My Top Ten Books: Honorable Mentions

We've come to the final post in My Top Ten Books!

First I'd like to give some guidelines on my honorable mentions, sort of like the key or legend.

Some of these books just missed the cut and some of these books I read while making my list.

The ones that just missed the cut will be marked with this, ~

The ones that I read while making the list will be marked with this, ^

Okay, here they are...

~Lincolns Grave Robbers Steve Sheinkin History

The title pretty much says it. A couple of counterfeiters decide to rob Abraham Lincoln's grave in

the middle of the night.

^Little Britches Ralph Moody History

In this autobiography Ralph Moody tells us how he moved from the city to the west in the early 20^th

century. And how it changed him from a boy to a man.

~Spy School Stuart Gibbs Fiction

Ben Ripley a normal kid from Virginia is selected to be in the top secret spy school in Washington

D.C.

^The Great Turkey Walk Kathleen Karr Fiction

Simon Green has always been called pea brain but when he decides to walk a flock of turkeys from

Missouri, where you can only get a dollar a head. To Denver where you can get five

dollars a head. Will they be calling him pea brained any more?

^Seaman Gail Langer Karwoski Historical Fiction

Seaman, a Newfoundland dog, travels with the Corps of Discovery through the West. He proves to

be a useful hunter, protector, and navigator.

Here are the links to all these fine books,

https://www.amazon.com/Great-Turkey-Walk-Kathleen-Karr/dp/0374427984/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1472753486&sr=1-1&keywords=the+great+turkey+walk

https://www.amazon.com/Spy-School-Stuart-Gibbs/dp/1442421835/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1472753516&sr=1-1&keywords=spy+school

https://www.amazon.com/Little-Britches-Father-Were-Ranchers/dp/0803281781/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1472753544&sr=1-1&keywords=little+britches+father+and+i+were+ranchers

https://www.amazon.com/Lincolns-Grave-Robbers-Steve-Sheinkin/dp/0545405726/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1472753575&sr=1-1&keywords=lincolns+grave+robbers

https://www.amazon.com/Seaman-Explored-Peachtree-Junior-Publication/dp/1561451908/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1473259969&sr=8-1&keywords=seaman

My Top Ten Books #1

My Top Ten Books is a series of short book reviews. My next post will be my honorable mentions.

The #1 book on my list was written by Nancy Gentry, Tod Comes Home.

First a little background on the story. The Carter family was living peacefully in their home in Franklin, Tennessee, (now known as The Carter House) when the Battle of Franklin started to come together literally right at their front door.

Skipping through part of the book- Tod Carter finds out that his regiment is marching towards Franklin! So naturally he asks if he could leave the regiment to go home for a little while to see his family. He is told that he could leave whenever he wanted. He was going home! He also agreed to bring along James Cooper, another Franklin native. So they left the camp and started on their way to Franklin. James led Tod to his cousin's house and Tod was glad of it. It reminded him of his own home and it gave his horse a needed rest. After an hour or so Tod and James went on their way. After dark they make their way to the Neely's home and ended up finding out that the Yankees got past his men on the pike. Neely said that they weren't safe there but they could stay as long as they needed. But Tod decides that it is just not possible to go home, especially with Yankees right on his front lawn. He told James that they needed to go back to the army but James said he was going all the way to his home. They shook hands and James left.

Tod moved on as well, just in the opposite direction. He came close to the pike and heard soldiers walking. But who? It would be logical for the Tennessee boys to be on the road but they hadn't stopped the Yankees back down the road. So it could be either army. Tod puts a blanket over him to cover his uniform and walks closer to the troops.

Which side are these mystery troops on? And will Tod eventually see his family? All these questions will be answered if you read the book.

This, along with the last book on my list, is my absolute favorite book of all time. I've owned it for around three years I think and have read it at least three times. I'll probably be reading it after writing this review. Even though I know the ending of the book it will most likely never be boring to me. And it's a true story! That is probably part of the reason I like it soooo much! Make sure to read the epilogues at the end. And maybe you should take a trip down to Franklin, Tennessee to see the Carter house and other cool buildings that were there during the Civil War. I've been there and can tell you, it will not disappoint.

So if this book sounds interesting to you here is a link to buy it, https://www.amazon.com/Tod-Comes-Home-Nancy-Gentry/dp/0986024473/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1472487008&sr=1-1&keywords=tod+comes+home 

My Top Ten Books: #2

My Top Ten Books is a series of short book reviews.

