We've ventured into Truthquest AHYSII and have finally reached the 3rd grade level for which the Landmark & We Were There(WWT) series are listed.  Covering the Louisiana Purchase and the Lewis and Clark Expedition, I handed son his first "We Were There...With the Lewis & Clark Expedition", while we read the Landmark "Lewis and Clark Expedition" aloud together. 

According to son, his was a real page turner.  Of course, there is little he doesn't enjoy reading, but he said he truly enjoyed the WWT and is looking forward to the next one.

As far as the Landmark goes, it was also highly engaging and worthy of the hunt I put on for it.  I'm hoping the same will be said for the rest of the series! 

Not only was it highly readable and factual, it was age appropriate without being dumbed down.  Inappropriate character issues were left out, while it was noted the men were less than perfect in certain areas.  I appreciated that they were not idolized in a manner that would falsify history.

Of course, the entire topic and history is amazing and it is sad that though God may have used this expedition to further westward expansion of civilization, as well as Christianity, He was not acknowledged during the events (to my knowledge).  The sad end of the life of Meriwether Lewis is a good example of how men without the hope of Christ can not truly endure or prosper.  We wholeheartedly acknowledge God's providence (purpose, preparation, protection, provision, & promises) seeing His hand in the individual lives and in the events, however, did they?  It seems not. Especially in the case of Meriwether Lewis.

Son also read, in one sitting--I might add, "Lewis and Clark and Me: A Dog's Tale".  Son loved this very highly recommended book, so I pass that on to you as well.

Well, we are still studying and hope to learn more.  It's one of those topics in HIStory that I never learned squat about!  It's been fun.

For my own learning, I rented the Ken Burn PBS special on the expedition.  Again, God is left out completely.  The special is amazingly done--scenery, music, voices and all.  The events are covered, but you just can't beat those living books!  The Landmark, seemingly for children, was better!  And more alive!

Here is a very interesting article about who Robert Louis Stevenson really was.  Something to consider next time you choose one of his books to read.

The thing about having a second child is that occassionally they do get to benefit from what might be called a "do-over".  In this case, my do-over was what I didn't have the smarts enough to do with my son when he was the tender age of three.  

Since the spring, daughter and I have read Mother Goose cover to cover twice.  We are also almost through reading The Complete Works of Beatrix Potter. 

Maybe it's because she's a girl, but she has thoroughly enjoyed them.  I have to admit, I've enjoyed enjoying them with her. 

With the son, we picked a nursery rhyme here and there, but never all of them.  I don't know that we ever read more of Miss Potter than The Tale of Peter Rabbit. 

Next I will tackle Winnie the Pooh--ALL of them instead of just a couple.  And, I hope she will enjoy the  Thornton Burgess short stories, which I have just discovered. 

There is  the one that I got right with my son:  the Rhyming Story Bible.  I read enough of this to her to know she'll love the whole thing. 

I think, in this case, do-overs are a good thing.  Oh...I forgot to mention...son often listens in, so maybe it's not too late now that he's almost 8!

If you recently received the newest promo from Vision Forum, you will have read about R.M. Ballantyne, a very popular artist from *way* back.  All of his books have been out of print until now--Vision Forum is re-publishing them, as they have done with other series in the past. 

I must say, I was quite taken with their description of the author and his stories.  What always bugs me, however, is their wonderful sales that require huge buck purchases.  They rarely seem to have individual books in a series for sale--just the whole kit and kaboodle.  I find it hard to believe that there are that many homeschoolers who will spend $400+ at one time on all the Henty's, etc.  Why do they not let us get them on sale one at a time?! 

Well...as badly as I wanted the new series for my son--$149.00 for ten hardback books.  I did a little checking and lo and behold they are all free online here.  Now, I would rather have the actual book anytime, but right now $$$ is tight.  Plus, now I can read one to see if they are as good as I believe they will be.  There are actually many more titles available than those Vision Forum currently is publishing.  I'm a bit eager to get to reading.  I did a test print and it's definately easy on the eyes.  I also did a test read--after three pages, I was hooked!  Oh boy.  If you've read them, I'd love to hear what you think.

