Kindle Deals for February 26, 2020
Today's Best Book Deals for Your Homeschool
(Prices are correct as of the time of writing, but y'all know sales move fast — check before you click the buy button! These are Amazon links — read more about how we use affiliate links to help support some of the costs of the HSL blog here.)
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Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men, by Caroline Criado Perez, $2.99. Without a doubt, this is the most important book I read in 2019. Even in the 21st Century, most researchers do not collect data on women, or they average the data of women and men. This means that car safety features, medications, and even urban planning fail to adequately meet women’s needs. This book is fascinating and, frankly, infuriating. This is a must read.
El Deafo, by CeCe Bell, $2.99. Being different isn't always easy. When Cece Bell loses her hearing, she has to learn how to navigate the world in all new ways, including wearing a cutting-edge 1970s hearing aid and figuring out how to make friends when she can't always hear what people are saying—or when she hears too much. Cece is a likable, friendly character, and her story—part memoir, part graphic novel—is one that almost every middle schooler can relate to. This is one of the graphic novels designed specifically for the Kindle, so you don't have to worry about weird formatting issues.
Hollywood Black: The Stars, The Films, The Filmmakers, by Donald Bogle, $3.99. This big, picture-filled book highlights 100 years of African Americans in the filmmaking business. You are sure to discover (or rediscover) amazing movies and stories from behind the scenes.
STILL ON SALE
Pocket Companion to Narnia: A Magical Guide to the World of C.S. Lewis, by Paul F. Ford, $4.99. The world of Narnia spans many generations and dozens of characters. This small volume offers an alphabetical listing of places, people, events, and more. The handy reference will help the both Narnia-lovers and newbies to keep all the details straight.
Nimona, by Noelle Stevenson, $1.99. I’ve loved everything Noelle Stevenson has created. She does an excellent job of creating complex, brave female characters. Nimona is a shape-shifter who is the assistant to a supervillain, Lord Blackheart. Together, they set off to prove that the local “heroes” aren’t so wonderful after all. If you love graphic novels, unusual heroines, or fantasy, this book is for you.
March Forward, Girl: From Young Warrior to Little Rock Nine, by Melba Pattillo Beals, $2.99. This middle-grade memoir will give kids a first-hand account of the Civil Rights Movement and what it felt like to be a part of the first desegregation efforts. From the publisher: “Long before she was one of the Little Rock Nine, Melba Pattillo Beals was a warrior. Frustrated by the laws that kept African-Americans separate but very much unequal to whites, she had questions. Why couldn’t she drink from a "whites only" fountain? Why couldn’t she feel safe beyond home—or even within the walls of church? Adults all told her: Hold your tongue. Be patient. Know your place. But Beals had the heart of a fighter—and the knowledge that her true place was a free one. Combined with emotive drawings and photos, this memoir paints a vivid picture of Beals’ powerful early journey on the road to becoming a champion for equal rights, an acclaimed journalist, a best-selling author, and the recipient of this country’s highest recognition, the Congressional Gold Medal.”
A Friend for Henry, by Jenn Bailey, $1.99. Henry sees the world a bit differently from many kids, and he worries about making friends. This sweet picture book about new beginnings never mentions autism by name in the text, though Henry’s thought patterns and sensory sensitivities fit that description. Share this book with the small people in your life.
Math Magic: How to Master Everyday Math Problems, by Scott Flansburg, $1.99. Is there someone in your life who is a little math-phobic? This book may help by offering a fresh perspective and some tricks for making calculations easier. Topics include addition, fractions, multiplication, cube roots, tax and tips, and even a little bit of algebra. The tone is geared toward older kids and adults who need a confidence boost.
Under Rose-Tainted Skies, by Louise Gornall, $2.99. This novel’s heroine has challenges not often seen in YA literature, and I’m excited to read it. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Norah has agoraphobia and OCD. When groceries are left on the porch, she can’t step out to get them. Struggling to snag the bags with a stick, she meets Luke. He’s sweet and funny, and he just caught her fishing for groceries. Because of course he did. Norah can’t leave the house, but can she let someone in? As their friendship grows deeper, Norah realizes Luke deserves a normal girl. One who can lie on the front lawn and look up at the stars. One who isn’t so screwed up. Readers themselves will fall in love with Norah in this poignant, humorous, and deeply engaging portrait of a teen struggling to find the strength to face her demons.”
