What We're Reading in May {2014}

What We're Reading in May (homeschool book selections for a mom and her four reading-aged kids) The Unlikely Homeschool

I don't know if it was fickle weather or the long car rides to and from family holiday gatherings, but we did a L-O-T of reading in April.  While I'm hoping for better weather in the coming month of May, I also hope that the read-a-thon continues.  To kick off the month, we're all embarking into the first few chapters of the following...

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Read Aloud-Everybody

Ben and Me- We are just finishing the last chapter of this humorous look at the life of Benjamin Franklin as told by Amos, a mischievous mouse that lives in Ben's hat.  


Phoebe the Spy- In an unintentional plan to continue the colonial American theme, at the end of the week, we will be begin this fictitious look at a plot against George Washington.


Jamie-That's me!

At the risk of looking overzealous, I'm currently reading three different books.

The Talks- I had mentioned that I was beginning this book last month.  After diving halfway into it, I realized that this was one that would best be read WITH the Hubs.  We've been reading a chapter or two together every few evenings after the kids are in bed in hopes of further developing our TEAM plan for this next stage of parenting.  



Celebration of Discipline- A dear mentor of mine has put together a short book list that she'd like me to read in the next few weeks in hopes of discipling me towards the next season of my Christian walk. This is the first title on the list.  


Milk-Based Soaps- Ok, y'all.  I warned you quite awhile ago that my library card history reads like a personal biography.  You can tell what "mania" I'm currently latched onto just by reading my weekly library receipt.  This month, it's soap making.  Weird, I know.  But, I REALLY want to learn to make goat's milk soap!  Most of my family suffers from mild to moderate eczema.  We've been using goat's milk soap that I purchased at a "natural" store.  Although it has been soooooo fabulous, it is also oh-so-expensive. I'd like to continue my fabulous-skin feeling while still retaining a few dollars in my pocket. So, I've watched a gazillion "how to" youtube videos and am currently reading this book.  (Insert a sheepish grin and shrugged...but, refreshingly un-chafed...shoulders)


Sweetie Pea-5th grade

Amy Carmichael Rescuer of Precious Gems- (Mom-assigned book)  This is kind of a kill-two-birds-with-one-stone kind of book.  My daughter chose to study the life of Amy Carmichael for her current independent project, so I recommended this book to her.  


The Read-Aloud Handbook- (Read for fun book) This book choice certainly proves the case for "strewing."  In April, I assigned Sweetie Pea to read a "How to" book about babysitting.  She enjoyed THAT book so much that she read another babysitting "how to" that was a bit more in-depth.  At the back of THAT book, the author had listed other helpful resources for those working with young children.  The Read-Aloud Handbook was among the titles listed.  So, in a wonderful moment of self-motivated learning, she checked it out from the library.  She's been busy jotting down potential titles to read to her cousin whom she babysits fairly regularly.


Super Boy-2nd grade

The Story of Benjamin Franklin by Eve Merriam- (Mom-assigned book) This is a really old book that I bought at a used book sale.  Unfortunately, it is no longer in print.  I gathered three potential books for him to read and allowed him to make his choice.  He chose this simple biography of Ben Franklin.  I think his enjoyment of our current Read Aloud influenced his final decision. Although he's only on the third chapter, he says, "This is the best book I've ever read!"




Blonde Warrior-1st grade

Nate the Great and the Phony Clue- (Mom-assigned book)  My boys love listening to Nate the Great books on CD.  So, it's only natural that I should slip one into reading time.  




Greased Lightning-Preschool

Bob Books First boxed setHe is finishing up the last couple of readers of this boxed set he started last month.



So, that's what we'll be reading in the coming month.  

If you're curious to know more about the reading culture of our home, be sure to check out what our reading time looks like.  And for more great title suggestions, you might like to know what else we've enjoyed over the years.  


Now it's your turn.  Whatcha reading?

4 comments:

  1. I LOVE the Read Aloud Handbook, but I'm surprised to see someone so young reading it. I'm sure she'll get some great ideas.
    I'm reading Allegiant for my fun read, Preparing Your Daughter for Every Woman's Battle, Red Scarf Girl for our History Read Aloud, and we're listening to The Curse of the Spider King whenever we're in the car.

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    1. Red Scarf Girl?? I've not heard of that one. Are you liking it?

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  2. Thanks so much for the heads up about Ben & Me! We've absorbed ourselves in all-things-American-Revolution this year and that one looks exactly like something I'd be interested in, as well as Phoebe the Spy. We read Johnny Tremain earlier in the year and though I found parts of it to be a little dark, it was still an amazing introduction to a lot of interesting historical figures. My kids are some older than yours, (my youngest if 5,) but we're currently reading through King George: What Was His Problem? by Steve Sheinkin, which includes so many details about the Revolution that aren't mentioned in most history books. We're loving it so far.

    I'm a book lover and I really enjoy you sharing the books you and your kids are reading together!

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    1. Johnny Tremain is on our list of MUST READS. We just haven't gotten to that one yet. Thanks for the reminder! I've not heard of the King George book. It sounds like one worth checking out.

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