1R_Rose
My year goal is to read 100+ children’s/YA books. I love being able to discuss books with my kids, read to my littles, and finding reads to add to our home library.
I also aim to read 12+ adultish reads, but I really want to up this goal this year. Right now I’m tentatively striving for 24, but 12 at least. We’ll see how it goes. 😉
I also aim to read 12+ adultish reads, but I really want to up this goal this year. Right now I’m tentatively striving for 24, but 12 at least. We’ll see how it goes. 😉
2mabith
Hello! I'm a big fan of children's literature myself. I do have twelve nieces and nephews, but it's more that there are some great books out there and obviously they're the first step toward creating adults who love reading as well.
Looking forward to seeing your reads!
Looking forward to seeing your reads!
3R_Rose
>2 mabith: There sure are some great “kids” reads that are enjoyable as an adult!
4R_Rose
January juvenile reads:
1. A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park— Short but moving and insightful read about daily challenges some Africans face. Fiction, but based on a true story brimming with accuracy. As someone who lives in Africa, I highly recommend. For strong and not sensitive readers, I’d recommend for ages 8+ as an independent read.
2. Jungle Doctor Spots a Leopard by Paul White (Jungle Doctor#3)— Another excellent Africa read about a missionary doctor and his African friends dealing with real-life situations. Based on true events. Very good depiction of Tanzania/East Africa culture and life, and Biblically sound spiritual themes. Recommend for 8+ years reading independently.
3-5. Imagination Station #28: Islands and Enemies, #29: Sled Run for Survival, #30: The Land of the Lost— Good additions to this high-interest historical fiction/sci-fi series written at about 2nd grade level.
6. Arty and the Hunt for Phantom by Mark Redmond (The Adventures of Arty Anderson #3)— Short read about Christian teenage cowboy dealing with life. Excellent spiritual themes. Might interest ages 9+.
7-11. Continuing to read the classic Nancy Drew books— #41: Clue of the Whistling Bagpipes (Because this one is set in Scotland, I liked this one more than many other Nancy Drews.), #42: Phantom of Pine Hill, #43: Mystery of the 99 Steps, #44: Clue in the Crossword Cipher, #45: Spider Sapphire Mystery
12. Zin! Zin! Zin! A Violin by Lloyd Moss— A favorite read-aloud music picture book. Very colorful and introduces common orchestral instruments and names for instrumental ensembles from solo to a chamber orchestra of ten.
1. A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park— Short but moving and insightful read about daily challenges some Africans face. Fiction, but based on a true story brimming with accuracy. As someone who lives in Africa, I highly recommend. For strong and not sensitive readers, I’d recommend for ages 8+ as an independent read.
2. Jungle Doctor Spots a Leopard by Paul White (Jungle Doctor#3)— Another excellent Africa read about a missionary doctor and his African friends dealing with real-life situations. Based on true events. Very good depiction of Tanzania/East Africa culture and life, and Biblically sound spiritual themes. Recommend for 8+ years reading independently.
3-5. Imagination Station #28: Islands and Enemies, #29: Sled Run for Survival, #30: The Land of the Lost— Good additions to this high-interest historical fiction/sci-fi series written at about 2nd grade level.
6. Arty and the Hunt for Phantom by Mark Redmond (The Adventures of Arty Anderson #3)— Short read about Christian teenage cowboy dealing with life. Excellent spiritual themes. Might interest ages 9+.
7-11. Continuing to read the classic Nancy Drew books— #41: Clue of the Whistling Bagpipes (Because this one is set in Scotland, I liked this one more than many other Nancy Drews.), #42: Phantom of Pine Hill, #43: Mystery of the 99 Steps, #44: Clue in the Crossword Cipher, #45: Spider Sapphire Mystery
12. Zin! Zin! Zin! A Violin by Lloyd Moss— A favorite read-aloud music picture book. Very colorful and introduces common orchestral instruments and names for instrumental ensembles from solo to a chamber orchestra of ten.
5R_Rose
January adult reads:
1. Prophet by R. J. Larson (Books of the Infinite #1)— Although this book has many elements that I love (fantasy with undercurrents of Biblical allegory, an adventure-driven plot, a magnificent horse), it fell short of being a favorite read. However since this was the author’s first fantasy book, I am still interested in trying the other books in the trilogy and her Realms of the Infinite series.
