One of the greatest regrets in my life is that I don't remember more of the stories that my own grandmother's told me. I was 10 when my paternal grandmother died. I was 26 when my maternal grandmother died.
I do remember them sharing with me how hard they worked: building a fire in the yard and boiling water in a large kettle in order to wash clothes. Wringing clothes out by hand and then hanging them on the clothes-line outside---(what about in the winter wouldn't they freeze? I did not think to ask that question.)
I remember my grandmother's telling me about the layers of clothes they wore, the thick stockings, wool underwear, sturdy button up shoes, and the petticoats....and those annoying cumbersome itchy binding corsets.
Everything was made from scratch.
The men worked in the field, the women worked at home.
My grandmother's were born during an age when there were no cars, no indoor plumbing, no electricity.
They were born during a time when babies were born at home.
People did not go to the doctor unless near death. This was also an age when many children did not live to become grown-ups.
"Back in the day" had a deeply defining more serious meaning.
Arleta Richardson has written the Grandma's Attic series to reach out to young girls ages 8-12. They were written in order to give them a home-spun, entertaining, and applicable books to read. They were also written to tell "true tales of yesteryear that bring timeless lessons for today, combining the appeal of historical fiction for girls with the truth of God's Word. Each captivating story promotes godly character and values with humor, understanding and warmth."
The Grandma's Attic series follows the young life of Mabel a girl born in the 19th Century. Mabel grows up to be the grandmother of Arleta and she freely shares stories from her girlhood.
 In Book 4 of the Grandma's Attic Series---Treasures from Grandma's Attic---there are several stories that deal with honesty. We learn that Mabel often looses or misplaces things, she also dilly dallies (day dreams). There is a teaching given on page 131 "beauty is as beauty does." My, I've heard that many times in my life, except what I was taught is pretty is as pretty does. And that is what my granddaughter know very well! I believe this book has been my favorite. Mabel is a little older, still best friends with Sarah Jane. By book 4 I understand that Mabel is a precocious, bold, intelligent girl. Yet she is still just a girl and creates more havoc for herself than need be...she has a patient mother. Published by David C. Cook August 2011 160 pages/for girls ages 8-12 Thank you to David C. Cook and B and B Media for my free review copy! To read the reviews of the first two Grandma's Attic books: http://missdaisyanne.blogspot.com/2011/05/book-review-in-grandmas-attic-by-arleta.htmlhttp://missdaisyanne.blogspot.com/2011/05/book-review-more-stories-from-grandmas.htmlLink for the book @ Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Treasures-Grandmas-Attic/dp/0781403820/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1317333009&s
The Grandma's Attic series were written for girls ages 8-12. My own granddaughter Celeste that just turned 8 has really enjoyed reading this series. An 8 year old does not have the ability to give a critical review of a book, they just know if they like it or not. Celeste has expressed that the stories are funny, this means they hold her attention. They also encourage an interest in her mind to ask me questions about my own childhood.
When we share stories of our childhood with our children and grandchildren they then relate to us on a more deeper level than just as a parent or grandparent. We are sharing apart of our lives with them, we are speaking on their level, and they will feel we are more approachable because of this.
Grandma's Attic Series Book Three--Still More Stories from Grandma's Attic by Arleta Richardson
Published by David C Cook August 2011
160 pages/For ages 8-12
 Mabel and her best friend and also partner in mischievous antics is Sarah Jane. The two of them live near each other, attend school together, and are the best of friends. Mabel and Sarah Jane live in the 19th Century, yet the experiences they have any girl of any age can relate to. For example they had a new idea for clothing, wanting to break away from their mother's views of what is appropriate, the two girls decide to try something "new". Their "new" idea backfires and creates more of a problem than they anticipated. Weaved in to the stories which are meant to be entertaining to a young reader, are also hidden jewels of wisdom. "I want you to know that there is a time for justice and a time for mercy. God doesn't give us the blessings of life because we deserve them but because He loves us." page 97 Mabel grows up to be the grandmother of the author Arleta Richardson. Arleta shares the stories that her grandmother told her when she was a young girl in the pages of the Grandma's Attic series. I have enjoyed reading these books and I have one more review to post for Book 4. My favorite story from this book is the first story told, face cream and wax....need I say more? Thank you to David C Cook and B and B Media Group for my free review copy! Link for the book @ Christian Book: http://www.christianbook.com/still-more-stories-from-grandmas-attic/arleta-richardson/9780781403818/pd/403818?product_redirect=1&Ntt=403818&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCPPaperback $5.99 Link for the book @ Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Still-More-Stories-Grandmas-Attic/dp/0781403812/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1317332066&sr=8-2Paperback $6.99 Kindle $5.59 Link for my previous reviews on Books 1 and 2: http://missdaisyanne.blogspot.com/2011/05/book-review-in-grandmas-attic-by-arleta.htmlhttp://missdaisyanne.blogspot.com/2011/05/book-review-more-stories-from-grandmas.htmlBlissful Reading! Annette
I'm happy to be back blogging!