I’m Not Dying With You Tonight, by Kimberly Jones and Gilly Segal, $2.99. Two girls from very different backgrounds are thrown together when violence erupts in their city. The fast-paced story enfolds over one dangerous night, and the alternating narrator format allows issues of race and privilege to be addressed without feeling manipulative. Appropriate for high school students.
Front Desk, by Kelly Yang, $4.99. My daughter and I loved this book so much. When 10-year-old Mia’s family takes a job managing a motel, they quickly discover that the owner expects lots of work for very little pay. Determined to take some of the burden off of her parents, Mia takes on front desk duty when she comes home from school. Soon, Mia is keeping lots of secrets — the needy immigrants that her parents are hiding in unused hotel rooms, the reasons she can’t hang out with friends after school, and even her secret dream of becoming a writer. Grab this one now! The sequel is coming out later this year.
Well-Read Black Girl, by Glory Edim, $4.99. This anthology looks awesome. From the publisher: “Remember that moment when you first encountered a character who seemed to be written just for you? That feeling of belonging remains with readers the rest of their lives—but not everyone regularly sees themselves in the pages of a book. In this timely anthology, Glory Edim brings together original essays by some of our best black women writers to shine a light on how important it is that we all—regardless of gender, race, religion, or ability—have the opportunity to find ourselves in literature.”
Bellwether Rhapsody, by Kate Racculia, $2.99. Bellwether Rhapsody has won an ALEX award, which is given to a book that is written for adults but has special appeal for readers from ages 12 to 18. This twisty tale of a group of high school musicians snowed in at a hotel with a mysterious past will entertain readers young and old.
How Plants Work: The Science Behind the Amazing Things Plants Do, by Linda Chalker-Scott, $1.99. This book is designed for gardeners, but it is full of interesting information even if you have more of a black thumb than a green one. Chalker-Scott is an expert in plant physiology, and instead of just giving gardening advice (when to plant, where to prune, etc.), she uses her knowledge to explain why each practice matters.
Conversations with Myself, by Nelson Mandela, $3.99. This collection of private writing by Nelson Mandela includes excerpts from his journals, drafts of speeches, notes from important conversations, and more. The documents span Mandela’s career and offer a glimpse into the personal, human side of a tremendous public figure.
Foundations of Comic Book Art: Fundamental Tool and Techniques for Sequential Artists, by John Paul Lowe, $4.99. If you or your child has been looking for a truly in-depth guide to comic book creation, this is the text you need. Lowe covers all the steps in the creation process, from sketching to storyboarding to digitizing with copious illustrations and examples.
The Brave Learner, by Julie Bogart, $4.99. It’s rare to find a deal on a book about homeschooling, particularly a book that I actually love. Julie Bogart is the encouraging mentor and friend every homeschooling parent needs. In The Brave Learner, Bogart expands the principles of her Brave Writer language arts program to offer suggestions for creating a joyful and child-centered homeschooling life in all subjects. Let Julie inspire you to bring enchantment into your education.
The Oregon Trail: The Race to Chimney Rock, by Jesse Wiley, $2.99. It’s time to introduce the magical 80s computer game The Oregon Trail to a younger generation, this time as a choose-you-own-adventure novel series! Upper elementary kids will love these historical adventures. And don’t worry, just like in the computer games, most of the choices still end in death.
Get Up, Stand Up, by Bob Marley and Cedella Marley, $1.99. This beautiful picture book combines the words of Bob Marley’s classic song with lovely illustrations that tell a story of bullying and friendship. Though intended for the very young, this book would be a great book to get older kids talking about the power of music or the ways pictures can tell a story.
Unseen: Unpublished Black History from The New York Times Photo Archives, by Dana Canedy, Damien Cave, Rachel L. Swarns, and Darcy Eveleigh, $3.99. News is being made all around us, but not every story makes it into the printed record of history. New York Times photo editor Darcy Eveleigh discovered dozens of unprinted photos in the newspaper’s archives. With the help of her colleagues, Eveleigh researched the context of these photos and brought new stories to light. You’ll find unseen sides of familiar faces and entirely new tales from history.
