The Poet in the Fields: A Review of Wildflower Emily

 

Do you love Emily Dickinson? Perhaps you are looking for ways to share her quiet poems with your students or children, but you weren’t sure where the winding path into her world began.

For many of us, our first introduction to a classic is a bit formal. I received a hardbound book of hers as a teen, but it remained closed for many years on my shelf while I chased the more exciting Romantic poets, like Elizabeth Barrett Browning. It wasn't until I sat down for poetry tea with my sons that I realized Emily’s simplicity is her greatest gift. Her poems are nature-heavy, brief, and full of the 'kindred spirit' energy we look for in our homeschool days.

If you are looking for a gentle 'front porch' to introduce her to your family, I’ve found a new treasure: Wildflower Emily by Lydia Corry.

Summary

Wildflower Emily: A Story about Young Emily Dickinson by Lydia Corry is a delightful slice of Emily’s young life. As a young girl, she loved to explore in the fields and woods. Her parents were worried about her safety, so they gave her a dog, her beloved Carlo (named after a dog in Jane Eyre, her favorite book). With whimsical illustrations and sparse tense, Corry shows us a day in Emily’s life with her dear dog. 

 

Why This Story Stays With Me:

1.    Beautiful illustrations! Wildflower Emily is Corry’s first graphic novel, but she has illustrated many others, including The Corgi and the Queen by Caroline L. Perry. If you love watercolor and more vintage illustrations, you will love this. And I think Emily would as well!

 

2.    An insight into a poet’s inspiration. Reading how much Emily loved exploring nature and learning about botany brings a new understanding of why her descriptions of nature are so exquisite. 

3.    Emily’s relationship with her dog. It was precious reading about Emily’s relationship with Carlo, who was her trusty companion. Animals can be kindred spirits, too.

4.    Afterword with facts about Emily’s life and a recipe. This book would make a wonderful starting point for a unit study about Emily. It would be fun to make gingerbread and deliver it to neighbors in a basket, just as she did. Or to do a little nature study, keeping a journal of insects and flowers.

5.    Emily’s poems are interspersed throughout the text. As you are reading and learning about Emily’s real-life explorations, you encounter her poems. What a lovely way to see direct inspiration for her poems. 

Reading Guide: This book would appeal to 7-10-year-olds as a Morning Time read-aloud and independent readers at the 3rd-4th  grade reading level and above. The book is 112 pages.

  

Max’s take (out of a 5 bone scale)

Max when he found out Emily wrote about a dog!

 🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴

I loved meeting Carlo! He likes to explore nature and go on adventures, just like me. And Emily wrote a poem about a dog, too!

Editor's note: Max is talking about "I Started Early--Took My Dog 656," which you can read at the Poetry Foundation.

 

 

Notes from the Front Porch:

Do you have a favorite poet who feels like a kindred spirit to you or your family? 

Or perhaps there is a story about an author's life—like this one about Emily and Carlo—that has made their work come alive for you or your children lately?
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Check out other fabulous middle grades at Always in the Middle!

 

  

If you love Anne and tender, heart-filled stories, you’re always welcome here. Never miss out on future posts by following this blog.

*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. It is no cost to you. Thank you for your support!

MMGM: Finding Kindred Spirits in the San: A Review of Light and Air

 

Are you looking for a book to tuck into your book basket for a study of the 1930s? Or perhaps you have a child who’s fascinated by medicine or medical history—but you’re hoping for a story that feels gentle and hope-filled, without lingering in the heaviness of illness.

Today I’m featuring Light and Air by Mindy Nichols Wendell. At first, although I heard wonderful reviews of this book, I was a little afraid to take it on. I am a sensitive reader, and I was afraid a book about tuberculosis might be depressing. But when Dr. Kate Scarth, Chair of LM Montgomery Studies at UPEI, mentioned that there were references to Anne in this book, I knew I had to dive right in.

