Guardians of Ga'Hoole

I have been interested in this book series and picked up the first three books from Scholastic. WOW! I am nearly through book one and am hooked. I see that there are something like 16 of these. If they are all as good as the first one I will have reading for quite some time. Hopefully the library has several copies now that the movie is out they will be in high demand. Of course they are about $5 a book too, so.........

The basic gist of the books is that there is a world of owl kingdoms. There are ordinary owls and there are evil owls and there are those who work for the evil and there are heroic owls who guard and protect all that is valuable to owldom and aim to keep the kingdoms unified and free. Ok, sounds like a typical plot. But, with owls and the uniqueness that brings, creative twists and plots and characters you develop feelings about quickly. An easy read for adults and teens, appropriate for elementary age kids and still able to hold the attention of a Jr. High student. In general a typical reader in the 3rd or 4th grade will be able to read this. An advanced reader in younger grades if the parents felt the content was appropriate. The first book certainly has nothing objectionable in my opinion and I am pretty choosy.

I read the first three on the way to Australia and during our time there. On the way home I watched the movie on the plane. I am now reading the fourth one. Good books, super fast read for an adult, maybe not enough action for older kids, certainly not teens. Great for elementary kids. Ideal age would be 3rd through 5th grades and older if interested.  My only complaint with this book is that the owls have bad words in owl language that they use. I think that is unnecessary and detracts from the book, the bad owl language increases as the series goes on. No "real" bad words though. Readers should discuss this with their parents and understand their parents views on language use, slang, bad words, etc.   
The movie was loosely like the book.  It would be hard to pack 15 volumes in to one movie. They did a decent job. The books are much better.

Amazon link
Barnes and nobles

Good books vs just books

I believe there are books that are not bad nor good but certainly not worth ones time. In that category fall two very popular book series for young children (my opinion only). Curious George and Clifford the Big Red Dog. I am sorry. I don't like these books. If you do, that is fine. Go ahead and keep liking them.

This is what I don't like: Curious George is a prime example of what not to do instead of what to do. We do not take monkeys out of the jungle. That is wrong. We do not keep wild animals in our home. That is a no brainer. Ok, curious George is more like a child than a wild animal in these stories. We do not leave our children unattended, but they used to, that is just asking for it. When they get in trouble there are real life consequences, you do not get off the hook just because you did something nice too or are cute or your naughtiness ended up making someone laugh. No way, it does not work like that. Things do not always turn out so well. It is ok to be curious but it is not ok to be careless or naughty. There is a big difference.  It would be bad parenting to be like the man with the yellow hat. I don't like Curious George books. I hate to admit it, I have one. The kids all like it and they know I don't and exactly why. You certainly don't have to agree. :)

Clifford the Big Red Dog. Ok, he is not sooooo bad. I just don't like the art or the story. No good reason. Just not a classic for me.

So, the Kindergarteners were allowed to bring home a book to sponsor at the school library. They could choose a book and bring it home and we can send in money and have a name plate put in with our child's name. What book did K bring home? Clifford the Big Red Dog. I said no. What book did he bring home as the next option? Curious George. Oh groan, no, no, no. So, we went to the school library together to preview GOOD literature. Ok, they are picture books, but it all starts there. You read trash when you are 5 and .............. no just kidding. :)

So, I showed him books that have a good story line which teaches a lesson and empathy for others, AND has fabulous art. Those are good books. We will be sponsoring Beatrice's Goat (Heifer Project book) and a book on adoption called Through Moon and Stars and a Night Skies (a Reading Rainbow Book), AND they will allow me to send a list of good adoption books to them and I will sponsor any they choose into the library and there is a teacher section which will soonly be enhanced with books on adopted kids in your classroom and Aspergers. How nice.

The Door Within by Wayne Thomas Batson

This is a review from my daughter who just read this book, reportedly one of the best she has read so far! This is the first book of a trilogy.