Aerial Geology, by Mary Caperton Morton, $2.99. Have you ever looked out the windows of an airplane and marveled at the shapes of the land below? This book visits remarkable places in North America from above to show how geologic concepts are written in the surface of the earth. Written for adults but easily accessible to interested children, this book is a great jumping off point for a deeper study of earth science. Definitely view the pictures on a full-color screen, if possible, or consider splurging on the gorgeous hardcover.
Betty Before X, by Ilyasah Shabazz and Renee Watson, $2.99. This book, which was featured in several Best Children’s Books of 2018 lists, tells a story of the Civil Rights movement through the eyes of Malcolm X’s daughter, Betty. The 11-year-old’s unique perspective will help middle-grade readers engage with the historical details in a deeper way.
The Periodic Table: A Field Guide to the Elements, by Paul Parsons and Gail Dixon, $3.99. This vibrant and careful guide to all the elements in the periodic table will intrigue budding chemists and anyone who wants to understand how things work. Lots of vivid illustrations of the elements in their various forms round out the dense but accessible text.
And Still I Rise: Black America Since MLK, by Henry L. Gates and Kevin M. Burke, $2.99. Harvard Professor Henry Louis Gates considers the highs and lows of Black History in the last 50 years. This book is a companion to a compelling PBS series and is full of engaging pictures.
The Cooking Gene: A Journey Through African American Culinary History in the Old South, by Michael W. Twitty, $1.99. Whether you love Southern cooking or know nothing about it, you will definitely be interested what Twitty has to say. As he tells the story of how traditional cuisine developed, he takes on slavery, racism, class, and religion.
A Weird and Wild Beauty: The Story of Yellowstone, The World’s First National Park, by Erin Peabody, $1.99. Yellowstone is a place like few others in the world, and this book traces its fascinating history. This book, aimed at teens to adults, covers the park’s discovery, the protection act that created the first national park, and the science and nature that make Yellowstone so unique. Copious historical and current photos enhance the reading experience.
Lintang and the Pirate Queen, by Tamara Moss, $2.99. This middle-grade fantasy novel is perhaps better known in Australia, where it was initially published. I love all the strong female characters. Here’s how the publisher describes it: “Lintang is an island girl who longs for daring and danger. When she meets the feared pirate Captain Shafira and her all-female crew, Lintang is determined to join them. Secrets within secrets, life-or-death battles with spectacular monsters, and hair’s breadth escapes keep readers turning the pages of a story populated by women of color who are fighters, adventurers, and leaders.”
How to Read Poetry Like a Professor: A Quippy and Sonorous Guide to Verse, by Thomas C. Foster, $1.99. Poetry doesn’t have to be intimidating. This guide to understanding the meanings of poems will help teens and adults find the beauty in verse. Along the way, Foster introduces and explains all the language scholars use to talk about poetry — meter, figurative language, rhyme structure, and more.
Josephine: The Dazzling Life of Josephine Baker, by Patricia Hruby Powell and Christian Robinson, $1.99. This lovely children’s biography of Josephine Baker covers both her performance career and her civil rights work. It is written in a jazz-style poetry that calls to mind the 1920s. The simple, vivid illustrations won the Coretta Scott King Honor distinction.
Science in Seconds: 200 Key Concepts Explained in an Instant, by Hazel Muir, $1.99. This illustrated guide to scientific concepts explains everything from thermodynamics to the Doppler effect. It’s an excellent resource for when you need a refresher or a way to answer a homework question.
In Progress: Seeing Inside a Lettering Artist’s Sketchbook and Process, from Pencil to Vector, by Jessica Hische, $2.99. I love to learn about how things are made, and this peek into a lettering artist’s work process is really fascinating to me. This is a great introduction to the terminology, tools, and business of lettering. You’ll enjoy this look behind the scenes even if you, like me, have no talent for fancy handwriting.
Super Graphic: A Visual Guide to the Comic Book Universe, by Tim Leong, $1.99. If you love comic books, this is the book for you. If you know very little about superheroes but enjoy infographics, this is also the book for you. Tim Leong breaks down the world of superheroes and supervillians by color, geographic area, height, weight, and more.
Binti, by Nnedi Okorafor, $1.99. This sci-fi novella introduces an exciting new universe. Binti, a Himba tribeswoman, is the first of her people to gain admission to a galactic university. Against her family’s wishes, she leaves her desert home to pursue higher education. A disaster on her transport ship has profound impacts on Binti’s future. This book is beautifully written and a whirlwind of activity. It’s short, but it packs a punch.