Summary: 

When Halle (short for Hallelujah)’s mama is sent to J.N. Adam Tuberculosis Hospital for a rest cure, Halle is shunned by her classmates. Children are not allowed to visit patients, but she’s determined to find a way to see her mama, convinced that she can help her get better. Her attempt to run away to the hospital causes her to get sick and be admitted herself. But despite sickness, rules, and her father’s disapproval, Halle’s determined to help her mama get well. 

This is a story of courage in small places, and of the quiet ways love endures, even in uncertain seasons. 

Why this story stays with me

1.    Real relationships between parents and children. Halle’s relationship with her mother is deep and profound. She is such a comfort to Halle. But even though her relationship with her father is strained, he is never portrayed as an ogre, but as someone carrying his own sorrow. I loved how family was so central to this novel, not just for Halle, but for the children she meets at the “San.”

2.    An insight into the tuberculosis in the 1930s. There are a lot of books about the Great Depression, but this is the first time I’ve read a middle-grade book about tuberculosis and what it was like living in a sanatorium. It made my heart glad to see that spending time outside was emphasized. Despite our advances in medicine, fresh air is still important for good health. It offers a living glimpse into a chapter of history that often goes unmentioned and would make a wonderful addition to any study of that era.

3.    Friendships! Halle had many dear friends. Thelma was like her Diana, a bosom friend from childhood. I also loved Flossie, the patient she meets later. Flossie is black, but the hospital admitted all people regardless of race. And this was dealt with in a sensitive and realistic way. 

4.    Faith was an integral part of Halle’s family life. It was refreshing to see that Halle prayed and that she found comfort in things her mother taught and lines from old hymns. To me, this gave the novel depth and hope despite its hard themes of sickness.

5.    Nods to classic novels and a writing style like them. Halle loves to read, and it was great fun seeing some of my favorites like the Anne of Green Gables series, Little Princess, and Royal Velvet mentioned. This was keeping with the time period and gave the book a vintage feel. Due to Wendell’s beautiful writing style, I felt like I was reading how Montgomery would’ve written about these kindred spirit friendships in a hospital setting.

Reading Guide: This book would appeal to 8-12 year olds as a Morning Time read-aloud and independent readers at the 4th-5th grade reading level and above. A gentle note for parents and teachers: this story touches on the realities of serious illness, including loss, handled with great tenderness and hope.

 

 

 

 

 

P.S. Mindy Nichols Wendell’s second novel, California or Dust, is set in 1939 and follows a girl relocating with her family to California during the Dust Bowl. It releases on August 25, 2026, and sounds like another thoughtful, heart-filled story from the Great Depression era.

Max’s take (out of a 5 bone scale)

Max, the Reading Dog 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴

No dogs again! Ugh! But the book was short, and I liked that they had school outside. My kind of place!  

 

 

Notes from the Front Porch

 

What books set in the 1930s have you and your family enjoyed?
If you love Anne and tender, heart-filled stories, you’re always welcome here.

Check out other fabulous middle grades at Always in the Middle!  

 

 

If you love Anne and tender, heart-filled stories, you’re always welcome here. Never miss out on future posts by following this blog.

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. It is no cost to you. Thank you for your support!

ISWG: When a Story Feels Like a Hug: Lessons from the Winding Path of Writing

 

When I started writing my current book, I was focused on one thing: creating the kind of story I loved as a child and that my friends were longing to find for their own families. I wanted a world where homeschooling wasn’t a problem to be solved, but a natural way of life—a place where laughter truly is the best medicine. Most of all, this story is a love letter to my favorite book, Anne of Green Gables, and to my sons' beautiful childhood, which I am so grateful to have had a front-row seat to.
 

As I sent the manuscript off to beta readers, I wondered: would my joy (and my sense of humor) land? Would readers relate to my spunky, Anne-hearted main character? Most of all, I hoped my friends who love a comfort read would feel like the story was one big hug. I wanted to create something that fellow homeschool parents would not only feel safe with but would be excited to pass along to their children. After getting some early feedback from beta readers, I was so relieved to find that the heart of the story arrived safely.