The top two books on my list aren't really ranked because they are my all time favorites. With that said the #2 book on my list is written by Romaine Stauffer, Aaron's Civil War.

This book is based on a true story, every character but one or two was actually a real person. Romaine Stauffer is a descendant of the family in the book.

The Stauffer family lives in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania on a farm. Aaron's father has just died and it has been a rough time without him. But -skipping through time a bit- Aaron's mother eventually remarries Abraham Brubaker and that's when things started to change even more than it already had. The Brubakers lived in Snyder County which was a days trip away. When Aaron heard that his mother was moving there he didn't like it. Then when he heard that his brother Enos was going too, and Aaron had to stay and help his older brother David with the farm. He hated it even more. “I've been pushed around all my life, somebody is always telling me what to do, when to do it, and where to go. I'm sick of it,” thought Aaron. Skipping through time a little more- Aaron is now sixteen and the Civil War has been going for two years now. Aaron and a couple of his friends meet in the barn next to the church meeting house and talk for a little bit and then they all end up agreeing to go to Camp Curtin, the troops training base. So a couple nights later Aaron meets with his friend on a road off his farm, they wait for someone else but when he doesn't come they move on. As they start to see the outline of buildings in the small town they hear someone running up to them, they turn around and see......... Well you'll just have to read the book to find out.

I don't even know where to begin with this book it is sooo good. But I'll try and put it into words for you. This book tells the story of someone who sees “glory” (the war) and wants it, but finds out it isn't glory at all. It's just gory and not good whatsoever. After the war, Aaron struggles with the thought that he might have killed someone and that not even God can forgive him. It becomes his own personal Civil War. And make sure to read the epilogue at the end. It tells some more about what happened after the end of the book that's really interesting.

If you think you might want to read this book here is a link, https://www.amazon.com/Aarons-Civil-War-Romaine-Stauffer/dp/087813705X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1472141272&sr=8-1&keywords=Aarons+civil+war+romaine+stauffer

My Top Ten Books: #3

My Top Ten Books is a series of short book reviews.

The next book on my list was written by Carolyn Reeder, Shades of Gray.

Now don't get this book confused with the movie 50 Shades of Gray because this book is completely different than the movie. It's actually a story based right after the end of the Civil War.

The main character, Will Page, has to go live with his Uncle and Aunt because his entire family died during the war. Will comes into his Uncle's household thinking that he was a traitor for not fighting for the South even though he didn't fight for the North either. So you can pretty much see where this is going. Will doesn't like his Uncle, so when he tells Will to call him by his name right then and there Will vows to himself that he will never call his Uncle by name... EVER. So the time passes and Will starts to see that his Uncle didn't fight because he was a traitor or coward but because his Uncle simply didn't believe in what the war was fighting for. At least that's what Will was told. But he was never going to believe it! He would never call his Uncle by name right? Or would time mold Will?

Well you'll just have to read the book to find out!

I would highly recommend this book to all the history lovers out there. Even though the story might be fictional it tells what a lot of families had to go through after the war. And I'm not talking about thinking that your Uncle is a traitor. I'm talking about the struggles the war brought for the well being of farmers and a lot of other occupations in the South.

If you would like to read the book, here is a link,https://www.amazon.com/Shades-Gray-Carolyn-Reeder/dp/0689826966/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1471884462&sr=8-1&keywords=shades+of+gray

My Top Ten Books: #4

My Top Ten Books is a series of short book reviews.

#4 on my list is written by Ed Dunlop. Escape to Liechtenstein.

This book is set in the second world war in Austria. Hans and Gretchen, the main characters, live in a small village by themselves. Their mother was killed and their father was forced to serve for the Nazis.

It starts out a peaceful day but when Gretchen sees Nazi soldiers walking towards the village she yells for Hans, “Nazi soldiers are coming! What will we do!?” Hans being a good brother said calmly back to her, “stay quiet and calm maybe they won't come here.” But they did come...

Bang Bang, “open up!” Said a Nazi soldier, “open up!” “We're coming,” Hans called, “just a moment.”

The soldiers asked if they were the only ones there and they answered truthfully saying yes. The soldiers were looking for a runaway boy and asked again if they were the only ones there. But the soldiers had to find out for themselves. They rummaged through every room turning them all upside down to no avail. They went out to the barn to search but they finally gave up. So after all that Hans and Gretchen were finally by themselves again with a huge mess to clean up and even more hatred for those Nazis!

