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My WordPress Plug-in

I just released my first public WordPress plug-in Affiliate easel for Amazon.

The purpose of the plug-in is to allow WordPress bloggers to easily insert images, data and prices from Amazon.com and to use affiliate codes to make some money. It enables individual items, whole categories and a search widget to be added to any WordPress site. (It’s very similar to the Amazon links on this site. In fact. it’s based on it. This site needs some changes before I replace this links with my widget however.)

Here’s an example, using the plug-in to display book info:

Home Learning Year by Year: How to Design a Homeschool Curriculum from Preschool Through High School

Paperback, Rebecca Rupp
Home Learning Year by Year: How to Design a Homeschool Curriculum from Preschool Through High School

I hope that review sites and niche sites will find this a good, helpful tool. If you are a WordPress user, please download it, try it and rate it.

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By Gary | Published January 17, 2011

Newbery and other Book awards for 2010

Today American Library Association announced it’s literary award winners. We have only read a few of the books awarded and look forward to reading many more.

John Newbery Medal for most outstanding contribution to children’s literature

find it at Amazon.comWhen You Reach Me Hardcover, Rebecca Stead
 

Four Newbery Honor Books also were named:

find it at Amazon.comClaudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice Hardcover, Phillip M Hoose
 
find it at Amazon.comThe Evolution of Calpurnia Tate Hardcover, Jacqueline Kelly
 
find it at Amazon.comWhere the Mountain Meets the Moon Hardcover, Grace Lin
 
find it at Amazon.comMostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg (Newbery Honor Book) Hardcover, Rodman Philbrick
 

Randolph Caldecott Medal for most distinguished American picture book for children

find it at Amazon.comThe Lion & the Mouse Hardcover, Jerry Pinkney
 

Two Caldecott Honor Books also were named:

find it at Amazon.comAll the World Hardcover, Liz Garton Scanlon, Marla Frazee
 
find it at Amazon.comRed Sings from Treetops: A Year in Colors Hardcover, Joyce Sidman, Pamela Zagarenski
 

Michael L. Printz Award for excellence in literature written for young adults

find it at Amazon.comGoing Bovine Hardcover, Libba Bray
 

Four Printz Honor Books also were named:

find it at Amazon.comCharles and Emma: The Darwins’ Leap of Faith Hardcover, Deborah Heiligman
 
find it at Amazon.comThe Monstrumologist Hardcover, Rick Yancey
 
find it at Amazon.comPunkzilla Hardcover, Adam Rapp
 
find it at Amazon.comTales of the Madman Underground: An Historical Romance 1973 Hardcover, John Barnes
 

Coretta Scott King (Author) Book Award recognizing an African American author and illustrator of outstanding books for children and young adults

find it at Amazon.comBad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U. S. Marshal (Exceptional Social Studies Titles for Intermediate Grades) Library Binding, Vaunda Micheaux Nelson, R. Gregory Christie
 

One King Author Honor Book was selected:

find it at Amazon.comMare’s War Hardcover, Tanita S. Davis
 

Coretta Scott King (Illustrator) Book Award

find it at Amazon.comMy People Hardcover, Langston Hughes, Charles R. Smith Jr.
 

One King Illustrator Honor Book was selected:

find it at Amazon.comThe Negro Speaks of Rivers Hardcover, Langston Hughes, E. B. Lewis
 

Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Author Award
“The Rock and the River,” written by kekla magoon, is the Steptoe winner. The book is published by Aladdin, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Division.

find it at Amazon.comThe Rock and the River Hardcover, Kekla Magoon
 

Coretta Scott King – Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement
Walter Dean Myers is the winner of this first-ever Coretta Scott King – Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement. The award pays tribute to the quality and magnitude of beloved children’s author Virginia Hamilton. Myers’ books include: “Amiri & Odette: A Love Story,” published by Scholastic Press, an imprint of Scholastic; “Fallen Angels,” published by Scholastic Press; “Monster,” published by Amistad and HarperTeen, imprints of HarperCollins Publishers; and “Sunrise Over Fallujah,” published by Scholastic Press.

