Am I posting this for you … or for me?
Well, I have done an awful job at logging the books the kids and I have read over the years. I mean, how magical would it be if I had a giant list of all the books we’ve read together? But, I don’t. But also, it’s not too late to start.
So, here’s our round up of the chapter books we read or listened to last school year! If you want the quick scoop, scroll to the bottom for our top recommendations.
The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder
A wonderful winter or Christmastime listen. The Ingalls’ lack during that long winter really makes you appreciate a cozy life.
The Penderwicks and The Penderwicks on Gardam Street by Jean Birdall
This series! Get on it. Don’t delay. So good! I will note, as much as we love it, there is a bit too much sibling banter/bickering with words like “stupid” and “shut up” … I’ve tried to use it as a lesson on what NOT to do/say. The story is wonderful though!
Adventures with Waffles by Maria Parr
Read Aloud Revival had a super fun book club with this one where you get to meet the author over Zoom. It’s in the archives on recording so join Premium and add this to your reading list!
Astrid the Unstoppable by Maria Parr
We loved Waffles so we looked up more of Maria Parr’s books. I actually like Astrid more!
Ms. Rapscott’s Girls by Elisa Primavera
Annoying narrator on audio, IMO, but a really fun story. Kind of a mix between Mary Poppins and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
The Very, Very Far North by Dan Bar-el
A sweet, slow story; reminiscent of Winnie the Pooh.
A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park
This tied in well with our Around the World With Picture Books study from Beautiful Feet Books. It was a little hard for the little ones, but once we talked about some of the lessons they caught on just fine.
A Wolf Called Wander by Roseanne Parry
We listened to this one and it was awesome to hear the POV from Wander the wolf. Really great writing! There is a whale one in this series we hope to check out soon.
Some Writer!: The Story of E.B. White by Melissa Sweet
This is a must read whenever you cover Charlotte’s Web and Trumpet of the Swan – both such beautiful classics and E.B. White’s story gives them both depth.
The Secret of Platform 13 by Eva Ibbotson
This was our first Eva Ibbotson, but it won’t be our last!
The Princess Bride by William Goldman
The kids hated this. We will stick to the movie, lol!
The Trumpet of the Swan by E.B. White
This is our second time through Trumpet … it’s just perfect.
Six Thousand Doughnuts by Thomas Tosi
I got this on audio through Libro – my favorite place to purchase audiobooks because it supports local bookstores! Not one I had heard of before but one we thoroughly enjoyed. Plus, extra fun to surprise the kids with doughnuts at the end. Albeit, not six thousand of them.
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin
Another that paired with our China study. It will be a Read Aloud Revival family book club option this coming year too so we may revisit or try out the companion novel, Starry River of the Sky.
A Place to Hang the Moon by Kate Albus
And lastly, the very best book in the entire world. I adore this story and HIGHLY recommend it. Historical fiction at its finest. I hope Kate Albus writes many, many more stories.
If you just want quick recommendations …
Now, I know I sang the praises of A Place to Hang the Moon, but when it came down to voting The Penderwicks took the lead – it’s just an absolutely wonderful series! We just started off our new school year with the third book and can’t wait to follow the Penderwick sister’s adventures. The Trumpet of the Swan is a beautiful, must read classic and Max thought Six Thousand Doughnuts was hilarious. The hidden gem though – The Secret of Platform 13! It’s one of those fabulous page turners!