Shortly after moving in to our new home in mid August, my husband had surgery on his left shoulder to repair 2 torn places. He is still home recuperating, but gradually improving each day. It's difficult to read and especially to blog when I now have 2 people in my home to care for (my hubby, and my dad).
This is Banned Book week, did you know that? I'll not be diving off in to the political discussions about book banning. Personally I am a discerning reader, but not a book banner. I received an email recently from Redeemed Reader. They are on Facebook if you are interested, they also have a blog to read, and you can subscribe to their blog posts. Redeemed Reader focuses on Christian centered books for children and young adult. They lined up several discussions on the topic of Book Banning.
Link for the Beginning Discussion:
http://www.redeemedreader.com/2011/09/banned-books-week-live-it-love-it-get-the-t-shirt/
A second post entitled What Gets a Book Banned:
http://www.redeemedreader.com/2011/09/what-gets-a-book-banned/
Another post entitled The Use and Abuse of Youth Literature:
http://www.redeemedreader.com/2011/09/the-use-and-abuse-of-youth-literature/
They asked a question of their reader's on this topic that I am asking my reader's to answer.
If you could place one Christian kid's book in every library in America, what would it be? and why?
For more information about Banned Book Week:
http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/bannedbooksweek/index.cfm
 Blissful Reading! Annette
"The ink flowed smoothly off his legs across the page. Though he'd never done anything like this before, it seemed completely natural, even unstoppable. He kept glancing up, tracing the details of the scene with his eyes then transferring them onto the paper. It was as if his legs had been waiting all their lives for this ink, this page, this lamp-lit window view. There was no way to describe the feeling." page 29-30
Link for the book @ Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Masterpiece-Elise-Broach/dp/0805082700Paperback $11.60 Kindle $7.99 I bought this book at a Scholastic Book Fair at my granddaughter's school. Authors list of bookswww.elisebroach.comwww.kelmurphy.comPublished by Scholastic September 2008 Fiction for ages 8-12 292 pages Marvin is a responsible boy, obedient and respectful to his parents. Actually, he is thought of as a marvel to his family, they dote on his accomplishments. Marvin though is a beetle, and he lives with his family under the kitchen sink in an apartment in New York City. The humans in the apartment are the Pompaday's. James Pompaday is a boy that feels rather pushed to the side by his family. James receives a pen-and-ink set for his birthday from his artist father. Marvin wants to be a true friend to James (even though Marvin is a beetle). Marvin draws a picture for James with this new birthday gift. A new adventure begins for both James and Marvin, taking them to the Museum of Art and the mystery art thief.  | | Innsbruck Castle by Albrecht Durer 1471-1528 |
I loved this book! I have noticed that in many children or young adult stories one of the "characters" is often a mouse, or some other little animal that could be considered cutesy. But in the Masterpiece the character Marvin is a beetle. I loved that! I considered that quite creative. The story has elements of friendship, kindness, bravery, commitment, loyalty, compassion, and respect for all God's creatures. The story also deals with divorce, step-parents, and children's feelings after a divorce. The story has a mystery, in the art thief case. The story is creative and has an artistic element. The story shows family love and closeness in Marvin's family. Once again this is expressed not through humans but through the beetle family. There are several pen and ink drawings throughout the book. Great attention to detail is given in the facial expressions of the characters. Even in the bug-eyed beetles they were given little expressions. Blissful Reading! Annette
"She was balanced en pointe on one foot and whipped the other around. Then the second. She had not even completed the second when she thought, almost unconsciously, Oh, I can go around again. It was as if another force had possessed her, a force that allowed her, inspired her to do this third rotation. She had no fear, no second thoughts. It was beyond her control. She was just doing it!" page 37