 

If you don’t already know, I am a member of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group, a wonderful community of authors who share monthly about the winding paths of the creative life. It’s a place to be earnest about our hurdles and celebrate our small victories together.

This month’s question: What was the most inspiring feedback you received from readers, including agents, editors, and beta readers?

 A few quotes that have encouraged me to keep going (and finish these endless edits):

a few of my favorite books

 Is my story too old-fashioned? 

"As a big fan of Anne of Green Gables... I was ten years old again, immersed in Anne's world."

–CW, Middle Grade Author

I was worried that no one read Anne anymore (as I was told numerous times) or that my story was too quaint. And I definitely worried I could not do Montgomery justice. When CW mentioned the classics, it reminded me why these stories matter so much and why many of us give our kids a taste of them early. It’s about building memories and being part of a long conversation.

a breed of rabbit similar to those in my novel

 Were my characters too niche?

 "Josephine. 100% Josephine... she has a really, really, really, exasperating food allergy. I have never read a book with a character with food allergies like that. Also, Josephine is a HUGE rabbit fan. I love rabbits."

–Lizzy B, Homeschool Graduate, Reviewer, and Up-and-coming Authoress

 

Sometimes, as writers, we worry that our characters are too small or too specific, or that no one will relate to them. But it’s in being so specific (and often writing from our own experience) that we create a character that makes a reader feel seen. As readers, we’re always looking for a story where we can latch on to a character like a long-lost friend. “Oh, you too?” That’s the wonderful part of reading—getting that inner glimpse of someone else’s life.

books, paints, and tea, what else do you need?

    Will readers even like the story? 

"It's a really great story, and I'm looking forward to recommending it to friends when you're done!"

–TR, homeschool mom

There’s the muddy middle of a rough draft, but there’s also the muddy middle of editing and finishing a book. It’s so easy to lose heart—to feel like we won’t ever finish and no one will ever read the story anyway.
 

But this quote inspires me to keep going. I have a goal—finishing—so those friends can read it. And as a reader, it reminds me of one of the joys of having this blog: suggesting my favorites, discussing yours, and feeling like we have our own online book club (where we actually talk about books—and not just other things).
 

Whether we are the ones writing the words or the ones tucked under a quilt reading them, we are all looking for the same thing: a story that leaves us feeling happy and a little less alone.

On the Front Porch

    To the readers: What is a book that made you feel "ten years old again"? 

    To the writers: What is the one piece of feedback that kept you going when the path felt long?

   

I'm so grateful to be part of the Insecure Writer's Support Group community. 

 

A special thank you to this month's wonderful co-hosts: 

Jenni Enzor, Jemima Pett, Jamie of Uniquely Maladjusted but Fun, and Kim Lajevardi!

 

You can join us here.

 

If you love gentle, heart-filled stories, come sit a while—I’m writing one, too. 

Never miss out on future posts by following this blog.

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. It is no cost to you. Thank you for your support!

Photo credits: Front porch from Canva, all other photos by Jenni Enzor, Watercolor of books, paintbrushes, and coffee cup by Jenni Enzor

MMGM: Beyond the Picture Book: Nurturing the "I’m Reading Now" Stage

 

 

When I was teaching, it was often challenging to find books for my reluctant readers. Some of my students were already in high school. Many of them weren’t yet convinced that reading could be something they would choose for themselves.

What kind of books might help them discover that?

One year, I built a few units around some of my favorites: Nate the Great, Commander Toad, and Flat Stanley. And then one day, a parent sent me a photo of her son holding those very books at the library. She wrote that he had never picked out books just for fun—until now.

But this experience doesn’t stay in the classroom; it happens at home. There’s that in-between stage where a child can sound out the words, but hasn’t yet grabbed a book to read under the covers.

Today I’m sharing a few old and new favorites for that beautiful “I’m reading now, what next?” stage. These also make lovely read-alouds for children who have just grown out of picture books, but aren’t quite ready for longer middle-grade. 

