February Reads

I'm finally posting my February Reads which means that spring is just around the corner!  Hooray!  Is anyone else already dreaming of summer vacation?  I've caught myself more than once dreaming about reading curled up in a comfy chair and reading in our backyard.  

Make it Happen by Lara Casey: This book escaped my picture but it was delightful.  I loved the sweet insights into Casey's life.  Her testimony is a beautiful example of the Lord's grace as she sings His praises throughout each chapter.  I have been following her Instagram account for a while and began using her Power Sheets last summer.  I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it.  

Rethinking School: How to Take Charge of Your Child's Education by Susan Wise Bauer:   I absolutely loved Bauer's advice on taking control of your child's K-12 experience.  She advocates learning to flex the system so that it fits your child vs. the other way around.  In this book the author also discusses learning difficulties and intellectual giftedness.  Bauer also touches on the sheer craziness of children spending many hours on homework at the expense of family priorities.  I did learn a lot about traditional education from this book and would definitely recommend this book to any parent.  It definitely made me think as we continue to pray about the future of education for our children.  

Reading Magic: Why Reading Aloud to Our Children Will Change Their Lives Forever by Mem Fox: One of the things our family is really passionate about is reading aloud.  It is seriously a non-negotiable in our home.  Having enjoyed other books about reading aloud, I was delighted to pick up this book at the library.  The first few chapters were okay but honestly I quickly lost interest.  If you are interested in a book about reading aloud I encourage you to check out Jim Trelease or Gladys Hunt.  

Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate: This was a poignant and beautiful novel which takes place in Memphis, 1939.  Wingate's novel plunges the reader into the dark history of the Memphis TN Children's Home Society under the leadership of Georgia Tann.  The story shifts between past and present but not in a way that drives me crazy.  No doubt this is an unforgettable read and I am confident I will always be reminded of this book when we pass the real life Mud Island in Memphis, TN. 

Gospel Centered Mom: The Freeing Truth About What Your Kids Really Need by Brooke McGlothlin: I was eager to start reading this book once I realized that the author was a boy mom.  One of the things I have really struggled with as a parent is the feeling that I am not enough.  I find that I need to remind myself constantly of the good news of the Gospel and how it relates to my parenting!  This book was a nice reminder.  I especially enjoyed the author's guided prayer and wish that she would have included more prayers in this book.  She also included many quotes from different theological backgrounds which I found interesting.  Please note that I did receive a review copy of this book from Blogging for Books.  All opinions are my own.  


Read Aloud to Children

By the Shores of Silver Lake by Laura Ingalls Wilder: I'm thrilled to continue passing on my love of the "Little House" books to my children.  My sweet mama introduced me to the series as a young girl and I've been quite a fan ever since then.  Eli and Eva both really enjoy listening to the stories.  This month I noticed Eva really began to take many of the stories to heart and we talked often about life for Laura and Mary.  I definitely predict that we will be sewing bonnets by the end of summer.

The Trumpet of the Swan by E.B. White: My children and I really enjoyed this delightful book by the author of Charlotte's Web.  It is the delightful story of a young swan named Louie who is born mute.  I think I enjoyed this story just as much as my children did. 

Currently Reading:

True Feelings: God's Gracious and Glorious Purpose for Our Emotions by Carolyn Mahaney and Nicole Whitacre

Follow the River by James Alexander Thom

The Harmonious Child: Every Parent's Guide to Musical Instruments, Teachers, and Lessons by Beth Luey & Stella Saperstein

A Most Noble Heir by Susan Anne Mason

What books did you read last month?  I would love to hear all about it in the comments.