The Door Within, by Wayne Thomas Batson, is a fascinating story that you won't want to put down once you start reading. It is about a teenage boy named Aiden, who has to move with his family to his grandfather's house. While he is there, he finds something that sends him on a wild adventure. On this adventure, Aiden becomes a knight for a King, and has to face his fears. He also finds out that there is less than he thinks to complain about in life.
I enjoyed this book because it never got boring. Aiden always has something exciting going on in his quest. It is also a Christian book, and has characters that represent God and us. I think that this book would be enjoyed by both boys and girls or maybe even adults! If you like an action packed book that never gets boring, The Door Within is the book for you!
Barnes and Nobles 
Christian Bookstore

amazon 

Petrie's Family Games

Look for the link to this great game store, coming to the side bar soon!
Local in Colorado Springs and owned by a guy who was one of my good friends in our much younger years. In fact, my mom used him as motivation for me to learn to read..... "Cam read it and liked it, you should try it." And, I did. This game store has all sorts of stuff you really can't find anywhere else locally. It is a great place and a really really needed place. Welcome to the neighborhood Petrie's Family Games.

Summer time books

Roxaboxen by Barbara Cooney is a great book about kids having fun being kids in the summer. They create a village all their own, with money and stores and homes. The unscheduled playtime of the summer gives way to fond memories and great creativity. It fosters community and bonds between playmates and siblings. This, and the books that follow are great stories of what can occur when kids are allowed to just be kids. This is the stuff of childhood memories and "the good old days". May Roxaboxen live on with our kids this summer and summers to come.

In Andrew Henry's Meadow by Doris Burns, a boy named Andrew loves to create. His family does not quite understand his need to invent, and so he finds a meadow in which to play all summer long. He is joined by other kids from the neighborhood who also need a solice in which to create and be. It turns into quite the little village for kids. This book celebrates the creative spirit in kids and the differences in all of us. Another good book about letting kids have time and space to be kids.

The Summerfolk by Doris Burns is another great story about kids creating a little village all their own in which to play and create and live. It showcases the various interests and personalities of the children and the wonderful ways they can get along and have some summer fun.

 This is a super cute book. The Relatives Came by Cynthia Rylant is a cute and funny book about when the family comes to visit. Maybe you have the family coming and maybe you are the family coming. Either way, it is a good laugh for all ages.

Though I have not read these books, I believe I will be looking for them at the library this summer. They sound like good summer books too!
The Raft by Jim Lamarche  Night in the Country by Cynthia Rylant

Adoption friendly "how babies are made" book

Ok, I wanted to find a book for my boys that talked about where babies come from and included adoption. I have really enjoyed a series the Navigators puts out but they don't include adoption really in the first few books for younger kids. So, the search began. There are some secular ones and if you know of any post it in the comments. But, I really wanted one that also reflects our faith. After much looking I found these two books by Jim Burns How God Makes Babies and the second book God Made Your Body. I really like them and they have photos of kids of all different colors. They both include adoption as how you get your family. The boys like the first one and we have read it several times.
I think this topic may come up earlier for adopted kids because of all the talk about birth families. Anyway, this is a good one.

The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones

I love this book. It is by far the very best Children's Bible I have ever seen or read. The flow of the book is great, following the linear stories of the Bible in a fresh manner. It links them together and links them ultimately at the end of every story to Jesus our Redeemer. It tells the story of the Bible as it should be told, the point as it really is. Redemption. It is not a collection of child-afied Bible stories. In my opinion, we do our children a disservice by separating the stories in the Bible from each other and by making them historical tales and worse yet, folk tales. This is inevitably what happens when we tell the stories without linking them to redemption. This book is really the message of Redemption from Genesis to Revelation. I think this is a must have for every family with kids. Maybe every young child should have their own. This book would make a wonderful baby gift or adoption gift for any Christian family.
Family Christian Store

Wilderking Trilogy

I thought the Wilderking trilogy by Jonathan Rodgers was a really good series.  It is from a Christian perspective and takes the story of David and Goliath into a different world and time.  Aidan finds his way to the throne through a series of very Davidic events.  It also includes a very fantastic realm and a sort of mystery in the Feechie Fen and the Feechie Folk.  I think this book is very well written and imaginative.  It held our attention well through each book.  My preschoolers enjoyed listening to the parts I read out loud and I am pretty sure they would listen to the whole thing read in parts, as enthralled as they were.  The only place I know to buy them is on Amazon and they are reasonably priced.  I would suggest them as a good summer read for boys and girls.  Although older kids will enjoy them as a fast read, younger kids in third, fourth and fifth grade will enjoy them quite a bit.  Good readers at second grade could enjoy them because it is content friendly for this young as well.  It is well worth the read.