About the author: http://www.scholastic.com/gahoole/author.htmLink for the book at publisher: http://bookwizard.scholastic.com/tbw/viewWorkDetail.do?workId=1163176&FullBreadCrumb=%3Ca+href%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww2.scholastic.com%2Fbrowse%2Fsearch%2F%3FNtx%3Dmode%2Bmatchallpartial%26_N%3Dfff%26Ntk%3DSCHL30_SI%26query%3Dportraits%2Bby%2Bkathryn%2Blasky%26N%3D0%26Ntt%3Dportraits%2Bby%2Bkathryn%2Blasky%22+class%3D%22endecaAll%22%3EAll+Results%3C%2Fa%3EHardback $9.99 Link for the book @ Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Portraits-Dancing-Through-Kathryn-Lasky/dp/043971009X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1311352526&sr=8-1Hardback $9.99 Published October 2005 by Scholastic176 pages Reading Level 4.3 For ages 9-12  | | The dance class by Edgar Degas 1874-1876 |
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Sylvie Bertrand is a "little rat" a young pupil at the Paris Opera Ballet, the year is 1870. Her widowed mother is a laundress and tries desperately to provide for her and Sylvie. An older sister Chantal drops by occasionally for money or food. Sylvie is a dedicated and talented student of ballet. Sylvie's problem is not technique, nor form, nor talent. She must grow another quarter of an inch for her to be promoted to next level. Her thoughts are on growing; but more sinister events are unfolding in France---war. For a young girl that has thought only of ballet; war and political events seem remote and far away for Sylvie. Sylvie will dance in the foyer de la danse (where classes and rehearsals were conducted) while a war threatens her homeland.
Our home in under contract and we will be moving (hopefully) the middle of next month. We have a contract on the home we will be moving in to. Do not look for a post from me until about the 1st of September.
I have already started cleaning up and out things that needed to be discarded, and also of course packing.
I am looking forward to reviewing more books for you from the new office/library that I will have.
Until then read good books and enjoy the rest of the summer!
Blissful Blogging!
Annette
Hollis Woods has finally found a home she can "fit in with." But, circumstances beyond her control will threaten this little nest. Through her experience Hollis will learn things about herself she never thought possible.
Published by Scholastic 2002 For ages 9-12 176 pages Link for the book @ Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Pictures-Hollis-Woods-Newbery-Honor/dp/0385326556Paperback $6.99 Hardback $11.16 Kindle $6.99 Link for the book @ publisher: http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/search?query=picture+of+hollis+woodsBy the age of 12 Hollis Woods has lived in almost 1/2 dozen foster homes. After settling in at each home she eventually leaves, scoots out the door, it's as if she has gotten "enough" and wants to leave A.S.A.P. Then she is placed in to the home of an elderly retired art teacher, Josie Cahill. Josie has a moody cat named Henry. A bond quickly grows between Hollis and Josie. Often during the story Hollis day dreams of her previous foster family, she has conversations with Steven--he is her trusted confident. Hollis begins to understand that Josie's aging may make it difficult for her to continue living there and she worries about the future for both of them. This book was made in to a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie in 2007. It is a winner of the Newbery Honor Book award. I loved the character Hollis. She is sharp, quick, witty, feisty, artistic, independent, and a scraper. There is a tender spot in her heart that reaches out to Josie and for that I have kind regards for this young girl that has lived through many trials. There were times early in the book that I was not sure if Steven was a real person, but the book does reveal the answer in time. The book is touching. There is not physical displays of love, but the love the exudes from the heart of Hollis is memorable. Blissful Reading! Annette
Authors site and for more information on this incredible story: http://judieoron.com/http://youtu.be/lAlUc2UxP0ILink for the book @ Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Cry-Giraffe-Judie-Oron/dp/1554512727Hardback $16.48 Paperback $10.36 Link for the book @ publisher: http://site.annickpress.com/catalog/catalog.aspx?Title=Cry+of+the+Giraffe - 2011 USBBY Outstanding International Books Honor List
- 2011 Sydney Taylor Notable Book for Teens
- White Ravens Collection, International Youth Library, Munich
- 2011 Helen and Stan Vine Canadian Jewish Book Award
- Amelia Bloomer Project 2011 List, ALA
- YALSA Hidden Gems
