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Questions and Answers

Author(s): 
Pope Benedict XVI
Number of pages: 
176 pages
Publisher: 
Our Sunday Visitor
Binding: 
Sewn Hardcover
Subject(s): 
Religion
Catechesis
Grade / Age level: 
High School
Review: 
The cover of the book says it all. Fully attentive to the children before him, he is ready to assist them in the best way possible through his prayers, and in this case, his answers to their questions about life and faith. The person is Pope Benedict XVI and the book is Questions and Answers. If you could ask the Holy Father any question, what would you ask him? At various meetings with Pope Benedict XVI from his election in 2005 until 2007, groups of children, young people, and priests asked him a wide range of questions from his memories of his First Communion to what can priests do to reach out to young people. Questions and Answers is a compilation of these intriguing questions and thought-provoking answers during these encounters. One of my favorite responses is his answer to why we should go to confession often. “. . . it is helpful to confess with a certain regularity. It is true: Our sins are always the same, but we clean our homes, our rooms, at least once a week, even if the dirt is always the same; in order to live in cleanliness, in order to start again. Otherwise, the dirt might not be seen, but it builds up. Something similar can be said about the soul, for me myself: If I never go to confession, my soul is neglected and, in the end, I am always pleased with myself and no longer understand that I must always work hard to improve, that I must make progress. And this cleansing of the soul that Jesus gives us in the Sacrament of Confession helps us to make our consciences more alert, more open, and hence, it also helps us to mature spiritually and as human persons.” There are many questions that apply to life and faith. “What good does it do for our everyday life to go to Holy Mass and receive Communion? What is Eucharistic Adoration? Help us to talk to the mothers of all the boys and girls who attend catechism classes and are often distracted? Why should not women also have a hand in governing the Church? How is it possible to hope when reality negates every dream of happiness, every project of life?" If you have been hesitant to read one of his other books because you were afraid he would be theologically or philosophically above your head, this books was written for you. Because these answers were addressed to a live audience, the question and answers are easy to understand. What is quite evident throughout the book is why Pope Benedict XVI was chosen by the Holy Spirit to guide the Church. His love of Christ and his mission zeal for humanity permeates all his answers. In answer to the question by a young person who struggles with reading and understanding the Bible, Pope Benedict XVI says, “It must first of all be said that one must not read Sacred Scripture as one reads any kind of historical book, such as, for example, Homer, Ovid, or Horace; it is necessary truly to read it as the Word of God—that is, entering into a conversation with God.” He is fully aware of the great problems of our time and the Church. Yet, his answers express his hope and love for us all. In answer to a question about proclaiming the Gospel to non-Christian immigrants, he says, “The first point is that the reason for our hope must be ever present within us. We must be people who live faith and think faith, people with an inner knowledge of it. So it is that faith becomes reason within us, it becomes reasonable.” His answer is much more detailed, so you’ll have to read the book to find out the rest. I assumed that some of the questions would be of interest to only children, youth, or priests; rather, I was surprised to learn that many of them applied to us all. As a member of the Body of Christ, they do apply to me and how I live my life. For example, some of the questions express concern for reaching out to young people, I too, need to live my life in such a way that I can reach out to young people. Easy to read and understand, uplifting, yet fully aware of the many problems facing the Church and the world, Questions and Answers is an inspiring as well as challenging read, challenging, because these questions and responses challenge me to live my life more fully as a Christian. Animated and candid, Questions and Answers offers a fresh, personable, and inspiring look at Pope Benedict XVI and the hope that is our Catholic faith.
Perspective: 
Catholic
Additional notes: 

A topical index is included.

