The Rise and Fall of Mount Majestic

Mom's Notes: I decided to read this book aloud after we took an online creative writing class from Jennifer Trafton (via The Read-Aloud Revival). We definitely recognized some of the writing techniques in her book! This is a silly, fun, intriguing story with unexpected surprises all along the way. It was a light, easy read that was fun to end our school year with - especially during some of the heaviness of the COVID-19 stuff going on. Evy immediately recommended it to neighbor Avery, who borrowed and read it right away. 

Esperanza Rising

Mom's Notes: This book is beautiful. Julia read it last year and suggested I read it myself. I'm so grateful I did. And I'm so grateful we pulled it out to read as we learned about The Great Depression. (We happened to read the chapter about the big dust storm the very day we had a history lesson on The Dust Bowl.) Esperanza's story is full of heartbreak, grief, anger, confusion, forgiveness, charity, sacrifice, love, and growth. So, yes, I cried throughout. Julia had to finish the very last sentence of the book for me. My personal opinion is that this story, written so gently for children but not leaving out what needs to be there, is nearly perfect.

What is your favorite episode in the story? 

Julia (12): "Patty-pans." 

Gabe (10): "When Dan burns down the house... because Tommy says, 'Thunder Turtles!'"

Evy (7): "I like when the girls set up the ball for the boys." 

We'll read the last book in the series soon. Which child's future are you most interested to know about? 

Julia (12): "Stuffy, because he's funny. And Nan, because I want to see if she'll love Tommy." 

Gabe (10): "Stuffy... because he's... Stuffy." 

Evy (7): "I want to know what Stuffy becomes!" 

Mom's Notes: I read this for the first time myself last summer. I find it hard to believe it took me decades to pick up the sequel to a book I named a favorite when I was ten years old! Somehow I missed it all those years, but it'll forever have a spot on our bookshelves and in my heart now. I believe the kids feel the same. There is just so much to in here to learn, love, and laugh about. I scribbled down a page of quotes (mainly highlighting the wisdom and patience the Bhaers show while raising the children) and I could've filled several. To celebrate the story upon completion, we played a fun round of Imaginiff with the book characters as the subjects, then watched a movie version. Gabe, especially, is looking forward to reading "Jo's Boys." We love LMA! 

The Chocolate Touch

What did John learn from his chocolate curse? 

Michael (5): :"Don't eat chocolate."

Daniel (5): "He shouldn't eat chocolate. Or only a bit."

Evy (7): "He learned to never sneak chocolate!"

Gabe (10): "He learned that he couldn't live with just chocolate." 

Julia (12): "He learned that milk can be better than chocolate sometimes." 

Mom's Notes: It has been years since we read this, and I wanted a book that would lure the buddies in. This did the trick! We were all on edge to find out what would happen to John and all those involved with his chocolaty problem...

Viking Quest Books 3,4, & 5

Bree, Devin, and Mikkel all proved to be courageous in many different ways. Tell me your favorite example of "courage to win" in this series. 

Julia (12): "I like when Bree runs away from the viking ship with Lil."

Gabe (10): "Mikkel went back to Ireland. If the people found out he was there, then they would want to kill him. But he went there anyway, to return Bree and Devin. 

Evy (7): "Bree gave up her chance to come home. So Lil could go home."

Daniel (5): Bree was the bravest because she went on the boat."

Michael (5): "Mikkel was brave when Bree fell in the water." 

Mom's Notes: We couldn't stay away from Bree, Devin, and Mikkel for long! We were all excited to pick right back up where we left off. It truly feels like we've been along on the whole adventure with them. Mikkel's change of heart is beautiful and realistic, given the passage of time and events. We truly could not put the book down as we neared the end of the series, so we snuggled in and read for nearly two hours one Monday morning. (Hooray for a flexible homeschool schedule!) My hoarse voice actually made it to the very, very end, then suddenly gave out! It was kind of crazy. Anyway, I'm so glad these books are on our shelves so we can revisit and learn from and with these characters again. We want a movie!

A Christmas Carol

What scene do you think caused Scrooge to see how badly he needed to make changes in his life?

Evy (7): "When he saw his gravestone!"

Gabe (10): "Present and future, because he sees that Tiny Tim will die."

Julia (12): "When he sees Tiny Tim's crutches." 

Mom's Notes: It was about time we read aloud this holiday classic. I bought an audio version and we listened to it throughout the month, finishing it on our drive home from Grandma's house on the very Eve of Christmas. We all now feel a little closer to the story and we even have Scrooge's repentant and resolute quote on our card this year: 

Peter and the Pilgrims

Mom's Notes: This book was just right for our unit read. Some of the historical figures we were learning about came to life in Peter's fictional story.