Books

FROM SARAH:

I think the sequels in the Sarah, Plain and Tall series are even better than the first book! Lyrical, engaging, and full of heart. This whole series is about as good as it gets. 

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Change is inevitable, even on the prairie. Something new is expected, and Sarah says it will be the perfect gift. Cassie isn't so sure. But just as life changes, people change too. And Cassie learns that unexpected surprises can bring great joy.

FROM SARAH: 

Fans of C.S. Lewis and Susan Meissner, this is the book you’ve been waiting for. A fictionalized biography that will make you pine for Narnia (and wish you studied at Oxford). I loved everything about this book. Wonderful on audio (Audible | LibroFM).

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

When college student Megs approaches author C. S. Lewis with her younger brother’s request to find out if Narnia is real, he instead takes her on a magical journey through the moments in his life that led to his greatest creation.

FROM SARAH: 

A historical fiction novel set during the hurricanes in Key West in 1935. I knew nothing about this time in history, but couldn’t put this one down. Excellent on audio. (Audible | LibroFM)

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

After the Cuban Revolution of 1933 leaves Mirta Perez’s family in a precarious position, she agrees to an arranged marriage with a notorious American. Following her wedding in Havana, Mirta arrives in the Keys on her honeymoon. While she can’t deny the growing attraction to her new husband, his illicit business interests may threaten not only her relationship, but her life.

FROM SARAH: 

This is the book I recommend most often when I’m asked about troublesome content in classics. This gorgeous memoir of author Mitali Perkins’s reading life made me glad to be a reader, and eager to read even more. RAR Premium 2022 Mama Bookclub Selection.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Award-winning children's author Mitali Perkins grew up steeped in stories - escaping into her books on the fire escape of a Flushing apartment building and, later, finding solace in them as she navigated between the cultures of her suburban California school and her Bengali heritage at home.

FROM SARAH:

A paradigm shift in time management. This book had me underlining and saving passages left and right! There’s some weird philosophical stuff woven in here, but if you can take what you like and leave the rest, this one is bound to please anyone who wants to focus on what matters most and live with peace and intention.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Time is our biggest worry: there is too little of it. The acclaimed Guardian writer Oliver Burkeman offers a lively, entertaining philosophical guide to time and time management, setting aside superficial efficiency solutions in favor of reckoning with and finding joy in the finitude of human life.

FROM SARAH: 

Full disclosure: I didn’t know who Jeff Tweedy was before I picked up this book. Ahem. But even though I’m not writing songs, there was a lot of goodness packed into his book for writers in general! I preferred it on audio, but heads-up for swearing. And I wouldn’t recommend it for kids.

FROM THE PUBLISHER 

There are few creative acts more mysterious and magical than writing a song. But what if the goal wasn't so mysterious and was actually achievable for anyone who wants to experience more magic and creativity in their life? That's something that anyone will be inspired to do after reading Jeff Tweedy's How to Write One Song.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

As informative as it is lovely, Homes in the Wild is an adorable nonfiction picture book from author/illustrator Lita Judge that shows that wild creatures―from beavers to bobcats, and sloths to squirrels―aren't so different from us after all.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Although little Penguin has the soul of an eagle, his body wasn’t built to soar. But Penguin has an irrepressible spirit, and he adamantly follows his dreams to flip, flap, fly!

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Acclaimed author-illustrator Lita Judge takes readers on a wonder-filled exploration of a child’s imagination, thoughtfully weaving in a gentle suggestion of how to explore that bountiful inner world and let it help them shine with courage in the real one.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Designed by a book lover for book lovers, My Reading Life is the ideal companion for all your literary adventures.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The Caldecott medal-winning d'Aulaires once again captivate their young audience with this beautifully illustrated introduction to Norse legends, telling stories of Odin the All-father, Thor the Thunder-god and the theft of his hammer, Loki the mischievous god of the Jotun Race, and Ragnarokk, the destiny of the gods.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

An illustrated edition of the enchanting prequel to The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit—the classic fantasy that inspired Peter Jackson’s major motion picture trilogy—in a newly expanded edition.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Written and edited by leading Tolkien experts Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull, The Art of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien showcases the complete artwork created by the author for his story—including related pictures, more than one hundred sketches, drawings, paintings, maps, and plans.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Arthur takes readers on an adventure of faith with this devotional that relates themes from J. R. R. Tolkien's The Hobbit to living the Christian life. Readers will be reminded that God chooses us to be unlikely heroes in the adventure of life.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

