My mother kept this list of the books she and Dad read to us. My brother and sisters and I added books that we read ourselves. My family is conservative; many books didn't make it onto this list. We prefer older books, but we enjoy some newer books, too. Almost every book listed here is fiction. I have summarized the plot for each book. I hope I didn t give away too much! Book descriptions include time the story takes place, geographic setting of the story, and the publication date of the book. Books are divided into three reading levels: (1) Language and plot are easy all ages, (2) Language is more difficult or plot more complex ages 10 and up, and (3) Language is advanced or plot more mature ages 13 and up. Reading levels help many parents. My mother didn't stick to these reading levels; I'll forgive you if you ignore them. This completely revised and expanded edition of Hand That Rocks the Cradle adds over 250 new reviews to your old favorites.
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Book Description
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Editorial Reviews
About the Author
Nathaniel Bluedorn, along with his brother Hans, has written two books on logic for children and adults, The Fallacy Detective and The Thinking Toolbox. You can visit them at their web site christianlogic.com.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Perfect Paperback
Being a serious bibliophile, I love this gem of a book, and think any parent new or old, who knows the value of good literature in a child's life, will find great value in this book.
The book symbols on page 10 show what to look for with each review, based on the time the story takes place, geographic setting of the story and publication date of the book. As well as 1,2,3 reading level ratings, for language and plot ease, more complex plots and reading levels ages 10 and up and lastly advanced language plots for ages 13 and up. This is a general rule which will vary on your child's maturity level or if they are gifted.
Appreciated the concise description of each book. The author is also honest enough to note on page 10 that his family is conservative and that many books didn't make it to the list. This was my only disappointment since we have a home library of hundreds and hundreds of books of all genre, and age levels.
As an example I was surprised that the Dr. Seuss/Theodor ("Ted") Seuss Geisel books and the Madeline books by Ludwig Bemelmans were not included. And Babar books by Jean de Brunhoff. I note this because I and then my son and now my grandchildren all relish each of these authors who in our family are amongst the classic.
And was surprised that under Mark Twain and the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and also Tom Sawyer that a slight warning of a certain word pertaining to blacks wasn't noted.
But because I am a bibliophile and want to encourage parents and others to buy books as gift for children and have a serious book budget, I am recommending this book.
The book symbols on page 10 show what to look for with each review, based on the time the story takes place, geographic setting of the story and publication date of the book. As well as 1,2,3 reading level ratings, for language and plot ease, more complex plots and reading levels ages 10 and up and lastly advanced language plots for ages 13 and up. This is a general rule which will vary on your child's maturity level or if they are gifted.
Appreciated the concise description of each book. The author is also honest enough to note on page 10 that his family is conservative and that many books didn't make it to the list. This was my only disappointment since we have a home library of hundreds and hundreds of books of all genre, and age levels.
As an example I was surprised that the Dr. Seuss/Theodor ("Ted") Seuss Geisel books and the Madeline books by Ludwig Bemelmans were not included. And Babar books by Jean de Brunhoff. I note this because I and then my son and now my grandchildren all relish each of these authors who in our family are amongst the classic.
And was surprised that under Mark Twain and the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and also Tom Sawyer that a slight warning of a certain word pertaining to blacks wasn't noted.
But because I am a bibliophile and want to encourage parents and others to buy books as gift for children and have a serious book budget, I am recommending this book.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
By C. Heflin
Format:Perfect Paperback
This is a wonderful resource for any family who wants to expose their children to good literature. We have read about 45 of the books listed and we have found some real treasures we never would have known about. Each listing has a concise plot summary (the most helpful to me, as I can quickly judge what will interest my children before a trip to the local library) and many have personal comments from the author's experience.
There is also a list by category so that you can read many books on pioneer life if that's what your children are learning about. As a homeschool mom to two children with voracious appetites for books, I am always looking for great books that are well-written, and this book list will take me years to exhaust! The current listing that I am reading to my children has such a rich and extensive vocabulary that we are looking up new words every chapter!
The books listed in this resource offer historical context, incredible vocabulary, moral character, and compelling plots...a far cry from the mediocrity that is published in this day and age and directed at our children.
