On the other side of our many family adventures is a love for reading. No matter how much we’d like, we can’t always be outdoors. When we’re not exploring, therefore, we dive into books, science experiments, cooking, playing games, painting, & crafting.

I recently asked my oldest daughter, Alora, to point out a few of the faves in her book collection. She’s had many of them for years & is in the market for new ones. Elementary school nourished her love for reading. The goal is to expand on it throughout the, now, middle school experience.

Alora decided she wasn’t up for writing a blog post or doing a video this time around. You know I respect my daughters’ wishes when it comes to this whole internet thing. So, we snapped a few photos & I wrote up a brief synopsis for each book. I also linked the titles which will lead you to my Amazon storefront. If you purchase from those links, I will receive a small commission. I hope you or your child enjoys the books as much as Alora has!

Have you read any of the ones mentioned? Let me know!

The Secret Soldier by: Anne McGovern

The true story of Deborah Sampson. A fatherless young girl from the 1700s, taken from her mother who was too poor to care for her. Deborah was sent to work as a servant for Deacon Thomas' family. Girls weren't really allowed to learn trades or go to school during those times so by the age of 18, all she wanted to do was escape. She longed for travel & adventure!

Without a family, that was almost an impossible goal for Deborah. Determined not to give up, a wild idea came to mind. She disguised herself as a man & entered the Continental Army!

This story is exciting & will hold your attention as Deborah, also known as Robert Shurtliff, fights bravely beside her fellow male soldiers. Will they discover her secret? You'll desperately want to know as the action & intensity builds.

Sheila The Great by: Judy Blume

Just like everyone else, Sheila has more than one side to her personality. She sometimes isn't sure who she (really) is. Is she the smart, extroverted, brave Sheila the Great that she claims to be? Or is she the secret Sheila who's afraid of the dark, swimming, spiders, & especially dogs?

Her family left their city life for a summer in the country & Sheila was made to face her greatest fears. The house they rented came with a dog & her parents expected her to take swimming lessons. Sheila wants everyone to think she's an all-around expert but her new BFF can see right through her facade. Will Sheila 'fess up or keep pretending?

Escape From Slavery by: Doreen Rappaport & Charles Lilly

Five stories of black slaves who risked everything for freedom. The only guidance they had was the North Star as they made their way through rivers, swamps, & mountains. The slaves headed North towards the promise of freedom & the start of a real life.

Learn how the Fugitive Slave Act of 1793 tragically affected many of the runaways. Read about others who made it to their destinations by way of the Underground Railroad. 25K-100K slaves are believed to have escaped successfully despite so many life-threatening obstacles!

Wish by:Barbara O'Connor

Meet Charlie Reese, an eleven year old girl with a big, secret wish. She'd made the same wish daily since fourth grade. It's sooo important to her, she created a fantastical list of numerous ways to make the wish!

Charlie ends up being sent to the North Carolina Blue Ridge Mountains to live with an aunt & uncle she doesn't really know. Because of this, she thinks her wish will never come true. Then she meets a stray dog named Wishbone who she grows to love. She also befriends a neighbor named Howard.

It doesn't take long for Charlie to realize that what she thinks she wants, may not be what she needs after all.

The Trumpet Of The Swan by: E.B. White

A romantic, trumpeter swan named Louis is in love with an angelic swan named Serena. Unfortunately, he can't express his feelings because he has no voice. Louis soon befriends an eleven-year-old boy, Sam Beaver. He decides to attend school with him to learn to read & write.

Louis’ dad decides to help by stealing a trumpet for his son. In the end, he learns to play it & repays the music shop owner for the stolen instrument. Read the book to find out if he eventually wins Serena's heart.