10 Favorite Middle Grade/YA Books read in 2022

    It's no secret that I'd rather read middle grade literature over adult literature any day.  I don't know if it's because middle grade books are "clean" and often shorter, because I want to be able to recommend books to my students/sons, or because I'm a kid at heart!  Here are my 10 favorite, from a mix of genres, and in no particular order (along with my short posts on GoodReads):

Thirst by Varsha Bajaj - realistic fiction

    I read this because I saw it pop up as one of the selections for the 2022 Global Read Aloud. It's similar to some past winners (The Bridge Home and Amal Unbound) and also reminds me of Long Walk to Water, but I really enjoyed it. The chapters are very short, so it's hard to put down. I find myself wondering at the disparity of my luxurious life in comparison to those in third world situations without access to clean water. This book did a good job of expressing, in various ways, how water affects so many aspects of life for a girl like Minni. Overall, I loved it and hope to read more by this author.

(Oh, and I'm glad I didn't read the "blurb" at the top of the Goodreads page and I guess on the book jacket, because it gives some spoilers that I'm glad I didn't know about).

When the World Was Ours by Liz Kessler - historical fiction

    Wowee. At the time of my review, there were 1,331 ratings and 302 reviews with an average of 4.55 -- that's pretty high acclaim! And the book definitely delivered. Best middle grade book I've read so far this year and perhaps the best WWII book I've ever read (and I've read a bunch).

    I like these types of stories that intertwine three perspectives (kind of reminds me of Alan Gratz' Refugee). I was immediately drawn in and was invested in all three main characters. I loved how short the chapters were and the plot twists throughout (did not see the ending coming!) and the movement over the years. I had read the author's note at the beginning about one of the stories being loosely inspired by his father's story. (I'm glad I read the author's note, but it did have a bit of a spoiler).

Breaking Stalin's Nose by Eugene Yelchin - historical fiction

Whoa! This one sucked me in from the beginning. It was a stay-up-late, read-every-chance-you-get kind of book for me, and the small size, short chapters, illustrations, and cliffhangers really kept it moving. I can't imagine living in those kind of conditions, but this book definitely painted a picture of a reality that I hadn't considered. I wonder what stories will come out years from now about these days we're living in...

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery - classic, historical fiction

    I'm not sure why I never read (or watched!) any of this series until now. Anne is fond to so many of my friends that I figured it was high time I discovered what all the fuss is about! I read a graphic novel adaptation last year to give me an overview, but I'm so glad I took the time to read the whole unabridged version for myself.

    I love Anne! I love her quirkiness and her loquaciousness and her foot-in-the-mouth-ness and her appreciation of nature and her gratitude for the smallest things. I know already that I will want to continue reading this series to find out more of what happens in Avonlea.

I'm also glad that I bought a copy because there were certain parts I wanted to mark, such as:
"I've made up my mind to enjoy this drive. It's been my experience that you can nearly always enjoy things if you make up your mind firmly that you will."

"Looking forward to things is half the pleasure of them."

"I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers."

"There's such a lot of different Annes in me. I sometimes think that is why I'm such a troublesome person. If I was just the one Anne it would be ever so much more comfortable, but then it wouldn't be half so interesting."

"Isn't it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?"

"She said we couldn't be too careful what habits we formed and what ideals we acquired in our teens, because by the time we were twenty our characters would be developed and the foundation laid for our whole future life. And she said if the foundation was shaky we could never build anything really worthwhile on it."

"It was the last night before sorrow touched her life; and no life is ever quite the same again when once that cold, sanctifying touch has been laid upon it." ... "It's not her sorrow -- she's outside of it and she couldn't come close enough to my heart to help me."

"Dear old world, you are very lovely, and I am glad to be alive in you."

"God's in his heaven, all's right with the world."

Swim Team by Johnnie Christmas - realistic fiction, graphic novel

    I loved this one! It’s everything I love about a good middle grade graphic novel—excellent storytelling, illustrations that help tell the story, character depth and growth, and even a bit of history sprinkled in. Loved it! Perfect summertime (or anytime) read!

