Reflections of Rosalyn, A Life of Victory by Theresa Franklin (Review)

Reflections of Rosalyn, A life of Victory by Theresa Franklin

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Fiction / Christian Fiction

Publisher- Brighton Publishing LLC

Copyrighted- 2012

Number of pages- 198

Age Group- Adult

Description of book- Kindle or PDF, listed price- $5.99; ASIN: B00962OT0U

 

 

 

In Reflections of Rosalyn, Rosalyn has had a life filled with pain and joy.  Her husband has recently passed away.  She is looking forward to the future and reflecting on her past.  She visits with her children during the Christmas time.  Rosalyn reflects on her past as an unloved and pregnant teen and her job in an assisted living facility.

About the Author:

Theresa Franklin currently lives in Texas.  She has taught, worked in administration, and is currently writing books.

 

 

 

 

 

My thoughts: I enjoyed Reflections of Rosalyn.  It was so well written that I stayed up late reading.  I couldn’t stop.

I enjoyed reading about Rosalyn’s life at the assisted living facility.  I was uplifted when I learned about how everyone would take care of Rosalyn when she was pregnant.  They were even more caring after Jonathan was born.

Rosalyn had such faith and desire to learn and better herself, even though her mother wanted nothing to do with her.  She is someone to admire.  There are many single parents who would benefit from reading this book.  They can learn how to be strong and that if you try hard, you will succeed.

Reflections of Rosalyn is an excellent book.  I recommend it to all adults.  We can all learn from young Rosalyn.

Informational and Purchasing Links:

Blog: http://thereadingsection.blogspot.com/

Twitter: Theresa Franklin

Linked In: Theresa Franklin

Purchase Link: Amazon

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received a free copy of Reflections of Rosalyn by Theresa Franklin to review.  I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.  I am part of The CWA Review Crew. All links were current when posted.

Peaceful Passage by Kim West, PhD (Review)

Peaceful Passage by Kim West, PhD

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Terminal Care / Caregivers / Home Care Services

Publisher- New Heart Publishing

Copyrighted- 2011

Number of pages- 240

Age Group- Adult

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $16.99; ISBN: 978-0-9840526-6-0

 

 

 

 

Are you taking care of a loved one in hospice?  Will you be taking care of a loved one in hospice?

Peaceful Passage shows there is more than just hospice details and loved one’s constant needs.  There are also your needs.

In this book you will find:

• How to make a plan with hospice.
• How to cope with the demands of family, children, and career.
• How to find closure.
• How to deal with your loved one’s emotions.

About the Author:

Kim West has a PhD in Clinical Pastoral Counseling and an M.Div in Counseling and Family.

 

 

 

 

 

My thoughts: My grandma passed away a couple of years ago.  She was living in a nursing home, so we didn’t have the worries of a decision of either home-care or hospice.

If I were to have a family member who needed hospice care, Peaceful Passage would definitely be the go-to resource book I would read and follow.  It had everything laid out in an easy to follow format.

I liked the workbook and journal being integrated into each chapter.  One of the best parts of the book were excerpts from her journal.  It was helpful to learn about her experiences, so I have an idea of what I may experience in the future.

This book is an excellent resource for those with elderly people in their family.  I highly recommend this book.  I am going to pass on this book to a local church where I hope some members can use it.

Informational and Purchasing Links:

Kim's Review Page at The CWA Review Crew 

Learn more about Kim at: http://www.peaceful-passage.com/about-the-author.html

Kim's website: http://www.peaceful-passage.com/

Kim on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peacefulpassage

Peaceful Passage is available for purchase online at  Amazon, however, you will find the best price here.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received a free copy of Peaceful Passage by Kim West to review.  I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.  I am part of The CWA Review Crew. All links were current when posted.

Wordless Wednesday- March 27, 2013

The first round barn I have seen in person.

Read Aloud Challenge- March 26, 2013

We went on a day trip and weekend trip this weekend, so I took advantage of the library and their collection of books on CD.

