No name

The History of the Papacy

Subject(s): 
Church History
The Holy Father and the Papacy
Resource Type: 
CD ROM
Review: 

This CD ROM provides a complete and orthodox look at the History of the Papacy in a professional and attractive interactive format. Each of the Popes from St. Peter through Pope John Paul II are presented with a short biography (from one or two paragraphs to one or two pages each - the text is taken from The Popes Through the Ages by Joseph S. Brusher, S.J. - 1959), numerous images (portraits, coins, commemorative stamps, statuary) and the coat of arms. In addition, several video clips each are offered for most of the Popes of the 20th century (most are without audio) and separate audio clips are offered for several 20th century popes as well.

The history presented is very Catholic and very balanced (for example, both St. Pius X and Pope John Paul II are greatly admired and favorably presented). Vatican II is presented as orthodox, but frequently misinterpreted and even abused in its application.

An appendix includes several histories. First - a history of the Crusades. This text is taken from the Catholic Encyclopedia (1908) and includes several traditional images. Second - a history of the Ecumenical Councils with a brief description of each, illustrations of a number of the councils and a video clip from Vatican II. Finally - a listing of the anti-Popes (false claimants to the Papacy).

This is a really nice resource and history supplement. It's nice to have one that is so beautiful and orthodox.

Perspective: 
Catholic
Reviewed by: 
Alicia Van Hecke
First reviewed: 
2-3-01

The Holy Bible: Douay Rheims Version

Book cover: 'The Holy Bible: Douay Rheims Version'
Number of pages: 
314 pages
Copyright: 
1899
Publisher: 
TAN Books
Binding: 
Softcover
Subject(s): 
Family Bibles
Review: 

The Douay Rheims Bible is supposed to be the most accurate, Catholic, translation of the Bible available in the English language. The Old Testament was translated into English in 1609 and the New Testament in 1582 and revised in its entirety (and "diligently compared with the Latin Vulgate") by Bishop Richard Challoner from 1749-1752. Although the some of the language would be considered archaic today (lots of "thees" and "thous") but it really is beautiful. Although you will probably want a more modern translation as well, the Douay Rheims is especially good for memorizing passages and as a reference for points (and discussions) in which accuracy is especially important. TAN Books also publishes the Douay New Testament in a less expensive edition.

Sample passages:

Genesis 1:1-3: In the beginning God created heaven, and earth. And the earth was void and empty, and darkness was upon the face of the deep; and the spirit of God moved over the waters. And God said: Be light made. And light was made.

Psalm 26:1-2: The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the protector of my life: of whom shall I be afraid? Whilst the wicked draw near against me, to eat my flesh. My enemies that trouble me, have themselves been weakened, and have fallen.

John 1:1-5: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him: and without him was made nothing that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

Perspective: 
Catholic
Additional notes: 

Imprimatur 1899

Numerous other print versions of this translation are available. It is also available for free online (public domain).

Reviewed by: 
Alicia Van Hecke
First reviewed: 
1-13-01

The Holy Mass in My Pocket

Illustrator(s): 
Mary Joseph Peterson, FSP
Number of pages: 
32 pages
Copyright: 
2008
ISBN / ID: 
0819833924
Publisher: 
Daughters of Saint Paul
Binding: 
Stapled Softcover
Subject(s): 
Holy Mass
Grade / Age level: 
Elementary
Review: 
This is an inexpensive, small and thin book with the text and rubrics of the Mass for children. Illustrations show different parts of the mass, both in the pews and in the sanctuary. Rubrics include such explanations as "Here we bow until the words..." and "The Apostle's Creed is said in Canada and in some masses for children". The illustration for the reception of Holy Communion shows a child receiving the host in his hands.
Perspective: 
Catholic
Reviewed by: 
Ana Braga-Henebry
First reviewed: 
9-28-2008

The Holy Twins: Benedict and Scholastica

Book cover: The Holy Twins: Benedict and Scholastica
Author(s): 
Kathleen Norris
Illustrator(s): 
Tomie de Paola
Number of pages: 
40 pages
Copyright: 
2001
ISBN / ID: 
9780399234248
Publisher: 
G.P. Putnam's Sons
Binding: 
Sewn Hardcover
Subject(s): 
Biographies
Saints
Setting: 
Early Middle Ages
Grade / Age level: 
Preschool
Grades K-2
Review: 

This oversized story book, illustrated with the familiar style of Tomie de Paola, relates the stories of Saints Benedict and Scholastica – twin brother and sister who lived in Italy in the 5th Century. The story is very simple, with gentle humor, and suitable for young children. The illustrations are especially interesting because they resemble pre-Renaissance Christian art with little bits of the story taking place in the background of the main picture.

