September 29 2018:
One City, Two Brothers
Wonderfully illustrated telling of Solomon’s tale of two brothers who live in separate villages. Yet, they meet to farm the land and share kindness with one another. Enjoyed by all!
September 15 2018:
Julio’s Magic
Absolutely wonderful book about the loving kindness of a young wood-carving boy. Surprise ending that absolutely warms the heart!! We loved it!
September 1 2018:
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
The story of William Kamkwamba. The people in the village called him crazy, but he knew he could succeed at bringing electricity and running water to his desperately poor village in Malawi Africa. Incredible story of determination and following one’s heart!
August 18 2018:
Crossing Niagara – The Death-Defying Tightrope Adventures of the Great Blondin
Exciting story of Jean Francois Gravelet, the one known as the Great Blondin. Mostly about his claim to fame of crossing Niagara Falls on a tightrope.
He not only crossed on a tightrope, he crossed on a tightrope blindfolded, reading the paper, with a wheelbarrow, on stilts, with his feet and hands chained, with his feet in buckets, and with a man on his back. Great person to learn about.
August 11 2018:
talkin’ guitar – A Story of Young Doc Watson
All sounds were music to a blind young man by the name of Arthel Watson. He made music out of whatever he could get his hands on and became one of the most celebrated and beloved figures of folk, bluegrass, and old-time music – Doc Watson.
Another winner!!
August 4 2018:
Marvelous Mattie
As a young girl Margaret E. Knight carried with her a notebook labeled My Inventions. She made creations for her mother and brothers and when she was twelve she designed a metal guard to prevent shuttles from shooting off looms and hurting workers.
Later she invented a machine that would cut and glue together a square-bottomed paper bag. Many of the paper bags we use today are still processed using Mattie’s invention.
An inspiring story of a girl and woman who knew in her heart she was an inventor and never backed down from that belief. Even in a time when it was believed women couldn’t understand the complexities of mechanical equipment.
July 28 2018:
Rumi – Whirling Dervish
Another incredible DEMI book! A brief book about the life of Rumi and what led to the Whirling Dervishes. Touches on how he wrote about the love that resides in the soul of everyone regardless of religion or background. Beautiful and inspiring book!
July 21 2018:
Elephant Moon
A wonderful book which highlights the African elephants and their intricate social structure. It’s from 1993 so also points out issues with the ivory trade. We all enjoyed this and I especially loved the simple illustrations.
July 7 2018:
Manfish – A Story of Jacques Cousteau
Beautifully illustrated story of a boy who fell in love with the sea and dreamed of breathing beneath the waves.
“Il faut aller voir.” ~Jacques Cousteau (We must go and see for ourselves.)
An inventor, adventurer, explorer, poetic writer – a remarkable person.
This was another fun book to read!
June 23 2018:
The Magic Boat
A traditional Chinese tale of a young boy named Chang who rescues an old man from a river. He is rewarded with a magic dragon boat that can magically change from pocket-size to full-size and back.
A wicked man steals the boat and takes it to the corrupt Emperor. Chang sets out to get the boat back so he can continue to do good with it. Great DEMI book with vibrant illustrations!