2. The Call of the Wild by Jack London— About as different from Prophet as you can get, except for the adventure plot element. A short, serious, masterful, thought-provoking read.
3. The Thirty-Nine Steps by John Buchan (Richard Hannay #1)— Scotland again! An engaging but not gruesome suspense/mystery book. I liked the book better than Hitchcock’s film. Kept me guessing the resolution right to the end.
1. Prophet by R. J. Larson (Books of the Infinite #1)— Although this book has many elements that I love (fantasy with undercurrents of Biblical allegory, an adventure-driven plot, a magnificent horse), it fell short of being a favorite read. However since this was the author’s first fantasy book, I am still interested in trying the other books in the trilogy and her Realms of the Infinite series.
2. The Call of the Wild by Jack London— About as different from Prophet as you can get, except for the adventure plot element. A short, serious, masterful, thought-provoking read.
3. The Thirty-Nine Steps by John Buchan (Richard Hannay #1)— Scotland again! An engaging but not gruesome suspense/mystery book. I liked the book better than Hitchcock’s film. Kept me guessing the resolution right to the end.
6scunliffe
Buchan was quite an interesting man. Played a key role in the British Department of Propaganda in WW1, and went on to become governor general of Canada. I think 39 steps is his best work of fiction. For another book in the same vein, good chaps defeating dastardly German plans to invade) you might want to try The Riddle of the Sands by Erskine Childers who had an even more remarkable life, and death.
7R_Rose
>6 scunliffe: Thanks! I’ll check it out!
8R_Rose
Mid-year check-in to update on my progress…
February juv/YA reads:
13-14. Two Biscuit books by Andrea Capucilli— Biscuit and the Baby; Biscuit Goes to School— My beginning readers never tire of Biscuit.
15. Across Five Aprils by Irene Hunt— I appreciated the many perspectives in this Civil War book. I’ll probably re-read at some point in the future.
16. You are Special by Max Lucado
17-21. All classic hardback Hardy Boys— #41: The Clue of the Screeching Owl; #42: The Viking Symbol Mystery; #43: Mystery of the Aztec Warrior; #44: The Haunted Fort; #45: Mystery of the Spiral Bridge
More later…
February juv/YA reads:
13-14. Two Biscuit books by Andrea Capucilli— Biscuit and the Baby; Biscuit Goes to School— My beginning readers never tire of Biscuit.
15. Across Five Aprils by Irene Hunt— I appreciated the many perspectives in this Civil War book. I’ll probably re-read at some point in the future.
16. You are Special by Max Lucado
17-21. All classic hardback Hardy Boys— #41: The Clue of the Screeching Owl; #42: The Viking Symbol Mystery; #43: Mystery of the Aztec Warrior; #44: The Haunted Fort; #45: Mystery of the Spiral Bridge
More later…
9R_Rose
March juv/YA:
22. Welcome, Baby! by Amy Pixton
23-27. More classic Nancy Drew— #46: The Invisible Intruder; #47: The Mysterious Mannequin; #48: The Crooked Banister; #49: The Secret of Mirror Bay; #50: The Double Jinx Mystery
(March wasn’t a good month for reading…)
March adult read:
4. Boundaries by John Townsend & Henry Cloud
22. Welcome, Baby! by Amy Pixton
23-27. More classic Nancy Drew— #46: The Invisible Intruder; #47: The Mysterious Mannequin; #48: The Crooked Banister; #49: The Secret of Mirror Bay; #50: The Double Jinx Mystery
(March wasn’t a good month for reading…)
March adult read:
4. Boundaries by John Townsend & Henry Cloud
10R_Rose
April juv/YA reads:
28-31. More of The Hardy Boys— #46: Secret Agent on Flight 101; #47: The Mystery of the Whale Tattoo; #49: The Bombay Boomerang; #50: Danger on Vampire Trail
32. The Young Carthaginian by G. A. Henty— This particular Henty novel didn’t interest me much. The Cat of Bubastes is better.
33. Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson
34. Little Benjamin and the First Christmas by Betty Forell— Why not read a Christmas book in April? 😄
April adult reads:
5-6. Some time with Anne— Anne of the Island; Anne of Windy Poplars— I love this series, but it’s been over 10 years since I read these books. I was surprised by all the family/emotional abuse I noticed this time around, especially in Anne of Windy Poplars. Reading these on the heels of Boundaries made the boundary injuries stand out clear as day. I kept wishing to know what the various characters stories would have been like if they had stood up for their personal boundaries. But I know that wasn’t at all the custom of the day, so it would have been excruciatingly difficult, even in fiction. It was interesting and unsettling to think about.
28-31. More of The Hardy Boys— #46: Secret Agent on Flight 101; #47: The Mystery of the Whale Tattoo; #49: The Bombay Boomerang; #50: Danger on Vampire Trail
32. The Young Carthaginian by G. A. Henty— This particular Henty novel didn’t interest me much. The Cat of Bubastes is better.
33. Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson
34. Little Benjamin and the First Christmas by Betty Forell— Why not read a Christmas book in April? 😄
April adult reads:
5-6. Some time with Anne— Anne of the Island; Anne of Windy Poplars— I love this series, but it’s been over 10 years since I read these books. I was surprised by all the family/emotional abuse I noticed this time around, especially in Anne of Windy Poplars. Reading these on the heels of Boundaries made the boundary injuries stand out clear as day. I kept wishing to know what the various characters stories would have been like if they had stood up for their personal boundaries. But I know that wasn’t at all the custom of the day, so it would have been excruciatingly difficult, even in fiction. It was interesting and unsettling to think about.
11R_Rose
May juv/YA:
35. Billy and Blaze by C. W. Anderson
36. Red Wagon by Renata Liwska
37. Pouch by David Ezra Stein
38. Pretend by Jennifer Plecas
39-44. The last of Nancy Drew for now— #51: Mystery of the Glowing Eye; #52: The Secret of the Forgotten City; #53: The Sky Phantom; #54: The Strange Message in the Parchment; #55: Mystery of Crocodile Island; #56: The Thirteenth Pearl
45-48. Lift-a-flap books by Abbey Wedgeworth— What Are Ears For?; What Are Eyes For?; What Are Mouths For?; What Are Hands For?
49. The Hardy Boys Detective Handbook (Revised)
35. Billy and Blaze by C. W. Anderson
36. Red Wagon by Renata Liwska
37. Pouch by David Ezra Stein
38. Pretend by Jennifer Plecas
39-44. The last of Nancy Drew for now— #51: Mystery of the Glowing Eye; #52: The Secret of the Forgotten City; #53: The Sky Phantom; #54: The Strange Message in the Parchment; #55: Mystery of Crocodile Island; #56: The Thirteenth Pearl
45-48. Lift-a-flap books by Abbey Wedgeworth— What Are Ears For?; What Are Eyes For?; What Are Mouths For?; What Are Hands For?
49. The Hardy Boys Detective Handbook (Revised)
12R_Rose
June juv/YA:
50-51. Regina Silsby books by Tom Brodeur— Regina Silsby’s Secret War; Regina Silsby’s Phantom Militia— The idea of these books was interesting (a young lady disguised as a phantom foiling British plans during the American Revolution) but the writing was underwhelming.
52. Petunia by Roger Duvoisin
53. Horton Hears a Who by Dr. Seuss
54. Kaspar, Prince of Cats by Michael Morpurgo— Such an enjoyable book! An orphan bellboy takes care of a famous opera singer’s cat after her sudden death, and they both end up on the ill-fated Titanic along with their friend Elizabeth’s family. Undoubtedly will end up as one of my favorite reads from this year.
55-57. Also by Michael Morpurgo— The Nine Lives of Montezuma; The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips; The Butterfly Lion— The Lion was the best of these, IMO.
58. Benjamin West and His Cat Grimalkin by Marguerite Henry— It’s hard to go wrong with Henry’s books. I’ve read many of her horse works, and this cat book is written in her same wonderful style. One of my favorite authors from childhood.
