Bookmarks: Realistic Middle-Grade Fiction

I can't keep up. I'm constantly on the look-out for good books for my children to read. But unless the recommendation comes from someone who I know has the same book values as me, I want to pre-read the books before giving them to my children. But after finally getting a book read and handing it to my children, they have it read in one afternoon and I'm back to looking for more books.

I know many of you are in the same fix. I'm sharing some of the books I have preread in the last few years in case it is helpful for your own book quests.

These are what I consider middle-grade novels since my children are 2nd to 7th grade. My list was too long for one post so I'm splitting it into realistic, fantasy, and historical fiction posts. Today's list contains some great books that will help your child gain an understanding for children who live in various life circumstances from blindness to foster care and various parts of the world from Oman to Alaska.

This is only a small number of the great books that are out there. As always, I'm hoping that you will share your favorite books with me.

The Seventeenth Swap by Eloise Jarvis McGraw

Eric has no money, but he longs to buy a pair of cowboy boots for his handicapped friend. A warm story with lots of twists.

The Turtle of Oman by Naomi Shihab Nye

Aref doesn't want to move to Michigan, but Sidi says, that just like the turtles, Aref will come back. As Aref says good-bye to all the things he loves about living in Oman, we get to visit his home. A warm book to introduce a child to another nation through the eyes of a child.

We The Children by Andrew Clements

Is there a way to save Benjamin's school from demolition? Secret messages and codes will take Benjamin and his friends on a quest. First book in the Benjamin Pratt and the Keepers of the School series.

Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

Ally has hidden her inability to read by causing distractions, but her new teacher will not be easily fooled. Perfect book for anyone who has felt like a misfit or who wants to read a hopeful book on the power of a good teacher. I had my children read this to understand their brother's dyslexia.

The Boy Who Biked the World by Alastair Humphreys

Tom dreams of being an explorer. He decides to make his dreams come true and bike around the world from his home in England. A great way to learn geography. Part One tells of biking to Africa. Though the book is fiction, the author himself actually biked around the world.

The Worm Whisperer by Betty Hicks

Ellis longs to help earn money to pay for his dad's back surgery. When he finds a woolly worm who seems to follow his directions he plans to enter the annual Woolly Worm Race to win the $1,000 prize.

The Year of Miss Agnes by Kirkpatrick Hill

None of the teachers have stayed in Fred's village long. Would the smell of fish, the loneliness of the Alaskan village, or the challenges of teaching send Miss Agnes away too?

Canyon Winter by Walt Morey

After the plane crash, Peter needs to learn how to survive in the wilderness with the help of old Omar. Peter finds he has more courage than he expected.

Extra Credit by Andrew Clements

Abby is going to have to repeat sixth grade unless she completes some extra credit -including writing to a foreign pen pal. When her letter arrives in a small Afghanistan school, Sadeed's sister is chosen to write to Abby. Jumping from American to Afghanistan this book shows the connection words can bring. This book is one of Clement's school series.

Star Island Boy by Louise Dickinson Rich

Larry arrived at Star Island determined not to like his new home. But maybe the lobster-fishermen on this Maine island are different than his other foster families. Note: small amount of swearing.

Follow My Leader by James B. Garfield

An accident with a firecracker turned Jimmy's world to darkness. How would he learn to cope with blindness? Leader, his guide dog, helped Jimmy learn to function in the new world. Great book to help appreciate the gift of sight and includes a good example of loving your enemy. Note: mild swearing.

The Children of Noisy Village by Astrid Lindgren

Birthdays, Christmas, fishing, and fun with cousins in a little Swedish community.

The Year of the Baby by Andrea Cheng

Anna needs to find a topic for the science fair, but her mom is worried that their newly adopted baby from China is not gaining. Can Anna and her friends help?

Find more book recommendations on the book page.

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Popcorn - forts, tulips, and trails

Sometimes I'm not sure where my time goes, but here is a photo record of the last couple days.

When I was a girl, my family would have a picnic at Fort Frederick every summer. I loved walking around those huge walls. 

I thought it was time to take my children to visit Fort Frederick and their annual Market Days was the perfect chance. We toured the fort, watched the drills, and listen to the musket firing.

But the highlight was the market where dozens of craftsmen and sutlers such as this potter, were selling their wares. 

All the venders' merchandise, tents, and costumes had to be appropriate for North America in the mid-1700's. There was some fine craftsmanship (and high prices) on display.

