I try each month or so to share feature a a book I am really enjoying or have enjoyed recently, as well as books or a book that my kids or others I know are reading and love. This month’s book for young readers, ( about 8-12 years old) is
The Invention of Hugo Cabret.
The books is features both pictures and words. Great illustrations and intelligently written,Lots of puzzles to solve within the story. A book both girls and biys with love equally. I think this will become a “classic”. I know adults who also love the books- and I will give t a whirl when my shorter friends are done with it.
From Editors:
Orphan Hugo Cabret lives in a wall. His secret home is etched out in the crevices of a busy Paris train station. Part-time clock keeper, part-time thief, he leads a life of quiet routine until he gets involved with an eccentric, bookish young girl and an angry old man who runs a toy booth in the station. The Invention of Hugo Cabret unfolds its cryptic, magical story in a format that blends elements of picture book, novel, graphic novel, and film. Caldecott Honor-winning author-illustrator Brian Selznick has fashioned an intricate puzzle story that binds the reader like a mesmerist’s spell.
Posted by Lisa - Unschooling Mom as Book Recommendations for Boys, Book of the Month Books, Books for 8-12 Year Olds, General Homeschool and Unschooling at 8:06 PM EST
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I know- I am posting a lot of book recommendations this week- We are in a reading frenzy at our house right now.
Another great find from om in one of my homeschool groups: The Children of Green Knowe
L. M. Boston’s thrilling and chilling tales of Green Knowe, a haunted manor deep in an overgrown garden in the English countryside, have been entertaining readers for half a century. Now the children of Green Knowe–both alive and ghostly–are back in appealing new editions.
The spooky original illustrations have been retained, but dramatic new cover art by Brett Helquist (illustrator of A Series of Unfortunate Events) gives the books a fresh, timeless appeal for today’s readers.
Posted by Lisa - Unschooling Mom as Book Recommendations, Book Recommendations for Boys, Book Recommendations: Books for Girls, Books for 8-12 Year Olds, General Homeschool and Unschooling at 10:49 AM EST
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This is an absolutely delightful series of 8 books- I believe it is now a TV series in Australia. The The books have a very homeschool-y feel to them. They make a great read aloud books for younger kids- and are good for 9-12 year olds. REALLY exceptional!
When four siblings go on holiday in The Lake District in England they create their own world and adventures over the summer. They camp out on an island with no adults! The books were written in the 1930’s but other then the fact that they look forward to tinned tongue for lunch you would never know it!
From the publisher:
The first title in Arthur Ransome’s classic series, originally published in 1930: for children, for grownups, for anyone captivated by the world of adventure and imagination. Swallows and Amazons introduces the lovable Walker family, the camp on Wild Cat Island, the able-bodied catboat Swallow, and the two intrepid Amazons, Nancy and Peggy Blackett.
Swallows and Amazons (Godine Storyteller)
Posted by Lisa - Unschooling Mom as Book Recommendations, Book Recommendations for Boys, Book Recommendations: Books for Girls, Books for 8-12 Year Olds, General Homeschool and Unschooling at 10:39 AM EST
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Here are some “alternative” Christmas-y type books that may appeal to unschoolers ad homeschooling families. There are all very good for family reading and read aloud books.
From the Publisher
Santa Claus is the King of Forever, Land of the Immortals. When one special boy writes to Santa asking what he wants for Christmas, a miracle occurs: Santa and his wife are blessed with a daughter. But the birth of Holly Claus also brings about a terrible curse — from an evil soul named Herrikhan. Holly’s heart is frozen, and the gates of Forever are locked, barring exit or entry.
Now grown into a beautiful and selfless young woman, Holly becomes confused with the desire to break the spell that holds hostage the enchanted creatures of Forever. Accompanied by four faithful and magical animal friends, she escapes to the wondrous world of Victorian New York and embarks on a series of riveting, and sometimes romantic, adventures that ultimately earn Holly her own immortality through an act of unconditional love.
With fanciful characters, rich language, and evocative imagery, The Legend of Holly Claus pays homage to the great fairy tales and myths of our time. This epic novel filled with mystery and wonder is destined to become a Christmas classic.
Silver Berries and Christmas Magic: One evening seven year old Leddy finds two Snow Fairies in her yard. One tells her of Tiemma, Santa’s wife, who learned long ago that her magic held the answer to Santa’s greatest problem: how to reach all the children of Christmas Eve. SILVER BERRIES AND CHRISTMAS MAGIC, is enhanced with delightful illustrations.
From the Publisher
Jesse’s unemployed mother tries to make a new start for them by moving to a rural home where she hopes to foster a business carving figures for the Christmas season.
Posted by Lisa - Unschooling Mom as Book Recommendations: Books for Girls, Books for 8-12 Year Olds, General Entertainment, General Homeschool and Unschooling at 8:49 AM EST
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My daughter is addicted to these. I have been trying to find these in second hand books stores but apparently they get scooped up fast.
Geronimo (don’t EVER call him “Gerry Berry,” “Gerrykins,” “Germeister” or any other nickname!) is the editor of New Mouse City’s newspaper, The Rodent’s Gazette. He is a mouse who loves the comforts of home and hates to travel, yet he finds himself journeying off on adventures with his thrill-seeking sister Thea, his jokester cousin Trap, and his favorite nephew Benjamin. Geronimo becomes a bestselling author by writing down his adventures in these books!
The Geronimo Stilton series books are international bestsellers. They were originally published in Italy (where they’re the bestselling children’s books, besting Harry Potter), and have been translated into 35 languages.
You can click on the book images below for more details.
Lesson Plan for Homeschoolers using Geronimo Stilton : click here
Posted by Lisa - Unschooling Mom as Book Recommendations, Book Recommendations for Boys, Book Recommendations: Books for Girls, Books for 8-12 Year Olds, General Homeschool and Unschooling at 11:00 AM EST
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