So, the sale ends tonight.  They will hopefully have them on sale another time.  I'll be watching.  If however, you are like me and want to try before you buy, check out this site. 

"The Princess and Curdie", by George MacDonald

This book (like all his books) has amazing spiritual implications, as well as some just out and out strange stuff mixed in.  I like his books, though.  The "fantasy" element would probably be more appealing to younger readers and since he wrote these stories for his children, they make sense.  This particular title involves greed, selfishness and perspective.  It also stresses the need to stand up for what you believe. 

"The Baronet's Song", by George MacDonald

This story was a big change from the other's I've read by him.  First off, it deals with spirituality more and better!  It also has removed the fantasy element.  The particular version I read was edited by Christian writer Michael Phillips.  It was great!  It covered so many incredible topics, that my head spins thinking about them all.  Suffice it to say, it was a real page-turner.  I couldn't put it down, as I become so involved in the lives of the characters.  This one was about how God uses unlikely people in great ways.  I really liked it a lot.  There is a sweet (short part) romance, but one built in total innocence.  No muckity-muck.

"Ben Hur", by Lew Wallace

I was very interested to read this. (I just saw it in the new Veritas Press catalog, too)  I was hooked at the beginning, but then set it aside.  It tells a made-up version of the birth of Christ that is so different from the Biblical account that it bothered me.  I may pick it up later, but for now, I'm not interested.  I do want to see the movie again--it's been years.  I've reserved it from the library!

"George Washington, The Spymaster: How the Americans Outspied the British and Won the Revolutionary War", by Thomas B. Allen:

I picked this book up on our vacation/Virginia field trip!  It is really a great pull together of many of the American Revolution occurances involving General George.  The art work (though small and in b&w), is really neat (Cheryl Harness--a biographer whose picture [books] we love, though not usually too keen on her writing).  Good book.

"Pegeen", by Hilda von Stockum:

Now here is a great book!  A definate for the read-aloud list.  I've just started it, but had to mention it because it is another page-turner, can't put it down.  Very sweet story with rich characters and Biblical references (so far).  I'll keep you posted further, but I expect this will be a favorite.  The author is on the Jan Bloom author list ("Whom Shall We Then Read").  She was right (again)!

I just finished reading "Daddy-Long-Legs", by Jean Webster.  What a great read!  I wasn't quite sure about this book written as a series of letters about an orphan girl who is sent to college by a benefactor.  I soon found it hard to put down.  It was a delight to read! 

I was so eager to get to the end, wondering how the auther could possibly bring this story to conclusion.  She did though, and beautifully.  If you want a really nice, pleasant summer read, put this on your list. 

As I continue to read all the old classics that I'm picking up at book sales, I'm excited that there are such good books out there.  I suppose they are a bit like the box of chocolates in Gump.  You never know what you're going to find inside the covers. 

I should add that though this book has nothing offensive in the least, it is about a college age girl, so probably not that interesting to younger children. 

I just finished reading Victor Hugo's "The Hunchback of Notre-Dame" for the first time.  In my continuing quest to actually read the classics, the recent 25 cent purchase of this book moved it to the top of my reading list.  That, and just plain curiosity. 

I knew literally nothing about this book.  I've never seen a movie, even the Disney movie, which I'm sure was horrid and did not resemble the book in the least.  I only knew the title.

So...strange book!  Actually, there were a few things very interesting about this book written in 1831. 

• One, very little of it is actually about the "hunchback". 
•  Two, it's the first book I've ever read that actually used the word "fantasmagorical", which elicited a verbal wave of shock and laughter! 
• Third, it was a very sophisticated book for it's time.  If I hadn't known better, I would have thought it recently published. 
• Fourth, I hate reading french names--too much effort!

Mainly, the interweaving of of characters and plots kept me reading.  There was a bit of "dark" story-telling, even several mentions of pagan festivals such as our good ole origins of Christmas, Saturnalia.  Many of the characters were intentially named to show them ridiculous, as they were--almost in a satire-like manner.  There were many role reversals in the book, keeping you on guard and aware!

