January Books

8 Books this month!  Whoa – new record for me, however MANY of these were short and lots of cold weather means I am loving being a hermit and reading all the books!

2,760 pages

Books that I would say Read These!:

Small Animals: Read this if you are a parent, if you have felt pressure to be the best parent, if you struggle with our current parenting culture at times, and want to really dig in to learn more about current parenthood, what society expects and accepts.  Really enjoyed reading this – would be a great book club and discussion book!  Rating: 4.3/5.0

The Clockmaker’s Daughter: Read this if you are a fan of Kate Morton, she delivers again.  If you want a book that is haunting (in a great way) that travels through generations, art, love, loss and so much more!  It took me a little bit to get into this, but then really enjoyed it! Rating: 4.3/5.0

Becoming: Read this if you are a fan of humanity, of politics, and of a strong, smart, classy, authentic female leader in our country.  I have always found Michelle Obama intriguing, as she seemed really humble and relatable (and how can you do that when you are wearing a dress that cost $3,000 or living in the most famous house in America, or meeting and having tea with the Queen?)  This was fun to read about how she grew up, where she came from, and what she was thinking during all the campaigning and moving into the White House.  Rating: 4.4/5.0

You Think It, I’ll Say It: Read this if you are ok with some sex scenes, and like great character development.  Read this if you want a quick escape – each short story is a quick read that gets you involved with the characters, and just when you are really connected with them, the story is over (but that’s what short stories/essays are about!) Fun read and glad I kept renewing it from the library (only about 5 times!)  Rating: 4.2/5.0

 

Books that I thought were just ok – not too memorable, and a few even difficult to get through:

Nine Perfect Strangers – Liane Moriarty is an author that I have read pretty much all of her books – and they are all quick, easy, mindless reads.  This was no exception.  Read this if you want to fly through a book if you want a quirky, mindless read that you can breeze through. Rating: 3.2/5.0

Circe – Read this if you enjoy Greek Mythology.  I don’t necessarily but was trying to challenge myself to read something different and outside of the norm.  This book also won the Best book of 2018 from Book of the Month that I follow, so I was intrigued.  I found it somewhat difficult to get into and didn’t enjoy it much. Rating: 3.1/5.0

In His Image – Read this if you like any sort of spiritual book.  This was the first from this author, and perhaps she has better books, but this one didn’t really do anything for me or provide any new insights.  Just ok.  Rating: 2.9/5.0

Clock Dance – Read this if you are really bored 🙂  Seriously though.  It was a weird plot and just felt strange all around.  No thanks.  

And that’s it!! Any of these you read and if so, what did you think??

Top 10 Tuesday – Favorite Books of 2018

 

 

It was really fun for me to look back and try to pick my Top 10 favorite books from last year – hence why I actually picked 15! Now, I’m usually not such a crazy rule-breaker, but my friend Danielle said it was ok, so I let myself get wild and pick 15 (besides 15 is my favorite number so it just felt right all around).  This was way harder than I thought, so many great choices in different genres – but I felt that each book had some interesting plots, characters and they were the most memorable.  Listed out is the genre, with my fave of the faves bolded.

Historical Fiction (I’m SUCH a sucker for these!):

• We were the Lucky Ones
• Lilac Girls
• Beneath the Scarlet Sky

Fun, breezy, easy, feel-good books:

• Goodbye, Vitamin
• Still Me
• Next Year in Havanna

Non-fiction:

• Tell Me More
• Brain on Fire
• Of Mess and Moxie
• Talking as Fast as I Can

Contemporary Fiction:

• The Hearts Invisible Furies
• This is How It Always Is
• The Woman in the Window
• The Great Alone

Young Adult:

• The Beauty that Remains

I highly recommend any of these! Great ones for book club, group discussion, or just fantastic reads in general. And if you do read any of these or already have, I would love know what you thought of them! 🙂  Any that you would argue should have made the Top 10, or uh, 15?

Happy Reading in 2019!

December Book Review

• Books read: 7
• Pages: 2,209

What a month of reading – I must admit a few of these books were super short and easy to read – I finished The Next Person you meet in Heaven and the Perfect Puppy book in a day each.  Otherwise, here are my reviews of my December books:

The Book of Essie – Meghan Maclean Weir

Rating: 3.8/5.0

Interesting book and topics – very relevant to topics in the news today and issues.  Essie is the daughter of a family in a reality show.  Her mother is all about the show – how they look, dress, appear – they need to be a wholesome Christian family -at any cost.  But when Essie finds herself pregnant at 17, and in a tough spot, will Essie outsmart her family?  I thought it was an interesting book, different, and well-written.  Nothing super outstanding to me, but one of the best books in December that I read.

