Lights Out by Navessa Allen

Title: Lights Out (Into Darkness #1)

Author: Navesaa Allen

Publisher: Slowburn 2024

Genre: Romance

Pages: 416

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Romanceopoly - Dark Psychology (Mirror Wing: Stalker romance or romantic thriller); Cover Lover - Minimal cover art/design

Where It Got It: Library

Spice Rating: 6

I want someone with a soul as black as night. Someone who would burn the world down for me and not lose a single minute of sleep over it.

Trauma nurse Aly Cappellucci doesn’t need any more kinks. She likes the one she’s landed on just fine. To her, nothing could top the masked men she follows online. Unless one of those men was shirtless, heavily tattooed, and waiting for her in her bedroom. She dreams about being hunted by one in particular, of him chasing her down and doing deliciously dark things to her willing body. She never could have guessed that by sending one drunken text, those dreams would become her new reality.

I want things most people don’t, craving darkness and depravity instead of light and love.

Josh Hammond has spent his life avoiding the limelight, but his online persona is another story. At night, he posts masked thirst traps for his millions of fans to drool over, but one follower has caught his eye: Aly. After reading a comment begging him to break into her house wearing a mask, he decides to take her up on her offer.

Together, Aly and Josh live out their darkest fantasies, unaware that Aly has captured the attention of someone else. Someone with far more sinister intentions than a little light stalking. As Josh turns from predator to protector and the stakes heighten, he must ask himself how far he’s willing to go for the woman he’s obsessed with.

I have seen this book absolutely everywhere, which of course made me very suspicious that it was any good. I finally picked it up after a friend confirmed that they liked it. We dive right into a stalker romance with two very strong leads. I immediately fell for Aly and her dark humor and resilience. It took a bit more for me to warm up to Josh, but that was mostly due to the constant reminders of his insecurities. Once he started opening up, I was all in. The conceit is a bit ridiculous and definitely leans fantasy as opposed to realistic romance. But, I was all in for the fantasy this week. I loved the push and pull between the lead characters. The tension and play was perfect. I will admit that once we get the mob involved in the storyline, I ended up taking off a star. The story almost turned into a comedy and I wasn’t loving the tone shift. I still really enjoyed this one and will read more from the author.

Into Darkness

• #1 Lights Out

• #2 Caught Up

• #3 Game On

Next up on the TBR pile:

Odds and Ends

Here's my randomness for the week:

• I have some ideas for activities during this Sunday’s Galentine’s Day party, but now I need to narrow things down.

• My current read started out really strong and then kinda faltered about 65% of the way through. Kinda disappointed…

• At least my chosen television shows this week were all good.

• The last two days my body has been angry. Really hoping this doesn’t turn into a common occurrence.

• Looking forward to some good food and friends tonight at a dining for all event.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Homeschool W21: So Much Curriculum

What We Studied

The weather was terrible, which meant that we spent most of the week at home. Plus we had a broken washer that I had to stay and wait on the repair man. This all translated to a lot of curriculum over the course of the week.

Literature and Poetry

Arthur is primarily using Hearth and Story G6 for his language arts this year. While I love H&S, there’s never enough literature in there. Thankfully we have a stack of books just waiting to be picked up and read. Beyond H&S, we are focusing on expanding vocabulary and reading comprehension this year. We spent the week covering one Shakespeare’s plays, As You Like It. I didn’t want to bore Arthur, but we did cover the story, read some of the original text, and watched som performance bits. I even found a great video where the actors discuss how they want to play a scene and then try a few variations.

• Poetry: Hearth & Story G6

• Poetry: A Child’s Introduction to Poetry by Michael Driscoll

• The Vocabulary Workbook for 6th Grade by Kelly Anne McLellan

• As You Like It by William Shakespeare

Quentin is primarily using Blossom & Root G3 for his language arts this year. We will pull some elements from Build Your Library Level 3 and random books that we have around the house. We are also starting the Reading Explorer series to focus on reading comprehension and word choice. We dove into one of my favorite elementary school reads. I’m not sure that Quentin is really loving it, but I am definitely enjoying reading it again.

• Poetry: My America

• One World, Many Religions by Mary Pope Osborne

• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster

Math

Arthur is using Singapore’s Math in Focus Course 2. Effectively this is Singapore’s 7th grade math text. We dove into the second book for the year. We moved onto geometric shapes. This chapter is a lot of review but good review. We don’t have formal logic book this year, but are focusing on lots of critical thinking and math puzzles.

• Math in Focus Course 2 Book B

Quentin is using Singapore’s Primary Mathematics Common Core edition 3B and 4A. We are taking a bit of a break from our regular math books to dive into some financial literacy before we circle back. .

