No name

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: 
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: 
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
Publisher: 
Bethlehem Books
Binding: 
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

The Bronze Bow

Book cover: 'The Bronze Bow'
Author(s): 
Elizabeth George Speare
Number of pages: 
256 pages
Copyright: 
1961
Publisher: 
Houghton Mifflin
Binding: 
Softcover
Subject(s): 
Historical Fiction
The Life of Christ
Grade / Age level: 
Grades 3-5
Grades 6-8
Review: 
The Bronze Bow, by Elizabeth George Speare, brings to life the era when Jesus walked on the earth. The book is written through the eyes of Daniel bar Jamin, a poor village boy, who is desperately seeking to revenge the crucifixion of his father at the hands of Roman soldiers. Daniel lives in the hills above Ketzah with a band of thieves, who ruthlessly attack Romans at every opportunity. The stark hatred that drives Daniel contrasts sharply with the love that he receives from his friend, Joel, and his own gentle sister. The movement of Jesus and his apostles form a shadowy sub-plot. The novel moves from the overwhelming hatred of Daniel towards the Romans, to the kindness of the Christians that he encounters. The Bronze Bow was written in 1961 and won a well-deserved Newberry Medal for excellence in literature in 1962. It is a superb example of compelling historical fiction and a terrific family read-aloud. Highly recommended.

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

The Catechetical Instructions of Saint Thomas Aquinas

Book cover: 'The Catechetical Instructions of Saint Thomas Aquinas'
Author(s): 
St. Thomas Aquinas
Translator(s): 
Rev. Joseph B. Collins, S.S., S.T.D.
Number of pages: 
239 pages
Copyright: 
1939
Binding: 
Softcover
Subject(s): 
Catechisms
Resource Type: 
Book(s)
Web text
Review: 

Saint Thomas provides beautiful explanations of the Apostles' Creed, the Ten Commandments, the Sacraments, the Lord's Prayer and the Hail Mary.

Sample passages:

"From all this then is seen the effect of the passion of Christ as a remedy for sin. But no less does it profit us as an example. St. Augustine says that the passion of christ can bring about a complete reformation of our lives. Whoever wishes to live perfectly need do nothing other than despise what Christ despised on the Cross, and desire what Christ desired. There is no virtue that did not have its example on the Cross."

"The plenitude of grace in Mary was such that its effects overflow upon all men. It is a great thing in a Saint when he has grace to bring about the salvation of many, but it is exceedingly wonderful when grace is of such abundance as to be sufficient for the salvation of all men in the world, and this is true of Christ and of the Blessed Virgin. Thus, 'a thousand bucklers,' that is, remedies against dangers, 'hang therefrom.' Likewise, in every work of virtue one can have her as one's helper. Of her it was spoken: ' In me is all grace of the way and of the truth, in me is all hope of life and of virtue.' Therefore, Mary is full of grace, exceeding the Angels in this fullness and very fittingly is she called 'Mary' which means 'in herself enlightened': 'The Lord will fill thy soul with brightness.' And she will illumine others throughout the world, for which reason she is compared to the sun and the moon."

The text contains an error regarding the Immaculate Conception (which was not defined as dogma until well after the time of St. Thomas Aquinas). While the error is corrected in the footnotes, the issue is very important and needs to be clearly understood.
Perspective: 
Catholic
Additional notes: 

Written in the 1200s, this English edition has a 1939 Imprimatur.

Update from the webmaster, March 2024: This book is available from a variety of sources because its text is in the public domain. The Click here for the full text of the Catechetical Instructions, at the Internet Archive.

Reviewed by: 
Alicia Van Hecke
First reviewed: 
1-20-01

The Catechism of the Catholic Church: Second Edition

Book cover: The Catechism of the Catholic Church: Second Edition
Author(s): 
Libreria Editrice Vaticana
Number of pages: 
904 pages
Copyright: 
1997
ISBN: 
978-1574551105
Publisher: 
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Binding: 
Softcover
Subject(s): 
Catechisms
Grade / Age level: 
High School
Adults
Review: 

This beautiful new Catechism is truly a gift and a treasure in an era when "new" so often means "bad." Although I have not yet read every word of it (it's quite a big book!) I have had the pleasure of leading Catechism study groups for mothers and found much success in using this text to help some who were previously very lukewarm in their faith to better understand not only what the Catholic Church really teaches, but why these teachings make sense - yes, even in our modern world!

The Catechism is divided into four main sections. The First, the Profession of Faith, covers the basic beliefs and dogmas of the Church - based upon the Creed. Part Two, "The Celebration of the Christian Mystery", discusses liturgy and the Sacraments. Part Three, "Life in Christ", covers moral life - particularly in light of the Beatitudes and the Ten Commandments. Part Four is on Christian Prayer.

The text is both difficult and joyful to read. It is difficult (in some places) because of the unfamiliar vocabulary - catechesis, pedagogy, asceticism, fecundity - these are not part of our every day vocabulary (although many should be learned by high schoolers). Even so, the new edition has an in-depth glossary in the back and these more unfamiliar words come up once every few paragraphs rather than every other sentence. It is joyful to read because it is so rich, so beautiful, so true. Throughout the text, the reader is referred to Sacred Scripture, Church documents and the writings of the Saints. An additional volume The Companion to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, published by Ignatius Press, provides the text from all of the footnotes for easy reference and further study.

A few sample passages:

(407) "The doctrine of original sin, closely connected with that of redemption by Christ, provides lucid discernment of man's situation and activity in the world. By our first parents' sin, the devil has acquired a certain domination over man, even though man remains free. Original sin entails 'captivity under the power of him who thenceforth had the power of death, that is, the devil.' Ignorance of the fact that man has a wounded nature inclined to evil gives rise to serious errors in the areas of education, politics, social action and morals."

(1395) "By the same charity that it enkindles in us, the Eucharist preserves us from future mortal sins. The more we share the life of Christ and progress in his friendship, the more difficult it is to break away from him by mortal sin. The Eucharist is not ordered to the forgiveness of mortal sins - that is proper to the sacrament of Reconciliation. The Eucharist is properly the sacrament of those who are in full communion with the Church."

(2521) "Purity requires modesty, an integral part of temperance. Modesty protects the intimate center of the person. It means refusing to unveil what should remain hidden. It is ordered to chastity to whose sensitivity it bears witness. It guides how one looks at others and behaves toward them in conformity with the dignity of persons and their solidarity."

(2712) "Contemplative prayer is the prayer of the child of God, of the forgiven sinner who agrees to welcome the love by which he is loved and who wants to respond to it by loving even more. But he knows that the love he is returning is poured out by the Spirit in his heart, for everything is grace from God. Contemplative prayer is the poor and humble surrender to the loving will of the Father in ever deeper union with his beloved Son."

Many beautiful writings of the Saints are included (in addition to those which are merely footnoted), such as this passage from St. Ignatius of Loyola (taken from the Spiritual Exercises):

"Every good Christian ought to be more ready to give a favorable interpretation to another's statement than to condemn it. But if he cannot do so, let him ask how the other understands it. And if the latter understands it badly, let the former correct him with love. If that does not suffice, let the Christian try all suitable ways to bring the other to a correct interpretation so that he may be saved."

This book belongs in every Catholic home. It should be read over, and prayed over, and cried over, and smiled over often.
 

Additional notes: 
Copyrights 1994/1997
Reviewed by: 
Alicia Van Hecke
First reviewed: 
1-20-01

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