incorrigible Children. The publisher’s description gets the tone of the book just right: “Found running wild in the forest of Ashton Place, the Incorrigibles are no ordinary children: Alexander, age ten or thereabouts, keeps his siblings in line with gentle nips; Cassiopeia, perhaps four or five, has a bark that is (usually) worse than her bite; and Beowulf, age somewhere-in-the-middle, is alarmingly adept at chasing squirrels. Luckily, Miss Penelope Lumley is no ordinary governess. Only fifteen years old and a recent graduate of the Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females, Penelope embraces the challenge of her new position. Though she is eager to instruct the children in Latin verbs and the proper use of globes, first she must help them overcome their canine tendencies. But mysteries abound at Ashton Place: Who are these three wild creatures, and how did they come to live in the vast forests of the estate? Why does Old Timothy, the coachman, lurk around every corner? Will Penelope be able to teach the Incorrigibles table manners and socially useful phrases in time for Lady Constance's holiday ball? And what on earth is a schottische?”
Lies We Tell Ourselves, by Robin Talley, $3.99. Talley looks at school desegregation with an unflinching eye. Sarah is one of the first black students to attend Jefferson High School, and every day brings new indignities and mistreatment. Linda’s family vehemently opposed integration. When the two are forced to work together, they are drawn to each other despite their differences. But how can they be together in a society that rejects interracial and same-sex relationships?
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!”
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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!
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Kindle Deals for September 29, 2020
STEM resources
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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Evolution for Smart Kids: A Little Scientist’s Guide to the Origins of Life, by Carlos Pazos, $1.99. Pick it up because it offers detailed factual information about evolution. Enjoy it because the story is just so darn cute. When Darwin the chicken is frustrated that he’s the smallest animal on the farm, Valentina takes him back in time to show him his exciting dinosaur roots.
Everything You Need to Ace Science in One Big Fat Notebook, by Workman Publishing, $1.99. My family loves this book series so much. Designed to look like a composition book filled with class notes, this book covers all the main topics of middle school science. Each section comes with review questions to help test knowledge. There’s not enough detail (or hands-on activities) to use this book as your sole science curriculum, but it is a fantastic jumping off point and reference for what public school kids are learning in middle school.
Everything You Need to Ace Math in One Big Fat Notebook, by Workman Publishing, $1.99. Another Big Fat Notebook on sale today, hurrah! My daughter worked through this whole book over the summer to fill in a few gaps before we moved on to algebra. The bright, engaging “hand written” text is really appealing to young readers. Math concepts are explained succinctly but comprehensively. My only complaint with this one is that a few chapters are overstuffed with concepts and don’t offer enough practice for each type of problem.
Math with Bad Drawings: Illuminating the Ideas that Shape Our Reality, by Ben Orlin, $2.99. Here’s what Amy says about this fun math book: I love the Math with Bad Drawings blog, so it’s not surprising that this book is one of my favorite math books ever. From the publisher: “A hilarious reeducation in mathematics-full of joy, jokes, and stick figures-that sheds light on the countless practical and wonderful ways that math structures and shapes our world.”
STILL ON SALE
I Can Do Hard Things: Mindful Affirmations for Kids, by Gabi Garcia, $0.99. Beautiful, inclusive illustrations and memorable rhyming words make this picture book something special. Affirmations sprinkled throughout encourage children to choose kindness, practice peace, and do hard things.
My Strong Mind: A Story about Developing Mental Strength, by Niels van Hove, $2.99. This is a pretty didactic but accessible book about developing good habits. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Kate faces several situations your children will face too. She applies a positive attitude to deal with her challenges. Amongst them are getting ready in time in the morning, doing cartwheels, standing in front of the whole class with show and tell and playing basketball. Kate applies techniques like goal setting, positive self-talk, accept failure as learning, visualisation of a problem, breathing or mindfulness exercise, gratitude, and controlled distraction. These tips to build a strong mind in children are presented in an easy to read, fun and practical way.”
The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes, by Mark Pett and Gary Rubinstein, $2.99. I read this book so many times with my tiny perfectionist. Beatrice has somehow made it partway through elementary school without EVER making a mistake. She never forgets her lunch, never drops something, never gets a bad grade. When her first mistake is a big one, she discovers that the world won’t end if things don’t go perfectly.
It’s Okay to Make Mistakes, by Todd Parr, $1.99. Todd Parr’s books are like big, extra-tight hugs. His simple style is bold, funny, and diverse. For every mistake he mentions, he offers a hint at what can happen next (e.g., “It’s OK to not know the answer. Asking questions helps you learn.”) My toddler could recite Todd Parr books way before she could read them on her own.
Storybound, by Melissa Burt, $3.99. I haven’t had a chance to read this series yet, but it sounds like a delightful bookish adventure. Here’s the publisher’s description: “When Una Fairchild stumbles upon a mysterious book buried deep in the basement of her school library, she thinks nothing of opening the cover and diving in. But instead of paging through a regular novel, Una suddenly finds herself Written In to the land of Story—a world filled with Heroes and Villains and fairy-tale characters. But not everything in Story is as magical as it seems. Una must figure out why she has been Written In—and fast—before anyone else discovers her secret. Together with her new friend Peter and a talking cat named Sam, Una digs deep into Story's shadowy past. She quickly realizes that she is tied to the world in ways she never could have imagined—and it might be up to her to save it.”
A Dash of Magic, by Kathryn Littlewood, $3.99. The Bliss series is a mouth-watering literary treat. In this second book in the series, Rosemary is determined to retrieve the magical Cookery Booke that her aunt has stolen — even if it means facing off in an Iron Chef-style food battle. The competition takes the Bliss family to Paris, where the family rushes around famous sites collecting the magical ingredients Rosemary needs. There’s an excellent sense of place. If you enjoy this book, the sequel is also on sale.
Sleep, Big Bear, Sleep! by Maureen Wright, $0.99. It’s time to hibernate in this charming picture book. Bear knows there’s something he needs to do, but he keeps mishearing Old Man Winter’s “Sleep” message and instead thinks he is supposed to leap or sweep. It’s a sweet, funny story perfect for fall.
Scaredy Squirrel, by Melanie Watt, $0.99. Scaredy Squirrel wants to be prepared. He has all of his emergency gear at the ready, prepared for bees, Martians, whatever might happen. He prefers to stick to his safe, steady routine. When a chance encounter causes him to leap into the unknown, he gets a big surprise.
