His Indian Brother

Mom's Notes: This was a great story to read near Thanksgiving time. Another wilderness survival tale to add to our list this year! A little context of the location in the Maine woods was a bonus for us. It was inspiring to read and think about how a white boy from Boston and a Penobscot Indian boy can learn to live together, and even grow so close as to call one another "brother." 

My Side of the Mountain

Mom's Notes: The very idea of living alone in the woods is the stuff of dreams for young boys especially, so this book was a fantastic summer read for the buddies and me. The details about living off the land, written in journal format, were so very interesting. Sam's eventual return home was realistic and timely. 

The Last Battle

Mom's Notes: We finished the Narnia series for the second time as a family! The Last Battle was especially powerful this time, with the kids being older and more aware. I love this line about Puzzle the Donkey's shame, then hope through redemption. "The Lion bowed down his head and whispered something to puzzle at which his long ears went down, but then he said something else at which his ears perked up again." 

This beautiful illustrated book was a fun addition to our reading. Sometimes we listened to the audio book, but followed along with the amazing original illustrations by Pauline Baynes. (We read a lovely and interesting picture book about her as well.) 

 

Return to Gone Away Lake

Mom's Notes: Whenever these kids hear there's a sequel, they are all about it. This one was fun because it prompted some "Antiques Road Show" viewing. The kids even filmed their own episodes with old-ish stuff around our house. We went down other rabbit holes as well, including reading Pandora's Box and other Greek myths. 

The Silver Chair

 

Gone Away Lake

Mom's Notes: This is a re-read for our family, but a first for the buddies. Summertime often has me thinking about this book that I read as a kid. The characters are relatable and the setting charming, yet adventurous. Reading it out on the deck and in Evy's new clubhouse was just right. 
 

Because of Winn Dixie

Mom's Notes: I realized the buddies had never read this sweet, sad, beautiful summertime story. So we read it in a few sitting out on the deck couch. This was my first introduction to Kate DiCamillo many years ago. I'll always love this story for its treatment of the everyday in a divine light.