No name

The Silver Chair

Author(s):

C.S. Lewis

Number of pages:

256 pages

1953

Publisher:

HarperTrophy

Binding:

Softcover

Subject(s):

Grade / Age level:

Review:

Eustace Scrubb and a new character, Jill, return to Narnia to save a young prince from his evil captors. Early in the story is a small piece that almost haunts me (in a good way - like something that has become imbedded in my conscience), even as an adult. Because Eustace fails to greet an "old friend" much good that could have happened, is lost, and much work must be done before achieving his mission. The truths that underlie these sorts of details in this entire series are really wonderful.

Back to the plot... the young prince is being held captive, by flattery and brainwashing in an underground kingdom, out of the light of the sun. As with other books in this series, there is a fascinating meld of themes from classical literature and Christian virtues and ideas. This one in particular is reminiscent of Plato's "Cave Analogy". The allegory and adventure are both very strong as the two children and some interesting Narnia natives help to overthrow this evil kingdom.

Reviewed by:

Alicia Van Hecke

First reviewed:

5-26-05

The Last Battle

Author(s):

C.S. Lewis

Number of pages:

211 pages

1956

Publisher:

HarperTrophy

Binding:

Softcover

Subject(s):

Grade / Age level:

Review:

This final book really presents a grand finale as the signs of Narnia's own "end times" begin to appear and the good side makes its preparations for a last stand against all the corruption and evil around. Even as a child, I remember enjoying how the author wove in so many "historical" details from the past books. Salvation and the reality of what life is really about are just over the horizon.

Clearly the series, in addition to being an entertaining story to read (and probably a lot of fun for the author to put together) are a way of looking at many of the big issues in the history of our own world in miniature, and in a way that children can grasp. On a much simpler level, the stories help children in forming their ideas of right and wrong, the meaning of character and in wanting the good people to choose good and the bad people to be punished. This series comes very highly recommended by both Catholic and Protestant educators, clergy, parents and theologians.

Reviewed by:

Alicia Van Hecke

First reviewed:

4-21-01

Focus On The Family Radio Theater - The Chronicles of Narnia

Author(s):

C.S. Lewis

Subject(s):

Grade / Age level:

Resource Type:

Review:

Focus on the Family has produced an audio version of all of the Narnia books ( Available on CD or audio cassette). The stories are elegantly introduced by Douglas Grisham, stepson of C.S. Lewis. Mr. Grisham draws listeners into the story by recounting his personal experiences with C.S. Lewis ("or 'Jack' as he liked to be called"). Thus far, three books have been reproduced- The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, The Magician's Nephew, and The Horse and His Boy.

Each story, although abridged, is masterfully told. The characters are well-formed and the sound effects are terrific. Having read all of the Narnia series aloud, and loved them, our family had very high expectations. The audio version of these classics fully lived up to our expectations.

Each book is approximately two hours [or more] of listening time. The audio versions of the Narnia books are an excellent purchase!

First reviewed:

7-25-2000

Focus On The Family Radio Theater - The Chronicles of Narnia (additional review)

Author(s):

C.S. Lewis

Subject(s):

Grade / Age level:

Resource Type:

Review:

Our family has been enjoying the first three audio books in this series very much. At this time, most of the stories have been produced in this audio format. The Silver Chair will be made available this spring (2002) leaving only the Last Battle to be produced. The narrator, Paul Scoffield (A Man for All Seasons [1966] and Hamlet [1991]) is just excellent. While the stories are somewhat abridged, they are remarkably complete for an audio drama.

Reviewed by:

Alicia Van Hecke

First reviewed:

2-27-2002

Shadow in the Dark

Author(s):

Antony Barone

Number of pages:

139 pages

2005

Publisher:

Capstone Fiction

Binding:

Softcover

Subject(s):

Grade / Age level:

Review:

This is a nice little adventure story that centers on Xan, a peasant boy who loses his family and his memory when raiders attack and burn his village. Although the beginning is rather over-the-top, the story does hit its stride after the first few chapters and the remainder of the book is much smoother. Several thematic elements add to the interest, including the lived faith of the Benedictine monks who rescue the boy. The author has created an interesting plot with a clever twist or two so that the story works out positively without being too obvious. I liked the fact that the good characters are genuinely human and good, especially Xan, who is smart as well as virtuous. I especially appreciated Xan's respectful attitude and chivalrous (in the best sense) behavior toward Lucy, a student at the nearby convent. Although it is set in the 12th century and offers some insights into life at that time, I would not consider it "historical fiction" as the details are somewhat random and sometimes inaccurate. It's a lot more like a Hardy Boys book, only with a 12th century setting. A quick, fun read for ages 10+.

Perspective:

Catholic

Reviewed by:

Suchi Myjak

First reviewed:

2-21-2008

The Story of the Pony Express

Author(s):

R. Conrad Stein

Number of pages:

32 pages

1981

ISBN:

9780516046310

Publisher:

Children's Press

Subject(s):

History

Setting:

Civil War

Grade / Age level:

Grades 6-8

Review:

Although I expect that this series was designed for mid-grade school, my younger children have still found it to be very interesting for read-alouds. The story of the Pony Express tends to be one of rather high interest for young children, but one that is given very brief mention in most history textbooks. I found it very interesting to discover that the Pony Express only ran for a year and a half, how it was affected by the California Gold Rush and the Civil War and how it paved the way for running of telegraph lines coast to coast which made the service obsolete. Several rather colorful figures, including Buffalo Bill and Wild Bill Hickok worked for the Pony Express and Mark Twain wrote about his brief encounter with a Pony Express rider while journeying on a stagecoach.