• Logic Countdown

• Evan Moor Financial Literacy G3

Social Studies

Arthur was using Curiosity Chronicles Modern History Vol. 1. Unfortunately the company has yet to release the next volume. Instead, I decided to use Build Your Library L4 and Story of the World Vol. 4 to get us through Modern History. We continued through the bulk of World War I and even took a side step to discuss the Russian Revolution. We should finish World War I next week.

• Story of the World Vol. 4

• DK History

• DK Timelines of Everything

• DK Timelines of Everyone

• DK A Child Through Time

• A Journey Through Art

• DK When on Earth

• Where Poppies Grow

• Smithsonian World War I Timeline by Pamela A Dell

• Living Through World War I by Nicola Barber

• DK Eyewitness World War I

• DK Find Out World War I

• World War I by Steven Otfinoski

• The War to End All Wars: World War I by Russell Freedman

• The Harlem Hellfighters by Walter Dean Myers

• The Harlem Hellfighters, by Max Brooks

• Knit Your Bit: A World War I Story by Deborah Hopkinson

Quentin is using Build Your Library Level 5 to begin our two year exploration of American History. Quentin covered John Adams and Thomas Jefferson along with the Corps of Discovery. He even watched a great documentary from National Geographic about the expedition.

• History Quest United States History

• DK When on Earth?

• DK History

• DK Timelines of Everything

• DK Timelines of Everyone

• DK A Child Through Time

• DK American History

• We were There Too

• Words that Built a Nation

• Which Way to the Wild West by Steve Sheinkin

• Lewis and Clark: A Prairie Dog for the President by Shirley Raye Redmond

• The Journey of York: The Unsung Hero of the Lewis and Clark Expedition by Hasan Davis

• Sacagawea by Christine Platt

Science

Arthur is using RSO Earth and Environment 2 and later RSO Astronomy 2 for science. We are taking a break from Earth and Environment to start Astronomy 2. This week we covered the Stars and related bodies. We also kept up with our physics prep for co-op.

• RSO Earth and Environment 2 (August-December; March-May)

• RSO Astronomy 2 (January-March)

• Astrophysics for Young People by Neil DeGrasse Tyson

• DK Timelines of Nature

• DK Space

• Fire of Stars: The Life and Brilliance of the Woman Who Discovered What Stars are Made Of by Kirsten W. Larson

Quentin is using RSO Physics 1. We finished the Story of Science Vol. 1 this week. Next week we will be doing some review and packets before jumping back into Physics.

• RSO Physics 1

• The Story of Science Vol. 1 by Joy Hakim

• Physics: Investigate the Mechanics of Nature by Jane Gardner

• Physics for Curious Kids Introduction

• The Way Things Work Now

Enrichment STEAM Co-op /Academic Co-op

After cancelling last week due to sickness, we finally got back into it this week. Unfortunately the college made a mistake and we had to switch rooms. Thankfully they had rooms. And these rooms are actually bigger and brighter! Once everyone got there, co-op went well!

Art and Music

We are doing something a little different this year. Instead of trying to do music and art every week, we will be trading off. I realized last year these subjects were always the first to be cut when we had time constraints. We didn’t have any music or art this week.

• DK Music and How it Works

• DK The Arts

• Why is Art Full of Naked People? by Susie Hodge

• The Story of the Incredible Orchestra by Bruce Koscielniak

• DK Art and How it Works

• 13 Art Techniques Children Should Know

• The Story of Paintings

Field Trip/Activities

No field trips or activities for us this week.

High

Not really homeschool related, but our washer got fixed. A working washer does let me focus on actually school stuff without anxiety.

Low

The weather really put a damper of life this week. Hoping for slightly warmer temps this week.

Next Week

• Finishing our read aloud (Q) and a starting a new read aloud (A)

• Continuing with our math textbook (A) and financial literacy (Q)

• Wrapping up World War I (A) and starting the War of 1812 (Q) for history

• Covering our solar system (A) and review (Q) for science

• Week 4 of Academic Co-op!

Next up on the TBR pile:

Music Monday - Motionless in White "Afraid of the Dark"

2026 is bringing a new Black Veil Brides album and a new Motionless in White album! I am so excited about both of these new releases. Currently the new Motionless song is on repeat in my car.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Life Right Now #4

As I look outside my window: It’s still cold out there, but warmer than last week. I will take temperatures in the 20s and low 30s over the below zero temps from last week.

Right now I am: Leaving for Coffee and Chat. I wonder if anyone is actually going to show up this month or if I will be having a hazelnut latte by myself.

On my bedside table: So many library books! I’m not sure where to start… But I do need to reread Butcher and Blackbird for book club later this month.

