Civil War

While searching for some good books on the Civil War I found the book titled Civil War A-Z by Norman Bolotin. I found this to be a great resource book for middle school students as it gives a brief overview of events and people involved in the Civil War. The entries are arranged in alphabetical order and some contain pictures. I will add that there are a couple of photos that are difficult to view such as war dead on the battlefield and a survivor of a prison camp who is a mere skeleton. Some families feel it is appropriate for their middle school children to view these images as it is a realistic view of war. The book also contains a timeline of events in the back of the book that we have found to be very helpful in our studies.

If you are looking for a book that will give your students some insight into how the war affected families on both sides try this title. It is easy to read and won't take as long to read as a novel or chapter book would. This will be helpful if your study of this time period is brief.

Yankee Blue or Rebel Gray? A Family Divided by the Civil War by Kate Connell and Nancy Feresten is the story of two sisters and their families during the Civil War. One family lives in the North and the other family in the South. Both families have sons serving in their respective armies. During the course of the war the sisters write letters to one another describing the events of the war that have touched their lives as well as their feelings about the war and the involvement of their sons. In addition, the youngest son of the family in the South keeps a journal that his older brother left him before he enlisted. Commentary by the author is scattered throughout the book to explain the events surrounding the letters and journal entries. This book is a fictional account based on events during the war.

Our family is currently listening to one chapter per day of G.A. Henty's book With Lee in Virginia. So far I have found it to be interesting. It is written from a Confederate point of view as the story focuses mainly on a young man, the son of a Southern planter, who is against the ill treatment of slaves. This may be a rare view for someone from a Southern slave holding family during the Civil War period, but I think it does give some insight into a side of the story that is rarely told. The relationship between the young man, Vincent, and his personal slave is woven into the story as well. This type of fictional work I believe has merit in providing a different point of view for the listener than is normally portrayed in literature of this type.

There are several places to purchase this book and in several formats. If you are interested in an audio of this book I would recommend the MP3 audio CD from Vision Forum Ministries. I prefer the voice and reading style of this narrator (Jim Hodges) over the one that is offered on Amazon.com. You will find the links to the Vision Forum Ministries selections at the bottom of this post.

If you are interested in getting this book in audio or Kindle from Amazon.com just use the search box on the left and type in "With Lee in Virginia". You will find a set of links on the Amazon page that will list links for both these formats. Here is the link for the book on Amazon.com.

The book is also available on Vision Forum Ministries website: https://www.visionforum.com/search/productdetail.aspx?search=with+lee+in+virginia&productid=24325

as is the MP3 audio CD: https://www.visionforum.com/search/productdetail.aspx?search=with+lee+in+virginia&productid=89749

For instant download of the above listed Vision Forum Ministries audio of With Lee in Virginia you can purchase from BlueBehemoth.com (a division of Vision Forum Ministries): http://bluebehemoth.com/album/51944/

Enjoy!

"Thomas Jefferson" and other figures from US History

Thomas Jefferson By Cheryl Harness / Random House, Inc

I purchased this book at a book sale several years ago in anticipation of using it when we reached early American history in our studies. I was very pleased with the level of information provided and found the illustrations strikingly beautiful. This book covers the life of Thomas Jefferson in full, which is wonderful because the background information on his life before his involvement in the founding of our nation helps one to understand him more in depth. The book provides a good overview of Jefferson and his accomplishments in an easy flowing story that will hold the interest of most children. Children reading on a 4th grade level and up can read this book on their own, but we greatly enjoyed this book as a read aloud for our family.

My Rating: 5 stars for the level of information, easy flowing story, and excellent illustrations.

NOTE: The A Note From The Author page in the beginning of the book touches on the issue of slavery and the issue of Mr. Jefferson's relationship with a slave, Sally Hemmings. This information is not a part of the story line and could easily be skipped over when reading aloud to your children. If you intend to give this book to your child to read you may want to read over this page before doing so.


Other books by Cheryl Harness

The Remarkable Rough-Riding Life of Theodore Roosevelt and the Rise of Empire America By Cheryl Harness / Random House, Inc

Young Abe Lincoln: The Frontier Days: 1809-1837 By Cheryl Harness / National Geographic Children's Books

Abe Lincoln Goes to Washington: 1837-1865 By Cheryl Harness / National Geographic Children's Books

Three Young Pilgrims By Cheryl Harness / Aladdin

The Adventurous Life of Myles Standish and the Amazing-but-True Survival Story of Plymouth Colony By Cheryl Harness / National Geographic Children's Books

George Washington By Cheryl Harness / Random House, Inc

The Tragic Tale of Narcissa Whitman and a Faithful History of the Oregon Trail By Cheryl Harness / Random House, Inc

Not having read all of the books listed here I cannot speak to the appropriateness of each book for the Christian family. However, you may find that you can preview the books by borrowing from a friend or a local library before purchasing for your own home library.