We listened to:

• The Boxcar Children collection. Vol. 42 [sound recording] : three complete stories / Warner, Gertrude Chandler, 1890-1979.
• The Boxcar Children [sound recording (CD)] / Warner, Gertrude Chandler, 1890-1979
• Mary Poppins [sound recording (CD)] / Travers, P. L. (Pamela Lyndon), 1899-1996.

My daughter has been listening these two CD’s on her own:

• By the Shores of Silver Lake [sound recording (CD)] / Wilder, Laura Ingalls, 1867-1957.
• Dewey the Library Cat [sound recording] : a true story by Myron, Vicki.

We are reading Hilda the Briton by Emma Leslie for our Roman History class and Bible study (review coming soon).

We have also been reading picture books:

• The Inside-Outside book of Texas by Roxie Munro
• Roman Numerals from I to MM by Arthur Geisert (great book)
• Zero the Hero by Joan Holub and illustrated by Tom Lichenheld (also great)

This week we will be beginning listening to American Tall Tales, read by Jim Weiss.  We will also be continuing our study of insects in Christian Liberty Nature Reader Book 3.

Enjoy your reading week!

My Very First Easter Story Sticker Book by Lois Rock and illustrated by Alex Ayliffe

My Very First Easter Story Sticker Book by Lois Rock and illustrated by Alex Ayliffe (received in exchange for an honest review)

Genre- Christian / Juvenile

Published by- Lion Children’s Books

Copyrighted- 2011

Number of pages- 16 (also contains two pages of stickers)

Age Group- 3 to 5 (younger children would enjoy the story)

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $5.99, ISBN 978-0-7459-6282-5

My Very First Easter Story Sticker Book combines activities with the Easter story to help young children understand Easter.  The stickers are numbered according to the activity and they are found in the middle of the book.  The activities include counting and identifying.

About the Author-

Lois Rock specializes in Bible stories, information books, and prayer books.  Her books have been translated into over thirty languages.

About the Illustrator-

Alex Ayliffe has won the Sainsbury’s Best Book for Babies award in 2000 for her paper collage illustrations.

My thoughts-

I like the concept of having stickers and activities in books for young children.  It helps them have a part in the story, thus enabling them to both, remember the story better and to have the desire to have someone read it to them.

My Very First Easter Story Sticker Book has perfect illustrations and stories for children ages three to five.  My children who are seven and nine also enjoyed it.  Here is what they had to say:

C (age 7) says- “I liked the illustrations, story, and activities.  The Easter Prayer was my favorite part.  It’s good for kids my age to read to others and to themselves.”

B (age 9) says- “I liked the book.  It is not only a good book for 3-5 year-olds, but anyone who wants to read it.  They will enjoy it.  I think My Very First Easter Story Sticker Book is good for kids my age.

This is a perfect first Easter story book for young children.  Please find a copy today, so you can share this important story to the young children in your life. 

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received My Very First Easter Story Book by Lois Rock and illustrated by Alex Ayliffe for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour.  All links were current when posted.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Wordless Wednesday- March 20, 2013

Our recent flood.

Read Aloud Challenge- March 19, 2013

This week is our spring break week, so I have combined last week’s reading with this week.

This past week we finished reading Children of the Covered Wagon.  We are still working on Christian Liberty Nature Reader Book 3 and this past week we studied flies.

Here is the list of picture books we have been reading:

Country Road ABC: An Illustrated Journey Through America’s Farmland by Arthur Geisert- Great illustrations and just for fun.

Floods, Dams, and Levees by Joanne Mattern- Our local creek had flooded because of snow and lots of rain.

Fun with Roman Numerals by David A. Adler and illustrated by Edward Miller III- We have been working on Roman numerals for math, so this book was fun to read.

Jack and the Leprechaun by Ivan Robertson and illustrated by Katy Bratun- For St. Patrick’s Day.