How do you knit a pair of mittens? The first step is to get a sheep of course! In this playful story, a girl follows 18 steps to knit mittens--from bringing home a sheep to carding, spinning, and dyeing the wool to knitting the mittens. But along the way, her mischievous sheep creates chaos and wins her heart.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

After playing in the snow, Olivia and Mei are ready for cocoa. There's one marshmallow for Olivia and one marshmallow for Mei. But what will they do with the third marshmallow? How can two friends share three things fairly?

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Sister Fox knows so many secrets: why the chickadee sings in the lilac bush, where the best places are to bark at the moon, and how to see an owl on a winter night. Sister Fox even knows the secret of how to catch poems and stories.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Readers will delight in turning their book sideways and upside down to follow Mel on her journey from downward fall to triumphant flight in this tale of self-confidence and taking a leap of faith.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

In a book that is as cheerful and charming as Snail himself, Corey Tabor tells a winning tale of slow but steady Snail, whose determination and kindness bring him the best reward of all: friendship.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Andrea Wang tells a moving autobiographical story of a child of immigrants discovering and connecting with her heritage, illustrated by award winning author and artist Jason Chin, working in an entirely new style, inspired by Chinese painting techniques. An author's note in the back shares Andrea's childhood experience with her parents.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Born in Ghana, West Africa, with one deformed leg, he was dismissed by most people - but not by his mother, who taught him to reach for his dreams. Odyssey Honor Audiobook

FROM THE PUBLISHER

In this page-turner, award-winning author Gail Jarrow delves into the fascinating story of the relationship between Garfield and Guiteau, and relates the gruesome details of Garfield's slow and agonizing death. She reveals medical mistakes made in the aftermath of Garfield's assassination, including the faulty diagnoses and outdated treatments that led to the president's demise.

FROM SARAH:

Micah Archer’s gorgeous work captures the unfettered and wholehearted wonder and joy of childhood. This one undoubtedly deserves a permanent place in your home library.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When two curious kids embark on a "wonder walk," they let their imaginations soar as they look at the world in a whole new light. Young readers will wonder too, as they ponder these gorgeous pages and make all kinds of new connections. What a wonderful world indeed!

FROM THE PUBLISHER

This 2021 National Jewish Book Award finalist by author Megan Hoyt and illustrator Iacopo Bruno brings to light the inspiring, true story of Gino Bartali, a beloved Italian cyclist and secret champion in the fight for Jewish lives during World War II.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

In the frantic spring and summer of 1939, as the Nazi shadow fell over Europe, Nicholas Winton raised money, found foster families in England, arranged travel and visas, and, when necessary, bribed officials and forged documents, organizing the transportation of almost 700 children to safety.

It was only fifty years later that a chance discovery and a famous television appearance brought Winton’s actions to light.

FROM SARAH:

Another astonishing book by the incomparable Gary D. Schmidt. This is a companion tale to The Wednesday Wars and Okay for Now, though it could also be read as a standalone.

Recommended for ages 14+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In this poignant, perceptive, witty novel, Gary D. Schmidt brings authenticity and emotion to multiple plot strands, weaving in themes of grief, loss, redemption, achievement, and love.

FROM SARAH:

This short chapter book is a lot of fun (and contains lots of hilarious ilustrations along the way). Short chapters and quick pacing make it an ideal first novel to read aloud.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This lighthearted story about loyalty, problem solving, friendship, and independence is divided into short, action-packed chapters and has the cozy feel of a modern classic.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Frog and Toad, those famous pals, are beloved by generations of children. Their every adventure is filled with the magic of true friendship, whether they're telling ghost stories, searching for a lost button, or eating too many cookies. This captivating audio collection features all four of the Frog and Toad books, read with humor and charm by award-winning author Arnold Lobel.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Presents the life and work of the African American folk artist who had to overcome a severe injury to his right arm in order to paint.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Could anything be more perfect than a prairie wedding? As the Witting family comes together for this most special day, Cassie sees that life brings the change of seasons, brother Jack on Grandfather's lap, joy, sorrow, and a special dance only Grandfather does.

