FROM SARAH:

An adventurous graphic novel with a fast-paced storyline, this installment in the Good Times Travel Agency series is perfect for readers 8 and up who love mythology and ancient civilizations, and those of us who just enjoy a good giggle.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Join the Binkertons -- twins Josh and Emma and their little sister Libby -- as they head to the Good Times Travel Agency hoping to visit the next Olympic Games, but end up in Ancient Greece instead! Adventures in Ancient Greece is an exciting mix of adventure and historical information about life in Greece in the fifth century BC.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The fight for women's suffrage between women's rights leader Alice Paul and President Woodrow Wilson is creatively presented as a four-round boxing match in this energetic nonfiction picture book.

FROM SARAH:

Melissa Stewart might just be the queen of nonfiction picture books, and this title is especially fascinating. A close look at the ocean floor ecosystem following the natural death of a whale, and how it sustains life on the ocean floor for another 50 years.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This fascinating nonfiction picture book filled with stunning illustrations details the end of life for a whale, also known as a whale fall, when its body sinks to the ocean floor and becomes an energy-rich food source for organisms living in the deep sea.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Children instinctively love poetry, with its appealing mixture of rhythm and rhyme. And Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, with his suspenseful narrative verse, deceptively simple structure, and powerful images of 19th-century United States, makes an especially suitable subject for the critically acclaimed Poetry for Young People series.

**Description from Amazon: • More than 500 appearances on national bestseller lists• #1 Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and USA Today• Won 12 book awards• Translated into 35 languages• Voted Top 100 Business Book of All Time on GoodreadsPeople are using this simple, powerful concept to focus on what matters mos...

FROM SARAH:

My favorite of all of Patricia Polacco's books. This one is a story about courage- not the absence of fear, but the willingness to face it. Meet author/illustrator Patricia Polacco in our Family Book Club for her book, The Bee Tree, right here. 

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A storm is on its way, and Grandma and her granddaughter are waiting for it by making a Thundercake.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

From bestselling and award-winning author Sara Pennypacker comes a beautifully wrought, utterly compelling novel about the powerful relationship between a boy and his fox. Pax is destined to become a classic, beloved for generations to come.

**Description from Amazon: Sibert Honor author Deborah Hopkinson illuminates the true stories of Jewish children who fled Nazi Germany, risking everything to escape to safety on the Kindertransport.Ruth David was growing up in a small village in Germany when Adolf Hitler rose to power in the 1930s. Under the Nazi Party, Jewis...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In the land of Prydain, evil is never far away. Arawn, Lord of the Land of Death, has been building an army of dark warriors to take over Prydain, and the only way to stop him is to destroy the Black Cauldron he uses to create his dreaded soldiers.

Taran, Assistant Pig-Keeper, and his loyal companions must journey deep into Arawn's domain to destroy the Black Cauldron. For each of them, the quest has special meaning. For Taran, it is a glorious opportunity to use his first sword in battle. But war requires a sacrifice greater than he'd ever imagined. . . .

FROM THE PUBLISHER

This beautiful and evocative book movingly recalls family trips and the excitement of unknown adventure, while celebrating the awe-inspiring joy of the natural world.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Now that Maeve Merritt has surrendered Mermeros, the djinni she found in a sardine can, she expects her life will be dull as dirt. Mermeros, however, has other plans.

FROM SARAH:

An excellent nonfiction selection for Valentine's Day. Read this aloud and call it history for the day.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

How did Valentine's Day, one of our most popular holidays, begin? It started in ancient Rome when a kind physician named Valentine took an interest in a young blind girl.

**Description from Amazon: Nancy's mom says Nancy has too many tutus! But what happens when her class hosts a swap-and-shop and Nancy finds the perfect tutu?

**Description from Amazon: From the New York Times bestselling author of Band of Brothers and D-Day, the definitive book on Lewis and Clark’s exploration of the Louisiana Purchase, the most momentous expedition in American history and one of the great adventure stories of all time.In 1803 President Thomas Jefferson selected...

