Black Hawk

 

Mom's Notes: We read this as we learned in about the Native American tribes. It was sobering to read about the hardships, prejudices, problems of miscommunication, and tragedies for all involved during this difficult time in history. But I'm so grateful we did. It helps so much to be able to see through the eyes of Black Hawk as he struggles with how to preserve his people. I hope to read his autobiography someday. 

Jo's Boys

Mom's Notes: We made it back to Plumfield! Honestly, I really can't decide which book in this series is my favorite. Dan's story in this one is so raw and heart-wrenching. The characters are so dear to us! There is much to learn and admire as we follow their failings, growth, successes, and change. It's been an honor and a joy for me personally to read several of Lousia May Aclott's book over the past year. Her short Christmas stories are currently being read and loved in our home. I definitely want to read many more of her books, and plan on revisiting this series every few years. She may have "closed the curtain on the March family forever," but we can lift it right back up to see them all at it again! I'm already looking forward to it...

Slave Boy in Judea

Mom's Notes: This book reminded us a lot of Bree's enslavement in the Viking Quest series. We can't even begin to imagine what it would truly feel like to be owned by someone else. These books give us an idea, and the concept of forgiving even one's captor is beautiful and freeing in and of itself. 

 

Return to the Willows

 

Mom's Notes: Julia had this one on her book shelf, as Grandma had gifted it to her years ago. All the kids were on board for more adventures with the characters they can't stop talking (and singing) about! We thought the author created a fun and creative sequel, staying mostly true to the spirit of the original story, with a little more action and whimsy. The author's asides were funny and informative. We also got a good laugh out of the chapter headings!

The Wind in the Willows

 

Who is your favorite character and why? 

Julia (13): "Ratty. I just like his style."

Gabe (11): "Mr. Otter. I like him because he's an otter, and otters are epic boiz in Redwall." 

Evy (8): "I like Toad because he's crazy!" 

Daniel (6): "Rat - because he goes on a boat. And I like swimming and going on boats."

Michael (6): "Rat - because he goes in water."

Where would you rather live: the riverbank, underground, the Wild Wood, or Toad Hall?

Julia: "Toad Hall. It's a mansion. I mean, who wouldn't want a mansion? I'd just make it a toad-free hall." 

Gabe: "I'd live in the Wild Wood so I could beat up foxes, weasels, and stoats." 

Evy: "Toad Hall - because it's fun.

Daniel: "Toad Hall - because it's a house, and it's a mansion!"

Michael: "The Riverbank - because I like being in the water."

Mom's Notes: This is one I remember my mom reading aloud to us kids. We still talk about "messing about in boats" to this day! We picked it up as a first read aloud this year for two reasons: because Julia's school group is planning to perform the musical this year, and because our science unit is about mammals. I haven't read it for a decade, and I forgot how truly delightful it is. We listened to many of the chapters via Librivox. The reader was phenomenal and we'll surely listen again in the future! I personally love Ratty and his genuine care for others. He doesn't always get it right, but he is generally quick to see the error in his ways and make it up the best he can. The way he praised Mole's humble home when all he wished for was to be in his own beloved house on the river was truly selfless. 

Charlotte's Web

Would you like to have a baby pig for a pet? 

Daniel (6): "No, because the pig would go in mud and stuff." 

Michael (6): "Yeah. No. Well, I do want one but I don't want to take care of it." 

Tell me one way Charlotte was a true friend to Wilbur? 

Daniel: "She built the web so Wilbur won't be dead." 

Michael: "Her helped him." 

Mom's Notes: We've been slowly reading this book all summer. It's really the first read-aloud the buddies have fully participated in. I remember one day, a few chapters in, Daniel was being stubborn and wouldn't join Michael and me as we snuggled up with the book on my bed. We began reading anyway. It didn't take long for Daniel to make his way over to us and this barnyard story that afternoon. I didn't have to ask twice for him to join us after that. :) 

It's been years since I last read this book, and I had forgotten how beautiful the description of Charlotte's selfless sacrifice is. She's always watching from the corner, unnoticed, when Wilbur is praised. Her loyal friendship and love instill confidence in the uncertain pig. She's truthful with him, even when she knows it'll be hard for him to bear, but is ready to comfort and talk him through those times. And at the end of her short time, Charlotte explains to Wilbur that he will live a full, wonderful life. She poetically describes what he'll experience, then she says, "All these sights and sounds and smells will be yours to enjoy, Wilbur - this lovely world, these precious days..." I'm so grateful the best stories can enrich our lives and testify of truth with every reading. 

Melissa Across the Fence

What questions would you write on your chalkboard if you were getting to know a new friend? 

Evy: "How do you like your house? What's your last name? Do you like dogs? How many siblings do you have? Do you like chickens?... I do!"

What would your back-window-friend call you? 

Evy: "Chicken Lady!" 

Mom's Notes: Evy and I read this perfectly sweet little book over the course of a few days. I fell in love with the correspondence story when I read it for myself out in the hammock one Sunday afternoon earlier this summer, so I was eager to recommend it. Evy adores the story now too! We were both so relieved when Bim and Victor were reunited and the fairy-tale ending put smiles on our faces.