find it at Amazon.comMonster Paperback, Walter Dean Myers
 

Pura Belpré (Illustrator) Award honoring a Latino writer and illustrator whose children’s books best portray, affirm and celebrate the Latino cultural experience

find it at Amazon.comBook Fiesta!: Celebrate Children’s Day/Book Day; Celebremos El dia de los ninos/El dia de los libros Hardcover, Pat Mora, Rafael Lopez
 

Three Belpré Illustrator Honor Books were selected:

find it at Amazon.comDiego: Bigger Than Life Hardcover, Carmen T. Bernier-Grand, David Diaz
 
find it at Amazon.comMy Abuelita Hardcover, Tony Johnston, Yuyi Morales
 
find it at Amazon.comGracias / Thanks (English and Spanish Edition) Hardcover, Pat Mora, John Parra
 

Pura Belpré (Author) Award

find it at Amazon.comReturn to Sender Hardcover, Julia Alvarez
 

Two Belpré Author Honor Books were named:

find it at Amazon.comDiego: Bigger Than Life Hardcover, Carmen T. Bernier-Grand, David Diaz
 
find it at Amazon.comFederico Garcia Lorca (Cuando Los Grandes Eran Pequenos/ When the Grown-Ups Were Children) (Spanish Edition) Hardcover, Georgina Lazaro, Enrique S. Moreiro
 

Schneider Family Book Award for books that embody an artistic expression of the disability experience
young children ages 0 to 10.

find it at Amazon.comDjango Hardcover, Bonnie Christensen
 

Schneider Family Book Award for middle grades (ages 11-13).

find it at Amazon.comAnything But Typical Hardcover, Nora Raleigh Baskin
 

Schneider Family Book Award for The teen (ages 13-18)

find it at Amazon.comMarcelo in the Real World Hardcover, Francisco Stork
 

William C. Morris Award honors a book written by a first-time author for young adults

find it at Amazon.comFlash Burnout Hardcover, L. K. Madigan
 

Odyssey Award for excellence in audiobook production

find it at Amazon.comLouise, The Adventures of a Chicken Audio CD, Kate DiCamillo, Harry Bliss, Barbara Rosenblat
 

Three Odyssey Honor Audiobooks were named:

find it at Amazon.comIn the Belly of the Bloodhound: Being an Account of a Particularly Peculiar Adventure in the Life of Jacky Faber (Bloody Jack Adventures) Audio CD, L.A. Meyer, Katherine Kellgren (narrator)
 
find it at Amazon.comPeace, Locomotion Audio CD, Jacqueline Woodson, Dion Graham
 
find it at Amazon.comWe Are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball Audio CD, Kadir Nelson, Dion Graham
 

Theodor Seuss Geisel Award for most distinguished beginning reader book

find it at Amazon.comBenny And Penny in The Big No-No (Toon Books) Hardcover, Geoffrey Hayes, Geoffrey Hayes
 

Four Geisel Honor Books were named:

find it at Amazon.comI Spy Fly Guy Hardcover, Tedd Arnold
 
find it at Amazon.comLittle Mouse Gets Ready (Toon Books) Hardcover, Jeff Smith
 
find it at Amazon.comMouse & Mole, Fine Feathered Friends (Mouse and Mole) Hardcover, Wong Herbert Yee, Wong Herbert Yee
 
find it at Amazon.comPearl and Wagner: One Funny Day (Dial Easy-to-Read) Hardcover, Kate McMullan, R.W. Alley
 

Margaret A. Edwards Award for lifetime achievement in writing for young adults
Jim Murphy is the 2010 Edwards Award winner. His books include: “An American Plague: The True and Terrifying Story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793,” published by Clarion Books; “Blizzard! The Storm That Changed America,” published by Scholastic Press, an imprint of Scholastic; “The Great Fire,” published by Scholastic Press, an imprint of Scholastic; “The Long Road to Gettysburg,” published by Clarion Books; and “A Young Patriot: The American Revolution as Experienced by One Boy,” published by Clarion Books.

