Religion

Prove It! The Catholic Teen Bible

Book cover: 'Prove It! The Catholic Teen Bible'
Author(s): 
Amy Welborn
Number of pages: 
1394 pages
Copyright: 
2004
ISBN / ID: 
9780979946677
Publisher: 
Our Sunday Visitor
Binding: 
Softcover
Subject(s): 
Family Bibles
Grade / Age level: 
Grades 6-8
High School
Review: 

New American Bible Translation (copyright 1970-1991)

Also contains seven full-color multipage inserts.

This Bible offers a creative and colorful format to help encourage teens to read the real text of the Bible. It is a real, complete Bible with inserts tucked in between the text. The full-color, glossy inserts run from eight to sixteen pages in length (a total of sixty pages). These inserts highlight and discuss important topics of the faith while continually encouraging the reader to do further study within the Bible itself (with lots of specific Bible references to help facilitate that). The text of these inserts is meaty, but easy to understand. The layout is attractive and contemporary, combining images of Christ and the Saints with photos of modern teens. You can see that the author has aimed at appealing to the best in teens by helping them make sense out of the Catholic faith.

The introductory insert offers some tips for getting started and a table of contents for the insert sections.

The first insert, "God; How do I know God exists?", explores the topic of basic Christian belief through scripture, tradition and reason (logic). This segment also explores the topics of: "Who is God?", "What is the Trinity?", "One God?", Consequences of the existence of God, "Why do people suffer?", and "Made in God's image."

The second insert, "Jesus" covers questions and the basic facts about the Life of Christ. This segment grapples with the following topics: "Who is Jesus?", "Can I trust the gospels?", "What did Jesus do?", "What's a miracle?", "Mary, Mother of God", "Jesus died for my sins. What does that mean?", "Jesus was a great teacher. Can't I just believe that?", "The Resurrection", "If Jesus is Lord, then...", and "When will Jesus come again - and how?"

The third insert is on the Church. This covers "What is the Church?", What does Jesus have to do with the Church?", "How can the Church be holy when it has sinners in it?", "What is the Church for?", "The Sacraments: Meeting Jesus", "Can People who aren't Catholic be saved?", "If Jesus is present in the Church, then..." the basics of what it means to be a Caholic (attending Mass, receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation, etc.)

The fourth insert covers the topic of prayer, including "What is prayer?", "Great Moments in Prayer", "Different forms of prayer", "Learning to Pray", "Doesn't God already know how I feel?", "What should I feel when I pray?", "Why pray to saints?", "Does God answer prayers?", "I should trust prayers that have helped others draw closer to God."

The fifth section is entitled "You". This segment very cleverly handles topics involving: the Sancity of Life, Vocations, the Sanctity of Marriage, the Commandments and Beatitudes, Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy, and more.

The final section, "The Map" outlines the guidelines the Church gives us to follow Christ and keep his laws. It covers the Commandments, the Virtues, Gifts of the Holy Spirit, Fruits of the Holy Spirit, "Wrong Turns", the Four Last Things and prayers, including the Stations of the Cross and directions for saying the Rosary.

This book offers a very creative concept for encouraging teens who wouldn't ordinarily be drawn toward reading the Bible into picking it up and at the same time delving deeper into their Catholic faith. The one real downside is the translation. Although the New American Bible translation is commonly used at Mass throughout the United States (and it is not overtly evil!), it is reputed to have subtle inaccuracies that can distort or confuse the meaning of certain passages. However, as Catholic Answers succinctly put it, "So, which Bible is the best? Perhaps the best answer is this: The one you'll read." Keeping that in mind, I think this Bible would make an excellent Confirmation present for teenagers in your life - particularly those who have very little experience with the Bible and/or their faith in general. Homeschool students may also enjoy using this book to explore the Bible on their own. My own 11 year old daughter is eager to get her hands on my copy as soon as this review is complete. :) It would be best if this isn't the only translation studied, but it doesn't seem like a bad place to start.

Reservations

The updated 2011 edition, ISBN 9781592761951, uses the NABRE version. We have concerns about this translation: please see our separate review of the revised NAB version here.