On my tv this week: I ended up finished the season of Below Deck and Heated Rivalry before starting Bridgerton S4 and continuing with My Demon S1. J and I watched some ridiculous movies (Anaconda and The Wrecking Crew) and continued S5 of Babylon 5.

Listening to: Beyond the new music from Black Veil Brides and Motionless in White, I decided to spend Saturday listening to Stray Kids from their beginning. I made it through Mixtape, I am NOT, I am WHO, I am YOU, Cle 1: MIROH, Cle 2: Yellow Wood, Levanter, ALL IN, GO LIVE, IN LIFE, Pop Out Boy, Mixtape: OH, and NOEASY. Guess next time I will pick up after NOEASY and keep going.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Maafe

• Tuesday - Bacon, Brie, Apricot Grilled Cheese

• Wednesday - Moroccan Chicken

• Thursday - Out

• Friday - Out / Pizza Night

• Saturday - Chili Verde

• Sunday - Leftovers

On my to do list: So many random tasks on my list right now along with bigger projects like Academic Co-op and the Bookish Retreat.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Kid Dentist Appointments; Pirate Putt

• Tuesday - Home Day

• Wednesday - Zoo Day

• Thursday - Academic Co-op; Dining for All event

• Friday - Curriculum Planning Meeting; Stray Kids Concert Movie!!!!!!

• Saturday - Friend’s kid’s birthday party

• Sunday - Galentine’s Day Brunch

What I am creating: I’m pulling items for Galentine’s Day valentines and items for my January Memory Planner. I need to finish the valentine’s by Saturday. The Memory Planner will probably be put to the side for awhile.

My simple pleasures: Deliveries! Crashing out with friends over our shared obsessions.

Looking around the house: I need to vacuum and pick up before Sunday’s brunch. And I should probably remove the piles of homeschool curriculum from the living room.

From the camera: My Stray Kids dominATE concert blu-ray finally arrived!!!! A fellow STAY and I will be watching this today. I cannot wait!

January 2026 Wrap-up

January TBR Pile (13/14):

1. Bookworms BC: Binti by Nnedi Okorafor ✓

2. Nerdy Bookish Friends: The Curse of Chalion by Lois McMaster Bujold

3. Kid Book Club: The Star-spun Web by Sinead O’Hart ✓

4. Kid Read Aloud: Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson ✓

5. Kid Read Aloud: A Wish in the Dark by Christina Soontornvat ✓

6. Fantasy: The Wildest Things by Andrea Hannah ✓

7. Romance: Tourist Season by Brynne Weaver ✓

8. Romance: Hooked by Emily McIntire ✓

9. Romance: Mate by Ali Hazelwood ✓

10. Scifi: All These Worlds by Dennis E. Taylor ✓

11. Scifi: Sphere by Michael Crichton ✓

12. Scifi: Overgrowth by Mira Grant ✓

13. Horror: What Stalks the Deep by T. Kingfisher ✓

14. Horror: Voices in the Snow by Darcy Coates ✓

1,000,000 Page Goal

Monthly Total: 4356 pages
Pages Remaining: 114,601 pages

Fan Fiction Words Read: 1,660,694 — translates to about 3690 pages or 10.5 350-page books

Current Read - Unromance by Erin Connor

Books I Gave Up On (0)

Books Bought/Received (2)

From BOTM, I bought The Future Saints by Ashley Winstead.

From my book club’s Sneaky Santa, I received House of the Beast by Michelle Wong.

UnRead Shelf Progress

• Starting Number: 305

• Books Read: 1

• Books Acquired: 2

• Books Unshelved: 0

• Finishing Number: 306

February TBR Pile: This month snuck up on me. I have no idea what I want to read this month other than a giant stack of library books.

1. Bookworms BC: Butcher and Blackbird by Brynne Weaver (my pick; reread)

2. Kid Read Aloud: The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster

3. Romance: Unromance by Erin Connor

Movies Watched

• Roofman

• Now You See Me, Now You Don’t

• Alphaville

• Predator: Badlands

• Sphere

• Damsel

• Army of the Dead

• The Invitation (2022)

• Anaconda (2025)

• The Wrecking Crew

TV Shows Watched

• Babylon 5 S5

• Shoresy S5

• Agatha All Along S1

• Make Some Noise S

• Um Actually S11

• My Demon S1

• Heated Rivalry S1

• SKZ Code (2023)

• SKZ Talker (2023)

• SKZ Talker-Go (2023)

Comments - Not the best start to the year in terms of reading. But I did watch a lot of media and even finished a few series! For February, I'm going to try and focus on actual books instead of fan fiction only. Maybe I can even out my reading…

Next up on the TBR pile:

Voices in the Snow by Darcy Coates

Title: Voices in the Snow (Black Winter #1)

Author: Darcy Coates

Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press 2019

Genre: Horror

Pages: 352

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Winter TBR - Snowy Setting; Cover Lover - Ice in some form

Where I Got It: Library

Clare remembers the cold. She remembers abandoned cars and children's toys littered across the road. She remembers dark shapes in the snow and a terror she can't explain. And then... nothing. When she wakes, aching and afraid in a stranger's gothic home, he tells her she was in an accident, a crash in the snow. He claims he saved her. Clare wants to leave, but a vicious snowstorm has blanketed the world in white, trapping them together, and there's nothing she can do but wait.

