The Man Who Counted by Malba Tahan

I read this to the boys; I consider it a must-read for middle-grade homeschoolers. So much fun! It isn't easy to find a fun book about math.

Nory Ryan's Song by Patricia Reilly Giff

Nathan said it before I could: the most depressing book we have ever read.

Lincoln and His Boys by Rosemary Wells

I read this to the boys. We all loved it.

In the Bleak Midwinter by Julia Spencer-Fleming

Top-notch fluff.

Half the Sky by Nicholas Kristof

Horrifying, inspiring, maddening, captivating . . . a must read.

Freedom From Fear by David Kennedy

I loved this. I did skim through the battles (not really my thing), but overall this was wonderful.

Putting Away Childish Things: A Tale of Modern Faith by Marcus Borg

You would have to be a total biblical studies geek with a high tolerance for didacticism in novels in order to be able to tolerate this book. I am, and I did. In fact, I loved it.

The Great Turkey Walk by Kathleen Karr

I read this to the boys. We loved it!

Shopaholic Takes Manhattan by Sophie Kinsella

Stupid, but I liked it.

The Widower's Tale by Julia Glass

I liked this a little.

The Cloud of Unknowing by Thomas H. Cook

I loved this--so suspenseful!