Our Reading Life: October 2024

In this conversation, we discuss the value of picture books in both education and personal enjoyment. Sara Masarik delves into the works of Gloria Whelan, highlighting her contributions to historical fiction, specifically mentioning, The Hedge School, The Miracle of St. Nicholas, Small Acts of Amazing Courage, The Angel on the Square, and Homeless Bird. The discussion also touches on the significance of setting in storytelling and the connection between literature and geography.

Sarah Kim talks about Brunelleschi's Dome: How a Renaissance Genius Reinvented Architecture as well as Dorothy Sayer's Gaudy Night. The discussion highlights the richness of Sayer's storytelling and its connection to her personal life.

Diane explored the significance of a book club focused on 'Mama Bear Apologetics' and convinced all of us to buy it (while we were recording!). She also shared the beautiful story, Mountain Born. 

Tanya shared the remarkable story of Jim Key, a horse that demonstrated extraordinary intelligence and abilities, leading to a movement for kindness towards animals. She also discussed the relatable and timeless experiences of family life depicted in Hilda von Stockum's books, particularly focusing on the Mitchells' adventures during World War II.

The discussion highlights the importance of kindness, education, and the shared experiences of parenting, making it a rich and engaging dialogue for listeners.

Sara Masarik’s References 

• The Hedge School by Gloria Whelan 
• The Miracle of Saint Nicholas by Gloria Whelan 
• Small Acts of Amazing Courage by Gloria Whelan 
• The Angel on the Square by Gloria Whelan 
• Homeless Bird by Gloria Whelan 
• Gary D. Schmidt 
• The Mistmantle Chronicles by M. I. McAllister
• The Borrowed House by Hilda Van Stockum 
• The Tangled Skein by Alta Halverson Seymour 
• Hilda Van Stockum 
• Alta Halverson Seymour 
• Lines of Courage by Jennifer Nielsen 
• Jeeves and Wooster by P. G. Wodehouse
• Hilda Van Stockum Page at Biblioguides   

Sarah Kim’s References

• The Found Boys by S. D. Smith 
• Brunelleschi’s Dome by Ross King
• Murder Must Advertise by Dorothy Sayers
• Whose Body by Dorothy Sayers
• Gaudy Night by Dorothy Sayers

Diane’s References

• Mountain Born by Elizabeth Yates  
• Amos Fortune, Free Man by Elizabeth Yates 
• Mama Bear Apologetics: Empowering Your Kids to Challenge Cultural Lies by Hillary Morgan Ferrer

Tanya’s References 

• The Town That Fooled the British by Lisa Papp 
• Step Right Up: How Doc and Jim Key Taught the World about Kindness by Donna Janell Bowman
• The Mitchells: Five for Victory by Hilda Van Stockum
• The Borrowed House by Hilda Van Stockum
• The Winged Watchman by Hilda Van Stockum 
• Interview with Bethlehem Books

General References

• Biblioguides 
• Semicolon
• Book Review Roundup 
• Mighty Networks
• Shelf Notes