The Wind in the Willows

AUTHOR: Kenneth Grahame

GENRE: Fiction, Fantasy

SUMMARY: In Kenneth Grahame’s timeless classic, readers are invited into a charming woodland world where the true essence of friendship and adventure come alive. At the heart of the story are Mole, Rat, Toad, and Badger, each distinct in character yet bound by their camaraderie and adventures. From the serene riverbanks to the tumultuous escapades with motorcars, Grahame masterfully intertwines themes of loyalty, bravery, and the simple pleasures of life. Join these lovable creatures on their journey and discover the magic of nature, companionship, and the joy of living life to its fullest.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to differences in multiple editions of this book, please read the Great Illustrated Classics edition only: ISBN 0866119906.

Flora & Ulysses

AUTHOR: Kate DiCamillo

GENRE: Adventure Fiction, Fantasy Fiction

SUMMARY: It begins, as the best superhero stories do, with a tragic accident that has unexpected consequences. The squirrel never saw the vacuum cleaner coming, but self-described cynic Flora Belle Buckman, who has read every issue of the comic book “Terrible Things Can Happen to You!,” is just the right person to step in and save him. What neither can predict is that Ulysses (the squirrel) has been born anew, with powers of strength, flight, and misspelled poetry, and that Flora will be changed too, as she discovers the possibility of hope and the promise of a capacious heart.

2024 Tournament in Pictures

Salem Academy hosted the all-school SALT tournament was on April 13, 2024. Students from Santiam Christian, Willamette Valley Christian, Western Christian, Our Savior’s Christian, and Salem Academy arrived to compete for the 3rd-4th and 5th-6th grade division titles. The students competed in an amazing way, giving it their all. Congratulations to all of the participants for another fantastic year filled with exciting skirmishes and memories.

2024 Tournament Winners

Congratulations to the winners of the 2024 SALT tournament. Well done!

3rd & 4th Grade Champions

Salem Academy, SA Salties (Avalon, Ruby Rose, Sigrid, Jason, Nelson, Coach Karie Hutchings)

5th & 6th Grade Champions

Santiam Christian, THEE Reading Rockstars (Lydia, Heidi, Emma, Andrew, Coach Geron Haan)

Duman Award Winner: Haddie Jones

Congratulations to our 2024 Duman Award winner, Haddie Jones from Santiam Christian!

One of our SALT tournament traditions is presenting a student with what we call “The Duman Award.” The Duman Award is named after one of our original SALT staff members, who was known for her kindness. Trisha Duman loved being part of SALT, and her passing left us with a forever hole in our hearts. This is an award we give to honor her memory. We ask for the coaches from each school to nominate one student who shines their light brightly for Jesus by always showing kindness, encouragement, and good leadership skills. This year’s Duman Award winner, Haddie Jones, stood out among the nominees. This is what Haddie’s coaches had to say…

“Haddie personifies joy and is frequently among the first to help and mentor other classmates. She does a great job of making everyone feel included. When a classmate was away from school for a prolonged time because of an injury, Haddie found out that the injured student had been reading SALT books in hopes of being on a SALT team. Haddie welcomed her with open arms and encouragement, and even advocated for virtual meetings with the injured student so that she could be part of the team. Haddie has a servant’s heart and loves others with her words and actions.”

The Holy Bible: Book of Ruth

AUTHOR: Samuel

GENRE: Religious Text

SUMMARY: The setting for the Book of Ruth begins in the heathen country of Moab, a region northeast of the Dead Sea, but then moves to Bethlehem. This true account takes place during the dismal days of failure and rebellion of the Israelites, called the period of the Judges. A famine forces Elimelech and his wife, Naomi, from their Israelite home to the country of Moab. Elimelech dies and Naomi is left with her two sons, who soon marry two Moabite girls, Orpah and Ruth. Later both of the sons die, and Naomi is left alone with Orpah and Ruth in a strange land. Orpah returns to her parents, but Ruth determines to stay with Naomi as they journey to Bethlehem. This story of love and devotion tells of Ruth’s eventual marriage to a wealthy man named Boaz, by whom she bears a son, Obed, who becomes the grandfather of David and the ancestor of Jesus. Obedience brings Ruth into the privileged lineage of Christ.

Tales from the Odyssey: Part 1

AUTHOR: Mary Pope Osborn

GENRE: Mythology, Fantasy, Fiction

SUMMARY: Brave Odysseus is far from home, tossed by stormy seas, and cursed by an angry one-eyed giant. If he ever wants to see his family again, he will have to face hungry cannibals, outwit a beautiful witch, and sail past a six-headed serpent. His journey is the ultimate test of endurance and courage.

When Mischief Came to Town

AUTHOR: Katrina Nannestad

GENRE: Historical Fiction

SUMMARY: In the tradition of ANNE OF GREEN GABLES and PIPPI LONGSTOCKING comes a heart-warming novel about love, family, grief, joy and the power of laughter and imagination.
When Inge Maria arrives on the tiny island of Bornholm in Denmark to live with her grandmother, she’s not sure what to expect. Her grandmother is stern, the people on the island are strange, and children are supposed to be seen and not heard. But no matter how hard Inge tries to be good, mischief has a way of finding her. Could it be that a bit of mischief is exactly what Grandmother and the people of Bornholm need?