There's a poem to celebrate every moment in life-whether it's hitting a home run, watching a sunset, or laughing with your best friend. A poem is a gift of the heart that can inspire, reassure, or challenge us. Memorize it-share it-it's yours forever.In this diverse collection, a companion to her Ne...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
The moms in the book are superheroes. They may not leap over tall buildings, and they may not have super-human speed. But these moms construct buildings, fly planes, and make tanks roll. They do all kinds of things to help create a safer world. These superheroes are moms. Military moms. Hero moms.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Marty will do anything to save his new friend Shiloh in this Newbery Medal–winning novel from Phillis Reynolds Naylor.When Marty Preston comes across a young beagle in the hills behind his home, it's love at first sight—and also big trouble. It turns out the dog, which Marty names Shiloh, belong...

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
Two-time Newbery Honor author Alice Dalgliesh makes history come alive in this accessible story of America's birthday.

FROM SARAH:

Classic Tasha Tudor illustrations adorn this story—one of Tasha's most famous! A tiny, sweet, nostalgic story.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

It's almost Halloween and little Sylvie Ann has found the biggest, fattest pumpkin. But before she can carve it into a giant, crooked-toothed pumpkin moonshine (or jack-o'Iantern), she has to get it home.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This seasonal compendium collects together poems, short stories, and prose extracts by some of the greatest poets and writers in the English language.

FROM SARAH:

Explore habitats from around the world, or in your own backyard, with books from this series. Some of the titles are out-of-print but can still be found used online and make great additions to your nature and science bookshelves.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The woods are full of puzzles to be solved, clues to be found. Inspired by this book's hints and fun-filled experiments and activities, and using only simple equipment, young readers unlock the closely guarded secrets of the woods­­from the strange meetings of lazy butterflies, to the miraculous "walking" of a twig, to the riddle of why the leaves turn color and fall. One small square at a time, these "detectives" plunge deeper and deeper into ancient mysteries­­without ever getting lost. Beautifully illustrated, Woods offers a picture field guide, a glossary-index, and a resource list.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Since 1926, Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends—Piglet, Owl, Tigger, and the ever doleful Eeyore—have endured as the unforgettable creations of A.A. Milne, who wrote this book for his son, Christopher Robin, and Ernest H. Shepard, who lovingly gave Pooh and his companions shape.

FROM SARAH:

I keep revisiting this book, over and over. It's full of nuggets that apply to your work, no matter what you do (there's so much crossover potential with homeschooling). The audiobook is especially well done! (Audible | LibroFM)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Based on the breakthrough Akimbo workshop pioneered by legendary author Seth Godin, The Practice will help you get unstuck and find the courage to make and share creative work. Godin insists that writer's block is a myth, that consistency is far more important than authenticity, and that experiencing the imposter syndrome is a sign that you're a well-adjusted human. Most of all, he shows you what it takes to turn your passion from a private distraction to a productive contribution, the one you've been seeking to share all along.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Modern Miss Mason is your invitation into an adventure, a call to turn a corner on your already incredible journey of parenting and let Leah Boden show you the fresh face of an age-old perspective on motherhood, childhood, and education.

FROM SARAH:
A delightful novel to follow Miss Buncle's Book, one of my all-time favorites. Perfect on audio!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In this light-hearted follow-up to Miss Buncle's Book, Miss Barbara Buncle had just gotten everything sorted out. She married her publisher, became Mrs. Abbott, and set aside the distracting business of writing.

But proper domestic bliss demands a change of scenery. The Abbots move to a new town filled with fascinating folks...who might just inspire her bestselling book, whether she meant to write it or not. Miss Buncle thought she wanted to settle down, but she's already discovered that married life can't do a thing to prevent her from getting into humorous mix-ups and hilarious hijinks.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
Boston's Little House GirlMeet Charlotte Tucker, the little girl who would grow up to be Laura Ingalls Wilder's grandmother.Eleven-year-old Charlotte can't imagine living anywhere but Tide Mill Lane. She is delighted when a school for young ladies opens nearby.

