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The Great Trouble

June 10, 2026 by Emma Filbrun · Leave a Comment

10 Jun

Title: The Great Trouble: A Mystery of London, the Blue Death, and a Boy Called Eel
Author: Deborah Hopkinson
Major Themes: London, England, Cholera, Disease, Science, Medicine, Orphans
Synopsis: The Eel was fighting to survive on the streets of London—and protect everything he loved—but when cholera suddenly broke out, he was afraid he would lose everyone he cared about.

Almost every year, I buy several books when Sonlight Curriculum has a clearance sale. Usually, I end up buying a few books that I had never heard of, simply because they sound interesting. Most of the time, we like those books. The Great Trouble is one that I ended up loving.

Publisher’s description:

Eel has troubles of his own: As an orphan and a “mudlark,” he spends his days in the filthy River Thames, searching for bits of things to sell. He’s being hunted by Fisheye Bill Tyler, and a nastier man never walked the streets of London. And he’s got a secret that costs him four precious shillings a week to keep safe. But even for Eel, things aren’t so bad until that fateful August day in 1854—the day the deadly cholera epidemic (“blue death”) comes to Broad Street.

Everyone believes that cholera is spread through poisonous air. But one man, Dr. John Snow, has a different theory. As the epidemic surges, it’s up to Eel and his best friend, Florrie, to gather evidence to prove Dr. Snow’s theory—before the entire neighborhood is wiped out.

My thoughts:

I had read somewhere a mention of the Broad Street pump and how it related to research into the causes of cholera, but I never knew very much about it. The Great Trouble really brings this incident to life. I quickly became invested in Eel and his problems, and was rooting for him to stay safe and not lose everything he had worked hard for. I’ve read several books set in the slums of London around this time, but a book written as well as this one makes the plight of those people very real, every time.

I found the description of how Dr. Snow tracked down the cause and the source of the cholera outbreak absolutely fascinating. Eel quickly became an integral part of the investigation—but when the worst thing happened because of his inattention for a moment, would Dr. Snow get the last bit of information he needed to convince the authorities to act, possibly saving many lives?

This book is perfect for anyone who likes historical fiction, and for anyone who is interested in science. It is a wonderful illustration of the scientific method in action. I also love the way Eel cared for the people around him and helped everyone he could.

WARNING: I forgot to mark potential issues. There were a few cholera deaths described, and Eel was physically abused by someone. A cruel stepfather is a minor character.

Age levels:

Listening Level—Ages 10 – 12, 12 – 15, Family Friendly
Reading Independently—Ages 10 – 12, 12 – 15

Links to buy this book:

Amazon: Paperback | Kindle | Audible Audiobook (unabridged)
AbeBooks: View Choices on AbeBooks.com

Ramona Quimby series

June 8, 2026 by Emma Filbrun · Leave a Comment

8 Jun

Title: Ramona Quimby series
Author: Beverly Cleary
Series: Ramona Quimby
Major Themes: Family, Children, Oregon, School
Synopsis: A spoiled, bratty little girl learns how to relate to people and grows into a much nicer person.

I remember enjoying Beverly Cleary’s books about Ramona Quimby and her sister, Beezus, when I was young. Lately, I have had conversations about these books with a couple of people who did not like them at all—but I still remembered liking them. So, when I managed to collect the entire Ramona Quimby series, I decided to read them all quickly to see what I think of them now, as a mother.

Quick recap of each book:

Beezus and Ramona is told from the perspective of big sister Beezus, trying to love 4-year-old Ramona the way she knows she should. Ramona is a spoiled brat, intent on getting her own way all the time. In Ramona the Pest, Ramona is now five, and learning that she has to be somewhat nice to people—but she still screams to get her own way. Ramona has turned six and is in first grade in Ramona the Brave. She tries to be helpful and grown-up, but finds it hard. In Ramona and her Father, the whole family dynamic changes because her father lost his job. The girls tried to help their father, with mixed results. In Ramona and her Mother, the whole family had to navigate more challenges, and Ramona made some decisions that she later regretted. Ramona Quimby, Age 8, describes Ramona’s third-grade year. Ramona’s imagination is standing her in good stead now and sometimes becomes a real asset. The girls have some big surprises in Ramona Forever, including a new baby and a wedding. Fourth-grade spelling is one of Ramona’s biggest challenges in Ramona’s World, as once again she tries to figure out if her teacher likes her or just tolerates her.

My thoughts:

After reading the entire Ramona Quimby series in about a week, I would say that these books need to be read as a series. By themselves, each book can easily be misunderstood, although they were written to somewhat stand alone. In the first 2-3 books, Ramona was quite a spoiled brat, and her mother did not know how to discipline her. By the third book, Ramona was learning how to control herself, and by the end of the eighth book, she had learned to be a likable person and a good friend. By reading the entire series, it’s possible to see her growth and the changes that happened in her family over the course of about five years.