Definately a tragedy, the literary nature of the book interested me.  Now that I've read it, I keep thinking, "that was bizarre--good, but bizarre!"  It most certainly falls in a new category for me, I'm just not sure what to call it. Maybe the "Good, But Bizarre" category!

I would recommend it, but only for adults.  Definately not for children. 

Ever since I began homeschooling, I've heard, seen and been told about Lamplighter books.  Being a good book enthusiast, I picked up a couple at the last homeschool convention. 

I started reading one to see if it was something I could read to my 7 yo son and 3 yo daughter.  I couldn't put it down--and I cried and cried out, because it was so good.  Husband thought I'd finally fallen off my "rocker"!  Needless to say, I re-read it to, and completed it with, my children. 

They loved it.  Begged for it every waking second.  Couldn't wait to start the next one, and have been in complete disbelief and denial since we completed them.

What are they, you may ask?  Teddy's Button and Little Sir Galahad.

If you want to teach Biblical truth and Godly character to your children, you will find these books invaluable!

Teddy's Button is the story of a little boy who joins the King's Army, learns to fight for his Commander (Jesus) and triumphs against his wicked self, whom he calls "Bully".  You will never forget reading this book, and neither will your kids!

Little Sir Galahad is the story of a boy who has had a disadvantage that has made him physically weak.  He wants to be like King David (his name is David), but thinks his weakness will prevent it.  He learns where and what real strength is!  Fabulous!

These books aren't exactly cheap...but worth every penny!  We're ready for more.

Being from Indiana and the daughter of a huge reader, I often heard about a book called "The Girl of the Limberlost", by Gene(vieve) Stratton Porter (Indiana author).  I never read it until recently and am now reading the prequel, "Freckles". 

These are fabulous books!  They are beautifully written and hard to put down.  They are each about the great Limberlost forest of the midwest that disappeared because of logging and progress.  One focuses on the rare and incredible butterflies found in the forest, and the other on its flowers and birds.  The author did an amazing job of making these stories about nature, but not about nature, come so alive.  The characters are unique and rare.  The stories timeless and touching.

These titles are not for children as first they deal with growing love relationships, and second they deal with neglect.  Highschool age would probably love them.  But, YOU will really love them.

I love to read.  I love historical fiction.  The problem is figuring out what is fact and what is fiction.

My favorite author duo are Bodie & Brock Thoene.  If you haven't read any of their books, you are seriously missing out.  For instance...

In January, I picked up book one of the Zion Covenant.  This series (9 in all) is the story of Hitler and WWII.  Don't forget, this is also a Jewish story.

Now, my little 'ole publicly schooled self never learned a thing about WWII, the Holocaust, Jewish history, nothin'.  Boy, I'm learnin' now.  A side effect of the renewed desire to learn and teach my children the truth in history, etc. 

So, I'm reading these books.  Now, I've read about these authors.  Particularly, that they are researchers and are extremely accurate.  Well, I'm reading along and there enters on the scene a Nazi sympathizer, a friend to Hitler--Henry Ford!  Yes, thee Henry Ford.  Okay, so the shock wears off and I try not to think too hard about this.  Surely it's not true.

Then, In book five I was reading and suddenly Nazi propaganda, materials put together by Hitler against Jews includes----Martin Luther!  Supposedly, an aged, and quite bitter Martin Luther was an anti-semite.  Okay, now I'm kinda feeling sick.  So...

Today, I wrote the authors.  I wanted to know sources and whether these things were really true!  They are.   Here is the note I received back in just a couple of hours! 

Dear Melissa:
Thanks for writing! Your questions certainly relate to some disturbing historical realities.

In 1543 a bitter, aged Martin Luther wrote a treatise called 'On the Jews and their Lies' (he died in 1546) Both the use of this diatribe by the Nazis and Henry Ford's connection to Hitler (Hitler admired Ford greatly) can be easily researched with Google searches. There are some wild conclusions floating around out there but both statements as we presented them are historic facts.