Cry of the Giraffe is on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cry-of-the-Giraffe/152399418116528?sk=wallPublished by Annick Press July 2010 208 pages/Non-fiction/Grades 8 and up Slavery/Ethiopian Jew/Refugee/Abuse/War Once again I've read a story I'd not heard of before. The true story of Jewish refugees fleeing the destruction of Jerusalem and the First Temple that traveled and settled in Ethiopia. These Jewish Ethiopians lived in their own communities for a long time, waiting until they could settle back in the land of their father's. They called themselves Beta Israel or House of Israel. When Israel became a statehood in 1948 they waited patiently for the ability to resettle there. In the 1980's Ethiopia became ever more hostile to them and they began fleeing to Sudan to await a hopeful flight out of Sudan and to Israel. While waiting in these refugee camps in Sudan the abuse, neglect, starvation, and disease was horrifying and rampant. Families were torn apart literally, some never seeing each other again. Others were parted for long periods of time. More than 4,000 would die. There are120,000 Ethiopian Jews living in Israel now. Cry of the Giraffe is the story of Wuditu a young girl living in a village in Ethiopia with her brother Dawid and mother. Their mother was the first wife of their father Berihun. He had a second wife and several daughters with her. Each of the wives lived with their own children in separate houses. This family early in the book began to leave Ethiopia walking with a guide all the way to Sudan. After reaching there the
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Author's site: http://www.sehinton.com/bio.htmlLink for the book @ Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Outsiders-SE-Hinton/dp/014240733XPaperback Platinum Edition $8.00 Published originally by Viking Penguin in 1967. http://us.penguingroup.com/nf/Book/BookDisplay/0,,9780670532575,00.html?The_Outsiders_S._E._Hinton208 pages/Fiction/Young Adult/Coming of Age/Gang Violence An article was recently published in The Wall Street Journal entitled Darkness Too Visible by Meghan Cox Gurdon. This article has been talked about in other blogs and commented on profusely. It seems to have created a swarming beehive of strong opinions. But, in Meghan Cox's article she mentioned the book The Outsider's by S. E. Hinton. She noted that it was this book that began an industry of young adult literature period, and that it also began young adult books with the theme of, "family dysfunction and violent, disaffected youth." On Wikipedia it mentions that S. E. Hinton after this book was published was named "the voice of youth." On S. E. Hinton's website she expresses that she is a private person; by being a private person by nature it must have been startling to become, "the voice of youth." After reading the article by Meghan Cox Gurdon I made a trip to the library looking for this book (I never read it as a youth). I remember the film, but not the book. I want to mention that this book is on the list of most frequently challenged books 1990-2000. Considering the books that are proliferate on store shelves and libraries: books about witchcraft and demonology, books on vampire's and dragon's, werewolves and ghost's, and books with strong sexuality. Surely The Outsider's is no longer on "that list". The Outsider's voice is from 14 year old Ponyboy Curtis. He and his 2 older brothers: Darry age 20 and Sodapop age 16 live alone--their parents died. These boys live in Tulsa, Oklahoma (not mentioned in the book, I read this on another site). Ponyboy is in school and does well, he could have a productive future. All 3 boys are in a gang called The Greaser's. The other gang in town is the Socs, the upper crust society of teenage youth. The 2 gang's rumble often. The Socs are portrayed as being uppity snobbish forceful kids that want to put their dominance over The Greaser's. The Greaser's are portrayed as lost kids, settling for what life has handed to them, they are tough on the outside, yet have strong bonds for each other---treating each other as their family. Some themes in The Outsider's are "it's us against them", youthful vigor yet insecurity, dreams of something better yet not knowing how to get there, violence is the answer yet they find out it's not, and ultimate sacrifice of love. There are a few words that are reminiscent of the 60'-70's: Greaser's digs for kicks hood hoodlum weed corn-poney rumble I'm surprised the word far-out was not in the book! I found no cursing in the book (I feel I must always
Link for the book @ Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Cause-Reconstruction-1863-1877-Tonya-Bolden/dp/0375827951
Hardcover $15.56
Link for the book @ publisher:
http://www.randomhouse.com/book/15624/cause-by-tonya-bolden/9780375827952/?view=print
Hardcover $19.95
Author's site with synopsis:
http://www.tonyaboldenbooks.com/cause-reconstruction-america/
Published by Knopf Books for Young Readers December 2005/144 pages
Non-fiction/Civil War/Reconstruction After Civil War/American History
For ages 9-12...but I'm much older than 12.