For readers who love quiet, whimsical stories—especially with cats (and mice!):

 

 

Heartwood Hotel: A True Home by Kallie George, illustrated by Stephanie Graegin

Mona the mouse has never had a true home. After a storm floods her latest one, she goes searching and discovers the remarkable Heartwood Hotel—a treehouse hotel just for animals. Mr. Heartwood allows Mona to stay if she is willing to work as a maid, though it means learning alongside Tilly the squirrel, who is a bit prickly at first. There are mistakes to make, guests to tend (including a bear and wolves), and much to learn about courage and belonging. At its heart, this story gently reminds us that even the prickliest among us can become friends.

This is the first in a series of six books. 

 

 

The Adventures of Miss Petitfour by Anne Michaels, illustrated by Emma Block*

This delightfully whimsical story reminded me of Mary Poppins, with its episodic structure and playful tone. The joy here is in the language. I especially loved how the author explains “digression”:

“A digression is just like what happens when you’re walking to school: you stop to tie your shoelaces and notice the neighbor’s dog looking at you, and so you stop to give it a pat… That’s a digression.” (p. 14)

For parents or teachers who enjoy lingering over words, the richer vocabulary is even highlighted in color. The illustrations are lovely, and the cats who accompany Miss Petitfour each have their own distinct personalities.

 

 

When Kittens Go Viral by Darci Pattison, illustrated by Nicole Standard

This is a gentle, imaginative story for children who love cats—and perhaps are a little curious about YouTube culture. Angel, a fluffy white kitten with two different colored eyes, grows up in “Kittywood,” a world that mirrors our own. While her siblings quickly find their place, Angel struggles to discover what kind of cat she wants to be. Along the way, the story quietly asks whether “likes” and attention are what matter most.

"...every day, they [human families] watch one cat video together. It's the only way they can say, 'I love you.' I don't understand. What's so hard about saying, 'I love you'?" (p. 34) 

This is the first in a series of three books.

 

Catwings by Ursula Le Guin, illustrated by S.D. Schindler

In this short and memorable story, a litter of kittens is born with wings. Their mother isn’t quite sure why, though she wonders if it has something to do with her own dreams of flying. She is grateful for those wings, though—they allow her kittens to escape a hard life. What follows is both tender and quietly adventurous, as the winged cats meet others who don’t quite know what to make of them. The ending is deeply satisfying.

This is the first in a series of four books.

For adventure-loving readers who enjoy dogs, amphibians, and a bit of silliness:

 

Commander Toad series by Jane Yolen, illustrated by Bruce Degen

My sons loved these as early readers, especially during their Star Wars phase. There are playful nods throughout—characters like Jake Skyjumper and Deep Wader, and a ship called the Star Warts. The humor and puns make this a light, engaging entry point for children who might still be finding their footing as readers.

This is a series of seven books.

 

Nate the Great by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat, illustrated by Marc Simont

Nate is a boy detective, with his dog Sludge faithfully by his side. In the first book, his friend Annie asks him to find a lost picture—but, of course, there’s a bit more to the mystery. Across the series, Nate solves small, satisfying cases—lost lists, missing stickers, and other everyday puzzles. There are over twenty-seven titles, and the early ones have a particular charm. You can’t go wrong with a boy detective and his dog—especially when there are cats along the way, too.

 

Flat Stanley by Jeff Brown, illustrated by Tomi Ungerer

Stanley becomes famously flat after a bulletin board falls on him—but instead of minding, he discovers all the possibilities that come with it. He can travel in envelopes, slip under doors, and see the world in new ways. His brother George, rather amusingly, is a bit jealous. This story grew into a full series, and even inspired the long-running Flat Stanley Project, where children send their own paper Stanleys around the world.

A note for the journey: While 2nd and 3rd graders might be able to navigate these books alone, younger children will find much to love if you read it aloud to them. 

*Miss Petitfour has a rich vocabulary (6th-grade independent reading level), so this might work better as a read-aloud for younger readers or for advanced readers who want a gentle, whimsical story.

