Finding Free & Discounted Books

Teacher Tuesdays

Finding Free & Discounted Books can be a challenge, but with the internet, we have a lot of options, especially if you're willing to use ebooks. You can download a free reader at Kindle for PC. Some are simply pdf's, no reader required. Below is a list of the places I search first when looking for books for our home school.

FREE

Project Gutenberg. Find free online books such as The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, Pride and Prejudice, Jane Eyre, and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, among thousands of others.

Kindle E-Books. More classics, with modern books thrown in as well. Wuthering Heights, Lord, Teach Us to Pray by Andrew Murray, and The Pursuit of God, to name a few.

Online Literature has lists sorted by author, title, and time period. 

Inspired Reads. This is a blog that offers free Christian ebooks every day. The style varies, but I've found some great free resources.

$1 or Less

Ebay. I just scored a large hard cover picture book lot for under $1 each shipped, including many award winning books. I was looking for some new picture books for my preschooler, and this deal made my month! I hadn't thought to look on Ebay before this for "Lots" of books. Buying in bulk saves shipping.

Half Priced Book Store. Their clearance section often has books that range from $1 or less. Go prepared to hunt. It's not really organized. (At least ours isn't).

Garage Sales. Again, if you enjoy the hunt, this is a great way to pick up books under a dollar.

$3
Paperback Swap. You send your books to other members, and then you get credits for books that you want. Although you're still paying on average $3/book that you ship, they give you credits in advance just for signing up, so you start out ahead of the game. At this point, though, I've been in it long enough that it feels like I'm just paying $3/book.

Amazon used books. I've found that many of their used books also qualify for Free Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. I used this option when ordering school books this year.

$5
Half.com This is a great resource, but your minimum shipping rate is $3.99/book, so if you add a 75 cent book, you're almost at $5. This is still much better than running out to the local bookstore, though! And this summer, I found a free shipping special, so my 75 cent books were actually only 75 cents!

What treasure am I  missing out on? Where do you find your book deals?

Pre-Reading Books

Teacher Tuesdays

I admit it. I shelter my kids. 

"I will set no wicked thing before my eyes."

Psalm 101:3a

"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life."

Proverbs 4:23

My children's minds are growing daily, and for a short time of their lives, I can stand at the gate and help guard what goes in and out. I know that each family has different values and ways of doing this. Mine are probably tighter than most in some areas, but not as tight as others in different areas.

Movies and music are pretty easy to monitor, but as my 11 year old grows and becomes more of a reader, it's getting harder for me to be the guard over her books. My prayer is that I've taught her right from wrong from God's word so she can learn over the coming years to know how to protect her heart.

For this school year, studying the ancient time period, I bought a dozen or so books from recommended book lists for her to read alone. I thought it might be a good idea to browse a few of them, just to check them. I was honestly thinking more of reading level than content.

Books that make you blush...

Picking up The Epic of Gilgamesh, a book written long ago, between the days of Noah and Abraham, within the first few pages, I was blushing! To see if I was overly prudish, I read a few pages to some friends, and their eyes widened as well.

After that experience, I've decided not to trust book lists, and I will be pre-reading almost all of her books this year. It is a lot more work on my end, but I know it will be worth it. And, I'll be able to enjoy many of the books along with her, like The Golden Goblet which I just finished and thought was exciting and great for the time period.



For the record, I shelter myself too.

I'm convinced more than ever that what I put into my mind via music, media, and books makes a huge difference in my life, and as I get older, my time is more precious and most movies and shows seem more destructive than entertaining or valuable.

And lest people think that books are safer, I would heartily disagree. In fact, my imagination can take me farther in a book than any movie could go. That is a gateway that definitely needs to be guarded!

The time will come, gradually, that she can handle heavier material. But just as I do not plan on reading personally anything that will make me blush before God, I will most certainly not read them to my kids or let their imaginations wild on them.


"For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret."
Ephesians 5:12

Moms - be the guard for your children. And I'd also encourage you to be a guard for your own heart as well.

It's Raining Books!

