No name

The Bard of Avon

The Story of William Shakespeare
Author(s): 
Diane Stanley
Number of pages: 
48 pages
Copyright: 
1998
ISBN / ID: 
0688162940
Publisher: 
HarperCollins
Binding: 
Paperback
Grade / Age level: 
Grades 3-5
Grades 6-8
Adults
Review: 
Diane Stanley's picture book biographies are wonderful! I can think of a number of titles I have seen so often on homeschool families' shelves: Joan of Ark, Michelangelo, Peter the Great, Saladin, Charles Dickens, and more! She has a very unique and captivating way to write--and illustrate--these great historical figures' biographies! These are longer picture books with a pretty good amount of text on each page. The Bard of Avon follows all that is known about William Shakespeare, his personal and professional life, the Globe Theater and the world he lived in. Many of his plays are discussed in the book as well, with plenty of historical context. As with her other biographies, Stanley's language is both kind and respectful. It is also honest-- what is not known about a historical character is stated as such on the pages. This is a very good first look at the Bard's life . I just asked my 8th grader, whose next reading assignment is Romeo and Juliet, to read it: she could not put it down! The author added a very interesting postscript about the language of Shakespeare and how it has permeated the English we all use everyday.
Additional notes: 

This picture book biography of William Shakespeare does not dwell at all with the issue of the great playwright's religious affiliation.

Reviewed by: 
Ana Braga-Henebry
First reviewed: 
1-22-2009

The Bears on Hemlock Mountain

Book cover: The Bears on Hemlock Mountain
Author(s): 
Alice Dalgliesh
Number of pages: 
64 pages
Copyright: 
1953
ISBN / ID: 
9780684191690
Publisher: 
Aladdin Books
Binding: 
Softcover
Subject(s): 
Literature
Fiction
"Bridge" Books B
Setting: 
North America
Grade / Age level: 
Grades K-2
Review: 

Jonathan must go over Hemlock Mountain alone to borrow a large iron cooking pot from Aunt Emma. Jonathan's mother is preparing a meal for a cousin's christening party, and his father is very busy with springtime chores on the farm. Jonathan is concerned that he will cross paths with a bear, but he is reassured that there are NO bears on Hemlock Mountain. His adventure includes a visit with small woodland animals on his way up the mountain, a snack and nap at Aunt Emma's house, and an encounter with some large woodland animals on his journey back down the mountain. Some quick thinking provides a happy ending as Jonathan and his family discover that there really ARE bears on Hemlock Mountain.

Based on a tall tale described by the State Archivist for the state of Pennsylvania, this delightful story about an eight-year-old boy will appeal to boys and girls alike. The use of repetition and a rhythmic sentence structure make the story an excellent choice for a read-aloud for any age group. It is also suitable as a first "chapter book" for a newly-independent reader.

Reviewed by: 
Susan Kalis
First reviewed: 
12-7-04

The Beautiful Story of Jesus

Author(s): 
Maite Roche
Translator(s): 
Marianne Lorraine Trouve', FSP
Copyright: 
2010
ISBN / ID: 
0819811777
Publisher: 
Pauline Books & media
Binding: 
Sewn Hardcover
Grade / Age level: 
All ages
Review: 
This is the second book by the French author Maite Roche I review for Love2Learn. Her illustrations are simply wonderful: simple, colorful, kid-friendly, warm, adorable, and yet with plenty of detail! In this volume she is able to retell the life of Our Lord for children and readers will find there most of the important events of His life on this world. From the Annunciation to Pentecost, the text will lead the child to all of the highlights of Jesus' life. The main events of His life are there, and also the Sermon on the Mount, the Multiplication the Bread, and more. This super nice book will make a wonderful gift!
Reviewed by: 
Ana Braga-Henebry
First reviewed: 
7-30-2010