Blessings,
Missy

Jonathon Park - Adventure, Creation Science, and FUN!

As a homeschooling parent I have long desired to instill in my children an awe for the wonders of God's creation. When they were very young that task was a little more simple, but as they've grown older their minds require more detailed information. Not only do I want them to understand that all of the nature they see around them was brought forth by their Creator, but I want them to understand how science provides evidence for their Creator and His mighty works of creation. Using a wonderful science text such as Apologia science has helped tremendously. However, I found something that they can enjoy outside of "school" hours that provides them with not only scientific evidence of the Creator, but also hours of enjoyment. The Jonathon Park audio series is a fascinating audio adventure series that provides hours of family friendly entertainment and teaches children (and adults as well) how science provides strong evidence for the Creator. If you are looking for wholesome, quality, Christian entertainment for your family with the added benefit of teaching them something of value I suggest you try the Jonathon Park audios. Titles are available individually or as a set. You can find more information by clicking on the links below.

My Rating: 5 stars for quality entertainment, strong scientific evidence for Creation communicated in a way that young and old alike can understand, and for the adventurous well scripted story lines.

Find out more about Jonathon Park at Vision Forum

or

at Christian Book Distributors by clicking on the links or images below

Jonathan Park Volume 1: The Adventure Begins, Audio CD By The Vision Forum, Inc

Jonathan Park Volume 2: No Looking Back, Audio CD By The Vision Forum, Inc

Jonathan Park Volume 3: The Winds of Change, Audio CD By The Vision Forum, Inc

Jonathan Park Volume 4: The Hunt for Beowulf, Audio CD By The Vision Forum, Inc

Jonathan Park Volume 5: The Explorer's Society, Audio CD By The Vision Forum, Inc

Jonathan Park Volume VI: The Journey Never Taken By The Vision Forum, Inc

Additional packaging options and other items related to Jonathon Park

Jonathan Park Audiodramas on CD, Volumes 1-5 By The Vision Forum, Inc

Jonathan Park Goes to the Zoo Audio CD Set (4 CDs) By Pat Roy / The Vision Forum, Inc

Jonathan Park Goes to the Aquarium Audio CD Set By The Vision Forum, Inc

Jonathan Park Communicator Watches (2-Pack) By The Vision Forum, Inc

Jonathan Park & the Secret of the Hidden Cave By Sandy Roy / New Leaf Publishing Group

Blessings,
Missy

Yay! The Duggars: 20 and Counting is finally available! My family has been following the adventures of this Christian home schooling family for several years as they have grown from 14 children to 18 children (#18 due Jan. 1, 2009). We have been encouraged by their strong Christian convictions, their desire to develop Godly character in themselves and their children, and how they manage home, family, and home schooling. Get your copy now and be encouraged by the story of their family.

The Duggars: 20 and Counting! By Michelle & Jim Bob Duggar / Howard Books Take a close inside look at the supersize Duggar family (18 children plus parents)! Since their first documentary on the Discovery Health Network, viewers have been fascinated with the story of this couple's faith and belief that children are a blessing from God. Their first book, The Duggars: 20 and Counting, is an inspiring and entertaining collection of stories, photos, recipes, tips, traditions, and practical ideas designed to answer the questions of the curious. Some of the questions they answer are "Why do you have so many children?", "How do you provide for your family financially?", "How do you handle mealtimes...transportation... laundry...birthdays?", "How are your children so well behaved?", and "Why do all your children have names that begin with J?". Adopt a few ideas from the Duggars and improve the peace and love inside the walls of your own home. Paperback.

Blessings,
Missy

**************************UPDATE**************************************************

I read this book cover to cover when I purchased it and I loved it. I would suggest it to anyone who would like to learn more about the day to day details of how this large family functions and thrives. There is a lot of the history of Jim Bob and Michelle's growing up years and how they met, including their testimony and how God has been at work in their lives. It is a wonderful testimony and would be a great encouragement to you. I read portions of it to the family, leaving out certain sections that were not applicable to young children. My children and husband enjoyed hearing about their lives and seeing God's hand at work in them. They are such an encouragement and I hope they write another book later. If you haven't gotten your copy I would encourage you to do so soon.

Blessings,
Missy

Girls' Best Book of Knitting, Sewing and Embroidery

What a great little book! This is an excellent book for introducing knitting, sewing, and embroidery skills to young girls, and it is packed with information. The text and illustrations introduce the reader to the tools needed, stitching instructions, how to use a pattern, and much more. Some sections include practice cards and templates. There are also projects to make with instructions, supply lists, and illustrations. The image of the girl on the front cover is actually a pop out doll (the cover is heavy duty board). Some of the projects in the book are for making clothes for the doll on the front cover. This book would be fun for girls ages 9-12 who want to learn a little about knitting, sewing, and embroidery.