Reviewed by: 
Alicia Van Hecke
First reviewed: 
2-24-05

Questions and Answers

Author(s): 
Pope Benedict XVI
Number of pages: 
176 pages
Publisher: 
Our Sunday Visitor
Binding: 
Sewn Hardcover
Subject(s): 
Religion
Catechesis
Grade / Age level: 
High School
Review: 
The cover of the book says it all. Fully attentive to the children before him, he is ready to assist them in the best way possible through his prayers, and in this case, his answers to their questions about life and faith. The person is Pope Benedict XVI and the book is Questions and Answers. If you could ask the Holy Father any question, what would you ask him? At various meetings with Pope Benedict XVI from his election in 2005 until 2007, groups of children, young people, and priests asked him a wide range of questions from his memories of his First Communion to what can priests do to reach out to young people. Questions and Answers is a compilation of these intriguing questions and thought-provoking answers during these encounters. One of my favorite responses is his answer to why we should go to confession often. “. . . it is helpful to confess with a certain regularity. It is true: Our sins are always the same, but we clean our homes, our rooms, at least once a week, even if the dirt is always the same; in order to live in cleanliness, in order to start again. Otherwise, the dirt might not be seen, but it builds up. Something similar can be said about the soul, for me myself: If I never go to confession, my soul is neglected and, in the end, I am always pleased with myself and no longer understand that I must always work hard to improve, that I must make progress. And this cleansing of the soul that Jesus gives us in the Sacrament of Confession helps us to make our consciences more alert, more open, and hence, it also helps us to mature spiritually and as human persons.” There are many questions that apply to life and faith. “What good does it do for our everyday life to go to Holy Mass and receive Communion? What is Eucharistic Adoration? Help us to talk to the mothers of all the boys and girls who attend catechism classes and are often distracted? Why should not women also have a hand in governing the Church? How is it possible to hope when reality negates every dream of happiness, every project of life?" If you have been hesitant to read one of his other books because you were afraid he would be theologically or philosophically above your head, this books was written for you. Because these answers were addressed to a live audience, the question and answers are easy to understand. What is quite evident throughout the book is why Pope Benedict XVI was chosen by the Holy Spirit to guide the Church. His love of Christ and his mission zeal for humanity permeates all his answers. In answer to the question by a young person who struggles with reading and understanding the Bible, Pope Benedict XVI says, “It must first of all be said that one must not read Sacred Scripture as one reads any kind of historical book, such as, for example, Homer, Ovid, or Horace; it is necessary truly to read it as the Word of God—that is, entering into a conversation with God.” He is fully aware of the great problems of our time and the Church. Yet, his answers express his hope and love for us all. In answer to a question about proclaiming the Gospel to non-Christian immigrants, he says, “The first point is that the reason for our hope must be ever present within us. We must be people who live faith and think faith, people with an inner knowledge of it. So it is that faith becomes reason within us, it becomes reasonable.” His answer is much more detailed, so you’ll have to read the book to find out the rest. I assumed that some of the questions would be of interest to only children, youth, or priests; rather, I was surprised to learn that many of them applied to us all. As a member of the Body of Christ, they do apply to me and how I live my life. For example, some of the questions express concern for reaching out to young people, I too, need to live my life in such a way that I can reach out to young people. Easy to read and understand, uplifting, yet fully aware of the many problems facing the Church and the world, Questions and Answers is an inspiring as well as challenging read, challenging, because these questions and responses challenge me to live my life more fully as a Christian. Animated and candid, Questions and Answers offers a fresh, personable, and inspiring look at Pope Benedict XVI and the hope that is our Catholic faith.
Perspective: 
Catholic
Additional notes: 

A topical index is included.

Reviewed by: 
Elizabeth Yank
First reviewed: 
9-15-2008

Rare Catholic Stories and Poems

Book cover: 'Rare Catholic Stories and Poems'
Number of pages: 
123 pages
Copyright: 
1999
Publisher: 
Catholic Heritage Curricula
Binding: 
Softcover
Sample Pages
Subject(s): 
Reading Comprehension
Catholic Stories
Grade / Age level: 
Grades 3-5
Resource Type: 
Supplement
Review: 

Make sure you have a hankie close by when you read these books. These faith inspiring stories surely must have contributed to the steadfastness that Catholic children displayed years ago. The stories in both volumes include main characters that are young and old, male and female thus appealing to everyone. Each story is short enough to be read by an average 4th grader in five to ten minutes. Follow up comprehension questions range from simple recall to more the more thought provoking type that would open the door to many wonderful parent child discussions. We had our children read this book straight through as their spiritual reading and at a later time had them read some of the stories again and work through the comprehension questions. This book would also serve well as a source for bedtime stories or for poetry memorization. Volume 1, which is suitable for grade 3 and up, is a small softcover book 5½" x 8½" and includes several illustrations for each story.

