Our Favorite Things

We're about 9 weeks into the school year, so I thought I'd post some our favorite books and learning tools that we've discovered this fall.

We absolutely love anything narrated by Jim Dale. We've listened to just about all of his audio recordings, our favorites being the Peter and the Star Catchers series, James Herriot's Treasury for Children (for the wee ones), Around the World in 80 Days, and our newest find, The Emerald Atlas by John Stevens. This was an absolutely fabulous, sit on the edge of your seat, just don't want it to end, type of book. I was every bit as drawn in as my children and we can't wait for the next book in the series. You can find the audio book here:

http://www.amazon.com/Emerald-Atlas-Books-Beginning/dp/B004V6ATR8/ref=tmm_aud_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1321555833&sr=1-1

Another favorite author of ours is Patricia Reilly Giff, who writes historical fiction. Her books are captivating and beautifully written, with many wonderful female protagonists. Nory Ryan's Song is one of my absolute favorites. You can check out her books here:

http://www.randomhouse.com/features/patriciareillygiff/

For older readers, I highly recommend The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak. My oldest is still only 11 so he is not quite ready for this book, yet, but I can't wait until he is old enough to read it. I didn't realize it was Young Adult Fiction when I bought it on my Kindle, and really, it doesn't matter that it is. This was one of the best books I have ever read. It takes place in Nazi Germany during WWII and is beautifully poignant.

http://www.amazon.com/Book-Thief-Markus-Zusak/dp/0375842209/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1321556946&sr=1-1

J has recently discovered the Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne. I love these books because the content is so rich, even thought they are written for early readers. J is devouring a book a day lately and learning so much.

http://www.magictreehouse.com/

I first saw Rip the Page on Soule Mama's blog and had to check it out. It is a wonderfully fun and different approach to creative writing. I highly recommend it, especially if you have a reluctant writer at home, or one who needs a boost of creativity.

http://www.amazon.com/Rip-Page-Adventures-Creative-Writing/dp/1590308123/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1321556190&sr=8-1

We're learning about Ancient History this year and have discovered some great resources. We love the crafts and stories in Ancient Egyptians and Their Neighbors by Marian Broida. We just finished making Overnight Egyptian Fig Cakes, and are waiting for the dough to rise as I type this post :) We are also fans of History Pockets, published by Evan Moore. You can find them both here:

http://www.amazon.com/History-Pockets-Ancient-Civilizations-Grades/dp/1557999007/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1321557265&sr=1-3
http://www.amazon.com/History-Pockets-Ancient-Egypt-Grades/dp/155799904X/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1321557308&sr=1-3
http://www.amazon.com/Ancient-Egyptians-Their-Neighbors-Activity/dp/1556523602/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1321557370&sr=1-1

Hope your fall has been full of wonderful new discoveries!