Welcome

Welcome!
This blog is officially open. :) Please feel free to leave me comments and new book recommendations on any post. The top tabs are lists and you can add to any category in the comments on those pages too. I love new recommendations.
Have a good read.
Jill

In Praise of Gregor the Overlander

Monday, March 15, 2010

In Praise of Gregor the Overlander

             I just finished the five book series, Gregor the Overlander. I can not say enough about these books by Suzanne Collins. I am in love with them. With their characters and setting, with the meaning the story brings to everyday life. I want them to go on and on and never end. I have delved deep into the Underland and do not really want to resurface. Ok, ok..... not literally! Just literary-illy. :)
             I must confess the books did not end the way I had hoped but it ended right.  And I will get used to it.  After all a twelve year old Overlander, no matter what he has been through, can not live happily ever after with his Underland sweetheart. He has much to bring to the Overland. And so do all the readers of this wonderful series.
             I am a big fantasy book lover. I read with great anticipation every Harry Potter book. I have devoured several other series. I must say this one is by far the best - of course I just finished it, so what should I expect. Yes, better than Harry. I am much more attached to Gregor and Luxa, Ares, Howard and Ripred, et al than Harry and his friends. Why? Well, the writing is superior, the art with words, the singular uniqueness of the books, the lack of anything borrowed as far as I can tell. No magic, real heroism. Real love and commitment in family and among friends and allies. Not really different from the emotions we experience in real life trials. We are somehow bonded to those we face hardship with. And left with the scars of those battles............. and with the hope of a new beginning. Of doing right and helping others. Those who you lose along the way will live in your heart forever. Yes, this one will stick with me. A true classic.
              My only regret............ I do not own it. I borrowed it from the local library, which in it's self is really a wonderful thing, because you too can enjoy the power and dedication to do right of Gregor the Overlander in your own comfy chair too! Go check him out!

Barnes and Nobles
Amazon

Fabelhaven book review

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Fablehaven book review

While I am at it I am going to review the Fablehaven book series by Brandon Mull. I stumbled upon the first book in this series quite by accident with a Scholastic Book order and thought it looked interesting and at $5, what a bargain. What a bargain indeed! And what a trap! I have since ordered each and every book as soon as it came off the press. Pre ordered the last one.  Well. The final is coming and I just can't wait to read it.
Check out Brandon Mull's web site here. This book does talk about fairy folk of all sorts, there are evil entities and "good" entities. There is magic, but not the sort we are used to. This is an entirely unique and original book series with plenty of action and mystique. It will appeal to boys and girls mid to older elementary age and up. There are many quotable phrases and concepts that can be applied to life regarding good and evil, choices we make and the value of family. 

Fablehaven

For centuries, mythical creatures of all description have been gathered to hidden refuges around the world where they are watched over by human caretakers. Kendra and her brother Seth discover that their grandfather is the caretaker of one of these secret wildlife sanctuaries—Fablehaven.

The book series follows Kendra and her brother Seth as they learn about the secrets of Fablehaven and the threats to the 7 sanctuaries, where Fairy folk live, by an evil entity who wishes to unleash all the evil creatures on the world of human kind. Can they stop him? Each novel brings them great danger and new knowledge.  But will they survive, will they stop the evil one?

Amazon
Barnes and Nobles

Gregor the Overlander

Monday, February 22, 2010

Gregor the Overlander

This is a book review for Gregor the Overlander series by Suzanne Collins. It is a series of 7 books for middle to older elementary age or really mature readers (ones who understand large words and concepts, not just can sound them out). It is a wonderful, creative and original story with suspense and adventure. Great for boys or girls. This is generally in the category of "fantasy" but this book does not use fairy folk, witchery or magic in any form. It is a great read, captivating and entertaining. I have appreciated the value placed on family in this book which involves the whole family. At the end of each book I really can't wait to read the next one. I am on book 3 and have four waiting for me. I read books one and two in one week.

