Lumber Camp Library

Mom's Notes: Evy read this book and completely adores it. She even hosted a book club with neighborhood friends to share this sweet, sad, and hopeful story. Naturally, she insisted we read it aloud. It was just what we needed to round out a school year of beautiful, inspiring literature. Now I love it too! 

Snow Treasure

This story was a dangerous adventure! Do you think you would have been willing to help sled the gold to safety? 

Julia (13): "Yes, because it would be the right thing to do." 

Gabe (11): "Mm-hmm." 

Evy (8): "Yes, but I'm not old enough. I would be really scared but I would want to help to bring all that gold so they can get it in a safe place so the Germans won't get it. It was 13 tons of gold, which is a lot now but it was really a lot back then!"

Daniel (6): "Yeah, it would be good to do." 

Michael (6): "Yes! It would be fun to sled down. I wouldn't be scared, because I would be with somebody." 

The Winged Watchman

Mom's Notes: We listened to this while learning about WWII. It was an amazing insight into what it might have been like to live in occupied Holland. The secret codes of the windmill wings were especially interesting. We were also intrigued by the clever disguises. I loved the scenes in the family home, where people were hidden and safe and loved. Even in those uncertain, desperate times, there was some security and peace and hope in the home. 

The Secret Garden

What scene was the most meaningful or memorable to you in this story? 

Julia (13): "When Colin ran into his dad's arms, when he saw him walking for the first time."

Gabe (11): "At the beginning, when she meets Ben Weatherstaff and they talk about the robin." 

Evy (8): "When she brings Colin to the garden."

Daniel (6): "When she found the key." 

Michael (6): "When Colin went out and he stepped on his feet."

Mom's Notes: Susan Sowerby, Dickon and Martha's mother, is the unsung hero in this timeless story. Somehow her character doesn't make it in to the movie - and what a tragic oversight. (I'm referring to the 1993 version, which is a beautifully-made movie that does stay true to the heart of the story. But powerful allusions to God and his grace are left out. Luckily we now know the story well, so we can insert them as we watch.) Nearly every scene with Susan left me resolving to be a better mother, rejoicing in God's love, or marveling at the profound truths a simple story can so effortlessly convey. And this story is powerful. We were wrapped up in the setting and I wished we could be exploring Mistlethwaite Manor and the moors that surround it. We truly cared about the characters and feel like we have new friends in Mary, Dickon, and Colin - even old Ben Weatherstaff! Our Botany study was exponentially enhanced by reading this book alongside. Upon finishing the book, we weeded our own front garden, spent a lovely morning picking out flowers at the nursery, then planted. All are proud of our colorful work and excited to watch it grow. This book will be one we treasure and most definitely revisit. 

They created their own indoor "secret garden" one Sunday afternoon. 

On the last day of school, the kids picked favorite books from the year to create projects around. Julia and Gabe made a hilarious trailer for The Wind in the Willows. These three acted out and videoed a few scenes from The Secret Garden. The videos are priceless - as is this beautiful story!