Kindle Deals for July 7, 2021
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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Secret Lives of the Great Composers, by Elizabeth Lunday, $1.99. Discover a new side of some of the most famous names in music history! The short biographies of everyone from Bach to Berlioz are never boring. Note: Some of thes stories are PG-13. These composers got up to some wild adventures.
How Music Works: The Science and Psychology of Beautiful Sounds, from Beethoven to the Beatles and Beyond, by John Powell, $1.99. From the publisher: “What makes a musical note different from any other sound? How can you tell if you have perfect pitch? Why do ten violins sound only twice as loud as one? Do your Bob Dylan albums sound better on CD vinyl? John Powell, a scientist and musician, answers these questions and many more in How Music Works, an intriguing and original guide to acoustics. In a clear and engaging voice, Powell leads you on a fascinating journey through the world of music, with lively discussions of the secrets behind harmony timbre, keys, chords, loudness, musical composition, and more. From how musical notes came to be (you can thank a group of stodgy men in 1939 London for that one), to how scales help you memorize songs, to how to make an oboe from a drinking straw, John Powell distills the science and psychology of music with wit and charm.“
All Summer Long, by Hope Larson, $2.99. I love the recent proliferation of middle-grade graphic novels that take on the complications of tween/teen friendships. Bina has always hung out with Austin, but this year he is off to soccer camp. Stuck at home, she finds herself spending more time with Austin’s sister and her musical friends. Will things be werid when Austin comes home? This charming story is full of heart… and rock!
The Classical Music Book, by DK Publishing, $1.99. This book is overflowing with music history information. Inside, you’ll find details about famous (and less famous) composers, instruments, musical styles, and much much more.
STILL ON SALE
The Silence of Bones, by June Hur, $2.99. I love the way good fiction can transport you to a totally unfamiliar time. This YA book, set in 1800s Korea, opens up a new world. Seol is a young orphan indentured to the police bureau as an assistant. When her boss becomes the prime suspect in the murder of a noblewoman, it is up to Seol to find out what really happened.
Nicola and the Viscount, by Meg Cabot, $1.99. Meg Cabot, who you may know from The Princess Diaries, is back with a historical YA romance. Here’s the publisher’s description: “Nicola Sparks, sixteen and an orphan, is ready to dive headlong into her first glittering London society season. She's also ready to dive headlong into the arms of handsome and debonair Lord Sebastian Bartholomew. Nicola's dream is a proposal from the viscount—a dream she's about to realize at last! So naturally, Nathaniel Sheridan's insinuations about her fiancé's flawed character annoy her mightily. But when Nicola's natural curiosity gets the best of her, she begins to piece together a few things for herself. To her great surprise, Nicola realizes she's had the wrong viscount all along . . . but is it too late to make things right?”
My Lady Jane, by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, Jodi Meadows, $1.99. Amy reviewed this one a couple of years ago: “Come to this wild and weird YA historical fantasy expected a rollicking tale and lots of laughs, not historical accuracy, and you’re pretty much guaranteed an enjoyable read. Almost everyone knows the sad story of England’s nine-day queen, but this book gives her a shot an actual happy ending—if Monty Python decided to write an alternate Tudor history, this might just be the result. Fun and frothy in all the best ways.”
Nobody’s Secret, by Michela MacColl, $0.99. This historical mystery has a surprising heroine — a 15-year-old Emily Dickinson! When Emily encounters a mysterious stranger, she is intrigued and begins a bit of flirtation. When that same stranger turns up dead in her pond, Emily is determined to discover who he was and how he ended up dead.
The American Spirit: Who We Are and What We Stand For, by David McCullough, $3.99. David McCullough is a distinguished historian who has made speeches all over the world. This speech collection reflects upon the American identity and historical events that have shaped who we are. His thoughts are hopeful but not idealized; he acknowledges the highs and lows of American history.
Lost States: True Stories of Texlahoma, Transylvania, and Other States That Never Made It, by Michael J. Trinklein, $3.99. This is another odd history book to round out your American History or geography studies. Our current 50 states were not the only borders and territories proposed, but the others just didn’t work out. Lost States explains why with fascinating stories from history.
Signing Their Rights Away: The Fame and Misfortune of the Men Who Signed the United States Constitution, by Denise Kiernan and Joseph D’Agnese, $2.99. Get to know the Founding Fathers in this collection of short biographies. There are famous names, for sure, but you are certain to discover people you have never encountered before in this comprehensive collection. The short chapters (one for each signer) are written in a light and engaging tone.
