Broken Roads: Returning to My Amish Father by Ira Wagler

Genre: Adult, Amish, Memoir

Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Ira Wagler left his Amish background. This is something he did with lots of thought. For those who are not familiar with the Amish, leaving results in shunning. Essentially there is not much interaction between the family and the child who has decided to leave.  This doesn’t mean they can’t visit. The family always holds out hope that the one who left will come to their senses and return to their faith.

In this second book by Ira we get what I believe is a deeper look into his life after leaving. It begins with his reason for telling this story. On this occasion, he is preparing to go back home because his father is dying. He wasn’t the only one who left.  He is representing those siblings who left and can’t go back. He would go back to visit his family. There was always an admonishment to come. The title is very appropriate. Through the book, we see how the path he traveled through life was like a broken road. Through sharing his life with the public we see that no matter what our path looks like, no matter how broken it is, there is always hope. He shared both the good and bad decisions he made. He showed how far he strayed and how God always led him back.  This is not a book that is written in a strict chronological order. It felt more like sitting and having a conversation with the author where he shares stories as one thing connects to another.  I read this in just a couple of hours. I didn’t want to put it down.

Angry Books by Tacee Theobald

Genre: children's picture book
Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

I loved this book. I think every parent and every elementary teacher should have this book. This story is told from the perspective of a book. It teaches children how to properly handle books. It not only explains what they should or shouldn't do but actually asks how would you feel if I did this to you. It makes them think about it in a way that they connect.  I teach middle school and I don't know how many times I say some of the very things to my middle school students. Let's start teaching kids at the youngest age how to treat a book.  My favorite in the whole book talked about fake reading. Yes, you can tell she was a former teacher. To all those kids out there who think you are getting away with it, forget it. She nailed it.

Three Books by Michael Gordon

Genre:  Children's Picture Book
Source:  I received a copy from the author

Michael Gordon has written a book using a dinosaur to represent every child who has ever gone through times when they are grumpy. Parents who read this with their young child can ask the question, "What is Sonny doing wrong?"  This opens the floor for gentle conversations about appropriate behavior.  In addition to a great story line you have wonderful pictures to round it out.




Genre: Children's Picture Book
Source: I received a copy from the author

When Josh wakes up grumpy one morning, he and his family become detectives to find out what has put Josh in such a grumpy mood. This book lets kids know it is okay to be grumpy once in a while. It also shows them ways to figure out what caused them to be grumpy so they can try to fix it.







Genre: Children's Picture Book
Source: I purchased a copy

Jamie doesn't like getting ready for bed and he tells his mother this. She tells him a story about different animals and how they all prepare for bed and why it is important. A simple and cute book that will make getting ready for bedtime much easier for the youngest one.