No name

Voyage on the Great Titanic

The Diary of Margaret Ann Brown
Copyright: 
1990
Publisher: 
Scholastic
Subject(s): 
Setting: 
Review: 
A fictional diary of a young Irish-English girl who is raised in a Catholic orphanage in London and is hired as a companion to a wealthy lady for the duration of the Titanic's voyage to America (where she hopes to meet up with her older brother). Margaret, having lived on the streets with her brother for some time before coming to the orphanage, is wise beyond her years with a somewhat cynical streak. Her attitude toward the opulence of the Titanic and the lifestyle of her first class passengers gives the reader both a sense of the historical reality of the Titanic and the times in which this tragic event took place. It is within this context that mankind learned a severe lesson about his own limitations. I think it is a rather good way to illustrate these details of the Titanic - through the eyes of someone who, like us, is unaccustomed to such things.

The author attempts to treat the Catholic Church and Margaret's Irish-Catholic upbringing with respect. However, she betrays a lack of understanding of at least one rather significant detail... In the story, Margaret makes no distinction between a Catholic Mass and a "Mass" [according to the story] which is presided over by the ship's captain. In reality a girl who had spent five years in an orphanage (and become close friends with the nuns there) would have been familiar with these distinctions and considered them important. We also know that there was a Catholic Mass said aboard the Titanic that fateful Sunday (as explained on the website about Fr. Thomas Byles).
Margaret has a rather innocent romantic interest in one of the ship's stewards (although I imagine that the two of them spending time alone together would probably have been frowned upon) and receives a farewell kiss from him before he goes down with the Titanic.

It might make an interesting point of discussion to consider how Margaret (or someone in her position) might have turned to her Catholic faith in order to try to cope with her loss in this great tragedy.

Reviewed by: 
First reviewed: 
7-7-2000

Introduction to Catholicism

Author(s): 
Emmett Flood
Number of pages: 
388 pages
Copyright: 
2003
Publisher: 
Midwest Theological Forum
Binding: 
Sewn Hardcover
Subject(s): 
Grade / Age level: 
Resource Type: 
Review: 
Perspective: 
Catholic
Reviewed by: 
First reviewed: 
2-28-07

A Story of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary

Author(s): 
Brother Ernest, C. S. C.
Illustrator(s): 
Carolyn Lee Jagodits
Number of pages: 
30 pages
Copyright: 
1960
Publisher: 
www.Marys-Books.com
Grade / Age level: 
Review: 
In this charming, simple story, we are introduced to St. Elizabeth, beginning with her birth and covering her complete life. Clearly, the style is written for younger children. "She was born in a big castle in Hungary way back in 1207--a long, long time ago!" Although the story is written for younger children, the language and storyline are not watered down, touching on the important events in her life as well as addressing the problems she encountered. "Soon some of the members of the court began to spread rumors against the princess." Throughout the story, vignettes of her sanctity are revealed in both the dialogue and the narrative. "When they got to the church door, Elizabeth stopped and took off her crown. 'I cannot wear a crown of gold and jewels when Jesus, my King, wears a crown of thorns!'" St. Elizabeth presents a realistic portrait of a saint, who sought to follow God's will for her vocation in a balanced way. "These children required much of Elizabeth's time, but no matter what else there was to be done, they came first." Even though it is written for young children, the story is engaging for all ages: no sugar coating of the realities she underwent, yet holds the attention of the reader until the end. Originally, there were several hundred Dujarie books, hopefully many more will be reprinted. The popular Dujarie saint series from the 40s, 50s and 60s is back in print. There are two recommended reading levels: 1st level, 2nd gr. and up; 2nd level, 4th gr. and up. Saint Elizabeth is the first reading level. Some of the vocabulary is not typical for 2nd grade, e.g."expression of veneration." Since most 2nd graders are not proficient at reading, some will prefer to have the book read aloud.
Perspective: 
Catholic
Additional notes: 

