mansmom,
When looking at whether to use the Sample Book Ideas List or whether to use the Book Pack selections instead, it's a good idea to take an honest look at your teaching style and your family's lifestyle. If you are a family that loves going to library and gets it done on a regular basis, then using the Book List works very well. Or, if you are a family that enjoys planning ahead and loves to place books on order at the library, so you'll have them when you need them, then the Book List is also a great way to go.
If, however, on the other hand your lifestyle right now is too busy to regularly get to the library and the need for a certain book would mean an unplanned last minute trip to the library, or if not having a book on hand would mean Drawn into the Heart of Reading wouldn't get done regularly, then you may wish to look at using the Book Packs instead.
At our house, we happen to be in a season in our life where I need the books on hand to just pluck off the shelf from the book packs and open and go. However, we have been in seasons in our life in the past where I loved planning ahead with the booklist and pre-selecting each title to specifically match my kiddos. Blessedly, DITHR has worked well both ways for us!
Blessings,
Carrie