Bambi

Bambi: A Life in the Woods by Felix Salten
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is not the cutesy Disney Bambi. The real Bambi is beautifully descriptive, full of tough situations and real-life meaningful lessons. I enjoyed studying this with my kids, ages 10 and 12.

Little House in the Big Woods

Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Enjoyed studying this with my Littles. Somehow I think I missed reading these as a child!

The Rough-Face Girl

The Rough-Face Girl by Rafe Martin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A beautifully-illustrated Native American version of Cinderella. My kids enjoyed this with me.

When You Reach Me

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Re-read this out loud to my family. Still 5 stars from me!

My prior review can be found here.

Inside Out & Back Again

Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhha Lai
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Semi-autobiographical free verse novel about a refugee from the Vietnam War. Very timely and very good.

Heart of a Shepherd

Heart of a Shepherd by Rosanne Parry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A sweet, touching story.

The One and Only Ivan

The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My 12 year old has been begging me to read this all year. I loved it as much as he did.

The Landing of the Pilgrims

The Landing of the Pilgrims by James Daugherty
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A decent primer about the Pilgrims, spanning 1607-1623. Good for grades 4-8.

William Bradford: Pilgrim Boy

William Bradford: Pilgrim Boy by Bradford Smith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A great introduction to William Bradford, the governor of Plymouth Colony. Perfect for upper elementary-aged students.

Heidi

Heidi by Johanna Spyri
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

So, it turns out, there are really good reasons why certain books become classics. This was a delightful book to study with my littles.

El Deafo

El Deafo by Cece Bell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Deserving of its Newbery Honor, for sure.

Great Joy

Great Joy by Kate DiCamillo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really liked it when I read it to myself. But when I read it to my family, I sobbed like a baby.

Luther, the Leader

Luther, The Leader by Virgil E. Robinson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

An good overview of Martin Luther and the origins of the Protestant movement. However, one glaring historical inaccuracy has me questioning the rest of it...Martin Luther did NOT write Away in a Manger.

The Tailor of Gloucester

The Tailor of Gloucester by Beatrix Potter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was our favorite of our Beatrix Potter unit. It's a perfect Christmastime read.

The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck

The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck by Beatrix Potter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jemima is the silliest duck going.

The Tale of Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle

The Tale of Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle by Beatrix Potter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It was fun learning more about hedgehogs when we read this during our Beatrix Potter literature unit. I loved how clever this book was and how Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle took care of all the animals.

The Tale of Benjamin Bunny

The Tale of Benjamin Bunny by Beatrix Potter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Peter Rabbit's cousin! What could be better? And a big yay for dads.

The Tale of Peter Rabbit

The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A classic. Forever a favorite.

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved listening to the audiobook. But, I loved even more how much my kids got into it and are already racing through the rest of the series.

Coraline

Coraline by Neil Gaiman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Mr. Gaiman himself says it's the strangest thing he's ever written, and I have to agree. Perfect for Halloween.