Helping children learn to read and love books is something that will last a lifetime. We all know how important it is to read to young children to create a love of reading. We forget sometimes how much older children can also greatly benefit from being read to. What wonderful, special times we can have as a family all curled up over a great book. You can greatly increase your child's vocabulary by reading a story to them that is above their own reading level. Having books available for your child to read on their own is also very important. The difficult question becomes, "What do I give them to read or read to them? How do I know if it's a good book?" Apologia Press has a great book for you to read on the subject Read For the Heart by Sarah Clarkson.
Read For the Heart is a 384 page paperback book that is $17.00. The book contains recommendations for over 1000 books. Each recommendation lists the author, illustrator (if there is one), award (if applicable), date of original publication, a brief synopsis, other books by the author or illustrator,general age of category, and any cautions that you might need to be aware of such as the book contains magic or violence. Books are categorized by: Picture Books, The Golden Age Classics, Children's Fiction, Fairy Tales and Fantasy, History and Biography, Spiritual Reading for Children, Poetry,and Music, Art and Nature. The book also several appendices listing books by: Caldecott Medalists, Newbery Medalists, Historical Fiction by G.A. Henty, Landmark History Books, The Trailblazer Series, and the authors Favorite Read Alouds, Favorites for Girls, Favorites for Boys, and Favorite Audiobooks.
In addition to the book recommendations, Read For the Heart also contains wonderful and delightful stories by the author about what books and reading has meant to her in her lifetime. Her words are meant to show the importance of reading and to give you some inspiration. She also gives wonderful suggestions on how to begin and start building your library and finding books to read.
To view the Table of Contents click here.
To view a sample chapter click here.
This book should be on every bookshelf in America! Although the author was homeschooled, it is by no means limited just to those who homeschool. If you are a parent, grandparent, or have children in your life you will want to read this book and keep it as a reference. Choosing good books is not as easy as it should be. Whether you need picture books, read alouds, or books for your teen-ager, you will find that and more within this book. Each recommendation gives you a good amount of information on the book and what you will need to find it. The chapters are broken down so you can find just what you are looking for and the appendices in the back are a great quick resource.
Read For the Heart is so much more than a handbook of good books. This book will inspire you! It made me want to run right out that minute (too bad it was late a night) and begin searching the library for these books. It will kindle or renew your desire to read aloud to your children. Reading aloud has always been important to me but somehow it can get pushed to the back burner. After reading this book I have a strengthened desire to have reading aloud at the top of my priority list and have started to pick up some of the book selections that we don't already have as I find them.
I thought this summed it up nicely, "I hope you leave the reading of this volume feeling that we have poured over these stories together at the kitchen table, by the fire, or in a threadbare corner of your favorite couch." That is exactly how reading this book makes you feel! A great resource and a very enjoyable, inspirational read.
To see what other crew member have to say click here.
I received a complimentary copy of Read For the Heart for the purpose of writing a fair and honest review. I received no other compensation.
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