Worst of Friends by Day, Larry

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I learned more about these two important historical figures than I knew previously. I just listened to "Jefferson's Sons" which has a much different view and sound than this book. This book is simple with information about the friendship of the two leaders. The illustrations are great. I think this would be a good book to read along with "Jefferson's Sons" to compare the mood and characters.



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The Wonder of Charlie Anne

The Wonder of Charlie Anne by Kimberly Newton Fusco

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I really liked Charlie Anne. Her mother died a year before and the only peace she feels is when she is talking to her mother at her grave site. Now, her father and oldest brother are going north to build roads during the Depression. Their demanding cousin Mirabel has come to take care of her and her two sisters and younger brother while their father is away. But slowly Charlie Anne finds peace when Mr. Jolly across the road takes a new wife along with her daughter. Together they cross racial line to mend the hearts of some people.



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Between Shades of Gray

Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Great Book! For anyone who reads holocaust stories this is very similar. Lina and her family have been shipped to Siberia after the Soviets invaded their country during WWII. The experiences of Lina and her family, based on the lives of survivors, are very similar to the experiences of Jews during the Holocaust. It has some of the same elements including determination to survive, death and overcoming adversity.

This book uncovers a part of WWII history that many were affected by.



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Jefferson's Sons

Jefferson's Sons by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I loved this book! I listened to the audio book which I would highly recommend. The reader was able to effectively read the conversations in the proper dialect without sounding all wrong. My kids only listened to maybe one CD while in the car with me but they were riveted. It upset Adam a little because some families were being separated when they were sold to different owners. Kimberly Brubaker Bradley did lots of research to get the facts right about the relationship between Jefferson and Hemings and filled in the unknown facts, conversations and home life, as best she could.

This would be a great book for classes studying The Underground Railroad or slavery or family relationships.



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