59. Henry Possum by Harold Berson
60-66. Finishing up The Hardy Boys— #51: The Masked Monkey; #52: The Shattered Helmet; #53: The Clue of the Hissing Serpent; #54: The Mysterious Caravan; #56: The Jungle Pyramid; #57: The Firebird Rocket; #58: The Sting of the Scorpion
67. Circle C Stepping Stones #1: Andi Saddles Up by Susan K. Marlow
Over the halfway mark. So far so good!
50-51. Regina Silsby books by Tom Brodeur— Regina Silsby’s Secret War; Regina Silsby’s Phantom Militia— The idea of these books was interesting (a young lady disguised as a phantom foiling British plans during the American Revolution) but the writing was underwhelming.
52. Petunia by Roger Duvoisin
53. Horton Hears a Who by Dr. Seuss
54. Kaspar, Prince of Cats by Michael Morpurgo— Such an enjoyable book! An orphan bellboy takes care of a famous opera singer’s cat after her sudden death, and they both end up on the ill-fated Titanic along with their friend Elizabeth’s family. Undoubtedly will end up as one of my favorite reads from this year.
55-57. Also by Michael Morpurgo— The Nine Lives of Montezuma; The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips; The Butterfly Lion— The Lion was the best of these, IMO.
58. Benjamin West and His Cat Grimalkin by Marguerite Henry— It’s hard to go wrong with Henry’s books. I’ve read many of her horse works, and this cat book is written in her same wonderful style. One of my favorite authors from childhood.
59. Henry Possum by Harold Berson
60-66. Finishing up The Hardy Boys— #51: The Masked Monkey; #52: The Shattered Helmet; #53: The Clue of the Hissing Serpent; #54: The Mysterious Caravan; #56: The Jungle Pyramid; #57: The Firebird Rocket; #58: The Sting of the Scorpion
67. Circle C Stepping Stones #1: Andi Saddles Up by Susan K. Marlow
Over the halfway mark. So far so good!
13R_Rose
July juv/YA:
68-70. Some Paddington books by Michael Bond— More About Paddington; Paddington at Work; Paddington Goes to Town— So much about Paddington to love
71. Peekaboo Morning by Rachael Isadora— Favorite toddler read
72. Cows Can’t Jump by Dave Reisman
73. Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown— Another favorite toddler read
74. Bear Counts by Karma Wilson— Always nice to find books for the basics (counting, etc.) that are also beautiful.
75. Go, Dog. Go! by P. D. Eastman
76. Nate the Great and the Missing Key by Marjorie Sharmat— Great series for beginning readers
77. Dual Volume Getting Know Nature’s Children: Penguins & Elephants by Merebeth Switzer & Elin Kelsey
78. American Girl— A Smart Girl’s Guide: Cooking by Patricia Daniels & Darcie Johnston
79-81. Green Ember Archer series by S. D. Smith— The Last Archer; The First Fowler; The Archer’s Cup— These landed as my favorite books from the Green Ember world
82-84. Tales of Old Natalia by S. D. Smith— The Black Star of Kingston; The Wreck and Rise of Whitson Mariner; Prince Lander and the Dragon War— More great Green Ember books
85. Hug by Jez Alborough— Yet another favorite toddler read
86. Mapmaker Chronicles #1: Race to the End of the World by A. L. Tait— Didn’t end up being a favorite. Wasn’t what I was hoping it would be.
68-70. Some Paddington books by Michael Bond— More About Paddington; Paddington at Work; Paddington Goes to Town— So much about Paddington to love
71. Peekaboo Morning by Rachael Isadora— Favorite toddler read
72. Cows Can’t Jump by Dave Reisman
73. Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown— Another favorite toddler read
74. Bear Counts by Karma Wilson— Always nice to find books for the basics (counting, etc.) that are also beautiful.
75. Go, Dog. Go! by P. D. Eastman
76. Nate the Great and the Missing Key by Marjorie Sharmat— Great series for beginning readers
77. Dual Volume Getting Know Nature’s Children: Penguins & Elephants by Merebeth Switzer & Elin Kelsey
78. American Girl— A Smart Girl’s Guide: Cooking by Patricia Daniels & Darcie Johnston
79-81. Green Ember Archer series by S. D. Smith— The Last Archer; The First Fowler; The Archer’s Cup— These landed as my favorite books from the Green Ember world
82-84. Tales of Old Natalia by S. D. Smith— The Black Star of Kingston; The Wreck and Rise of Whitson Mariner; Prince Lander and the Dragon War— More great Green Ember books
85. Hug by Jez Alborough— Yet another favorite toddler read
86. Mapmaker Chronicles #1: Race to the End of the World by A. L. Tait— Didn’t end up being a favorite. Wasn’t what I was hoping it would be.