Fighting Words by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley - realistic fiction

    I read this on vacation in two days. It was compelling and hard to put down. I was a little surprised that, as a middle grade book, it covered sexual abuse, but kids are very much in the middle of these types of struggles and it would be relatable to many.

Efren Divided by Ernesto Cisneros - realistic fiction

Wow! This was excellent, on so many levels. I listened to the audio version, which I highly recommend (because I would not have known what to do with all the Spanish pronunciations!). Exploring friendship, family ties, immigration, border cities, deportation... I love when I feel like I'm learning while I'm reading fiction. This was an excellent peek into a life very different from my own.

The Faithful Spy: Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the Plot to Kill Hitler by John Hendrix - biography, graphic novel

    Wow. I loved this! I knew a bit about Bonhoeffer's life and had read "The Plot to Kill Hitler," but I love a good graphic novel to bring it all together. Since Bonhoeffer was unapologetically a man of faith (and action!), I'm glad that the Christian aspects of his life, choices, outlook, beliefs were highlighted, not glossed over. The narrative brought up a lot of troubling questions to wrestle with, such as "Would God forgive me for assassinating an evil man?" The illustrations and flow were very well done. I hope Hendrix continues to do more graphic novels like this!

    One of my favorite quotes was toward the end: "Dietrich Bonhoeffer had, though his life's writings and now his deeds, reframed the Christian life through a lens of action. He called for a radical obedience that was not cheap but costly. Faith wasn't just about creating a set of comforting thoughts about God; it was living out an ethic that called for sacrifice. You didn't just pray for the tanks to stop rolling, you threw yourself in front of them." p.157

Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds - novel in verse

    Wow. Absolutely incredible. After having it from the library for almost a month, I finally picked it up last night and was hooked. Then I continued reading at breakfast and then on the exercise bike (and I NEVER usually read a book while on the exercise bike). So compelling. So masterfully written. I know immediately that I want to read it again and am looking forward to checking out the audio version and the graphic novel version. A reviewer mentioned how this book portrayed "cyclical violence." That's a good way to describe it. This reality for so many young men is a world away from what my 4 white homeschooled sons are experiencing in suburbia. A world away. I need to know what these other worlds are like. Wow. Thanks, Jason Reynolds, yet again for giving me insight into your world.

Octavia E. Butler's Kindred: A Graphic Novel Adaptation adapted by Damian Duffy - science fiction/historical fiction, graphic novel

    Whoa. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Couldn’t put it down. Definitely more YA than middle grade. So glad I read it!

(here is a link to my reading reflections and favorites from 2022)

8 Favorite Adult Books Read in 2022

    I didn't read much as an adult until I landed a 4th grade teaching position in my 30s.  In order to be able to recommend books to my students, I read books on their level (the technical term is "middle grade" for ages 8-12).  Most of the fiction I read is still middle grade, but I did read a few adult fiction novels in 2022.  In this list, I've included my two favorite adult fiction books and my six favorite adult nonfiction books.  I have a separate list for my favorite genre (here are my ten favorite adult biographies/autobiographies/memoirs read in 2022). Note: my little "blurbs" written below were the short reviews I posted on GoodReads.

Adult Fiction

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

    I found this in a Little Free Library awhile back after hearing some rave reviews from friends on Facebook. I tried it a couple time and made it about 50 pages before abandoning it. For 2022, I put together a priority "to read" list (because my actual to-read list is in the hundreds!) and thought March would be a good month to tackle this one since we're studying WWII in our homeschool now. I had to re-read the first 50 pages again because I had totally forgotten what had happened so far. I occasionally used the audiobook (like, if I had a big pile of dishes), but it was quicker for me to read myself. And man-oh-man, I read it almost nonstop one Saturday and then read the last 200 pages or so from 9pm that night until 2 in the morning. I usually get tired way before then. That shows how gripping this novel was to me. I much more often read middle grade fiction and much shorter novels, so I was proud of my perseverance.

    Yes, it's a combination of all the worst scenarios and resistance triumphs rolled into one, but I was really into it and learned more about that period in history in occupied France. There were a couple plot twists I totally didn't see coming, which made it all the more compelling. I do wish there was an author's note at the end explaining some of her research and any real-life examples of her characters' exploits. Alas.