Synopsis of book one: Gregor is an average 11 year old boy living in New York City in an apartment with his mother, grandmother (who suffers dementia) and two younger sisters. His father mysteriously disappeared two years ago. On the first day of summer break Gregor is doing some laundry while baby sitting his two year old sister Boots, when she falls down a vent in the basement laundry room of the apartment building. Gregor falls after her trying to retrieve her. This beings a series of adventure for Gregor, who learns he is much more than an average 11 year old in the Underland. And what about his father? Well, you'll just have to pick up the book to find out.

Book List for Older Elem and Jr. High readers

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Book list for older elementary readers

I am somewhat of a children's book connoisseur. I love them, I collect good ones. I read them because I love them. Here is a book list for kids in later elementary years. I think some may be good in second grade too, but usually third to sixth grades, or maybe a bit into Jr. High/Middle School too. I will try to note if it is fantasy with magical creatures or magic as I know some to be opposed to this for their own good reasons. I am not really putting classics on here, but there are many good ones. If you have some books you love and think I should add please comment!!!

Books by Avi, such as the Poppy Series. This is a very good author and she holds the attention of kids.

Cornelia Funke is a good author and we have enjoyed Igraine the Brave. She has other good books too, but not the gory ones like Ghost Busters, not appropriate by my standards.

Kate DiCamillo is an awesome author with books like Because of Wynn Dixie, The Journey of Edward Tulane and The Tale of Desperoux.

Roald Dahl is the wonderful author of Matilda, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and The Enormous Alligator, etc... Great books.

The Indian in the Cupboard
Julie of the Wolves
The Cay
How to Eat Fried Worms
Island of the Blue Dophins
Mr. Popper's Penguins
Dr. Doolittle

The Candy Shop War by Brandon Mull
I also LOVE his Fablehaven series, it is fantasy with magical creatures, but no magic for people. I think he is the BEST NEW AUTHOR.

The Hall Family Chronicles by Jane Langton

Spiderwick books are great. The second series after Spiderwick are not so great. Again this is fantasy with fantastical creatures and magic of sorts, but no magic for people.

Fires of Merlin books by T.A. Barron. Mytical magical but in a mythological way, you know Merlin.

The Dark is Rising series by Susan Cooper, again this is magical and the boy does find that he has some magical powers. Nothing like Harry Potter.


Harry Potter series by JK Rowlins, I LOVE these books and so does my oldest, but there is magic in here used by people.

Lowthers Blade series by RL LaFevers, wonderful fantasy books without magic for people.

Peter and the Starcatchers series by Dave Barry. Great books taking off from Peter Pan and in the same vein but more grown up and not at all Disneyfied.

Robert Newton Peck has written a fabulous and funny series of books about a boy named Soup, a girl named Trig and another boy named Banjo. Younger readers. May be out of print.

The Three Investigators mystery series for kids by Alfred Hitchcock. I think they are great mysteries. Out of print.

Some other books I love that may be out of print are the All-of-a-kind Family books. I loved those as a kid and still think they are great. A bit slow for my kids but good none the less.

Of course CS Lewis' Narnia series is a hit for all sorts of ages and is a classic now.
Also the Lord of the Ring series by Lewis' friend JR Tolkien are superb for older kids.

The Bartimaeus Trilogy by Jonathan Stroud,  fantasy, but not people magic.

Redwall books by Brian Jaques

Books by Jane Yolen are great. Again, magic in the vein of Merlin not Potter.

The Edge Chronicles by Chris Riddell, Paul Stewart, fantasy, but not people magic.

Land of Elyon series by Patrick Carman  fantasy like Narnia

Books by Lloyd Alexander

The Mysterious Benedict Society series by Trenton Lee Stewart

The Penderwicks By Jeanne Birdsall

Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Cooper

Mistmantle Chronicles by MI McAllister

Wilderking Trilogy is a wonderful book series by Jonathan Rodgers. (a tale of David set in another world and time) He is a really captivating author.

Ok, if you have others that you or your kids love, please comment!

I'd Choose You -book review

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Book review: children's: "I'd choose you"

I'd Choose You is a great book for kids by John Trent.
It tells about a kid who had a bad day and the parent encourages him by giving many instances when she would choose him over his friends to love and comfort and lift up. Very reassuring. Although it is not an adoption book and the parent and child are both grey elephants, it is a good theme for adopted kids, especially if the parent tells the child after the reading "I choose you too!". Great for any kid. Unfortunately it is out of print. We found our second hand.