Blessings,
Bodie and Brock

So, you can be taught by fiction, if it's by the right authors!  The Thoene's current series is all about people who lived during the time of Christ.  The AD Chronicles.  They are wonderful.  I'm up to date on those (four, so far!). 

It's a bit fun to find a really good, really unusual source for anything.  In this particular case, I was reading a Tim LaHaye book, The Europa Conspiracy.  If you know anything about Tim LaHaye, then you know he writes about prophecy.

Well, it just so happened that we were studying Daniel and the Lion's Den.  In his book, Tim LaHaye had a dual story going, one of which was a dramatization of Daniel, by Daniel.  It was in italics so easy to pull out from the rest.  It was only 10-12 pages in all.  It was very scripturally accurate, as well as historically well told. 

The drama of it and the more detail interactions with Belshazzar and the lions, was really enthralling!  And I learned something--Daniel was in his 80's!  I've always "seen", in Sunday School lessons, him tossed in the den as a boy!  I guess that's sort of like the hilariously, bad pictures of Noah's Ark we usually put before our kids.

Son really enjoyed reading this "drama".  Of course, using voice and posture while reading something of this nature, truly makes him sit on the edge of his seat.

The entire book was very good.  It is the third in a series, Babylon Rising.  I believe there were sub-plots in the other books, too.  But teaching my kid out of it, never crossed my mind!

So, unusual source, fun lesson!

For school today we did laundry and went to the dollar flick to see The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe.

Son absolutely loved it.  I was a bit worried that he would be upset by the death of Aslan, but he wasn't.  I asked him after the movie, why he didn't get upset and he said, "Mom...I knew what was going to happen."  He hasn't stopped talking about it all evening and wants to go again.  Of course, it comes out on DVD in a couple of weeks, so we will get to see it plenty (no doubt!).

We finished The Magician's Nephew and are currently reading The Horse and His Boy.  This is my least favorite of the series and a bit hard to read aloud, but we are managing.  Going a bit slower.  We heard in the car today that Prince Caspian is to be the next movie released.  All that underground creepiness should be interesting. 

If you have no idea of what I speak, you really should read the books!  Get busy!  They are fabulous!  Guaranteed to change your life!  Then, read 'em again!  Once is never enough.  I think I'm on about my tenth go 'round.  Love 'em!  Can you tell?

So, we'll be dreaming of death being conquered and the resurrection of the Messiah tonight!  Quite appropriate as we approach Easter, don't you think?

For our literature unit, we have reading The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe with sweet boy, age 6. 

As expected chapters 14 & 15 (Aslan's death & resurrection) brought a few tears.  I tend to be very animated when reading aloud and watched my boy carefully as what was happening began to impact him.

We stopped quite frequently to talk about what was happening and how excited we should be about this.  We discussed our praises to God for His sacrifice and that without it, our penalty would be death. 

He had no problem understanding this!  As we progressed and Susan and Lucy heard a loud cracking sound--the stone table breaking in two--dear son said, "Mom, didn't the curtain in the temple tear in two when Jesus died?"  I had never seen this particular comparison--I usually think about death being broken.  Needless to say, I was once again impressed by the whole "out of the mouths of babes" thinking!

Whether it is actually a "good" comparison, being at a slightly different place in the story, or not, doesn't matter.  My boy is thinking.  To me this is so noteworthy.

I would like to interject that the  Christian Family Guide to the Chronicles of Narnia: Roar!, is a great resource to use with your family if going through this series!  Among things like a chapter by chapter, book by book, perspective, there is index in the back, of passages that parents need to take extra caution with.  There are great discussion questions, fun activities like finding your own "wardrobe" and definitions of "period" words and other vocabulary.

Discussion on this book has been fantastic!  I hope every parent goes through this series with their children.

When I was in my 20's (a long time ago!) and living down in Dallas, I had a friend that took me to a Half-Price Books store.  Now, I probably hadn't been into a big bookstore like---ever, so this was a big deal.  She wanted to get me hooked on romance novels. 