At least the stranger seems kind... but Clare doesn't know if she can trust him. He promised they were alone here, but she sees and hears things that convince her something else is creeping about the surrounding woods, watching. Waiting. Between the claustrophobic storm and the inescapable sense of being hunted, Clare is on edge... and increasingly certain of one thing:

Her car crash wasn't an accident. Something is waiting for her to step outside the fragile safety of the house... something monstrous, something unfeeling.

Something desperately hungry.

I wanted something wintery. I wanted something propulsive. I wanted something creepy and maybe even a bit scary. I got everything I wanted in this book. I loved the mounting tension through the majority of the chapters. We really do not know if Clare is a reliable narrator for almost the entire time. It created a sense of unease that I ate up! And Dorran was such a mystery. I kept going back and forth about him until the end. As it stands, the creepy appearances were perfectly creepy. My only complaint was the reveal of who was controlling the “people.” I didn’t love that. But I will keep reading in this series.

Black Winter

• #1 Voices in the Snow

• #2 Secrets in the Dark

• #3 Whispers in the Mist

• #4 Silence in the Shadows

Next up on the TBR pile:

Mate by Ali Hazelwood

Title: Mate

Author: Ali Hazelwood

Publisher: Berkley 2025

Genre: Romantasy

Pages: 457

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Romanceopoly - Nightshade Society Club (Full Moon Fever); Cover Lover - Mythical creature

Spice Rating: 6

Serena Paris is orphaned, pack-less, and one of a kind. Coming forward as the first Human-Were hybrid was supposed to heal a centuries-long rift between species. Instead, it made her a target, prey to the ruthless political machinations between Weres, Vampyres, and Humans. With her enemies closing in on her, she has only one option left—if he’ll have her.

As Alpha of the Northwest pack, Koen Alexander commands obedience. His authority is so absolute, only a fool would threaten his mate. It doesn’t matter if Serena doesn’t reciprocate his feelings, nothing will stop him from keeping her safe.

But power-hungry Vampyres and Weres are not the only threats chasing Serena. Sooner or later, her past is bound to catch up with her—and Koen might be the only thing standing between her and total annihilation…

I really enjoyed Bride when it came out and was hoping the same level of plot and romance. Unfortunately, this one disappointed me. My biggest issue was the romance. What romance exactly? For most of the book, the main characters have no interest in each other. Even after they start having sex it’s because of Serena being in heat, not because they really want to. I never bought them actually being into each other at all. I really really dislike the being in heat trope for werewolf stories. Come to think of it, I really dislike werewolf stories. I dislike the power dynamics and misogynistic undertones to every interaction. I much prefer the vampire dynamics. As to the plot itself, so much was left unresolved. What happened to the bounty? Who was behind the bounty? What about Serena’s disease? Did sex magically cure that? What about the cult and all the weird things surrounding that? And even beyond the plot holes, there was so much unresolved trauma in this book. Not everything needs to be tied up in a neat bow, but my goodness, they never even addressed the trauma. So bad.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Music Monday - Chevelle "Pale Horse"

Chevelle is one of those bands that I occasionally forget about and then rediscover. I always dig their sound. Not sure why they seem so forgettable. Loving this new song!

Next up on the TBR pile:

Life Right Now #3

As I look outside my window: It’s clear and cold. So so cold… Not looking forward to having to leave the house later.

Right now I am: Prepping brunch early this week. We’re having quiche and chocolate croissants.

Thinking and pondering: What exactly do I want to eat at Hot Pot this afternoon? So many options…

On my bedside table: I don’t know. I have so many choices right now. Lots of library books and lots and lots of books on my Unread Shelf.

On my tv this week: J and I watched some television episodes and a few movies. I continued with my preferred shows, but most of the week was taken up by our trip, so less watching.

Listening to: I’ve been on a Bring Me the Horizon, Dead Poet Society, Black Veil Brides kick lately. It has been a metal kind of week.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

• Tuesday - Hawaiian Pulled Pork Nachos

• Wednesday - Lemon Butter Fish

• Thursday - Apple Cheddar Chicken

• Friday - Out/Leftovers

• Saturday - ????

