Battle of the Books

Two of my boys are going to compete in "The Battle of the Books" this year at our local elementary school. They are given a list of 30 books to read during the school year, and at the end of the year there is a Jeopardy style competition between 3rd-6th grade teams of 4 about the books. The great thing about it is that the list contains books of ALL KINDS OF GENRES. There are girl books and boy books, adventure books and comical books, historical books and fantasy books, fairy tales and science fiction. It is a great experience in getting a taste of multiple genres of reading. One learns that you don't have to love or enjoy all genres to appreciate them.

Sooooooo................I have decided to read the books too. I am four books in to the list. I am going to post some of my reviews here in case you are looking for a good book for you or the kids. The great thing about children's literature is that it is very satisfying to sometimes read something easy and quick. I also like to know what are the current "award winning" books out there these days. Back in my college and teaching times, I took children's literature and felt up-to-date on the best children's literature. Now----I am falling behind.

Time to get educated in current children's lit!

Number the Stars

Number the Stars by Lois Lowry

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I am reading the Newberry winner books lately. This was a one evening book for me. I never read it as a child, and reviews say that it was life changing for many children over the years. I did love the story. It is a very simple, surface skim of the turmoil that happened as Jews were driven out during World War II. I suppose that is why it is for children and not adults. I do like that it chronicles a child's sacrifice for the cause, not just adult experiences. It is a story of developing courage for things that you believe in. I really liked the book, and would recommend it for children 8 & up.

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The Ordinary Princess

The Ordinary Princess by M.M. Kaye

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a great book of fairy tale quality, although not your ordinary fairy tale. I would recommend it for ages 7 & up, as soon as they could read a chapter book--probably more cut out for girl readers, but I think boys would still enjoy it (without admitting it) as a read aloud.

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Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother

Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother by Amy Chua

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I had to read this book after seeing all of the controversial reviews. I loved it----which doesn't mean I have to agree with everything in the book. I thought it was enjoyable to read a "parenting" book that goes sooooo against our western culture thinking. It was refreshing for me to view another perspective. Obviously, the mother in this book is quite extreme. But I think that American parenting needs to consider a little more of something----for much of our "feel good" parenting tactics in this country are not working!

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