Her Right Foot, by Dave Eggers, $2.99. This beautiful picture book takes a look at the history of the Statue of Liberty. More than that, Eggers uses the statue to address the inherent freedoms that form the basis of American culture and government. Shawn Harris’s mixed-media illustrations are simple but visually interesting.
It Came from the Sky, by Chelsea Sedoti, $1.99. UFOs have been in the news a lot recently, so it seemed the perfect time to share this interesting YA novel about an alien sighting that was not as it seemed. When Gideon’s science experiment goes very wrong, he makes a quick decision to blame the damage on aliens. Unexpectedly, everyone believes him and he finds himself taking big risks to keep the hoax from imploding. How will he get himself out of this mess? The story is peppered with epistolary segments from blog posts, text messages, interviews, and other documents.
Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock, by Matthew Quick, $1.99. Leonard has big plans for his 18th birthday. He’s going to go to school and shoot the former friend who has become his bully. Before he can do that, though, he needs to give out gifts and explanations to the few people in his life who have made a difference. Will any of them be able to stop him from carrying out his plan? This book takes on very challenging content with hope and heart. Content warnings for violence and suicide.
City Signs, by Zoran Milich, $3.99. Help your child get to know the words they might find around a city! The only text in this book is found on the signs themselves, but flipping through the photos is an excellent starting point for conversations about all the workers, transportation, and businesses you can find in an urban environment.
The Sketchbook Project World Tour, by Steven Peterman and Sara Elands Peterman, $3.99. A few years ago, a museum in Brooklyn encouraged people of all ages and abilities around the world to send in sketchbooks for an art library. More than 30,000 people submitted work. This book collects some of the most interesting art from every continent. The works range from detailed portraits to urban landscapes to still life studies. This collection is full of amazing art and fascinating peeks at life in very different parts of the world.
DK Readers: Homes Around the World, by Max Moore, $2.99. This level 1 reader will takes kids around the world to visit houses on stilts, in caves, and high up in trees. As always, DK’s gorgeous photo illustrations bring each setting to life.
The Sun is a Compass: My 4,000-Mile Journey Into the Alaskan Wilds, by Caroline Van Hemert, $4.49. Caroline Van Hemert is an ornithologist who was feeling frustrated with how much time she was spending in the lab. Determined to get back in touch with nature, she decided to take a massive trip, by boat and on foot, through the wilderness of Alaska. She approaches her journey with an adventurer’s spirit and a biologist’s eye for details in the world around her.
Science in Seconds: 200 Key Concepts Explained in an Instant, by Hazel Muir, $4.99. Looking for a quick explainer on, well, just about any major science concept? This book has got you covered. Muir has collected diagrams and short descriptions of black holes, gravity, surface tension, and dozens more topics.
Science Wide Open: Women in Physics, by Mary Wissinger, $2.99. I’m really impressed with this picture book. A curious girl asks questions about the world (e.g., “Why do things fall down?”), and the book answers each question with factual information about science and the women who contributed to each discovery. If you like this one, you might consider the other books in the series!
Ms. Adventure: My Wild Explorations in Science, Lava, and Life, by Jess Phoenix, $1.99. I was introduced to Jess Phoenix on the awesome Ologies podcast. She’s a volcanologist who has traveled the world to study the natural world. She’s had amazing adventures! This book combines memoir with science for an enlightening and fun reading experience.
Eels: An Exploration, From New Zealand to the Sargasso, of the World’s Most Mysterious Fish, by James Prosek, $1.99. Get ready for a microhistory of an unusual fish. The only place I regularly encounter eel these days it in sushi, but eels are a vital part of the diet in many places around the world. Prosek looks at eel biology, geography, and history in this detailed book.
What If You Had Animal Feet? by Sandra Markle, $2.99. How would your life be different if you had animal feet? Would you climb walls? Balance on tiny ledges? The books in this series are full of fascinating facts about the animal kingdom, but what really sets them apart are the weird and wonderful illustrations imagining kids with animal features.