Teaching Tuesdays

Books, books, books! We take a literature approach to history, which means I scour half.com, paperbackswap.com, and amazon.com’s used books to find deals on all the books we’ll read during the school year. The ordering has been completed for fall 2012, and now it’s like Christmas almost every day when the mail comes with one book or another. Our mail lady just told me that I needed a bigger mailbox.

For us, the literature approach is the best way my kids learn. At the end of last school year, I asked them to write at least 3 sentences on over 30 topics from our study of American History. It was eye-opening that the events and people that they read historical fiction or biographies on were the easiest for them to recall. When my 8 YO daughter got to Danielle Boone, she wrote four complete paragraphs. She loved that book and couldn’t narrow down what she wanted to say. To me, she gained much more from a good book than a simple paragraph in a text about him.

Of course, the downside to a literature approach is that you can’t possibly read a good book about everything – there just isn’t time! That’s why this year, we’re going to use Mystery of History as our spine and then supplement with literature. I'm also excited about some of the quizzes and activities that will be able to help us review the information.

I’m already flipping through the pages of our new books, eagerly anticipating the adventures that they hold. I’ll post on here our family favorites.

To the other home school moms out there: What does school planning look like at your house?

Where to buy my books

Actual comments this week:

Friend #1: I can't find your book anywhere to buy it.
Friend #2: I tried to buy both of your books but it wouldn't let me.
Friend #3: You wrote a book?

I also read an article recently that says people fly on the internet at a lightning pace, so unless you make it obvious, they won't see it.

So, here's the easy way to buy both the e-books and paperbacks of both of my books:

(Enter APRILMAIL305 at check-out to get Free-Shipping!)

The reason they are not available at the same location is that they're from different publishers. It takes a few months to be available at typical places like bookstores and online websites -- so very soon you'll be able to go to Amazon and buy both at the same time.

If you're in Indy, I always carry books with me. I'm a walking bookstore. Just ask!

You can also always access all of this information and more at my website: www.emerickhome.com.  It also lists events for book signings and other events. Check it out... at a lightening fast pace. :)

Must Read Children's Books

After speaking at a parenting class at church about Duncan's Journey, the new children's devotional through the 23rd Psalm I've had published, I was asked to provide a book list for other resources I found helpful.

First, here are some excellent family devotionals:

·       ABC Bible Verses by Susan Hunt  http://www.amazon.com/My-ABC-Bible-Verses-Hiding/dp/1581340052/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_b

·       Leading Little Ones to God by Mirian Schoolland http://www.amazon.com/Leading-Little-Ones-God-Teachings/dp/0802851207/ref=pd_sim_b_8

·       A Child's Book of Character Building, all volumes, by Rebekah Coriel http://www.amazon.com/Childs-Book-Character-Building-Growing/dp/0800754948/ref=pd_sim_b_2

·       Big Truths for Little Kids by Susan Hunt http://www.amazon.com/Childs-Book-Character-Building-Growing/dp/0800754948/ref=pd_sim_b_2

I also read missionary biographies to my kids. Here are my favorites:

·       Gladys Aylward: The Adventure of a Lifetime http://www.amazon.com/Gladys-Aylward-Adventure-Lifetime-Christian/dp/1576580199

·       Amy Carmichael, Rescuer of Precious Gems http://www.amazon.com/Amy-Carmichael-Rescuer-Precious-Christian/dp/1576580180/ref=sr_1_6?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1300290557&sr=1-6

·       George Mueller: The Guardian of Bristol's Orphans  http://www.amazon.com/George-Mueller-Guardian-Bristols-Christian/dp/1576581454/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1300290645&sr=1-1

·       William Carey, Obliged to Go  http://www.amazon.com/William-Carey-Obliged-Christian-Heroes/dp/1576581470/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1300290675&sr=1-2

·       Hudson Taylor: Deep in the Heart of China  http://www.amazon.com/Hudson-Taylor-Heart-Christian-Heroes/dp/1576580164/ref=sr_1_10?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1300290675&sr=1-10