• Sunday - ????

On my to do list: I need to do redo my brain dump and task list. I most definitely need to focus on fixing the Co-op lesson plans.

Happening this week:It’s definitely a very strange dead week for us in terms of activities. Maybe we schedule something last minute to break up the time.

• Monday - Home Day

• Tuesday - Book Club

• Wednesday - Home Day

• Thursday - Academic Co-op

• Friday - Home Day

• Saturday - Home Day

• Sunday - Coffee and Chat

What I am creating: I started working on my January Memory Planner pages yesterday. Hoping to get those really going soon.

My simple pleasures: Being home. Cozy blankets.

Looking around the house: Our washer decided to stop draining the water. We tried all the easy fixes. Unfortunately, it’s probably the drain pump. We started clearing the laundry room in preparation for major repairs.

From the camera: All my pictures from this week include friends.

Overgrowth by Mira Grant

Title: Overgrowth

Author: Mira Grant

Publisher: Tor Nightfire 2025

Genre: Science Fiction

Pages: 469

Rating: 2/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Winter - Speculative Fiction

Where I Got It: Library

This is just a story. It can't hurt you anymore.

Since she was three years old, Anastasia Miller has been telling anyone who would listen that she's an alien disguised as a human being, and that the armada that left her on Earth is coming for her. Since she was three years old, no one has believed her.

Now, with an alien signal from the stars being broadcast around the world, humanity is finally starting to realize that it's already been warned, and it may be too late. The invasion is coming, Stasia's biological family is on the way to bring her home, and very few family reunions are willing to cross the gulf of space for just one misplaced child.

What happens when you know what’s coming, and just refuse to listen?

I was so disappointed in this book… I have loved Grant’s previous books, especially Drowning in the Deep, but this one was boring and lacked any punch or horror. I was pulled in by the comparison to Day of the Triffids and Annihilation. It is neither of those things. Instead, we get almost 400 pages of Anastasia warning of the invasion and people talking about how weird she is. That’s about it. The actual invasion seems super anti-climatic after all those pages. I wanted action. I wanted horror. Instead, this read like a young adult novel where the main character repeats how unlikeable they are and how people don’t understand them. I was thoroughly bored.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Hooked by Emily McIntire

Title: Hooked (Never After #1)

Author: Emily McIntire

Publisher: Bloom Books 2021

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 397

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Unread Shelf; Romanceopoly - Velvet Room (Dark romance with walking red-flag love interest); Fairytale retelling - Peter Pan

Where I Got It: Under the Cover, Kansas City, Retreat Weekend 2025

Spice Rating: 6

James has always had one agenda: destroy his enemy, Peter Michaels. When Peter’s twenty-year-old daughter Wendy shows up in James’s bar, he sees his way in. Seduce the girl and use her for his revenge. It’s the perfect plan, until things in James’s organization begin to crumble. Suddenly, he has to find the traitor in his midst, and his plan for revenge gets murkier as James starts to see Wendy as more than just a pawn in his game.

Wendy has been cloistered away most of her life by her wealthy cold father, but a spontaneous night out with friends turns into an intense and addictive love affair with the dark and brooding James. As much as she knows James is dangerous, Wendy can’t seem to shake her desire for him. But as their relationship grows more heated and she learns more about the world he moves in, she finds herself unsure if she’s falling for the man known as James or the monster known as Hook.

I picked this up last Bookish Retreat at the romance book store, I do love a morally grey love interest and a romance filled with dark themes. I was excited that this was a Hook centered romance. But somehow I completely missed that this was a straight romance, no fantasy elements at all. Thankfully I still really enjoyed this one. Hook is out for revenge and thinks Wendy is going to be the perfect tool to achieve that revenge. Instead, Hook finds himself drawn to Wendy. On the other side, Wendy breaks out of shell and figures out what she wants. I loved the twists and turns and all the murdery bits. I love the combination of murder and romance. I think the genre mashup is my sweet spot. This volume ends with a HEA, but I’m excited to keep reading McIntire’s redone fairy tales.

Never After

• #1 Hooked

• #2 Scarred

• #3 Wretched

• #4 Twisted

• #5 Crossed

• #6 Hexed

Next up on the TBR pile:

Odds and Ends

Here's my randomness for the week:

• We’re back from our three day trip to Great Wolf Lodge and I need a serious nap. Lots of fun with friends, but I am now exhausted.

• Speaking of friends, I’m meeting three other Stays on Sunday for dinner. Excited to chat with other Stray Kids fans over hot pot.

• Academic Co-op is currently in our second week of the semester. I think we are settling in nicely. Should be a good couple of weeks.

