Just finished my 4th crossword for the site. It’s a big one. The theme has been fun. Some of the filler words are more challenging. I hope fans of Brandon Sanderson will enjoy it.

CROSSWORD

Alchemy and Meggy Swann by Karen Cushman

Behemoth by Scott Westerfeld

Carmine: A Little More Red by Melissa Sweet, picture

The Chronicles of Harris Burdick, short stories

Cosmic by Frank Cottrell Boyce

Dark Emperor & Other Poems of the Night by Joyce Sidman. il by Rick Allen, picture

Dave the Potter by Laban Carrick Hill. il by Bryan Collier, picture

Geektastic ed by Holly Black and Cecil Castellucci, short stories Read the rest of this entry »

I just read two wonderful books. Hard to choose, because they are so different.

Usually, I select novels for children or YA. But this month an adult book was so good I need to highlight it. It is the first book in a tremendous series. Though adult, it is suited for YA who like a challenge. There isn’t anything in it that requires that it be adult, just the complexity that I so love when I can find it. You gotta love a 1000-page book that you don’t want to end.

REVIEW

Current Pick and List of Previous

My kids and I watched NOVA’s Secrets of Lost Empires recently. We had watched it years ago, when the youngest was too young to pay attention. It was a great program, with good concepts and vocabulary. I think I even got more from it the 2nd time around. So, here’s my first science oriented crossword.

CROSSWORD

This month’s selection is an oldie that I wish I had known about when my children were learning to read. The illustrations are so captivating I had to participate.

There are a ton of ABC books on the market. Few are necessary, but they can be pure enjoyment. My list of favorites is growing. What are your favorites? Any unusual ones?

REVIEW

Current Pick and List of Previous

This month’s selection took me by surprise. It’s related to a book I’ve loved for years. Just published this year, I had to read it as soon as I saw it. I’m so glad this extension was produced.

REVIEW

Current Pick and List of Previous

The 2nd crossword is biographical. My intention is to encourage reading of history and provide teaching tools.

I started reading about Elizabeth Cady Stanton as a major figure involved in suffrage. I had thought to use her for a writing project. I found her to be even more fascinating than I had thought.

CROSSWORD

List of Crosswords

Note: To print crosswords, the box for printing background needs to be checked. Mine is found in File/Page Setup. Others may find theirs in the printer dialogue box. Make sure you uncheck it after printing.

The selection for this month combines math and manners in fable form. Nicely done.

REVIEW

Current Pick and List of Previous

I have a fun new feature to try. After watching Wordplay, my family is experimenting with creating crosswords. It’s something I’ve wanted to try on the website for a while. My son adjusted a program for it.

My first attempt has a Discworld theme. I plan on using other fiction and historical themes. I might even try some science and math. Looking forward to it myself, though the first was more time consuming than expected.

Discworld Crossword

Browsing Fantasy Folder, I found an interesting Terry Pratchett tidbit. In celebration of Pratchett’s new Discworld novel, Snuff, Neil Gaiman interviewed Terry Pratchett. Two entertaining authors together. Nice.