Classics
The Funny Side of Shakespeare
‘A Comedy of Errors’ By William ShakespeareOften, Shakespeare is remembered primarily, if not solely, for his serious works, such as “Macbeth” and “Hamlet.” But “A Comedy of Errors” is a play about two sets of identical twins who get switched. Hilarious gaffes and dialogue make this slapstick at its best.
Medieval Norway Brought to Life
‘The Bridal Wreath: Kristin Lavransdatter,’ Vol. 1 By Sigrid UndsetUndset’s trilogy about the fictional Kristin Lavransdatter won her the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1928. Readers who join Kristin in “The Bridal Wreath” and then follow her as a troubled wife and mother through the next two books may feel as if they’ve been snatched up and transported to the 14th century. Undset brings that age and its people alive, along with their religious fervor, their passions, and their many struggles in life. A brilliant recreation of the past that speaks to our present day.
History
A Lesson in War & Geopolitics
‘The Guns of August’
By Barbara Tuchman
When President John F. Kennedy Jr. was faced with the Cuban missile crisis, he recalled Tuchman’s book, which had been released that year, and the ramifications that come with hasty decisions and actions. The work, about the opening month of World War I, provides insight into the plans of military leaders and the hubris that followed, the suffering and death of soldiers, and the world caught up in the war’s horrors. Tuchman won the 1963 Pulitzer Prize in General Nonfiction for the book.
Who Influenced the Founders?
‘The Founders Recipe’ By Dr. Joe Wolverton and Addison CluffDiscover the most influential voices on America’s most influential people, our Founders. “The Founders Recipe” breaks down in scholastic form who the Founders quoted the most and why they referenced their work. There is also ample space in the book for notetaking. In a time when civics has been pushed to the wayside, this is a perfect book for middle school and high school kids, as well as a prime source for homeschoolers.
Fiction
Spy in the Christmas Revolution
‘The Bucharest Dossier’ By William MazSet in Romania in December 1989, Maz’s debut novel “The Bucharest Dossier” takes his readers into the fray of the Christmas Revolution with exceptional detail, memorable characters, and a wonderful and complex plot steeped in Cold War history. Maz has added a gem to the spy novel genre. A smart and heartfelt read.
A Pre-Teen Heroine We Can All Enjoy
‘Just Maria’ By Jay HardwigMaria Romer is a blind 12-year-old with a sharp sense of humor and a strong desire to be part of the in-crowd in middle school. Her friend JJ keeps getting her into ridiculous situations and is driving her crazy. This humorous novel teaches lessons in friendship and courage, and also educates readers on what life can be like for the blind. Hardwig has more than 20 years of experience working with the visually impaired, and those credentials plus his acute sense of humor make this book a delightful read for all ages.
For Kids
The World of Seeds
‘A Seed is Sleepy’
By Dianna Hutts Aston and Sylvia Long
With intricately detailed watercolor illustrations and contemplative, descriptive verse, this book makes for a fun and educational look at the world of seeds. A delight for the curious child’s mind and a perfect read for springtime.
Ben Franklin and His Marvelous Mouse
‘Ben and Me’ By Robert LawsonThis tale introduces young readers to Benjamin Franklin. Amos, the mouse Franklin befriends, shares stories about the Founding Father swimming, printing his newspaper, and studying electricity, as well as his role in the American Revolution.