Reviewed by: 
Elizabeth Yank
First reviewed: 
9-15-2008

Questions for the Thinker, Old World Europe

Author(s): 
Fran Rutherford
Illustrator(s): 
James Rutherford
Review: 
I gave this book for my son to take a look, he spent several minutes reading a selection of the questions and answers and then exclaimed what a helpful study guide it is. He has followed the Kolbe Academy syllabus so he is familiar with much of the reading. Old World Europe, Questions for the Thinker TM written by Fran Rutherford revolves around many of the well-known classics from the Middle Ages but not exclusively. The author has published two other volumes with Greek and Roman classics respectively. I hear she is working on one for one for American and Russian history and literature. I will be definitely interested in that one. Old World Europe focuses on several Medieval era texts, including The Divine Comedy, Beowulf, The Rule of St. Benedict, The Prince, The Song of Roland, Don Quixote and others. Before each text or selection, the author presents a brief introduction of the author as well as a synopsis of the work in question. This is very helpful for parents since few of us have read all of the material beforehand. Most of the questions are brief and objective. These are very helpful to review and retain the material read. A few questions come under the heading "Questions for further thought" and these are questions that lead the students to take that leap between what they have read and the bigger questions in life. I nodded several times agreeing with the author on how she is guiding the students thoughts and conclusions. These further questions are worth the price of this program as this type of thought-connection is what is missing in so many literature programs. I only have the teacher's book so I cannot say much on the format of the student book. Old World Europe, Questions for the Thinker will be a fabulous guide for a Literature group in a homeschool co-op!
Reviewed by: 
Ana Braga-Henebry
First reviewed: 
2-22-2010

Railroad RushHour: Train Escape Game

Book cover: 'Railroad RushHour: Train Escape Game'
Copyright: 
1998
Publisher: 
Binary Arts
Subject(s): 
Thinking Skills
Review: 

I can hardly say enough good things about this fun and thought-provoking game (which a good friend gave to my son for his birthday a few days ago). Each of the 50 playing cards presents a puzzle scenario which you set up on the gameboard with the train pieces. The object is to move the pieces around until you can get the red locomotive off the board. The puzzle scenarios gradually increase in difficulty, but all of them are fun and challenging (even for parents!). Our family has already enjoyed many hours with this puzzle and, given the large number of puzzle scenarios, the variety of challenge levels and the keen interest to a broad range of ages, I'm sure we'll be enjoying and learning from it for a long time to come. Our children as young as six were able to play the game.

Although there are a number of pieces, they are big enough to not get lost too easily or be terribly dangerous for little ones (although I wouldn't trust those in the choking-range with the pieces). We punched holes in the card deck and keep them together with a binder ring. My only complaint is that the colors of the playing pieces didn't match the colors on the playing cards very well.

Additional notes: 

Includes: game board with 19 pieces, card deck and travel bag

Reviewed by: 
Alicia Van Hecke
First reviewed: 
8-11-04

Raising Sweetness

Author(s): 
Diane Stanley
Number of pages: 
32 pages
Copyright: 
1999
Publisher: 
Putnam Juvenile
Grade / Age level: 
Preschool
Elementary
Resource Type: 
Picture Books
Review: 
The good sheriff of Possum Trot has adopted every child in the orphanage, and is busier...and happier... than ever providing for their needs. Sadly, but not too surprisingly, he's domestically challenged, and his new family dearly hope for a mother. A letter arrives and Sweetness saves the day by quickly learning to read and write, and using those skills to reunite Tex with his long lost love: kind and capable Lucy Locket.
Reviewed by: 
Maria Rioux
First reviewed: 
2-27-2010

Rand McNally Historical Atlas of the World

Book cover: 'Rand McNally Historical Atlas of the World'
Number of pages: 
112 pages
Copyright: 
1997
Publisher: 
Rand McNally
Binding: 
Softcover
Subject(s): 
History
Setting: 
Miscellaneous
Grade / Age level: 
All ages
Resource Type: 
General Resource
Review: 
This is a full-color, reasonably priced booklet of historical maps from every major age and civilization. It would be a worthwhile to every library - public or private. Here is a complete list of the larger two-page maps contained in this book (there are numerous smaller maps as well):

  • Human Emergence on the Changing Face of the Earth: Growth of Civilization to 200 A.D.
  • Alexander's Empire 336-323 B.C.
  • Roman Republic 31 B.C.
  • Roman Empire about 120 A.D.
  • Roman Empire about 400 A.D.
  • Easter and Southern Asia About 750 A.D.
  • Islamic World c. 800 A.D.
  • International Trade 1350 A.D. - 1450 A.D.
  • Europe and the Crusader States about 1140
  • Asia at the death of Kublai Khan (1294)
  • Europe (about 1360)
  • European Civilization during the Renaissance
  • Europe's Age of Discovery 15th-17th Centuries
  • The Ottoman, Safavid and Mughal Emipres in the 16th and 17th centuries
  • East Asia 16th Century
  • Eastern and Southern Asia about 1775
  • The Holy Roman Empire after the Peace of Westphalia 1648
  • Europe in 1721
  • Native America
  • Revolutions in the Atlantic World 1776-1826
  • Westward Expansion 1800-1850
  • Latin America about 1790
  • Latin American 1800-1900
  • Latin America after Independence: 1821-1929
  • Expansion of Russia in Europe
  • Languages of Europe in the 19th Century
  • European Partition of Africa: 19th Century
  • Resistance to European Colonialism: 1870-1917
  • The World about 1900
  • Asia 1900
  • Europe 1922-1940
  • World War II
  • Easter Mediterranean Area: 1945-1990
  • and Current World and Political and Physical Maps
There is a great deal of fascinating and informative details in many of the maps, including such things as: routes of exploration, trade, crusades and conquest; information about significant battles in various wars (including American Revolution, Civil War etc.); major products of trade; languages; birthplace of major historical figures and the positions of various countries at a particular time (such as Europe in 1810 at the Height of Napoleon's Power). I could spend hours and hours poring over these maps. It is a good resource to pull out during family or classroom discusssions of history and a good way of getting a better picture of what was going on in the world at specific periods of history.