14R_Rose
August juv/YA:
87-91. Part of the Terrestria Chronicles by Ed Dunlop— #1: The Sword, the Ring, and the Parchment; #2: The Quest for Seven Castles; #3: The Search for Everyman; #4: The Crown of Kuros; #5: The Dragon’s Egg
92. Tunneling to Freedom by Nel Yomtov
93. Truck Stop by Anne Rockwell
94. The Cat in the Hat by the great Dr. Seuss
87-91. Part of the Terrestria Chronicles by Ed Dunlop— #1: The Sword, the Ring, and the Parchment; #2: The Quest for Seven Castles; #3: The Search for Everyman; #4: The Crown of Kuros; #5: The Dragon’s Egg
92. Tunneling to Freedom by Nel Yomtov
93. Truck Stop by Anne Rockwell
94. The Cat in the Hat by the great Dr. Seuss
16R_Rose
September juv/YA:
95-99. Some of the original Clifford the Big Red Dog books by Norman Bridwell— Clifford at the Circus; Clifford the Big Red Dog; Clifford Takes a Trip; Clifford’s Family; Clifford the Firehouse Dog
100. Twice Freed by Patricia St. John— Such a good book
101. Mama Panya’s Pancakes by Mary and Rich Chamberlin
102. Click, Clack, Peep by Doreen Cronin
103-112. The Nickolas Flux History Chronicles by various authors— Surprise Attack!; Defend Until Death!; Night of Rebellion!; Arrested for Witchcraft!; Tracking an Assassin!; Flight to Freedom!; Stake a Claim!; Titanic Disaster!; Trapped in Antarctica!; Peril in Pompeii!
113-114. End of the Terrestria Chronicles— #6: The Golden Lamps; #7: The Great War
115. Where’s Spot? by Eric Hill
116. Nest by Jorey Hurley— Wonderful surprise find! Such beautiful simplicity telling the story of a robin’s year by one word a page. Very pleased with this book!
117. Katy and the Big Snow by Virginia Lee Burton— Classic picture book by a classic author
95-99. Some of the original Clifford the Big Red Dog books by Norman Bridwell— Clifford at the Circus; Clifford the Big Red Dog; Clifford Takes a Trip; Clifford’s Family; Clifford the Firehouse Dog
100. Twice Freed by Patricia St. John— Such a good book
101. Mama Panya’s Pancakes by Mary and Rich Chamberlin
102. Click, Clack, Peep by Doreen Cronin
103-112. The Nickolas Flux History Chronicles by various authors— Surprise Attack!; Defend Until Death!; Night of Rebellion!; Arrested for Witchcraft!; Tracking an Assassin!; Flight to Freedom!; Stake a Claim!; Titanic Disaster!; Trapped in Antarctica!; Peril in Pompeii!
113-114. End of the Terrestria Chronicles— #6: The Golden Lamps; #7: The Great War
115. Where’s Spot? by Eric Hill
116. Nest by Jorey Hurley— Wonderful surprise find! Such beautiful simplicity telling the story of a robin’s year by one word a page. Very pleased with this book!
117. Katy and the Big Snow by Virginia Lee Burton— Classic picture book by a classic author
17R_Rose
September adult reads:
8. Great Horse Stories by Rebecca Ondov
9. Let’s Roll! by Lisa Beamer— Only about 20 years or so late reading this, but I found it still very relevant.
Well over the 100 mark, but there’s still more on my TBR shelf. Not quitting yet!
8. Great Horse Stories by Rebecca Ondov
9. Let’s Roll! by Lisa Beamer— Only about 20 years or so late reading this, but I found it still very relevant.
Well over the 100 mark, but there’s still more on my TBR shelf. Not quitting yet!