Celebrating Adoption Day -book review

Sunday, July 26, 2009

New book recommendation

This author just sent us this amazing book. We LOVE it..... along with her other works too. They are just right for our family. We also have and love Welcome Home Forever Child. Thanks!!!!

Family Day: Celebrating Ethan's Adoption Anniversary
by Christine Mitchell

Family Day: Celebrating Ethan’s Adoption Anniversary As 5-year-old Ethan and his family commemorate the first anniversary of his adoption, they reminisce about the joy and excitement of that special event. As the day progresses they pause to think about Ethan’s birth family and to look through his Lifebook. Along the way, Ethan’s curiosity leads to discussions which help him conclude that adoption is a wonderful way to build families. Praise for Family Day Family Day: Celebrating Ethan's Adoption Anniversary is a heartwarming and important addition to the fairly thin catalogue of literature for and about children and families experiencing foster care adoption. Ethan's joyful, yet curious approach to his special day brilliantly captures the feelings of foster care children wanting to be a part of an adopted family while also grieving the loss of their birth family. Ms. Mitchell's book provides a welcome support for children and adults alike, and should be in the hands of every family created or expanded through foster care adoption. Rita Soronen Executive Director Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption Family Day will open windows of communication for families who have adopted. The book explains why families might be motivated to adopt, how the process occurs, and the varied feelings associated with adoption. Some adopted children don't have the opportunity to interact with other adoptive families. This book will help to normalize adoption and its resulting permanent family relationships. Betsy Keefer, co-author with Jayne E. Schooler, Telling the Truth to Your Adopted or Foster Child: Making Sense of the Past www.christine-mitchell.com

Book Lists

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Book lists

This is a list of book lists (the * means that it is a particularly Christian book)

Parenting in general:
Shepherding a Child's Heart by Tedd Tripp*
How to really love your child Ross Campbell*
every single book by Cynthia Tobias such as You Can't Make me, but I might be persuaded*
Families where grace is in place by Jeff VanVonderen*
Heirs of the covenant by Susan Hunt*
Raising Maidens of Virtue by Stacy McDonald*

Adoption and race for parents:
Toddler adoption the weaver's craft by Hopkins-Best
Taming the tiger while it is still a kitten by Nancy Thomas (the book is not particularly focused on Christians but I hear she is a Christian) I found this book to be a complimentary (the Deborah Gray's book) list of attachment signs to look for and practical ideas for attachment. It is more of a booklet. I do not know anything about her particular theory's as this book does not address that.
Attaching in adoption by Deborah Grey
I'm chocolate you're vanilla by Marguerite A. Wright
Before You were mine (on making a Christian life book)*
Twenty Things Adopted Kids wish their parents knew by Sherrie Eldridge

Adoption for kids:
Emma's Yucky Brother by Jean Little (not a yucky book but a yucky title that I don't favor. For siblings already in the home and pertaining to older child adoption).
Rosie's Family Lori Rosove
I love you like Crazy Cakes by Lewis
Horace by Holly Keller
Who are my real parents by D. L. Fuller
Welcome Home forever child by Christine Mitchell (older child adoption)
Little Miss Spider by David Kirk

Kids Books that talk about race or feature African American persons (because this is important in our family and they are just good books):
Colors come from God Just like me by Carolyn Forche*
Brown Like Me by Noelle Lamperti
Little Bill books by Bill Cosby
He's Got the Whole World in his hands by Kadir Nelson*
Jump at the Sun Bible classics they also make fairy tale classics*
I, Matthew Henson by Weatherford
By my brother's side by Tiki and Ronde Barber
You Can Do it! by Tony Dungy

Ethiopia:
There is no me without you by Melissa Fay Green
The sign and the seal by Graham Hancock

Ethiopia for kids:
Pulling the Lion's whiskers and other Ethiopian tales by Ashabranner and Davis
The storytellers beads by Jane Kurtz
Jane Kurtz books for kids -all of them
The Perfect Orangeby Frank Araujo
Fire on the Mountain by Jane Kurtz