I don't have many  tulips this year.

Could this be why?

But if you can deny a few flowers to those curls and eyes.

You have a harder heart than I.

We spent the weekend at Ohio Wilderness Boys Camp visiting my brother Todd who is on staff at the camp. On Saturday three of my siblings, four of my children, one niece, and four nephews ran in the Redbud Trail Challenge 5K. Here they pose with big grins (and clean clothes) before the race. 

My children lined up at the starting gate. 

And they are off! (If you are reading this by email, you may have to click over to the site to view the video.)

My children had been practicing at home and were hoping to beat their record from last year. But it had rained for hours during the night and the trail was slick. In the video you can see the runners head up a steep hill (maybe better called a mountain) which was quickly churned to mud by all those feet. Thankfully the rain slowed during the race and my children said the drizzle felt good.

My ten-year-old made a strong finish.

He was thrilled to beat his older brother and cousin by almost a minute.   

Not long after the children finished, the rain started again in earnest. We enjoyed lunch while hiding from the steady downpour. When we got back to where we were staying, I had a washing machine load of  muddy sneakers and clothing.

But by evening the sun came out and Todd took us down to the lake for a hotdog roast.

Nothing gives a good appetite like fresh air and exercise. 

And a little music to aid digestion.

Another great visit to camp.

And now it is Monday with more loads of laundry.

Watching Love in Action

I don't usually find parenting models in my back yard. I suppose our cat could challenge me with her faithful motherhood, but her stint is over in six weeks.

But last week, I watched parenting modeled in a way that challenged me. Actually maybe it wasn't parenting as much as a model of God's love. The kind of sacrificial, putting-others-first love this mom needs. In triple doses.

The Pioneers are a group of ten boys from the Alleghany Boys Camp plus their two leaders who they call "chiefs." They were on a Civil War bus trip and we were privileged to have them spend a week camping in our pasture. Each day they visited local historical sites such as Gettysburg and Harper's Ferry. 

Their days started early. About 6:30 I could see the chiefs gently shaking tents and boys emerging from their sleeping bags and huddling near the campfire. Each boy is assigned camp chores. They set up tents, prepared meals, cleaned up the campsite, hauled water, wrote articles, and showered in the outdoor shower built with a tarp and garden hose. 

But of course nothing happens without the chief's involvement. I know how hard it is to keep children moving toward a goal. "Herding cats" and "pushing rope" have been used to describe the challenge. 

I've also been camping. Sure there is fun, but also lots of work. And I've never been gone two and a half weeks. With TEN boys.



After a day of touring, two boys helped a chief cook their meals on a campfire. We invited them to share one meal with us, then later in the week, they invited us out to their campsite for a meal.



They shared the fruit-roll-ups, beef jerky, and granola bars that they had made for their trip. They also cooked a Chinese rice dish over the fire. Everything was delicious.

And I watched the chiefs. They have to be flagging. It been a long day. But they don't get a break. There are still more boys to push through showers, the van to clean out, and articles to look over.

The swing-set and the yard are full of shrieks of children for a few hours each evening. Our children loved the extra players for active games of tag.  One chief pauses between chores to spend a few minutes playing British Bulldog. I applaud his effort to push down his weariness and have fun and laugh with the boys.

The goal is to be in tents by dark but, even when starting early, the boys don't always settle down quickly. The boys are learning life lessons on respecting authority, having good attitudes, and dealing with anger. Their chiefs are walking with them, but it isn't always pretty. 



Night falls and I hear the strumming of a guitar and a lone voice singing and hope that it is as relaxing for ten boys as it is to me. Some nights it is 10:30 until I hear the chiefs getting their own showers - the first time all day that they have had a moment to themselves. Just like moms who can't find time for their own shower until late at night.

But these are not his children. The chief has no obligation to them. A talented twenty-two-year-old has lots of options for adventure - and for income. These boys don't always appreciate chief's efforts. They might call chief names and throw a fit when chief asks him to pick up his towel. They certainly don't mind how much work they are causing chief.

But he is making a difference. Ten boys are seeing God's love in action. They are experiencing love when they are acting unlovable. They are finding a love that doesn't let them continue their bad habits. They are being given a model of true manhood that will influence them for life.

Next time I want to complain about how hard it is to be a mother, I'll try to remember the view out of my window this week. If those two young men can love and serve without complaining, why can't I.

We both have the same grace-giving God who gives His love in abundance.

