November Edition
“This November there seems to be nothing to say.” ― Anne Sexton, Anne Sexton: A Self-Portrait in Letters
For the Littles:
Michelangelo by Diane Stanley
We read this for school, and it is my favorite kind of history text-book. The word-to-picture ratio is such that it would be difficult to sit down and read this all in one sitting, but it is excellent for teaching history—there are illustrations and the story is told in an interesting and often humorous way. I’ve got a growing admiration for Diane Stanley and plan to read all of her nonfiction history to my kids this year.
Construction Site Mission: Demolition! by Sherri Duskey Rinker
I read ZERO construction/car/monster truck / airplane/ Batman books before having my son; sometimes what he wants from the library is a little on the dry side (nonfiction books about garbage trucks. I will not tell you how many times we have checked out “Garbage Trucks!” from the library! Now when our garbage is picked up, I glance out the window and think “ah, another side-loader”). So this book was a refreshing relief —the prose has a good rhythm, the pictures capture his attention, and there are lots and lots of construction vehicles. We’ve now read everything this author has written, but this was his favorite—because a building gets destroyed, Obviously!
For Family Readaloud:
Adam of the Road by Elizabeth Janet Gray
A medieval journey-adventure of a young boy minstrel separated from his father and his beloved dog. I was a little nervous to read a medieval historical fiction—medieval times were not great times for children!—but this book wasn’t scary or dark at all. In fact, Adam finds a good deal more kindness on the road than I suspect is realistic for the time—but perhaps I am a pessimist. Our entire family enjoyed this book, and Adam is a playful, loveable character that we couldn’t help but cheer on.
The Phantom Toll Booth by Norton Juster
This book is a classic children’s book I was never introduced to and knew nothing about; I picked it up at a library book sale, and I’m so glad I did! Milo is a little boy transported to a fantasy world of Wisdom, nestled near the mountains of Ignorance. Much like Pilgrim’s Progress, Milo goes on a quest which transforms him from a boy who is intellectually lazy to one who is intellectually curious. I thought the book may be too high-brow for my kids, but they were all engaged, ages 3 to 12.
For Myself:
Reck by Leslie Harrison
Leslie Harrison is one of my favorite living poets, but she isn’t what I’d call an dipping-your-toe-into-poetry type of poet; she’s more stream-of-consciousness and experimental than I write for certain. What she does best is rhythm and images building on images. You can get a taste for her poetry HERE (the way she uses ampersands is really interesting to me—it propels you quickly through the poem).
High Country Fall by Margaret Maron
Last I visited my Grandma, an avid Agatha Christie fan, she sent me home with a bag full of Christies and two new authors to try—the Beatrix Potter mysteries, which I thought were ok but a little sweet for me (talking animals…), and the Deborah Knott mysteries, which I’ve loved. They remind me of a mix of Dallas (the old soap opera—which you should watch if you haven’t) and Agatha Christie. Deborah Knott is a spicy Southern female judge engaged to her the local sheriff (and long time friend of her many, many brothers). These books are never the gruesome, but, obviously, there is reference to murder, sex, and violent crime, so I wouldn’t hand them to my 12 year old like I would the Beatrix Potter books. I think if you like Liane Moriarty’s family dramas, Southern female protagonists, and murder mysteries, you’ll like these books. I’ve read three so far and this one was my favorite!
Writing Updates:
My review of Maryann Corbett’s poetry collection The O in the Air was published in the Englewood Review of Books.
Haha yes to the construction truck books! This picture always cracked me up and sums it up well. https://xkcd.com/2273/
If you're interested, we do like this book on trucks. A little gimicky, but the kids love it. https://www.amazon.com/God-Better-Than-Trucks-Alphabetical/dp/1527100316