I wouldn’t hand this series to a young child to read without guidance. I feel like my 10-year-old is old enough to read them and enjoy them without getting the idea that it’s all right to do naughty things or make a “great big noisy fuss” to get her own way. I do like the way Beverly Cleary can get inside Ramona’s head and interpret various things the way a child thinks. For that reason, it is valuable for an adult to read the books. It would make a good family read-aloud if there is discussion about the behavior.

WARNING: Naughty behavior in the first several books; word doggone in Ramona the Pest; chapter 5, adults arguing in Ramona Quimby, Age 8.

Age levels:

Listening Level—Ages 10 – 12, Family Friendly
Reading Independently—Ages 10 – 12

Links to buy this series:

Amazon (series pages): Paperback | Kindle | Hardcover | Audible Audiobook (unabridged)
AbeBooks: View Choices on AbeBooks.com

No Lily-Livered Girl

June 5, 2026 by Emma Filbrun · Leave a Comment

5 Jun

Title: No Lily-Livered Girl
Author: Phyllis Johnston
Series: The May series, book 4
Major Themes: Sewing, Dressmaking, New Zealand
Synopsis: After moving to town from the farm in the King Country, May became a dressmaker for several years and learned what it was like to live in a big city as World War I began.

Several years ago, we read the book No One Went to Town, and enjoyed those stories of pioneer life in New Zealand. Last year, I came across No Lily-Livered Girl, and realized it was number four in a series of five books following May Tarrant, the main character of that first one—and that we either had or could borrow all of them! So, I decided it was time to read the entire series together.

Publisher’s description:

No Lily-Livered Girl is the story of four years in the life of May Tarrant. At fourteen, in 1912, she is apprenticed to a dressmaker in Hamilton in the North Island of New Zealand. Her ten-hour working day is wearisome, town life is strange, and she is homesick for the farming country she has left. A courageous old lady recognizes May’s strength and tells her, “You don’t look like a lily-livered girl!” That her opinion was right is demonstrated as May makes friends, including a young bank clerk named Ken, enters the world of competitive swimming, and copes with a traumatic experience. The start of World War One brings another crisis to May, and when she is seventeen this determined young woman returns to the King Country and makes the biggest decision of her life.

My thoughts:

We came away from No Lily-Livered Girl with mixed feelings. The history was well worth reading about; seeing New Zealand grow and develop, and what it was like for people here during the First World War. We enjoyed seeing May grow up and learn to navigate life in a young city. On the other hand, we did not like some of her attitudes. May did not respect her mother, and got downright angry at some of her mother’s decisions. At the same time, her mother did not respect May, and did not seem to try to understand her feelings and needs. May’s mother seemed to be holding tightly to the standards and expectations she had grown up with in upper-middle-class England 40 or 50 years before, and was very disparaging of the way things were being done in colonial New Zealand. This led to a very nasty scene at one point, with both of them angry with the other.

The other aspect of this book that really stood out was May’s job. She worked for a person who did not respect her employees. That led to bad attitudes being displayed by May and her fellow workers, and they did things behind her back when they could without getting caught. As we discussed this book, we realized it is quite a study of the way one person’s decisions and attitudes affect other people.

There was also a bit more romance than I like to see in children’s books. It is natural, since May was nearly 18 at the end of the book, and many girls would have been getting married by that time. (This is a true story, told by May’s granddaughter, based on what really happened.) May spent a little bit of time with a bank clerk who worked next door to the dressmaker where she was apprenticed, and later, after moving back to the farm, was courted by two different men. There are detailed descriptions of two community dances, at which May had to explore her feelings for both men.

I would recommend that No Lily-Livered Girl be used as a read-aloud, so that it can be discussed. I would not want my children reading this one alone without guidance.

WARNING: Chapter 3: Older woman describes being attacked by the Maori many years before. Chapter 4: Description of killing a chicken. Chapter 5: Woman commits suicide, by Jove, description of breaking up a strike. Chapter 7: May got very angry with her mother, fire, horse burned to death, girl caught in compromising situation. Chapter 8: Mention of Jack the Ripper. Chapter 9: Kissing, notice that a man was killed in action, description of the massacre at Gallipoli. Chapter 10: Mention of millions of years. Chapter 13: Description of a man being badly injured by a horse, kissing. Chapter 14: Darn rabbits, kissing.

