The Oregon Trail from a Horse's Perspective {An Appaloosy Books / Homeschool Review Crew Review}

Disclosure: I received this complimentary product through the Homeschool Review Crew.

Love horses? Historical fiction? Supporting small publishing houses and independent authors?

Take a look at the latest Horses in History book Blue Skies West from Appaloosy Books. 

Several years ago, my children and I had the pleasure of coming to know author Mattie Richardson's Appaloosy Books and appreciated how they offer a window into history through the perspective of horses. 

So, when we were offered a chance to review the latest book in the series - Blue Skies West, we took it.

What Awaits in Blue Skies West?

Blue Skies West is the fifth book in an exciting series that can help kids ages 8-12 (plus younger or older siblings and adults, too!) to learn more about important stories in U.S. History from - how fun! - a horse's point of view.

More than just a story, the book contains...

... a map for perspective followed by 12 chapters and an epilogue that tell a wholesome, interesting, tale which shares the true strife, tragedy, and conflicts of history in a sensitive way...

... a "Blast From the Past" which gives more historical details...

... a Bibliography and About the Author page

... and Author's Note/Historical Disclaimer which makes me respect and appreciate Mattie Richardson even more!

Throughout this softcover historical fiction novel, you follow the horse Blue and his rider Charlie as they travel the 2,000 mile long Oregon Trail from their longtime home in the Iowa farmlands to their new home. As you would expect, adventure awaits and danger abounds - including water crossings, stampedes, and even wagon train robbers!

What My 12-Year-Old Thinks about Blue Skies West

My 12-year-old has been enjoying Blue Skies West. Here is what he had to say about it:

Why did you want to get this book?

We read the other books in the series and they were fun.

Before reading this book, did you know much about the Oregon Trail and were you interested in it?

I knew about the Oregon Trail. I had played the game before and studied it a little, but I did not know too much.

Did you learn anything about it through this book?

Yes. I got a little feel for the hardship and understood what the journey might have been like.

Can you tell me anything about the book and your thoughts on it?

I'd say it is a pretty good book. It starts out at a farm and then escalates as they go to the Trail. On the trail the horse's rider faces many learning experiences. It is nice to picture in my mind, is easy to follow along with, and is entertaining and exciting. 

One of my favorite scenes was when the boy broke his arm by sneaking out and getting caught in the middle of a buffalo herd. That scene had exciting adventure mixed with life lessons.

I would recommend it to people who like exciting history, people wanting to learn about the Oregon Trail, and people who like horses.

Did you like this book as much as the other ones in the series?

Yes. They are fun, short books, and I like that they are from the horse's perspective.

My Thoughts about Blue Skies West

I have not yet had the time and focus to read the book myself, but I have listened to my son's oral narrations of it and have also read him a chapter or two at bedtime or when he was sick and asked me to read to him instead of him reading on his own.

In doing so, I have come to see that Blue Skies West, like the other books in Horses in History, tells a vivid tale with accurate historical details.

Told from the horse Blue's perspective while still offering character development of other characters, the book draws you in with its unique point-of-view. 


I believe that horse lovers, history lovers, and those who like to read stories that do not shy away from the harder parts of history but also treat them with sensitivity might like this story as a family read aloud, for children's independent reading, as a history supplement, or as part of interest-based or unit-based learning.

Learn More

See our review of other Horses in History books.

The Horses in History series are told from a secular - not expressly Christian or Catholic point of view, and as such do not aim to teach any religious/moral lesson. They also, however, do not contain any morally objectionable content. Thus, the books are appropriate for all audiences and could be added to any public school curriculum or library.

Because this book is set in a historical period, does represent events and language in ways that might raise eyebrows to particularly sensitive readers (such as death, the use of the word "Indian", etc.), but it does without any graphic details and in an age-appropriate way.

I commend Mattie Richardson on writing well-researched wholesome, historical reads that can cross over between homeschool, private school, and public school audiences.

Find Appaloosy Books on social media - Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Over 25 Homeschool Review Crew families read Blue Skies West. Click through to find links to each family's thoughts in social media, blog, and video reviews

Are You Looking for an Offline Stand-Alone Algebra Resource? {A Homeschool Review Crew Review}

 Disclosure: I received this complimentary product through the Homeschool Review Crew.