On Easter Sunday we all had a little sunrise service. Singing praise songs with the guitar while watching the sun emerge over the horizon was a special celebration of Christ's resurrection. 

And the resurrection is what gives me the hope to face the challenge to keep loving.

For more info on Alleghany Boys Camp.

Question: Modest Clothing Sources

A question I get often from Home Joys readers is where to find modest clothing. Since I make dresses for both my girls and myself, I am not familiar with good sources for modest clothing. So I'm turning to you all for help.

Where do you find modest clothing for yourself or your daughters? Are there brands, stores, or online sites that you recommend?

If you sew, what patterns do you like? Where do you buy your fabric?

I'm encouraged by so many women who are seeking to honor God by their clothing choices. Let's encourage each other by letting a comment to help others. If you are reading this by email or feed-reader, just click over to the website to let a comment.

Thanks!

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Modesty Series

How to Sew a Cape Dress 

Bookmarks: Book on Space for Children

This year our family has been studying astronomy with Apologia's Young Explorers Astronomy book. It has been a fascinating study and, of course, we have searched the library to find more books on the topic. Here some of the books we collected about space and some of the early astronomers. Note: Some of these books contain brief mention of evolution – i.e. millions of years.

Sunshine Makes the Seasons by Franklyn M. Branley, illustrated by Michael Rex

Why is it cold part of the year and hot at other times? This book will explain how the sun and the axis of the earth affects the seasons.

Nicolaus Copernicus: The Earth Is a Planet by Dennis B. Fradin, illustrated by Cynthia Von Buhler

Without even the help of a telescope, Copernicus made discoveries that changed the way people thought of the earth's place in the universe. An excellent children's biography with richly painted illustrations about an important man from the 1400's.

What's So Special About Planet Earth? written and illustrated by Robert E. Wells

How about a trip to the other planets to find the best place to live? After reading this book, you'll be glad to stay on planet earth. The perfect first book to learn about our solar system.

I, Galileo, written and illustrated by Bonnie Christensen

Bright paintings share the story of Galileo's life in the 1500's in a way younger readers can enjoy. Learn about Galileo's many contributions to science and astronomy.

One Giant Leap by Robert Burleigh, illustrated by Mike Wimmer

Rich illustrations and active prose tell the details of the day the first man stepped on the moon. We know the end of the story, but imagine how nervous you would be if you didn't know if the men would return to earth safely.



Moonshot: The Flight of Apollo 11 written and illustrated by Brian Floca
Poetic text combines with amazing watercolors to replay the historic journey of the Apollo 11 to the moon. This book is loaded with details and shouldn't be missed.

Reaching for the Moon by Buzz Aldrin, illustrated by Wendell Minor

Telling his own story, Buzz, the second man to walk on the moon, remembers the steps that took him all the way to the moon and back. Rich oil paintings bring color to the historic trip.

If You Decide to Go to the Moon by Faith McNulty, illustrated by Steven Kellogg

This fun book explains everything you'll need to know to visit the moon in your own rocket ship. Fun illustrations take you on this journey of a lifetime.

You Wouldn't Want to Be on Apollo 13! by Ian Graham, illustrated by David Antram

The dangers of a moon landing are no laughing matter, but this book is guaranteed to make you smile. Comic-style illustrations and wry humor made this informative book one of my son's favorites.

Look at the Stars by Buzz Aldrin, illustrated by Wendell Minor

Travel with an Apollo astronaut on a whirlwind trip through the history of man's fascination with space. Richly illustrated with brilliant paintings.

The next three are slightly longer books suitable for upper elementary students.

Mission Control, This Is Apollo: The Story of the First Voyages tothe Moon by Andrew Chaikin, illustrated by Alan Bean

This fascinating book combines detailed accounts of each of the Apollo missions with the incredible paintings by one of the few men who actually walked on the moon.

A Black Hole Is Not a Hole by Carolyn Cinami DeCristofano

Answering questions about the mysterious black holes in an entertaining way, this is a book for any young astronomer to learn about their universe.

Cars on Mars: Roving the Red Planet by Alexandra Siy
Travel to Mars and learn about the Mars rovers who enhanced our knowledge of our closest planet.

Destination: Moon by James Irwin
This book was a family favorite because, not only does it show real photographs of the Apollo 15's trip to the moon, but Irwin, the 8th man to walk on the moon, gives God the glory for creation.

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