Ahhhhhh, reading......Do you have a child that loves to read? Are you always looking for great book ideas? Our family is, too! We love to read together. I love to read books with my kids that teach them life lessons and give them examples of good behavior, morale character, and gospel principles. Here are some of our favorites that you won't want to miss!
Turn Your Little Ones Into Book of Mormon Whiz Kids
Boys Who Became Prophets makes a great read aloud for family scripture study time or Family Home Evening. My children have had a great time learning about the childhood of each of our latter-day prophets. Did you know that when John Taylor was ten, he was almost run down by a team of horses in the midst of a thick fog? Joseph F. Smith was once lifted right off his galloping horse by two Indians intent on stealing some cattle. A bolt of lightning once flashed down the chimney and into the kitchen, nearly killing young Harold B. Lee. Spencer W. Kimball couldn't stop giggling in school and had to sit on the dunce seat until he could be quiet!
This "teenagers" guide to the Second Coming
How Awesome Will It Be
In researching Discover the Old Testament, I came across this gem. In Prophets of the Old Testament, author Keith Howick reviews the lives of 57 prophets and prophetess in the Old Testament--from the well-known figures like Moses and Isaiah to lesser known characters such as Oded and Hulda the prophetess. In the back of the book are several timelines and charts that link the various Old Testament characters together. Though not written for young readers, this book makes a great resource for parents in teaching their children about the Bible.
Elijah of Buxton won the Newberry award for 2008 (love those Newberry books!). Eleven-year-old Elijah lives in Buxton, Canada, a settlement of runaway slaves near the American border. He's the first child in town to be born free, and he ought to be famous just for that. Unfortunately, all that most people see is a "fra-gile" boy who's scared of snakes and talks too much. But everything changes when a former slave steals money from Elijah's friend, who has been saving to buy his family out of captivity in the South. Now it's up to Elijah to track down the thief--and his dangerous journey just might make a hero out of him, if only he can find the courage to get back home. This is interesting historical fiction that will have you laughing at times and rooting for Elijah to save the day.
Dangerous Book For Boys is great! My new cub scout son, who just turned eight, received this book from a friend for his birthday. Now he's armed with all sorts of information like how to make invisible ink, and how to play stick ball. There are entries such as "Latin Phrases Every Boy Should Know" and "A Brief History of Artillery" as well as more hands on stuff like "Tanning a Skin," "Building a Treehouse," and "Coin Tricks." I keep finding this book pop up all over the house because everyone is trying to read it! There is also a "Daring Book For Girls" by the same author. Your daughter can learn daring things like how to short-sheet a bed, how to build a fire, pitch a tent, and press flowers. Charmingly old-fashioned fun! Listen to the National Public Radio interview about the Daring Book For Girls.
Carry On, Mr. Bowditch
Ever since his mother was killed in a hurricane, Mafatu, the son of the Great Chief of the people of Hikueru, has feared that the Sea God would kill him, too. Tired of being called a coward and saddened by the shame he has brought his father, Mafatu decides to face and conquer his fears. Call It Courage
In Plain Girl
Esperanza Rising
Goose Girl, along with other great titles by LDS author Shannon Hale, is a must read. She can whisper to horses and communicate with birds, but the crown princess Ani has a difficult time finding her place in the royal family and measuring up to her imperial mother. When she is shipped off to a neighboring kingdom as a bride, her scheming entourage mounts a bloody mutiny to replace her with a jealous lady-in-waiting, Selia, and to allow an inner circle of guards more power in the new land. Barely escaping with her life, Ani disguises herself as a goose girl and wanders on the royal estate. Does she have the pluck to reclaim her rightful place? Get ready for a fine adventure tale full of danger, suspense, surprising twists, and a satisfying conclusion.
Ask Me No Questions. What is it like to be an illegal alien in New York now? In a moving first-person, present-tense narrative, Nadira, 14, relates how her family left Bangladesh, came to the U. S. on a tourist visa, and stayed long after the visa expired. Their illegal status is discovered, however, following 9/11, when immigration regulations are tightened. When the family hurriedly seeks asylum in Canada, they are turned back, and Nadira's father, Abba, is detained because his passport is no longer valid. Did Abba give funds to a political organization? Where has the money gone? Will Immigration hear his appeal? The answer is a surprise that grows organically from the family's story. Readers will feel the heartbreak, prejudice, kindness, and fear.
Amazon is often a good place to find inexpensive books. You can click on the picture of any of the books above to link to Amazon. I also like Paperback Book Swap. It is a great resource for swapping books online for FREE. You simply sign up and add books to your bookshelf that you want to trade. When someone requests your book, you mail it to them and you earn a book credit which you can then use to choose books that YOU want from other members. The only cost to you is the postage to mail a book to a requesting member (usually under $2). That's it! Logon and set up your FREE account in few mintues. Over 1,800,000 books available! Click on the link below to try it out.