Math may not change, but approaches to learning it often get tweaked - at least in my family they do. If the same goes for your family, and if in your current season of life and learning you are looking for an offscreen resource for learning math,  The Critical Thinking Co.™ is worth a look. 

My 11-year-old son and I recently had the chance to review Understanding Algebra, I from The Critical Thinking Co.™ and, although it was not a right-fit-for-right-now resource for my family, I can see its merit and am saving the rest of it for another season here. I also believe the book could be right-for-right for others, so let me explain more about it. Maybe it will be just what you are looking for!
 
What is Understanding Algebra 1?

Understanding Algebra, I is a 380+ page, full-color, soft-covered, reproducible student math book with answers included.  It was written by award-winning math teacher Terri Husted - who has over 30 years of teaching experience - and is targeted for students in grades 7-9.

The book presents all the essential concepts and skills needed to master Algebra I, highlights vocabulary and notation, and has examples from math history. In doing so, it aims to help students see the connection between the math they already know and algebra.

In moving through the books, students work on:

•  Set and Set Notation      •  Number Lines      •  Graphing      •  Rationals      •  Operations      •  Expressions      •  Equations      •  Inequalities      •  Word Problem      •  Percent Problems      •  Ratio Problems      •  Motion Problems

•  Work Problems      •  Absolute Value      •  Polynomials      •  Factoring      •  Radicals      •  Linear Functions      •  Slope      •  Elimination      •  Graphing      •  Substitution      •  Absolute Value      •  Algebraic Fractions

So, as you can see, the book truly hits all the important aspects of an Algebra 1 curriculum. 

Plus, since it is reproducible, families can use it for more than one child. For me - because I am using it with my youngest - this is not as big a deal, but for families with many children, it can be a huge boon - saving families money! 

The answer key can also help students use the book independently or help older siblings help younger siblings with it.

Mom Made a Mistake, not the Writer of Understanding Algebra, 1

Because I want my 11-year-old son offline for math and thought he was ready to try Algebra concepts even if technically "young" for them, I was eager to review Understanding Algebra, I with him.

What I did not realize, however, is that he is stronger at computation than he is at vocabulary and theory and that his current online program - which has been working fairly well for him at his age and level - has somewhat trained him to see only one problem at a time and looking at a whole page of concepts and/or problems can be daunting to him. So, I quickly discovered that I was premature in introducing Understanding Algebra, I to my son.

Basically, the first time we used the book, we sat on a swing outside reading the beginning lessons together and working through the listed questions orally and on scratch paper.

Because the first lesson was heavy on text about sets, set notation, types of numbers, and vocabulary - which are not things my son favors - we had a rockier start with the book than I had hoped for and my son was not excited about continuing to use it.

Still, we carried on... Sometimes, I worked with my son again and sometimes I asked him to set a timer, read the text, and do problems on his own, coming to me when he struggled. One of the times when he did this, he chose to start the entire book over again from the start.

In this manner, we persisted enough to honor this review, but, due to the hard start and the temptations of warm weather, my son, sadly, has yet to take to the curriculum.

When I asked him his thoughts about it, he frankly said:

When I first started this book, my mom and I did it together and I did not like it. When I continued, it got a little better, but I still did not fully enjoy it. I felt like there were too many questions on a page and in a chapter, and it made me feel frustrated and bored... I am used to a math program that gives on problem at a time in very short lessons.

 

Even though I did not like the beginning at first, I began to like how they explained everything at the beginning so you could go back and review it.  

 

I would recommend the book to Algebra enthusiasts and those who enjoy workbooks. I might try it again later... just not right now.

Partial Mom fail! NOT Terri Husted (the author) fail.

Partial for me (Mom) because I prematurely introduced this book to my son and did not do so in a way to draw him in, but somehow he is still willing to try it again later.

Not a fail on the author's part, because Terri Husted has written a sound curriculum which I am confident could work well for my son later and for many presently. 

Would I Recommend Understanding Algebra, 1?

If you are looking for something that is offline, can be used with multiple students in the same family or classroom, has perforated pages for ease of use/copying, and, of course, covers Algebra 1 completely as a stand-alone resource, despite my son's current lack of favor for Understanding Algebra, I, I would recommend looking at it. 