The St. Patrick’s Day Shillelagh by Janet Nolen and illustrated by Ben F. Stahl- For St. Patrick’s Day.

Snakes by Gail Gibbons- We like snakes and Gail Gibbons.

All of the books we found at our local library system.

We went on a day trip today and we listened to Leprechaun in Late Winter by Mary Pope Osborne and most of The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner.

We are going on a trip this weekend, so I will have more books on CD to tell you about next week.  I will also have a new American History book to share with you.

Essentials in Writing (Schoolhouse Review Crew)

 Product: Essentials in Writing Third Grade received in exchange for an honest review

Vendor Contact Information: Essentials in Writing

Age Appeal: Grade Three (ages 8-9)

Format: DVD for the lessons and downloadable PDF worksheets ($20 for pre-printed workbook)

Price: $40

Do you need an easy to use language arts program to use with your children?

Essentials in Writing, created by Matthew Stephen, is a program that uses a combination of DVD lessons and worksheets.  It is available for grades 1-12 and focuses primarily on composition. 

Our Experience:

As the daughter of a school teacher, I know how important grammar and composition are not only in school, but also in our daily lives.  I have been looking for a strong program to use with my children and this one has worked quite well for us.

We have worked on both grammar and composition.  It was good for them to review sentence types and then learn more about nouns, alphabetization, how to write a letter and how to write a paragraph.  I am currently planning on using this program for the rest of the year.  I would like to use Essentials in Writing in future years, because I don’t want my children to have to learn the same thing year after year as I did.

What I Liked:

• B was very excited to do it.  C is consistently eager to do it.
• The videos are complete and the worksheets are simple, but thorough.
• It is a good program for children who need a different teacher than their parents.
• It can be used as a good supplemental program for parents who need more for their children who go to public schools.
• It has an answer key!

What I Disliked:

•  It needs to have more practice on the concepts the children cannot comprehend.
• It would be good if the composition and grammar were not divided in half.  I feel the children would forget the grammar learned in the second half of the school year.

What B (boy, age nine, officially in third grade) Liked and Disliked: I liked Essentials in Writing.  It was a good product if you need to work on your grammar.  There are lots of DVD lessons.  There is even a workbook to go along with it.

I think it would be a good product for kids my age.

What C (girl, age seven, officially in first grade) Liked and Disliked: I liked Essentials in Writing.  The lessons were fun.  I liked the grammar and the composition,  because you get to write and underline things. 

It’s good for kids my age, even though I’m officially in first grade.

Dad’s Call: In Essentials In Writing, I like the format as it breaks the lesson down into easy segments to complete and comprehend. It doesn't become overwhelming with a lot of information that can become frustrating. I also like that the presenters are professionally dressed and not just in t-shirts as is the common trend in public schools. Essentials In Writing is a good program to add to any homeschool curriculum.

Mamma would definitely recommend!

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of Essentials in Writing (Grade Three) through the Schoolhouse Review Crew in exchange for my honest review.  I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.  All opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.  All links were current when posted.

Finding Faith In the City Care Forgot by Teena Myers

Finding Faith In the City Care Forgot by Teena Myers

Genre- Religion / Christian Life / General

Publisher- Tate Publishing

Copyrighted- 2012

Number of pages- 304

Age Group- Adult

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $16.99; PDF, $13.99 (Tate Publishing website); ISBN: 978-1-61862-686-8

 

In Finding Faith in the City Care Forgot, Teena Myers gives the reader snapshots into the lives of individuals currently involved with New Orleans. 

Does God still heal?  Does he intervene?  Can God give still give hope and peace?

About the Author:

Teena Myers currently lives in New Orleans with her husband.  She is a freelance writer and has worked in Children’s ministry and Christian television.