The Science of Spice: Understand Flavor Connections and Revolutionize Your Cooking, by Stuart Farrimond, $1.99. If you enjoy cooking or science, this book is going to be a thrill. Farrimond has built a periodic table of spices based on their chemical properties. He then explains which spices pair well together, and how their molecular structures impact flavor. It’s a DK book, so there are dozens of gorgeous photos and diagrams to illustrate. The book ends with a collection of uniquely spiced recipes from around the world.
Handy Dad: 25 Awesome Projects for Dads and Kids, by Todd Davis, $2.99. What’s better than active fun with your kids? Working with your kids to make the equipment you need for the active fun. This book is full of exciting projects ranging from simple (e.g. slip and slide) to complicated (e.g. bike jump ramp). Helpful diagrams and photos will guide you through the process.
Tomorrow Most Likely, by Dave Eggers, $1.99. It may be time for bed, but one little boy’s thoughts are all about what the next day will bring. Follow his trains of thought about the sights, sounds, and smells he may discover when he wakes up. This simple, hopeful book is perfect for bedtime.
Rain Brings Frogs: A Little Book of Hope, by Maryann Cocca-Leffler, $2.99. Nate is a kid who sees things in his own special way. When faced with a setback or shortage, Nate finds something to be proud or hopeful about. The illustrations are adorable, and the message of simple gratitude is useful.
The OK Book, by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, $2.99. Amy Krouse Rosenthal is one of my absolute favorite children’s authors. Her books are full of wit and warmth, and The OK Book is no exception. OK is a character (created by the letters O and K turn on their side) who likes to try a lot of things, even things that don’t come naturally. OK assures readers that it’s good to be OK at lots of things, and that trying things is how you discover what will make you great.
Seeing Gender: An Illustrated Guide to Identity and Expression, by Iris Gottlieb, $2.99. Gender expression is so widely varied, and is has changed throughout history. Queer author Iris Gottlieb has done a fantastic job of breaking down gender theory for a teen audience, complete with useful illustrations.
Binti: The Complete Trilogy, by Nnedi Okorafor, $4.99. This sci-fi novella collection 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 collects all three Binti novellas, following Binti from her first voyage to university through Binti’s unique path to bringing peace to ancient enemies. I absolutely tore through these books, and I’m delighted that they are all packaged together.
Sleeping Giants, by Sylvain Neuvel, $3.99. I love a good epistolary novel. It’s fascinating to watch a plot come together from a collection of documents. Sleeping Giants is the first in a series about the discovery of an enormous metal hand buried underground. Where did it come from? What does it mean?
My Alien Parents, by R.L. Stine, $3.99. If you were born within 10 years of me, the name R.L. Stine probably sends a little shiver down your spine. He has been writing creepy books for kids and teens for decades. Introduce the next generation to the thrills and chills with this short, fun story about a kid who is convinced his parents are secretly aliens.
Voyage of the Dogs, by Greg van Eekhout, $1.99. It’s dogs! In space! The “Barkonauts” are initially in space as companions/assistants to the humans, but when everything starts to go wrong, it is up to the dogs to save the day. Middle grade readers who love dogs or sci-fi adventure will get a kick out of the premise.
Drum Roll, Please, by Lisa Jenn Bigelow, $1.99. I love the recent increase in middle grade books about kids beginning to consider their sexual orientation and experiences first crushes. There are plenty of books about older kids coming out and having relationships, and it is nice to see a normalization of LGBTQ+ identity in the younger ages. In Drum Roll, Please, 12-year-old Melly is off to summer music camp in the midst of big changes with her family and friends. She is not expecting to develop a crush on another girl! Can she find the confidence she needs to rock out in both music and life?
Like a Love Story, by Abdi Nazemian, $1.99. I’m not entirely sure how I feel about labeling books that take place in the late 80s as historical fiction, but that does seem to be the best category for this queer YA story. The plot follows three teens, one gay and out, one gay and closeted, and one straight and in love with someone who can’t love her back in the same way. Set in New York during the height of the AIDS crisis, Like a Love Story would make a great pairing for the musical Rent.
Asian-Americans Who Inspire Us, by Analiza Quiroz Wolf, $2.99. This picture book profiles 16 people who have done tremendous things in a wide variety of fields (sports, politics, activism, music). The illustrations really set this book apart. Unlike many biography collections, each person has several images accompanying the text.
The Jumbies, by Tracey Baptiste, $1.99. This is another mythology-based book, but grounded in Haitian folklore. Corinne doesn’t believe that jumbies, tricksters that live in the forest, are real. But when a mysterious woman arrives in her town, it is up to Corinne to save the entire island from being taken over by jumbies. This spooky, action-packed adventure will appeal to middle grade readers.