Monastic life and St. Benedict's rule are presented in a gentle and very positive manner. The end of the story has a detailed explanation of the history of the rule of St. Benedict. Here is a nice little sampling: "Many people who are not monks or nuns have found that Benedict's Rule offers good, practical advice and spiritual counsel for getting along with others in a family, on the job, or in a church community." This page is followed by one illustrating some examples from his Rule.

Reviewed by: 
Alicia Van Hecke
First reviewed: 
7-21-05

The House of Sixty Fathers

Book cover: The House of Sixty Fathers
Author(s): 
Meindert DeJong
Illustrator(s): 
Maurice Sendak
Number of pages: 
189 pages
Copyright: 
1956
ISBN / ID: 
9780812463323
Publisher: 
Harper Collins
Binding: 
Softcover
Subject(s): 
History
Setting: 
Asia
Life during World War II
World War II - the War
Grade / Age level: 
Grades 3-5
Grades 6-8
Review: 

This is the dramatic story (and probably true or based-on-a-true story) of a young boy in Japanese-occupied China who is separated from his parents and baby sister. He travels with his pet pig through dangerous territory and aids a wounded American airman. Still seeking his parents, he is adopted by the airmen (sixty "fathers") at an American military base who fly him about the area to find his parents in gratitude for his assistance to their fellow soldier.

The story is beautiful and thoughtful and gives a picture of life in an oft-forgotten portion of the World War II "drama". We Americans tend to focus on the stories of Europe and the Holocaust. Appropriate for ages ten and up.

Reviewed by: 
Alicia Van Hecke
First reviewed: 
4-26-02

The Ides of April

Book cover: The Ides of April
Author(s): 
Mary Ray
Number of pages: 
165 pages
Copyright: 
1999
ISBN / ID: 
9781883937430
Publisher: 
Bethlehem Books
Binding: 
Sewn Softcover
Subject(s): 
Historical Fiction
Setting: 
Ancient Rome
Grade / Age level: 
High School
Review: 

When Hylas, a slave, discovers the death of his master, a Roman senator, he realizes that he is in dire straits. The harsh laws of ancient Rome dictate that all household slaves be killed should a murder be discovered in that home. Hylas enlists the help of Camillus Rufus, a tribune, to help clear the slaves of the judge's inevitable verdict of 'guilty!'

The Ides of April is an intriguing book set in 62 A.D. It's a classic murder mystery. The author, Mary Ray, paints a vivid picture of life in ancient Rome. Students will gain much technical information about the time period – social status, architecture, religion, laws, the games, and the working of a household.

Though the book is recommended for children "14 years and up", younger children would enjoy it as a read-aloud. It's on the "highly-recommended list" at our house.

Additional notes: 

Copyrights 1974/1999

Reviewed by: 
K.H.
First reviewed: 
1998-99

The Ignatius Bible

Revised Standard Version: Catholic Edition (RSVCE)
Book cover: 'The Ignatius Bible: Revised Standard Version: Catholic Edition (RSVCE)'
Number of pages: 
1255 pages
Copyright: 
1966
ISBN / ID: 
9780898704907
Publisher: 
Ignatius Press
Binding: 
Sewn Hardcover
Subject(s): 
Family Bibles
Review: 

This is the best translation available in "modern" English (without the "thees" and "thous" found in the Douay Rheims translation). For many of us today, this language is more familiar and comfortable and is probably easier for small children to understand. We use both translations in our home and find this one a little better for reading aloud to the family. It does not contain the "feminized language" (a.k.a. "inclusive language") found in most of the modern translations of the Holy Bible. The feminized language found in most modern translations affects not only the beauty of the language, but even the subtle meanings of passages such as some Psalms where the "he" or "him" actually refers to Our Lord.

