Ancient Israelites and Their Neighbors: An Activity Guide is not what I had expected. Because I had seen it advertised in a teacher supply store, I was anticipating lesson plans and a very "teacher-y" feel to the book. Instead, it is written as if it were for the student to read himself from front to back, much like he would read an interesting story. Covered in the text are discussions of the Philistines, Phoenicians, and the Israelites, cultures which are largely under-represented in elementary history studies.

The uncluttered pages with line drawings and black-and-white photographs focus on daily life rather than on wars, military leaders, and historically significant events. There are no review questions, suggested writing or research topics, or test materials. However, there are descriptions of the history and geography, architecture, clothing, writing, work, food, and religion of each of the three groups discussed. Also included are very simple maps, a brief summary, a timeline, and a bibliography for further reading.

The book contains long textual passages of several pages, interwoven with activity and project directions. The fairly-involved projects include sewing and adorning costumes, the building of models and ships, dye-making, and cooking. Measurements and recipes are given in standard American unit measures and in metric. These are not simple projects that my own young children could complete on their own; parental supervision and participation is definitely required. In spite of the effort needed, the projects are creative and memorable; completing a select few of them would appeal to even the most history-resistant student.

I noted, however, a few problems from the perspective of a Catholic homeschooling family. First, the majority of the history of the Israelites is derived from the Bible, but I found it difficult to reconcile the author's opinion that only parts of the Bible are reliable. A particular translation of the Bible is not referenced in the lengthy bibliography. The author notes that archeology can help to show that Biblical events really occurred, but she says that anything in the Bible about God, miracles or spiritual matters cannot be proven because that is a matter of faith. In addition, although the Bible is used as a historical reference, secular dating conventions (BCE rather than BC, and CE rather than AD) are used, adding another element of confusion. As with all secular materials, the author presents an equality amongst all religions, ancient and modern.

Secondly, there are several mentions made of child sacrifices in both the Israelite and Phoenician cultures. I think that this is unnecessary in a book intended for elementary students. The author writes (on page 44) that the Bible even mentions some Israelites sacrificing children to other gods. We know that this is meant to describe unacceptable sacrifices, but the text could be very confusing to young children.

Another confusing statement is this from page 126: "One of the greatest legacies of the Philistines was their effect on the Israelites. We might not even have the Bible. Even if we did have a Bible, it would not be the same Bible we have today."

It is difficult to find materials for younger children when studying this geographical area and time period of history. Because of that, I can recommend this book, with the qualification that the teaching parent is aware of its shortcomings. It may be best to use this book as an enrichment to a textbook or Biblical-based historical unit study rather than as the primary source of information.

Angels in Iron is the absorbing tale of the siege of Malta in 1564 between the Knights of St. John of the Hospital (a military religious order) and Suleiman's forces. Suleiman, the most famous sultan of the Turkish Ottoman Empire (who has at this point significantly expanded his empire) has grand plans to conquer the world – and that includes Malta, the new home of the Knights of St. John of the Hospital. The Grand Master of this order witnessed their surrender at Rhodes (their former home) when he was a young knight. Now he is determined to hold on to Malta to the bitter end. Will he succeed in defeating the Turks against incredible odds or will his stubborn pride be the ruin of his Order and cause the loss of many lives?

Prata brings this fascinating tale to life by giving the characters real personalities. They are not mere pawns used to further the plot of the story. Interesting subplots abound. Will the feuding Florentines, Di Corso and Rembaldi, succeed in killing one another before the enemy has a chance or will the grace of God intervene?

Because of a few "choice" words, very minor sexual references (nothing coarse or inappropriate), and extreme violence at times (bodies are getting hacked to pieces), this novel would be more appropriate for a mature high school student than younger children. While the violence is definitely graphic at times, especially in the heat of battle ("The decapitated body stumbled down the hill, neck spewing blood...") since war is hell, it is most realistically portrayed.

Why read a story of such blood and gore? The overwhelming theme is courage, honor, and the Catholic faith. The knights know what the loss of this island will mean. They are willing to die for their faith. There are also many touching moments regarding their Faith. Even though they are in the midst of war, the knights celebrate the feast of Corpus Christi. A conversation takes place between a squire from Germany who wants to take up arms in defense of the Faith and a knight from Italy who advises, "All in good time, little brother. Youth must learn that service is more than death. We must strive to live for The Word before we can die for it."

This book is a real page-turner: Will the knights be able to hold on to the forts in the midst of wave after wave of bombardments and attacks? What really happened at the siege in Malta? Who is going to win the battle of wits and psychological stamina? And ultimately, will the knights be able to fearlessly defend Catholic Europe from the invasion of the scourge of Islam? Read Angels in Iron to find out.

One of the things that fascinates me most about Wisconsin winters (I grew up in California) are the animal tracks clearly visible in the snow. It leaves a temporary record of what was visiting while you weren't looking – what a fascinating thing for homeschoolers to look into. Animal Tracks will make a nice resource for younger students to study local wildlife. This is an illustrated narrative of animal life with a little guessing game on each page based on the tracks left by each animal. The book also contains four pages of identified tracks (including humans) and instructions for "preserving" the tracks with plaster of paris or by tracing. An excellent way to spark children's interest in nature.