Next up on the TBR pile:

What Stalks the Deep by T. Kingfisher

Title: What Stalks the Deep (Sworn Soldier #3)

Author: T. Kingfisher

Publisher: Tor Nightfire 2025

Genre: Horror

Pages: 179

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Winter TBR - Horror; Cover Lover - Compound word in title or author’s name

Alex Easton does not want to visit America.

They particularly do not want to visit an abandoned coal mine in West Virginia with a reputation for being haunted.

But when their old friend Dr. Denton summons them to help find his lost cousin―who went missing in that very mine―well, sometimes a sworn soldier has to do what a sworn soldier has to do...

Another really good novella featuring the indomitable Alex Easton! This time finds our hero deep in an abandoned coal mine in West Virginia searching for a friend’s cousin. Of course Easton is going to find something creepy and probably dangerous down in that mine. I love how Kingfisher can ramp up the tension throughout the chapter until the big reveal to Alex and the audience. This one wasn’t quite as terrifying as the first one or as atmospheric as the second one, but it was definitely a solid horror novella. I cannot wait to see what Kingfisher dreams up next for our favorite Sworn Soldier.

Sworn Soldier

• #1 What Moves the Dead

• #2 What Feasts at Night

• #3 What Stalks the Deep

Next up on the TBR pile:

Homeschool W19-20: January Blues...

What We Studied

We managed to get two weeks of school in before taking a break to visit the Great Wolf Lodge with friends. I will admit that we were really dragging our feet at the beginning of this semester, but we’re getting back into it!

Literature and Poetry

Arthur is primarily using Hearth and Story G6 for his language arts this year. While I love H&S, there’s never enough literature in there. Thankfully we have a stack of books just waiting to be picked up and read. Beyond H&S, we are focusing on expanding vocabulary and reading comprehension this year. He started and finished our first read aloud of 2026. I enjoyed the fantastical take on Thailand and the story of resilience and understanding.

• Poetry: Hearth & Story G6

• Poetry: A Child’s Introduction to Poetry by Michael Driscoll

• The Vocabulary Workbook for 6th Grade by Kelly Anne McLellan

• A Wish in the Dark by Christina Soontornvat

Quentin is primarily using Blossom & Root G3 for his language arts this year. We will pull some elements from Build Your Library Level 3 and random books that we have around the house. We are also starting the Reading Explorer series to focus on reading comprehension and word choice. We started and finished our first read aloud of 2026. I chose a historical fiction book to go along with our history study. .

• Poetry: My America

• One World, Many Religions by Mary Pope Osborne

• Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson

Math

Arthur is using Singapore’s Math in Focus Course 2. Effectively this is Singapore’s 7th grade math text. We dove into the second book for the year. The first chapter was all about angles. We don’t have formal logic book this year, but are focusing on lots of critical thinking and math puzzles.

• Math in Focus Course 2 Book B

Quentin is using Singapore’s Primary Mathematics Common Core edition 3B and 4A. We are taking a bit of a break from our regular math books to dive into some financial literacy before we circle back. .

• Logic Countdown

• Evan Moor Financial Literacy G3

Social Studies

Arthur was using Curiosity Chronicles Modern History Vol. 1. Unfortunately the company has yet to release the next volume. Instead, I decided to use Build Your Library L4 and Story of the World Vol. 4 to get us through Modern History. We dove into World War I these past two weeks.

• Story of the World Vol. 4

• DK History

• DK Timelines of Everything

• DK Timelines of Everyone

• DK A Child Through Time

• A Journey Through Art

• DK When on Earth

• World War I: Causes by Nathan Sacks

• Truce: The Day the Soldiers Stopped Fighting, by Jim Murphy

• Where Poppies Grow

• Life on the Western Front by Nick Hunter

• The Christmas Truce of 1914 by Tom Streissguth

• Smithsonian World War I Timeline by Pamela A Dell

• Living Through World War I by Nicola Barber

• DK Eyewitness World War I

• DK Find Out World War I

• World War I by Steven Otfinoski

• The War to End All Wars: World War I by Russell Freedman

Quentin is using Build Your Library Level 5 to begin our two year exploration of American History. We covered the Constitution and the Presidency of George Washington.

• History Quest United States History

• DK When on Earth?

• DK History

• DK Timelines of Everything

• DK Timelines of Everyone

• DK A Child Through Time

• DK American History

• We were There Too

• Words that Built a Nation

• A More Perfect Union: The Story of the Constitution by Betsy Maestro and Guilio Maestro

• The U.S. Constitution by Norman Pearl

• If You Were a Kid at the Signing of the Constitution by Janel Rodriguez

• Shhh! We're Writing the Constitution by Jean Fritz

• The Constitution of the United States by Christine Taylor-Butler

• Our Country’s Presidents

• Brick by Brick by Charles R. Smith Jr.