They looked down into the village and saw all the Nazi soldiers marching through the streets finally leaving the village alone. Then Hans heard something up in the loft of the barn, “be quiet Gretchen I hear something.” A board creaked then another, someone was up in the loft! Hans and Gretchen moved over quietly to where they could see the intruder but he couldn't see them. The intruder started backing down the ladder! Will this intruder be armed and dangerous!? Or will he be friendly and kind!? Read the book to find out!

This book makes my top five because it tells the story of hate changing into sympathy While still having plenty of suspense and action. So if you love Historical Fiction look this book up and maybe give it a try!

If you do want to read it, here is the linkhttps://www.amazon.com/Escape-Liechtenstein-Young-Refugees-Book/dp/1591660130/ref=pd_bxgy_14_img_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=JAMJKKA5NJSRVKT5WZGK

My Top Ten Books #5

My Top Ten Books is a series of short book reviews.

The next book on my list is written by Gary Paulsen. The Legend of Bass Reeves.

This book is set in the mid 19^th century. Bass Reeves, the main character, is just a boy of ten. He is one of three slaves on “the mister's” ranch, Mammy, Flowers, who doesn't talk, and Bass. At this time in history the Comanches are the feared tribe of Indians. And one day as Bass is out hunting he hears hoofs patting on the ground. They come nearer and nearer until the horse, no eight horses, It's a Comanche party! Bass tries to find a quick hiding spot but only manages to crouch down into some tall grass. As you probably guessed already Bass is really scared at this point. But he is also a little curious. The leader of the party starts to scan the area and when he looks in Bass's direction, Bass almost pees in his pants with fear. But to Bass's surprise, the Indians just start on the trail again. Bass is saved! Then it hits him. This could be an Indian raiding party! He quickly stands and runs home to tell everyone that there could be an Indian raid coming! What will happen? Will the Comanches raid the mister's ranch? If so what will happen to everyone there?

This book is full of adventure and classic western stories. It is one of the best Historical Fiction books I have ever read. So if you like nail biting westerns, Historical Fiction, or just a good book. This is the book for you! The only complaint I have about this book is that there are unneeded swear words through out the book. So probably not the best book for children.

If you do want to read this book, here is the link,https://www.amazon.com/Legend-Bass-Reeves-Gary-Paulsen/dp/0553494295

My Top Ten Books: #6

My Top Ten Books is a series of short book reviews. I will post every two days.

The next book on my list is a series of four books written by Lemony Snicket. 

All the Wrong Questions.

When you hear the name Lemony Snicket you probably think of his first series, 

A Series of Unfortunate Events. That is his more popular series. While I haven't been “fortunate” enough to read that series, I have read his latest series. All the Wrong Questions.

It starts in a big city at a train station. Lemony Snicket, the main character, (yes the author used his own name for the main character) is with his parents and he receives a note. He opens it and it tells him to meet up in an alley. He finds the alley and his new chauffeur (he works for a sort of investigation group). She tells him that they will be driving to a small town called Stain'd by the Sea. She also tells him her name, Theodora S. Markson. And as any good 13 year old would, he asks what the S stands for and she gives him a sly answer. Of course not telling him what it really means. This becomes an ongoing “joke” throughout the whole series.

So after arriving there and not getting a very good first impression of the place, they get news of a stolen item. The stolen item is called the bombinating beast. It is a creepy looking statue of a seahorse. So they start sniffing the trail of the beast. And thus the story is set up for you. But will they find the beast. And if they do, what will it lead to?

Do you like mystery books? Do you like fiction? Do you like missing people, burned buildings or spooky writing? Did you answer yes to any of these questions? If so, this is the series you have been looking for! When I first heard about this book I was very intrigued by it. And by the time I had finished number three, Snicket hadn't even written the final book! But the books kept me wanting

more. So when the fourth book finally came out I was super exited to finally read the last one! So give this series a try. And if you like this one maybe you should try his first series. A Series of Unfortunate Events.

If you do want to give it a try here is the link for the first book,https://www.amazon.com/Could-That-This-Wrong-Questions/dp/0316335479

My Top 10 Books: #7

My Top Ten Books is a series of short book reviews. I will post every two days. Also, I am very sorry for not posting since last Sunday. I was on vacation and didn't have enough reviews written for the entirety of it.

The next book on my list is written by Virginia Sorensen. Plain Girl.

This book is based in an Amish house that has been split apart. Esther, the main character, her brother Dan has run away and was shunned by his family. “We shall never speak his name again” said Esther's father the night Dan went away.