Perspective: 
Catholic
Reviewed by: 
Andrea Chen
First reviewed: 
3-9-01

Reading Comprehension: Stories of the Saints

Author(s): 
Elaine Woodfield
Subject(s): 
Saint Story Collections
Review: 
Although this series of Saint Stories from Catholic Heritage Curricula is listed on our Reading Comprehension page, they should also not be overlooked as really wonderful stories for their own sake. The stories are well-written and contain very interesting details about the lives of the saints that I haven't seen elsewhere. Highly Recommended!
Reviewed by: 
Alicia Van Hecke
First reviewed: 
1998-99

Reading the Saints

Lists of Catholic Books for Children plus Book Collecting Tips for the Home and School Library
Author(s): 
Janet McKenzie
Number of pages: 
218 pages
Copyright: 
2007
Publisher: 
Biblio Resource Publications
Binding: 
Softcover
Subject(s): 
Books about Books
Saints
Grade / Age level: 
All ages
Resource Type: 
General Resource
Review: 
This is an interesting and helpful book of lists designed for parents and teachers interested in collecting Catholic stories (particularly saint stories) for their children and incorporating them into their school studies. The first part of the book consists of listings of Catholic book series (both in and out of print), including titles with Catholic content that have been awarded the Caldecott Award and the Newbery Award, Catholic Readers, the Clarion Series, the Vision Series, American Background Books, Catholic Treasury Books and much more. The main portion of the book (over 100 pages) includes historical and geographical charts of these books of interest (including separate listings for individual stories in the story collections). These charts provide information on where and when the story took place, what series it belongs to, whether it's in print or not and a general age recommendation. Also included are extensive listings of Catholic authors and publishers of interest. The appendix includes a helpful and detailed guide to collecting and caring for books. I found this to be a very useful and well-organized book and I'm sure it's one I'll turn to again and again - particularly when doing school planning over the summer.
Perspective: 
Catholic
Reviewed by: 
Alicia Van Hecke
First reviewed: 
3-3-2008

Rome Sweet Home

Book cover: 'Rome Sweet Home'
Author(s): 
Scott Hahn
Kimberly Hahn
Number of pages: 
198 pages
Copyright: 
1993
Publisher: 
Ignatius Press
Binding: 
Paperback
Subject(s): 
Conversion Stories
Grade / Age level: 
High School
Adults
Review: 
From a young age, Kimberly wanted to be a minister. When her study of the Bible convinced her that the ordination of women as pastors was unbiblical, she deicded that she would do the next best thing and be a pastor's wife. Enter Scott, a fellow student at Grove City College whose plans for the future focussed on preaching and teaching. This book tells the story of their journey from anti-Catholic to Rome Sweet Home. Along the way, we see God working in their lives in events large and small. Interestingly, the Hahns abandoned contraception long before either began to seriously consider the claims of the Catholic Church. Kimberly's personal study of the historical Christian teaching on this topic is what convinced them to give it up, and their reaction at the time was more along the lines of "even a broken clock is right twice a day." Yet, it is obvious in retrospect that this discovery played a role in opening their hearts to the Truth that subsists in the Catholic Church. The story is told by Scott and Kimberly in alternation, a device that is very effective in conveying the discoveries, trials, conflicts, and joys of their journeys as they follow their different paths. As Scott observes in the introduction, his conversion moves from a detective story in which he unearths evidence pointing to the truth, to a horror story when he realizes that the Truth points to the Catholic Church, to a romance as he falls in love with the Church that Jesus Himself founded. Along the way, he has to learn to restrain himself and not push his wife before she is ready. Meanwhile, Kimberly's story is largely one of great pain and suffering as she sees the death of all her hopes and plans of ministering together. She truly experiences a "dark night of the soul" -- feeling abandoned and alone. A beautiful moment is when her father, a Presbyterian minister, urges her to pray to yield her will to God. As she observes, he took a great risk in thus advising her, for he knew it might lead her into the Catholic Church -- as in fact it did. This is a great story of a wonderful Christian couple who had it all planned out how they were going to serve Jesus, and then thought they would lose it all for His sake, only to get back something even more precious. Their passion for the Truth is inspiring. See sample pages at the Book preview though Google books, by permission of Ignatius Press. The Spanish version of this book is entitled El Regreso a Casa El Regreso a Roma; preview here.
Perspective: 
Catholic
Reviewed by: 
Suchi Myjak
First reviewed: 
7-28-2008