find it at Amazon.comTruce Hardcover, Jim Murphy
 

Robert F. Sibert Medal for most distinguished informational book for children

find it at Amazon.comAlmost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared to Dream Hardcover, Tanya Lee Stone, Margaret A. Weitekamp
 

Three Sibert Honor Books were named:

find it at Amazon.comThe Day-Glo Brothers Hardcover, Chris Barton, Tony Persiani
 
find it at Amazon.comMoonshot: The Flight of Apollo 11 (Richard Jackson Books (Atheneum Hardcover)) Hardcover, Brian Floca, Brian Floca
 
find it at Amazon.comClaudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice Hardcover, Phillip M Hoose
 

YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction Award

find it at Amazon.comCharles and Emma: The Darwins’ Leap of Faith Hardcover, Deborah Heiligman
 

Andrew Carnegie Medal for excellence in children’s video (The video is unavailable so I linked to the book for now.)

find it at Amazon.comDon’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! Hardcover, Mo Willems, Mo Willems
 

Mildred L. Batchelder Award for an outstanding children’s book translated from a foreign language and subsequently published in the United States

find it at Amazon.comA Faraway Island Hardcover, Annika Thor, Linda Schenck
 

Three Batchelder Honor Books also were selected:

find it at Amazon.comBig Wolf and Little Wolf Hardcover, Nadine Brun-Cosme, Olivier Tallec
 
find it at Amazon.comEidi: The Children of Crow Cove (The Children of Crow Cove Series) Hardcover, Bodil Bredsdorff, Kathryn Mahaffy
 
find it at Amazon.comGuardian Of The Darkness (Moribito) Hardcover, Nahoko Uehashi
 

Alex Awards for the 10 best adult books that appeal to teen audiences

find it at Amazon.comThe Boy Who Harnessed the Wind: Creating Currents of Electricity and Hope Hardcover, William Kamkwamba, Bryan Mealer
 
find it at Amazon.comThe Bride’s Farewell Hardcover, Meg Rosoff
 
find it at Amazon.comEverything Matters!: A Novel Hardcover, Jr., Ron Currie
 
find it at Amazon.comThe Good Soldiers Hardcover, David Finkel
 
find it at Amazon.comThe Kids Are All Right: A Memoir Hardcover, Diana Welch, Liz Welch, Amanda Welch, Dan Welch
 
find it at Amazon.comThe Magicians: A Novel Hardcover, Lev Grossman
 
find it at Amazon.comMy Abandonment Hardcover, Peter Rock
 
find it at Amazon.comSoulless (The Parasol Protectorate) Mass Market Paperback, Gail Carriger
 
find it at Amazon.comStitches: A Memoir Hardcover, David Small
 
find it at Amazon.comTunneling to the Center of the Earth: Stories (P.S.) Paperback, Kevin Wilson
 

May Hill Arbuthnot Honor Lecture Award recognizing an author, critic, librarian, historian or teacher of children’s literature, who then presents a lecture at a winning host site
Lois Lowry will deliver the 2011 lecture. The internationally acclaimed author’s career spans more than 30 years. She is a two-time recipient of the Newbery Medal, in 1990 for “Number the Stars,” set in Denmark during World War II, and in 1994 for the eerily dystopian “The Giver.” Both books are published by Houghton Mifflin.

find it at Amazon.comThe Giver Paperback, Lois Lowry
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By Gary | Published January 20, 2010

Our Summer Reading Program

Our Summer Reading Program

Our family loves to read, but one thing that is lacking in our reading repertoire is a good dose of classic literature. I’m busy reviewing popular YA and children’s fiction and curriculum for our website, and my boys tend to gravitate to book series and fantasies So, to stretch our literary experience, I’ve put together a classy list of books for the boys (and me) to read over the summer. As no reading program is complete without an incentive, I am paying them a penny a page. They can’t collect any money until they have written a brief book report and have passed an informal oral quiz on the book’s content. And, they can collect an extra 75 cents if they list and define ten unfamiliar words from the book. I also set up a cute “book nook” area for them with a basket chock full of some of the books on their list. And, they were given a $10 gift card to Barnes and Noble to help them kick things off (which they spent within hours of receiving).