The Marquis' Secret by George Macdonald

    The Fisherman's Lady definitely ended on a cliffhanger, and I dove right into the sequel! I wasn't too crazy about the first one, but seeing the completion of the story was satisfying. I loved watching Clementina change and seeing how all the complexities resolved themselves. And I underlined several theology-rich statements and conversations.

Adult Nonfiction

The Bible in 90 Days

    I did it! I finished the Bible in 90 days! I had read through it before but never that quickly. A friend mentioned it last year, and I decided to give it a go from mid-January and finishing on Good Friday. I hosted a weekly zoom meeting to discuss with a few friends what God had been showing us as we read.

    It was a big time commitment— almost an hour a day. 12 pages a day and lotsa chapters (and even multiple books in a day in the NT). By reading at this pace, I was able to make connections and see patterns that I might not have noticed otherwise. Any time spent in the Word is a valuable investment. For the rest of the year, I plan on studying some sections/books more in depth and also focusing more time in prayer and Scripture memory. I think I’ll definitely do this again but maybe not every year.

The Brave Learner: Finding Everyday Magic in Homeschool, Learning, and Life by Julie Bogart

    I gave this book a 5 not because I agreed with everything but because of how it made me re-think our homeschooling routine, environment, and lessons. When I was a classroom teacher, adding whimsy was right up my alley -- I was all about engagement and making things FUN and out-of-the-ordinary. And I realized that I've been kind of boring as a homeschooling mom. While it's overwhelming to think about adding magic every day, I definitely feel inspired to spice some things up. I may even go for the always-available art table! (we'll see how long I can handle it!).

    Most of the homeschool books I've read come from a Christian perspective, which aligns with my worldview. This one sometimes mentioned religious settings but wasn't "Christian" in tone or child-rearing. Not that that's a bad thing, but there were some aspects of what she said that rubbed me the wrong way. Overall, though, I benefitted greatly from the ideas from this book.

How to Manage Your Home Without Losing Your Mind by Dana K. White

    This book was written for me! I love that it's from the perspective of a "slob coming clean" and not someone who is neat and tidy by nature. The principles were simple enough but many were totally perspective-shifting for me. I realized that I have "slob vision" and don't notice incremental clutter. My home already feels more manageable with just doing (and putting away!) the dishes every day. It has already given me some momentum. I loved hearing the author narrate the audiobook because her humor really shone through.

The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate by Peter Wohlleben

    I discovered this while on a solitude retreat in a cabin in the woods. I had been curious to learn more about how trees interact above and below ground, and this book provided that and so much more. I devoured it in 5 days (and I already put a hold on it from the library because I ran out of time to take notes about what I learned). So many insights. So many new ways of seeing and appreciating trees. And ultimately, it gave me more appreciation for the Designer who thought up all the intricacies of trees and forests. This was not, by any means, the author's intent (he made zero references to an actual Creator), but as a Christian, this was the lens I read this book with. I'm excited to read more by this author, starting with the children's book version of this one!

Loving Him Well: Practical Advice on Influencing Your Husband by Gary Thomas

    This book was a reminder that I need to be reading more of "Uncle Gary" (we share a last name but are in no ways related). I've never not liked a single one of his books--each is always packed with Scripture and spurring me on in my relationships with others and with God. I listened to the audio, which was great with the author as the narrator. Some of the chapters didn't necessarily apply to me, but on the whole, I found the book to be just what I needed in this season of life!

Mother and Son: The Respect Effect by Emerson Eggerichs

    As a mama of four (soon-to-be five!) boys, this was definitely good for me to read. I'm a little surprised at some of the negative ratings, but I also realize that there's a definite audience for this book - the author says that people can feel free to read the book if they aren't Christian, but the Christian lens is very strong (which, for me, was great!). I haven't read Love and Respect but am familiar with the premise of the book. As for those who said that this book could have been shorter, I thought the extensive examples of respect talk were very helpful. My husband has mentioned to me multiple times that I'm disrespectful in the way I interact with him, and I honestly have had a hard time seeing it and understanding how to talk/interact differently. I enjoyed hearing from the author as the narrator, but I also plan on purchasing this book to be able to refer to when I need some practical handles on respect talk with my boys. And I'm definitely planning on reading Love and Respect.