Aspergers:
Asperger's and Girls featuring Tony Attwood and Temple Grandin
Girls Under the Umbrella of Autism Spectrum Disorders By Lori Ernsperger and Danielle Wendel
Parenting Your Asperger Child by Alan Sohn and Cathy Grayson
Oasis guide to Asperger Syndrome by Bashe and Kirby

Aspergers for kids:
All Cat's Have Aspergers by Kathy Hoopmann (kids book)
I am Utterly Unique by Larson (kids book)
Brotherly Feelings by Sam Frender and Robin Schiffmiller (for siblings-kids book)
The Goodenoughs get in sync by Kranowitz (for kids)

Ok for the really big section; I am a conosour of Children's books, this is my list of favorites
Children's books by category:

Grief (for kids mainly):
Tear Soup by Pat Schwiebert and Chuck DKlyen (this book is appropriate for ANYONE)
I'll Always love you by Hans Wilhelm

The birds and the bees:
series put out by Navigators a very Christian perspective* God's Design for sx book series.

Christian character and principles:*
Anything by these authors:
Max Lucado (for kids, including the Hermie and friends series)*
R.C. Sproull (for kids)* ( The Lightlings; The King without a shadow; The priest with dirty clothes)
Go away dark night by Liz Curtis Higgs*
Cheer Up Chicken by Bob Hartman*
Dangerous Journey (Pilgrim's Progress for little kids)*
The Tale of Three Trees by Angela Elwell Hunt*
The Squire and the Scroll by Jennie Bishop (defending the faith)*
The Princess and the Kiss by Jennie Bishop (purity)*
The Garden Wall by Jennie Bishop (marriage)*
The True Princess by Angela Elwell Hunt (purity)*
I'd Be your princess by Kathryn OBrien*
Cows in the House by Beverly Lewis*
Princess Bella and the red velvet hat by Doreen Gay-Kassel *
Mooki and the too proud peacock by Smalley*

I love you books:Runaway bunny by Margaret Wise Brown
I love you through and through by Rossetti-Shustak
I love you because you're you by Liza Baker
The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
No Matter What by Debi Gliori
Mama do you love me by Barbara M. Joosse
Don't forget that I love you by Anna Currey
Guess How much I love you by Sam McBratney
General fun:
Kevin Henkes (Chyrsanthemum; Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse; Sheila the Brave; Owen, etc....)
Jan Brett
Patricia Polacco
Russell Hoban (the Francis books and the Arthur books)
Sandra Boynton (like Barnyard Dance)

Warm Fuzzy Tale by Claude Steiner
The Grump by Mark Ludy and all his other books too
Alexander and the terrible horrible no good very bad day by Judith Viorst
Simon in the land of chalk drawings by Edward McLachlan
The Dandelion seed by Joseph Anthony
Grandpa's teeth by Rod Clement
Cloudy with a chance of meatballs by Judi Barrett
C is for Centennial by Louise Doak Whitney
Alexander and the magic mouse by Martha sanders
When the wind bears go dancing by Phoebe Stone
Little Beaver and the Echo by Amy MacDonald
Andrew Henry's meadow by Doris Burn
Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne
A child's garden of verses by Robert Louis Stevenson
Wynken Blynken and Nod by Eugene Field
The Little old man who could not read by Irma Simontron Black
Crafty Chameleon by Mwenye Hadithi
Johnny Appleseed by Will Moses
Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney
Goldilocks by James Marshall (not your standard story)
Mike Mulligan and his steam shovel by Lee Burton
Let's talk about__________ books by Joy Berry
Sheep out to eat by Nancy Shaw and all the sheep books
The Reluctant Dragon by Kenneth Grahame
The great race by Paul Gobel (others of his too)
The Dragonfly's tale by Kristina Rodanas
How do Dinosaurs ______ by Jane Yolen
We're going on a bear hunt by Michael Rosen
Goodnight Gorilla by Peggy Rathmann
The happy man and his dumptruck (golden book)
Nurse Nancy (golden book)
The Marvelous Mud washing machine by?
Ukelele and her new doll by Clara Louise Grant (golden book)
The rainbow dress and other tollush tales By ilse-Margret Vogel
The best loved doll by Rebecca Caudill
The shrinking of Treehorn by Florence Parry Heide
Kady Did byJean Conder soule
Nancy Plays nurse by Diane Sherman