Available from www.marys-books.com

First reviewed: 
5-14-2010

Saint Clare of Assisi

A Light for the World
Author(s): 
Marianne Lorraine Trouve, FSP
Illustrator(s): 
Mary Joseph Peterson, FSP
Number of pages: 
111 pages
Copyright: 
2009
ISBN: 
0819871222
Publisher: 
Pauline Books & media
Binding: 
Softcover
Grade / Age level: 
Review: 
With warm, cute illustrations, and accessible language, the courageous story of Saint Clare comes alive in this little book! Young readers will be captivated by the story of a girl who gave up everything for the love of God! Her many miracles, her life in poverty, the love she had for Saint Francis and her sisters: it is all in there. A final chapter explains how the order grew and subsequent decisions made about it-- for instance the changing of its name to the Order of Saint Clare in 1263. There are also a beautiful prayer and a glossary for terms that may be unfamiliar to young readers.
Reviewed by: 
First reviewed: 
8-2-2010

Schoolhouse in the Woods

Book cover: 'Schoolhouse in the Woods'
Author(s): 
Rebecca Caudill
Number of pages: 
129 pages
Copyright: 
1949
Publisher: 
Bethlehem Books
Binding: 
Softcover
Subject(s): 
Grade / Age level: 
Review: 
This second installment in the Fairchild Family Series (which starts with The Happy Little Family) is a charming account of young Bonnie enjoying her first few months in a little one room schoolhouse. She and her siblings enjoy playing with friends in the rural schoolyard, having the teacher stay at their house for a week and preparing for a Christmas pageant. The story makes a nice read-aloud or chapter book for young readers.

Additional notes: 

Donated for review by Bethlehem Books

Reviewed by: 
First reviewed: 
12-29-04

The Happy Little Family

Book cover: 'The Happy Little Family'
Author(s): 
Rebecca Caudill
Number of pages: 
107 pages
Copyright: 
1947
Publisher: 
Bethlehem Books
Binding: 
Softcover
Subject(s): 
Grade / Age level: 
Review: 
The Fairchild family - Father, Mother, Chris, Althy, Emmy, Debby and Bonnie - live in the hills of Kentucky in the early 1900s. We are particularly treated to simple stories of everyday life through the eyes of four-year-old Bonnie: her frustrations with trying to keep up with her older siblings, the love of her understanding father, the importance of "little" things, like sunbonnets and arrowheads. The large text, comfortable length and engaging storyline make it a great choice for young readers. This was a well-liked read aloud in our family (particularly for my 4 and 6 year old girls) and even my eight year old son (who can be a reluctant reader at times) gobbled it up on his own quite eagerly. The book includes many lovely black-and-white illustrations. Three more volumes in the series will be published by Bethlehem Books some time in the future. This made a very welcome addition to our home library.

Additional notes: 

Donated for review by Bethlehem Books

Reviewed by: 
First reviewed: 
7-8-04

Up and Down the River

Book cover: 'Up and Down the River'
Author(s): 
Rebecca Caudill
Number of pages: 
143 pages
Copyright: 
1951
Publisher: 
Bethlehem Books
Binding: 
Softcover
Subject(s): 
Grade / Age level: 
Review: 
Six year old Bonnie and eight year old Debbie decide early one summer that they want to get rich. Nosing their way through magazines they decide upon some simple investments - selling a few items around to their neighbors and raising ducklings. They keep up the projects all summer, but the rewards don't turn out quite the way they expected. Rejoin the Fairchild family for a charming summertime in a time and place where the pace of life was a little slower and the joys of childhood were many.

Additional notes: 

Donated for review by Bethlehem Books

Reviewed by: 
First reviewed: 
4-27-05

The Shadow of the Bear

Snow White and Rose Red Retold
Book cover: 'The Shadow of the Bear: Snow White and Rose Red Retold'
Author(s): 
Regina Doman
Number of pages: 
260 pages
Copyright: 
2002
Publisher: 
Bethlehem Books
Binding: 
Softcover
Subject(s): 
Grade / Age level: 
Review: 
This book was originally published in hardcover as Snow White and Rose Red: A Modern Fairy Tale. The original edition is out of print.

Among homeschool teenage girls who read this book, there is an interesting phenomenon occurring. They read this book, not once, not twice, but numerous times. In fact, my daughter's friend has lost track of how many times she has read it. Intrigued by this phenomenon, I was curious to read this book.

Set in modern times, The Shadow of the Bear, based on the original Grimm fairy tale "Snow White and Rose Red", is a contemporary story of two teenage girls who have just moved to New York city with their recently widowed mother. While they attend the local Catholic high school, their mother works in a hospital emergency room.

