Monday, January 21, 2008

Some of our favorite books

I could talk about books forever. Not necessarily eloquently. But I do admit to a definite love affair with books. It really saddens me when I hear a child make the statement "I HATE reading!". I can't help but think of the wonderful things of which they will miss out.
Fortunately, that isn't the case with my children so far. In fact, I've lately been occasionally scolding my oldest son for reading when he is supposed to be doing other things. He tends to get so absorbed in what he's reading, that he loses contact with the "real" world (I wonder who he gets that from?).

So I thought I would share a series that has turned out to be a favorite of both my son, and myself.

About 2 years ago, I discovered the Dear America Series by Scholastic. These are fiction books written in Journal/diary style, but based on real times and events in America. They span a huge variety of subjects: 4 wars, the gold rush, the Oregon trail, Irish/Scottish Immigrants, Native Americans, Pilgrims, Slaves, the sinking of the Titanic, the school for the Blind and many, many more. What I especially like is the amount of detail included, because they are basically day-to-day events.

I told this same son (10 yrs old) to give me a list of 5 things he would like to receive for Christmas. Topping his list was "History Books" (he's definitely MY son). Well, it just so happened I had run across a set of 4 books at the thrift store. And they were all about the male species. They were the My name is America books, which are basically along the same lines. They are all well written, and really allow children to put themselves " in the shoes" mentally of kids that were their age, but in another era.

I can't resist including the Royal Diaries (also by Scholastic) in this post. They are also basically the same idea of a journal/diary but about...well, royalty. There is Cleopatra (who supposedly wasn't that beautiful, but rather intelligent), and Anastasia of Russia was definately one of my favorites.

These books are meant for approximately 10 yrs of age (depending on your childs reading ability) and older, but I gobbled them up myself. And thoroughly enjoyed them! Of course, I told myself I was collecting them for my daughter...the one who is 5 yrs old now.

Most libraries probably have copies of these books to lend out. I love to OWN books (I'm a re-reader) and collected mine through Ebay (which does a THRIVING business of these books-they resell very well) and my local thrift stores. They have wonderful covers (hardback) and attached ribbons.
Well, that wraps up this installment of some of our favorite books. Think I'll take advantage of a school day off to curl up with a book myself. Happy Monday!

9 comments:

Marva said...

What fun! I love books and to read. thanks for reminding us of how important it is. Also, I have found some great homeschooling materials (reading books) at craigslist.org.

Little Natural Cottage said...

I LOVE to read too, although I rarely have time to indulge myself these days in my favorite venue of reading- historical fiction!

Our two little girls, ages 4 yrs and 19 mos, are little book-worms-in-the-making... any time I sit down they grab a book (or three) and hop in my lap to be read to!

Stylin said...

Hi
This was informative,since I did not grow up here I missed out on the kids books here!!
I will need to read these
And dont tell anyone that!!!

MyKidsMom said...

Marva- Hello! Craigslist is also a great place to advertise for wanted books, we found a set we were looking for that way. And at a great price!

Kristy- Thanks for stopping by. I too love historical fiction. The Brock and Bodie Thoene World War II series is one of my all-time favorites. I love referrals in that area too- so please share any favorite authors!

Frasypoo- DO read them! I have a confession to make: a few of them I could not stop reading and stayed up the whole night to finish. They are just chock-full of History, yet at a level that it all just flows. And have I told you I love all your exclamation points you use? They add so much personality! LoL Take care~

Whatsoever is Pure said...

Thank you for your post! I'm always on the lookout for great reads!

Thanks also for stopping by my blog- always love to have new blog friends. :)

Looking forward to coming by again!

Angel

Mrs. Darling said...

Ive been out and about about all day so Im just now checking in. Great post.

Nikki said...

I love books and reading, too. I started collecting children's books for our children before I was even pregant! I tell people that I want to be a librarian when I grow up, and my husband always adds that I almost have enough books now to open my own library. I have to admit that I have a secret desire to be our church's librarian. And we don't even have a library yet!

Mrs. Darling said...

So did the liver detox kill ya or somethin'?

ConservaChick said...

A love affair with books? Oh yes, I can relate! ~K

PS. My 11 year old LOVES the Dear America series (although I have yet to read any myself)