If they tackle a good portion of the reading list, they will have accumulated about $100 each, but most importantly, will have gained a priceless addition to their education.

See below for our 2008 Homeschoolbuzz.com summer reading list.

Book report guidelines

Title read:
Author:
Pages read:
Date completed:

Book report: Include basic plot summary, interesting characters, morals or things learned, and overall impressions of the book. Should be between 25-75 words.

Rate book: 0-5 stars (0=bad, 5=outstanding)

Also, list 10 words you read that were new to you, include the definition (brief) worth an extra 75 cents.

You should write daily in your journal, include progress or notes on your reading (or a word definition, or write about ideas, feelings, special events, etc.

Homeschoolbuzz.com Summer reading list for advanced 6th grade readers and up

*Means advanced level book for grades 9+
Hamlet By Shakespeare*, Shakespeare William (208 pages)
Romeo and Juliet By Shakespeare, William (280 pages)
Count of Monte Cristo* By Dumas, Alexander (608 pages)
Poems By Frost, Robert
Tales of Mystery and Imagination By Poe, Edgar Allen
Across Five Aprils By Hunt, Irene (192 pages)
The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman By Gaines, Ernest J. (272 pages)
The Story of King Arthur and His Knights By Pyle, Howard (300 pages)
Treasure Island By Stevenson, Robert Lewis (300 pages)
The Hound of the Baskervilles By Doyle, Sir Arthur Conan (190 pages)
A Boy’s War By Michell, David (170 pages)
Calico Captive By Speare, Elizabeth George (288 pages)
Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl* By Frank, Anne (300 pages)
Number the Stars By Lowry, Lois (137 pages)
Good-Bye, Mr. Chips, By Hilton, James (144 pages)
The Hawk That Dare Not Hunt by Day By Scott O’Dell
How Green Was My Valley* By Llewellyn, Richard (450 pages)
In His Steps By Sheldon, Charles M. (300 pages)
The Fellowship of the Ring (The Lord of the Rings, Part 1) J. R. R. Tolkien (432 pages)
The Two Towers (The Lord of the Rings, Book 2) By J. R. R. Tolkien (450 pages)
The Return of the King (The Lord of the Rings, Book 3) By Tolkien (544 pages)
Rascal by North, Sterling (190 pages)
The Miracle Worker by Gibson, William (128 pages)
The Moonstone* by Collins, Wilkie (528 pages)
An American Plague by Jim Murphy (176 pages)
Lincoln: A Photo-biography by Russell Freedman (160 pages)
The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood by Howard Pyle (331 pages)
Onion John by Joseph Krumgold (256 pages)
The Last of the Mohicans*(or other selections) by Cooper, James Fenimore (437 pages)
Gulliver’s Travels* by Swift, Jonathon (314 pages)
And Then There Were None* by Christie, Agatha (288 pages)
Watership Down* by Adams, Richard (500 pages)
Profiles in Courage* by Kennedy, JFK
Hunchback of Notre-Dame* by Hugo, Victor (480 pages)
Les Misérables* by Hugo, Victor (1,488 pages)
Ivanhoe* by Scott, Sir Walter (544 pages)
The Once and Future King* By White, T.H. (639 pages)
To Kill a Mockingbird* by Lee, Harper (336 pages)
King Solomon’s Mines* by Haggard, H. Rider (304 pages)
The Wolves of Willoughby Chase (The Wolves Chronicles) by Aiken, Joan (168 pages)
Old Yeller by Gipson, Fred (192 pages)
Gentle Ben by Walt Morey (192 pages)

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By Gary | Published June 16, 2008
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The Crucible

by Arthur Miller
Reading level: High School
Reviewed by Garrison and Kathy Davis
The Crucible

Below is an essay my son wrote on the Crucible. This is one of those books you’ll find on many “must read” high-school literature lists, and is a classic that has earned it’s place there. Who can forget John Proctor’s sacrifice for truth. Read more...