 

2. A Ladder to the Sky – John Boyne

My Rating: 4.0/5.0

I really enjoy John Boyne’s writing -The Heart’s Invisible Furies was one of my favorite books!  He again wrote a pretty captivating book, but I didn’t like it nearly as much as the aforementioned.  His character Maurice is so evil – he manipulates everyone he knows and is so heartless, it’s hard to believe.  I guess because I hated the character so much, meant that it was good writing, but I couldn’t find a lot to pull out of this book, or didn’t find it too memorable.  It’s an interesting read, but be prepared to be pissed off!

3. The Next Person you Meet in Heaven – Mitch Albom

My Rating: 3.8/5.0

I have read all of Mitch Albom’s books as well – Tuesdays with Morrie is an all-time favorite! (I know I just said this above, but both true)  This book I read in about 2 hours. SUPER quick read.  Much like the prequel, this book is about who we met in our life, and how they may have impacted us (sometimes with out even knowing)  It’s the connections and the stories we have, and what perhaps may happen when we die and experience our own heaven.  Who will we see?  What will we do?  For those questions and making myself top and reflect, I give it a solid review.  Good book – and reads SO fast!

4. The Dream Daughter – Diane Chamberlain

My Rating: 3.5/5.0

What a weird book!  Maybe I don’t have enough imagination, but this is about someone that goes through time travel.  The book takes place mostly in the 70’s, but through time portals (???) they are able to jump off bridges/roof’s and into another decade?? Sorry, I wasn’t buying it, or the weird storyline that follows.  I was interested to see how she was going to finish – would the mother and daughter find each other/survive?? Let’s say, I was annoyed with how it ended.  I usually like her books, but found this a little too far fetched.  Dang.

5. Something in the Water – Catherine Steadman

My Rating: 3.2/5.0

Another weird book!  I had this on my list for so long and was excited since it was a Reese Witherspoon book club pick. Pretty disappointed.  I think the beginning of the book really gives away what is going to happen later, so that really took any suspense away.  Two newlyweds go on their honeymoon and get wrapped up in a dangerous scenario.  Not a very compelling plot and again didn’t find the ending anything brilliant or surprising.  Just predictable and weird book.  Sorry – didn’t find the love in this one.

6.  One Beautiful Dream – Jennifer Fulwiler

 

My Rating: 3.7/5.0

I have read quite a few non-fiction/inspirational/motivational/self-help books this year.  This wasn’t the best, but wasn’t the worst.  I find it more enjoyable when I like the person first and find them interesting.  I think her thoughts on finding time for you, for what is important – whether that’s staying home, working full-time or a combination was great.  I have found myself doubting at times if I made the right choice by working full-time and I liked that she struggled with that too, but found what works for her family (which I think I am doing better at myself)  She was VERY open to children, which to each their own, but I couldn’t quite understand how or when she ever slept or found the energy to write/work.  Good for her!  I think she had some interesting perspectives on family life and found it a pretty enjoyable read, but not life-changing.

7. How to Raise the Perfect Dog – Cesar Millan

My Rating: 3.0/5.0

SOOooooo we got a puppy for Christmas and I have no idea what I’m doing!  My cousin recommended this book, so I frantically ordered it.  I guess from a reassurance perspective, I affirmed a few things that I may have been unsure about.  And it’s not the books fault that most of the information is now available online, and I didn’t need to read the book.  Maybe huge dog lovers would love it more, but I found it just a tad boring.  I did read it REALLY fast as well, because of need though!

November Books

• Books read: 7
• Pages read: 2,427 pages
• Put on your holiday shopping list/To-Read List: Tell Me More

1) Tell Me More: Stories about the 12 hardest Things I’m Learning to Say – Kelly Corrigan

My review: 4.9/5.0

I loved this book so much!  Kelly Corrigan caught my attention (and perhaps my heart a bit) on one of her first books “The Middle Place”, and I have read a few more of hers since then.  She is just fabulous and has such a tremendous gift with words.  She is relatable, hysterical, tender, cynical, sentimental and more.  She had me laughing through tears (one of life’s greatest emotions) and I highly recommend this book.  I read it in one day (almost all in one sitting) so even for those of your people that don’t love to read, I am almost positive they will enjoy this one!