 

 

 

My thoughts:

Once I got past the confusing title, Finding Faith In the City Care Forgot, I thought this was an interesting book.  I enjoyed reading the different stories about individuals who have recently lived in, or been involved with, New Orleans.  It was inspiring to read about all the positive people of a city instead of the negative ones.  I think I had stereotyped New Orleans, even though I had been there.  I will no longer focus on all of the negatives I hear!

I didn’t have a favorite individual in the book.  I was in awe of how God speaks to you, if you listen and read the Bible as he spoke to them.  Listening to God and reading the Bible were prevalent in most of the stories. 

Jesus is where we need to begin the relationship with God.  It is important to remember to begin your study in the New Testament.

This is a good book.  I recommend it. 

Informational and Purchasing Links:

Connect with Teena Myers:
Personal Site  | Twitter  | Facebook

Purchase on Amazon.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received a free copy of Finding Faith In the City Care Forgot by Teena Myers to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew. All links were current when posted.

Twisted Wolf by Perry Perrett

Twisted Wolf by Perry Perrett

Genre- Fiction

Publisher- Self-Published

Copyrighted- 2012

Number of pages- 397

Age Group- Adult

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $14.99; Kindle, listed price $2.99; ISBN: 978-0-9888438-0-6

 

In Twisted Wolf by Perry Perrett, Josh Davis didn’t expect to be a hero,  but he was.  He wasn’t sure if he would become the President of the United States, but he did.

He came from humble beginnings and had a strong faith in God and he strove to maintain that persona.  Little did he know that fame and pride would destroy his faith.

Will President Davis be able to achieve Middle-East peace and save his marriage and presidency?  Will he regain his faith in God?

About the Author:

Perry Perrett and his wife currently live in Mississippi and have two grown sons.  He has been a Pastor and served with the Mississippi Air Guard in the Persian Gulf War.

 

 

 

My thoughts:

Twisted Wolf was not of a genre I would usually read, but it was interesting.  I enjoyed reading about a President who makes the same mistakes we do, but who also admits it and turns to God to help him succeed. 

The only thing I really had a hard time getting past was that it was written in present tense, perhaps it could be that I’m not used to reading books in the present tense.  It just didn’t flow well for me.

I did like the wonderful description of the Zargos Mountains.  It reminded me of the American West.  I thought the parallel to Saul and David was especially creative.  It lead me to believe that I knew what was going to happen, but I was glad when it didn’t.

Twisted Wolf will keep you wanting to read on.  I would recommend it.

Informational and Purchasing Links:

Here is Perry Perrett’s Website .

You can also visit with him on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin.

Purchase on Amazon.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received a free copy of Twisted Wolf by Perry Perrett to review.  I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.  I am part of The CWA Review Crew.  All links were current when posted.

READS Parent/Child Reading Comprehension System from EGM Education Systems, LLC (Schoolhouse Review Crew)

 Product: READS Parent/Child Reading Comprehension System

Vendor Contact Information: EGM Educational Systems, LLC

Age Appeal: Grades One-Four

Format: Instructional Kit with aids (see picture below)

Price: $19.95

Do you need a way to make sure that your children are comprehending what they are reading?  Do your children need a little extra help when spelling?  Then turn to the READS Homework Helper.  READS stands for, “Really Easy and Dynamic Strategies.”

In your package you will receive:

• A 16 page parent’s manual.
• 30 question cards for the parent and children to use to make sure that what is read it comprehended.
• Reward Chart with stickers to track progress
• Reading Guide Strip
• Magic Finger
• Speedy Speller Handbook for Readers and Writers containing more than 1400 words with space to add more
• Storage Pouch

Our Experience:

I was interested in reviewing READS, because I knew that C could use the Magic Finger and B could use the Speedy Speller.  I also thought that I could use the Question Cards to make sure the children comprehended their daily science and history lessons.

B and C were very excited when the package arrived and they immediately opened it and started using the Magic Finger, Question Cards, and Speedy Speller.  C thought the Magic Finger made her finger too warm, but I suggested that she just hold it.  It seemed to work well for her.  B likes to write, so the Speedy Speller was handy for him, because he didn’t need to ask me how to spell words.