**Description from Amazon: Noah Green has never had a pet, unlike her best friend Carlos, and she wants a dog more than anything. But after a dog-sitting disaster, she’s certain her mom will never agree to a pet. When Noah finds a mysterious critter at a garage sale, she can’t believe her parents let her buy it. But her new pet won’t stop growing or making mischief, leaving Noah with both a mystery and a dilemma.

FROM SARAH:

I just love the novels of Francis Hodgson Burnett. I sort of wish this one had a different title, so more boys would pick it up. Definitely worth reading aloud, or getting as an audiobook to read together! I like the audiobook narrated by Virginia Leishman. (Audible I Libro.FM)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
Vicky Austin is filled with strong feelings as she stands near Commander Rodney's grave while her grandfather, who himself is dying of cancer, recites the funeral service. Watching his condition deteriorate as the summer passes on beautiful Seven Bay Island is almost more than Vicky can bear. To complicate things, she finds herself the center of attention for three very different boys: Leo is an old friend wanting comfort and longing for romance; Zachary, whose attempted suicide inadvertently caused the Commander's death, is attractive and sophisticated but desperately troubled; and Adam, her older brother's friend, offers her a wonderful chance to assist in his experiments with dophins but treats her as a young girl just when she's ready to feel most grown-up.

FROM SARAH:

The gold standard of children's books. Really, I don't actually think books get better than The Chronicles of Narnia. Guaranteed to suck you and your kids in every time. Especially wonderful on audio (Audible | LibroFM).

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Good, evil; battles, betrayals; this classic series begins with either The Magician’s Nephew, or The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe (depending on who you ask!). There are 7 books in all -- one filled with more adventure and fantasy than the next.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In this inspiring tribute, award-winning author Barb Rosenstock and New York Times bestselling artist Elizabeth Baddeley tell the true story of one of America's greatest founding mothers: Abigail Adams.

FROM SARAH:

A perfect book for your Independence Day collection! This one features the lyrics to the classic patriotic song alongside Wendell Minor's gorgeous illustrations.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Katharine Lee Bates's timeless and beloved poem alongside art by award-winning author and artist Wendell Minor, capturing the magnificent beauty of the United States. Celebrate America's ideals of togetherness and marvel at classic illustrations of her natural and historical wonders: from Yosemite National Park and the Garden of the Gods, to Mount Rushmore and Plymouth Plantation

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Travel around the United States with Carl Sandburg, the twentieth-century poet who has been called the voice of America. Visit rural back roads and busy cities, and meet friendly animals and ordinary people going about their daily lives.

**Description from Amazon: Annie Sullivan was little more than a half-blind orphan with a fiery tongue when she arrived at Ivy Green in 1887. Desperate for work, she’d taken on a seemingly impossible job—teaching a child who was deaf, blind, and as ferocious as any wild animal. But if anyone was a match for Helen Keller, ...

FROM SARAH:

To say I loved Raffi as a child would be *quite* the understatement! 😁 His beloved song comes to life in this sweet picture book.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Singing supports and encourages even the youngest child's speech and listening skills, which makes Baby Beluga perfect for early learning. Join this adorable baby whale in a busy day at sea, culminating in a warm mother-child bedtime ending. With its delightful illustrations, this is the ideal sing-along for a whole new generation of readers.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

This breathtaking, full-color illustrated fantasy is inspired by Chinese folklore, and is a companion to the Newbery Honor winner Where the Mountain Meets the Moon. Pinkie's gentle, loving grandmother always has most thrilling tales for her granddaughter and the other villagers. However, the peace is shattered one night when soldiers of the Emperor arrive and kidnap the storyteller. Everyone knows that the Emperor wants something called the Luminous Stone That Lights the Night. Determined to have her grandmother returned, Pinmei embarks on a journey to find the Luminous Stone alongside her friend Yishan, a mysterious boy who seems to have his own secrets to hide. Together, the two must face obstacles usually found only in legends to find the Luminous Stone and save Pinmei's grandmother--before it's too late.