Esther has been schooled at home her entire life but now she has to go to public school or Her father will go to jail. So Esther will have to go to school for the first time on Monday. Her father has always been leery about taking her to school because that was part of the reason Dan had gone away. But now he had no choice. He told Esther to never even look at the other kids. But after a few days she had already begun to talk with another girl named Mary. And after about a month Esther even became her friend. But would Father find out? And if he did what would happen!?

This book dives into the Amish culture and what happens in an Amish household. And I would most definitely recommend this book to Fiction lovers. It is definitely one of my favorite books. So maybe you will like it as much as I did.

If you would like to purchase the book here is the link,https://www.amazon.com/Plain-Girl-Virginia-Sorensen/dp/0152047255

My Top 10 Books: #8

This is a series of short book reviews of my top ten books. I will post every two days.

Number 8 on my list is written by Jules Verne. Journey to the Center of the Earth

It is a story based in the 19^th century and is written in a way that the main character narrates the story.

The main character is Henry and his Uncle is Professor Hardwigg. They live in Germany in a nice house and they both are scientists.

Professor Hardwigg finds an old document from the 16^th century that was written by Arne Saknussemm, an Icelandic explorer. The Professor says that the two of them won't eat until he figures out what it says. It takes the Professor a whole day to figure it out and even then Henry is the one who figures it out. The document has the directions to the center of the earth inscribed on it!

And thus the journey begins. The Professor makes arrangements to leave in the next few days and Henry must come with him. Henry thinks that this is a ludicrous idea but he is forced to go with his uncle. After collecting all the items needed, they leave for Iceland. Even after having a horrible time at sea, they eventually make it. The Professor says he never wants to ride on a boat again and they continue their journey. Their final goal is to get to the top of Mount Sneffels where the supposed entrance to the center of the earth is. Along the way they stay in stranger's houses and some of them are kind but some of them... not so much. Also along the way they recruit a guide, Hans, who is an Eider-Duck hunter and is a very brawny guy but doesn't talk much. Hans proves to be very useful. Eventually they make it to the top of Sneffels and start their descent into the center of the earth!

This book is a very well written book and keeps you turning the page. Jules Verne's writing style is very unique. If you like reading Science Fiction, or more specifically, adventure, you should take some timeand read it. I mean come on, it's only 250 pages!

Here is the link for the book https://www.amazon.com/Journey-Center-Earth-Jules-Verne/dp/1402743378

My Top 10 Books #9

This is a series of short book reviews of my top ten books. I will post every two days.

The 9^th book on the list is written by C. Coco De Young. A Letter to Miss Roosevelt.

A Letter to Miss Roosevelt is a book based in the Great Depression. The main character, Margo Bandini, lives in a small town in Pennsylvania. As the Depression creeps closer to Margo's neighborhood, she receives a project from school. That project was to write to someone that inspires her, whether famous or not. The next day she finds an article on Eleanor Roosevelt and thinks that writing to her would be perfect! But the next day after coming home from school, the banker is at her house telling them that if they didn't pay him the money they owed by the end of the week he would put the sheriff sale sign in their window. The sheriff sale sign means they have to be out of their house by the end of the week! What will the Bandinis do!

This book is based on a true story that happened in the author's family. It is written very well and as a history person my self, I can tell you this is a great read for history lovers! And it won't take too long to read either. It's only 100 Pages!

Here is the link for the book https://www.amazon.com/Letter-Mrs-Roosevelt-Coco-Young/dp/0440415292   

My Top 10 Books #10

My Top 10 Books is going to be a series of short book reviews on my top 10 favorite books. I will be posting a review every two days.

The number ten book on my list is written by Eloise McGraw. The Seventeenth Swap.

The Seventeenth Swap is a book based in the mid 80's in a small town called Iron Mountain. The main character, Eric Greene, is a kid who lives in a run down apartment complex with his Dad. Every couple of days he watches a boy, Jimmy, in another apartment room while Jimmy's mother is gone at work. Jimmy needs someone to watch him because he's paralyzed and can't walk.

One day while watching Jimmy he sees an ad for red cowboy boots that are on sale for $17.99. Jimmy adores the boots and says he would give anything for them. Right then Eric decides to find a way to buy the boots for Jimmy. But only one problem, where is he going to get $18?

This book is very well written and definitely a good read for realistic fiction lovers. It has you wanting to turn the pages to find out what happens next. And at 150 pages it doesn't take a lot of time to read.

I would most definitely recommend this book. So if you think that this would be a good book for you, click on this link,

https://www.amazon.com/Seventeenth-Swap-Eloise-Mcgraw/dp/0689503989

and order it today! Or just go to your local Library!