Each week I share the books I am reading as a part of my Read 100 Challenge, as well as links I love from around the blogosphere.
Books I’m Reading
Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
A National Book Award winner, Brown Girl Dreaming is a memoir in verse written for young adults. The story is a semi-autobiographical account of Woodson’s life–growing up as an African-American between the North and the South during the Civil Rights era. Beautifully written, evocative, and musical, the novel helps teens (and adults) gain a new perspective on the issue of race in America. I highly recommend it for students grades 6-12 and for adults.
Prisoner B-3087 by Alan Gratz
Prisoner B-3087 is the fictional retelling of the true story of Jack Gruener. Gruener, a Polish Jew, turned 10 when the Nazis invaded his home country. He spent the next six years surviving life in the ghetto and in ten different concentration camps. An incredibly gripping and moving story, Gruener’s tale not only shows the darkness and bleakness of the Holocaust, it also gives glimpses of hope and humanity. This would make an excellent book to read with your children to help them understand the Holocaust.
The Boy on the Wooden Box by Leon Leyson
Another story of a child during the Holocaust, The Boy on the Wooden Box is the only memoir written by a person who was a child on Schindler’s list (made famous by the excellent movie in the 1990s). Leyson managed to survive the Holocaust through Schindler’s generosity and tells his story–the Holocaust as viewed through the eyes of a child. I also recommend this book for anyone grades 6-12 or any adult who wants to gain a new perspective on one of the darkest times in history.
Links I Love
Faith
10 Ways to Get Your Child Interested in Divine Liturgy Fresh and Faithful has a good post on how to help your child become more involved in the liturgy. We do several of her suggestions, too!
Seeing the Virgin Mary Through Biblical Eyes If you’ve ever wondered why Orthodox Christians (and Catholic Christians) have a high regard for Mary (the Theotokos), this oost by Seraphim Hamilton is a must read.
Family
5 Nerdy Things to Do This Summer Little Nerd Family has some fun ideas for family activities on hot summer days.
Easy Tie Dye Art with Baby Wipes If you enjoy the fun of tie dye but not the mess, then be sure to check out I Can Teach My Child’s creative post!
Frugal Living
Saving Money on Groceries and in the Kitchen Financially Wise in Heels has some good tips to help you save on food costs.
How to Camp for Free We enjoy camping, and I definitely learned quite a few things from Six Feet Under’s post on how her family camps for free. Very interesting!
What are you reading this week?
(This post contains affiliate links. See my disclosure policy for more information.)
I read Saving Amelie in two days this week, a novel about a deaf girl and her adult friends and what they all went through during WWII. It may be just up your alley since you’re reading The Boy on the Box, though I have to say that Saving Amelie is a much lighter read and you definitely know you’re reading fiction. It’s not as harsh as most WWII literature is. Now I’m on to Secrets of A Charmed Life. I love to know what other readers are reading! Thanks for this post.
That sounds great! I will definitely add Saving Amelie to my hold list at the library! Thanks for the recommendations.