I enjoyed using the Question Cards, because I had never thought of some of the questions.  One of those questions would be number 16, “What did this story make you wonder about?”  I plan on using these cards for many years to come.

What I Liked:

• C was so excited for her Magic Finger that she cried when it wasn’t in the mail.  She was excited to use it when it came.
• Most of the questions worked very well for us.  The rest will work well when I have them read silently to themselves.
• B had a lot of fun looking up words in the Speedy Speller and writing people letters.
• The Parent’s Manual described the type of response expected from each question.
• The Reading Guide Strips works well in Bibles to keep my place on the page.

What I Disliked:

•  The Magic Finger was a little too much like a witches’ finger.

What B (boy, age nine, officially in third grade) Likes and Dislikes: I like the Speedy Speller.  It has little words like “quit” and big words like “suggestion”.  It also has abbreviations for all 50 states and U.S. Territories.  I think this product would be good for kids my age. 

What C (girl, age seven, officially in first grade) Liked and Disliked: I liked the Magic Finger and the Speedy Speller.  The Speedy Speller has five words that begin with the letter ‘z'.’  Mamma wrote down one ‘c’ word for us.  She also wrote one ‘b’ word.   It is good for kids my age. 

Dad’s Call: I enjoyed this program. It is well thought out to help improve a child’s reading retention. I especially liked the Question Cards. They ask open-ended questions or questions that require thought. They get away from the “yes or no” answers”. The READS program benefits both children and parents. I highly recommend this.

Mamma would definitely recommend!

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of READS Parent/Child Reading Comprehension System through the Schoolhouse Review Crew in exchange for my honest review.  I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.  All opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.  All links were current when posted.

Wordless Wednesday- March 13, 2013

No Shame! Only Power by Val Newton-Knowles

No Shame! Only Power by Val Newton-Knowles

Genre- Religion / Christian Life

Publisher- Tate Publishers

Copyrighted- April 2013

Number of pages- 107

Age Group- Adult

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $12.99; Kindle, listed price $7.99; ASIN: B00B5IN1G6

 

Are you discouraged?  Do you feel that God isn’t there for you?

In No Shame! Only Power, Val Newton-Knowles shows you how to walk with the Holy Spirit using examples of Apostle Paul in the Bible.  The Apostle Paul gave many wonderful examples of his personal experiences with God and the Holy Spirit.  Now you need to begin to read the Bible, be accountable, and begin your journey to success.   

About the Author:

Val Newton-Knowles is from the Bahamas.  She ministers the gospel and has a passion for people.  She see herself as one of God’s servants.

 

 

 

 

 

My thoughts:

While this was an informative book, I thought it could have been shorter due to the excessive number of examples within each chapter.

I felt the book truly began with the last third of the book.  The first two thirds lacked cohesiveness and I had a difficult time developing the interest and desire needed to continue reading the book.  I often found it difficult to tell the difference between her voice and that of the Bible.

I really appreciated her passion and knowledge of the Bible and how to apply it to our own lives.  She discussed key areas like reading the Bible and applying it, needing mature Christian mentor, and having diligence when being a Christian.

There was a lot of good information in this book, but due to its lack of cohesiveness, I would not recommend it.

Informational and Purchasing Links:

Here is her personal site.

You can also visit with her on Facebook Fan Page.

Purchase on Amazon or through Tate Publishing.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received a free copy of No Shame! Only Power by Val Newton-Knowles to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew. All links were current when posted.