Max’s take (out of a 5 bone scale)

Max, the Reading Dog

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴for Nate the Great!

I loved Sludge! I'd make a great detective just like him. But why so many books about cats this week? Of course, if I could jump into Commander Toad, I might just have him for a snack. Yum!

Notes from the Front Porch:

There is something special about the moment a child realizes reading can be its own adventure.

What book first sparked that for your child—or for you? Do you have a favorite you return to for those early readers?

Check out other fabulous middle grades at Always in the Middle!  

 

 

If you love Anne and tender, heart-filled stories, you’re always welcome here. Never miss out on future posts by following this blog.

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. It is no cost to you. Thank you for your support!

MMGM: A Tale of Three Tails: A Buddy Review of Love Rolls In

 

Have you ever wondered what kinds of books a dog likes? Or perhaps you have a child (like my youngest son) who has always been obsessed with animals, especially rescues. Or maybe you have a rescue of your own. Love Rolls In by Erin Soderberg Downing is the first in a series of animal rescue adventures with twins Henry and Ruby. Their mom is a vet, and they have a farm bursting with chickens, goats, a dog, a cat, a pig, and a llama. And then Arlo joins them. He has a spinal injury, and Henry and Ruby must take care of him and prepare him for his future home.

Today I have a very special joint review with my fellow blogger and incredible middle-grade fantasy author, Valinora Troy, and her pup, TOTP. Max and TOTP loved Love Rolls In, and today they are sitting down having a virtual chat across the fence (or rather the pond).

 

 

 

Dog to Dog: What Did They Think of Love Rolls In? 

TOTP: Hi I’m TOTP which stands for Top Of The Pups but that doesn’t mean I am bossy, I am really quite shy.

Max: I’m Max! I got that name at the shelter. I might growl if I meet you, but I’m really a big softie inside.
 
TOTP: I can see that! Did you enjoy Love Rolls In? What was your most favourite part?

Max: I loved Love Rolls In! I really liked how a rescue dog (like me!) was the main character. I liked it when Arlo first came home, and the twins thought they might get out of school to take care of him. What was your favorite part?

TOTP: That was brilliant! I loved Arlo being best pals with Big Mill the pig and curling up together on the porch of the pig house, but I was really sad Arlo had to get wheels because his paws didn’t work very well. Do you think that made him a dog-car? I really don’t like cars though I wonder which is faster – wheels or paws? Would a walk be called a walk if you had wheels?

Max:  That part made me sad, too. I had surgery in January, and my family was really worried I might lose a toe. (But I’m okay now!) Except if I had wheels or a dog-car, I could go even faster and maybe chase those pesky squirrels at the park. Squirrels are the worst! (They taunt me from the top of every tree.) If I had wheels, I’d call it Zoomies 2.0!

Slothie 2, Max's favorite toy

TOTP: Squirrels are the worst (though I have never met any). Sometimes I chase birds, but I never catch them, it’s only for fun! Is there any animal in the story you would like to go adventuring with? Who would be loudest and best at keeping away pesky neighbours (if you have any, like I do)?

Max: Henry! He really understands dogs. I don’t really like other animals much, but I love my people. My neighbors (except for those squirrels!!!) don’t bother me much, but I think a big llama might be good for scaring delivery drivers away. Who would you like to go adventuring with, and how do you deal with those pesky neighbors and those people bringing packages?

TOTP: A llama would be good – at the moment I have to do it all myself. Sometimes my sister and nephew are with me and they help me tell off people cheekily passing the gate, and warn the unfriendly dogs next door to stay on their own side of the boundary fence! I’d like to go adventuring with the goats and climb to the top of their goat castle and maybe see some pesky squirrels in the trees! I’m glad you have recovered from your operation. Operations are really scary things, and if I were Arlo I’d have stuck my paws to the ground and NOT gone anywhere near vets. 

Max: I love the vet because my humans feed me lots of cookies to distract me! My operation wasn’t that scary, because I thought I was going on an adventure (I love the car!). When I got home, I was super sleepy and had to wear a funny cone around my neck. I needed a lot of petting! And I couldn’t go for a walk for 6 weeks. But I’m better now, just in time for spring walks and adventures!