Shampoodle, by Joan Holub, $3.99. This fun easy reader will have kids giggling! The funny, rhyming text describes a day at the dog groomer. The dogs are all very exuberant, even before a cat wanders in and causes mayhem. I love the pictures in this one; there’s lots to see!
Bad Kitty Camp Daze, by Nick Bruel, $4.96. Bad Kitty has an attitude problem that will endear her to surly children everywhere. Bruel built on his picture book series with these early chapter books that contain lots of illustrated action. When Bad Kittle sneaks away to Uncle Murray’s Camp for Stressed-Out Dogs, she learns more than she bargains for about the natural world.
The Hobbits of Tolkien: An Illustrated Exploration of Tolkien’s Hobbits and the Sources that Inspired His Work From Myth, Legend, and History, by David Day, $3.99. Want to know more about the mythology behind Middle Earth? Curious about the etymology of some place names and people? This book perfectly balances detailed research with cozy illustrations. The author has written similar volumes about other elements of Tolkien’s work.
A Dictionary of Sources of Tolkien: The History and Mythology That Inspired Tolkien’s World, by David Day, $3.99. I enjoy sweeping fantasy, but I definitely struggle to keep all the names and places straight. In this extensive volume, Day provides information about all the proper nouns of Middle Earth, both their relevance to the narrative and their allusions to other literary traditions.
An Unexpected Cookbook: The Unofficial Book of Hobbit Cookery, by Chris-Rachael Oseland, $5.99. This book is more expensive than my typical Kindle deals, but I didn’t think we could properly celebrate Hobbit Day without at least one food book. The recipes are broken up into all seven Hobbit meals, with delicious treats like Lavender and Lemon Bread, Yorkshire Pudding, and Honey Cakes. You’ll find detailed recipe notes and mouthwatering photos throughout.
Fear of Physics: A Guide for the Perplexed, by Lawrence M. Krauss, $1.99. Krauss is a theoretical physicist who works on the deepest mysteries of the universe. But don’t let that intimidate you! Here’s the publisher’s description: “Assume the cow is a sphere." So begins this lively, irreverent, and informative look at everything from the physics of boiling water to cutting-edge research at the observable limits of the universe. Rich with anecdotes and accessible examples, Fear of Physics nimbly ranges over the tools and thought behind the world of modern physics, taking the mystery out of what is essentially a very human intellectual endeavour.”
Caesar’s Last Breath: Decoding the Secrets of the Air Around Us, by Sam Kean, $2.99. Science writer Sam Kean has written about the chemical elements, neuroscience, genetics, and the creation of the atomic bomb. In this book, he explores the air around us and the molecules we find within it. He travels throughout history and across several continents in his quest to understand the air we breathe.
Scienceblind: Why Our Intuitive Theories About the World Are So Often Wrong, by Andrew Shtulman, $4.99. Our brains are wired to make connections that help us make sense of the world. But that does not mean that our brains always interpret the world correctly. Cognitive psychologist Andrew Shtulman explains the reasons why people tend to believe weird things in this fascinating book. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Why do we catch colds? What causes seasons to change? And if you fire a bullet from a gun and drop one from your hand, which bullet hits the ground first? In a pinch we almost always get these questions wrong. Worse, we regularly misconstrue fundamental qualities of the world around us. In Scienceblind, cognitive and developmental psychologist Andrew Shtulman shows that the root of our misconceptions lies in the theories about the world we develop as children. They're not only wrong, they close our minds to ideas inconsistent with them, making us unable to learn science later in life. So how do we get the world right? We must dismantle our intuitive theories and rebuild our knowledge from its foundations. The reward won't just be a truer picture of the world, but clearer solutions to many controversies -- around vaccines, climate change, or evolution -- that plague our politics today.”
Uncommon Paper Flowers: Extraordinary Botanicals and How to Craft Them, by Kate Alcaron, $2.99. You’ve made a paper rose before, now get ready to try something unique! Alcaron has collected 30 unusual plants and created paper models of them. The book contains detailed botanical descriptions, an extensive technique section, and templates for creating your own dramatic floral display.
How to Raise Successful People, by Esther Wojcicki, $2.99. This guide to parenting by a beloved teacher focuses on building independence and resilience in children and young adults. By focusing on TRICK: Trust, Respect, Independence, Collaboration, and Kindness, Wojcicki asserts that we can raise individuals who can change the world.
Parenting in a Pandemic: How to Help Your Family Through Covid-19, by Kelly Fradin, $0.99. This just came out and will (I hope) only be useful for a limited time, but the price is right and the advice is solid. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Parents are burning out while kids need more help than ever. With so many families in crisis, pediatrician and child advocate Dr. Kelly Fradin sees an urgent need for help. As a mother of two, Dr. Fradin shares practical, evidence-based and reassuring advice on what families need to know. Parents are forced to make decisions now despite seemingly constant change and many unknowns. In Parenting in a Pandemic, Dr. Fradin provides the information and strategies you need to help navigate coronavirus. The book reviews the science necessary to understand the news and care for your family. Dr. Fradin explains the specific risks of coronavirus to children of all ages and adults, including parents, grandparents, pregnant women, and essential workers. She gives realistic strategies you can use to improve this time for your family whether you are protecting a newborn, virtually schooling or convincing a teen to physically distance.”
The House Takes a Vacation, by Jacqueline Davies, $0.99. Get ready for a surreal and wacky adventure! When the house’s people go on vacation, the house decides to take its own trip. Kids and adults will enjoy the pun-filled text and personality-filled illustrations.
The Archaeology of Home: An Epic Set on a Thousand Square Feet of the Lower East Side, by Katharine Greider, $3.99. When Greider’s NYC home is condemned, she decides to trace all the decisions and events that led to the destruction. Her research goes all the way back to the earliest settlers of New York City. The result of this research is a fascinating microhistory of an urban neighborhood that incorporates the individual stories of its former inhabitants.
Little House in the Big Woods, by Laura Ingalls Wilder, $3.99. The Little House books are among the most read children’s books of all time, and with good reason. Wilder does a tremendous job of creating a vivid and inviting glimpse into life on the frontier. Later books in the series have problematic depictions of conflicts with Native Americans and have not aged well. Little House in the Big Woods, however, is a cozy and gentle peek into the past. Read this one by candle or fire as the temperatures start to dip this fall!
