19th century

Louisa

the life of Louisa May Alcott
Author(s): 
Yona Zeldis McDonough
Illustrator(s): 
Bethanne Andersen
Number of pages: 
48 pages
Copyright: 
2014
ISBN / ID: 
0805081925
Publisher: 
Square Fish
Setting: 
Resource Type: 
Review: 

I love picture books and I love biographies... and I love it when both are combined successfully! This warmly illustrated picture book tells of the most beloved American author Louisa May Alcott. Her family was definitely sui generis, holding unusual beliefs and moving often, and Louisa began thinking and writing poetry at a very young age.

This picture book sheds light on what a noble soul Louisa had, filled of generosity, integrity and character. Highly recommended especially for young readers who love the wonderful Little Women author.

Reviewed by: 
First reviewed: 
October 21, 2009

Noble Heroine of Charity

Copyright: 
1995
Publisher: 
Regina Martyrum Productions
Subject(s): 
Grade / Age level: 
Resource Type: 
Review: 
This is the story of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, the little Italian nun who came as a missionary to help the Italian immigrants, orphans and many others in America. She was the first American citizen to be canonized. This audio drama is very nicely performed with a full cast and narrator, music and sound effects. My daughter especially enjoyed this story since we had recently read Joan Stromberg's, The Orphans Find a Home: A St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Story.
Perspective: 
Catholic
Additional notes: 

48 minutes

Reviewed by: 
First reviewed: 
1998-99

North and South

Author(s): 
Elizabeth Gaskell
Number of pages: 
585 pages
Copyright: 
2005
ISBN / ID: 
0393979083
Publisher: 
W. W. Norton & Company
Binding: 
Softcover
Subject(s): 
Grade / Age level: 
Review: 
Additional notes: 

A Norton Critical Edition edited by Alan Shelston.

Reviewed by: 
First reviewed: 
6-11-2007

Old Sam, Dakota Trotter

Book cover: Old Sam, Dakota Trotter
Author(s): 
Don Alonzo Taylor
Number of pages: 
198 pages
Copyright: 
1955
ISBN / ID: 
9781883937577
Publisher: 
Bethlehem Books
Binding: 
Softcover
Subject(s): 
Grade / Age level: 
Review: 

This Bethlehem Budget Book contains two books in one softcover volume: Old Sam, Thoroughbred Trotter (copyright 1955) and Old Sam and the Horse Thieves (copyright 1967).

Old Sam is the story of two young boys (ages 10 and 12) living in the wild Dakota Territory of the 1880s and their crippled – but extremely capable – horse named Old Sam. They are based on the author's own homesteading experiences as a young boy. Although there are similarities in time and location, unlike the Little House books which focus so much on family life, the Old Sam books are more like adventure stories about the two boys and their horse exploring the strange untamed land around them, "hunting" for wild animals and "bad guys" and proving to others how great Old Sam really is. A delightful story even on a very simple level, with many funny and interesting plot twists (I had to re-read favorite chapters aloud to Daddy at dinner time under persistent urging from my children), the book also portrays an important historical look at pioneer life and the author shares wisdom in experiences relating to using one's head, dealing with neighbors and the importance of courage, fortitude and basic competence. Naturally, the book makes especially great reading for boys and horse-lovers. Our family enjoyed this book so much as a read aloud that my husband and I ordered a number of copies for Christmas presents for our godchildren.

The second story focuses on Johnny and Old Sam's role in unraveling the problem of a band of horse-thieves plaguing the neighborhood. Although still quite young, Johnny's competence and fairness earn him the respect of the Sheriff and other important men of the town. A really great story, this is bound to be a family favorite. It is the sort of story that will likely help reluctant readers (especially boys in mid-grade school) learn to appreciate a really good book. It also touches upon some tough questions about fairness and justice that young readers can grapple with alongside the hero of the book.

Reviewed by: 
First reviewed: 
12-18-01

The Cure D'Ars

St. Jean-Marie-Baptiste Vianney
Book cover: 'The Cure D'Ars: St. Jean-Marie-Baptiste Vianney'
Author(s): 
Abbé Francis Trochu
Number of pages: 
586 pages
Copyright: 
1927
ISBN / ID: 
0895550202
Publisher: 
TAN Books and Publishers
Binding: 
Softcover
Subject(s): 
Setting: 
Grade / Age level: 
Review: 

This is a fascinating and surprisingly readable (but lengthy) biography of St. John Vianney - the definitive one, carefully researched from the documents produced for the canonization process. It is most suitable for adults, but will be appropriate for teens who enjoy reading - it is particularly beneficial for young men considering the priesthood. Some of the particular stories about St. John Vianney and those whose lives he touched are absolutely amazing.

This book also bears a special recommendation from Pope John Paul II and had a substantial influence on his life. He had this to say about St. John Vianney and this particular book in his own book Gift and Mystery: On the Fiftieth Anniversary of My Priestly Ordination...