2) The Tattooist of Auschwitz – Heather Morris

My Rating: 4.2/5.0

This book follows the real-life story of Lale and Gita – who meet of all places in Auschwitz.  Of course, it’s a horrifying tale, any book on the Holocaust is, and I loved hearing about their story.  I guess, at times, or maybe just this time – I kept wondering how much of this is real.  In the front of the book, it says this book is a work of fiction…. what? But it was based off interviews with Lale himself before he passed.  It made me wonder, why isn’t it all just true then?  How much of it is, and what isn’t?  Anyway, I loved the pictures of them, and their lives after the camp at the end of the book, but found myself confused about what is real or not.

3) Where the Crawdads Sing – Delia Owens

My Rating: 4.3/5.0

This book!  Ok, a debut novel for Delia Owens.  Her background in wildlife definitely shows through here, with all the talk of the North Carolina small town and living life in a marsh.  This novel follows the ‘marsh girl’ or Kya – and her story of isolation and heartbreak – which is so beautifully described in this book.  It’s such a unique story that it will stick with me for quite a while.  I really enjoyed this book!

4) A Place for Us – Fatima Farheen Mirza

My Rating: 4.0/5.0

This is a wonderful story focused on a Muslim family.  This book was all about family, their ties, their difficulties, and their ties that bind them together.  I loved the focus on a different faith,  one that we don’t often see written in contemporary fiction, and learned a lot about the practice, belief, customs, traditions of the Muslim faith. Great story!

5) A Spark of Light – Jodi Picoult

My Rating: 3.8/5.0

Jodi Picoult has been around since I started really getting into reading.  And at one point, I may have called her my favorite author.  What I like about her, is all the research she puts in on the novels that she writes.  You can just tell how heavily researched it is, then she credits all her sources and it’s almost 5 pages full.  I was eager to read this book – since it has been many years since she released a new book – and I mean, look at that cover.  That cover alone bumps up my rating on this book alone.  Just gorgeous!!  But now, this book…. the premise is that it’s based on a wild gunman, who is holding people hostage and has shot some in an abortion clinic.  Yes, abortion.  The “A” word that most people avoid at all costs.  It’s SO controversial, and people have such strong beliefs.  I admired her for going there, between gun control and abortion, I don’t think she could have chosen hotter topics.  So, while I found myself giving her the benefit of the doubt, I appreciated how she represented both sides of the argument.  Without the topic, I found this plot to be very dull, the characters never warmed up to me, I don’t think any of them really did, and I was almost annoyed at times reading it.  So, I’m sorry for any Jodi fans, – I do think it’s worth a read, and perhaps you won’t find yourself as hard on her as I am, but I just think she has better work. (Try Leaving Time by her instead if it’s your first!)

6)  The Real Doctor Will See you Shortly

My Rating: 4.0/5.0

I was reading this book for a work, book club, and I found it a very easy/short read (several of these this month, which is making me look like an even more fanatical reader than I usually am!)  I loved Matt’s descriptions of his first year in residency.  The characters and patients that he has relationships with or lack of, and all of the skills that he learns on the fly. (it’s a bit scary in that way!)  I highly recommend anyone in the healthcare field to read (especially anyone non-clinical that needs to better understand this world, and is new to it, would be a great and entertaining read while learning a lot and not realizing it!)

7)  The Wife Between Us

My Rating: 3.5/5.0

This book was on Reece Witherspoon’s book club “Hello Sunshine” pick a few months ago – and the cover and title intrigued me.  This read super quickly as well but I found myself just so disappointed with the whole thing.  There is no real depth to this story or the characters,  – and as I reflect now I’m thinking what was this book really even about again?  I just found it weird and a little sad.  I wouldn’t waste your time

Look at those pretty trees…

 

What a gorgeous fall we are having here in Kansas City!! I have found myself for the last several weeks commenting repeatedly about how beautiful the colors are, and daily saying outloud to myself in the car: “Wow” “Beautiful” “Look at that”!!