Eragon, by Christopher Paolini, $1.99. Eragon is a remarkable fantasy novel created by a 15-year-old homeschooler! Join Eragon and his dragon, Saphira, in this sweeping series. When Eragon discovers a dragon egg, he has no idea it will lead him to adventure, political intrigue, and war. The books in this series are substantial and complicated, good for kids who are transitioning between middle grade and YA.
The Language of Spells, by Garret Weyr, $1.99. Amy liked this book, but warns that it is SAD. It’s a metaphor of the Holocaust through dragon-based fantasy. Here’s a bit of her review: “A lonely Viennese girl teams up with a dragon to solve the biggest mystery of World War II and figure out what happened to all the dragons. You’re plunged into an alternate magical world, where cats can run government agencies and dragons can spend decades trapped inside a teapot, and it’s a thrilling plunge. It’s alternate history! And magic! And lonely girls finding their people (or, you know, dragons) for the first time.”
The Hero’s Guide to Saving Your Kingdom, by Christopher Healy, $3.99. You think you know the classic fairytale stories, but they are usually centered around the princesses. This fun middle grade series focuses on the princes. After the “happily ever after” the princes discover that their kingdoms are in danger, and they set off take on all kinds of mythical monsters. This fun and funny book is the first in a series that your middle-grade reader will love.
The Element Encyclopedia of Magical Creatures, by John and Caitlin Matthews, $3.99. Looking for a reference on obscure creatures? Every time I open this book, I discover a new mythological animal I haven’t heard of before. Here’s the publisher’s description: “From unicorns and trolls to werewolves and griffins, this comprehensive guide is the key to discovering every magical creature from myth, folklore and legend around the world. This compendium of magical creatures explores the history, folklore and mythology of fascinating beasts throughout all the magical worlds. Including stories, celebrations, traditions, and amazing facts, the book spans every major culture across the globe.”
Steampunk! An Anthology of Fantastically Rich and Strange Stories, edited by Kelly Link and Gavin J. Grant, $0.99. Are you new to steampunk but interested in exploring alternate versions of the world shaped by a different series of technological innovations? This anthology will introduce you to many excellent YA steampunk authors. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Imagine an alternate universe where romance and technology reign. Where tinkerers and dreamers craft and re-craft a world of automatons, clockworks, calculating machines, and other marvels that never were. Where scientists and schoolgirls, fair folk and Romans, intergalactic bandits, utopian revolutionaries, and intrepid orphans solve crimes, escape from monstrous predicaments, consult oracles, and hover over volcanoes in steam-powered airships. Here, fourteen masters of speculative fiction, including two graphic storytellers, embrace the genre's established themes and refashion them in surprising ways and settings as diverse as Appalachia, ancient Rome, future Australia, and alternate California. Visionaries Kelly Link and Gavin J. Grant have invited all-new explorations and expansions, taking a genre already rich, strange, and inventive in the extreme and challenging contributors to remake it from the ground up. The result is an anthology that defies its genre even as it defines it.”
The Wonderling, by Mira Bartok, $0.99. In Mira Bartok’s imagined world, groundlings are creatures that are part animal, part human. Thirteen, a fox groundling, escapes the Dickensian workhouse where has been raised and sets off on an adventure of his own. The tone is similar to Lemony Snicket, but the story is entirely unique, full of mechanical details and animals with extraordinary abilities. Put this strange and interesting book in the hands of your middle-grade reader!
My Robots: The Robotic Genius of Lady Regina Bonquers III, by Johan Olander, $3.99. Olander creates such interesting books! This heavily illustrated book purports to be the design scrapbook of an elusive roboticist. Lady Regina has created bots to fight fires, pluck nose hairs, and even give hugs. Kids will enjoy all the details of the development process, the unique visual style, and a frisson of mystery over Lady Regina’s whereabouts.
The Last Kids on Earth, by Max Brallier, $1.99. Are you ready for some funny post-apocalyptic lit for kids? This madcap adventure mixes peril, gross out humor, and teamwork as an unlikely band of teens works to save the day and stay alive. It’s a middle grade chapter book riddled with exciting and gruesome illustrations. If this sounds like something you’d be into, several books in the series are on sale today.
Big History: From the Big Bang to the Present, by Cynthia Stokes Brown, $3.99. The Big History movement combines science with history to study Earth from the moment of the big bang all the way through current events. Brown does a remarkable job finding through lines in the vast sweep of history. Each era is necessarily brief, but readers will be pleased to see that the history is not overly focused on Western civilization.
Bear and Fred: A World War II Story, by Iris Argaman, $4.99. Picture books can make challenging subjects understandable for small children. In this book, Israeli author Iris Argaman tells the true story of a boy’s time hiding from Nazis during WWII — from the perspective of his loyal teddy bear. It’s a tough but uplifting story that gently introduces the topic of the Holocaust.
Sleepover Larry, by Daniel Pinkwater, $3.99. Larry is a dapper polar bear who lives in a hotel owned by his human family. When Larry learns the concept of sleepovers, he is determined to have a great one with his bear friends from the zoo!
National Geographic Readers: Bears, by Elizabeth Carney, $3.99. Learn about bear species from all over the world in this fun, brightly illustrated easy reader. Sections cover habitats, adaptations, diet, cubs, and more. The level 3 books pack in a lot of detail without complicated vocabulary.
Magic Tree House: Polar Bears Past Bedtime, by Mary Pope Osborne, $3.99. Jack and Annie are off on another adventure, this time to the Arctic! They encounter indigenous hunters, polar bears, the Northern Lights, and more. The Magic Tree House series is great for beginning readers who are looking for fast-paced, exciting (but short) chapter books.
Bibliophile: An Illustrated Miscellany, by Jane Mount, $2.99. This is a literary bonbon for any book lover. As the title suggests, it’s a wonderful collection of miscellaneous facts about books, writers, bookstores, characters, and more. I can almost guarantee that you will find a new author to check out, or even a new favorite book, in the illustrated book lists.
