How to Get Your Child to Love Reading by Esme Raji Codell

How to Get Your Child to Love Reading is one of my favorite go-to books when I need ideas or inspiration for teaching my kids. Geared toward children in a public-school or group setting, it doesn't pose as many practical situations for homeschooling individuals, but it's loaded with book titles on every subject. The book itself is enormous - it's filled with suggestions of what to read and when to read it, but it's so much more than that. While my children tend to be more ravenous than reluctant readers, I've found innumerable ideas on how to enhance our studying of different topics. Most people would say that it's not the sort of book you just sit down and read, but I have to admit that I've done just that. Not only does Mrs. Codell give suggestions on how to get my children fired up about reading, but every time I open her book, I feel her excitement seeping out of the pages. I get a renewed sense of 'I can do this' which is vitally important when you homeschool. I would suggest this book to any educators, whether you're teaching a class of 30 2nd graders, or simply trying to impress upon your own child the wonders she'll find inside of a book.

Leonardo da Vinci: Giants of Science by Kathleen Krull

This book gives an informative glimpse into the life of a fascinating man. Because it's geared toward children, the style is easily readable, and it's not bogged down with heavily descriptive information. You get the facts in a clear, conversational tone. Some might question the kid-friendliness of the book, and if you're concerned perhaps read it yourself before handing it to a younger child (pre-teen). It explores certain aspects of his personal life that some might feel are inappropriate, but it's not discussed at length, and the events that it talks of do seem to be somewhat of a catalyst for da Vinci's subsequent behavior and attitude towards others and therefore worthy of mentioning. If you're interested in learning about the art of Leonardo da Vinci, this is probably not the book for you - it delves more into the scientific aspects of his life and career. But as an engaging biography of a man clearly ahead of his time, it is superb.