What makes this book particularly interesting is that the girls were once homeschooled and regret having to go to a traditional school. The high school scene is accurately portrayed with all the negative problems of teenage life. In spite of this, the girls, even though they may be naive at times, always try to do the right thing. Unfortunately, Rose's trusting nature, curiosity, and desire to be popular get her into some very, serious trouble on more than one occasion. Fortunately, her sound moral character, spunk, and ingenuity, along with God's Divine Providence, help her out.

A teenage girl could easily identify with Blanche's sensitivity and shyness, while wishing perhaps to be more confident and flamboyant like Rose. Rose, bold, forthright, and courageous, is unique in that she isn't afraid to say the truth. In one particularly dramatic moment, Rose confronts Rob, a cocky, popular student, and his friends, when she tells them in no uncertain terms what a real man is.

Ultimately, a number of literary devices, such as realistic dialogue, true-to-life characters that are real heroines (they are good and want to do good, in spite of their faults), and a multilevel plot, combine to make this an interesting book to be enjoyed after repeated readings.

In some ways, this book touches the souls of so many teenagers, because they sense these girls could be their friends. In addition to following the original plot, this story grapples with the deeper issues that teenagers have to face. The cruel, lonely world of high school life with students vying to be the most popular is accurately depicted. Similar to the novel Pride and Prejudice, the girls must judge the real value of character, and virtue is not always in appearance or first impressions. While trying to determine the true nature of some of the other characters of the opposite sex, they inadvertently immerse themselves in a page-turning mystery.

In a world that offers teenagers too many depressing, immoral or amoral choices for literature, this is a treasure, which unsuspectingly upholds true moral choices.

Perspective: 
Catholic
Additional notes: 

For more information about this book, please visit the author's website at http://www.snowwhiteandrosered.com

Reviewed by: 
First reviewed: 
1-3-02

Black as Night

A Fairy Tale Retold
Book cover: 'Black as Night: A Fairy Tale Retold'
Author(s): 
Regina Doman
Number of pages: 
432 pages
Copyright: 
2004
Publisher: 
Bethlehem Books
Binding: 
Softcover
Subject(s): 
Grade / Age level: 
Review: 
This long-awaited sequel to Shadow of the Bear returns us to the life-like yet fairy tale inspired world of Blanche, Rose, Bear and Fish. Rose and Blanche have both finished high school now and Blanche is spending the summer trying to earn some money for college. Bear, unsure about what he wants to do with his life and having trouble forgiving injuries from his past, is brooding his way around Europe. When Blanche is left alone (while Rose and their mother leave on vacation) her fears and sense of danger start to catch up with her until she disappears into a world that seems upside down to her. A mystery unfolds which she needs to solve before she can return home (with the help of a band of friars, a couple of dogs and the grace of God). Meanwhile, realizing that Blanche is missing, her family and friends return to try and find her. But someone's been planting illegal drugs in places where Blanche has been, Bear is being shadowed and ... there seems to be a lot of trouble going on in New York City.

This is a delightful, page-turning story in and of itself. But the depth of the story is quite remarkable too. You'll recognize a very well known fairy tale along with hints of Lewis Carroll's Through the Looking Glass. There are many interesting themes about good and evil, discerning a vocation and the dignity of life for the gravely ill. The story could also be looked upon as somewhat allegorical because, although most people won't find themselves in such dramatic circumstances, the basic process the characters struggle through offers some insight into what we should do when we find outselves in times of crisis.

This story, perhaps more so than Shadow of the Bear, is quite relevant to teenage boys and girls alike. Highly recommended! Best for ages 14 and up.

Perspective: 
Catholic
Additional notes: 

This title was donated for review by Bethlehem Books

Reviewed by: 
First reviewed: 
8-3-04

This is Our Parish

Book cover: 'This is Our Parish'
Subject(s): 
Grade / Age level: 
Review: 

This reading text (used in the second grade at Seton Home Study School) has been a favorite among my children since we picked it up at a garage sale a number of years ago. Although basal readers (such as the Faith and Freedom readers) are designed for classroom use and not an essential part of a homeschool curriculum, I remember clearly how much I enjoyed receiving a new reader each school year and how I devoured all the interesting stories reading in bed on my first night of school. This is Our Parish reminded me that my children will probably delight in such stories in a similar way. They also provide a variety of different stories that may spark a child's interest in a realm that he would not have otherwise explored.

Reviewed by: 
First reviewed: 
2-20-01

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