Posted at May 19 2012 12:45:05 |

The Pilgrim Adventure: Our America series Volume 1

by Susan Kilbride
Reading level: Ages 10 and up
Reviewed by Kathy Davis
The Pilgrim Adventure: Our America series Volume 1

Homeschooling mom and author Susan Kilbride has a new history series that is sure to spark your child's interest in learning about our Country's roots. Here's what she shared with me about this new title, and she generously includes a free unit study on pilgrims. Finn & Ginny’s parents are lost back in time, and the two young twins have decided to go back to early America to find them. Read more...

Posted at April 22 2012 14:13:56 |

Zero the Hero

by Joan Holub
Reading level: Ages 6 and up
Reviewed by Kathy Davis
Zero the Hero

A child's first exposure to math should be fun. Forget repetitive drills and boring worksheets. One of my favorite books I first used to teach my young boys the concept of counting was the M & M's Counting Book. It's a fun and yummy introduction to basic math. I'd get other colorful books from the library, anything creative and eye-catching would work for such an important concept. Read more...

Posted at February 29 2012 17:43:22 |

Fablehaven

by Brandon Mull
Reading level: Ages 12+
Reviewed by Benny Davis
Fablehaven

Siblings Kendra and Seth are sent to stay with their grandparents while their mother and father cruise the Caribbean. Disappointed not to be vacationing with them, the kids anticipate the 2 weeks will be drudgery. Contrary to their beliefs, when they arrive at their grandparents estate, they are surprised to find a tree house, swimming pool, and a gigantic playroom full of books and toys. What they don’t know is how many secrets await them. Read more...

Posted at February 04 2012 08:07:12 |

Mathematical Reasoning: Middle School Supplement

by Darin Beigie
Reading level: Ages 12 - 15
Reviewed by Kathy Davis
Mathematical Reasoning: Middle School Supplement

There are some kids who have an insatiable appetite and intense passion for mathematics. You may recognize the signs: cruising through math homework, A+ average, may watch extra math lectures, answers your questions with statistical probabilities, and looks for logic and reasoning themes in both games and reading material. If you see this love for math in your middle schooler, you’re likely on the look-out for puzzle books or supplements to keep your budding Archimedes challenged and happy. Read more...

Posted at January 21 2012 07:37:43 |

The Code Book

by Simon Singh
Reading level: Teen to adult
Reviewed by Garrison Davis
The Code Book

The Code Book is a nonfiction book on the history of code-makers and code-breakers. It starts out with the trial of Mary queen of Scotts--whether she lives or dies is determined entirely by queen Elizabeth’s code-masters. If they crack Mary’s code and see the messages she had been smuggling out of jail are plans for a rebellion, she’s as good as dead. The book recounts the captivating, historically accurate tale of the evolution of code. Read more...

Posted at January 14 2012 06:57:54 |

Homeschooling Your Struggling Learner

by Kathy Kuhl
Reading level: Parents
Reviewed by Kathy Davis
Homeschooling Your Struggling Learner

I have a struggling learner, and we had a tough 4th grade school year. Math was a chore. Writing was like medieval torture, and the basic rules of grammar might have well been a foreign language. It seemed as though everything I tried to teach my son ran out of him like water through a sieve. We needed help. When I heard Kathy Kuhl was speaking at our local homeschooling convention this past June, I knew I had to go and hear her talk. Read more...

Posted at October 31 2011 17:41:13 |

Chord Buddy

by Travis Perry
Reading level: All ages
Reviewed by Kathy Davis
Chord Buddy

I fell in love with the guitar when I was 12 years old and my romance flourished for over three decades. I still have the Martin Sigma Anniversary acoustic my parents bought me when I turned 16. I admit the first year of learning to play was touch and go - sore fingers, muffled sounds, buzzing strings. It seemed I would never produce anything that resembled music. Never one to give up easily, I persisted and eventually things clicked. Read more...