Rags and Bones: New Twists on Timeless Tales, edited by Melissa Marr and Tim Pratt, $1.99. This fascinating short story collection reimagines classic stories in new genres. Big names in YA literature (e.g., Neil Gaiman, Garth Nix) have contributed stories to the collection. Some of the stories that provide original inspiration are obscure but worthy of exploration in their own right. Use this collection as a springboard for further literary explrations!
The Humane Gardener: Nurturing a Backyard Habitat for Wildlife, by Nancy Lawson, $2.99. My family absolutely loves watching all the creatures who share our yard. I’ve had to stop my husband from leaving out meat for the foxes, but in general I am very interested in encouraging creatures to feel at home. If you’d like to increase your odds of seeing adorable baby animals, take Nancy Lawson’s advice on creating favorable areas for nests and dens!
Girls Garage: How to Use Any Tool, Tackle Any Project, and Build the World You Want to See, by Emily Pilloton, $2.99. Emily Pilloton is on a mission to bring building skills to women and girls. It can feel daunting to get started with power tools, and there’s a certain degree of assumed knowledge in many DIY manuals. This book starts with the very basics of tool names and how to use them, then proceeds to some unique and fun projects.
Stay Gold, by Tobly McSmith, $4.99. This one has only been out for a couple of weeks, so I haven’t had a chance to read it yet, but the reviews look really promising. Pony is a transgender boy who is trying to keep a low profile at his new school, but when he meets Georgia, things do not unfold as planned. Be advised, there’s a lot of tough stuff in the book, including strained relationships with parents, thoughts of suicide, and transphobic bullying.
What Can I Be? STEM Careers from A to Z, by Tiffani Teachey, $2.99. This short and sweet book highlights a wide variety of STEM careers. There is not a lot of detail about each field, but this would make an excellent jumping off point for further research. I particularly appreciate the ethnic and gender diversity in the illustrations. Every kid will find someone who looks like them within the pages.
Let’s Meet a Construction Worker, by Bridget Heos, $4.99. This is only one in a series of short books introducing community helpers of all sorts. Fun cartoon-style illustrations accompany interesting information about construction machinery, safety procedures, and more.
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.”
Moo, by Sharon Creech, $3.99. Reena’s family moves to Maine in the middle of the summer, and she and her brother don’t know anyone. She’s looking forward to exploring her new surroundings, but her parents arrange for Reena and her brother to work on an elderly neighbor’s farm. Creech tells the story of a summer of animal mishaps and cow appreciation in entertaining verse.
National Geographic Kids: Bees, by Laura Marsh, $4.99. This level two reader is suitable for kids who can read short paragraphs. Bright photo illustrations highlight bees’ anatomy, role in the ecosystem, life cycle, and many other topics.
Insects: By the Numbers, by Steve Jenkins, $3.99. You may be familiar with Steve Jenkins awesome nature books and his signature cut-paper illustration style. This book is part of a series pitched at slightly older kids and just jam-packed with facts. You’ll learn all about insect anatomy, habitats, and behavior in this fun book. Jenkins provides an excellent introduction to infographics for young readers.
A Butterfly is Patient, by Dianna Hutts Aston, $0.99. I’ve featured other book by Aston in the Kindle deals, and they are all great. Sylvia Long’s gorgeous illustrations bring the world of butterflies to life. You’ll learn about all the phases in the life cycle of a butterfly in detailed and evocative text.
Small Wonders: Jean-Henri Fabre and His World of Insects, by Matthew Clark Smith, $3.99. Fabre is one of the most famous naturalists in history. His interest started when he was a small child fascinated by moths, wasps, and other insects. Instead of merely collecting and dissecting them, Fabre was among the first to study insect behavior in the natural environment.
Let’s Build, by Sue Fliess, $0.99. In this fun rhyming book, a dad and son work together to build an excellent fort. The story follows the building process from initial plants to shopping for supplies to finished project. The author has put together an activity guide with some fun building projects.
DK Readers: Amazing Buildings, by Kate Hayden, $2.99. Inspire your little architects! DK’s vast library of photos is put to great use in this book, with illustrations of everything from the pyramids to Sydney Opera House. Kids will appreciate details on how these buildings were designed and built. Perfect for the curious early reader.