How to Draw Fantasy Art and RPG Maps: Step by Step Cartography for Gamers and Fans, by Jared Blando, $4.99. I’m a big fan of meeting kids where they are to sneak in some meaningful learning. In creating a fantasy world and building an accurate map, budding cartographers will have a crash course in geography. The book offers good starting points for discussion of geographic features, cities and transportation, political history, and heraldry. The excellent and varied illustrations break the complex process into manageable steps.
Enlightenment Now, by Steven Pinker, $1.99. This is a great deal on a massive, informative book, so snap it up! It is very easy to get stuck in thinking about all of the problems and disasters facing the modern world. Pinker uses meticulous sociological research to show that human conditions have been steadily improving since the Enlightenment. Far from resting on laurels, Pinker encourages readers to continue embracing reason and science to defend the world against the ever-encroaching tribalism, demagoguery, and fatalism that also seem to be a persistent part of human nature.
Paperback Crush, by Gabrielle Moss, $2.99. Calling all women in their thirties and forties! Did you go through a horse book phase in middle school? Did you morbidly rubberneck the doomed romances of terminally ill teens? This book is a love letter to the mass market teen paperbacks of the 1980s and 1990s. Revisit the extremely specific genres of books you loved but have probably forgotten.
A Crazy-Much Love, by Joy Jordan-Lake, $1.99. This sweet picture book tells the story of an international adoption and many milestones that follow in a young girl’s family.
George, by Alex Gino, $3.99. George may look like a boy, but she knows she is really a girl. Determined to win the role of Charlotte in her school play of Charlotte’s Web, she sets out to make sure everyone else can see her the way she sees herself. Books that address the experiences of transgender tweens are rare, and this one does it well, so snag it for your middle-grade reader.
Challenge Accepted! 253 Steps to Becoming an Anti-It Girl, by Celeste Barber, $1.99. You may have seen Australian actor and comedian Celeste Barber’s hilarious Instagram photos attempting to copy ridiculous celebrity poses. If you’re interested in her take on childbirth, what it’s like to share so much of her life on the internet, body image, and more, this book is a breezy, laugh-out-loud read. Note: If you are squeamish about crude language, this may not be the book for you.
The Blue Sword, by Robin McKinley, $1.99. From our Adventure and Suspense reading list: Orphaned girl Harry Crewe is living a perfectly ordinary life — until the day she is kidnapped by the king of the Hillfolk to fulfill a destiny she never imagined. Is Harry really a true warrior who can wield the legendary blue sword? And even if she is, will she believe in herself enough to seize her fate?
Waiting, by Kevin Henkes, $1.99. This sweet picture book captures the emotional essence of childhood. Five toys sit by a window, each waiting for something different to happen. Simple, but resonant text and warm illustrations make this a delightful read.
The Stuff of Thought: Language as a Window into Human Nature, by Steven Pinker, $4.99. This book is fascinating and long. I bought it when I couldn’t finish my library copy in time (and I wanted to be able to refer to it again). Word nerds and anthropology fans will love this genre mashup. Find out what the words people use for swearing, humor, and metaphor say about us as human beings.
From the Corner of the Oval, by Beck Dorey-Stein, $4.99. This dishy political memoir describes the Obama White House from an unusual perspective, that of one of his twenty-something stenographers. Dorey-Stein came to the job with no political experience and got thrown into the deep end. The New York Times called this “Bridget Jones goes to the White House” — how can you pass that up?
Inside Out and Back Again, by Thanhha Lai, $1.99. From our big immigration stories reading list (winter 2017): “When Hà’s family flees Vietnam to escape the war there, she finds it difficult to adjust to a very different kind of life in Alabama. Told in spare, simple verse, this book packs an emotional wallop and allows kids to slip inside the first person experience of being a stranger in a strange land.”
This Book is Grey, by Lindsay Ward, $1.99. The other colors aren’t always friendly to Grey, and he just wants to fit in. He decides to make his own book of awesome things that are grey (hippos, clouds, kittens, etc.), but the other colors are not so enthusiastic. This is a story about fitting in, being true to yourself, and a little bit of color theory.