Additional notes:

Various editions available

Reviewed by:

Alicia Van Hecke

First reviewed:

12-27-99

The Cottage at Bantry Bay

Author(s):

Hilda van Stockum

Number of pages:

239 pages

1938

Publisher:

Bethlehem Books

Binding:

Sewn Softcover

Sample Pages

Subject(s):

Setting:

Grade / Age level:

Review:

I often have the hardest time reviewing my very favorite books. The O'Sullivan family, of Ireland in the 1930s, have become very dear to us over the years. The story is simple and charming, but very real...in the best sense. You pick up the book and can't help reading it with an Irish brogue..and getting carried away from the modern noisy, busy world of today to a land of simplicity and beauty (though not an easy life).

The O'Sullivans are poor, but their home is filled with love. The older children, Michael and Brigid, take a journey through the Irish countryside to sell the family donkey for their Father. Along the way, they rescue a mischievous dog who leads them to an unusual treasure. The young twins, Liam and Francie are adventurous and mischievous - imagining themselves in the roles of heroes of Irish folklore.

It's an excellent read aloud story for the family or could be handled solo by a 9 or 10 year old. Hilda van Stockum is a great storyteller; all-the-while weaving a great deal of faith and wisdom into a lively glimpse of Irish culture.

Perspective:

Catholic

Reviewed by:

Alicia Van Hecke

First reviewed:

9-12-05

Francie on the Run

Author(s):

Hilda Van Stockum

Number of pages:

293 pages

1939

Publisher:

Bethlehem Books

Binding:

Sewn Softcover

Subject(s):

Setting:

Grade / Age level:

Review:

Francie on the Run is the second book in the Bantry Bay trilogy. It was written by Hilda van Stockum in 1939. It's the story of Francie O'Sullivan, who runs away from the hospital in Dublin. The entire book is about his funny adventures as young Francie makes his way home to Bantry Bay. My whole family loved this book because the characters are warm and funny. There are many beautiful pictures drawn by the author herself. It's an excellent book. You'll love it!

Perspective:

Catholic

Additional notes:

Reviewer age 9

Reviewed by:

N.H.

First reviewed:

1998-99

Pegeen

Author(s):

Hilda Van Stockum

Number of pages:

266 pages

1941

Publisher:

Bethlehem Books

Binding:

Sewn Softcover

Subject(s):

Setting:

Grade / Age level:

Review:

Pegeen is the final book in the Bantry Bay Series, which chronicles the O'Sullivan family of Ireland in the 1930s. In this story, Pegeen, an orphan who was befriended by Francie in the previous story, comes to live with the O'Sullivans while waiting to be sent to her uncle in America. A rather wild girl with very little "upbringing", Pegeen gets into all kinds of trouble and adventures. In the midst of all this she manages to win the hearts of the O'Sullivans and does learn to become more responsible for her actions. The conclusion is very sweet and touching. Pegeen will surely capture your heart too!

Perspective:

Catholic

Reviewed by:

Alicia Van Hecke

First reviewed:

12-17-99

Survival in the Storm

The Dust Bowl Diary of Grace Edwards

Author(s):

Katelan Janke

Number of pages:

186 pages

2002

Publisher:

Scholastic

Binding:

Sewn Hardcover

Subject(s):

History

Setting:

the Great Depression

Grade / Age level:

Elementary

Review:

My ten year old daughter has been enjoying the Dear America series from Scholastic. I believe that they've had a positive effect on her character (particular in the "complaint" department) as the stories focus on girls about her age living in difficult times. As they're written by a number of different authors, please don't take this review as an endorsement of all of the titles.

Survival in the Storm is the fictional story (in the format of a diary) of twelve-year old Grace Edwards who lives in Dalhart, Texas - a city near the center of the five-state area hardest hit by the infamous droughts and dust storms that plagued the Southwest for nearly a decade during the Great Depression.

The story provides a nice balance of family stability amidst hardships that give children today a fair look at the challenges of life in that time period. Grace volunteers at a hospital alongside her mother where the reader learns of the terrible illnesses associated with the dust storms. Families band together to help each other when hard times come and many leave for the "promised land" of California, only to be stuck in migrant camps where conditions are no better than at home. Throughout the story, virtues of perseverance and kindness are shown to be the things that "get people through" tough times.

Reviewed by:

Alicia Van Hecke

First reviewed:

10-13-03

Love 2 Learn.net

No name

The Silver Chair

The Last Battle

Focus On The Family Radio Theater - The Chronicles of Narnia

Focus On The Family Radio Theater - The Chronicles of Narnia (additional review)

Shadow in the Dark

The Story of the Pony Express

The Cottage at Bantry Bay

Francie on the Run

Pegeen

Survival in the Storm

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