"With great emotion I visited the little old church where Saint John Vianney heard confessions, taught catechism, and gave his homilies. It was an unforgettable experience for me. From my seminary years I had been impressed by the figure of the Cure d'Ars, especially after reading his biography by Monsignor Trochu. Saint John Marie Vianney astonishes us because in him we can see the power of grace working through human limitations. It was his heroic service in the confessional which particularly struck me. That humble priest, who would hear confessions more than ten hours a day, eating little and sleeping only a few hours, was able, at a difficult moment in history, to inspire a kind of spiritual revolution in France..." (pp. 57, Gift and Mystery by Pope John Paul II)

Perspective: 
Catholic
Reviewed by: 
First reviewed: 
3-7-01

The Cure of Ars

The Story of Saint John Vianney, Patron Saint of Parish Priests
Book cover: The Cure of Ars
Author(s): 
Mary Fabyan Windeatt
Number of pages: 
210 pages
Copyright: 
1947
ISBN / ID: 
9780895554185
Publisher: 
TAN Books and Publishers
Binding: 
Softcover
Subject(s): 
Setting: 
Grade / Age level: 
Review: 

Although this is a bit longer than some of the other Saint stories by the same author, my children have been enjoying this story very much as a read-aloud. The story is told in the first person – from the point of view of St. John Vianney himself. (My children have particularly enjoyed this perspective and found it a nice change from the ordinary.) The author also weaves a great deal of thoughtful commentary upon the importance and mystery of priesthood into the story as well as important concepts about the love of God and the need for prayer and penance. It is just the sort of book that could inspire a young boy to consider a priestly vocation in his future.

Perspective: 
Catholic
Reviewed by: 
First reviewed: 
3-7-01

The Flying Ensign: Greencoats against Napoleon

Book cover: The Flying Ensign: Greencoats against Napoleon
Author(s): 
Showell Styles
Number of pages: 
297 pages
Copyright: 
1962
ISBN / ID: 
9781883937706
Publisher: 
Bethlehem Books
Binding: 
Softcover
Subject(s): 
Grade / Age level: 
Review: 

In their latest "Budget Book", Bethlehem Books gives us a double dose of adventure featuring Ensign Peter Byrd of the "Fighting 95th" Riflemen of the British army.... The Flying Ensign.

In the first story, the treacherous mountains of Northern Spain in winter provide a unique backdrop for the harrowing and courageous endeavours of "the Flying Ensign" and his comrades in rescuing their friend from certain death behind enemy lines and subsequently attempting to rejoin the ranks of the British army as they retreat from a desperate and lop-sided challenge to Napoleon's forces.

Fans of Showell Styles' Midshipman Quinn stories will recognize the similar attention to detail and themes of courage and ingenuity tied up with actual historic events in the Flying Ensign but with fresh characters, settings, and adventures. The landscape, architecture and culture of Spain are a fascinating place to experience mountain climbing adventures, hair-raising rescues and escapes and a wide variety of heroes and villains on both sides of the battle lines.

A quick and engaging read for ages 10 and up or a great read aloud for the whole family.

Also see our review of the second book in this volume – Byrd of the 95th.

Additional notes: 

Copyrights 1960/1962

Reviewed by: 
First reviewed: 
2-21-03

The Iron Spy

Book cover: 'The Iron Spy'
Author(s): 
Joan Stromberg
Number of pages: 
165 pages
Copyright: 
2003
ISBN / ID: 
9780966468946
Publisher: 
Ecce Homo Press
Binding: 
Softcover
Subject(s): 
Grade / Age level: 
Review: 

In this first book of the new series The Danville Chronicles, Joan Stromberg has found a fun and exciting way to teach faith to your children ten years and older. It will capture their imagination and keep their minds thinking.

This book takes place in the town of Danville, Pennsylvania in 1875. The biggest Iron Mill in town is owned by Mr. Graves. It has just exploded and Mary Mulhearn, an Irish immigrant, and her blind friend Kathleen Dodd are trying to find evidence that Mary's father, Mr. Mulhearn, is innocent of blowing up the Iron Mill and becoming a Molly Maguire. Although Mary's family knows he would never turn into a Molly Maguire and blow up the Iron Mill were he worked before it exploded, they also know that their realization of his innocence alone will not be enough to win the trial against Mr. Mulhearn.

Then one day, to make things more puzzling for Mary, a man who calls himself Sean McGinty shows up at Mary's door and says he is an immigrant right off a boat from Ireland and finds a place to stay at the Mulhearns' house. But Mary doesn't believe his story and is on his case. Mary and Kathleen go through adventures and trials, they find a detective book under a man's bed, they notice a ring that has shown up on two people, they spot a man in the town graveyard during the night, and they learn how to spy on a spy. They also have many more questions than answers at one point. Who is Sean really? Is he a Molly Maguire or is he on Mr. Graves' side? Who blew up the mill and why? If you want to know the answers to these questions and more and if Mary cracks the case and finds out whom Sean really is, you will have to read The Iron Spy for yourself.

What better kind of book could you ask for than a Catholic history mystery that will not let your mind wander or let your eyes drift from its thrilling pages?

Additional notes: 
Reviewer age 12
Reviewed by: 
First reviewed: 
1998-99

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