• George Washington by Mike Venezia

• George Washington: The First President by Sarah Albee

• George Washington's Spectacular Spectacles: The Glasses that Saved America by Selene Castrovilla

• Smart About the First Ladies by Jon Buller and Susan Schade - Martha Washington

• Don't Know Much About the Presidents by Kenneth C. Davis - Washington

Science

Arthur is using RSO Earth and Environment 2 and later RSO Astronomy 2 for science. We are taking a break from Earth and Environment to start Astronomy 2. We also kept up with our physics prep for co-op.

• RSO Earth and Environment 2 (August-December; March-May)

• RSO Astronomy 2 (January-March)

• A Hundred Billion Trillion Stars by Seth Fishman

• Star Stuff: Carl Sagan and the Mysteries of the Cosmos by Stephanie Roth Sisson

• Astrophysics for Young People by Neil DeGrasse Tyson

• DK Timelines of Nature

• Red Rover: Curiosity on Mars by Richard Ho

• Curiosity: The Story of a Mars Rover by Markus Motum

• DK Space

Quentin is using RSO Physics 1. We are taking a short break from Physics to focus on finishing our Story of Science volume.

• RSO Physics 1

• The Story of Science Vol. 1 by Joy Hakim

• Physics: Investigate the Mechanics of Nature by Jane Gardner

• Physics for Curious Kids Introduction

• The Way Things Work Now

Enrichment STEAM Co-op /Academic Co-op

We started back to our Academic Co-op this past week. Getting the room situation straightened out was a mess, but we made it. The classes for Week 1 went really well. Arthur has Physics 2, Hand Crafts and Art, and Wonders of the World. I’m teaching Wonders. Quentin has Wonders of the World, Gameschooling, and Independent Hour.

Art and Music

We are doing something a little different this year. Instead of trying to do music and art every week, we will be trading off. I realized last year these subjects were always the first to be cut when we had time constraints. We covered our next composers with Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky and George Gershwin.

• DK Music and How it Works

• DK The Arts

• Why is Art Full of Naked People? by Susie Hodge

• The Story of the Incredible Orchestra by Bruce Koscielniak

• DK Art and How it Works

• 13 Art Techniques Children Should Know

• The Story of Paintings

• George Gershwin by Mike Venezia

• The Music in George's Head: George Gerswhin Creates Rhapsody in Blue by Suzanne Slade

• Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue by Anna Harwell Celenza

Field Trip/Activities

We had a lovely trip to the zoo with some friends. It’s always nice to go when it’s cold outside and less crowded.

We had another visit to the Joslyn Art Museum. While the boys were not that excited, I’m always excited to look at the art. It’s a lot of fun to be able to take the time and pick out a few pieces each visit to deep dive.

Quentin helped make dinner using his Christmas present

High

A few friends and us visited the Great Wolf Lodge in Kansas City for a few days. We took advantage of some great winter deals. Monday was busy as it was a holiday, but Tuesday and Wednesday were absolutely dead. So nice to be there without any crowds.

Low

Unfortunately, half the people came home from the lodge sick… Arthur was feeling off, but after some good sleep, seems to be fine now.

Next Week

• Starting new read alouds for everyone

• Continuing with our math textbook (A) and financial literacy (Q)

• Moving into the meat of World War I (A) and onto John Adams and Thomas Jefferson (Q) for history

• Covering stars (A) and more history (Q) for science

• Hopefully getting back into Academic Co-op!

Next up on the TBR pile:

Music Monday - Black Veil Brides "Certainty"

A new single out from Black Veil Brides! And a new album dropping at the end of the month! I am in heaven right now. Loving the darker edge to the music with this one.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Life Right Now #2

As I look outside my window: It’s bright but still very cold!

Right now I am: Getting ready to leave and take J to the airport before going to my meeting. Busy busy day!

On my bedside table: I just did a culling of the library stack. I should really focus on some of my own reads right now. I’m a little anxious that I haven’t had a 5 star read yet this month.

On my tv this week: While J was gone I watched a few movies, finished Agatha All Along, and started a new K-drama.

Listening to: My listening has been all over the place this week. A little of everything I guess.

On the menu for this week: The boys and I are at Great Wolf Lodge Monday through Wednesday. I have no idea what were are going to have for dinner beyond that. J comes back late late Thursday. So guess I need to make a meal plan for Friday and on.

On my to do list: Not much. I want to enjoy our mini trip so I’m pushing off my to dos.

