What We're Reading in May {2014}

I don't know if it was fickle weather or the long car rides to and from family holiday gatherings, but we did a L-O-T of reading in April.  While I'm hoping for better weather in the coming month of May, I also hope that the read-a-thon continues.  To kick off the month, we're all embarking into the first few chapters of the following...

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Read Aloud-Everybody

Ben and Me- We are just finishing the last chapter of this humorous look at the life of Benjamin Franklin as told by Amos, a mischievous mouse that lives in Ben's hat.  

Phoebe the Spy- In an unintentional plan to continue the colonial American theme, at the end of the week, we will be begin this fictitious look at a plot against George Washington.

Jamie-That's me!

At the risk of looking overzealous, I'm currently reading three different books.

The Talks- I had mentioned that I was beginning this book last month.  After diving halfway into it, I realized that this was one that would best be read WITH the Hubs.  We've been reading a chapter or two together every few evenings after the kids are in bed in hopes of further developing our TEAM plan for this next stage of parenting.  

Celebration of Discipline- A dear mentor of mine has put together a short book list that she'd like me to read in the next few weeks in hopes of discipling me towards the next season of my Christian walk. This is the first title on the list.  

Milk-Based Soaps- Ok, y'all.  I warned you quite awhile ago that my library card history reads like a personal biography.  You can tell what "mania" I'm currently latched onto just by reading my weekly library receipt.  This month, it's soap making.  Weird, I know.  But, I REALLY want to learn to make goat's milk soap!  Most of my family suffers from mild to moderate eczema.  We've been using goat's milk soap that I purchased at a "natural" store.  Although it has been soooooo fabulous, it is also oh-so-expensive. I'd like to continue my fabulous-skin feeling while still retaining a few dollars in my pocket. So, I've watched a gazillion "how to" youtube videos and am currently reading this book.  (Insert a sheepish grin and shrugged...but, refreshingly un-chafed...shoulders)

Sweetie Pea-5th grade

Amy Carmichael Rescuer of Precious Gems- (Mom-assigned book)  This is kind of a kill-two-birds-with-one-stone kind of book.  My daughter chose to study the life of Amy Carmichael for her current independent project, so I recommended this book to her.  

The Read-Aloud Handbook- (Read for fun book) This book choice certainly proves the case for "strewing."  In April, I assigned Sweetie Pea to read a "How to" book about babysitting.  She enjoyed THAT book so much that she read another babysitting "how to" that was a bit more in-depth.  At the back of THAT book, the author had listed other helpful resources for those working with young children.  The Read-Aloud Handbook was among the titles listed.  So, in a wonderful moment of self-motivated learning, she checked it out from the library.  She's been busy jotting down potential titles to read to her cousin whom she babysits fairly regularly.

Super Boy-2nd grade

The Story of Benjamin Franklin by Eve Merriam- (Mom-assigned book) This is a really old book that I bought at a used book sale.  Unfortunately, it is no longer in print.  I gathered three potential books for him to read and allowed him to make his choice.  He chose this simple biography of Ben Franklin.  I think his enjoyment of our current Read Aloud influenced his final decision. Although he's only on the third chapter, he says, "This is the best book I've ever read!"

Lewis and Clark: A Prairie Dog for the President- (Read for fun book)

Blonde Warrior-1st grade

Nate the Great and the Phony Clue- (Mom-assigned book)  My boys love listening to Nate the Great books on CD.  So, it's only natural that I should slip one into reading time.  

Big Max and the Mystery of the Missing Giraffe- (Read for fun book)

Greased Lightning-Preschool

Bob Books First boxed set- He is finishing up the last couple of readers of this boxed set he started last month.

So, that's what we'll be reading in the coming month.  

If you're curious to know more about the reading culture of our home, be sure to check out what our reading time looks like.  And for more great title suggestions, you might like to know what else we've enjoyed over the years.  

Now it's your turn.  Whatcha reading?