Books for older kids: (# = fantasy)
Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis #
Lord of the Rings series by JR Tolkien (older elementary or Jr. High)#
Fablehaven series by Brandon Mull #
Spiderwick series#
Lowthar's Blade series By R. L Lafevers (other books by him are good too)#
Three Investigators books by Alfred Hitchcock (older elementary) mystery
Shoes series by Noel Streatfeild
All of a kind family seriesby Sydney Taylor
American Girl library
Soup books by Robert Newton Peck
Harry Potter books by JK Rowlins (older elementary)#
The Secret Garden; Little Lord Fauntleroy; Coutness Kate; The Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett
books by Roald Dahl ( I think all of them are great!)
Patty Reed's Doll by Rachel K. Laurgaard
Jane Yolen books, most of the fantasy ones are great -Merlin books, etc.#
Inkheart series by Cornelia Funke (older elementary) some other books by her are good too. #
The Dark is Rising series by Susan Cooper (older elementary)#
Hank the cowdog books by John R. Erickson mystery
Merlin books by T.A. Barron (other books by him are great too) (0lder elementary)#
Redwall series #
Tales from Dimwood Forest (Poppy) and other books by Avi#
Mistmantle series by McAllister#
Edge Chronicles by Paul Stewart#
Peter and the Starcatchers by Dave Barry (other ones in this series too)#
Kate DiCamillo books
The Boxcar children books
Christmas Books:

Other holiday books:

Coming later:

Adoption Book List

Saturday, March 6, 2010

Adoption Books

Here are some books specifically related to Adoption that I like. You can find others on this blog by looking at the labels section. Look for adoption books.

Adoption and race for parents:
Taming the tiger while it is still a kitten by Nancy Thomas -- I found this book to be a complimentary (to the Deborah Gray's book) list of attachment signs to look for and practical ideas for attachment. It is more of a booklet. I do not know anything about her particular theory's as this book does not address that. Her book, When Love is Not Enough is an excellent book for parents with kids who are having issues attaching.
Attaching in adoption by Deborah Grey
I'm chocolate you're vanilla by Marguerite A. Wright
Before You were mine (on making a Christian life book)*
Twenty Things Adopted Kids wish their parents knew by Sherrie Eldridge
There is no me without you by Melissa Fay Green
Toddler Adoption, the Weaver's Craft  by Hopkins-Best
Parenting your adopted older child
Our own: adopting an older child
Older Child Adoption
The Connected Child by Karyn Purvis 
Parenting the Hurt Child by Gregory C. Keck and Regina Kupecky
Brothers and Sisters in Adoption  by Arleta M. James
In On It: What Adoptive Parents Would Like You To Know About Adoption. A Guide for Relatives and Friends by Elisabeth O'Toole


Adoption for kids:
Emma's Yucky Brother by Jean Little (not a yucky book but a yucky title that I don't favor. For siblings already in the home and pertaining to older child adoption).
Rosie's Family Lori Rosove
I love you like Crazy Cakes by Lewis
Horace by Holly Keller
Who are my real parents by D. L. Fuller
Welcome Home forever child by Christine Mitchell (older child adoption)
Little Miss Spider by David Kirk
God Found Us You  by Lisa Tawn Bergren
A Blessing From Above by Patti Henderson
Family Day: Celebrating Ethan's Adoption Day by Christine Mitchell
Colors come from God Just like me by Carolyn Forche*
Brown Like Me by Noelle Lamperti
Star of the Week
In My Heart by Molly Bang
Yafi's Family: an Ethiopian boy's journey of love, loss and adoption by Linda Pettitt


Ethiopia:
There is no me without you by Melissa Fay Green
The sign and the seal by Graham Hancock
Notes from the Hyena's Belly: An Ethiopian Boyhood by Nega Mezlekia
This Is a Soul: The Mission of Rick Hodes by Marilyn Berger
Vertical Ethiopia, Climbing Toward Possibility in the Horn of Africa by Majka Burhardt
Coffee Story: Ethiopia by Majka Burhardt, Matt Samet, and Steve Holt
Ethiopia and the Bible (Schweich Lectures on Biblical Archaeology) by Edward Ullendorff
The Hospital by the River: A Story of Hope by Catherine Hamlin
The Scent of Eucalyptus: A Missionary Childhood in Ethiopia by Daniel Coleman 
Bikila: Ethiopia's Barefoot Olympian by Tim Judah
The Garbage King by Elizabeth Laird 

