St. Thomas Aquinas Author(s): G.K. Chesterton(Gilbert Keith Chesterton) This little book is interesting. It is NOT the definitive work on St. Thomas. It is NOT a primer on his philosophy. It is an interesting mix of: a story of his life (or rather stories from his life), a little taste of his genius, another taste of what his ideas mean to the world (including how relevant they are today) and ideas about why he was the way he was. It does not seem adequate to compare it to a TV show but it reminds me of one of those really good PBS documentaries that gets you totally involved in something you didn't ever think was that big a deal. Read more about St. Thomas Aquinas
The Rosary (Wall Chart) This simple wall chart offers colorful pictures for each mystery of the Rosary (Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful and Glorious are included) along with an illustrated explanation of how to say the Rosary. Each mystery of the Rosary is labeled along with which days of the week to say each set of mysteries. My children love having this chart on their bedroom wall where they listen to the Rosary on Catholic Radio at night. The pictures have really helped them in visualizing the mysteries and in getting a better understanding of the Life of Jesus. Read more about The Rosary (Wall Chart)
100 Activities Based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church Author(s): Ellen Rossini This book is first divided into three categories based on age or grade level (Primary - grades 1-3; Intermediate - grades 3-5; and Advanced - grades 6-8). Each of these is subdivided into four segments based on the major parts of the Catechism of the Catholic Church: Read more about 100 Activities Based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church
Did Adam and Eve have Belly Buttons? Author(s): Matthew J. Pinto Not just a catchy title, "Did Adam & Eve have Belly Buttons?" is an actual question posed by an eighteen-year-old boy. In fact, the whole book is organized around questions from teenagers about the faith. To make it easier to follow, the author has grouped them into twelve categories: God, Creation and Man, Religion and the Bible, Jesus Christ, Catholic Morality, etc. Read more about Did Adam and Eve have Belly Buttons?
Saint Thomas Aquinas and the Preaching Beggars Author(s): Brendan Larnen, O.P.Milton Lomask St. Thomas Aquinas is one of the most beloved and revered saints of all time – both for his holiness and for his intellect. This accessible chapter book (from the Vision book series) gives a good overview of the "Angelic Doctor's" life with an emphasis on some of his most important philosophies and ideas. Read more about Saint Thomas Aquinas and the Preaching Beggars
Our Pioneers and Patriots Author(s): Most Rev. Philip J. Furlong Our Pioneers and Patriots begins with a review of Viking exploration and continues through the history of the United States to the time of President Roosevelt and the New Deal. The text is direct and factual, focusing on key people and events. Read straight through, this book would bore most children; however, when read a page or two at a time the presentation style is interesting and easily understood. Fr. Furlong has a unique way of digesting complex information into a few short sentences. Read more about Our Pioneers and Patriots
Schoolhouse in the Woods Author(s): Rebecca Caudill This second installment in the Fairchild Family Series (which starts with Happy Little Family) is a charming account of young Bonnie enjoying her first few months in a little one room schoolhouse. She and her siblings enjoy playing with friends in the rural schoolyard, having the teacher stay at their house for a week and preparing for a Christmas pageant. The story makes a nice read-aloud or chapter book for young readers. Read more about Schoolhouse in the Woods
Catechism on the Real Presence Author(s): Father John A. Hardon, S.J. In September 1965, Pope Paul VI issued the encyclical titled Mysterium Fidei (Mystery of Faith) to provide the faithful with the teachings of the Catholic Church on the doctrine and worship of the Holy Eucharist. The first half of Catechism on the Real Presence is an eloquent question-and-answer catechism that carefully details each of the main points of Mysterium Fidei, cross-referenced to specific paragraphs in the document itself. The latter half of the book contains the entire text of the encyclical itself as a convenient reference. Read more about Catechism on the Real Presence
Catholic Catechism on the Angels Author(s): Father John A. Hardon, S.J. In today's culture, angels are represented on everything from popular television programs to needlecraft projects, but they are rarely portrayed accurately. This little powerhouse of a book sets the record straight on Catholic teaching regarding our "holy helpers". Thorough but concise, it is written for upper high-school students and adults. Read more about Catholic Catechism on the Angels
Gettysburg Author(s): MacKinlay Kantor The Civil War Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania (July 1 – 3, 1863) is a complex, multi-faceted piece of history that would be difficult to understand after reading just one book. If you ever find yourself in the South-Central Pennsylvania, I would recommend a visit. I've been there twice and it's very a moving, historically interesting site. Read more about Gettysburg