ARTistic Pursuits: Early Elementary K-3 Book Two (Schoolhouse Review Crew)

 Product: Early Elementary K-3 Book Two: Stories of Artists and Their Art by Brenda Ellis

Vendor Contact Information: ARTistic Pursuits

Age Appeal: Kindergarten-Third Grade

Format: Paper cover, Comb-binding Book (ISBN 978-1-939394-02-6, copyright 2013), Non-consumable with 85 pages, 36 lessons, and 175 illustrations

Price: $47.95 (supplies purchased separately)

ARTistic Pursuits Early Elementary K-3 Book Two: Stories of Artists and Their Art by Brenda Ellis focuses on artists from the late Gothic period to the 17th century.  Some of the artists included are Cimabue, Limbourg, and Anguissola.  The projects include watercolor painting, oil pastels, mixed media, and printmaking.  

A parent reads the lesson, which will either be a fictional story or a study of a work of art by the artist then the student will do the following project.

Our Experience:

My children usually love working on art projects and learning about artists.  ARTistic Pursuits was a perfect fit for them. 

We would spend one day reading the lesson, discussing what we learned, and answering the questions.  The following day the children would work on the project.  I would read the project to them and let them work on it themselves.  It would take them around an hour to complete their project, depending on how much effort they were putting into it.

What I Liked:

• The children were excited and always asked me to do to a lesson.
• The detailed text about the artists and their work.
• The amount of instructions for each art project.
• The list of supplies in the front of the book and how they were broken down into groups.
• How my children learned about the artists, their techniques, and some of their artwork.

What I Disliked:

• The price of the book was something that may not fit into our school budget. 

What B (boy, age nine, officially in third grade) Liked and Disliked: This book is perfect for art lovers.  There are so many projects.  You get to learn about all sorts of different artists.  This book is perfect for gifts.  You do need a lot of watercolors.  Not many of the things involved oil pastels,but you do need some oil pastels.  I really like ARTistic Pursuits.  I think it would be perfect for kids my age.  And kids not my age.

What C (girl, age seven, officially in first grade) Liked and Disliked: I like to do art.  I think that ARTistic Pursuits is good, because you get to learn about other artists.  Getting to do art is entertaining, because it is fun.  I like painting, but the book has too many watercolor painting projects.  We had to buy a lot of paints.  It’s good for kids my age.

Momma would definitely recommend!

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of ARTistic Pursuits Early Elementary K-3 Book Two: Stories of Artists and Their Art through the Schoolhouse Review Crew in exchange for my honest review.  I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.  All opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.  All links were current when posted.

What I Wish I Could Teach More Often

I have been giving this post a lot of thought.  I have come to the conclusion that I like teaching range management even though I don’t actively teach it.  It has also been many years since I have taught it.

I was in 4-H for nine years and I was in the range management project for eight years.  I’m sure that some of you are wondering what range management is.  Range management is the study of the plants, soil types, and range conditions.

When I was taking the range management project our county 4-H range team would study weekly.  We would go to state, regional, and national contests.  When I was in eighth grade I was old enough to go to the week long range camp near Tensleep, Wyoming.  That is where my real desire and love for teaching range (that’s what we call it) developed.

I went to range camp, I think for six years.  I went more times than any other camper and even some of the leaders.  After I had been going a few years, I was actively helping teach the students about their plants and grading their plant presses.  Those were some of the best times.

After I was done with my years as a 4-H member I spent some time teaching my younger sisters about range management.  They both had been exposed to it since birth and they have participated in the project all their years in 4-H.

Now that I have children and they are reaching the age where they can be in 4-H, I need to begin teaching them about soil types and how to identify plants.  I hope they enjoy learning range management as much as my sisters, brother, and I have.

Wordless Wednesday- March 6, 2013

Unholy Hunger by Heather James

Unholy Hunger (Lure of the Serpent, Book 1) by Heather James

Genre- Christian / Fiction / Suspense

Published by- Kregel Books

Copyrighted- 2013

Number of pages- 272

Age Group- Adult (women probably more than men)

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $13.99, ISBN 978-0-8254-4291-9

Evelyn, a successful attorney, is looking for answers.  She is looking for justice, her version, because her daughter has been murdered.  She is not listening to her family or the supernatural nudges.  She is following the stench of evil.  Will she find the killer?  Will she listen to the nudges and her family?