Sample Passages:

Genesis 1:1-3: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was upon the face of the deep; and the Spirit of God was moving over the face of the waters. And God said, "Let there be light"; and there was light.

Psalm 27 (26): 1-2: The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When evildoers assail me, uttering slanders against me, my adversaries and foes, they shall stumble and fall.

John 1:1-5: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God; all things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Perspective: 
Catholic
Additional notes: 

Also available in softcover (e.g. ISBN 9780898704914)

Old Testament - 1005 pages, New Testament - 250 pages

Imprimatur 1966

Reviewed by: 
Alicia Van Hecke
First reviewed: 
1-13-01

The Insect World of J. Henri Fabre

Book cover: The Insect World of J. Henri Fabre
Author(s): 
Jean-Henri Fabre
Number of pages: 
333 pages
Copyright: 
1977
ISBN / ID: 
9780807085134
Publisher: 
Beacon Press
Binding: 
Softcover
Subject(s): 
Insects and Arthropods
Grade / Age level: 
High School
Review: 

Jean-Henri Fabre (1823-1915) was a French naturalist who penned many writings about his beloved insects. These essay/stories describe, in great detail, his encounters with some interesting insects – how he worked with them and what he discovered about them. For instance The material is informative and even humorous at times, but rather dense (definitely not dry!). Here is a sample, from "The Pine Processionary"...

You voracious little creatures, if I let you have your way, I should soon be robbed of the murmur of my once so leafy pines! Today I will seek compensation for all the trouble I have taken. Let us make a compact. You have a story to tell. Tell it me; and for a year, for two years or longer, until I know more or less all about it, I shall leave you undisturbed, even at the cost of lamentable suffering to the pines.

Although it might be suitable for high school students and could possibly be read aloud to younger students, it constitutes a portion of the Freshman Lab studies at Thomas Aquinas College. J. Henri Fabre is listed as one of the authors recommended in Catholic Authors: 4-Sight Edition.

A compilation of some of these stories, titled Fabre's Book of Insects is available from Emmanuel Books.

Additional notes: 

Copyrights 1949/1977

Reviewed by: 
Alicia Van Hecke
First reviewed: 
4-4-01

The Institute for Excellence in Writing

Book cover: 'The Institute for Excellence in Writing'
Subject(s): 
Composition
Review: 

The Institute for Excellence in Writing, owned by a Catholic convert and home school father, teaches the "structure and style of writing" through live and video workshops. This program is used throughout Canada. As do other programs IEW teaches structure (organizing material for writing) so that the final written piece will be logical, but unlike most programs children are trained to do this by using the writings of good authors. The structure of writing is taught by having children read literature, outline the literature, narrate from their outline, then write their own piece. This eliminates the problem of what to write about and gives the child a "feel" for the flow of good writing. The first of the 5 videos shows the parent how to teach outlining and the beginnings of style. Style, that which makes for a sophisticated sentence as opposed to a "Dick and Jane" sentence, is not taught by most writing programs. IEW teaches style by providing children with a checklist of things that should be included in their writings. They are taught to include strong verbs, to change the part of speech with which they begin their sentences, to include clauses, and many other things all of which is taught in a systematic way which the child can easily grasp and remember because they have the checklist next to them. My children enjoy this program and have made great strides in their writing. This flexibility works in favor of individual differences, but figuring out a schedule was challenging at first. Unlike the Writing Strands program, IEW requires a good deal of parental involvement, especially in the beginning. The 5 video tapes can be rented for $80 or purchased for $130. While the initial outlay for IEW is more than other programs, it is the only one you need to teach writing through high school. This program teaches style and structure for: non-ficiton, critical essays (book reports), narratives, creative writing, writing from pictures, research reports. The IEW forces the child to write better sentences and use more descriptive words, which adults who read a lot tend to do naturally.

Reviewed by: 
Andrea Chen
First reviewed: 
1998-99

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): 
Historical Fiction
Setting: 
19th century
United States
Grade / Age level: 
Grades 3-5
Grades 6-8
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: 
Mary
First reviewed: 
1998-99

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