Happening this week:

• Monday - Great Wolf Lodge

• Tuesday - Great Wolf Lodge

• Wednesday - Great Wolf Lodge

• Thursday - Academic Co-op

• Friday - Home Day

• Saturday - Home Day

• Sunday - Dinner with my local Stays

What I am creating: I’ve been working on making freebie packs for the upcoming Stray Kids concert movie thing in early February. I’m loving how they are turning out.

My simple pleasures: Not feeling terrible. Seriously my body has not been happy all week. I just want to not hurt.

Looking around the house: I need to finish cleaning out the kitchen today and do a general pickup before we leave tomorrow. But things are looking decent right now.

From the camera: SKZ freebie packs!

Sphere by Michael Crichton

Title: Sphere

Author: Michael Crichton

Publisher: Ballantine Books 1987

Genre: Scifi

Pages: 371

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Seasonal - Leftover from 2025; Cover Lover - Does not include the words “and” or “the”

Where I Got It: Library

A classic thriller from #1 New York Times bestselling author Michael Crichton, Sphere is a bravura demonstration of what he does better than anyone: riveting storytelling that combines frighteningly plausible, cutting-edge science and technology with pulse-pounding action and serious chills. The gripping story of a group of American scientists sent to the ocean floor to investigate an alien ship, only to confront a terrifying discovery that defies imagination, Sphere is Crichton prime - truly masterful fiction from the ingenious mind that brought us Prey, State of Fear, and Jurassic Park.

It had been probably 20 years since I had read Sphere. I had decided that 2025 was the year to reread but never got around to it. Finally accomplished it this week. This is definitely in the top of Crichton books. It’s no Jurassic Park. or The Andromeda Strain, but it’s still a very solid scifi adventure story. Crichton is definitely an ideas man with his books. I don’t come for the characters or the dialogue. I come for the interesting questions he raises through adventure stories. In this one, we get an interesting take on reality and power with some great twists and turns. J and I rewatched the movie. till holds up!

Next up on the TBR pile:

Binti by Nnedi Okorafor

Title: Binti (Binti #1)

Author: Nnedi Okorafor

Publisher: Tordotcom 2015

Genre: Scifi

Pages: 96

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Speccy Fiction - Speculative Novella

Where I Got It: Library

Her name is Binti, and she is the first of the Himba people ever to be offered a place at Oomza University, the finest institution of higher learning in the galaxy. But to accept the offer will mean giving up her place in her family to travel between the stars among strangers who do not share her ways or respect her customs.

Knowledge comes at a cost, one that Binti is willing to pay, but her journey will not be easy. The world she seeks to enter has long warred with the Meduse, an alien race that has become the stuff of nightmares. Oomza University has wronged the Meduse, and Binti's stellar travel will bring her within their deadly reach.

If Binti hopes to survive the legacy of a war not of her making, she will need both the gifts of her people and the wisdom enshrined within the University, itself ― but first she has to make it there, alive.

Our book club selection for January and it was a novella. I was glad for the shorter length after a frantic holiday season. We are dumped into a very strange world based partly on our own history and partly on imagination. It took me a few pages to get my bearings, but once there, I really enjoyed this short story about a woman discovering herself and the world outside her planet. I loved watching Binti transform in just a short amount of pages. She truly feels like a new character but also the same by the end. I am interested in seeing where this series goes. I may just pick up the other two books soon.

Binti

• #1 Binti

• #1.5 Sacred Fire

• #2 Home

• #3 The Night Masquerade

Next up on the TBR pile:

Currently #1

Reading: I’m in the middle of Sphere by Michael Crichton. It’s been so so long since I read this book. I’m thoroughly enjoying it!

Watching: I diverted from the K-dramas and finally started Agatha All Along. I’m over halfway through. Hoping to finish by the end of the month.

Listening: Black Veil Brides dropped a new single and I am obsessed with it! I cannot wait of the new album to drop later this month.

Making: I’ve been working on lesson plans for co-op past few days. I’m teaching Wonders of the World to the big kids this semester. Lots of wonder projects, lots of notes, and lots of slideshows to prepare.

Feeling: We’re still waiting on the college to get back to us about rooms for Academic Co-op that starts on Thursday. Needless to say that I am very anxious right now…

Planning: We are heading to Great Wolf Lodge in KC next week with friends. It should be a great couple of days, but it requires some planning and organizing. I need to pull our clothing. But I also need to review our food spreadsheet we made for the group to see what I need to add to the grocery list this week.

Loving: After the Christmas rush and some deliveries, I’m just so excited to look at all my Stray Kids merchandise. My PCs and posters have been partially displayed. My purse has been decorated. And I’m waiting not so patiently for the last few packages to arrive.

Next up on the TBR pile: