Tag: reading

  • April Books

    April Books

    Every home should have a personal library. It might only be a few books or a room full. I thought it would be fun to give you a little look into what I’m reading each month. We’re a good week into April, so let’s take a look see shall we. These are all the books I’m either in the middle of or hoping to start this month.

    Clicking on the links will take you to Amazon, where you can purchase these books. These are affiliate links, and when you purchase through them I make a little bit, that helps keep this blog running. Thank you!

     

    April Books



     

    Keeper of the Books by Asher Elliot

    Nathaniel Cole never thought things would end this way. This was supposed to be his last job as an outlaw. Now, he finds himself cornered by the most skilled bounty hunter in the West, Levi Thompson. Nate looks down at the mysterious book in his hands. The words scroll across the pages as if penned by some invisible author. It’s a magical book—a portal to another world. He knows he doesn’t have a choice. If he stays, he dies. When he finally takes the plunge, Nate finds himself in the land of Galamore—a place filled with outlaws worse than he, and dangers at every turn. But when he learns the bounty hunter has followed him there, Nate knows he either has to face Levi, or be the first to find his way back home. With the law on his trail, and an unfamiliar world before him, Nate must seek the help of wary strangers. On his journey through the mysterious land of Galamore, Nate discovers that getting back home won’t be so easy, and that he might be stuck in Galamore for a long time. Keeper of the Books blends a story of magical fantasy with the classic style of the Old West, creating a world that is both unique and full of adventure. 

     The Tail of Emily Windsnap by Liz Kessler

    For as long as she can remember, twelve-year-old Emily Windsnap has lived on a boat. And, oddly enough, for just as long, her mother has seemed anxious to keep her away from the water. But when Mom finally agrees to let her take swimming lessons, Emily makes a startling discovery – about her own identity, the mysterious father she’s never met, and the thrilling possibilities and perils shimmering deep below the water’s surface. With a sure sense of suspense and richly imaginative details, first-time author Liz Kessler lures us into a glorious undersea world where mermaids study shipwrecks at school and Neptune rules with an iron trident – an enchanting fantasy about family secrets, loyal friendship, and the convention-defying power of love.

    The Watchers Knight of Light by Deirdra Eden 

    “The Watchers” are supernatural beings in human form, charged with protecting mankind from the armies of darkness. Unfortunately, some of these Watchers go bad. In England, 1270 A.D., Auriella flees her village after being accused of witchcraft. Pursued by nightmarish creatures, she struggles to accept the truth about her humanity. Filled with fairies, dwarves, pixies, dragons, and monsters, Knight of Light is an enthralling tale that will capture the imaginations of readers young and old.


    Looking for something a little different? Check out the bookshelf, or The Book of the Month Club April Books

    What are you reading? Share your April Books with me in a comment?

  • Currently In October

    Currently In October

    I’m very thrilled to be back this month sharing what I’m currently up to. It’s been a few months since I last joined Choose Happy’s link party. I’d love to hear what you’re currently up to!

    Reading.. The Astronaut Wives Club. Our book club picked this one for September, but I didn’t quite finish it then. I’m still in the middle of it, and really enjoy taking a peek into the lives of the Astronaut’s families. It’s a great reminder that no matter how famous someone is, life isn’t always perfect, and people are people no matter what.


    Ponderizing.. In the recent LDS General Conference, Elder Durrant coined a new word “Ponderize”. It’s a mix of pondering the scriptures and memorizing them. This week I’m ponderizing Doctrine and Covenants 130:18-19

    Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection. 

    And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his dilligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come.

     Making A List.. I have never been a list person. No particular reason for that, it’s just not something I’ve done. Until now. My life has had so many roads going through it now, that I’ve decided it’s time to start making a list. Hopefully it will organize my brain so I don’t forget things, and I’ll feel less like a crazy person.

    Chaperoning.. I’m going on my first school field trip with Princess V this week! Ever since the kids started school, I’ve wanted to chaperon a field trip. I found a babysitter for Little Prince so Thursday I can hang out with 3rd graders at Conner Prairie. A month ago Little Prince and I checked out this cool place, so here’s a photo from that day.



    What are you Currently up to? Share with me in the comments or in your own post!

  • Know Me Better 1/12

    Know Me Better 1/12

     
    This is a meme I participated in last year, and really enjoyed. Kathy from I am a Reader Not A Writer ask 5 questions each week. You can answer in the comments, or link up your answers to her post
    I hope you all will enjoy getting to know me better.

    1. Where is your favorite spot to read? My ideal place would be either by a fireplace, or in a sunny window seat. Until I set up some nice reading spots in those places though, my reading is done either in my bed, or in the car at the school pick up line.
    2.Are you a fast or slow reader? (you can test your reading speed here) According to the staples test, I read 303 words/minute.  21% faster than the national average. A normal adult reading speed.
    3. Fanfiction – Love it or Hate it? Have your ever read/written it? I’ve never read any fanfiction
    4. Summer or Winter? That’s a tough one. I love playing in the snow, and curling up by a warm fire. I don’t like the bitter cold, that doesn’t let you step foot outside without freezing your limbs off. I enjoy summer sunshine, but by the same token as winter, I don’t care for the heat that keeps you inside and unable to do anything fun in the sun. Personally I’ll go for spring or fall.

    5. Truth or Dare?  Depends who I’m playing with. I enjoy a good dare, but I’m also not going to do anything stupid or dangerous. So if I can assume a dare would be one of those two things, I’ll stick to truth.

  • Reading with Scholastic

    Reading with Scholastic

    I just realized I missed the school book fair! I always loved the book fairs in elementary school. We’d go with my mom, and she usually let us pick out a book or two. Of course once we had our own money, we’d buy our own books.
    I went through a Roald Dahl phase and would buy any of his books!  I just loved his sense of humor.

    Not that I need any more books, but they are one of my favorite educational tools. Holding a book between your hands, reading, getting lost in the story. That means learning to read as well. It’s something I want my kids to enjoy, without feeling like it’s a task.

    I’m really excited about Scholastics new Ipad App – Storia. You can download books from scholastic, and they sit on your “shelf” on the app. The kids can pick their book, and it will even read the story to them. Which at my kids age is perfect. There have been a lot of books Mark has downloaded onto the Ipad, and reads to the kids at bedtime. Some of them read for you, but here’s the difference I’ve seen.

    On Storia, the words being read are highlighted, so your child can actually follow along, and learn the words as well as enjoy the story. Of course you can also turn off the automated reading, and read it yourself – another great option.

    Our favorite book so far has been Clifford. It’s a character the kids are familiar with, so it holds their attention. Another great aspect of Storia are the activities. On some of the pages a little lightening bold will appear. You touch the lightening bolt, and activities will pop up.  It’s not just fun and games though, it’s things like “put the story events in order from first, next, last” and “match the characters with their names”.  So it promotes paying attention to the story and what is happening.  They’ve got something for every level of reader too.

    The App is FREE to download (even better, right?) and comes with 5 Free Books! You can download more books from scholastics website.  Here is the big kicker though, right now when you buy certain Kellogs boxes of cereal, you can get codes for $5 giftcards to Scholastic!  We haven’t redeemed any yet, but I’ve got quite a few (Fruit Loops and Krave were on sale…we stocked up). Mark and I have been reading The Hunger Games together, and we need the last book. Guess what? Yep, Storia has it for download! I might just use our coupons for that. 

    I’m not a big electronic fan (hahaha, says the blogger), but I do love this app. I find myself wishing Mark could leave the Ipad home somedays so we can read the books on Storia.