The Blackbird's Nest

Saint Kevin of Ireland
"Book cover: ‘<The Blackbird's Nest: Saint Kevin of Ireland>’"
Author(s): 
Jenny Schroedel
Illustrator(s): 
Doug Montross
Number of pages: 
32 pages
Copyright: 
2004
ISBN / ID: 
0881412589
Publisher: 
St Vladimir's Seminary Press
Binding: 
Sewn Hardcover
Subject(s): 
Saints
Setting: 
Ireland
Grade / Age level: 
Grades 3-5
Review: 
The Blackbird's Nest is the story of St. Kevin of Ireland (498 A.D-618 A.D.). I first became acquainted with his legend in Seamus Heaney's poem, St Kevin and the Blackbird. In both Heaney's poem and in this beautiful picture book it's a fabulous story about a real historical figure, the abbot and founder of the monastery at Glendalough. And it's full of the most marvelous of medieval flights of fancy, typical of that era's hagiography, that carry deep spiritual truths, even if they may perhaps seem a little hard to swallow as historical fact. The crux of the story is that St. Kevin, kneeling in prayer one day with his arm stretched out the window, has a blackbird build its nest in his hand. He then must continue to hold that posture for forty days until the eggs have hatched and the babies grown up and flown away. The book points out that the forty days has a spiritual significance:
Just as Kevin waited for the baby birds to break open their eggs and come to new life in his hand, during Lent we wait for Christ to break open the tomb and bring new life into our hearts.
The book follows St. Kevin from his miracle-touched birth (the snow melted all around his house) to his holy death at the age of one hundred and twenty and has a wonderful message about loving nature and our fellow men. The story also highlights that Kevin is an imperfect person who grows in holiness. At first he is rather anti-social preferring to spend time with animals. He tormented other children, puzzled his parents, and often wearied the monks. His experience with the blackbird's nest teaches him reliance on God's strength as he turns to God in prayer to carry him through his ordeal (He repeats, "Lord have mercy," three times and concludes with "Amen" when the last of the baby birds flies away,) and teaches him gentleness and compassion toward his fellow men, not just to animals. My two-year-old daughter loves the pictures of the animals and is especially enchanted with the image of infant Kevin's baptism. When we read the story she chatters about the priest "putting water on the baby's head" (just as her sister was baptized recently). I love the fact that the book concludes with a historical note that includes a beautiful icon of St. Kevin, a short biography, and a prayer to St. Kevin, reminding readers that he's more than just a storybook figure, he's also an intercessor in heaven, a real person with whom we have a wonderful relationship as fellow members of the Body of Christ. I always conclude our reading of the story by reciting the prayer and having my daughter repeat, "St. Kevin, pray for us."
You were privileged to live in the age of saints, O Father Kevin, being baptized by one saint, taught by another, and buried by a third. Pray to God that he will raise up saints in our day to help, support, and guide us in the way of salvation.
Although the publishers recommend the book for ages 9-12, I think the inspiring story and beautiful illustrations will appeal both to much younger children as well as to older children and to adults, who can also benefit from the spiritual insights the book offers.
Perspective: 
Catholic
Reviewed by: 
Melanie Bettinelli
First reviewed: 
6-28-2008

The Blood Red Crescent

Author(s): 
Henry Garnett
Number of pages: 
188 pages
Copyright: 
1960
Publisher: 
Lepanto Press
Binding: 
Sewn Hardcover
Subject(s): 
Historical Fiction
Setting: 
16th century
Review: 
Perspective: 
Catholic
Additional notes: 

This title is also available in softcover, published by Sophia Institute Press.

Reviewed by: 
Elizabeth Yank
First reviewed: 
5-21-2005

The Blue Knights Boys Club

Author(s): 
Dan McGuire
Copyright: 
2004
Publisher: 
Ecce Homo Press
Binding: 
Softcover
Subject(s): 
Enrichment Programs
Grade / Age level: 
Preschool
Elementary
Review: 
General Overview... The Blue Knights Boys Club is “a catechetical program” for young boys modeled after the Little Flowers program by Rachel Watkins. The age group that is targeted is 4-7, but it could be used for older boys up to age 12. The goal of the Blue Knights program is to develop in the boys a devotion to St. Joseph, using the theme of Knighthood based on virtues. This program “seeks to lay a foundation of virtue on which subsequent stages of catechesis can build.” Each month members will be building the "armor of God" loosely based on Ephesians 6:10-20. The program covers nine monthly sessions with each session lasting approximately one hour. In a typical session, as the boys arrive, they color in a picture related to the virtue or the saint talked about. A group prayer and a very short lecture (usually about five minutes) on a virtue follow. At the end of this time, the boys stand up and do the “Bible memory shout.” They will assemble a piece of armor or weapon that corresponds to the virtue. (The craft varies from group to group, adapting the craft item to the age of the boys and following the suggestions given in the manual). The lecture, craft, coloring page, and games are related to the virtue covered in each session. After the craft is completed, the boys go outside to release some energy in a game related to the virtue. In the case of bad weather, the book provides alternative games for indoors. The boys end the meeting with a snack and a few final words from the leader to recap the virtue presented. The boys then take home their saint coloring page and an activity page for them to work on during the next month to reinforce the virtues covered. The activity page includes references to the Bible and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The activities are thought provoking and not merely "fill in the blank". They are not considered "homework", but rather an impetus for the boys to reflect on the virtues. Four years are available. Individual Products... Blue Knights Boys Club Leader's Manuals by Dan McGuire copyright 2001-2004, 110 pages, softcover Blue Knights Boys Club Leader’s Manual includes everything a leader could need from practical suggestions on how to run a meeting to the actual talks on the virtues. In addition, there are short biographies of the saints, help for boys with special needs, a projected plan for the virtues covered, and more. All you need is a leader and a group of boys. Blue Knights Boys Club Member's Guides by Dan McGuire copyrights 2001-2004, 39-58 pages, softcover Each of the four guides covers nine monthly sessions Blue Knights Boys Club Member’s Guides include all of the prayers, activity sheets, short biographies of the saints, and coloring pages used in the group meetings and for reinforcement at home. Blue Knights Craft Companion: Year One by Karina L. Fabian 2004, 59 pages, softcover (stapled), black and white photos and line drawings. Vests, T-shirts, Breastplate, and Badges are also available from the publisher.
Perspective: 
Catholic
Additional notes: 