10 Favorite Biographies Read in 2022

    I've enjoyed biographies/autobiographies/memoirs for many years, but 2022 was the year that I read and loved so many of them that I have declared it to be my favorite genre!  About half of these I read in print form, and about half were audiobooks narrated by the author (which I absolutely love!).  Most, but not all, have Christian themes.  The little blurbs are the short reviews I posted on GoodReads.

(and here's a link to my others favorite books from 2022)

Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand

    This book is unbelievable! Like, it's really hard to believe someone can endure such hardship and trauma. I listened to the audio version (partially because it's hard for me to sit down and read a book of this length), and I was drawn in from the beginning. I loved learning about Louie as a mischievous kid and then an Olympic runner. And then when things go badly during his time in the war, you just keep wondering if things can get any worse...and then they do. I appreciated how the book was thorough in talking about what life was like after the war for many Pacific POWs (and not just ending with him coming home, like the movie did). I also am glad that, while not overtly a Christian book, much detail was given to Louis' conversion experience and how his life changed as a result. I watched the movie with my husband after finishing the book, and I kept inserting all sorts of interesting (to me!) details that the movie left out. I'm planning on watching the sequel that depicts his life of faith after the war.

I Can Only Imagine: A Memoir by Bart Millard

    Loved this inside look into Bart’s story and heart. It was hard to put down! I appreciated his honesty in the last chapter and that he didn’t end the book when Imagine was at #1.

God's Smuggler by Brother Andrew

    I've had this book on my shelf for years and years, and I so glad I finally made it a priority to read and finish it. I had recently read several WWII books and one about the polders of Holland, so this one picked up perfectly from those. Such a fantastic book! I was so inspired by Brother Andrew's faith and dependence on Jesus. (kind of reminded me of George Mueller's prayers). I had heard several individual accounts of him praying to make "seeing eyes blind," but I loved reading about those encounters in detail. Time after time, God came through for him and his team. It was interesting learning about other cultures during that time period, too. I plan on reading this again with my boys when they get a little older.

Oh, and how cool that Brother Andrew is still alive and in his 90s! (he has since passed away on 9-27-22)

A Burning in my Bones: The Authorized Biography of Eugene Peterson by Winn Collier

    I absolutely loved this book. I'm a sucker for biographies, and this one was both well-written and featuring an exceptional person. I read it while on vacation with my family on the Huron shore in Mackinaw City, and the blue water was the perfect backdrop for my deep dive into the life of Eugene Peterson. I only knew him via The Message, which I've read cover to cover. This was a wonderful peek into the life of a wonderful (and of course, flawed) man.

Educated by Tara Westover

    I put this on my priority to-read list for 2022, partly because it's about an unconventional education (which is interesting to me, both as an educator and a homeschooling mom), partly because I enjoy memoirs, and partly because of the rave reviews. I kept putting it off and had a hard time getting into the first couple chapters, but after that, I read it pretty much every chance I got over the course of a couple days. Wow! So intriguing, but also so heart-breaking. The author turned out well as an adult but had significant trauma to work through. Her upbringing just seems so absolutely foreign to me. Anyway, it was encouraging to me that I don't have to do and teach "all the things."

Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson

    So, so, so good! I knew it would be good based on all the recommendations, and it didn't disappoint! So eye-opening and so infuriating. I'm thankful for people like Bryan Stevenson who work tirelessly to right the wrongs of our justice system. I listened to the audio version, which was excellent. Looking forward to watching the movie next!

My Jesus: From Heartache to Hope by Anne Wilson

    WOW! I did not expect to be so captivated by this book. I literally could not put it down (and even read while standing up bouncing a crying baby) and finished in less than a day. I didn’t think I would related since I haven’t experienced grief like hers, but I was drawn in to her story. I loved reading how Jesus sweetly and unexpectedly led her into a music career (that I now hear and love on the radio). I live in the same city where she grew up, so it was also neat seeing all the Kentucky references. HIGHLY recommend!