Posted at October 12 2011 17:50:07 |

The Ultimate Top Secret Guide to Taking Over the World

by Kenn Nesbitt
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Reviewed by Kathy Davis
The Ultimate Top Secret Guide to Taking Over the World

As soon as I read the title of this book I knew it would be just right for my 10-year-old reluctant reader. I toss him at least 3 different books a week – he'll read a chapter (if even that) and quickly loses interest. A typical boy, he likes video games, playing outdoors, staring out the window, eating candy, and scheming secret plots to take over the household. Household today. Country tomorrow, and I'm sure world domination is in his long-term plans. Read more...

Posted at August 07 2011 11:26:57 |

SAT ACT TOEFL: College Prep English Practice

by K. Tichenell
Reading level: 16 to adult
Reviewed by Kathy Davis
SAT ACT TOEFL: College Prep English Practice

Now that two of my boys are in high school, my ears are frequently tuned towards SAT information. When to take it? How many times? How critical is scoring well to future college placement? And finally, how should my sons best prepare? If you want to know the basics of the test, visit here. Should a high SAT score be your goal? Of course you want your student to do well, but the SAT is only one piece of the puzzle. Read more...

Posted at August 04 2011 19:21:51 |

Zondervan Bibles

by Zondervan publishing
Reading level: All ages
Reviewed by Kathy Davis
Zondervan Bibles

Zondervan recently sent me three of their new bibles - The Liberty, The Clutch, and The Bloom. Looking at them brought back memories of when I bought my first bible 30 years ago. I went to the only Christian bookstore in town in search of the perfect one. Even back then I was overwhelmed by the choices. Read more...

Posted at July 09 2011 08:20:29 |

Crypto Mind Benders: Famous Quotations

by Nile Duppstadt II
Reading level: Ages 3 - 12+
Reviewed by Kathy Davis
Crypto Mind Benders: Famous Quotations

The Critical Thinking Company has a vast selection of materials to both teach and allow application of reasoning and thinking skills. As I've mentioned before, I've used an array of their products over my past 10 years of homeschooling. I recently sampled their Crypto Mind Benders: Famous Quotations, a tool that specifically requires the use of deductive and mathematical reasoning skills. Read more...

Posted at June 18 2011 05:42:10 |

Bindi Wildlife Adventures Book 1: Trouble at the Zoo

by Bindi Irwin
Reading level: Ages 7 - 10
Reviewed by Kathy Davis
Bindi Wildlife Adventures Book 1: Trouble at the Zoo

Bindi Irwin, daughter of the late Steve Irwin (AKA The Crocodile Hunter), has followed in her father's footsteps with her desire to help endangered wildlife. She's been a busy young lady – staring in a TV show, designing her own fashion wear, traveling the world, and now she's the heroine of her own adventure book series. Read more...

Posted at May 14 2011 18:41:25 |

James Madison Critical Thinking Course

by William O'Meara and Daniel Flage
Reading level: Grades 7-12+
Reviewed by Kathy Davis

I am a huge fan of The Critical Thinking Company's products. Over the past 11 years of homeschooling I have used their Science Books 1 and 2, Editor in Chief, Building Thinking Skills, Mathematical Reasoning, and Mindbenders. When I heard about this new critical thinking course, I was anxious to review it. If you need convincing about why you should teach (or you yourself learn) critical thinking skills, click here. Read more...

Posted at May 07 2011 07:00:43 |

Science Unit Studies for Homeschoolers and Teachers

by Susan Kilbride
Reading level: Ages 4 - 13
Reviewed by Kathy Davis
Science Unit Studies for Homeschoolers and Teachers

This collection of fun science lessons and activities are designed to offer hands on experiments that will satisfy the curious nature of children, while making it easier for parents to teach science. Kids love to pour, measure, taste, alter, and explore their environment. If you can direct their experimentation to teach a concept, then you are more likely to help them remember the material. Read more...

Posted at April 30 2011 06:08:07 |

...and now this