Stars of the Shelf - Rating Books with My Kids
Hey friends! In today’s blog post, I'm sharing my kids' end-of-the-year book recommendations. I've shared this video on my YouTube channel year after year and thought it was time to share some insight into our book review process here on the blog. So grab your pen and paper to jot down any titles my kids recommend for your homeschool or your children in general.
If you've watched these videos in the past, I use a reading log from my website, which is available for purchase. You download it once and have it forever. These logs have been a staple in our homeschool for years. Throughout the year, I have my kids fill in their assigned reading for school—chapter books assigned by me.
My children are voracious readers, and they go through tons of books. The lists you see in the video don't even cover every book they read this year—just the ones they remembered to write down. I also have them rate these books on a five-star scale. Keep in mind that these ratings are very subjective, based on their personalities, interests, and likes. These are their honest recommendations without any influence from me. So, let’s dive into their reading logs and recommendations!
Top 5-Star Reads from My Crew
Before diving into our favorite picks, just a quick nod to our beloved book basket, brimming with this year's reads! If you’re curious about some of the specific titles we’ve loved (and not so loved), check out my book review video, where I go into more detail on what’s been in and out of that basket throughout the year.
Now, let’s talk favorites! This year, my kids found some real gems that earned the coveted five-star rating. Here’s a breakdown of each child’s top picks that were not only a joy to read but sparked some lively discussions at home:
Kylee, my 17-year-old daughter, has always been drawn to stories that tug at the heartstrings, and this year was no exception. Her top reads include:
"The Nightingale" by Kristin Hannah - This gripping tale of two sisters in Nazi-occupied France moved her deeply.
"The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins - She revisited this modern classic and it still holds a special place on her list.
"Uncle Tom's Cabin" by Harriet Beecher Stowe - A powerful and impactful narrative that led to rich discussions on history and humanity.
"All Creatures Great and Small" by James Herriot - The charming tales of a country vet that brought her smiles and laughter.
"Caraval" by Stephanie Garber—The magical mystery of the first book captivated her, though she avoided the sequels.
Kaleb, my 16-year-old son, is all about adventure and action, and his top books this year reflect his love for engaging and dynamic storytelling:
"Fahrenheit 451" by Ray Bradbury - This dystopian classic sparked intense discussions on freedom and censorship.
"The Maze Runner" by James Dashner - The suspense and mystery of the series had him hooked.
"Walk Across America" by Peter Jenkins - An inspiring true story that encouraged him to think about his own adventures.
"Star Wars Legends" series - He can’t get enough of these; the expansive universe keeps him coming back for more.
"Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom" by David W. Blight - A deep dive into the life of an American hero that enriched his understanding of history.
Landon, my 14-year-old son, found his heroes in both fictional and historical contexts, often gravitating towards narratives that feature strong, ethical dilemmas and courageous responses:
"The Bronze Bow" by Elizabeth George Speare - Set in biblical times, this story resonated with him on many levels.
"Allies" by Alan Gratz - The multiple perspectives on D-Day fascinated him and prompted questions about war and peace.
"Tuttle Twins True Conspiracies" by Connor Boyack - This book piqued his interest in historical narratives and the truths behind them.
"Fatal Alliance" (Star Wars: The Old Republic) by Sean Williams - Combining history and fantasy, this was a sure win.
"The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins - He appreciated the survival themes and moral quandaries the characters faced.
Olyvia, my youngest daughter, who just turned 12, loves anything that stirs her imagination with whimsy and wonder. Her top-rated books this year were:
"The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street" by Karina Yan Glaser - The family dynamics and heartwarming adventures made her adore this series.
"Tumbleweed Thompson" by Glenn McCarty - Adventure and humor. It's a perfect mix for her.
"Fever 1793" by Laurie Halse Anderson - The historical accuracy and the survival story engrossed her.
"Bridge to Terabithia” by Katherine Paterson - This book touched her deeply with its themes of friendship and loss.
"The Land of Stories" by Chris Colfer - She was enchanted by the blend of fairy-tale elements with a modern twist.
Diving Into Discussions
I’ve got to tell you, our discussions about these books are some of the best parts of our day. Whether a book receives a one-star or a five-star rating, talking about why a story did or didn't work for us sparks some of the most insightful conversations, helping develop critical thinking and a love for literature.
Exciting Update: Downloadable Book Lists Coming Soon!
Since posting my latest book review video, I've been inundated with questions about how I find books for my kids. So, I decided to create a downloadable PDF that will soon be available on my website.
This PDF will be organized into categories for different age groups: Elementary (under 12) and Middle School/High School/Young Adult (12 and up). Each category will include genres like historical fiction and sci-fi and a special section for faith-building and Christian apologetics books that have been meaningful for our family.
Please note while these are books we’ve enjoyed and approved in our home, I encourage you to do your research to ensure they align with your family’s values. I plan to have this PDF ready for download in the next few weeks. Keep an eye out for updates!
Past Book Review Videos
If you’re interested in checking out all our past book review videos, each year is listed below, starting with 2020 and continuing through this year.
Well, that's a wrap on the vast array of books my kids tackled this year! I hope these insights help you find some exciting new reads for the young readers in your life or perhaps rediscover some classics that might spark their interest. Feel free to ask if you have any questions or need more details on any of the books. I'm here to help you encourage a love of reading in your family or classroom!
Until next time, keep turning those pages!