This weather reminds me of my Grandma Mack – when I was younger she would drive me a lot to softball practice (and any other activity) and I so distinctly remember her driving slowly down the road, looking out and commenting on ‘the pretty trees’.  At the time, I was annoyed “come on Grandma, stop looking at trees and DRIVE!  I have to get to practice’.  But now, I appreciate her perspective and ability to stop and see the beauty of the world and God’s creation – nature is SO cool like that!

Because I kept finding myself recognizing how fantastic the colors were this fall, I found this article confirming that it is scientifically proven to be a more colorful fall!! It wasn’t until I had my kids asking me why the leaves turn colors (and I found myself fumbling around with my words and saying something about chlorophyll…) that I realized I didn’t truly understand how it happened (sorry 5th-6th grade science teachers!) I included some excerpts of a great article I found below from a local news station:

Turns out the vibrant pigments we associate with fall are present in leaves year-round, but during the spring and summer, they’re masked by the green color produced by chlorophyll — the chemical that helps trees convert sunlight into sugars. When colder temperatures arrive in the fall, chlorophyll breaks down, revealing the other colors. 

Dennis Patton, a horticultural agent with Kansas State University’s Research and Extension Office in Johnson County, says certain recent weather patterns have been especially agreeable to locking in the bright hues of fall. 

“The past few years we’ve had warmer falls, and the trees have gone straight to brown, straight into dormancy.  This year, we’ve had cooler temperatures and more rain and we’re now getting that good color.” 

“We’ve had sunny days, which help leaves keep producing sugars, but then we have cooler nights, which trap those sugars in the leaves. When it cools, chlorophyll breaks down and the other pigments can be seen,” he said.

Click here for full article

If you have any especially gorgeous fall pics – reply here, or let me know what you think! (I have found that my iPhone camera, cannot do justice to the beauty that this fall is!)

October Book Review

• Books read: 4
• Pages Read: 1,512
• Put on your to-read list: America’s First Daughter

1) America’s First Daughter – Stephanie Dray

My Review: 4.2/5.0

Such an intimate look at the life and letters of Thomas Jefferson and his daughter.  (I was coming off seeing Hamilton on Broadway, so was really interesting to see that storyline played out in this book as well!)  I oftentimes think I couldn’t imagine living back in that time period – but wondering what it would be like.  I found myself really enjoying experiencing it through Martha Jefferson, and enjoyed googling real images of her, her family, Monticello (that played such a powerful role in this book, as the home location for this family) and learning more about Thomas Jefferson – such an important person in American history.  This is my must-read for the month!

2) The Summer Wives – Beatriz Williams

My Review: 3.7/5.0

Enjoyable. A bit predictable.  Bounces back and forth between decades – exploring the plot of a lighthouse operator, who may have committed a murder (did he really, and why?) and the lady who loves him (the protagonist) Miranda.  This wasn’t a really deeply thought-provoking book, but was entertaining and I found it easy to read. This was on the Book of the Month recommendation list (I get a lot of my new To-Read books from those suggestions) and I found myself curious, so I checked it out on my library’s ebook and used the iPad for this read.

3) Midwives – Chris Bohjalian

My Review: 3.7/5.0

I’m not sure where or how I heard of this book – perhaps a friend on Goodreads gave it a nice review?  Anyway, it was available at the library, b/c it was published in 1998- so bonus, no holds!  I found the story of Sybil, the midwife, and the night/birth that nearly cost her everything really interesting and could feel the real ethical controversy.  This is based on a legal case/drama, determining Sybil’s future (no spoilers here!) but made it engaging and interesting to see how it would turn out.  Most of this written in the voice of her teenage daughter, but each chapter opening with Sybil’s journal entries – a good, interesting read.

4) The Gifts of Imperfection – Brene Brown

My Review: 3.2/5.0

Let’s get this out there – I’m a huge fan of Brene Brown – from her TED talk, to her interviews with Oprah, Jen Hatmaker, etc – she always impresses me with her intelligence, authenticity, research, and her study of shame and vulnerability intrigues me.  I can’t say I walked away with the whole book underlined, like I was hoping that I would.  It was super short, so was easy to get through reading it quickly – and easy to get from library as it was published in 2010.  Let’s just say that I wouldn’t have fallen in love with Brene based on this book, and I didn’t find myself underlining or highlighting like I sure wanted to.  Just okay.

