We’ve found so many wonderful books this summer and thought
we’d share with anyone interested.
We read many books with character building themes, but also some books
with foreign cultural context – giving our girls a peek into the lives of
children around the world – both modern and historical. Some are just silly – while others
address weightier issues. We found
books suitable for ESOL readers - more mature themes with an easy reading
level. I hope you enjoy them as
much as we did!
Read alouds for 2nd
-6th graders:
The Year of Miss
Agnes: The story of a dedicated Alaskan teacher and her students.
Yang the Youngest and
his Terrible Ear: The story of a Chinese family of musicians whose youngest
boy would rather play baseball, and his best friend who would rather play the
violin. A terrific story for
anyone who ever had unique interests within their family.
Caddie Woodlawn: Hilarious stories of a family in early
America. Most memorable line:
“Obadiah Jones had met his Waterloo,” when a new teacher comes to town!
The Little Princess: Great story/movie about a girl who
wonders if she’d still be a nice girl without her wealth.
Esperanza Rising: The story of a wealthy Mexican girl who
loses her father and riches and travels to the United States for a new
life. A sober look at the migrant
worker’s living conditions. I used
the audio book as it was rather long.
The YWAM missionary
biographies – BUY THE ENTIRE SET!!!
We read Amy Carmichael and Hudson Taylor. Life changing stories!
Vivaldi’s Four
Seasons (book): picture book
of Vivaldi’s work with orphans – includes a Cd.
ANY of the Journeyforth
books found on the BJU Press Website.
There are so many and they are all excellent. My kids’ all time favorites are the books of the Arby
Jenkins series. These are rarely
found in libraries – but are a worthwhile investment – especially for boys.
Emerging readers:
Mercy Watson series: SILLY early reading books for emerging
readers -1st grade-2nd
Lady Lollipop/Clever
Lollipop: the story of how a
clever pig is able to reform a spoiled princess.
Kelsey Green the
Reading Queen: Super reader
Kelsey Green learns some character lessons during a reading contest.
Reggie: Story of a boy who finds a cool mouse
toy attached to a balloon and his struggle with conscience to return it to its
owner.
Series: Cam
Jansen, Clementine, and Ivy Bean.
Younger readers: 7-10
The Year of the
Panda:
The story of a boy and his father who care for an orphaned
Panda.
Yang the Third
Youngest and Her Impossible Family:
Another story about the Yang family and cultural challenges for new
immigrants.
White Fur Flying: The story of a family who rescues dogs
and helps heal the heart of a troubled boy.
The Trailblazer
series: Young reader
missionary bios written within a fictional context. Exciting and fun!
Hard to find – and cheapest via kindle. ALL my kids like these. Their favorites so far: The Hidden Jewel, Flight of the
Fugitives, Imprisoned in the Golden City.
http://www.amazon.com/Shanghaied-China-Hudson-Taylor-Trailblazer/dp/1556612710/ref=pd_sim_b_1
Lumber Camp Library: Great historical fiction for young
readers. Ruby learns to read and
in turn teaches the lumberjacks.
Series: The Boxcar
Children
Older Elementary
The House of Sixty Fathers: I loved this story about a young Chinese boy and his pet pig during the Japanese invasion of China in WWII. After his family narrowly escapes from their village, he is accidentally swept back down the river into Japanese held territory. He must evade the soldiers on his way back - along with hungry inhabitants who want his pig. He helps an American airman, wounded during a plane crash, and the two travel dangerously together. Thrilling story!
The House of Sixty Fathers: I loved this story about a young Chinese boy and his pet pig during the Japanese invasion of China in WWII. After his family narrowly escapes from their village, he is accidentally swept back down the river into Japanese held territory. He must evade the soldiers on his way back - along with hungry inhabitants who want his pig. He helps an American airman, wounded during a plane crash, and the two travel dangerously together. Thrilling story!
Black Beauty:
the Classic
Series: The Penderwicks
Middle School (or
good readers)
Daughter of a
Thousand Pieces of Gold: The
story of a young Chinese girl whose family dies in a flood and her journey
through mistreatment by a village enemy, the orphanage, and eventually to a new
family through adoption. My 5th
grader enjoyed this.
A Single Shard: I loved this story! The life of an orphaned Korean boy who
is cared for by crippled “Crane Man” under a bridge. It tells how the boy meets disaster, makes restitution, and
learns the value of integrity along the way.
Homeless Bird: Story of a Brahmin girl who is married
off at 13 years old to a dying boy.
She becomes an early widow and finds herself on her own in the city
where widows are taken to for abandonment. Chance meetings give this story a better ending than the
reality for most – a gentle look for middle school girls.
Red Scarf Girl: True story of a young Chinese girl who
weathers the difficult times of the Cultural Revolution in China. Must read for all.
Mary, Bloody Mary(Carolyn
Meyers): Engaging story of Queen
Mary’s childhood and subsequent rise to the throne. My middle schooler is currently engrossed by this story and
can’t wait to read the rest of Carolyn Meyers’ books. This child typically avoids historical fiction!
And our favorite Middle School Classics:
Tom Sawyer
Oliver Twist
The Witch of Blackbird Pond
Redwall
Journey to the Center of the Earth
The Hobbit
C.T. Studd (YWAM series)
Lottie Moon (YWAM series)
Best wishes for good reading!
Blessings,
Kim
Thanks for the great suggestions, Kim!
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