I have examined different chapters in the book, think it is well-presented, and believe it can be quite helpful in teaching students who are ready for Algebra 1. 

If, however, you have students that don't do well with vocabulary, etc., you may want to start with computations and then double back to the initial pages of the first lesson as I wish I had done. 

Further, if you have a child who does not favor many words or problems on a page, you might need to work together or cut things up a bit.

All things considered, though, Understanding Algebra, I is sound in my opinion.

Learn More

Find special offers and free printables and reosurces from The Critical Thinking Co.™ here!

Click through to discover what other families thought of Understanding Algebra, I and other resources from The Critical Thinking Co.™ resources.

Find The Critical Thinking Co.™  on social media:

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See our other The Critical Thinking Co.™ reviews.

Get this Exciting New Saint Book with a Discount Code! {A Holy Heroes / Blessed Carlo Acutis Review}

Disclosure: I received this complimentary product through Holy Heroes.

I have some exciting news for fellow lovers of the Eucharist and of saints and saints-in-the-making: One of my long-time favorite Catholic companies, Holy Heroes has a new book out called Blessed Carlo Acutis: The Amazing Discovery of a Teenager in Heaven and it is fantastic.

Better yet, to celebrate the release of this new book, you can use use the discount code CARLO15 to get a 15% off discount when ordering this new Blessed Carlo book plus any additional Blessed Carlo resources. Love it!

Not Just Another Saint Biography

This story of the brief but beautiful life of Blessed Carlo Acutis captures children and adults as it unfolds with details about this teen saint's relatable and inspirational life, death, and cause for sainthood. In text and photos, we see Carlo as an everyday kid with favorite pets, a passion for computer programming, a love for film making, and a host of struggles and successes.

We also get to know his inspirational side - his Eucharistic devotion, his respect for others, his charity work, his virtues, his acceptance of God's will, and the miracles that have been attributed to him.

Further, the book includes information on how and why the Church investigates who is in Heaven, what some of Carlo's favorite sayings were, Carlo's "kit" for becoming a saint, and more.

Well-written and put together, the book is more than just a saint biography. It is also a wonderful window into causes for sainthood, prayers, devotions, relics, saints, and more.

Having drawn on Church documents and interviews - especially personal interviews with Carlo’s mother, author Sabrina Arena Ferrisi brings Blessed Carlo Acutis to life in text and photos and also includes practical explanations on the canonization process, growing in holiness, and more. She did a fantastic job creating a book that can engage, inspire, and teach, drawing us closer to Christ through the story of Blessed Carlo Acutis, a modern-day teen saint in blue jeans.

 

Not Just Another Saint Biography

Having just had my youngest prepare for and receive Confirmation, I wish this book had come out earlier, for I think Confirmandi would definitely benefit from reading it and recommend it for others who are preparing for Confirmation.

I would also recommend the book for homeschool families, Catholic teachers and students, and just about anyone who would like to learn more about an inspiring modern day saint who inspires love for the Eucharist.

The book is written in such a way that it could be used with elementary-aged students. The translated documents, additions to Carlo's biography and more in it also make it suitable for middle- and high school-aged students. Adults can enjoy it, too. In fact, I picked up the book to browse through one night while waiting for my son at baseball and ended up reading it straight through. Interesting, informative, and inspiring - acting as a 3-n-1 saint biography, prayer book, and apologetics book on how the Church determines sainthood, I recommend Blessed Carlo Acutis: The Amazing Discovery of a Teenager in Heaven.

Imagine if we all lived like Blessed Carlo "without wasting even a minute of it doing things that wouldn't please God." Many of us might fall short with us, but all of us can be inspired by Carlo's example!

Things You May Especially Like about the Book

• Quotes by Carlo inspire us and help us see his spirituality in succinct thought nuggets.

• It is well written, easy to understand, and engaging, capturing the everyday aspects of Carlos Acutis as well a the extraordinary ones.

• There is practical information about how Carlos aimed for Heaven which can act as a roadmap to motivate you and yours to do the same.

• Appealing to those in our modern, visual age, there are many photos of Carlo and his family included.

