Sid Johnson and the Phantom Slave Stealer by Frances Schoonmaker
This middle-grade novel represents historical storytelling at its finest, bringing to life a fascinating time in American history with a tale of adventure, mystery and suspense.
Sid Johnson awakens to the sound of gunshots ringing out across his family’s farm. Although his Ma explains away everything as a hunting incident, Sid overhears his parents discussing politics and learns that his family’s home isn’t any ordinary farm; it’s a stop on the Underground Railroad. Sid’s Ma and Pa are under dangerous threat from bounty hunters chasing rewards for runaway slaves.
The book educates young readers on the fundamental issues surrounding slavery during the history of the Underground Railroad and helps them see how this history has shaped the state of American society today. Purchase at https://fschoonmaker.com.
Math That Makes Sense by Dr. Carol Ameche
This book, focusing on Algebra 1 for homeschool learning and instruction, is designed to break each mathematical concept into manageable parts. Every chapter is written in sections, and each section has problems to ensure one’s understanding of the concept.
Having students rewrite and rework their incorrect problems trains their brain to answer
future similar problems correctly. This works on several levels: first, the students are learning
kinesthetically by writing the problem and answering step by step. Second, students are learning visually. Lastly, they are working in repeated patterns, which helps transfer the material from short-term memory to long-term memory. Written by an educator with almost 20 years of experience in mathematics education. This has included: elementary, middle school, and high school. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3PhRcmu.
Things That Can Be Good, Better & Best by J.D. Sperry
For ages 5-12. Philip Stanhope, the 4th Earl of Chesterfield, said, “Whatever is worth doing at all is worth doing well.” In most instances, applying some foresight into not merely doing something good, but doing what it takes to do it better and even going farther to try to do it best will produce a much more gratifying experience than initially imagined.
A slightly larger vision with a little extra effort can quickly turn good things into better and best things. This book gives examples to young readers of things that are good, how they might be made better and what may be one of several ways to make them best. Purchase at https://readtomebooks.info.
Augie Sweetwater and the Dolphin’s Tale by William Harrigan
Augie Sweetwater has been compared to Harry Potter – a modern-day wizard and new literary hero. This is a wonderous book for children about kids taking on marine-biology-minded adventures, international conspiracies and the power of friendship. The story demonstrates just what kids are capable of when they’re given support and understanding.
Augie Sweetwater is a brilliant 11-year-old with a gift for inventing amazing things that always get him in hot water. Coop Cooperlick is the new kid in school, a 14-year-old with a passion for rock climbing and a knack for quick action. Mika Deerwood is a lovely 13-year-old Native American with aspirations of Olympic gold in fencing. Together, they are going to make history.
