My 5th grade daughter’s book club got invited to the 5th grade boys’ book club because they had a special guest, William Maliul, an articulate and engaging Lost Boy of Sudan, who came to speak about his experiences in Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, and the United States. Brothers in Hope was the book club selection and though it is a picture book, the content is suitable for a 4th or 5th grader.
Category: Parenting
My blog covers education and children’s books. When I cover parenting issues, it usually contains book recommendations. Parenting topics include academic subjects, summer learning, bullying, special needs, fitness and more.
Go The F**k to Sleep: Two Takes on Parenting
Getting kids to sleep is such a politically charged topic for parents. There are the co-sleepers who are vehemently opposed by the Independent Sleepers. Caught in the middle? The parents who get no sleep and still have to function the next day. Here are two takes. Go the F**k to Sleep is by Newton (my town) funny man Adam Mansbach whose jack-in-the-box kids are fodder for humor. If they are keeping him awake, it’s clearly enhancing his sense of humor.
Japan: Books for Kids on Shogun, Family Crests, Block Prints
We travel this week to Japan and go back in time with some stories of my family to the Daimyo Shogunate in Japan. I have chosen some kidlit to reflect the duality of Japan versus United States, and have featured artists who are reflected in the books including ukiyo-e masters Hiroshige and Hokusai and the father of Manga, Osamu Tezuka.
Family Reunion Vacations: Bermuda
Bermuda would make a great family reunion vacation spot. What is not to like about Bermuda? Pink sand beaches. Friendly people. Crystal clear aquamarine blue ocean. Good food. The only downside is that it is a little pricey. Here are our favorite places to stay and eat, fun things that we enjoyed doing, and some recipes to make Bermudian specialties.
Top 10: Best Standalone Books for 5th Graders by 5th Grade Girl
Book reviews of action adventure and realistic fiction chapter books by an 11-year-old girl in 6th grade.
China for Kids with Children’s Books, Culture and Design
To cover the Culture Revolution, I selected Little Leap Forward, a chapter book about living during this time in China. Zen Shorts still remains one of my all time favorite picture books because is manages to combine Chinese Philosopher Chuang Tsu’s parables in a way that is accessible to kids and yet leave adult readers pondering Big Ideas. Finally, for everyone who has a Joy Luck Club story from their homeland, I hope that you all have had a chance to read this book that broke the ground for a new Asian American literature genre twenty-five years ago.
Best Personalized Baby Gifts for Under $50
I found that I saved all the personalized baby gifts that my three kids received so now I have been giving personalized gifts as well when I have the forethought to plan. I have bought presents from Pocket Baby and Wilder Glassworks and both make great gifts. Simon Pearce comes recommended by Capability:Mom and I like the idea of a piggy bank. Please share your favorite custom baby gifts!