TOTP with his ball!

TOTP:  I don’t like walks, even though I have all my paws but I am a rescue dog too, so I know what it is like to not have a loving pet human to look after. I think I would be friends with Arlo, especially after he was rescued from the vets.

Max: I’m so glad to meet another rescue! I love my human pets, I mean family, so much! When they took off my collar for the first time to brush me, I got so scared. I tried to get my collar back on myself. They don’t understand our language, but I said, “No, I’m still a pet!!! I don’t want to go back!” I bet you feel the same way too. Do you have a favorite memory of when you found your fur-ever home?

TOTP:  I used to live in a run but when I reached my fur-ever home, my pet human took me into a room where there was a comfy basket on the floor (don’t know who that was for) and a huge bed which I knew had to be for me and that made me very happy! I also got lots of toys which I would love to share with Arlo. Have you a favourite toy?

Max: My favorite toy is my first toy, Slothie (a stuffed sloth). Actually, I’m on Slothie 2 because I like to do “surgery” on my stuffed friends. Slothie 1 had a tartan patch, so we called him “Slothie Maclean” (after my mom’s Scottish clan). I sleep with him every night. What’s your favorite toy?

TOTP: Slothie Maclean sounds great fun and I bet you’d make a great vet, Max I love tennis balls and toys that bounce like tennis balls the best. It was great fun doing a buddy read with you, Max, I hope we can do it again!

Reading Guide (for humans): Perfect for ages 8-12 and reading levels third grade and up. Just a sweet story with animals, siblings who get along, and lots of animal adventures!

Notes from the Front Porch: 

Max and TOTP would love a suggestion for their next buddy read. 

What has been your family's favorite dog-friendly book?

 

 

Check out other fabulous middle grades at Always in the Middle!  

 

  

If you love Anne and tender, heart-filled stories, you’re always welcome here.  Never miss out on future posts by following this blog.

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. It is no cost to you. Thank you for your support!

Photo credits: Photo of TOTP courtesy of Valinora Troy; Photos of Max by Jenni Enzor

MMGM: Finding the Bridge: A Conversation with Becca Wierwille on Gentle Mysteries

 

Do you ever struggle to find books for the reader who is 'in-between'? Perhaps an advanced reader ready for longer stories, but not yet ready for heavy themes? Or a new reader who wants the adventure of a mystery without the intensity?

I remember this struggle with my oldest. Once he graduated from early readers, finding books for him was a challenge. He loved mysteries and facts but wasn't ready for the 'snark' or darkness often found in modern middle grade.

That is why I was excited to discover Becca Wierwille’s new Barnaby and Scout series. It is a beautiful bridge—a mystery series with heart. I loved that our protagonist, Scout, is homeschooled and lives at a summer camp year-round. It felt like a dream childhood, because what kid doesn't wish they could camp all year round?

The book is even better than the PBS show!

 

And then there is Barnaby! He reminded me so much of Martha Speaks, a favorite from my teaching days. He brings a splash of mischief and a lot of fun!

 

1. What was the first little spark that grew into the world of The Scout and Barnaby series? Did it start with a character, a setting, or perhaps a feeling you wanted to capture? 

 

The first spark for the Scout and Barnaby Mysteries came directly from readers and their grown-ups! At homeschool conventions, school visits, and other events, I often ask kids about their favorite types of books—and many of them love mysteries. Some of my readers specifically asked me if I’d ever write a mystery.

At the same time, I had parents and educators who loved my Road Trip Rescue series of faith-filled contemporary adventures for kids 8-12. They were actively searching for more fun stories for their kids with values they could trust. However, their young readers weren’t quite ready for a full-length middle grade novel.