Ethiopia for kids:
Pulling the Lion's whiskers and other Ethiopian tales by Ashabranner and Davis
The storytellers beads by Jane Kurtz
Jane Kurtz books for kids -all of them
The Perfect Orange by Frank Araujo
Fire on the Mountain by Jane Kurtz
E Is for Ethiopia (World Alphabets) by Ashenafi Gudeta, Ataklti Mulu, Betelhem Abate, and Dama Boru 
A Saint and His Lion: The Story of Tekla of Ethiopia By Elaine Murray Stone
Ethiopia: A Question and Answer Book (Fact Finders) by Englar and Mary
A Family from Ethiopia (Families Around the World) by Julia Waterlow 
With Two Hands: Stories of God at work in Ethiopia (Hidden Heroes) by Rebecca Davis
Ethiopian Voices: Tsion's Life by Stacy Bellward and Erlend Berge 
When the World Began: Stories Collected in Ethiopia (Oxford Myths & Legends) by Elizabeth Laird 
Ethiopia: A Question and Answer Book (Fact Finders) by Mary Englar 
Ethiopia in Pictures, 2nd Edition (Visual Geography. Second Series) by Jeffery Zuehlke
Saba: Under the Hyena's Foot (Girls of Many Lands) by Jane Kurtz
Only a Pigeon by Jane Kurtz
The Best Beekeeper of Lalibela by Cristina Kessler
Pulling the Lion's Tail (Hardcover) by Jane Kurtz

Africa:
These books relate to stories in Ethiopia and can be easily transferred or are just plain cute.
One Hen - How One Small Loan Made a Big Difference by Katie Smith 
Beatrice's Goat by Page McBrier
Wangari's Trees of Peace: A True Story fro... by Jeanette Winter
Pretty Salma: A Little Red Riding Hood Story from Africa. by Niki Daly
Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters (Amistad) by John Steptoe
Africa Is Not A Country by Margy Burns Knight

Book Review: The Connected Child by Karyn Purvis

Monday, March 22, 2010

Book Review: The Connected Child by Karyn Purvis

I picked up a copy of The Connected Child by Karyn Purvis after hearing a lot about it. It is a great book with lots of great information and practical solutions. It is easy to read and does not go into lots of technical or medical language. It uses terms and ideas your average parent can relate to, grasp and put into practice. I would highly recommend this book for parents who have adopted kids at any age. The only complaint I would have is so very minor, it does not really give ideas for what your child should be doing or how to decide if the child's behaviour is attachment related or not. Nancy Thomas has this in her books and so, again, I still recommend that you have a variety of books in your library for your own resource. Even without that, The Connected Child is one of the best books I have read, it is a must have in my opinion. In addition this book has a lot of great solutions and ideas that work for kids who have other complexities such as Asperger's Syndrome or other neurological differences which cause them to have similar symptoms of a child with attachment issues. I would say this is truly a book for a child who is wounded by family or biology. Below are some links you can use to investigate and buy this great book.

The Connected Child by Karyn Purvis 
you can listen to a broadcast by her on Family Life Today here
or check out the web site here and another one here
Apparently there are many videos of her on line if you google Karyn Purvis you can watch some. 

Welcome

Well, my Ethiopia Adoption Resource Blog has gotten rather full..... and useful to many. And since that is the purpose! Yeah! I find myself in need of separating my blog posts so that blog will remain searchable and on topic. So, You have caught me adding another blog!!! This one will be focused on my love of books. I will post when I find a new great book and write book reviews. This is going to be rather broad, so I will label as follows: Children's, Young Reader, Elementary, Teen, or what ever topic it may be for adult readers. Things like Grief, Adoption, Spiritual growth, parenting, etc..... I may also add things for genre, like Fantasy, biography, etc. So, please be patient as I get this up and running. And, yes, I will be transfering all my book posts from my adoption blog to here, so it may look like I am a maniac blogger, but really, I am SO NOT.  There are too many other things to do in life, like take care of my family and well, read good books!
So, welcome and please do check back.

Jill