Now I know what you're thinking.  Oooo!  You'd be right, however, there is a story here.  So, she succeeded and got me hooked on bawdy books.  Now I was reading like crazy.  Every night before I went to bed, I had to read.  Then, before long, I couldn't even sleep if I didn't read.  At first I was a very slow reader.  After a few years, I improved to a moderately quick reader.  So, I probably went through a couple of books a month back then. 

Pretty soon I grew up and began to have a great dislike for the bawdy books.  Part of this was the fact that I got married to my Prince Charming and he was much better than anything in a book!  And part was a spiritual conviction that, well...garbage in, garbage where?  So I quit reading them and had to replace them with something.  I slowly began finding historical fiction books I liked, but I never knew if they would have bawdy stuff in them or not.  Then I discovered Christian fiction (only in the last few years!).  

So now I'm probably up to 4-5 books a month.  Well, the well has just about run dry!  Our library doesn't have a huge selection and have you seen the price of books lately?  So, what to do.

In the mean time, I have been collecting books at yard sales, book sales, etc. for the kids.  I always looked for classics, too, because I wanted to have a really good library for them.  So much of our curriculum is literature based.  Then this year it occured to me that I'd never read many of the classics that the kids would eventually read.  So, I started reading them!

Here's a few I hit this year:

Around the World in Eighty Days

The Lost Prince (Absolutely fabulous book!)

Little Lord Fauntleroy (also fabulous!)

Robinson Crusoe

At the Back of the North Wind

In the Twinkling of an Eye

A Basket of Flowers  (so, sooo good!)

A Girl of the Limberlost (great book!)

The Time Machine

The Great Adventures of Sherlock Holmes

and then a few I read with my son:

Pinocchio

Little House in the Big Woods

Farmer Boy

It has been so great!  A few have really impacted me like Frances Hodgson Burnett's books--wow! (Lost Prince and Lord Fauntleroy)  I've tried to pay attention to homeschoolers, in particular, that know great literature (living books!) and especially the really OLD ones like Basket of Flowers.  The recommendations are usually so good.  Soooo...

If you have any good recommendations, let me know.  I'm almost done with a book and ready to find another good one!  I've truly become an avid, lover of books and reading.  It took time, but it's pretty official (you should see my shelves! Plus, I pant at the mention of a book sale!).  I long for kids to love the right books, right from the start.  So far, so good!  Ahhh, homeschooling!  Thanks in advance for the recommendations!

My sweet son and I just finished reading Farmer Boy, by Laura Ingalls Wilder.  This was a really good boy book.  We had also read Little House in the Big Woods, but it didn't seem to have the interest we were needing.  Farmer Boy did the job.  Now, we have begun Pinocchio, and I must say, I'm impressed!  First of all, it wasn't until a couple of years ago that I even knew it was a classic book.  I confess, I am a product of Disney rearing--Lord, preserve my children from such attrocities!! :)  So, son just announced to me that he wants to read "100 chapters" tonight... He really doesn't understand why Geppetto got thrown in prison.  I must admit, I was a bit shocked.  If you have no idea what I'm talking about, then grab a copy and get reading.  This will be our first official attempt at notebooking a classic--looking for Biblical principles and literary elements and recording them.  I hope it won't be too daunting for son.  

Anyhow, I have also begun listening to the Focus on the Family Radio Theater Presentation--The Chronicles of Narnia.  This set of books has been a favorite since I was 10 and received them from dear Mom as a birthday present.  (I haven't been totally illiterate concerning great literature!)  Excellent presentation.  You can listen to the first part free at oneplace.org. (Okay, it WAS there last Saturday.  Keep checking.  They might be temporarily behind. Click on broadcast archives if you are reading this past Nov. 12th)  I was enthralled as I listened to the first book and half of the second.  I must say though, The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe was a bit scary.  As Aslan was being taunted and murdered I was taken back to my one viewing of the Passion of the Christ--very emotional, horrifying and for... me...hello!  So, I'm wondering about this movie coming out and whether I should even think about letting my son read the books yet, etc.  My mind says he's too young, but my heart wants to share.  I know I'll wait, but I kinda hate it!  If anyone has any ideas on sharing The Chronicles with a way-smart 6 yo, let me know!