Hans Brinker or The Silver Skates

 

Mom's Notes: This has been on my "To Read" list for years. It seemed a fun, seasonal story. And I always love to trip to the Netherlands. It did end up being just the thing for December, and we learned more about Saint Nickolas Day as we read and researched. Hans and Greta's dedication to one another, their work ethic, and their hope for their father all made for a beautiful story. I didn't realize this story was so steeped in Dutch history. We learned quite a bit as the boys were on their great skating trip! If we ever make it over to Holland (and I truly hope we do), we'll have to revisit this story and pay closer attention to the historical details. 

Homer Price

Mom's Notes: This book was just plain fun! After visitng the bronze ducklings in Boston and an island off the coast of Maine, we were all about reading more Roberty McCloskey. I felt a kind of kinship as his beautiful artwork came even more alive when rereading our favorite picture books. This chapter book had a very Lentil feel, as it's also set in Ohio. It is more silly than most of his books as well, which was just right after our more serious history study. We had fun extending this story by designing and advertising  our own "time-saving devices" and looking for diamonds in donuts. We're glad to know Homer Price! 

What was your favorite tale from Centerburg, OH? 

Evy (11): "Probably the donut one. It was funny, with the bracelet and all." 

Daniel (9): "I think the donut one. It was so funny that they made all those donuts."

Michael (9): "The donuts! Because the lady lost her ring in the dough."

 

Gifts from the Sea

Mom's Notes: We read the first few chapters of this beautiful story in the quaint coastal house at Pine Point, Maine. I brought it along on our trip, in anticipation of lighthouses and rocky shorelines. Then we brought those images home with us and finished reading Quila's story of loss and unexpected love. Evy especially loves this book, as well as all those we have read by Natalie Kinsey-Warnock. 

Johnny Tremain

 

Mom's Notes: This was exactly the right thing to read before our trip to Boston! Esther Forbes masterfully weaves the early events of the revolution into a gripping story with realistic characters. I pulled the map out a whole lot as we read, looking forward to visiting those very streets. We got to know Paul Revere, Sam Adams, and John Hancock better than any documentary could've done. Reading about the unfair taxes, the Tea Party, the Battle at Lexington and Concord, and other key events from Jonny's viewpoint really helped the history to come alive for us. The story became the backbone of our study, and many lessons and activities and discussions were derived from the chapters. Then, to be in Boston! It was kind of surreal for me. I'm truly so grateful that we get to read, study, travel, and repeat! It adds such a depth to our wonder and learning.