FROM SARAH:

A lovely story from an RAR favorite author about being lonley, being needed, and having something to contribute. We met the delightful illustrator (and her fantastic boots!) in RAR Premium. Premium members can access a Family Book Club for this book right here.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Nora and her family have just arrived from Russia and are making a new home on the American frontier. The prairie is very different from the forested hills Nora is used to. Most of all, it’s lonely. Nora has no one and nothing to call her own until Papa brings home a dozen chicks and two geese. Nora names each one, and they follow her everywhere—even to church! But what will happen when one of her beloved chicks goes missing?

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

To everyone at Meridian High School, Michael Vey is an ordinary fourteen-year-old. In fact, the only thing that seems to set him apart is the fact that he has Tourette’s syndrome. But Michael is anything but ordinary. Michael has special powers. Electric powers.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Malcolm Gladwell takes us on an intellectual journey through the world of "outliers"--the best and the brightest, the most famous and the most successful. He asks the question: what makes high-achievers different?

FROM THE PUBLISHER

In a world of perpetual shadow, a boy is born wielding remarkable power over fire. Amos is seven when he kills a Shadow Wolf and becomes a legend in Shiloh. Everyone is amazed by him ... and afraid that his father may be a madman. His father tells stories about a world beyond the Shadow, a time before the Shadow. People who tell those stories usually come to unfortunate ends.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

William Carlos Williams' poems are like pictures, full of visual images that youngsters will quickly grasp and enjoy. Thirty-two of his finest verses, accompanied by gorgeous paintings that capture Williams' evocative references to nature and everyday life, grace this new title in the much-celebrated Poetry for Young People series.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

A fully-illustrated collection of over 90 favorite folksongs for children. Perfect for children, parents, and teachers.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

In the second installment of the award-winning, critically acclaimed Lightfall series, Bea and Cad continue their quest to stop Kest, the mythic bird who stole the sun. Perfect for middle grade fans of Amulet and Avatar the Last Airbender, Lightfall: Shadow of the Bird is another breathtaking journey into the magical world of Irpa, where epic battles and powerful creatures abound.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Once covering almost 40 percent of the United States, native prairie is today one of the most endangered ecosystems in the world. Plant a Pocket of Prairie teaches children how changes in one part of the system affect every other part: when prairie plants are destroyed, the animals who eat those plants and live on or around them are harmed as well. Root shows what happens when we work to restore the prairies, encouraging readers to “plant a pocket of prairie” in their own backyards.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Laura and her family are journeying across the flat Kansas prairie to find a new home. There are gophers and rabbits to play with in the daytime, and a cozy camp awaits at night.

Renee Graef’s illustrations are based on Garth Williams’ classic artwork.

FROM SARAH:

THIS is the one I recommend most often, especially for a wide age range of kids, and is always what I start with to introduce a play to my kids. Highly recommended for your permanent collection. You can keep track of who's who with the helpful illustrations and character charts. Strong read-aloud language paired with plenty of Shakespeare’s original language in a narrative that’s simple to follow and enjoyable to read aloud-- it’s just about perfect.

If you have a wide range of ages (ages 6+ is a good starting point), choose this one!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This collection of stories from Shakespeare's plays, with beautiful illustrations and quotations, is the perfect introduction to Shakespeare. Each story includes short details about the main characters, and famous and memorable quotations from the play.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

A magical retelling of Hermia, Helen, Demetrius and Lysander's classic story - and of the impish fairy Puck, who meddles in their tangled web of love with hilarious consequences ... With notes on Shakespeare and the Globe Theatre, and Love and Magic in A Midsummer Night's Dream.

FROM SARAH:

This book is so much fun! Much of our modern-day language comes from William Shakespeare, and Jane Sutcliffe takes us on a delightful journey to find out what those words are and where they came from.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The Bard of Avon is responsible for such familiar phrases as "what's done is done" and "too much of a good thing." He even helped turn "household words" into household words. As readers will discover, "the long and the short of it" is this: Will changed the English language forever. Will's words pop up all over the place!