 

Textbook Amy Krouse Rosenthal/Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life by Amy Krouse Rosenthal

    This book was absolutely a delight to read. I don't remember how I stumbled upon it, but I do love AKR's picture books (Little Pea! Dear Girl, I Wish You More, Spoon/Chopsticks/Straw). The book is thick but with a lot of white space, so I finished it in an afternoon. An inside glimpse into the quirky, wordsmith-ery world of an author gone too soon. It was crazy reading all her reflections on the passage of time (ACRES, CARES, RACES), with the knowledge that she died soon after. Made me want to go snuggle with my kids. Some things seem so frequent that they're infinite and countless -- like how many times you see a tree or slice an apple. But for each of us, there is a certain number of times left that we will do those ordinary things.

    I loved all the interactive elements with the texting and such (Fed-Ex a pie to the 100th person? Ha!). The layout of the book was so unique and compelling. I just couldn't stop reading. Many of the chapters could've been entitled "Deep Thoughts with Amy Krouse Rosenthal." I laughed out loud when I could relate to her quirky thoughts -- like having trouble with ceiling fan strings. "Pull it once to stop? Twice? In trying to turn it off, I will just speed it up -- great, now it is spinning around so fast that it's wobbling almost violently." YES. Happens to me all the time! And in her funny, quirky way of expressing it, she reminded me that I'm not alone.

--

I recently read Textbook Amy Krouse Rosenthal and loved it so much that I wanted to read this one, too.

I have not survived against all odds.
I have not lived to tell.
I have not witness the extraordinary.
This is my story.

I chuckled every time I saw that on the front cover. And there were different times that I laughed out loud because I could so relate -- like on "Taking up something new". Waking up early on school days before kids to shower and prepare breakfast. What Age(s) - one day in mid-30s. Total number of years - N/A.

I loved how whimsical and quirky and reflective it was. It made me really think on the finiteness of life, not only because she referenced it multiple times or because I'm nearing the big 4-0 but because she ended up dying young, so it's weird now to read about her imagining herself growing old.

Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus: A Devout Muslim Encounters Christianity by Nabeel Qureshi

I devoured this book. I listened to it (which I highly recommend, since it was read by the author) in spare moments here and there being interrupted by my four sons, but I just could not get enough. This helped me learn more about the Muslim faith from an insider. It strengthened my own faith as a Christian. The hardest part for me is knowing that Nabeel died at a young age from cancer. Why, Lord? He had so much potential! He was such a bright light! Yet Nabeel continued to trust in God even when he didn't understand, and so will I. I'm so thankful that he took the time to write (and record) this book.

The God I Love: A Lifetime of Walking with Jesus by Joni Eareckson Tada

    I feel like Joni is a new friend of mine. I HIGHLY recommend listening to the audio version, which she narrates (oh, and she sings, too! Man of Sorrows and Let the Lower Lights Be Burning have new meaning for me!). So many stories from her childhood and pre and post the diving accident that left her paralyzed. "A Lifetime of Walking with Jesus" is an appropriate subtitle. I've gotten a sneak peek into the highs and lows of her life. Just because she has kind of become a posted child for people with disabilities doesn't mean that life is easy or that faith always comes easily for her. So eye-opening, so convicting, so thought-provoking... I am a better person for having "read" and pondered this book.

Some of my favorite quotes:
God permitted something he hated in order to make way for something he loved -- my growing need of him.

God didn't take his hand off the wheel for a nanosecond.

At the ADA signing, someone commented about how the act will require ramps and access but will not change the hearts of the bus drivers, waiters, employers, etc. True change happens only in the heart.

He requires me to make choices -- He doesn't just make me holy

God is near to those who acknowledge their spiritual poverty. He seems bigger to those who need Him most.

I require You desperately. Can I borrow Your smile today?

It is so strange how we expect the parade of life to go on forever and when it finally runs out of steam, we feel cheated like someone should have told us it was this short, this hard, this final.

Your "no" to a physical healing was a "yes" to a deeper healing.

