One Grain of Rice
My favorite part about this book is the illustrations. The ending is somewhat predictable, as many folktales are, but the illustrations are what make the book.
First Words
This is Little May’s favorite book. It’s such a favorite that at times it has… ahem… “gone missing” a time or two…. =)
The Top of the World
I was only a few pages in when I realized I actually really liked it. The collages are very detailed and well done, right down to the light coming from the hiker’s headlamps and the mountain peak reflection in their sunglasses.
A Beka Spelling
Both girls consistently test above grade level for spelling so I am happy and will continue with A Beka Spelling next year. The work is challenging for both girls, but they are still able to get A’s on their tests with 20-30 minutes a day of studying.
A Beka
If you believe in a traditional based curriculum you should seriously consider A Beka. I know families that have used only A Beka that love it and have done extremely well with it.
If you feel confined by traditional classroom teaching with rote memorization, worksheets and textbooks, then it probably will not be a good fit for you and your children.
The Great Ships
I was drawn to this book by the beautifully detailed cover and the illustrations. I learned about quite a few ships I’d only heard of – I finally know how Old Ironsides got her name!
Celebrate Ramadan
I perused quite a few books at the library about Islam before settling on this and a few others. This one is my favorite so far. True to National Geographic fashion, the pictures are what really make the book. Girls in Nepal decorating their hands with henna, a large family in Iraq sitting on the floor eating, a man in India selling cakes… I am having a hard time writing this because I’m flipping through the book and staring at the pictures all over again.
Marco Polo
This is a nice, easy reading book that introduces the reader to Marco Polo and Kublai Kahn. I read it out loud to the girls, and they begged me to keep reading. It was short, fast paced and exciting, and makes a great reader and simple introduction to Marco Polo.
Cameron Townsend
I really enjoyed learning Townsend’s story and the birth of Wycliffe, but much of the book was dry and bogged down with details. To be fair, I think it was meant to be a one-stop reference/biography and therefore isn’t really suitable as a read aloud for 3rd and 4th graders.
Grandfather’s Work
I found this little gem in the non-fiction “Africa” section of the library and we loved it! All three of us enjoyed studying the pictures and comparing even little details of African life to our life (“Mom! His mother bakes and sells white bread!”).
The Family Book List 