'Twas the First Week of School and all through the house, lots of pages were turning...

We just started school this week (and HOORAY, I think I'm going to love year-round school! School during the blazing heat of summer—no school during the beautiful month of October. Why wasn't this thought of before?), and I thought I'd share the books my kids have been bringing to school as their favorites to share—as well as suggestions they've gotten from their teachers.

This is book selection solely done by my children—no influence from me whatsoever. So here goes...

Shaemus (1st grade) brought in Marven of the Great North Woods by Kathryn Lasky.

This story is awesome—a true story about a young boy who goes by himself to Canada to escape the flu. He lives at a logging camp and becomes friends with an enormous French logger. I was tickled Shaemus chose this one. (I am also dying to know what his teacher thinks when it's his turn to read the book out loud to the class. She's been sending home books that have one word per page. Cloud. River. Dog. Hopefully what he bring homes will change soon...)

Calvin (3rd grade) brought in Wolf Brother by Michelle Paver.

It's the first in the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness series and he LOVES it. I hope it's the beginning of a new series love for him, because it is really well-written. Prehistoric fantasy with tons of animals and an evil bear. I'm only a few pages in but I'm loving it too.

Lucy (5th grade) brought in a favorite of mine: Wishing for Tomorrow by my all-time favorite author, Hilary McKay. I was trepidatious about this book when it first came out because it is a sequel to The Little Princess, commissioned by Frances Hodgson Burnett's estate. But it is wonderfully done, still in Hilary McKay style but in the beautiful world of The Little Princess. Lucy loves it.


Mary (7th grade) didn't have to bring in a book, but I was pleased that her Language Arts teacher recommended two books for Mary to read (specifically for Mary, which thrilled me. I can't remember the last time a teacher specifically recommended a book for any of my kids). I've read them both in the past and loved them both, so I thought I'd pass them on.

Cuba 15 by Nancy Osa (About a girl who is turning fifteen and the enormous party her parents want to throw for her due to her Cuban culture).

And The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly. Totally different, but just as good. About a girl who is desperate to escape the confines of her female life to become a naturalist.


We could use some new book suggestions around here if anyone has any!!!