Age levels:

Listening Level—Ages 12 – 15
Reading Independently—Ages 15 and Above, Adults

Links to buy this book:

Amazon: Kindle
AbeBooks: View Choices on AbeBooks.com

Heart to Heart with Rosie Boom

June 3, 2026 by Emma Filbrun · Leave a Comment

3 Jun

Title: Heart to Heart with Rosie Boom
Author: Rosie Boom
Major Themes: Homeschooling, Motherhood
Synopsis: Thirty-five delightful chapters offer encouragement and inspiration for all mothers, whether they homeschool their children or not.

A few years ago, one of my friends helped to start an annual retreat for homeschooling mothers who live on our island. The second year, one of the main speakers was Rosie Boom. I loved getting to know her and her identical twin sister, and was delighted to be able to acquire several of Rosie’s books that we didn’t have yet. However, it took me two years to get around to reading Heart to Heart with Rosie Boom! This year, I have finally figured out how to fit these sorts of books into my reading routine.

Publisher’s description:

Heart to Heart with Rosie Boom offers encouragement and Biblical wisdom for homeschooling parents. It features 35 talks presented by the author at New Zealand’s annual homeschooling conference over a period of 23 years. These messages offer both encouragement and inspiration to those on the homeschooling journey and also practical advice relevant to all parents. Chapters include topics such as starting out on the homeschooling journey; dealing with squabbles; finding the balance between structure and creativity; strong-willed children; joy on the homeschooling journey; terrific teens; selah moments; homeschooling with patience, and many more.

My thoughts:

I found this book very inspiring. I read one chapter a day, in the middle of our school day, and found that bit of time taken for myself to be very helpful. Each chapter had something I could take away and think about. Some were more applicable to my life than others, of course. A number of them made me chuckle. The one that spoke to me the most was the one titled “The Strong-willed Child.” I could see my youngest in her description! I’ve had a few that I would describe as strong-willed—but this one is definitely the strongest! I appreciated Rosie’s advice and her encouragement that a child like this has some wonderful strengths.

I highly recommend Heart to Heart with Rosie Boom for every homeschooling mother, or even for mothers who don’t homeschool. Much of what she talks about is applicable for every family. This is a book to reread every year for fresh inspiration and encouragement!

No warnings!

Age levels:

Reading Independently—Adults

Links to buy this book:

Amazon: Paperback | Kindle
AbeBooks: View Choices on AbeBooks.com

An Elephant in the Garden

June 1, 2026 by Emma Filbrun · Leave a Comment

1 Jun

Title: An Elephant in the Garden
Author: Michael Morpurgo
Major Themes: Germany, Zoos, Elephants, Refugees, World War II
Synopsis: Soon after her mother saved a young elephant from the Dresden Zoo, the city was destroyed, and Elizabeth and her family became refugees.

A couple of months ago, I went to a huge used book sale. One of the books I picked up, because it was inexpensive and I had heard a lot about the author, was An Elephant in the Garden. It took a while to get around to reading it because there are so many books on my TBR pile—but when I started reading it, I was drawn in to this amazing story.

Publisher’s description:

It’s 1945. Elizabeth’s father is fighting with the German army on the Eastern Front. Her mother works at Dresden zoo, where her favorite animal is a young elephant named Marlene. When the zoo director tells her the dangerous animals must be shot to prevent them running amok if the town is bombed, Elizabeth’s mother moves Marlene into the back garden to save her…and then the bombs start to fall.

Their home destroyed, Elizabeth and her family must flee the bombed-out city and through the wintry landscape, all the while avoiding the Russian troops who are drawing ever closer. It would be hard enough, without an elephant in tow…

My thoughts:

This book begins in a rest home, when an old woman starts telling a little boy a story that seems unbelievable at first. Very quickly, however, the little boy and his mother—and the reader of the book—are enthralled with the tale she tells. At least, I didn’t want to put the book down! I have decided that I like Michael Morpurgo’s books.

An Elephant in the Garden is based on fact, as far as the bombing of Dresden and the way the family had to flee. Taking an elephant with them, though—I didn’t find any information about that in a quick online search, and the author didn’t include a historical note. However, it makes a wonderful story! I would love to read this book aloud to my family sometime. This book tells about part of World War II that I haven’t seen much of yet—how many books are there about the zoos? I also loved the way the family learned to love and accept one of the enemy and realized that all people are very similar.

WARNING: Part 2, chapter 3: Bombing, shooting animals in the zoo. Part 3, chapter 3: Bastards used as swear word, lying. Part 4, chapter 3: Holy cow, goddamned.

Age levels:

Listening Level—Ages 8 – 12, 10 – 12, 12 – 15, Family Friendly
Reading Independently—Ages 12 – 15

Links to buy this book:

Amazon: Paperback | Kindle | Audible Audiobook (unabridged)
AbeBooks: View Choices on AbeBooks.com