This is a resource that every parent who has a desire to nurture her child's love for reading should have. I use mine all the time and highly recommend it!
There is also a list by category so that you can read many books on pioneer life if that's what your children are learning about. As a homeschool mom to two children with voracious appetites for books, I am always looking for great books that are well-written, and this book list will take me years to exhaust! The current listing that I am reading to my children has such a rich and extensive vocabulary that we are looking up new words every chapter!
The books listed in this resource offer historical context, incredible vocabulary, moral character, and compelling plots...a far cry from the mediocrity that is published in this day and age and directed at our children.
This is a resource that every parent who has a desire to nurture her child's love for reading should have. I use mine all the time and highly recommend it!
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
By Mama2Gems
Format:Perfect Paperback
Have you ever found it difficult to find quality stories for your children? Or maybe you've heard of a title but have no idea what it's about or if the subject would interest your child. Perhaps you remember books from your youth but don't know if they'd be suitable for your child's age or reading level. If any of the above apply to you I think you will find "Hand that Rocks the Cradle" by Nathaniel Bluedorn very helpful.
"Hand that Rocks the Cradle" is a selection of 400 classic books for children listed by author. Each title includes a suggested reading level, the time and location of the story, publication date and a brief summary of the book - without spoiling the ending. I found numerous titles I knew and enjoyed listed as well as others I had not read or heard of. It does not list every title by each author, but it is an excellent starting point for those wanting to find good books for their children. Not all authors or titles will appeal to everyone, but there is a wide range of choices to begin with.
I found "Hand that Rocks the Cradle" interesting and informative. I believe parents will find it a helpful reference tool as they search for good stories to share with their children.
"Hand that Rocks the Cradle" is a selection of 400 classic books for children listed by author. Each title includes a suggested reading level, the time and location of the story, publication date and a brief summary of the book - without spoiling the ending. I found numerous titles I knew and enjoyed listed as well as others I had not read or heard of. It does not list every title by each author, but it is an excellent starting point for those wanting to find good books for their children. Not all authors or titles will appeal to everyone, but there is a wide range of choices to begin with.
I found "Hand that Rocks the Cradle" interesting and informative. I believe parents will find it a helpful reference tool as they search for good stories to share with their children.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great resource
This is an excellent tool that all families should have in their home. I especially like how each book is graded, so that you get a book that is right for your child.
Published on January 6, 2011 by surrendertojesuschrist
5.0 out of 5 stars
Extraordinary Read Aloud Resource
"Hand that Rocks the Cradle" is a complitation of 400 classic read aloud books for children authored by homeschool graduate, Nathaniel Bluedorn. Read more
Published on April 28, 2009 by K. Alphs
4.0 out of 5 stars
Stories for Children Magazine 4 Star Review
I purchased an earlier, smaller, edition of this book a few years ago and used it to find some excellent historical fiction to use in reading aloud to my children. Read more
Published on July 7, 2008 by Virginia S. Grenier
5.0 out of 5 stars
A comprehensive guide to children's literature
What's a good way to choose the best books for one's child, with a massive sea of literature in today's market? Read more
Published on June 8, 2008 by Midwest Book Review
5.0 out of 5 stars
Hand That Rocks The Cradle
I have read much material in the past several months written by the Bluedorns, all of which has possesed a unique level of quality. This book is no different. Read more
Published on June 2, 2008 by A. Hart
5.0 out of 5 stars
Hand That Rocks the Cradle
If you are looking for a resource book for quality children's literature, the Hand that Rocks the Cradle will be an invaluable tool. Read more
Published on May 29, 2008 by T. Fox
5.0 out of 5 stars
Hand that Rocks the Cradle
What a great resource for families! I love to help my children choose their reading material and I really appreciate being able to look up titles in this useful guide. Read more
Published on April 29, 2008 by MarysGold
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful Family Book List!
Our family has greatly appreciated Nathaniel Bluedorn's list of books! Between my husband and I we have read hundreds and hundreds of books and yet there were many listed here that... Read more
Published on April 27, 2008 by Kristen C. Burwell
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful resource for all parents!
Reading to your children is one of the best experiences that parents and children can share together. Reading GOOD books is even more important! Read more
Published on April 5, 2008 by K. Price
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