2021 Reading Reflections

5 Favorite Family Chapter Books of 2022

Favorite Family Chapter Books of 2022

    We read a bunch in 2022, particularly at the beginning of the year, and these were my favorites of the ones we read or listened to together (along with my GoodReads comments):

Jim Elliot: One Great Purpose by Geoff and Janet Benge - 2 years ago, when the Covid pandemic first started, I read the George Mueller book in this series to my boys. It took us awhile to get through (I usually read it during snack time), so I had avoided the series for awhile. This year, I wanted to read through 3 of the biographies, and we started with Jim Elliot. Now my sons are 10 and 7, and we read through it much quicker. In fact, we blazed through about 6 chapters today because we wanted to finish it. I knew the ending, but didn't know many of the details. The boys were surprised by the ending, and it has prompted some good discussions. What a life! And I'm so glad the Auca/Waorani story didn't end with the end of Jim's life.

Nate Saint: On a Wing and a Prayer by Geoff and Janet Benge - So, so good! I can't say enough about this series! They are great introductions to the amazing lives of real-life people who were faithful to God in various ways. My goal was to read three of these biographies this year. We had done Jim Elliot and Eric Liddell, and I let my boys (10 and 8) pick our next one. They opted for Nate Saint, even though we were already a bit familiar with his story from when it overlapped with Jim Elliot's. This was great to see a different perspective, though. And I loved the epilogue that tells what happened after his death.

Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom: My Story of the Selma Voting Rights March by Lynda Blackmon Lowery - So, so good! I read this aloud to my two oldest boys as we were studying the Civil Rights Movement for history. I liked how engaging and straightforward it was. Hard to beat a compelling true story from someone who experienced it. This paired nicely with “What Was the Civil Rights Movement?”

Love Does for Kids by Bob Goff - We listened to this in the van, and my 11 and 8 year old sons in particular liked it. Each chapter is a stand-alone story about Bob's crazy fun life, along with a way that it reminds him of something about Jesus.  I had read Bob Goff's Love Does for adults, and some of the stories overlapped, but it was great to hear them again. It's hard to believe what Bob Goff's life is like. I'm just a tad jealous!

Wayside School series by Louis Sachar - 

    (Sideways Stories from Wayside School) - Hearing this book read aloud by a teacher is literally the only thing I remember about 2nd grade. I've since reread it multiple times, to a class full of students and to my sons when they were younger. I decided to spread out the 30 stories over the 28 days of February. We doubled up on the last two days but otherwise read one a day, usually over a meal. My oldest boys are now 10 and 8, and my youngest are 3 and 2, and they were all into it. I love that the chapters are short and I love the zaniness of the characters and situations. My son Calvin especially loved that there was a character with his name. My oldest son has requested that we continue with the series. I think we'll listen to the next one on audio since the author is the narrator. 

    (Wayside School is Falling Down) - I loved this book as a kid (although I never made it past this one in the series), so after reading Sideways to my boys recently, we picked up the audiobook and got to listen to Louis Sachar read the second one (and actually, now we've moved on to the third. 

    (Wayside School Gets a Little Stranger) - I was glad for the audio collection because the second one's ending is resolved at the beginning of #3). So quirky and funny! Kind of like a Shel Silverstein humor. Somewhat irreverent and unconventional at times. We LOVED this book! We have been listening to #2 and #3 whenever we’re in the car. We finally finished #3 today on the way back from a camping trip. Just as wacky and silly and bad-example-behavior as the others. I feel like I KNOW these characters. And my son Calvin perks up whenever he hears his name. I’m so glad to know there’s a fourth in the series now! 

    (Wayside School Beneath the Cloud of Doom) - We love Wayside! I’ve always been a fan (since having a second grade teacher read aloud Sideways), and I reread the first one to my boys earlier this year. And now we’ve listened to the next three. My oldest son in particular has an appreciation for the humor. The author’s note and the spelling bee chapter, among others, made me laugh out loud! Whummpf! I love hearing the audio from the author. I’m so glad he decided to write another book, all these years later (written 25 years after #3)!