Reviewed by: 
Alicia Van Hecke
First reviewed: 
7-19-04

Rare Catholic Stories and Poems

Book cover: 'Rare Catholic Stories and Poems'
Number of pages: 
123 pages
Copyright: 
1999
Publisher: 
Catholic Heritage Curricula
Binding: 
Softcover
Sample Pages
Subject(s): 
Reading Comprehension
Catholic Stories
Grade / Age level: 
Grades 3-5
Resource Type: 
Supplement
Review: 

Make sure you have a hankie close by when you read these books. These faith inspiring stories surely must have contributed to the steadfastness that Catholic children displayed years ago. The stories in both volumes include main characters that are young and old, male and female thus appealing to everyone. Each story is short enough to be read by an average 4th grader in five to ten minutes. Follow up comprehension questions range from simple recall to more the more thought provoking type that would open the door to many wonderful parent child discussions. We had our children read this book straight through as their spiritual reading and at a later time had them read some of the stories again and work through the comprehension questions. This book would also serve well as a source for bedtime stories or for poetry memorization. Volume 1, which is suitable for grade 3 and up, is a small softcover book 5½" x 8½" and includes several illustrations for each story.

Perspective: 
Catholic
Reviewed by: 
Andrea Chen
First reviewed: 
3-9-01

Reading Comprehension: Stories of the Saints

Author(s): 
Elaine Woodfield
Subject(s): 
Saint Story Collections
Review: 
Although this series of Saint Stories from Catholic Heritage Curricula is listed on our Reading Comprehension page, they should also not be overlooked as really wonderful stories for their own sake. The stories are well-written and contain very interesting details about the lives of the saints that I haven't seen elsewhere. Highly Recommended!
Reviewed by: 
Alicia Van Hecke
First reviewed: 
1998-99

Reading Comprehension: Stories of the Saints, Volume 1

Book cover: 'Reading Comprehension: Stories of the Saints, Volume 1'
Author(s): 
Elaine Woodfield
Number of pages: 
99 pages
Copyright: 
1997
Publisher: 
Catholic Heritage Curricula
Binding: 
Stapled Softcover
Subject(s): 
Reading Comprehension
Saint Stories
Review: 

Ten Saint stories are told in an engaging manner for children (recommended for mid-grade schoolers): St. Maria Goretti, St. Maximillian Kolbe, St. Catherine Laboure, St. Bernadette Soubirous, Blessed Miguel Pro, St. Martin De Porres, St. John Bosco, St. Francesca Cabrini, St. Philomena, and Blessed Herman of Reichenau. Each story is approximately 6 - 8 pages long and is illustrated with pen and ink drawings. The Reading Comprehension portion for each story includes vocabulary words, study questions and a number of projects relating to the saint such as - memorizing special quotes from the saint, researching a report relating to the saint, illustrating scenes from the story or studying some of the geography of where the saint lived and worked. The stories are beautiful and inspiring and cover both very familiar saints and some more obscure ones. My very favorite (whom I had never heard of before) was Blessed Herman of Reichenau - a severely crippled monk (with a brilliant mind) who lived in the Middle Ages and composed the Salve Regina (Hail Holy Queen). A complete answer key is found in the back of the book.

