Our Favorites From 2008

Imported from my now defunct book blog:

One of the reasons I started a book blog is because my memory is so bad. I forget about so many of the great books we have read. Well maybe not forget about, the memory is always in there somewhere I suppose, but I do forget the titles or have trouble recounting all the things that have graced the nightstand. I hope that by keeping the blog I will boost my memory in a way by listing all the great reads that come our way via read-alouds for school time or private books taken in the comfort of our favorite alone spot. Next year I envision my "Favorites of 2009" list as one that actually spans the whole year, having a better representation from all genres and a clear roadmap of where the kids have traveled in their studies. Until then, I offer this humble, yet excited list of some of our most recent favorites of 2008.


Michelle's Picks
The Book Thief-Death is an extraordinarily compassionate narrator in this story of a young girl living in Nazi Germany.

By The Great Horn Spoon-Tongue in cheek story of a young boy and his butler joining in the California gold rush. Tall tales abound!

Suite Francaise-A story of the deep conflict involved when confronted with an enemy that is "so much like us". Nemirovsky beautifully writes a novel of fiction about the horrors of war and occupation that were her own experience as well.

Farmer Boy-See Will's picks below for a review.

The Little Red Lighthouse and The Great Gray Bridge-See Charlie's picks below for review.
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Ben's Picks

Holes-A story full of plots twists and turns and subtle connections. Is digging a new 5 foot hole every day really just a punishment. or is there something far more compelling in this task?

The Mysterious Benedict Society-Four children are chosen to go on a secret mission that only the most intelligent and clever child could complete. Keeps you up too late.

The Mysterious Benedict Society (#2)-Not as good as the first, but still great to read. More secret missions, this time they need to rescue Mr. Benedict.

By The Great Horn Spoon-Ben says this was a fun and entertaining book. We listened to the audio book of this one and it was rollicking!

The Wonderful Flight to the Mushroom Planet-Classic 1950s science fiction book about two young boys who build a rocket ship by request of a local mysterious scientist named Mr. Bass. He explains that the people of the mushroom planet are in trouble and the boys can help save them. A chicken mascot, brought along as an afterthought, becomes instrumental in the plan as well. Gotta love anything with a chicken mascot.
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Will's Picks

Farmer Boy- Part of the little house series by Laura Ingalls Wilder, this is the story of young Almonzo Wilder (future husband of the author) and what life is like for him growing up on a rather large farm in the 1860s. Fantastic boy book. We did this as a read-aloud for the whole family and everyone was impressed with the amount of work that happened on the farm, and the major contributions expected from all the children-even the 8 year-old Almonzo. Fantastic excerpts on all the family meals, too. My boys were bursting just hearing about all the food set out for a typical mid-day meal! Sad to see this one end. This is a must read for any 7-10 year old!

Jason's Gold-A tale of the Alaskan gold rush. Much suspense and drama, sadness and laughter, all wrapped up in the story of a boy and his dog and the lure of "strinking it rich'! Historically accurate info throughout the book made this a great learning experience as well as "pure gold" entertainment. Ben and I were just as fond of this story as Will was. It should really be on my favorites list, too. If for no other reason than it was fun to share a wide-eyed adventure with the boys.
By The Great Horn Spoon-See reviews above in Michelle and Ben's picks!
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Charlie's Picks
The Little Red Lighthouse and The Great Gray Bridge - On my list of 2008 favorites, too. A beautiful lighthouse wonders about it's usefulness considering the new towering bridge and it's powerful candles which has just been constructed nearby. Without be sappy or overly sentimental, this story easily illustrates that we all have our purpose and we are indeed able to touch the lives of others with our gifts. No matter how late the hour, I am always happy to read this one to Charlie and I have a feeling it will remain a personal favorite long after he is all grown up.

Little yellow and Little Blue-Charlie talks often about how Little Yellow and Little Blue hug so hard that they turn green. He doesn't really get the hints of diversity and tolerance from the book, and that's OK. He just thinks it is wonderful that two friends should get so huggy like that. Hmm, maybe he does get it?

Merry Christmas Teletubbies-Oh sweet Jesus, it pains me to include this, but when asked specifically for his favorite books, this makes the list every time. A horrific book with nasty grammar and awful pictures. It appears to be out of print which is good. Now it can never hurt anyone ever again.