Top Ten Tuesday: Road Trip Edition

Ok – my family is about to embark on a 9+ hour trip to Wisconsin to visit my sister and her family during Will’s fall break.  Let’s be clear – I have been pretty vocal to anyone that asks that I hate sitting in a car – 4 hours or more and I want to hop on an airplane.  However, I just can’t justify flying all 4 of us up there and the cost, when hopping in our car is a real option.  SO – here we go – I thought I’d jot down some ideas for entertainment on a road-trip, if you have any games, songs, ideas to pass the time – PLEASE (for the love of Mary) comment and let me know.  (I’m more worried about myself being restless than the kids!

1. Music – duh!  Hit me up with your favorite sing along songs – we like country, rock, pop, Christian, hip-hip, oldies – you name it.  What comes to mind when thinking of great road trip songs or artists?
2. Podcasts – I’ve been saving up a few that I know I can listen to – either when P is ready to listen to his or he is taking a snooze!
3. Audiobooks – I have never dabbled in this – but thinking of how much drive time I have in a week, this could definitely be an option.  I have already checked out 3 books from the library in audio, and have lots held…. stay tuned for my report!
4. Movies – for kids of course!  We let kids check out 4 DVD’s each from library 🙂 Rock, paper, scissors on who gets to pick first 🙂
5. License plate game – this is an oldie, but goodie
6. Workbooks for the kids – tracing, spelling, coloring – whatever to keep them entertained!  (Now i’m a little nervous about all the questions on what am I supposed to do here Mom…. but we shall see!)
7. SNACKS!  What would a roadtrip be without snacks?  We have a cooler packed, delicious snacks that should NOT run out, and plenty to munch on to pass the time – oh and gum! I always need plenty of gum for my roadtrips – helps pass the time?!
8.  Count the American flags – this is a random game we play around town – not sure if it works on the highway??
9. Making up stories – when we were in Tahoe earlier this summer, we started a game of “I make up one sentence, and the next person adds on”.  It was fun, and I’ll always remember Ellie saying… ‘and Thennnnnnn’ before starting her part.
10. What else can we do????

 

Happy road tripping and travelling to any and all that are heading somewhere for fall break – or just any vacation!

September Book Reviews

• Books read: 4
• Pages: 1,104

The month of September was sort of a sad, disappointing month for me in regards to reading. You know how you have ‘blah’ days, I somewhat had a ‘blah’ months of books.  I found myself with little ‘free’ time, and a lot of non-fiction/self-help type of books- which I generally try to read sparingly, but kept popping up from my library hold list. I did read one really good one though, that was unexpected, and I listed it first for you:

1. Rust and Sawdust – T. Greenwood

My Rating: 4.0/5.0 Stars

This book was so addicting and surprising.  It is the true story of a girl named Sally Horner and her abductor, Frank LaSalle.  (it was mentioned in the book/movie Lolita – about Sally Horner… I have not read that book or didn’t know about it, but some may find that name familiar)  This book was based in the late 40’s and through the 50’s, telling the story of a young girl who is manipulated by a sexual predator that was released from prison.  This story was so well-written, just told this story from not only Sally’s point of view, but her mother and sister’s.  It is heart-breaking, frustrating, scary, sad – but so beautifully told to honor this sweet girl.  I found it especially heart-breaking when I could look online and find the picture of the real Sally Horner, and reminding myself this is not a book on fiction, but based on her life.

2. Girl, Wash Your Face – Rachel Hollis

My Rating: 3.2/5.0

Alright, this was most definitely the most talked about/posted about book this summer.  I saw so many people posting themselves reading it, quoting it and I was not familiar with Rachel Hollis and her work prior to the book – but I was eager to see what the fuss was all about.  I was let down.  I found her tone pretty condescending and sliding over into arrogant.  I appreciated her girl-power, you can do it attitude but did not connect with her ‘trying to hard to connect with people’ writing style.  There are just so many other good books that left me inspired and I felt annoyed by the end.  If you are a Christian, looking to find some inspiration, connection, and empowerment – I recommend the book below:

3. Your Best Yes- Lysa Terkeurst

My Rating: 3.8/5.0

I received this recommendation from a co-worker when I was talking about how I was feeling pressed for free time, and needing to get some tasks completed for a church commitment I had.  This book does a great job – walking you through making the best decisions for YOU, getting to what you want, and it’s hard to describe, but I appreciated her wisdom, insights and personal examples.  While both this book and the one previously listed, have similar principles, I connected with this better and her reference to scripture.  I found myself highlighting several passages, and written in my ‘quote journal’ (my beloved book I have had for 20+ years collecting inspirational quotes, thoughts, or just something that touched me that I want to remember)

4. The Terrible: A Storyteller’s Memoir

My Rating: 2.5/5.0

You guys, I just don’t really even know what this book was about.  I mean overall,  I understand it was a memoir, and written in a poetic prose (which is what intrigued me and drew me in to try something different) The short length of the book also wasn’t too intimidating – however, it fell short for me.  I found some of her relationships with her mother, herself, her brother quite profound, but I just couldn’t connect with it overall and what I could walk away with, or gain from reading it.  Sorry, just didn’t do it for me.