The Man Who Made Lists: Love, Death, Madness, and the Creation of Roget’s Thesaurus, by Joshua Kendall. When I was a kid, I found thesauruses fascinating. I loved flipping through themed lists of words. I don’t think many kids use paper thesauruses now; the function built into your word processor isn’t really the same. Whether you are nostalgic for your childhood thesaurus or have never really used one, you’ll find the story behind the creation of the first modern thesaurus unexpectedly fascinating. Here’s a brief publisher’s description: “Polymath, eccentric, and synonym aficionado, Peter Mark Roget had a host of female admirers, was one of the first to test the effects of laughing gas, invented the slide rule, and narrowly escaped jail in Napoleon's France. But Roget is best known for making lists. After the tragic turmoil of his early life (both his mother and sister were institutionalized), Roget longed for order in his chaotic world. At the age of eight, he began his quest to put everything in its rightful place, one word at a time. This is the fascinating story of a driven man and a brilliant scholar-and the legacy he has left for generations.”
How to Raise a Wild Child: The Art and Science of Falling in Love with Nature, by Scott D. Sampson, $2.99. We know that spending time outside is good for physical and mental health, but some families struggle to make outside time actually happen on a regular basis. Enter Scott Sampson. He is full of practical ideas for incorporating more nature into our lives and making fun for kids and adults of all ages.
Salmon: A Fish, the Earth, and the History of Their Common Fate, by Mark Kurlansky, $1.99. Mark Kurlansky is known for his in-depth microhistories of food-related topics (Salt, Cod). He turns his attention to salmon in this newly released volume. He connects the history of salmon fishing and farming to other changes in the environment. Vivid photo illustrations bring the human and natural subjects to life.
The Food Explorer: The True Adventures of the Globe-Trotting Botanist Who Transformed What America Eats, by Daniel Stone, $4.99. So many of the foods we now consider to be standard American fare are not native to this continent. The diversity of our current palate is partially the work of David Fairchild, a 19th century botanist who traveled the world looking for interesting plants that he could introduce to American audiences. Both food history and a globe-trotting adventure book, The Food Explorer is a delicious piece of writing.
Suffering Succotash: A Picky Eater’s Quest to Understand Why We Hate the Foods We Hate, by Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic, $4.99. There are tons of books about helping kids who are picky eaters, but this is the first one I’ve seen that is written by an actual picky eater. Lucianovic considers the roles of gag reflexes, anxiety, supertasters, support groups, and many other factors. The author’s personal experiences add a warm, personal touch.
A Spy in the House, by Y.S. Lee, $0.99. This is the first in a series of YA historical mysteries about a young Asian sleuth in Victorian London. Mary is an orphan doomed for the gallows when she is rescued and offered a position at the mysterious Miss Scrimshaw’s Academy for Girls. The school is the training ground for an elite group of detectives who can infiltrate high society households. Lee does an excellent job of offering the gritty details of the Victorian city while staying away from graphic details. The immigrant experience is rarely discussed in historical fiction, so this series provides an interesting perspective.
Pie in the Sky, by Remy Lai, $2.99. Does your tween plow through graphic novels at a fantastic pace? Pie in the Sky isn’t quite a graphic novel; it combines comic-style pages with paragraph text. The result is a sweet, touching story about the immigrant experience, grief, and baked goods. Here’s the publisher’s description: “When Jingwen moves to a new country, he feels like he’s landed on Mars. School is torture, making friends is impossible since he doesn’t speak English, and he's often stuck looking after his (extremely irritating) little brother, Yanghao. To distract himself from the loneliness, Jingwen daydreams about making all the cakes on the menu of Pie in the Sky, the bakery his father had planned to open before he unexpectedly passed away. The only problem is his mother has laid down one major rule: the brothers are not to use the oven while she's at work. As Jingwen and Yanghao bake elaborate cakes, they'll have to cook up elaborate excuses to keep the cake making a secret from Mama.”
Seafaring Women: Adventures of Pirate Queens, Female Stowaways, and Sailors’ Wives, by David Cordingly, $4.99. Women have been taking to the seas, sometimes in secret, for hundreds of years. Cordingly has collected the stories of dozens of maritime women who lived life on the open water.
The March on Washington, by Bonnie Bader, $3.99. American Girl has been bringing accessible historical fiction to early readers for more than 30 years. More recently, the company has published factual companion books that provide deeper background into important events. This book about the 1963 March on Washington includes photos, timelines, maps, and a bibliography for more research.
One Crazy Summer, by Rita Williams-Garcia, $4.99. When the three Gaither sisters travel to California to spend time with their estranged mother, they are expecting movie stars and Disneyland. What they actually experience is a little different: summer camp run by the Black Panthers. The girls spend the next four weeks learning about the movement and discovering their own identities. This work of historical fiction set in 1968 is a nice point of entry for a discussion about the Civil Rights movement and the Black Panthers.
Susan B. Anthony: Her Fight for Equal Rights, by Monica Kulling, $4.99. Get to know one of America’s strongest proponents of women’s voting rights, Susan B. Anthony, in this book for early readers. Anthony was determined to vote in an election, even though it was illegal for women to do so at the time. Her civil disobedience led to her arrest. Young readers will learn about how Anthony’s actions paved the way for the 19th Amendment.
Lillian’s Right to Vote: A Celebration of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, by Jonah Winter and Shane W. Evans, $4.99. Sadly, the 19th Amendment did not make voting accessible to ALL women. In many places, unfair practices like poll taxes, complicated literacy tests, and property ownership rules made it nearly impossible for people of color to vote. In this moving picture book, an old woman reminisces about her family’s history and the many barriers to voting they faced.
The Women’s Suffrage Movement, edited by Sally Roesch Wagner, $4.99. What is the study of history without primary sources? This great collection from Penguin Classics looks at the quest for women’s rights in a delightfully intersectional array of essays, letters, speeches, and other texts. Readers will discover Black and Native American women whose ideas were crucial to the movement but have been overlooked in historical accounts.
The Templeton Twins Have an Idea, by Ellis Weiner, $0.99. If your reader has plowed the A Series of Unfortunate Events and would like something with a similar feel, look no further. The Templetons feel very similar to the Baudelaires. A snippet from the book description gives you an excellent feel for the tone: “Suppose there were 12-year-old twins, a boy and girl named John and Abigail Templeton. Let's say John was pragmatic and played the drums, and Abigail was theoretical and solved cryptic crosswords. Now suppose their father was a brilliant, if sometimes confused, inventor. And suppose that another set of twins—adults—named Dean D. Dean and Dan D. Dean, kidnapped the Templeton twins and their ridiculous dog in order to get their father to turn over one of his genius (sort of) inventions. Yes, I said kidnapped. Wouldn't it be fun to read about that? Oh please. It would so. Luckily for you, this is just the first in a series perfect for boys and girls who are smart, clever, and funny (just like the twins), and enjoy reading adventurous stories (who doesn't?!).”
