I received Awesome America from Blue Slip Media for review. Opinions shares are 100% honest. 

Happy 4th of July! Parades, flags, candy, BBQ’s and fireworks are being shared across the country. Celebrate with a little history and a new book from Time Inc. Time For Kids Awesome America by Katy Steinmetz. 

The other day Chloe and I had run out for a couple errands. While out I decided to keep the radio off and just enjoy chatting with my middle daughter. Somehow the conversation got onto politics. We started talking about who is running for president, and how they can make the country great and help the people. 

Chloe decided she would become President one day – as most kids at some point dream of. I asked her what she would do, and if she even knew what the Presidents job was. She knew basics, like, the president is supposed to help the people. She concluded by telling me that in her Presidential Speech she would tell Americans “To be good. You just need to be good”, as well as, “I’ll hunt down all the bad guys and lock them up”. That led to an interesting discussion on who bad guys are, and how she would find them. 

Kids are pretty amazing when we take the time to listen to them. I attribute a lot of what Chloe says, and her very grown up way of looking at some things, to her voracious reading habits. 

It just so happened this was the perfect time to introduce our new book Awesome America! Inside she can learn all she needs to about America, the presidential election, some really important documents, and even how people use different words for the same thing depending on where in America they live. 

I attribute a lot of what Chloe says to her voracious reading habit. Awesome America I know is going to teach her some pretty well, awesome facts, and will hopefully enhance her desire to follow politics more and stay involved as she grows older. 

One lucky reader will win a copy of Awesome America by Katy Steinmetz. Open to US 18+. Enter on the Rafflecopter form below.

What books have made the most impact on your life? This list of 30 books you should read before 30 is a compilation of books that have left an impact on my life.

We see these lists out there all the time – so many books/movies/foods/destinations to experience before a certain age. I read through these and wonder, who comes up with them? Why should I experience that before a specific age? Being a year older, will it really change what I think of it, or how it could impact my life?

Probably not. 

But they’re a lot of fun anyways! Since I’m turning 30 this Saturday, I thought it would be fun to share a list of one of my favorite things ever – Books. So if you’re not yet 30, these are the 30 books you should read before 30. 

If you are 30 or older…well I guess you’re out of luck. Don’t bother picking up any of these…. HA, totally kidding there. I think you all should read these too. 

3o Books you should read before 30

The following list contains affiliate links. Clicking and purchasing through them costs you nothing extra, but helps me keep this site running. Thank you!

1. The Book of Mormon – Go ahead and roll your eyes. It’s OK. I’m kind of used to that reaction. Now hear me out. I believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God. It’s OK if you don’t. But before you start judging people of another faith, mocking them, putting their beliefs down, why not delve into the core of their beliefs? So for me, that would be this book. Read it. Enjoy it. Let me know what you think after you do. 
2. The Bible – Religious or not, The Bible has impacted millions of people across the centuries. It’s a good book, with much wisdom to be gained. I also happen to believe it to be the word of God, but again, if you don’t, well that’s your prerogative. Still, give it a read at some point in your life. 
3. The Giver by Lois Lowry – I read many books before this one, but this was the first that made a huge impact in the way I see the world. So do yourself a favor and read it. I’m looking at you, Nathaniel!
4. Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder – A classic. This is a great one to read with your kids, just like my Mom did with me. 
5. The Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis – If you choose to read this series, and why wouldn’t you?, please start with The Magicians Nephew. I know it wasn’t written first, but it comes first and gives a great opening to the rest of Narnia. Just be prepared to start looking in every coat closet for a secret passage. 
6. The Prydain Chronicles by Lloyd Alexander – another classic you should read. Especially if you watched the cartoon….please forget the cartoon ever happened.
7. What Color is Monday by Carrie Cariello – It doesn’t matter if you have a child on the spectrum, Carrie’s words will inspire you to be a better parent, and see past any flaws – because we all have them – to the child and person we all are.
   
8. The Adventures of Blue Ocean Bob by Brooks Olbrys – One of the best children’s picture chapter books I’ve ever read. The kids stay enthralled, and the subtle messages are fantastic!
9. Happy on Purpose by Diana Fletcher  – 365 daily inspirations to lead a happier life on purpose. I love this book because it reminds me I get to choose happiness.
10. The Dressmaker of Khair Khana by Gayle Lemmon – If you think everyone in the middle east is evil and terrorists, you need to read this book. It opened my eyes to the real situation in the middle east, and the terror it’s own citizens face daily. This is the story of a family who found a way through and continued to live despite the fear. 
11. Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein – I grew up reading these poems. They are fantastic and full of wit. Break open this book anytime you need a good laugh. 
12. FoxTrot Comics by Bill Amend – For no other reason is this on the list than the fact I collected them as a kid, and well…comics. Everyone should read some type of comic. So if not Foxtrot, find one you like. For Mark, it’s Pearls Before Swine.
13. Letters by Marjorie Pay Hinkley – Wife to LDS Prophet Gordon B. Hinkley, this compilation of letters from her life reminds women that no matter your status in life, you’re still human. 
14.  Redwall by Brain Jacques – Mice, Badgers, and foxes battling over an Abbey – what’s not to love? 
15. Twelve Months by Steven Manchester – You’ve just found out you only have 12 months to live. What would you do? Who would you see?
    
16. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr – you had no childhood if you didn’t read “A told B and B told C, I’ll meet you at the top of the Coconut Tree. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, will there be enough room?” I kid I kid…sort of. Really though, if you haven’t read this children’s introduction to the alphabet, I think you’ll find it a fun one. 
17. The Z was Zapped by Chris Van Allsburg – yup, it’s another children’s alphabet book. I promise, though, this one is truly more of a work of art. Can you figure out what’s happening to each letter?
18. Tikki Tikki Tembo by Arlene Mosel – Do you ever get just a tad bored reading the same book over and over to your child before bed? The rhythm of this book will keep you and your children entertained. 
19. The Marenon Chronicles by Jason D Morrow – a newer author, I have loved everything he’s written. His first series, however, will always be my favorite. What happens when we die? Is it possible, we just go on to live in another world? 
20. Have Tux, Will Travel by Bob Hope – Confession time. I actually don’t care if you read this specific book, although I did enjoy it. This spot is solely here to tell you to read at least one biography. Pick someone you admire, and read their life story! 
21. Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder by Joanne Fluke – Book 1 in a culinary adventure series. These books are filled with murder and of course a few really good recipes!
22. Peter and the Starcatchers by Dave Barry – Every story needs a good back story, including Peter Pan. I could not put this one down. 
    
23. Code Talker by Joseph Bruchac – An interesting look at the Navajo Indians who served as code talkers in WWII
24. Behind the Smile by Marie Osmond – If you’ve suffered post pardum depression, you’ll take comfort knowing that others have to. After my first experience with PPD, I read this book to help prepare for potential future occurrences. It was a place I could turn when I felt I had no one else to talk to. 
25. Harry Potter by JK Rowling – if you haven’t read these by now, consider me impressed! The movies are equally great, but if you’ve not read the book, you’re missing out on some fantastic additions to the story. 
26. The Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien – I know many people who have tried to read these, but have a hard time with the long descriptions. Yes they are long, and sometimes you might find your eyes glazing over trying to get back to the storyline, but can this really be a list of books you should read, without adding one of the greatest works ever written? I did read them, and enjoyed them, I’m just trying to be honest in how some people may find them. 
27. Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson – another fantastic adventure of fantasy. You’ll enjoy getting lost in the world of the Mistborn. 
28. The Watchers by Deirdra Eden – Everyone, no matter how small they may think they are, have been endowed with power. We just have to search for it, and then live up to it. 
    
29. Revolution in a Bottle by Tom Szaky – ever wondered what happens to all those plastic bottles, candy wrappes, and soda cans you throw away? What if there was a way to truly reuse it, and reduce our waste? Tom came up with an outstanding idea that has taken off with Terracycle. This is his story. 
30. The Life of Pi by Yann Martel – an exciting adventure of a boy and a tiger adrift at sea. Or is it? You’ll have to read this book and decide for yourself. 

Finished reading this list and need another suggestion? Check out the Book of the Month selections. 

 What would you add to this list of 30 Books you should read before 30? Leave me a comment and I’ll check it out.

I received Mad to Glad for review purposes. All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links. Purchasing through them does not effect you, but does help me grow this blog! Thank you.

Emotions can be a tricky thing, and tough for kids to learn to express themselves in an appropriate manner. In Mad to Glad, Angie Harris offers ways for both the parent and child to discuss and express their emotions. 

Mad to Glad: Mindfulness Lessons to Help Children Cope with Changing Emotions

About the Book:

Children are often told to “Pay attention!”, but how do they do that when a child’s emotions and thoughts change so quickly?  Mad to Glad teaches children the following Mindfulness lessons in a fun and interactive way to increase their focusing abilities.  The lessons included are,

• Energy transfer: Using physical movement to change negative thoughts to a positive attitude of the mind.  
• Visualizations:  Using a child’s imagination to achieve goals. 
• Affirmations:  Using positive phrases to build a child’s confidence. 
• Focused breathing:  Using the breath to become aware of the present moment.

My Thoughts:

I have truly enjoyed reading Mad to Glad with my kids. Sometimes when they start reacting without thought, I remind them what we’ve learned and ask if they want to read Mad to Glad again. It’s got some great advice for the kids, but it’s easily translatable to adults as well. Emotions really are tricky things – but one misconception I think people face is that emotions are bad to have. We can’t react. We can’t be mad about something. We shouldn’t feel sad and should instead count all our blessings. 

To all that I say NO! Emotions are real! We do feel them, we must feel them, and we must allow each other to feel them! I’ve often told my kids, especially when they are crying, that it’s OK to feel “that” way, but it’s how we respond that we need to work on. Having feelings does not make you a bad person I tell them. It makes them human. To my joy, Angie stated it very well on the first page in Mad to Glad. 

Throughout the rest of the book Angie shares different scenarios kids can relate to. A sibling playing with your toy makes you mad. A friend playing with a new friend makes you sad. Each situation then has an activity to help the child take their emotions are respond in a way that doesn’t effect others. Feeling mad? Jump up and down 3 times. Then jump and see if you can touch the sky. The mad energy is transferred, and instead of yelling, you can speak to me calmly. 

While not all of the activities were ones my kids connected with, or wanted to do in that situation, it has opened a great dialogue into what they can do to help themselves. The sad truth is we can’t control our kids emotions, and we can’t control how they react. What we can do though, is give them the tools and the understanding to figure it out. 

How do you help your kids go from Mad to Glad?

Purchase Mad to Glad by Angie Harris on Amazon.

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