Chapter Books:
Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell Even though it was above their age level I read this to my older kids when they were 6 and 8 years old and they LOVED it. It started our love for all of Scott O'Dell's books (The Black Pearl is another must read). This was a more serious book than some we've read but we had plenty of interesting discussions about being stranded on a desert island and what we would do, etc, from this book.
and so for a time it looked as if all the adventures were coming to an end; but that was not to be. ~The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Mama's Bank Account by Kathryn Forbes. This is an older book, written in 1943, but is a good read. A fun look into the lives of a loving family and a mother's love and care for her family and a wonderful way to incorporate some lessons on finance.
The Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket This is our all time favorite series. Thirteen wonderfully written, fun and dark books about the misfortune and sadness that befalls the Baudelaire orphans and continues to follow them throughout their childhood.
Picture Books for Littles:
Where's Our Mama by Diane Goode Such a lovely book about a lost mama and all the wonderful qualities that make her "Mama". Brody wanted to hear this so much as a toddler that he would actually quote every page.
Who Took the Farmer's Hat by Joan Nodset Another favorite of Brody's from when he was a toddler. A cute story following a farmer as he searches for his old, brown hat.
Brody's Glasses Go To The Zoo by Becca Edens We wrote this book for Brody when he got his glasses at 15 months old. A cute story about a mischievous pair of glasses who are always running away and the boy who is trying to get them back.
“No matter who you are, no matter where you live, and no matter how many people are chasing you, what you don't read is often as important as what you do read.” ~Lemony Snicket
Resource and Supplemental Books:
Math Doesn't Suck, Kiss My Math, Hot X and Girls Get Curves by Danica McKellar These wonderful math supplements have been a lifesaver to my oldest. Starting with pre-algebra and moving on to algebra and geometry, Danica has a wonderful way of explaining difficult math concepts in a real life setting. Geared towards teen girls these are our all time, must have resource books for math.
How to Teach Your Children Shakespeare by Ken Ludwig Ken Ludwig does a wonderful job showing easy-to-master methods of memorizing short passages from Shakespeare and breaking them down to understand what is going on in the scene. We are still working on this one.
Teaching the Trivium by Harvey & Laurie Bluedorn My #2 all time favorite go-to resource book for homeschooling. It has a permanent home on my living room side table.
Honey For A Child's Heart by Gladys Hunt A treasure trove list of must read books. (Also check out her book Honey for a Teen's Heart)
Leave your favorite books in a comment...I'd love to hear some suggestions.