I knew I wanted my next project to be a mystery that helped fill the “gap” I saw between chapter books and middle grade. I wanted the stories to be shorter (about 15,000 words each instead of about 40,000 words) with larger font, more white space, and some illustrations. And I wanted them to be fun whodunit mysteries for kids to enjoy (and try to solve along with the detectives in the stories)!

From there, several elements came together. I love writing books about a girl and her dog, and I’d always wanted to write a book that takes place at a Christian wilderness camp like the one I attended as a camper and worked at as a counselor.

That’s how the Scout and Barnaby Mysteries came to be—funny, heartwarming Christian chapter books for kids 6-10 about a girl and her unusually perceptive dog who team up to solve mysteries at a Christian wilderness camp using her love of big words and his super sniffer!

 

2.  I love how the story grew from listening to your audience's wants and needs.

Max is always on the lookout for kindred spirits with paws! Since dogs are a constant companion in your work, I’d love to know: if your pup, Georgia, were to give a 'bone-rated' review to a story, what kind of tales would she select for a cozy evening by the fire or after a walk in the park?

 

 

Georgia would definitely choose a story with a funny canine protagonist! She’d love to read all of the Phooey Kerflooey chapter books by Kristen Joy Wilks (about another pup who lives at a camp!) and the Collar Cases Mysteries by Amanda Trumpower (because what dog doesn’t dream of being an investigative reporter?).

 

3.  Ooh, those sound like heartwarming reads. Max and I will definitely be adding those to our TBR list!  When you were tucked away writing Barnaby and Scout, did you imagine a specific reader sitting down with this story? What kind of anchor do you hope your readers find within these pages?

 

Yes! I imagined the kids I’d talked with at homeschool conventions and school visits who loved mysteries and stories that made them laugh. But I also hope the Scout and Barnaby Mysteries are more than funny whodunit adventures—and that they also remind kids they are wonderfully created by God on purpose and for a purpose. We can be brave and curious because of God’s love!

4. How interesting that you were inspired at homeschool conventions! In fact, it was so refreshing to see a heroine whose homeschool life was simply the air she breathed, rather than a problem to be solved. How do you feel stories like yours help bring the wide, wonderful world into a child’s own living room, and why is it vital for our 'home-educated' friends to see their own quiet courage reflected in books?

 

Scout, the ten-year-old heroine, lives at a wilderness camp called Blueberry Creek with her family. Her parents started working at this camp two years ago, and at that point, they decided to homeschool Scout and her brothers.

So far, the stories have taken place over the summer, so school hasn’t been “in session.” And yet, we still get to see Scout learning and growing each day. Her education is not limited to a building or a school year. Instead, she learns hands-on as she helps her family run the camp, explores her love of reading and big words, and solves mysteries. One of my favorite examples of this hands-on learning is coming in book 4, which hasn’t yet released, but explores the idea of being an “entrepreneur” as Scout gets the opportunity to help at the camp’s snack shop. This is a unique experience that not every traditional student would get at Scout’s age!

I love how Scout’s lifestyle encourages kids to get outside, to explore, and to be curious in their everyday lives. I also love how it gives home-educated readers the chance to see themselves reflected in a story—rather than just reading about public or private school students all the time!

I can't wait to read it. I'm currently helping my youngest start an online clay business. 

Becca's Bio:

Becca Wierwille is the award-winning author of the Road Trip Rescue series, the Scout and Barnaby Mysteries, and other stories that show kids they are wonderfully created for the unique adventures in their lives. She also cohosts a book podcast for kids, Ice Cream with Authors: Christian Books for Kids 7-13.

Born with only half of her right arm, Becca aims to help others find beauty in what makes them extraordinary. Despite her dreams of sandy beaches and mountain peaks, she loves living in Pennsylvania with her family.

Sign up for her email newsletter to try the Scout and Barnaby Mysteries for free! When you join, you’ll also receive a free family devotional, recommendations for young readers, and other exclusive content.

Max, the Reading Dog

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Max’s take (out of a 5 bone scale)

 🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴

Finally, some proper dog representation! Reading Barnaby’s point of view felt like meeting a true kindred spirit on the page. This is my favorite book of the year—five-bones! 