**Description from Amazon: Dive! World War II Stories of Sailors & Submarines in the Pacific tells the incredible story of America's little known "war within a war" -- US submarine warfare during World War II.Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the US entered World War II in December 1941 with only 44 Naval submarines -- ma...

**Description from Amazon: Who Is Geronimo Stilton?That's me! I run a newspaper, but my true passion is writing tales of adventure. Here on Mouse Island, my books are all best-sellers! What's that? You've never read one? Well, my books are full of fun. They are whisker-licking good stories, and that's a promise!Lost Treasure ...

**Description from Amazon: Direct and vivid in her account of Clarissa Dalloway’s preparations for a party, Virginia Woolf explores the hidden springs of thought and action in one day of a woman’s life.  In Mrs. Dalloway, the novel on which the movie The Hours was based, Virginia Woolf details Clarissa Dallow...

FROM SARAH:

This lovely picture book includes the musical score in the back—perfect for music-loving families!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The old animal counting song. “Numbers for knee highs couldn’t be more fun. . . . Also has music for the song at the end. . . . Feodor Rojankovsky’s charming illustrations are in full color and black and white.” -Kirkus Reviews

FROM SARAH:

From the author of The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street comes a stand-alone story about a newly homeless New York City family. Karina Yan Glaser's classic hopeful writing style, in a completely new story. Excellent, I think, for ages 8-14.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

It's June’s first day at Huey House, and as if losing her home weren’t enough, she also can’t bring her cherished viola inside. Before the accident last year, her dad saved tip money for a year to buy her viola, and she’s not about to give it up now. Tyrell has been at Huey House for three years and gives June a glimpse of the good things about living there: friendship, hot meals, and a classical musician next door.

FROM SARAH: 

This picture book is an excellent overview of the life of Cleopatra, set in the rich world of Alexandria as the Roman Republic began to crumble. The illustrations are beautiful, but it is text-heavy and deals with more mature content , so I'd recommend it for readers 10 and up.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
Queen of Egypt at the age of eighteen, Cleopatra's passion was to untie the world under Egyptian rule. Legendary leaders risked their kingdoms to win her heart, and her epic life has inspired countless tales throughout history. A timeless story of love, war, and ambition, this pictorial biography from acclaimed author/illustrator Diane Stanley is sure to entertain and educate.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Meet the animals of Maple Hill Farm and learn about their antics as they bring joy, laughter, and life to the people who live in a house that needs painting at the end of a road full of holes.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
A boy compares his father, a U.S. soldier, to a superhero.

**Description from Amazon: Book by Alice Dalgliesh

FROM SARAH:

Will you think less of me if I admit this is my very favorite Thanksgiving picture book? It makes us laugh every single year. :)

FROM THE PUBLISHER:
Mr. and Mrs. Moose invite all their animal friends for Thanksgiving dinner and the only one missing is Turkey. When they set out to find him, Turkey is quaking with fear because he doesn't realize that his hosts want him at their table, not on it.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

When old Mr. Haktak digs up a curious brass pot in his garden, he has no idea what use it can be. On his way home, Mr. Haktak decides to carry his coin purse in the mysterious pot. But when Mrs. Haktak's hairpin accidentally slips into the pot and she reaches in to retrieve it, the magic of the pot is revealed. Not only are there two hairpins inside, but there are also two purses!

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

It's a fine bright day, and all the animals are working--all except Anansi, that is! He's sleeping, as usual. Warthog, Lion, and Zebra laugh so hard at his messy house that they wake him up. Anansi stomps off in a huff--right into an amazing secret! Hyena has a magic stick that follows his orders.

**Description from Amazon: Which pony does the diamond horseshoe fit? In this clever retelling of Cinderella, Ponyella longs to show Princess Penelope her fabulous leaps and jumps at the Tippington 25th Annual Grand Royal Pony Championship. But Plumpkin and Bun Bun, the mean ponies she shares a farm with, say that Ponyella's...

