Books for America's 250th Birthday

While I don't love the choices my country has made over the last several years, the milestone is impressive. And hopefully after the next couple years, we can get back on track.

Here are some children's books to share from a variety of ages.

This board book starts with the birthday of America but moves into voting, the states, and more. It's full of information presented in a fun way with bright illustrations. I really love this series.

We the People means EVERYONE. This book has so many great messages about including all people. There's so much to talk about with this book. This picture book is just fantastic.

A picture book for older elementary school readers, this book shares about the times leading up to the revolution and how the men created the documents that led to our Independence. There are some fun facts on the pages, and the book does include some women as well. 

James Forten was born a free man. His father died when he was young; he had to quit school to work. At the age of fourteen, he joined the fight for revolution. He became of prisoner of war. After the revolution, he started fighting for the end of slavery and equal rights for Black people. He continued that fight until his death. I hadn't heard about this man, so I'm happy to learn about him now. There is an afterword, timeline, and family tree at the end of this picture book biography.

This nonfiction book showcases the United States. It breaks up the states by region. In each region, the book talks about fun facts, American icons, historical moments, mini biographies of people who lived in that region, a recipe, a craft, and stats. Just like a typical DK book, the information is divided into short chunks, the pictures and illustrations are bright, and it's easy to skip around and come back.

A timeline of American history - this nonfiction book is great for older students. It's formatted to look like a newspaper and it's split into centuries. It doesn't shy away from tough topics. This is a really impressive book. 

This was such a fun read: about a boy who's family took a road trip across the country for America's 200th birthday. There's a lot here: cool places to travel, photos, family drama, funny moments, and historical facts. It's a blend of fiction and nonfiction making this a fun book to read. And the illustrations/photos are neat.

Author Houses I Want to Visit

 

Last week I shared author houses I've visited and today I'm sharing ones I'd like to visit:

JRR Tolkien

LM Montgomery - this was on yesterday's list because I went as a teenager. But I'd like to go again.

Anne Frank

Robert Frost - his Vermont House

The Bronte Sisters

Agatha Christie 

Beatrix Potter 

What houses am I missing? What house would you like to visit?

Cozy Review: Murder at the Breakers

 

* Book 1 in the Gilded Newport Mystery Series * 

Emma Cross is a relation of the Vanderbilt family, but as she's a distant relative, she isn't required to live by the same rules. She lives in Newport, not in a mansion, but in a small house. Her parents are abroad. She lives with her surrogate grandmother in her aunt's house. She writes for the local newspaper.

While on assignment, sharing the details of the ball at the Breakers, she witnesses a murder. Her half-brother is arrested for the murder. She knows Brady didn't murder anyone. Brady has been in trouble with the law previously and Emma's theories are just theories, which are dismissed.

Emma takes it upon herself to uncover the truth about the murder.

My Thoughts: I've been meaning to read this book for ages. Someone at work was telling me they read it and I placed a hold on it. I adore the Gilded Age TV show, so this eased a little of the waiting period for me. I loved the Emma was connected but not so connected. She wouldn't have been able to do most of the investigation if she had been a true Vanderbilt. Instead, she's able to talk with people from society and from below stairs. She might not have money, but she has more freedom. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: My Library

Hand this to: Readers who enjoy the TV series The Gilded Age

Picture Book Wednesday: Art Books

Just a few books about art:

A little boy doesn't want to go to an art museum. Art is boring. There are so many pieces of art that he doesn't like, BUT... there are few that catch his eye. And after that, well...

I really loved this book and how everything changes. There's so much to talk about here - how art makes you feel, how the artist comes up with ideas, different styles of art, and what kind of art you (the reader) like to create. There is a section at the back of the book that talks about different movements in art. 

Works of art on one page and Miffy enjoying the same activity on the other page. 

I love how this book asks the reader questions. I love how Miffy's page is simple illustrations next to works of art. At the end of the book, there's a list of artists with their work shown.

There's a famous clock that was once part of a very busy train station. But the trains became too long for the station, and it was abandoned. Years passed. The clock wasn't forgotten. And it became a central piece in a new art museum.

I really love how this book showed how the clock went from train station center piece to darkness to an exhibit in an art museum. There is an afterword with more details about the building and reconstruction. I love the illustrations. There's a lot of pour over here.  

Top Ten Tuesday: 2nd half of the year

 This week's topic is about books coming out the 2nd half of the year that we can not wait to read.

I talked about book wishes here.

I will talk about Christmas/Holiday romances in another post.

What's on your list?

Middle Grade Review: Forever Rogue

 

* Book 7 in the Forgotten Five series *

This is the final book in the series, so I do want to highlight it. 

However, I don't want to spoil anything for people.

I will just say:

There's a LOT of action/danger in this book (just like the others)

The fight scene is awesome

The ending took me by surprise - but not in a bad way

I would LOVE a spin-off of The Librarian

The parents

This is a fantastic must have series for your school and/or public library - it's full of action, danger, drama, family issues, friendships, a little romance, and superhero abilities. 

There's something for everyone!

TBR Check-In: Spring

It's been a busy Spring. I love it when everything turns green, the sun is out, and the weather warms up.

This week, I shared my summer TBR list, so it's time to check in and see how I did reading my Spring list.

Here's what I've read:

 

Currently Reading:

Have you read any of these? 

How did you do on your list?