Excerpt from the book!

Book Trailer 

About the Author-

 Heather James is a newspaper columnist and attorney.  Her website is, heatherjames.net.  She is married and has two sons.

 

 My thoughts-

When I was finished reading this book I was both drained and encouraged.  I was glad of the conclusion.  I was drained, because of the agony that Evelyn felt because of her daughter’s murder.  It was almost too much for me.  I couldn’t believe how crazy Evelyn became when she was trying to find the person who killed her daughter and the way she treated her family.  I was encouraged that by the end of the book she realizes how much her husband, Eddie, loves her.

I am glad she realizes how God has been speaking to her and has been trying to keep her from doing crazy things.  I hope that she realizes that nudges from God are important.  I hope we all can remember that.

This book is about a sad subject, but it was well written and helps me realize that I need to pay attention to nudges from God and never turn from Him.  I recommend it.  I’m looking to see what happens in book two.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Unholy Hunger by Heather James for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour. All links were current when posted. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Read Aloud Challenge- March 5, 2013

We are now in week two.  We are continuing the books we began last week.

We are reading 101 Great American Poems edited by The American Poetry & Literacy Project for poetry.  I decided to find poems about snow in the book to read this week, since it snowed again.

I am reading Carry on Mr. Bowditch while the children are working their handwriting. We are now almost done with it!

Our new book for science is Christian Liberty Nature Reader Book 3 and this week we are finishing up our study of ants.  I never realizes what neat little creatures they are.

Our American history book is Children of the Covered Wagon by Mary Jane Carr.  The wagon train has made it to Fort Laramie and problems with the Dakotas.  The detail in this book is great and the children are always eager to have it read to them.

This was our week of reading. What did you read this week to your children?

You can go to Footprints in the Butter for more Read Aloud Challenge posts.

Abraham’s Journey by Robert and Kathleen Basmadjian (Schoolhouse Review Crew)

 

Product: Abraham’s Journey: A Celebration of the American Dream

Vendor Contact Information: Inspiring the American Dream

Age Appeal: Boys and Girls ages 7-12

Format: Paperback book or Kindle Version (ISBN 978-1-620200-10-0)

Price: Paperback- $14.99 and Kindle- $9.99

Abraham is living during the Great Recession with parents who are both out of jobs.  Christmas is not far away and there is not enough money for Christmas presents, so Abraham decides that he is going to earn the money to buy presents.

Abraham is texting his friends looking for odd jobs when Abraham Lincoln comes on the screen and takes Abraham on a journey in a digital world.  Abraham visits different American icons who help him realize his special talent and how to use it to earn the money.

Abraham’s journey ends with a special Christmas Day with his family.

Our Experience:

While B is old enough to read the book on his own, C is not able to.  I chose to read the book to both of them and then we talked about the characters and their importance, what Abraham learned, and the “Definition of Terms” in the back of the book.

What I Liked:

• I liked the illustrations and the detail of the story.
• I thought the addition of the descriptions of Abraham Lincoln, Norman Rockwell, and the other characters.
• I liked the “definition of terms,” because it gave me a sense of what was important in the book. 

What I Disliked:

• It would be nice if there was a list of the important characteristics of the story at the end of the book, that are not in the definitions.  I can take the story though and make a list of what is important and discuss it with my children.
• I thought it was strange that a family would still have smart phones if the family was having financial troubles.
• I didn’t think it was important to include social media in the American Dream.  I know that many people find it important, but for a person just starting out to achieve success I think hard work and working locally might be more important and cost effective.

What B (boy, age nine, officially in third grade) Liked and Disliked:

Abraham’s Journey was a good book! You can read it over-and-over again and it will seem like new! Now I will tell you about the book. Abraham is a boy who wants to by gifts for his family. And The Wise Old Man helps Abraham buy gifts for his family!

If you want to know more read the book. I think this book would be good for kids my age.