Rosary Reflections

Help Your Children Contemplate the Mysteries of the Rosary through Drawing
Book cover: 'Rosary Reflections: Help Your Children Contemplate the Mysteries of the Rosary through Drawing'
Author(s): 
Joseph J. Oka
Number of pages: 
32 pages
Copyright: 
2003
Publisher: 
Ascension Press
Binding: 
Softcover
Subject(s): 
the Holy Rosary
Family Devotions
Grade / Age level: 
Elementary
Resource Type: 
Workbook
Review: 

This simple booklet offers a new idea in helping children learn to meditate upon the Rosary. After six pages introducing the prayers and mysteries of the Rosary (including the Luminous mysteries), there are 26 coloring sheets with a rosary in the center and five segments where children can draw their own pictures of each of the mysteries. Each coloring sheet lists all 20 mysteries of the Rosary. We're planning on using these sheets as a centerpiece in our history timeline binders to illustrate the basic story of the Life of Christ as well as to jump-start a renewed interest in the Rosary in the younger children. Keeping to the Biblical and Apologetics emphasis of the Ascension Press materials, the overview of the Mysteries of the Rosary consist entirely of Biblical citations and quotes for each mystery. The format has a very professional look to it and this resource would be great for use in homes, schools and CCD classes.

Perspective: 
Catholic
Additional notes: 

Binding details: softcover with 26 perforated drawing sheets, 11" by 17"

Later update: This "tablet" appears to have been discontinued sometime in the 2010s. It also appears to be the same product as the "Rosary Reflections" tablet reviewed here.

Reviewed by: 
Alicia Van Hecke
First reviewed: 
4-25-04

Rosary Reflections for Kids Tablet

Book cover: Rosary Reflections for Kids Tablet
Author(s): 
Joe Oka
Number of pages: 
30 pages
Copyright: 
2003
ISBN / ID: 
9780972980005
Publisher: 
Joseph's Labor
Binding: 
Other
Subject(s): 
the Holy Rosary
Family Devotions
Grade / Age level: 
Elementary
Resource Type: 
Workbook
Review: 

Last night during family rosary, I gave my 7 year old son and 5 year old daughter one sheet each from the Rosary Reflections drawing pad, and the ziplock bag of colored pencils. The children immediately and enthusiastically began drawing the mysteries while we prayed the rosary. This instantly solved a problem for us: How to keep the little ones engaged and close to the rest of the family (mom, dad and two older daughters) while we pray together, instead of watching them dramatically flop over on the floor or wander off to find a toy.

The second, and unexpected, result was that as we older ones watched the little ones grab their colored pencils and sketch out, say, a glowing Jesus next to stick figures of Moses and Elijah, or a smiling John the Baptist pouring water over Jesus in the river, we all reflected more deeply on the mysteries as we prayed.

In addition, the children asked a few questions, so they could get their sketches right. For example, "Who was with Jesus at the Transfiguration?" "How old was Jesus when He was baptized?" The drawing tablet provided several "teachable moments" which made the prayer time richer for all of us.

Each sheet has drawing space for five Mysteries; a printed Rosary in the center helps children keep track of their progress. The sheets are sturdy, high quality paper, which would stand up to crayons, markers, or even paint. The finished works are suitable for hanging on a bedroom wall, as my children requested, or for keeping in a portfolio of their art projects.

Perspective: 
Catholic
Additional notes: 

Binding details: 11" x 17" Drawing Pad; 30 sheets

This appears to be the same product as the "Rosary Reflections" book reviewed here.

Reviewed by: 
Mary-Eileen Swart
First reviewed: 
5-3-04

Rosary Rummy

Publisher: 
jody's Hands-On Learning
Binding: 
Other
Subject(s): 
Miscellaneous Religion Materials
Grade / Age level: 
Elementary
Resource Type: 
Puzzles and Games
Review: 
This is a lovely and inexpensive Rummy game that also teaches the mysteries of the rosary. It includes two colorful cards, illustrated with Old Masters paintings, for each 0f the twenty mysteries of the rosary. The Rummy game requires both matching and ordering the mysteries. Instructions are included. So far, we've been using it as a memory game - and even my five year old (who admittedly is a memory enthusiast) loves it. It actually has some weaknesses as a memory game (too busy on the backs of the cards, images are rather small) that don't detract at all from its intended purpose. Available from jody's Hands-on Learning
Perspective: 
Catholic
Reviewed by: 
Alicia Van Hecke
First reviewed: 
1-14-2009

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