FROM SARAH:

This is a fascinating book that explores how Shakespeare was influenced by a variety of folk and fairy tales in his own playwriting. Each story begins with a author's note from Patrick Ryan on the history of these tales. Due to content, I would recommend for ages 8+.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Accompanied by lavish illustrations, this elegant collection of classic stories that inspired seven of Shakepeare's literary masterpieces is filled with adventure, love, destiny, and magic.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

From the author of the million-copy-selling Essentialism comes an empowering guide to achieving your goals. It all starts with a simple principle: Not everything has to be so hard.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

A simple, engaging, guided journal/habit planner to help you have the best mornings.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

"Last Night I Dreamt I went to Manderley Again..."

With these words, the reader is ushered into an isolated gray stone mansion on the windswept Cornish coast, as the second Mrs. Maxim de Winter recalls the chilling events that transpired as she began her new life as the young bride of a husband she barely knew.

DESCRIPTION FROM PUBLISHER: From the land of fantastical castles, vast lakes and deep forests, the Brothers Grimm collected a treasury of enchanting folk and fairy stories full of giants and dwarfs, witches and princesses, magical beasts and cunning children.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A popular bestseller since its publication in 1844, The Count of Monte Cristo is one of the great page-turning thrillers of all time. Set against the tumultuous years of the post-Napoleonic era, Alexandre Dumas’s grand historical romance recounts the swashbuckling adventures of Edmond Dantès, a dashing young sailor falsely accused of treason. The story of his long imprisonment, dramatic escape, and carefully wrought revenge offers up a vision of France that has become immortal.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: When the highly imaginative Lady Sophia Garfield discovers some very real German spies in her home, no one believes her, so she sets out alone to gain proof and, in the process, save Britain

FROM THE PUBLISHER: Blighted by recession and devastated by the loss, they must also come to terms with significant social change. Forward-thinking and ambitious, Sarah Burton is the embodiment of such change. After the death of her fiancé, she returns home to Yorkshire focused on her career as headmistress of the local school—but not everyone can embrace the new social order.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: No one is better equipped in the struggle for wealth and worldly success than the alluring and ruthless Becky Sharp, who defies her impoverished background to clamber up the class ladder. Her sentimental companion Amelia, however, longs only for caddish soldier George.

FROM SARAH:

The old classic. We still love it for a reason!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Written for beginning readers using only 75 different words, this beloved Beginner Book by P.D. Eastman—edited by Dr. Seuss—features all kinds of wonderful dogs riding bicycles, scooters, skiis, roller skates, and driving all sorts of vehicles on their way to a party held on top of a tree!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
What do you say when:

• You bump into a crocodile on a crowded city street?
• A nice gentleman introduces you to a baby elephant?
• The Queen feeds you so much spaghetti that you don’t fit in your chair anymore?

This is the funniest book of manners you’ll ever read!

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Introduces such contrasting concepts as "heavy" and "light", "long" and "short", and "weak" and "strong" through a dialogue between the sun and the moon.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: A groundbreaking humanist classic from the eponymous 1955 show at MoMA, hailed as one of the most successful photography exhibitions of all time

FROM THE PUBLISHER: Tender watercolors capture the charm of this heartwarming story of an old woman who doesn’t know she’s lonely until she meets a plucky puppy who needs a name—and someone to love.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

As the children walk around their beloved farm, they discover more and more chicken talk scratched into the dirt. The family can hardly believe it. What will the chickens possibly say next!?

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A lyrical, captivating retelling of the Palm Sunday and Easter story from National Book Award nominee Mitali Perkins, author of Rickshaw Girl, that is sure to become a beloved tradition for families of faith.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

Shanti trudges between her two worlds. She remembers her village and learns her new town. She watches Bollywood movies at home and Hollywood movies with her friends. She is Indian. She is also American. How should she define home?

FROM SARAH:

My kids have loved this whole series in print form and on audio. And I'm consistently amazed by how much science they learn along the way. Highly recommended! Wonderful on audio (Audible).

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

With magical animals, science, mystery, and adventure - the brand new series, Zoey and Sassafras, has something for everyone! In the first book of this series, Zoey discovers a glowing photo and learns an amazing secret. Injured magical animals come to their backyard barn for help! When a sick baby dragon appears, it’s up to Zoey and Sassafras to figure out what’s wrong. Will they be able to help little Marshmallow before it’s too late?