Welcome to the United States of Anxiety: Observations from a Reforming Neurotic, by Jen Lancaster, $1.99. Jen Lancaster is a witty writer, an anxious person, and a keen observer of American culture. This book is part memoir, part self-help, as Lancaster talks about the methods that have helped her manage her anxiety. She’s funny and doesn’t take anything too seriously, which can be both a good thing and a bad thing at times.
This is a Book for Parents of Gay Kids: A Question and Answer Guide to Everyday Life, by Dannielle Owens-Reid and Kristin Russo, $2.99. This book is on the older side (from—gasp—2014), and the discourse about sexuality and gender expression has shifted somewhat over the last decade. I’ve read a sample, and the questions and answers seem straightforward and compassionate towards both kids and parents.
Merriam-Webster’s Rhyming Dictionary, $4.74. If you’ve ever felt stumped in finding the right rhyme for a poem or song, you’ll appreciate this handy reference book. Entries are listed by vowel sound (e.g., “ack” with tack, wrack, humpback, etc.). The search function in your e-reader or app will help to find exactly what you are looking for.
I Could Pee on This: And Other Poems By Cats, by Francesco Marciuliano, $1.99. There are poems about pets, and then there are poems written from the perspective of the pets! This collection of very funny poems is all about what goes on inside a cat’s head. Cat lovers will be delighted by verses that feel equally absurd and true.
Who Swallowed Harold? And Other Poems About Pets, by Susan Pearson, $0.99. There are 18 poems in the collection, featuring both common and unusual pets. The illustrations are vivid and hilarious.
The Poem That Will Not End, by Joan Bransfield Grantham, $0.99. This book is so clever! It’s a story in verse about a boy who can’t stop writing poetry. Hijinks ensue, and along the way, kids will learn about many forms of poetry. There are examples of 15 poetic forms, with a handy reference section in the back.
Star Wars: From a Certain Point of View, by various authors, $4.99. What happens when you ask 40 big-time authors to write a Star Wars short story? You get this fun and fascinating collection that retells major events in Star Wars from the perspective of supporting characters. You’ll find out what was going on in Aunt Beru’s mind as Luke headed off, all you ever wanted to know about the creature in the trash compactor, and more. This is a must for any big Star Wars fan, but it’s also an interesting read for anyone who is intrigued by more than one way to tell a story.
The Myth Awakens: Canon, Conservatism, and Fan Reception of Star Wars, edited by Ken Derry and John C. Lyden, $2.99. I’ve seen several books about the science and psychology of Star Wars, but this is the first I’ve found that discusses religion, both within the Star Wars universe and in contemporary world of the viewers. Here’s the publisher’s description: “The trailers for Star Wars: The Force Awakens made a strong impression on fans. Many were excited by what they saw as a return to the spirit of George Lucas's 1977 creation. Others--including several white supremacy groups--were upset and offended by key differences, most notably the shift away from a blond, blue-eyed, male protagonist. When the film was finally released, reactions similarly seemed to hinge on whether or not The Force Awakens renewed the "mythic" aspects of the original trilogy in ways that fans approved of. The Myth Awakens examines the religious implications of this phenomenon, considering the ways in which myth can function to reinforce ‘traditional’ social and political values. In their analyses the authors of this book reflect on fan responses in relation to various elements of (and changes to) the Star Wars canon--including toys, video games, and novels, as well as several of the films. They do so using a variety of critical tools, drawing from studies of gender, race, psychology, politics, authority, music, ritual, and memory.”
Spirit Hunters, by Ellen Oh, $1.99. You may recognize Ellen Oh’s name from the We Need Diverse Books initiative; she is doing her part to increase diversity in publishing with this middle grade horror novel featuring Korean and Jamaican characters. If you have a kid who enjoys a good, creepy scare, this book is for you. From the publisher: “A riveting ghost story and captivating adventure, this tale will have you guessing at every turn! Harper doesn’t trust her new home from the moment she steps inside, and the rumors are that the Raine family’s new house is haunted. Harper isn’t sure she believes those rumors, until her younger brother, Michael, starts acting strangely. The whole atmosphere gives Harper a sense of déjà vu, but she can’t remember why. She knows that the memories she’s blocking will help make sense of her brother’s behavior and the strange and threatening sensations she feels in this house, but will she be able to put the pieces together in time?”