I can’t believe I’m writing a review of a Biggles’ book. In spite of scouring secondhand shops and Lifeline sales for at least two decades with my offspring as they built up their collection of Captain W.E. John’s books, this is the first of his books that I’ve ever read. It’s surprising how many grown … Continue reading Biggles in the Baltic by Captain W.E. Johns (1940)
Books for Boys
John Macnab by John Buchan (1925)
Two distinguished highflyers had separately been to see Dr. Acton Croke. Both were suffering from a common ailment - they had all grown too competent and comfortable and their doctor had given them both the same diagnosis and suggested treatment: “You’ve got to rediscover the comforts of your life by losing them for a little…You … Continue reading John Macnab by John Buchan (1925)
Beau Geste by Percival Christopher Wren (1924): A Tale of Decency, Chivalry, Altruism and Heroism
Beau Geste by P. C. Wren is an adventure story and a convoluted mystery set predominantly in the African Sahara. The story jumps into the first mystery immediately, but that turns out to be a distraction from the central mystery - the theft of a precious gemstone. The two mysteries are related but … Continue reading Beau Geste by Percival Christopher Wren (1924): A Tale of Decency, Chivalry, Altruism and Heroism
Newbery Honor Book: Hatchet by Gary Paulsen (1987)
Hatchet by Gary Paulsen is a gripping short story about a thirteen-year-old city boy who survives a plane crash in the Canadian wilderness after the pilot suffers a massive heart attack mid-flight.Brian Robeson is flying from New York to Canada on a small Cessna plane to stay with his father for the summer. … Continue reading Newbery Honor Book: Hatchet by Gary Paulsen (1987)
Books in a Series for Young Voracious Readers – Part 1
Some children read very quickly and are always asking for more books. Although all my children loved reading, two had insatiable reading habits. They were both active and had interests in many different areas so it wasn't as if they sat around all day reading. They just had the ability to read extremely quickly.When children … Continue reading Books in a Series for Young Voracious Readers – Part 1
Authors for Teens – Part 1
The books by authors I've listed here are those our children enjoyed reading in their spare time when they were in their teens. An asterisk means some of my children read it before their teens or that it's suitable for a younger age level. Just be aware that this is only my opinion & even … Continue reading Authors for Teens – Part 1
20+ years of Family Read Aloud Chapter Books
A growing list of chapter books I've read aloud over the past twenty odd years to my children (in no particular order). You'll probably notice certain authors cropping up regularly - I've listed books by the same author together. The books I've read were in most cases listened to by everyone who was present … Continue reading 20+ years of Family Read Aloud Chapter Books
journey & destination 