History
By Simon Winchester
The Atlantic Ocean is an intricate part of American history. From bringing the Pilgrims to anchoring the Royal Navy during the American Revolution, it has affected the American way of life. More than that, it is host to millions of stories—large and small—that represent every nation. Winchester has written somewhat of a biography about the ocean and its importance, told through stories of danger, daring, and adventure. For naval buffs and enthusiasts, “Atlantic” is a voyage worth taking.
Space
By Dante S. Lauretta
The asteroid Bennu, which was discovered in 1999, recently orbited near to Earth’s orbit. This permitted a NASA rendezvous mission to Bennu. A probe returned with samples from it in September 2023. This book tells the story of the asteroid, the OSIRIS-REx mission visiting it, and the man guiding it. A marvelous adventure story and real-life space thriller about a bold space mission, it is also a delightful personal story, revealing the hopes and aspirations of a man seeking to learn the origins of our universe.
Self-Help
By John Mark Comer
In the prologue, this pastor, teacher, and writer describes himself as a Type-A personality who became so stressed and broken from turning every day into a 100-yard dash that he finally asked: “What if I changed my life?” He makes that effort, and the result is this simple yet profound guide. Here, overworked and burnt-out readers will find valuable advice on leaving the racetrack of hurry and chaos, and regaining their spiritual and mental health, regardless of their religious affiliations.
Fiction
By Phil Oakley
The Oakley family lives on a farm along Little Hatchet Creek, in the New Mexico Territory during the postwar years of the American Civil War. The book follows eldest son, Walter Oakley, who becomes a Southern Pacific Railroad surveyor, a railroad carpenter, and an independent building contractor before returning to farming. Along the way, he marries Ada and starts his own family. This is a panoramic novel, following America as it grows from the 1890s Old West years to early 20th-century America.
Classics
Edited by Bethany Poore
Though intended for grades 5–8, this beautiful collection of songs, poems, documents, letters, stories, speeches, and even advertisements from American history can be enjoyed by the whole family. The younger crew will improve their reading skills while exploring these original sources, and adults will delight in the artwork, the songs, and the nudges into history from the literature and politics of our nation’s past. An earlier edition of this compilation can be ordered secondhand online.
For Kids
By Candace Fleming and G. Brian Karas
When Mr. McGreely finally plants the garden he’d always dreamed of, he looks forward to the delicious bounty he’ll enjoy. To his chagrin, three little bunnies return nightly to “muncha, muncha, muncha.” No matter what measures he puts in place, the determined bunnies manage to get in. This hilarious read aloud is the perfect choice for spring.