The Front Porch Chat

 

Do you have a 'bridge' reader in your life? What stories have helped them cross the path from chapter books into the wider world of middle grade? I'd love to hear your favorites in the comments.

 

 

Check out other fabulous middle grades at Always in the Middle!  

 

If you love Anne and tender, heart-filled stories, you’re always welcome here. Never miss out on future posts by following this blog.

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. It is no cost to you. Thank you for your support!

Photo credits: Photo of Becca Wierwille and Georgia courtesy of the author; front porch from Canva, photo of Max by Jenni Enzor; book covers from Amazon.

MMGM: The Magic of a Drawn World: From Harold to Henry

 

Today I’m opening the door to a fresh voice. A true kindred spirit and fan of cozy stories, Lizzy B is an up-and-coming authoress, the daughter of a dear friend, a recent homeschool graduate, and one of my fabulous beta readers. She is currently writing The Conspirator’s Crown, a whimsical retelling of Pride and Prejudice set in space. (Can you imagine a more delightful combination?) On Lizzy and Crown, she features book reviews of her favorite books, so I invited her and her cat, Faith, to join me on the front porch to share her latest read.

If you love imaginative stories like Harold and the Purple Crayon, but for an older audience, Henry and the Chalk Dragon by Jennifer Trafton and illustrated by Benjamin Schipper sounds fantastic. The premise of this book reminds me of one of my favorite Anne quotes:

“It's delightful when your imaginations come true, isn't it?”

--L.M. Montgomery 

 Synopsis

In the town of Squashbuckle, just about anything can happen, and when Henry Penwhistle draws a mighty Chalk Dragon on his door, the dragon does what Henry least expects--it runs away. Now Henry's art is out in the world for everyone to see, and it's causing trouble for him and his schoolmates Oscar and Jade. If they don't stop it, the entire town could be doomed! To vanquish the threat of a rampaging Chalk Dragon, Sir Henry Penwhistle, Knight of La Muncha Elementary School, is going to have to do more than just catch his art--he's going to have to let his imagination run wild. And THAT takes bravery. (from Amazon)

Reading Guide: This book would appeal to 6-12-year-olds as a read-aloud and independent readers at the 4th-grade reading level and above. 

Lizzy B.'s Thoughts

Summary: Henry keeps his Art tucked safely away...until a chalk dragon breaks free and takes the other drawings with it!

Notes: Imagine "Harold's Purple Crayon" but a chapter book. And with chalk. Mostly. This book explores what happens when your Art breaks loose, the good, the bad, and the unusual. When your imagination is too big to stay in one place, you have to be careful that it doesn't carry you away. Scattered throughout this book are also many references to other famous - and not so famous - books.  After reading this, I made a list of all the books I wanted to read, all of which were mentioned in this book's pages.

Violence: None...unless you count an indoor flood.
Romance: None
Scary themes: Not really...unless you count a green dragon, a robotic-ish Abe Lincon, or a very slimy slug.

Faith the Cat's thoughts 

Faith the Cat sporting her favorite hat

There are no cats. There is an excessive amount of water and vegetables. However, it is a very nice size for me to rest my head on. I give it a two out of five. 🧶🧶

 

 Your Turn: 

Which stories have been traveling with your family lately? Do you remember the first time you read Harold and the Purple Crayon? Do you have a favorite story that makes you feel like anything is possible with just a bit of imagination?

I’d love to hear about the stories that are lighting up your living room these days.

Check out other fabulous middle grades at Always in the Middle! 

 

  

If you love Anne and tender, heart-filled stories, you’re always welcome here. Never miss out on future posts by following this blog.

If you enjoyed Lizzy’s thoughts, you can find more of her writing over on Lizzy and Crown, where she shares reviews and glimpses of her world-building research. You’re also welcome to join her newsletter if you’d like to follow along as her series takes shape.

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. It is no cost to you. Thank you for your support!

Photo credits: Photo of Faith by Lizzy B., Front porch from Canva