Animal Books Worth Roaring About

Here are some great books about animals. I found all of these at my local library. Some of them have a spiritual application, and others just teach us about the wonders of God's creation. If your student is studying animals, or has a love for animals, these books would be great additions to your reading list.





The Camel's Lament
A poem by Charles Edward Carryl
Illustrated by Charles Santore

This is a cute book that compares the camel and it's abilities to other animals in the animal kingdom. We all know that the camel is not really an exciting animal, but it is a very useful creature, as are all of God's creation. The book is filled with cute and colorful illustrations, and the smooth rhythmic flow of the text will keep your child's attention. A very cute book for a not so cute animal.





Violet Comes to Stay
by Jan Karon
Illustrated by Emily Arnold McCully

Jan Karon, author of the Mitford series, is one of my favorite authors. I absolutely fell in love with the Mitford series, and somehow along the way realized that she also had authored several children's books. "Violet Comes to Stay" is one of my favorites of her children's books. There is such an endearing quality to the story and the beautiful illustrations. It is the story of a kitten named Violet who feels as if she doesn't quite fit in and isn't wanted by anyone. Violet is taken in by several owners, but it seems that everywhere she goes she makes a mistake and is returned to her mother. Finally just the right person adopts Violet and she finds unconditional love and a sense of security in her new home. This is a wonderful story that reminds us that God has a plan for each of us just as He had a plan for Violet.






Tigress
by Nick Dowson
Illustrated by Jane Chapman

Tigress follows the life a mother tiger from just before she gives birth to her cubs through the day that her cubs go off on their own. Vivid illustrations throughout the book portray the scenes of the daily life and struggles of a tiger raising cubs on her own. The text is two fold - it is a good story, and it provides facts about tigers and how they live. This book would be a great addition to an animals study, jungle study, or study on countries where tigers are native. This book is also available with audio. For more information click here: Tigress with Audio: Read, Listen, & Wonder







The Web at Dragonfly Pond
by Brian "Fox" Ellis
Illustrated by Michael S. Maydak

A true life story told by the person who experienced it. As a young boy the author learned a great deal about the ecology of the pond as he spent many days fishing it's waters. As you read you will learn about the food chain in pond life. The illustrations of the habitat and the insects, amphibians, and animals that live in the pond are spectacularly detailed and brilliantly colored. This is a great book for the study of this particular habitat or any of the creatures that live in it. There are a couple of pages at the back of the book that provide further information on the creatures that are discussed in the book. The information is very well stated and in a manner that children can easily understand, just be sure to read it before giving it over to your children in case there are any statements that are of concern to you. I read the book aloud to my children and we discussed it without problem. There were a couple of areas such as the father making a comparison of the changes a human goes through from conception to adulthood as compared to the changes that a dragonfly goes through in its lifecycle. I don't think the author intended it to sound as if human and dragonfly were the same, but I did make sure that my children understood this comparison he was making. All in all this is an excellent book.


I hope you enjoy reading and learning about animals. Be sure to check back soon as I have some books on historical people to review. Most of us are embarking on the summer break, but while you are out for the summer don't forget to keep reading! Take part in a summer reading program through your local library or join in with other homeschoolers as we splash into summer with the Summer Reading Splash sponsored by The Old Schoolhouse. Whatever you choose to do read, read read!


Blessings,
Missy

The Queen's Progress: An Elizabethan Alphabet by Celeste Mannis

"The Queen's Progress: An Elizabethan Alphabet" is much more than an alphabet book. It is the story of the long journey that Queen Elizabeth I would take into the English countryside each year to see the state of her kingdom and enjoy being among her subjects. As we watch this journey unfold in the pages of this book we learn much about Queen Elizabeth I, her court, and her subjects. The alphabet rhyme, details of the journey and the stops made along the way, the personal information about the Queen and those traveling with her, and the amazingly detailed illustrations will draw the reader into the travels of this most beloved Queen. I could not take my eyes off some of the pages to read the text because the illustrations were so beautiful. The illustrator, Bagram Ibatoulline, did not spare the details or the richness of color and embellishments. My children enjoyed trying to see on how many pages three of the characters would appear as I read the book aloud and showed the pictures. I would highly recommend this book for your 3rd through 7th graders. As an added bonus for us we read this book upon recommendation of our curriculum publisher (My Father's World) after finishing a brief overview of the life of Queen Elizabeth I, so it would be a wonderful addition to your Middle Ages studies.

Blessings,
Missy