Ella Enchanted, by Gail Carson Levine, $1.99. This Newberry Honor book has been beloved for two decades, and with good reason. A unique twist on the Cinderella story, this book focuses on Ella, a girl who has been cursed (“gifted”?) with obedience to others’ orders. In order to break this curse, she must track down and convince the fairy godmother who bestowed it.
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.
801 Things You Should Know: From Greek Philosophy to Today’s Technology, by David Olsen, $1.99. You’re a smart person. You’ve probably heard of many of the concepts and events in this book. But you may not be clear on all the details. This collection of short entries about everything from politics to medical terminology to economic principals will serve as a great introduction or refresher. Hand this to a tween/teen along with a newspaper — they’ll be able to quickly get background on unfamiliar terms like bear markets, the Hundred Years’ War, and the Invisible Hand theory.
A Field Guide to Monsters, by Johan Olander, $0.99. Olander is a “monstrologist” who documents monsters’ behavior in the wild. In this whimsical and imaginative book, he collects illustrations and artifacts from the Slobber Bug, Beach Krill, Tadpole-Monster, and other previously unknown (aka imaginary) creatures. It would be fun to compare this book with other, more scientific field guides.
Iron Hearted Violet, by Kelly Barnhill, $1.99. Kelly Barnhill tells such compelling twists on fairytale tropes. In this book, Princess Violet must work with the last dragon alive to protect the world from an evil being she has only read about in a forbidden book. Violet is brave, but not beautiful, strong, but not perfect.
The Menagerie, by Tui T. Sutherland and Kari Sutherland, $3.99. If your middle-grade reader enjoys books where the magical world bumps into the real world, The Menagerie series may be the perfect next adventure. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In the small town of Xanadu, Wyoming lies the Menagerie, a top secret facility filled with unicorns, dragons, phoenixes, and other fairy tale creatures. At least, it was a secret—until six griffin cubs escaped. If Logan and Zoe don’t get the cubs back fast, the entire Menagerie will be shut down. The race is on and the resulting adventure is only the beginning of a thrilling series that will leave readers wanting a magical menagerie of their very own.”
An Optimist’s Tour of the Future, by Mark Stevenson, $4.99. My husband loves this book, which does a great job of musing about how technology could change our future for the better. Here’s the publisher’s description: “When unexpectedly confronted with his own mortality, Mark Stevenson-a writer, deep-thinker, and stand-up comedian-began to ponder what the future holds for our species. ‘The past is a foreign country,’ writes Stevenson. ‘By my analysis it's a bit like France-in that I've been to parts of it and eaten some nice food there. But the future? The future is an unknown territory-and there isn't a guidebook.’ Thus, his ambition was born. Stevenson set out simply, asking, ‘What's next?’ and then traveled the globe in pursuit of the answers. Along the way, he visited the Australian outback to visit the farmers who can save us from climate change, met a robot with mood swings, and talked to the Spaniard who's putting a hotel in space. While some might be overwhelmed, or even dismayed by the looming realities of genome sequencing, synthetic biology, a nuclear renaissance, and carbon scrubbing, Stevenson remains, well, optimistic. Drawing on his singular humor and storytelling to break down these sometimes complicated discoveries, An Optimist's Tour of the Future paints a wonderfully readable, and completely enthralling portrait of where we'll be when we grow up- and why it's not so scary.”
50 Ways to Beat Boredom with LEGO Bricks, by DK Publishing, $0.99. If your house is anything like mine, you have no shortage of LEGO pieces. This short book introduces 50 quick activities and games using the beloved building materials. Build a mountain to create a 3D game board (instructions for a spinner also included) or design a functional piggy bank! This is an idea book, not a book of detailed instructions, but it’s a great jumping off point for an hour or a day of LEGO exploration. Note: If you already have 365 Things to Do with LEGO Bricks, you don’t need this book; this book is a shorter extract of that one.
Would You Rather? Made You Think Edition, by Lindsey Daly, $0.99. They start simple: “Would you rather kiss a fish that’s living in a radioactive pond or roll down a hill while hugging a porcupine?” The questions only get more interesting from there. Turn the questions into a game by scoring points for the best reasoning (guidelines are given in the introduction).
Astronuts Mission One: The Plant Planet! by Jon Scieszka, $1.99. Picture book author Scieszka has created a hilarious series for somewhat older readers. With his trademark wit and Steven Weinberg’s vibrant illustrations, Astronuts will keep kids turning the pages. Here’s the publisher’s description: “AstroWolf, LaserShark, SmartHawk, and StinkBug are animals that have been hybridized to find other planets for humans to live on once we've ruined Earth. So off they rocket to the Plant Planet! Will that planet support human life? Or do Plant Planet's inhabitants have a more sinister plan? AstroNuts Mission One is a can't-put-it-down page-turner for reluctant readers and fans ready to blast past Wimpy Kid.”
Diary of a Pug: Pug Blasts Off, by Kyla May, $2.99. Meet Bub, aka Baron von Bubbles, beloved pet of Bella. He loves doing everything with his human, so when she enters an invention contest, Bub is determined to help her. But this means he needs to deal with his squirrel nemesis, Nutz. This fun, brightly colored diary is full of wacky adventures and adorable illustrations. Early chapter book readers will love it!
Chickadee, by Louise Erdrich, $4.49. Chickadee takes place within the family introduced in Birchbark House. Omakayas is grown with a family of her own, and this story focuses on her twin sons, Chickadee and Makoons. After a prank gone wrong, Chickadee is kidnapped by angry men. This is the tale of Chickadee’s long path to reunion with his family. As with Erdrich’s other books, Chickadee’s story is filled with vivid details about Ojibwe life and traditions.
Young Water Protetctors: A Story About Standing Rock, by Aslan and Kelly Tudor, $2.99. Aslan Tudor was 10 years old when he wrote this book about his time participating in the Standing Rock protests. This is a great, age appropriate introduction to the conflict between native peoples and developers of the Dakota Access Pipeline.
My Heart Fills with Happiness, by Monique Gray Smith, $4.99. This sweet picture book introduces many things that bring happiness — good smells, good friends, and the beauty of nature. The lovely illustrations show many elements in the life on an indigenous family.