This year I've taken part in a Civil War Reading Challenge through War Through The Generations. This is my 3rd year to take part in a War Through The Generations Challenge hosted by fellow blogger's- -Serena and Anna. Thank you to Serena and Anna both for hosting these challenges! Books on the Reconstruction can be one-sided, meaning an author can express his own feelings about the Civil War through the pages of their book. I did not feel that Cause by Tonya Bolden was written in anyway slanting to one side or the other. Views are expressed by those people that lived during this time period from both sides of the Civil War. Views are expressed from the Presidents that were in office during this period. Views are expressed from freed slaves that lived during this time period. I feel this is a balanced book from any angle. The author stated early in the book that "more than 60,000 books have been published on the Civil War Reconstruction ." At this point what more could anyone add? This year marks 150 years since the beginning of the Civil War. We do not mark this anniversary as if it is a celebration, but rather as a remembrance of America's history. And all Americans whether white or black or red or brown are American. We each have our own feelings, our own views, our own thoughts, and especially and praise God our own VOICE. I guess that is the answer as to why we have 60,000 books on this subject-----because we have a VOICE. I usually give a synopsis on the book and then I share my feelings about the book. This time I'm going to share what I learned from this book that I did not know before reading it, as well as my feelings about the book. Even though the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments were written and became apart of the Constitution there were many Americans that were either against or were in a quandary as to what to now do with the freed slaves. I am specifically referring to people who lived in the north and even President Abraham Lincoln. I did not know that he pondered over sending freed slaves to West Africa and or Central America. I find this odd because by the mid 1800's the freed slaves had been in America long enough that by sending them back to Africa would have been absurd. Absurd to think they would be able to survive in a land that they did not know. They knew, the land of America. I did not know that after John Wilkes Booth shot Abraham Lincoln he shouted out in Latin, "Thus always to tyrants." I did not know...and want to read more about this, that the Chi
Link for the book @ Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Everything-I-Was-Corinne-Demas/dp/0761373039School and Library Binding $13.46 Kindle $9.99 Published April 2011 Carolrhoda Lab, Lerner Publishing Group 209 pages/Fiction, Young Adult The publishing group Carolrhoda's aim is to promote "provocative boundary pushing literature for teens." Irene is 13 and she lives in Manhattan New York City with her parents. They live in a luscious penthouse apartment. Irene attends a private school. Irene's mother has a strong penchant for spending money, and her doting and passive husband indulges her. When he looses his job their lives change dramatically. They eventually move in with Irene's paternal grandfather. Even though there is tension in the home. The home is exactly what Irene has needed, a home, not a pampered palace. I really liked this book and immediately became charmed with Irene. She is not an overtly strong character, but believable. She hides her emotions, stuffing them. She does not fully understand what has happened because her parents have hidden things from her and she is left to assume. I liked the fact that she had a grandfather that loved her and listened to her---really paused and listened to her. I disliked her mother. Hard to not be critical of her. Her dad needed to man-up. Pardon me I just had to let that out. Irene is not only dealing with this life up-heave by moving, but she has a body that is developing from a child into a teenage girl. She also has angst about meeting new friends. She wants privacy yet wants companionship. She knows she has had something missing in her life yet did not know how to express it. I saw 1 instance of cursing (I state that because I know some parents do care about this.) Blissful Reading! Annette
A book I'd would not have normally read, but did and really liked it!
Published by Antheneum Books For Young Readers in 2010/320 pages
For 7th grade and up, or for ages 12 and up
*I disagree about the reader age given by publisher, of course my own opinion, but I feel this book is more adequate for high school age readers.
