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I can't actually remember when I read all these titles; the school books are clearer, but the others, I'm just guessing as to when they fell in either March or April. So many books I've abandoned or wasn't able to finish before the library due date (looking at you The Island of Missing Trees!) and I'd be remiss not to mention my attention just isn't what it used to be. I find it much harder to really sink into a book. It was nearly impossible for me to do during covid. Apparently that was a thing. I didn't feel it really ease up until this Spring.
March Titles
*Agnes Pelton: Desert Transcendentalist (Pheonix Art Museum) - I first found out about Agnes Pelton from Plough magazine or Joy Clarkson; but I just love her art. It reminds me of the mythical worlds that Madeleine L'Engle created in her writing. It's soothing, and interesting, and full of soft, mystical shapes and ideas. I read through this art book (ex. coffee table book) in a few days and learned about the artist's life and her work.
* 84 Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff - This short little book was recommended to me by my friend Maria, who often shares excellent movies, TV, and books! I needed a little book win and something that wasn't fluff but was extremely funny or delightful. This 100 page book - that is really a compilation of decades of letters between a NYC writer and the staff at a well-known London bookstore--was both!
*Canadian Geographic (Mar/April Issue) - I love reading these every month and I always learn so much. This issue's cover story was all about Mt Logan- Canada's highest mountain peak.
Read Alouds
*The Kite Rider by Geraldine McCoughrean - This read aloud was (admittedly) my kids' least favorite book because it was just too predictable. The history portion (it was a part of Beautiful Feet Book's literature package for Intermediate Medieval Times) was very interesting, but the storyline was just a bit too tidy for my kids' taste. My son actually told me what would happen within the first 3 chapters, and he was correct.
*The Music of Dolphins by Karen Hesse - Ani read this novel as a part of her Marine Biology science study this year, and she enjoyed this book. It's extremely easy to read, because it's about a feral child who was raised by dolphins, and is learning to speak and write under the care of scientists. Although the story is very sad and the (young) audience is figuring out the ethics of her being studied while she learns to adapt to humanity, the information about how dolphins live together is why we read this book, and why she liked it.
April Titles
*Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon - Kleon's first book was on my radar for a long time because his weekly newsletter (and near-daily blog) are on my list of favorites. He's witty, has excellent recommendations, and makes the most creative and colorful collage art that I find so visually attractive. His book that gives artists (of any stripe) tips is totally worth the look-through, especially if you're a visual learner.
*Honey for a Teen's Heart by Gladys Hunt - I finally finished up this book that was in the trio of the books I had in the same series. I know they're a bit cheesy but I really enjoyed these. They were soft and quiet essays about reading and engaging others (ex. teens) in reading quality literature, and of course recommendations on what (your) teen might enjoy based on their interests. Honey for a Child's Heart is a book I'd recommend (over many others) to have to a family starting their homeschooling journey, or that just wants to fill their home and their kids' heart with a love of words and story.
*How Not to Read the Bible by Dan Kimball - I first heard about this book from writer Natasha Crain, and she did a great job talking about the book; the cover looked promising, too. This book is more for people who are confused about Christianity's claims, want to know more, or need help explaining random blips from the bible to those who (unfortunately) hear something completely out of context. There were a ton of visuals in this book that I thought could be helpful. I'd call it a pre-apologetics book.
Read Alouds
*Crispin by Avi - The kids enjoyed this read aloud about a boy who is orphaned during the Black Plague and has to find his way in the world alongside the English Peasant Revolts. He's taken in by a man - a jester - named Bear, and their relationship is a great part of the story. It's well-written, funny, and action-filled, making this a book that was easily read within two weeks.
*Adam of the Road by Elizabeth Janet Gray - This book was also extremely well written, and also about a jester's son (!), but the plot was a bit strange: it's about a boy who travels all over England in just under a year trying to find his lost father and dog, and all the people he meets and sights he sees during that time period. The book won a Newberry Medal in 1943, so the writing was going to be higher caliber. The story was a bit slow, and a bit predictable, but my kids did enjoy it; a "solid good".
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