Hearts Unbroken, by Cynthia Leitich Smith, $0.99. High school is complicated for everyone, even more so in this YA novel about a community in racial and cultural conflict. Here’s the publisher’s description: “When Louise Wolfe’s first real boyfriend mocks and disrespects Native people in front of her, she breaks things off and dumps him over e-mail. It’s her senior year, anyway, and she’d rather spend her time with her family and friends and working on the school newspaper. The editors pair her up with Joey Kairouz, the ambitious new photojournalist, and in no time the paper’s staff find themselves with a major story to cover: the school musical director’s inclusive approach to casting The Wizard of Oz has been provoking backlash in their mostly white, middle-class Kansas town. From the newly formed Parents Against Revisionist Theater to anonymous threats, long-held prejudices are being laid bare and hostilities are spreading against teachers, parents, and students — especially the cast members at the center of the controversy, including Lou’s little brother, who’s playing the Tin Man. As tensions mount at school, so does a romance between Lou and Joey — but as she’s learned, ‘dating while Native’ can be difficult. In trying to protect her own heart, will Lou break Joey’s?”
The Odds of Loving Grover Cleveland, by Rebekah Crane, $0.99. This Grover Cleveland isn’t a president; he’s a resident at Camp Padua, a summer program for at-risk teens. When Zander’s parents insist she leave home to attend camp, she is sure that she won’t fit in. She’s surprised to make connections with her fellow campers, even though they are all dealing with big problems of their own. This tough but ultimately hopeful novel is also filled with darkly funny moments.
The Mermaid’s Sister, by Carrie Anne Noble, $0.99. I haven’t read this YA fantasy novel yet, but it’s definitely on my To Read list. Here’s the publisher’s summary: In a cottage high atop Llanfair Mountain, sixteen-year-old Clara lives with her sister, Maren, and guardian Auntie. By day, they gather herbs for Auntie’s healing potions; by night, Auntie spins tales of faraway lands and wicked fairies. Clara’s favorite story tells of three orphaned infants—Clara, who was brought to Auntie by a stork; Maren, who arrived in a seashell; and their best friend, O’Neill, who was found beneath an apple tree. One day, Clara discovers iridescent scales just beneath her sister’s skin: Maren is becoming a mermaid and must be taken to the sea or she will die. So Clara, O’Neill, and the mermaid-girl set out for the shore. But the trio encounters trouble around every bend. Ensnared by an evil troupe of traveling performers, Clara and O’Neill must find a way to save themselves and the ever-weakening Maren.
The Testing, by Joelle Charbonneau, $1.99. Calling all fans of The Hunger Games or Divergent! This series should scratch that dystopian coming-of-age itch. Here’s a summary from the publisher: “It’s graduation day for sixteen-year-old Malencia Vale, and the entire Five Lakes Colony (the former Great Lakes) is celebrating. All Cia can think about—hope for—is whether she’ll be chosen for The Testing, a United Commonwealth program that selects the best and brightest new graduates to become possible leaders of the slowly revitalizing post-war civilization. When Cia is chosen, her father finally tells her about his own nightmarish half-memories of The Testing. Armed with his dire warnings (“Cia, trust no one”), she bravely heads off to Tosu City, far away from friends and family, perhaps forever. Danger, romance—and sheer terror—await.”
Princess Academy, by Shannon Hale, $0.99. You may be starting to get the impression that I love Shannon Hale, and you would be right. Princess Academy is the first in a middle grade series about a land where a rich urban royal class benefits from the poorly paid labor of all the surrounding towns. When it is decided that the Prince’s wife should come from Miri’s village, all the teen girls are rounded up and sent to a school where they will be taught the ways of court. Booklist says, “Hale nicely interweaves feminist sensibilities in this quest-for-a-prince-charming, historical-fantasy tale. Strong suspense and plot drive the action as the girls outwit would-be kidnappers and explore the boundaries of leadership, competition, and friendship.” If you are looking for books with strong heroines who overcome difficulties to make a difference in their world, this is the book for you.
Bound: 15 Beautiful Bookbinding Projects, by Rachel Hazell, $3.99. If your family is anything like mine, you probably have dozens of stories your kids have written and illustrated. Why not turn them into an art project by binding them into book form? Or set yourself up for a new school year by creating small notebooks for nature observations or other projects. This book goes through multiple styles, from basic to complex, with step by step instructions.
Mini Weapons of Mass Destruction: Make Mayhem from your Stationery with 35 Models to Build Yourself, by John Austin, $3.99. Do you have pens, rubber bands, and plastic utensils? If so, you’re ready to build a catapult or trebuchet! All of these weapons are small scale but need adult supervision to prevent injury. Keep this book as a resource for discussing wars and weaponry throughout history.
American Heritage History of Flight, by Arthur Gordon, $1.99. This detailed look at aviation begins with ancient attempts to harness the wind and moves through modern technological innovations. While there are few illustrations, the Kindle version includes in-text links to Wikipedia for additional information and visuals.
National Geographic Readers: Planes, by Amy Shields, $4.99. If you are looking for a detailed book that your early elementary students can read on their own, the National Geographic Reader series is a great place to start. This one covers all types of planes, including some unusual ones (have you ever seen the inside of a C-17?) sure to pique interest.
Amazing Airplanes, by Tony Mitton, $3.54. For our youngest family members, we have this bright and simple picture book. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Buckle up to learn all about flying! Amazing Airplanes follows the animal crew, as they become pilots, baggage handlers, and air stewards. Each page is filled with details that machine-mad kids love, such as the cockpit, landing gear, and much more. This book is perfect for budding pilots or happy vacationers! From airplanes to fire engines, the internationally bestselling Amazing Machines series is the perfect way for children to learn about all sorts of vehicles! Each book introduces a new vehicle and the jobs it can do. Bright, engaging artwork and simple, rhyming text combine to make these fantastic books for young children. Kids will love getting to know the friendly, animal characters who feature throughout the series and reading about their fast-paced adventures!”
Her Right Foot, by Dave Eggers, $2.99. This beautiful picture book takes a look at the history of the Statue of Liberty. More than that, Eggers uses the statue to address the inherent freedoms that form the basis of American culture and government. Shawn Harris’s mixed-media illustrations are simple but visually interesting.
Epic Fails: Not-So-Great Presidents, by Ben Thompson and Erik Slader. This newer history series is a lot of fun for middle-grade readers. Rather than focusing on successes, the authors emphasize foibles (e.g., Washington’s mistakes early in his career as a British soldier, Nixon’s Watergate scandal). The result is humanizing; presidents are just people, and everyone makes mistakes. The tone is light and full of contemporary references. A good choice for history fans and history skeptics!