2022 Family Read Alouds and Audiobooks

Beginning of 2022: I thought I would keep track over here what books I read to the boys in 2022. I read a bunch to just Calvin or just Cooper and Calvin, but these are the ones I read to both Carter (10) and Calvin (7), although the two younger boys are often around, too.

End of 2022 update: Well, we definitely read more at the beginning of the year. I like reading chapter books with the older boys for homeschooling time.  My second son also really likes having someone read to him, but I didn't include those books.  October was when our baby was born, so read alouds didn't happen as much at the end of the year.  And I was determined to finish the Narnia series, even though none of us were really all that into it.

Who Was George Washington Carver? - 1/5/22

Jim Elliot: One Great Purpose - 1/11/22
Where the Sidewalk Ends - 1/13/22
Humphrey's Pet Show Panic - 1/14/22

Escape at 10,000 Feet - 1/17/22

Pandas and Other Endangered Species -1/21/22

A Light in the Attic - 1/24/22

Who Was Henry Ford? - 1/24/22

The Wrong Wrights - 1/26/22

Who Was Helen Keller? - 1/31/22

The Wonder Book -2/2/22

Treaties, Trenches, Mud, and Blood - 2/12/22

Every Thing On It - 2/18/22

Eric Liddell: Something Better than Gold - 2/22/22

Meet Kit - 2/24/22

Sideways Stories from Wayside School - 2/28/22

Jailbreak at Alcatraz - 3/3/22

Hidden: A Child's Story of the Holocaust - 3/8/22

Little Pilgrim's Progress - 4/6/22

Fairy Tale Comics - 4/9/22

Nursery Rhyme Comics - 4/9/22

What is the Civil Rights Movement? - 4/16/22

Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom - 4/16/22

Hilda and the Troll - 4/24/22

Catwings - 4/28/22

Hard-Boiled Bugs for Breakfast - 5/4/22

Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH - 5/25/22

The 143-Story Treehouse - 7/2/22

Little Robot - 7/19/22

Baby Monkey, Private Eye - 7/26/22

The Horse and His Boy - 7/30/22

Kondo and Kezumi Visit Giant Island - 8/4/22

Prince Caspian - 8/20/22

Suzie Bitner was Afraid of the Drain (poetry) - 8/21/22

Kondo and Kezumi are not Alone - 9/3/22

Who was King Tut? - 9/7/22

Nate Saint: On a Wing and a Prayer - 9/16/22

The Emperor's Painting: A Story of Ancient China - 9/20/22

The Children of Noisy Village - 9/30/22

The Terracotta Girl: A Story of Ancient China - 10/2/22

The Tighty Whitey Spider (poetry) - 11/24/22

Narwhalicorn and Jelly - 12/27/22

How Great is our God - 12/31/22

And here are our 2022 audiobooks: 

Sarah, Plain and Tall - 1/19/22

Skylark - 1/24/22

The Story of my Life by Helen Keller - 2/2/22

The Princess and the Goblin - 2/20/22

Kit Learns a Lesson - 2/28/22

Wayside School is Falling Down - 3/31/22

Wayside School Gets a Little Stranger - 4/8/22

Granny Torelli Makes Soup - 4/14/22

Abby in Wonderland - 4/17/22

Ember Falls - 5/10/22

Wayside School Beneath the Cloud of Doom - 5/18/22

The Magician's Nephew - 6/12/22

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe - 6/29/22

Just Dance (Whatever After #15) - 7/17/22

Grilled Cheese and Dragons - 7/22/22

I Want my Mummy! - 8/11/22

Love Does for Kids - 11/13/22

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader - 11/15/22

The Silver Chair - 11/30/22

The Last Battle - 12/23/22

All our Audiobooks from 2021

All our Read Alouds from 2021

1,080 Hours Outside in 2022!

1000 HOURS OUTSIDE in 2022 - CHALLENGE COMPLETED!

Click each link to see the breakdown of hours spent outside that month:

January - 46 hours
February - 54 hours
March - 82 hours
April - 94 hours
May - 109 hours
June - 138 hours
July - 131 hours
August - 146 hours
September -108 hours
October - 93 hours
November - 45 hours
December - 35 hours
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1,080 hours total for 2022!