·       Spy for the Night Riders: Martin Luther http://www.amazon.com/Spy-Night-Riders-Martin-Trailblazer/dp/1556612370/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1300290746&sr=1-1

I have also discovered and loved Lamplighter Books. These were written in the 1800’s and republished for our delight! Here are some you can't miss:

·       Teddy’s Button http://www.lamplighterpublishing.com/prodinfo.asp?number=RCTB

·       Helen’s Temper and its Consequences http://www.lamplighterpublishing.com/prodinfo.asp?number=RCHT

·       The White Dove http://www.lamplighterpublishing.com/prodinfo.asp?number=RCWD

·       Little Threads http://www.lamplighterpublishing.com/prodinfo.asp?number=RCLT

·       Fire in the Sky http://www.lamplighterpublishing.com/prodinfo.asp?number=RCFITS 

Happy reading!! 

Toliver's Loaf of Bread - minus the snuff box

I love reading. I hate baking. But, in honor of finishing the book Toliver's Secret, the kids and I baked 2 loafs of white bread. I used this recipe.

The dough was so sticky and gooey it was impossible to kneed. I was getting very frustrated until the girls and I started laughing about it. We looked like monsters with slimy hands. I would have taken a picture, but my hands would have stuck to the camera.

We finally got the risen dough into the loaf pans, and the finished product looked beautiful. It tasted ok, but it was chewy and heavy. I wouldn't want to make it again.

So, I need a little help here. What are the secrets to perfect bread? Did I add too much extra flour? If so, then how in the world was I supposed to kneed that sticky, pasty substance? I should add that I don't have a bread maker or fancy mixer.

On a good note, we loved the book. I was almost in tears of relief and excitement at the end myself!

We are learning American History this year by reading literature, with a combination of Beautiful Feet, Truth Quest, and Sonlight suggestions. It has been so much fun! In fact, we are enjoying the Revolutionary War so much and have so many good books to choose from, we might just stay here the rest of the school year.

Have you read anything inspiring lately? And... how do I fix the bread?

_____________________________________________________________________________

In the mood for an inspirational historical fiction book? Check our Becky's new novel Surrender.

Want a creative way to teach the 23rd Psalm to your children? Becky wrote a devotional titled Duncan's Journey that is now available!

So I Married a Visionary

I often tell my friends that one day I'll write a book, So I Married a Visionary.

I am sure it will be a best-seller. The thing is, I can't write it yet because my Mr. Wonderful is still coming up with adventures for our family!

For example, what do you do when you own a Construction Company, and your tools are spread out at various sites? Well, when you get an urge to work on a household project, like running gas lines for the dryer and rerouting the ducts, you just have to improvise. Is your ladder at someone else's project? Then you make do.

Call it Extreme Construction. He's a nut. With a Visionary in the house, there is never a dull moment.

Uh oh, I just heard him tell one of our kids, "I'm going to ruin mommy's scissors by cutting this." Ugh. His clippers must be at another site as well. Oh well!

Save 20% on Surrender

Save 20% on Surrender!

If you were interested in purchasing Surrender, now is the time to buy.

Lulu is having a 20% off sale, through February 21st. Enter code HAPPY305 at check out. Order Here.

What are you reading?

Right now I'm reading a biography on Amy Carmichael. I love her passion. It fascinates me how many missionaries struggle with health issues, and yet they persevere. I can't wait to read it to my kids

I am starting Toliver's Secret with my kids today. We just finished Johnny Tremain, which was long, informative, exciting, but had a sad ending. My kids aren't really keen on sad endings. However, I think the good of the lessons learned in the book outweighed it. Besides, I explained that war is sad, and we are so thankful for the bravery of the men who fight to keep us free.

Every day I read these two blogs: 

1. Stuff Christian's Like by Jon Acuff
2. Twenty-Two Words by Abraham Piper

I am impressed with the creativivity that goes into these posts every day!

Have you heard of my new book, Surrender, that I just self-published today? You'll be hearing about it for the next few days, since, after all, it's pretty important to me. You can find out more about it at my website: http://emerickhome.com/surrender.php

What's on your reading list right now?