Small Wonders: Jean-Henri Fabre and His World of Insects, by Matthew Clark Smith, $3.99. Fabre is one of the most famous naturalists in history. His interest started when he was a small child fascinated by moths, wasps, and other insects. Instead of merely collecting and dissecting them, Fabre was among the first to study insect behavior in the natural environment.
Microadventures: Local Discoveries, Great Escapes, by Alastair Humphreys, $4.99. The adventures are small, but the world is large! Humphreys is a naturalist and adventurer who has explored all over the world. This book focuses on really getting to know the world right around you. These outdoor adventures can be accomplished in a day or less, with minimal supplies. Humphreys encourages you to chase down a full moon, explore woods and forests, swim in a river, and more. Humphreys is based in the UK, so some of the challenges may not be applicable (e.g., there are few places in the US where you can walk from coast to coast), but most can be adapted to any local environment. This book is perfect for a family looking for new recreation ideas during the pandemic.
Rules, by Cynthia Lord, $3.99. Catherine loves her brother, but she’s not always nice to him. He has autism, and she has created a long list of rules for him to follow so that he doesn’t embarrass her in public. When she meets Jason, a paraplegic who uses a wheelchair and communicates through picture cards, Catherine begins to realize that there’s no one “normal” way to be, and that she needs to find more acceptance and understanding for others, even her own brother.
Freak the Mighty, by Rodman Philbrick, $3.99. This classic story of an unusual friendship has been made into a movie. Kevin has a disorder that prevents him from growing; Max is large for his age and struggles with learning disabilities. Together, Kevin and Max form “Freak the Mighty,” with Kevin riding Max’s shoulders as they explore their surroundings and defeat bullies. Both boys have unique perspectives. Content warning: this book is poignant and tragic.
Missing Math: A Number Mystery, by Loreen Leedy, $3.99. This bright and fun picture book will convince kids of the importance of numbers. Here’s the publisher’s description: “In Missing Math, the numbers all over town suddenly disappear. The animals can’t count, use the phone, or even find out what time it is. Rulers, money, and computers have all become completely useless. . . . Can the town’s detective solve this numerical mystery? Will he ever bring the numbers back home again? Loreen Leedy’s clever rhyming text PLUS her amusing digitally painted illustrations EQUALS proof that we need math each and every day.”
Alone: A Story of Friendship in the Darkness of Space, by Scott Stuart, $0.99. Earth is all alone in space, so it goes off looking for a friend. This sweet, fanciful book includes a few interesting scientific tidbits.
Blast Off to the Moon! by Lauren Gunderson, $3.99. Dr. Wonderful just wants to know why things happen, and she’s willing to explore to find out. When she becomes curious about why the moon changes shape each night, she and her dog decide to go up into space for research. Kids will love the funny illustrations; parents will appreciate the way Dr. Wonderful carefully works through the scientific process to answer her questions.
The Upside of Falling Down, by Rebekah Crane, $1.99. A coming-of-age novel with an unusual twist: Clementine is the sole survivor of a plane crash, and she’s now in Ireland suffering from amnesia. Here’s the plot summary: “With the relentless Irish press bearing down on her, and a father she may not even recognize on his way from America to take her home, Clementine assumes a new identity and enlists a blue-eyed Irish stranger, Kieran O’Connell, to help her escape her forgotten life…and start a new one. Hiding out in the sleepy town of Waterville, Ireland, Clementine discovers there’s an upside to a life that’s fallen apart. But as her lies grow, so does her affection for Kieran, and the truth about her identity becomes harder and harder to reveal, forcing Clementine to decide: Can she leave her past behind for a new love she’ll never forget?”
Zoey and Sassafras: Dragons and Marshmallows, by Asia Citro, $1.99. Science can be magic! Zoey and her cat Sassafras have a big secret: magical creatures are real and come to them for help! Zoey is a budding scientist and uses the scientific method to figure out what is wrong with a sick dragon. This is the first in a series; the short chapters, charming illustrations, and simple language make these books a good choice for budding readers.
What Lives in a Shell? by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld, $2.99. This charming book from the “Let’s Read and Find Out” series is a great introduction to crustaceans and other shelled creatures for early elementary readers. Detailed illustrations introduce clams, snails, crabs, and more.
A Tale of Two Cities, by Charles Dickens, $2.99. A classic adventure from Charles Dickens presents the story of the French Revolution through the eyes of the aristocrats, opportunists, and spies of Paris. Break out your knitting needles and settle in for an engrossing read. This edition includes a brief biography of Dickens and some contextual material.
I Survived The Battle of D-Day, by Lauren Tarshis, $3.99. My elementary-schooler has enjoyed several of the books in this series about deadly wars, plagues, and natural disasters. Each book includes a fictionalized story and a short section of historical information. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Eleven-year-old Paul's French village has been under Nazi control for years. His Jewish best friend has disappeared. Food is scarce. And there doesn't seem to be anything Paul can do to make things better. Then Paul finds an American paratrooper in a tree near his home. The soldier says the Allies have a plan to crush the Nazis once and for all. But the soldier needs Paul's help. This is Paul's chance to make a difference. Soon he finds himself in the midst of the largest invasion in history. Can he do his part to turn horror into hope?”
Magic Tree House: Night of the New Magicians, by Mary Pope Osborne, $3.99. Jack and Annie are heading to France! Merlin has sent them to pass along a message to four magicians at the 1889 World’s Fair in Paris. This is a “Merlin Mission,” so it is longer and more involved than the original Magic Tree House books.
Zane and the Hurricane: A Story of Katrina, by Rodman Philbrick, $3.99. Zane doesn’t know New Orleans well; he is visiting his great-grandmother when Hurricane Katrina makes landfall. After chasing his runaway dog, he finds himself fending for himself until he is rescued by a passing canoe. Philbrick includes realistic historical details and deftly addresses issues of race, class, and privilege.
Gandhi: A March to the Sea, by Alice B. McGinty, $1.99. This picture book with beautiful painted illustrations focuses on the nonviolent Satyagraha movement. There’s a free educator’s guide available as a PDF.