Copyrights on individual items 2001-2004.

Reviewed by: 
Elizabeth Yank
First reviewed: 
4-26-05

The Book of Saints and Heroes

Author(s): 
Andrew Lang, Lenora Lang
Number of pages: 
336 pages
Copyright: 
2006
ISBN / ID: 
0193318413
Publisher: 
Sophia Institute Press
Binding: 
Sewn Hardcover
Subject(s): 
Saints
Grade / Age level: 
All ages
Review: 
This a reprint of a book that was written about 100 years ago, and yet, when do stories of saints, heroes, chivalry and adventure become old? In the preface, husband and wife Andrew and Lenora Lang explain how legends full of wonderful and sometimes imaginary creatures and events entered the stories of the saints of the Church. The language is very suitable for reading aloud, and the saints come alive from different countries, cultures and centuries. Some of the lesser-known saints whose stories are beautifully told in this book include Saints Dorothea, Malchus, Germanus, Cuthbert, Columba, Senan, Dunstan, Collete, and more! Our homeschool children enjoy listening the lives of the saints immensely, especially when they can inspire the imagination, the spirit, and challenge our discoveries in history and geography. Indeed, the Book of Saints and Heroes can do just that, and it has been placed in our waiting list for saints read-alouds!
Reviewed by: 
Ana Braga-Henebry
First reviewed: 
3-1-2008

The Borrowed House

Book cover: The Borrowed House
Author(s): 
Hilda van Stockum
Number of pages: 
221 pages
Copyright: 
1975
ISBN / ID: 
9781883937461
Publisher: 
Bethlehem Books
Binding: 
Sewn Softcover
Sample Pages
Subject(s): 
Historical Fiction
Setting: 
Europe
Life during World War II
Grade / Age level: 
High School
Review: 

The Borrowed House presents us with a look at Germany and Holland during World War II, through the eyes of Janna, a 13 year old German girl who is raised on Hitler's propaganda and is a member of "Hitler's Youth". Janna, raised in the Black Forest of Germany and separated from her parents (who are famous actors and travel around a bit), has been indoctrinated with a hatred of Jews and other aspects of Hitler's "ideals". From the beginning we learn somewhat chilling (although subtly handled) facts about the treatment of the sick and elderly in Hitler's Germany. Early in the story, Janna is sent to Holland to be reunited with her parents who are living in a large house requisitioned by the German army from a Dutch family. Here, through her mother, her new tutor, the Dutch cook and other new friends, Janna begins to see the errors and lies that she was deceived with.

The story is quite a touching family story as well as excellent historical fiction from World War II. The indoctrination and hatred pushed by Hitler and companies is very real and teenagers will benefit from being aware of how people can be misled by a strong leader. The book is clearly well-researched. Some of the details, rather than being the author's intepretation of that time period of history, appear to be based on actual testimonials collected by the author from family and friends who lived in Holland during World War II. Although the story is quite easy to read, the general subject matter and some of the details of the story make it appropriate for more mature students (probably just for high school).

Additional notes: 

This book was donated for review by Bethlehem Books.

Reviewed by: 
Alicia Van Hecke
First reviewed: 
3-25-2000

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