I used Human Odyssey for supplemental reading with History Odyssey for both Ancients last year and Middle Ages this year. In addition I scheduled Gombrich's Little History of the World which seemed to be a more direct substitute for Story of Mankind.

Lively Latin 2 is so large that I think she is recommending using it for two years. I know we easily went through the first one in a year, but it took a 4th and 5th grade to go through the second. I thought it laid a really strong foundation and the transition to the faster-paced Galore Park Latin Prep for 6th has been pretty seamless.`

My 11 yo loves her kindle. It allows her to have a selection of her favorite books with her wherever she goes. It is wonderful for traveling and has significantly reduced our constant need for additional bookshelves!

Sorry... I thought you were asking for vampire, etc. The Kaye might still be an option. If fantasy/sci-fi in general is OK maybe Shannon Hale's Bayern chronicles, Anne McCaffrey's Dragon's of Pern, or Tamora Pierce.

You could try Maggie Stiefvatar's Wolves of Mercy Falls. Rachel Caine's Morgainville Vampires series is fun. Veronica Roth's Divergent was pretty good and is the first in the series. Oh, and it's historical fantasy, but Guy Gavriel Kaye's Fionavar Tapestry might be something to check out. His books in general are well written and very good stories.

Depending on how close a relative/friend I get either a small or salad-sized handmade wooden bowl (approx. $35-65). I love the idea of giving something made by a local crafter.

As another option this book offered a lot of helpful suggestions when my daughter was young that we still use today. It's even useful for dealing with adults! :-) Redirecting Children's Behavior

I think this is new functionality with Lion OS. I installed a few days ago and just noticed it today.

I like Cuddledown. Good selection, nice sales, and they ship promptly.

Grammar/Voc./Poetics: MCT Level 4 Writing: WWS + elements from MCT Academic Writing and Bravewriter Math: Art of Problem Solve Pre-Algebra and we'll probably play with LOF Algebra History: HO2 Middle Ages Spine (replace Van Loon w/ Gombrich) + 2nd half OM 6 for projects + Human Odyssey Science: Classiquest Biology probably mixed and match with Elemental Science Logic: Critical Thinking Latin: Galore Park Latin Prep 1 French: Galore Park So You Really Want to Learn French 1 Typing: Typing Instructor Platinum Art: Outside Class PE: Horseback Riding Yes, I'm incapable of using anything by itself as written. The history combination is the same one I used last year though and it worked very well for my dd. :)

You may also want to look into college radio if you have something local. When I was involved we sometimes let kids from the high school help with shows in the summer and the station was also part of the summer youth program.

Our favorite in the North End is called Piccolo Vinezia. Mainly because it's a little more family friendly and laid back than some. Honestly though you really can't go wrong down there. Be sure to stop in at Mike's Pastries when you're done eating. Legal Seafoods is fantastic. It's also fun to eat at Fanueil Hall since everyone can get what they want and there are tons of fun options. Enjoy!

You may want to send him an email. He doesn't stock all of the books, but I believe he can get them for you if you tell him what you need.

Just for another option Picaboo also does a nice job and I thought it was very easy to use.

I'm driving six and my SIL who is a school teacher is flying out to go with me, but that is for both days.