I did not have a very successful reading month. I guess two books is better than none, but I’m a little bummed I didn’t finish more. My to-read pile continues to grow, but unfortunately I can’t add hours to the day. *sigh*
My reading list looks a little blah, unless you include all the books I read to Jackson, which makes it look much more impressive. I lost count of how many Henry & Mudge books we read together. It’s the cutest series about a boy and his dog and it’s currently Jackson’s favorite.
I bought the entire set on Amazon and we’ve been reading them daily. It’s so important to find books that engage kiddos when they are learning to read, but I think it’s even more important for those who are struggling to learn to read. These books are perfect for Jackson and I to read together. I read a little and then he has a turn. It’s working really well.
Well enough about Henry & Mudge, here’s the two books I read this month…
Secrets In Summer By Nancy Thayer
For some reason I finally jumped on the Overdrive bandwagon and started borrowing books on my Kindle. I know, I know, I’m late to the game. This could seriously be a game changer for me – think of the money I could save!
I borrowed Secrets of Summer and really, really enjoyed it.
The book is about Darcy and the new friends she meets during their summer visit to the island. Each of them have secrets and many confide in Darcy. Normally she doesn’t risk getting too close to the summer people, but each of her new friends captures a piece of her heart. She also has to decide if she’s wiling to step outside of her comfort zone for love.
I think this was only the second book I’ve read by Nancy Thayer. I love that her books are based on Nantucket. I’m a huge Elin Hilderbrand fan, so these books are similar to hers and that makes me happy. I definitely plan to read more of them. I also love a good beach read when it’s bleak and cold in Oklahoma. It’s almost like my feet are snugged in the warm sand.
The Brave Learner By Julie Bogart
I have to be honest. I had never heard of Julie Bogart or read her blog before stumbling across her new book as I scrolled through Instagram.
Several people were talking about it and I knew I needed to order it stat!
Bogart writes, It takes courage to move away from traditional methods of measurement: grade level, scope and sequence, the Common Core…We say we want educated children, but then expect them to look like “schooled” children. I had to get real with myself and admit that I secretly preferred the reassurance of “schooled” over “educated.” An educated mind may not look like a “schooled” mind.
Ouch!
This book is challenging me (and scaring me a little if I’m honest), because it’s how I want to homeschool Jackson. I want to be more like Julie and implement her amazing ideas. I have been reading this book slower than I read most books because I want her wisdom and ideas to sink in – deep, deep, in!
Board goes on to say, Remember: sometimes the most sacred moments in our days with our children show no outward educational value.
This book is a must read for any homeschool mama!