Perspective: 
Catholic
Reviewed by: 
Alicia Van Hecke
First reviewed: 
8-10-2000

Reading Comprehension: Stories of the Saints, Volume 2

Book cover: 'Reading Comprehension: Stories of the Saints, Volume 2'
Author(s): 
Elaine Woodfield
Number of pages: 
131 pages
Copyright: 
2002
Publisher: 
Catholic Heritage Curricula
Binding: 
Softcover
Subject(s): 
Reading Comprehension
Saint Stories
Review: 

This book provides twelve engaging saint stories (four to nine pages each) with a page or so of vocabulary words, comprehension questions, quotes from the saint and project ideas. Saints covered in this volume are: Saint Faustina Kowalska, Saint Juan Diego, St. Rose of Lima, St. Francis of Assisi (in two parts), Rose Hawthorne Lathrop, Venerable Fr. Solanus Casey, St. Helena, Blessed Fr. Damien of Molokai, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, St. Ambrose and Mother Seton.

The stories are nice enough to make this a stand alone book of saint stories even without the reading comprehension sections. Mrs. Woodfield has a way of including the most interesting details about the saints that I haven't seen elsewhere. Most stories are illustrated with pen and ink drawings, while modern Saints are illustrated with black and white photos. A complete answer key is included.

Perspective: 
Catholic
Additional notes: 

Copyrights 1998/2002

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

Reading Comprehension: Stories of the Saints, Volume 3

Author(s): 
Elaine Woodfield
Number of pages: 
109 pages
Copyright: 
2000
Publisher: 
Catholic Heritage Curricula
Binding: 
Stapled Softcover
Sample Pages
Subject(s): 
Reading Comprehension
Saint Stories
Review: 

This book contains four in-depth saint stories (approximately 25 pages each): St. Edith Stein, Blessed Gianna Molla, Blessed Father Francis Xavier Seelos, C.Ss.R and Blessed Junipero Serra. The stories are very nicely told, with all the interesting tidbits that people love to read about. Mrs. Woodfield likes to catch the reader's attention by starting out at a particularly interesting part of the story and "leave you hanging" while she goes back to the childhood and upbringing of the saint (or blessed) in question. These are great stories, and the first two in particular are enhanced by a number of black and white photographs.

Saint Edith Stein (1891-1942) was a German Jew-turned-atheist who converted to the Catholic faith in 1922. In 1933 she entered the Carmelite Convent in Cologne Germany, but later was moved to Holland because of the danger from the Nazis. In 1942, Dutch Catholic Bishops spoke against the Nazis treatment of the Jews. The Nazis took revenge by rounding up Catholics of Jewish ancestry and sending them to concentration camps. Saint Edith Stein died at Auschwitz in August of 1942.

Blessed Gianna Beretta Molla (1922-1961) was an Italian doctor and mother of three children when she learned she was expecting her fourth child. It was discovered that a large tumor was growing in her womb during pregnancy. This required surgery but posed several options: 1. remove the tumor and the womb, ending the life of the unborn child (the "safest" option for Gianna herself), 2. remove the tumor and the unborn baby (without removing the womb - allowing possible future pregnancies, but still ending the life of the child), 3. remove the tumor, but allow the baby to come to full term and live (posing the danger of complications during childbirth because of the surgery). Gianna chose the third option.

Blessed Father Francis Xavier Seelos C.Ss.R. (1819-1867) was a Bavarian-born Redemptorist priest who faithfully served as a parish priest, pastor, and seminary instructor in various parts of the United States. While in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (with St. John Neumann as a superior), he contended with the anti-Catholic Know-Nothings while ministering to his parishioners, teaching catechism and providing a worthy example to many. He also worked in Maryland and Louisiana. This story would make an interesting Catholic addition to the study of American History.

Blessed Father Junipero Serra (1713-1784) is the well known Franciscan priest who founded the California missions - Catholic centers of evangelization, worship, education and protection for the local natives of California.

Saint stories are the ultimate antidote to modern culture. Average Americans today are bombarded with television commercials which not only try to persuade them to buy particular things, but generally help them to develop the mindset that material things will make them happy. Saint stories are about happiness too. They show us that a certainly earthly happiness (and true happiness in the long run) can come from living according to an idea that is very foreign to modern culture. Material goods are never truly satisfying. They only create a desire for more. A love for God and a life of service toward others, while more challenging, is also much more rewarding.

This book is recommended for seventh grade, but could be read aloud to younger children and would be suitable for high school and adult levels as well. Each story includes a very extensive section of Lesson Activities from which comprehension questions, vocabulary and a wealth of other projects and exercises can be chosen to reinforce the story and develop comprehension skills. A complete answer key is provided in the back of the book.

Reviewed by: 
Alicia Van Hecke
First reviewed: 
6-10-2000

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