My blogger friend Kayla Aimee has written a beautiful book that was released yesterday called Anchored ($11.93 on Amazon). I've started the book and am a few chapters in and I've already teared up several times. I was not expecting this story to be so beautiful. Kayla was pregnant with her first with what you would hope would be aroutine … [Read more...]

In no particular order, here's 10 books to add to your list for Must-Reads by the pool or on the beach this summer: 1) Big Little Lies,$9.79 for Kindle version on Amazon- I read this one for my Book Club. It's authored by the same woman who wrote the Husband's Secret and it's definitely a quick read and a page turner. I love all of Liane's … [Read more...]

My formerly reluctant reader has done a 180 in the last two years.  Nate was never a fan of reading in the early years, something that drove me nuts as an avid reader myself.  Looking back, I realize I needed to just give it time because now, in 5th grade, he loves to read.  Since before the holidays, he has been reading the same series and has … [Read more...]

At our school's recent book fair, my 10 year old picked up this book: Basher History:  States & Capitals - United We Stand ($8.09, Amazon).  He's in 5th grade and will be learning all of the states and capitals this year so I thought it was great that he bought this.  Colorful and animated, I wasn't surprised either - this book actually … [Read more...]

This beautiful children's book God Made Light ($14.99, Amazon) was written by my blogger friend Jessica's husband. If you're at all religious, this is a gorgeous book that brings faith and love together with colorful illustrations and words that children can understand.  I just love the positive message that this book shares.  It would make … [Read more...]

As my 1st grader gets more confident in his reading, we're looking to turn the corner from the Level books with pictures into beginning Chapter books.  But it's a big corner and what are the best beginner/early chapter books? Things to look for as your child gets better with their reading and ventures into chapter books: Larger fonts.  I … [Read more...]

My memory of 6th grade and the time I discovered D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths is so distinct to me.  I loved that book.  I read it cover to cover several times, earmarking favorite myths of mine.  I swore that someday I would study mythology, which probably seemed funny at the time but was no longer funny I declared Mythology to be my minor … [Read more...]

My 4th grade boy loved this book.  He stayed up two nights in a row reading Spirit Animals - Book 1 (Wild Born) ($7.79 for Hardcover) after we bought it at our Scholastic school book fair.  He's clearly taking after my love of sci-fi and fantasy as this is a cool series about teenage kids who can call their own "spirit animals" out once they come … [Read more...]

At some point I got organized and made a little "holiday" section on my son's bookshelf.  "Holiday" is broad but basically means I have lumped together some Easter, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas books that I can pull out at the right time of year.  My kids love reading these seasonal books! I put together a list of some Halloween books … [Read more...]

Well, I finally caved and let my 9 year old set up Kindle for himself. He's been a reluctant reader and I somehow felt he really needed to get on solid reading feet before reading on a Kindle. But then my Mom sent me two old Kindles they weren't using and I decided to go ahead and give one to Nate since it was free. My only wish is that I had … [Read more...]