The Sky Painter: Louis Fuertes, Bird Artist, by Margarita Engle, $1.99. I will admit that I had never heard of Fuertes before I discovered this book. Thank you, Margarita Engle, for introducing me to his beautiful work. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Louis loves to watch birds. He takes care of injured birds and studies how they look and how they move. His father wants him to become an engineer, but Louis dreams of being a bird artist. To achieve this dream, he must practice, practice, practice. He learns from the art of John James Audubon. But as Louis grows up, he begins to draw and paint living, flying birds in their natural habitats. Louis Agassiz Fuertes (1874–1927) is now known as the father of modern bird art. He traveled with many scientific expeditions all over the world. His best-known works—paintings for habitat exhibits at the American Museum of Natural History in New York—are still beloved by visitors today. His art helped to encourage wildlife conservation, inspiring people to celebrate and protect the world of wings. Poems by Newbery Honor–winning author Margarita Engle and illustrations by Aliona Bereghici capture the life of Louis Fuertes and the deep sense of wonder that he felt when he painted the sky.”
Escape North! The Story of Harriet Tubman, by Monica Kulling, $4.99. I found my copy of this book at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park (which is great and you should go!). As I’ve mentioned before, I really like the higher level nonfiction “Step into Reading” books for providing a solid foundation on a topic at the elementary level. Kids will learn about Tubman’s missions escorting enslaved people to freedom, but also about her work as a spy and women’s rights advocate.
Frog and Toad are Friends, by Arnold Lobel, $4.99. This is an easy reader classic! Frog and Toad are not always alike, but they are always there for each other. Join them on their funny adventures swimming, looking for a lost button, and waiting for a letter. Fun pictures and few words on each page make this the perfect first chapter book for a new reader.
I am (Not) Scared, by Anna Kang, $1.99. The bears from You are (Not) Small and That’s (Not) Mine are back with a trip to the amusement park. They are frightened of, and exhilarated by, a whole host of new experiences and discover that being together can make hard things seem less scary.
A Snicker of Magic, by Natalie Lloyd, $3.99. My daughter loves this book! Here’s what she says: “A shy girl who’s been traveling around her whole life moves to a town that used to have magic. She learns that her ancestors were cursed and becomes determined to break the curse. This is a really heartwarming book, and I recommend it to people who like The Magic Half.”
Give Yourself Goosebumps: Tick Tock, You’re Dead, by R.L. Stine. A scary Goosebumps novel where you get to choose how the story turns out? Sign me up for this perfect campfire read!
Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type, by Doreen Cronin, $3.99. When the cows on Farmer Brown’s farm discover that they can use a typewriter, they begin leaving him notes with their feedback and demands. This is a great book for introducing young kids to both onomatopoeia and the concept of striking for improved conditions. Plus, it’s just really funny.
The Typewriter, by Bill Thomson, $3.99. Kids either love or hate Bill Thomson’s low- or no-text stories. His imaginative illustrations allow the reader to make up the words as they go along. In this tale, kids discover a mysterious typewriter that allows them bring things into being by typing. They begin a magical adventure along a beach.
Typewriter Manual: An Explanation of Parts and How to Clean Everything! by Ryan Smits, $0.99. Typewriters can often be found at a thrift store for about $20. If you pick one up and need information about how to use or repair it, this is a good starting place. The information is brief, and the writing style is not sophisticated, but the price is right.
I Stink! by Kate and Jim McMullen, $0.99. This garbage truck is proud of all the things it can do! Kids will love the brash bragging about all the cool things a garbage truck does to keep towns clean. There’s also a fun alphabetical list of types of trash. This is a great book to read aloud.
Monster Trucks! by Susan E. Goodman, $4.99. Step into the loud, thrilling world of monster trucks with this early reader. The level 3 books are broken into topical sections containing lots of detail. Kids will learn about how the trucks are built, what kind of tricks they can perform, and the history of monster truck racing.
My Hands Sing the Blues: Romare Bearden’s Childhood Journey, by Jeanne Walker Harvey, $1.99. This lyrical picture book tells the story of Romare Bearden, an artist reknowned for his painting and collage work. As Bearden creates one of his collages, he reflects on the moments and memories in his life that have inspired the images. The effect makes for a uniquely compelling biography.
Over and Under the Snow, by Kate Messner, $4.99. I’ve talked about Kate Messner’s books before. These picture books do a lovely job of illustrating the parts of nature that are hard for us to observe. Take a break from your warm summer day to explore how many animals spend their winters.
DKFindOut! Human Body, by DK Publishing, $1.99. Designed for kids ages 6-9, this colorful book covers all the major systems of the human body with detailed illustrations and interesting, occasionally gruesome facts. Definitely read this one on a tablet!
Calm: Mindfulness for Kids, by Wynne Kinder, $1.99. Especially in this time of heightened uncertainty and increased togetherness, we need to be proactive about supporting our kids’ mental health. Kinder has collected a variety of mindfulness activities to try with your family, with options that will appeal to kids who can easily sit still and those who need some kinetic activity to calm their minds. Activities are aimed at kids ages 7-9, but many would appeal to older or younger children.
The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: The Mysterious Howling, by Maryrose Wood, $3.99. If A Series of Unfortunate Events went back in time, you’d get The Incorrigible Children. The publisher’s description gets the tone of the book just right: “Found running wild in the forest of Ashton Place, the Incorrigibles are no ordinary children: Alexander, age ten or thereabouts, keeps his siblings in line with gentle nips; Cassiopeia, perhaps four or five, has a bark that is (usually) worse than her bite; and Beowulf, age somewhere-in-the-middle, is alarmingly adept at chasing squirrels. Luckily, Miss Penelope Lumley is no ordinary governess. Only fifteen years old and a recent graduate of the Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females, Penelope embraces the challenge of her new position. Though she is eager to instruct the children in Latin verbs and the proper use of globes, first she must help them overcome their canine tendencies. But mysteries abound at Ashton Place: Who are these three wild creatures, and how did they come to live in the vast forests of the estate? Why does Old Timothy, the coachman, lurk around every corner? Will Penelope be able to teach the Incorrigibles table manners and socially useful phrases in time for Lady Constance's holiday ball? And what on earth is a schottische?”
Lies We Tell Ourselves, by Robin Talley, $3.99. Talley looks at school desegregation with an unflinching eye. Sarah is one of the first black students to attend Jefferson High School, and every day brings new indignities and mistreatment. Linda’s family vehemently opposed integration. When the two are forced to work together, they are drawn to each other despite their differences. But how can they be together in a society that rejects interracial and same-sex relationships?
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!”
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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!
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.