Garvey's father has always wanted Garvey to be athletic, but Garvey is interested in astronomy, science fiction, reading—anything but sports. When his only friend encourages him to join the school chorus, Garvey's life changes.

FROM SARAH:

We're big on Jolabokalfod here at RAR... and this book is just one more reason why! "Reading is magic—when you have the right book." We couldn't say it better ourselves. Learn more about the tradition of Jolabokaflod in RAR episode #218: Jolabokaflod - How to Have a Christmas Book Flood

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

As northern lights dance and snow blankets the ground, a young girl searches for the perfect book to give her loved ones for their annual book exchange on Christmas Eve. When December 24th finally arrives, they gather together to share magical stories, curl up by the fire, and read all night long―so the Book Flood begins!

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

A set of the first four books in the classic mystery series starring everyone's favorite boy detective Encyclopedia Brown! Whether Encyclopedia is solving cases for his neighborhood friends or his chief-of-police dad, he always has an intriguing mystery to crack.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

The Old Man and the Sea is a novella written by the American author Ernest Hemingway in 1951 in Cayo Blanco (Cuba), and published in 1952. It was the last major work of fiction written by Hemingway that was published during his lifetime. One of his most famous works, it tells the story of Santiago, an aging Cuban fisherman who struggles with a giant marlin far out in the Gulf Stream off the coast of Cuba.

FROM THE PUBLISHER: 

The Little House books have captivated millions of readers with their story of Laura Ingalls, a pioneer girl-growing up on the American frontier.

**Description from Amazon: Libby longs to be a great librarian like her aunt Nora, and it just chaps her hide when kids vandalize books. She hangs up Wanted posters to drive the "outlaws" from her "territory." But when she realizes that a librarian's real job isn't protecting books but connecting them with readers, she must find a way to lure them back.

For fans of Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events and Trenton Lee Stewart's Mysterious Benedict Society, here comes the final book in the Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place, the acclaimed and hilarious Victorian mystery series by Maryrose Wood.Unhappy Penelope Lumley is trapped in unhapp...

FROM SARAH:

A Read-Aloud Revival community favorite. Rabbits with Swords! This story will inspire heroic virtue in your children (and who knows... maybe you too!). This is the first in a truly wonderful fantasy series. Your kids can meet author S.D. Smith at his Author Access video replay in RAR Premium. Also wonderful on audio (Audible | LibroFM).

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Heather and Picket are extraordinary rabbits with ordinary lives until calamitous events overtake them, spilling them into a cauldron of misadventures. They discover that their own story is bound up in the tumult threatening to overwhelm the wider world.

FROM SARAH:

If I'm reading to a group of kids (especially at homeschool co-op), I will almost always choose this book. It's page-turning-tension and perfect read-aloud cadence makes it a kid favorite again and again. Highly recommended.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Young children will delight in repeating the refrain "OH, NO!" as one animal after another falls into a deep, deep hole in this lively read-aloud. This simple and irresistible picture book by hugely popular picture book creators—Candace Fleming and Caldecott medalist Eric Rohmann—feels like a classic-in-the-making. Fans of Rohmann's Caldecott Medal­-winning My Friend Rabbit, will be thrilled to see a new book created in the same expressive and comical style.

FROM SARAH:

Among my very favorite picture books to read aloud. Wordy Birdy is entirely delightful and loveable, even if (and especially because) she has a tendency to talk too much.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Meet Wordy Birdy, a very chatty bird who talks WAY more than she listens! A hilarious new story from Tammi Sauer, beloved author of Nugget & Fang, Chicken Dance, and My Alien. Wordy Birdy LOVES to talk. “Hello, sunrise. Hello, pink sky. Hello, orange sky!” But does she love to listen? NOPE.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Utterly delightful to read aloud, and for parent and child to share, Edward Lear's humorous verses shine with irrepressible joy and rhythm. Filled with exuberantly nonsensical made-up words (like "Scroobius Pip" and "pobble"!) that tickle the funny bone, his work gives free rein to youthful imaginations.