What C (girl, age seven, officially in first grade) Liked and Disliked: 

• Loved it!
• So detailed.
• Really applied to kids my age.
• Fun and you learn about Norman Rockwell, Amelia Earhart, Mark Zuckerberg, Bill and Melinda Gates, Abraham Lincoln, and Martin Luther King, Jr.

Dad's Call:

I was disappointed in Abraham's Journey. The personal qualities of perseverance, creativity, and hard work were not brought out in the main character's story. Abraham was surrounded by people who have accomplished great things using those qualities but they weren't applied to Abraham. He was taken on a different route to success. Unfortunately not one of perseverance.

I did like most of the illustrations in the book. They were well drawn and conveyed the storyline in the picture.

The best part of Abraham's Journey is where Abraham and his family go to a local shelter to help out. The story hits the bull's eye here that whether you are in a time of prosperity or depravity you can always help someone else.

Even with those positives I would not recommend this book because of the absence of the personal qualities in Abraham's story.

Momma would recommend, because it begins conversations about the American Dream.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of Abraham’s Journey: A Celebration of the American Dream by Robert and Kathleen Basmadjian through the Schoolhouse Review Crew in exchange for my honest review.  I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.  All opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.  All links were current when posted.

College Common Sense (Schoolhouse Review Crew)

 Product: Going to College and Paying for it Online Video and Workbook

Vendor Contact Information: College Common Sense

Age Appeal: ages 6 and up

Format: DVD and Workbook or Online Video and PDF Workbook

Price: DVD and Workbook- $50 plus $5 shipping and handling, Online Video and PDF Workbook- $25 for 12 months

Denise Ames, a financial aid counselor at a university, has developed College Common Sense.  College Common Sense is a program which helps students and parents learn how to find and get financial age for those who are college bound. 

There are six videos and a downloadable PDF workbook (around 30 pages).  The videos and PDF contain information about:

• Writing essays and how to remember when to fill out scholarship forms 
• What the FAFSA is and how to fill it out.
• How to know which college is right for you.
• What financial aid is and how it helps you.

Our Experience:

This was a review I knew that I wanted to be a part of.  I remember what my mom did for me when it came to finding scholarships, visiting colleges, and making sure I got everything done.  I want to make sure that my children have the same advantages that I did.  College Common Sense will help us make sure we don’t forget anything.

As B and C are only 9 and 7, we are not quite to the FAFSA and specific college search so our focus was a little different.  I watched the videos and studied the workbook.  I had the children watch Video V, “You in the Process” and Video VI, “Pull it All Together.”  These two videos helped B and C realize how much they are in control, what it will take, what they need to do, and how to get there.

What I Liked:

• How complete the videos and worksheets are.  It covers everything for going to college; the FAFSA, scholarships and essays.
• The “All About Me” Spiral was a big help for involving the children with the videos.
• How much effort Denise Ames has put into the videos and College Common Sense.

What I Disliked:

• Nothing!

What B (boy, age nine, officially in third grade) Liked and Disliked: The “All About Me” spiral was really fun.  Some of the activities in the videos didn’t apply to us.  I think some of College Common Sense would be good for children my age.

What C (girl, age seven, officially in first grade) Liked and Disliked:  I didn’t like the videos.  The videos didn’t apply to children my age.

Dad's Call: College Common Sense is worth your time. Whether your child starts college next year or in the next decade now is a good time to find ways to fund that college education. There are many resources available from loans to grants to cover the costs. The fewer the loans and the more  the grants the better start in life your child will have. Who wants to be saddled with student loans right after graduating college? And since tuition rates are increasing at double the rate of inflation the more financial tools you have the better you can build your house of education.

This program is just what we parents need for our children. I recommend that you review all of her materials and videos to be well informed before you need to start looking at colleges for your child.

Momma would definitely recommend.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of College Common Sense through the Schoolhouse Review Crew in exchange for my honest review.  I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.  All opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.  All links were current when posted.