Books to build on: A grade-by-grade resource guide for parents and teachers, edited by John Holdren and E.D. Hirsch

 

This book provides reading suggestions for kindergarten through grade 6 in many disciplines: language arts, history and geography, visual arts, music, science, and mathematics. It's co-edited by E.D. Hirsch, whose proposals regarding cultural literacy has proven to be somewhat controversial; nevertheless, it would be a great resource for librarians, teachers, and parents who would like to direct their children's reading in support of their education.

The National Portrait Gallery history of the kings and queens of England, by David Williamson

 

I finally got around to reading this purchase that I made many years ago from the History Book Club. It's a very high level overview of each of the kings and queens of England, covering the highlights of their lives and reigns, and illustrated with portraits from the Gallery's collection.

A first dictionary of cultural literacy, by E.D. Hirsch, Jr.

I came across this book at work, and although dated (1989), I was curious about what the author thought every child should know (the book is aimed at 6th graders). It's organized into several dozen chapters, addressing proverbs; idioms; English; literature; mythology; music, art, and architecture; the Bible; religion and philosophy; American history to 1865; American history since 1865; politics and economics; world history to 1600; world history since 1600; United States geography; world geography; mathematics; physical sciences; earth sciences and weather; life sciences; medicine and the human body; and technology. It was a fun look back at the K-12 curriculum, but I have to question the need for a book that lists all the facts a child should know by a certain age. The details in many of the chapters will change constantly, and these are things that (in my opinion) are best left learned through reading and schoolwork rather than a list. On the other hand, one of the reviews that I read was written by a parent who used it as a fun quiz activity for her kids. For me, this book was a great reminder of what I liked about school so much growing up!
 

The brain diet, by Alan C. Logan

 

This is an interested look at the research connecting diet with brain health. Fortunately, all the foods that are good for heart health, joint health, etc., are also good for the brain!

Smaller and smaller circles, by F.H. Batacan

 

This was a good murder mystery set in the Philippines. Two priests serve as consultants with the National Bureau of Investigation to track down and arrest a serial killer in one of the poorest regions of the Philippines. It was a good story, well written and plotted, but it unfortunately does not seem to have a sequel.