• It can introduce you to a wide variety of religious practices, devotions, and saints.

• The book appeals to children and adults alike so it is good for the whole family.

Before I Introduce This Book to My Children and You to Yours...

• If you, like me, have a child that struggles with dyslexia, be aware that this book has glossy pages and a relatively small font. Such formatting can be challenging for some kids, so it might be good to read the book together - or at least begin it as a read aloud - if this is the case in your home.

• If you have children who like a story, I might suggest skipping the first portion of the book - which offers information about the process of becoming a saint, and getting right into Blessed Carlo Acutis' story. Then, you could go back to  read the beginning right before reading the second-to-last section of the book, “What comes next?” For while the order of the book makes sense from an adult perspective, I think some children - including some of mine - prefer to be engaged by a story before getting into the details and meat of things that relate to it, such as the process for canonization.

I am grateful to have Blessed Carlo Acutis: The Amazing Discovery of a Teenager in Heaven in my family's collection of spiritual reading books and think you will be, too, should you choose to get the book. Don't forget that for a limited time beingyou can use use the discount code CARLO15 to get a 15% off discount when ordering this new Blessed Carlo book plus any additional Blessed Carlo resources. 

Blessed Carlo Acutis, pray for us!

Follow a Daring WWII Rescue in the Christian Historical Fiction: Prisoner of War {A Whatsoever Stories / Homeschool Review Crew Review}

Disclosure: I received this complimentary product through the Homeschool Review Crew.

If you're looking to connect World War II history with some Christian fiction for reading aloud or independently, Whatsoever Stories is a place to look. We've recently had the opportunity to review one of their new releases, Prisoner of War by Kinsey M. Rocket, and have enjoyed it.

Prisoner of War is well done.

Prisoner of War begins with action and continues to engage throughout.

The story centers around an attempt to save over 100 unarmed men from a POW camp under German control during World War II and moves back and forth between what is happening with the imprisoned characters and what the men of the Wings of Service - who plot to save the POW's - are doing.

Switches in location/scene are indicated by visual breaks in the text. 

(When reading aloud, I indicated the switch by saying things like, "back to the POW's", "scene change," or "back to the Wings of Service" to help my son follow along without the visual cue of the stars.)

The book is intended for readers 12 years old or older, but I believe can be enjoyed by families with younger children as well. It is definitely written with an aim to engage readers while honoring Christ, and, as it says in the front pages of the book and on the Whatsoever Stories website:

"The purpose behind Whatsoever Stories is to produce wholesome, God-honoring books that parents can trust to uphold biblical principles and that will give young people good things with which to feed their minds so that good things can come forth from them." 

Prisoner of War fits this mission, and, although intended for readers 12 years old or older,  could be enjoyed by families with younger children as well I believe.

My son enjoyed this Christian historical fiction book.

When I asked my son for his thoughts for this review, he said:

My mom and I have been reading Prisoner of War recently. I have found it to be an interesting historical fiction novel set during World War II. 

The book focuses on two storylines that intersect. One is about a U.S military man - Charles Brentley - who gets captured by German soldiers and is put in a prison camp, where and he and his prisonmates try to escape. The other storyline is about an air rescue squad that attempts to rescue the soldiers in the prison camp. The stories intersect with an American special agent - William Whitlock, who swaps places with an enemy soldier and becomes the inside man at the prison camp.

The book is a Christian one, so there are references to God and the Bible, and one of the rescue squad people named Zach gets converted. 

I think the book is a decent one. The plot is exciting and easy to follow along. Sometimes, I found the story a little predictable and wordy, but I enjoyed it overall.

I would recommend this book as an independent read for fifth graders on up. Families could also read it together. People who like history, aviation, World War II, and Christianity might like this book.

Learn More

Prisoner of War is a 381-page paperback that seems to have a good binding and thick pages.

Each of its three main parts has a black and white illustration on its title page.

Before the historical fiction story unfolds, there is a Historical Note.

Then, at the end of the book, there is an Afterward which is a letter from the author to the reader that speaks to the reader about the author's hope that the tale has spoken to the reader's heart and encourages the reader to embrace Christ.

There is also a brief section in the back called "Inspiration" which summarizes the true incidents and facts that inspired the author.

Finally there is a glossary and a very brief author bio which, among other things, states that the author is a homeschool graduate!

You can preview the book here.

Thirty-five Homeschool Review Crew families reviewed Prisoner of War, Trial at the Ridge (mean for ages 10-14), or Farmyard Faith (meant for ages 10-adult). Be sure to click through to find links to each of the blog, social media, or video reviews.

My Daughter Devoured C.S. Lewis: Master Storyteller {A Homeschool Review Crew / YWAM Publishing Review}

Disclosure: I received this complimentary product through the Homeschool Review Crew.

"OOO! Guess what, guys? We're being offered a chance to review another YWAM Publishing book!" I said before proceeding to read through the titles of the Christian Heroes: Then & Now books we could choose from.

No sooner had I read the words C.S. Lewis: Master Storyteller than did my 14-year-old excitedly proclaim, "That one!" She had recently become enamored with some of C.S. Lewis' nonfiction writing and wanted to know more about the man behind the books she had been reading.

Shortly after, we were delighted to receive a 191-page softcover copy of C.S. Lewis: Master Storyteller in the mail and a link via email to download a Unit Study Curriculum Guide that corresponds to the book.

As soon as the book arrived, my daughter dove right in and barely came up for air. This is what she had to write when I asked for her review:

When my mother asked me if I'd like to review C.S. Lewis: Master Storyteller by Janet & Geoff Benge, I automatically ensured her that I did. Remembering my past enjoyment of these books and considering my latest - what would you call it- obsession with C.S Lewis, I knew I wanted to read the book.

I did not know much about C.S. Lewis when I started the book. I do now.

The book follows the common theme of Christian Heroes: Then and Now books, which, is, of course, to make what could be a boring history of someone's life a compelling and informative story. This book in the series was so compelling, in fact, that I believe I read it in three days! I kept saying to myself and my poor mother, "just one more page.... last chapter for now...." and then proceeded to read the next and the next until I had finished the book.

I do not want to say much about what I learned about C.S. Lewis, because I do not want to ruin it for others, but I will share some random things:

• Did you know that C.S. Lewis' nickname was Jack? (I have a brother named Jack, so found this interesting.)
• Did you know he fought in the World Wars?
• How about that when he first married his life it was not because he loved her, but so that she would not have to go back to the United States?

 

I also learned more about some of the background of C.S. Lewis' writing.

I definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn about C.S. Lewis or to just read an interesting biography. I think it would be good for people eight and up.

As you can see, my daughter thoroughly enjoyed C.S. Lewis: Master Storyteller, and, given that and our past pleasure with other YWAM Publishing books, I second her recommendation of the book and its corresponding unit study.

Regarding the Unit Study Curriculum Guide, it is a thorough one that can be used as a full-on unit study or can be cherry-picked for specific ideas and information that suit your particular child and homeschool style. Like all YWAM Publishing curriculum guides, it has ideas, prompts, and information for reinforcing various curriculum areas, including history, geography, essay writing, creative writing, reading comprehension, public speaking, drama, and art and is written so that both homeschool parents and teachers of co-ops/classrooms can use the material contained in it.

As a relaxed, eclectic homeschool family, we rarely use such resources in their entirety, but, rather, choose to cherry-pick ideas. Examples of how we do this are:

• use included Bible verse quotes as journal prompts.

• chat about the vocabulary words and terms that are highlighted in the Chapter Questions and Social Studies sections to ensure that my child understand each.

• have my child browse the Essay Question prompts to select one for practice essay writing.

• suggest my child look over the Creative Writing prompts to see if one strikes her fancy for journaling or a personal project.

• use the included maps to find some of the places mentioned.

There's so much in the Curriculum Guide- and all well-organized and easy to browse through - so it is easy to extend learning as little or as much as you want.

We absolutely love YWAM Publishing here and  C.S. Lewis: Master Storyteller did not disappoint. 

You can find our past YWAM Publishing reviews by browsing here. Also, be sure to click over to the Homeschool Review Crew to find links to current blog, video, and social media reviews from families that have read  C.S. Lewis: Master Storyteller or other Christian Heroes: Then & Now books.

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