Alright – what else have you all read lately that you recommend?!  I am already LOVING my current read in October and excited to post about that soon…

August Book Reviews

• Books: 4
• Pages read: 1,515

This is How It Always Is – Laurie Frankel

My Rating: 4.6/5.0

This book may be one of my favorites of the year – highly recommend!!  The story is so interesting – about the youngest boy of a 5, that starts identifying more with being a girl.  The parents are the most loving, understanding and accepting, but shows the real struggle – physically and emotionally, outward in society and inside their family.  It has made me reflect on gender bias, how we raise children with pink/blue, tough/sweet, and all aspects of how we separate children on gender-specific topics.  I just loved this book – and found it so intriguing. Do yourself a favor and read it!

The Identicals – Elin Hilderbrand

My Rating: 3.2/5.0

I found this to be way fluffy.  I usually like Elin Hilderbrand, and all of her books are quite fluffy, but I just didn’t really connect with this far-fetched tale.  I couldn’t wrap my head around how two identical sisters can be estranged for so long, and although I know that happens in real life at times, I just didn’t find it believable for some reason.  So the story of Nantucket and Martha’s vineyard, and all the typical things happen: Of course they both fall in love, of course they reconcile (spoiler alert, not really, just think of a typical story and that is the spoiler)  Overall just too predictable and too fluffy.

Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness – Susannah Cahalan

My Rating: 4.8/5.0

I LOVED this book!! Whoa – so, so interesting.  A young newpaper writer documents her maddening experience of starting to lose her mind.  I don’t want to give too much away, except my friend Arielle recommended and gave it a 5 stars, so I jumped on reading it – and it was fantastically written: I felt her frustration, the fear, the confusion, the anguish, the loss of herself, and then slowly healing.  I found out there is a Netflix special on this also and am looking forward to watching it now that I’ve read the book. Do yourself another favor and read this book as well!

The Immortalists – Chloe Benjamin

My Rating: 4.0/5.0

Whoa – this book has the most BEAUTIFUL cover doesn’t it?? I may have picked this book to purchase early this year for just the cover alone and have loved looking at it on my bookshelf ever since.  The premise of this book is: what would you do if you knew the date that you were going to die??

For 4 siblings they found out this answer from a psychic when they were young, and it follows their story throughout their lives.  I found it just a different concept (and one I would definitely NOT want to know!) and how you may or may not live your life if you knew when it would end.  Interesting – (and if you want to read/borrow, let me know!)

 

August was full of back to school, trips, birthdays, anniversaries and not as much time for books – but I had some really really great ones that I’m so glad I read.  Have you read any of these? If you do, would love to know your thoughts!

Top Ten Tuesday – Back to School

Top Ten Tuesdays (TTT) is a weekly event now hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl. This week’s TTT is: a Back to School freebie. There are so many fun topics to do with this freebie. I chose to do Top Ten Books I’d Assign Myself to Read if back in school.

Ya’ll – I cant’ believe that it’s back to school time! I am a self-proclaimed nerd that has always loved school.  From the back to school shopping clothes and supplies – nothing like getting new notebooks, paper, pens, etc.! and that new first day of school outfit that has you looking good and feeling confident.  Just those first day of school nerves/jitters, where you are feeling back and forth on excited and nervous – I was always sort of ready to go back to school, get into the routine and schedule.

Now – my own children are going to school – and the emotions are so similar, but feeling it for them and through them!  I’m so proud, I’m nervous, I’m excited and I’m scared (please, please be nice to my sweet babies – no bullies, no bullies, no bullies)

 

So, with the back to school thought- and I was browsing through the Top 10 theme on the blog above – here are ten of the books I think all kids should read in school (some I did and some I did not!)

What book(s) do you think should be included?  What do you agree/disagree??