Below are some of the books I’ve been reading this month; note that the following may contain spoilers:

Ember’s End, by S. D. Smith – The fourth book in The Green Ember series, and the eighth in publication order of said series, is a story of bravery, sacrifice, honour, love, hope, compassion, beauty. There is death and heartache, but it reminds the reader that there is more. The characters the reader has come to love find themselves in a fight not only for themselves, but for their entire kind – for all rabbits. This is a great read aloud.

Ember Rising, by S. D. Smith – The third book in The Green Ember series, and the fifth in publication order of said series, is rather dark, but still full of hope, resilience, and courage. It moves through three stories happening simultaneously: one story line follows Emma, another Picket and Helmer, and the other Heather. There are some difficult themes in this book, so I suggest, if you’re reading the series aloud, to read it alone first and make sure the themes will be okay for all who are listening. Despite the sadness, though, there is a pervasive hope, and the ending leaves the reader wanting more. This is a great read aloud.

Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen – This has been my favourite Jane Austen book so far. I appreciated Fanny’s growth throughout the novel and enjoyed guessing what was going to happen. Her strength of character has made her one of my favourite literary heroines. You can read our conversations over this novel here.

The First Fowler: A Green Ember Story, by S. D. Smith – The second in the Green Ember Archer series, and the seventh in publication order of The Green Ember series, this story continues to follow the adventures of Jo Shanks, Helmer, Emma, and others. It helps shed light on the adventures that happen in Ember Falls (review here). It’s a great read aloud.

The Last Archer: A Green Ember Story, by S. D. Smith – The first in the Green Ember Archer series, and the fourth in publication order of The Green Ember series, this book focuses on the story of Jo Shanks, a young archer who is a friend of Picket, Heather, and Emma; this story takes place just before and after they meet. Jo desperately wants to live up to his dead father’s expectations, and has a deep need to prove himself worthy and do something great. This short story helps shed light on adventures that happen in The Green Ember (review here). This is a great read aloud.

The Wreck and Rise of Whitson Mariner, by S. D. Smith – The second book in The Tales of Old Natalia series, and the sixth in publication order of The Green Ember series, picks up shortly after The Black Star of Kingston (review here) and helps set up the adventures that take place in Ember’s End. It includes kidnapping, betrayal, new foes, and action sequences, not to mention courage, bravery, and hope. It is a great read aloud.