Link for the book @ publisher:
http://books.simonandschuster.biz/Other-Side-of-Dark/Sarah-Smith/9781442402805
Hardcover $16.99
Link for the book @ Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Other-Side-Dark-Sarah-Smith/dp/1442402806/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1306108207&sr=8-2
Hardcover $11.89
Paperback $7.99
Kindle $9.99
 Teenage Katie Mullens has an amazing gift, she sees ghosts. Not the ghostly visions that we see in the movies. But full human apparitions of those dearly departed souls. Her gift began after her mother died tragically about a year ago. Katie lives with her step-dad. Katie has few friends, she's known at her school as crazy Kate. Katie is also an artist, she is rarely without her sketch pad and pencil. At a park Katie meets a new boy named George, George has down-syndrome. Law is a bi-racial teenage boy that has gone to school with Katie for a long time. He secretly had a crush on her several years ago. His parents are educated career oriented professionals, they have high aspirations for his future. Law's parents frown on his friendship with a girl that is not the right color, nor the right economic bracket for their son. Law's father in his booming voice expresses distaste for Law's procrastination over a speech Law must give. Law just wants to study history of architecture, but he knows his father will not approve. Katie and Law live in a town with a strong history of events that are painful for all, slavery. The Pinebank estate built in the 1800's is set for demolition. It was built by a man that was not only a slave holder but the wealthiest man of that era. Katie and Law will make a discovery that will upend their town and in the process develop a relationship. I love history! I love books that tell me a tale of true history and then create interesting characters that have quirky characteristics. I especially love it when the author weaves in characters not usually in books, such as the down-syndrome character named George. George is a sweet, lovable, steadfast character. He is someone we all want to rescue and this kept my interest through out the book. Katie is quirky in her gift of seeing ghosts, yet I was never afraid of what she saw. I was never frightened, nor was there carnage or messiness in these apparitions. This gift was described more in sarcasm, or comedy. At times she wanted it to just go away so she could be normal. I believe that may refer to what all teenagers want, to fit in to be normal. Both Katie and Law are characters that strive at all times to do the right thing. I admired them. I was swept away by the story and once the historical content came in to be I became even more enamored. There is only 1 thing that I disliked about this book. There are many 4 letter curse words. I'm not referring to Hell and Damn, but other more degrading wasteful talk. I'm sure the author added them because she feels that most youth speak this way. I'm an adult and don't. Don't need to, I can fu
A story of astonishing bravery!
Link for the book @ Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Mountains-Celia-Barker-Lottridge/dp/0888999321/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1306104947&sr=8-1
Hardcover $13.22
Paperback $8.95
Link for the book @ publisher:
http://groundwoodbooks.com/gw_titles.cfm?pub_id=1432
Published in 2010 by Groundwood BooksYoung Adult for ages 12 and up/224 pages Samira age 9, her older brother Benyamin, baby sister Maryam, and their parents are living in an Assyrian village in northern Iran. During the summer of 1918 they flee carrying only what they are able to carry hoping to travel to where the British refugee camp is located. The Turks have invaded their area of Iran, an area that Samira's people have lived for centuries. The Assyrians speak the Syriac language and they are members of the Orthodox Church. For many days they travel along with others escaping. They travel through harsh environment and extreme weather, they travel over the mountains, they hide from Turkish army troops. The journey is perilous and with dangers at every turn. This event is a true part of history I'd not heard of. I feel ignorant of history in the middle east, having only read a few books on this subject. I hope to continue to read books on this subject, as well as to continue to read books on children of other cultures. The perilous journey of Samira is harrowing, what she endured astounding. Beyond doubt Samira is the heroine in this story. She is a character that inspires any age reader. She is mature and wise beyond her 9 years of age, and as she grows she continues to transform in to a person of integrity and astounding greatness. The people that care for those in the refugee camps work tirelessly for the children. The children often must leave one camp and go to another, yet the workers are as understanding and supportive as they can be. While in the camps Samira is given responsibilities as all the older children have. The functions of the camp are explored as well as the health care and education they are given. This is a story of adventure, fortitude, and family love. The story is based on true events and of the authors mother and aunt growing up in Iran. Blissful Reading! Annette
In my previous post I'd neglected to mention that Arleta Richardson's Grandma's Attic books are a series that were originally published in 1974, then revised in 1999, and now re-published by David C. Cook in 2011. My friend Becky at Becky's Book Reviews told me they were a favorite of hers as a child! Last night when I visited my 7 year old granddaughter I gave her the 1st book In Grandma's Attic and she ran off to her bedroom to read it. She is in the 1st grade, but reads at a nearly 4th grade reading level!
Published by David C. Cook April 1, 2011/144 pages/For reading level above 2nd Grade/Non-Fiction Link for the book at publisher: http://www.davidccook.com/catalog/Detail.cfm?sn=106806&source=searchPaperback $6.99 Link for the book at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/More-Stories-Grandmas-Attic/dp/0781403804/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1305989689&sr=1-1Paperback 8.99 (pricey) Kindle 7.19 Link for the book at Christian Book: http://www.christianbook.com/more-stories-from-grandmas-attic-repackaged/arleta-richardson/9780781403801/pd/403801?product_redirect=1&Ntt=9780781403801&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCNPaperback $5.99 (great price) There are 2 more Grandma's Attic series books to be published this year. Still More Stories from Grandma's Attic July 2011 Treasures from Grandma's Attic July 2011 Little Arleta and her Grandma Mabel have an endearing relationship. Arleta often asks her Grandma Mabel to tell her stories of when she was a little girl. Grandma Mabel was born in the early 20th Century. This was an era of long skirts for girls, high top shoes with button closures, no electricity or indoor plumbing, childhood diseases that there was no immunization for, and long walks to school in the environment. It seems like a different world to Arleta, and her curiosity about this time prompts her to asks her Grandma Mabel to tell her those treasured stories. When Arleta Richardson grew up she wrote many of these stories down and they became apart of her books entitled Grandma's Attic series. I have fallen in love with the first 2 books in this series that I've read. They remind me so much of my own visits with my grandmother's and of the stories they shared with me. I can't wait to find out what my 7 year old granddaughter thinks of these books, as I've given her book 1 to read and I know she is reading it now. Some examples of stories that Grandma Mabel shared with Arleta are: a kid goat raised in the house, the big snowstorm, pig in a poke, and a popping rag doll. Grandma Mabel was a curious little girl and was constantly getting herself in to mischief. The stories are told with a twinkle in Grandma's eye, yet the reader understands that she would like for her granddaughter Arleta to learn from these stories, not just be entertained. Thank you to David C. Cook and B and B Media Group for my free review copy. Blissful
"Tell me about when you were a little girl...."
Link for the book @ Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Grandmas-Attic/dp/0781403790/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1305898394&sr=1-1
Paperback $6.99
Kindle $5.59
Link for the book @ Christian Book:
http://www.christianbook.com/in-grandmas-attic-repackaged/arleta-richardson/9780781403795/pd/403795?item_code=WW&netp_id=832309&event=ESRCN&view=details
Paperback $5.99
Published by David C. Cook April 1, 2011/144 pages/For ages 9-12/ Non-Fiction Little Arleta loves her Grandma Mabel and she often asks her to tell stories of when she was a little girl. Grandma Mabel was born in the early 1900's. This was a time of long dresses, wagons pulled by horses, no electricity, no inside plumbing (in rural areas), everything was handmade or preserved, and girls wore bonnets. Grandma Mabel's stories are full of nostalgia. Grandma Mabel as a young girl was full of curiosity and mischief. Arleta is amazed at the antics of her grandmother as a young girl. During this time of storytelling the two of them grow a closer bond, and for the rest of Arleta's life she will remember these memories. I felt this is a great book for little girls--reading level 2nd grade through 5th grade. The stories seem so far removed from the current culture we live in, it really is from another age. An age of no computers, or Twitter, or Blogger, or Facebook, and no television. Children read books, or played outside, or listened to stories that their parent's or grandparent's told. This was also an age when children had chores to do, as soon as they were old enough responsibilities were given to them in order to the perform household or farm functions. Examples of various stories are: the button basket, hoop skirts, childhood diseases, tongue stuck to frozen pump handle, and the dark root cellar. Arleta's respect and admiration for her grandmother is tender. It brings back memories of my own relationships with my two grandmother's. I too remember their stories of "when they were a little girl." Thank you to David C. Cook and B and B Media Group for my free review copy! Blissful Reading! Annette
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0 Comments on Book Review: Portaits, Dancing Through Fire by Kathryn Lasky as of 1/1/1900
Thank you, Annette! The Rankin family continues to inspire me and I'm so glad you enjoyed meeting them and reading about their work. It just goes to show you what God can do through us when we allow Him to be in charge. :-)