“Learn everything you can Holling, and use it.” Amazing quote from an amazing teacher, Mrs. Baker. The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt is bildungsroman at its best! Schmidt transports us to Long Island, NY back to 1967. Readers meet Holling Hoodhood, a lone seventh grader who is stuck spending Wednesday afternoons with his teacher, … More The Wednesday Wars – Episode – 240
“There was a boy called Eustace Clarence Scrubb, and he almost deserved it.” Join the gang as we dive into The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C. S. Lewis. Our one word summaries tell the tale: Adventure, Temptation, Transformation, and Humility. We join Prince Caspian’s search for the 7 lost lords of Narnia. Kate … More The Voyage of the Dawn Treader – Episode 239
Kate and Sheila are joined by Jonah as they recap Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli. Their one word choices were Kind, Protect, and Brave. The beginning is grim. A tragic accident leaves Jeffery Magee an orphan at the age of three. He is sent to live with a divided family, his aunt and uncle do … More Maniac Magee – Episode 229
Chuck Black’s allegory addresses a number of issues/themes such as letting go of the past, forgiveness, fear, healing, etc. as it transports readers to the Middle Ages. The battle of good vs evil is a classic one. It is still fought every day as Christians strive to be in the world but not of the … More Episode 218 – Sir Kendrick and the Castle Bel Lione
It’s the season of curling up with a good book before a cozy fire and reading a favorite book. It’s also gift giving time. Maybe our lists can help you match your loved ones to the perfect book! We each share our 5 favorite adult and children books to light up your holiday season! Kate … More Episode 208 – Top Ten Books Blessings
Welcome friends! Today Kate, Sheila, and the boys dive into a classic from 1943, The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. The narrator as a child drew two pictures that received heavy criticism from adults. So instead of becoming an artist he became a pilot. His plane crashed as he was flying over the Sierra … More The Little Prince – Episode 194
“Are you brave enough to wade into the great river of life?” Join us as we dive into a book about family, friends, and love served with a hearty dose of laughter on the side. Kate DiCamillo outdid herself with her 2024 book, Ferris! It has something for everyone from an outlaw sister to a … More Episode 192 – Ferris
Join Kate and company as the boys discuss “Way of the Warrior Kid” by Jocko Willink, a decorated retired Navy SEAL, whose motto is, “You can do anything if you do the work.” Readers meet Marc, a 5th grader who can’t swim, can’t do pull-ups, and doesn’t even know his multiplication facts. He has a … More Episode 189-Way of the Warrior Kid
Today, April 15, takes us back to 1912, when the ‘unsinkable’ Titanic met its match and sank with only 705 souls surviving. Join Kate and Sheila as they recap Jennifer A. Nielsen’s gripping tale, Iceberg, told from the viewpoint of 12 year old Hazel who is forced to become a stowaway because she doesn’t have … More Iceberg – Episode 184
Do you and your kids enjoy WW 2 books? If so, you are in luck! Join us as we discuss The Bicycle Spy by Yona Zekdus McDonough with our special guest! The opening line draws the reader in…“A gust of wind cut across Marcel’s face as he cycled furiously down the street.” Twelve year old … More The Bicycle Spy – Episode 176
