This is a list from my library (Newton Free Library). If you are a member of the Minuteman Library System, you can click on the title of the book to reserve.
Month: August 2011
Best Middle Grade Books from My 5th Grade Daughter
I am thrilled that she is loving to read and now that she is cranking through book series, I am noticing a pattern: she loves fast paced, fantasy adventure books, particularly those in which the main characters possess special powers. I asked her for her Top 5 Series recommendations and all fit the bill except for The Mysterious Benedict Society. These series also have unisex appeal as I have noticed that she is lending out her books to both male and female classmates. Finally, these books are appropriate for a wider audience beyond 5th grade, I’d say the range is grades 3rd through 8th.
Learn to Multiply in 5 MINUTES!
My youngest is going into first grade and he loves math. I asked him if he wanted to learn to multiply in five minutes and he said, “Yes!” And so we started reading the Sticks and Steps method of multiplication which is beautifully simple and visual.
Best Old Fashioned Families in Children’s Books
I do love those old fashioned books; you know, the ones where no one fights at all EVER. Siblings get along beautifully, parents never get divorced, and there’s always a happy ending. In fact, there is so little conflict, there isn’t much plot. It’s more like a series of short vignettes of what life was like back then. Was life that simple and conflict free back then? I doubt it, but I do love reading about it with my kids.
Best YA Books for Boys But Why Aren’t There More?
What do you think is the reason why boys don’t read as much? Do you think YA (Young Adult) books skew overwhelmingly to girls? What YA books would you recommend for boys?
Head Lice Remedies
Thank you to Capability:Mom for sending me this video from The Wall Street Journal on Remedies for Getting Rid of Head Lice. I have my own take on lice after two stints and I have posted on it here.
How Ancient Greek Statues Really Looked
For those interested in Ancient Greek Civilization, Greek Mythology or just plain old Percy Jackson fans, check out this post from ColourLovers that depicts ancient Greek sculpture and how they really looked based on scientific research…