No name

Hans Brinker Or the Silver Skates

Author(s): 
Mary Mapes Dodge
Number of pages: 
288 pages
Copyright: 
1873
Publisher: 
Dover Publications
Binding: 
Paperback
Subject(s): 
Historical Fiction
Setting: 
19th century
Holland
Grade / Age level: 
All ages
Review: 
Hans Brinker is a story designed to bring children of the 19th century (from around the world) an understanding and appreciation of the culture, traditions and history of Holland. The story focuses on the Brinker family. Ten years before the story begins, the father was seriously injured working on the dikes (which keep the water out of the reclaimed land of Holland), leaving him with the intelligence of a small child. Mrs. Brinker struggles to meet ends while remaining faithful to her husband's wish to never sell a watch he had given her. The two children, Hans and Gretel, are shunned by many at school for their shabby clothing. Meanwhile the story develops with a number of Hans' schoolmates who take a skating trip along the frozen canals through several important Dutch cities. The boys visit various churches and museums, allowing the reader to be impressed by many interesting tidbits from Holland's history. In the end, Mrs. Brinker and her family's perserverance faithfulness is greatly rewarded. A heartwarming classic tale and a great read-aloud for the family.

Reviewed by: 
Alicia Van Hecke
First reviewed: 
4-27-02

Happy Birth Day!

Book cover: 'Happy Birth Day!'
Author(s): 
Robie H. Harris
Illustrator(s): 
Michael Emberley
Number of pages: 
24 pages
Copyright: 
1996
Publisher: 
Candlewick Press
Binding: 
Sewn Hardcover
Subject(s): 
Stories for Children
Grade / Age level: 
Grades K-2
Resource Type: 
Picture Books
Review: 
This is a simple story of a mother describing her baby's first day after birth. It focuses on how the baby looks and acts and how much the baby is loved by the parents and extended family. The best part, I think, are the illustrations. The illustrator has wonderfully captured the lovable yet wrinkly face of a newborn and the beautiful excitement and exhaustion of bringing a new life into the world. It is a wonderful book for toddlers and other young children to read while anticipating the arrival of a new sibling.

Reviewed by: 
Alicia Van Hecke
First reviewed: 
6-22-04

Happy Times in Noisy Village

Book cover: 'Happy Times in Noisy Village'
Author(s): 
Astrid Lindgren
Number of pages: 
119 pages
Copyright: 
1961
Publisher: 
Bethlehem Books
Binding: 
Softcover
Subject(s): 
Authors
Family Stories
Grade / Age level: 
Elementary
Review: 
The charming and humorous adventures of the children of "Noisy Village" are continued in this sequel, recently reprinted by Bethlehem Books. The children's adventures and creative pranks and business ideas make for a fun family story. Speaking from experience, I can attest to the fact that it's an excellent book to curl up with on a chilly fall afternoon with a couple of little girls on your lap. (My eight year old boy hung around to listen too.)

Reviewed by: 
Alicia Van Hecke
First reviewed: 
1-23-04

Haystack Full of Needles

A Catholic Home Educator's Guide to Socialization
Author(s): 
Alice Gunther
Number of pages: 
156 pages
Copyright: 
2008
Publisher: 
Hillside Education
Binding: 
Paperback
Grade / Age level: 
Adults
Review: 
About five years ago, I met an amazing woman: a woman with now 6 girls and one boy, a home school mom steeped in the Catholic faith, a charitable and crafty woman. I “knew” this woman only through the Internet, and yet a real friendship grew and flourished. That woman, Alice Gunther, just wrote a book as full of the Catholic faith, charity and craftiness as all her online writings. Imbued with the Holy Spirit and love of the Blessed Mother, this is a book that shares so willingly with others her own journey of family-based learning. Haystack Full of Needles is subtitled “A Catholic Home Educator’s Guide to Socialization”, but it is so much more than just about socializing. It’s an adventure story. Gunther takes the reader on her own adventure: an adventure from being an only child to raising six girls and one boy. This is an adventure where the heroine starts out as the self-professed greatest critic of the homeschool lifestyle and emerges as the queen of homeschool advocates. This is an adventure with the Catholic faith at the center and all the wonders of the world emanating from that core. This is an adventure with happily-ever-afters scattered abundantly throughout. A fairy tale? Not at all. Gunther shows how through prayer, friends and love for her own children she is able to give her family a full and rich education without the brick-and-mortar so often touted as the only answer. But more than that, Gunther shows that the children involved (and she uses more examples than her own beautiful children) not only thrive in this setting but desire to continue even through the “terrible teens”. And they survive as healthy, knowledgeable, faith-filled, loving young adults who socialize with one and all. An interesting side theme in Gunter’s book: the need for socialization for the homeschool mother. This mom-time is as critical as the children’s socialization and education, but often gets overlooked in discussions of the “s” issue. Gunther credits a handful of close friends who not only helped her embrace the home educator’s vocation but also help her continue to plan activities and clubs for the dozens of families in their groups. These close associates help through the good times and the bad. Gunther credits too, the loving support and guidance of her husband – spousal involvement and support are key ingredients for success in any home education adventure. Consistent, loving, active support by the spouse (usually the husband) keeps the adventure alive and the family priorities in focus. Most importantly, a strong and active faith life for all in the family (but especially for the home-educator) reaps untold rewards and assistance along this path that is still considered “alternative”. Gunther recommends first socializing with God and His saints before venturing out too far with any activities. The book is full of practical tips and suggestions for creating your own home education adventure with other families. And, as Gunther repeatedly points out, this can be one family or 20 families – the important point is to find things that you and your family love and create clubs or field trips, inviting others as desired. For Gunther and her family, looking for other like-minded families is no longer like looking for a needle in a haystack – the haystack is full of needles! And each of those needles is such a bleesing for the Gunthers and the readers of this book.
Reviewed by: 
Mary C. Gildersleeve
First reviewed: 
8-23-2008

Henle Latin, First Year

Book cover: 'Henle Latin, First Year'
Author(s): 
Robert J. Henle, S.J.
Number of pages: 
514 pages
Copyright: 
1945
Publisher: 
Loyola Press
Subject(s): 
Latin Programs
Review: 

Henle's First Year Latin is the book I studied as a homeschooled high schooler under the care of a great old Jesuit priest who left his position as a Latin and Greek professor at the all-boys Jesuit high school for a few hours each week to teach Latin to a small group of homeschoolers.

This is a very straightforward, but reasonably engaging text that focuses on a vocabulary list that will allow students to begin to read the works of Caesar in the Second Year. The real strength of this text is that it teaches the grammar in a way that provides students with the thinking and learning skills that are the hallmark of the study of Latin. (This is, of course, useful, even if the students don't go on to Henle II.) As a student, I complained a bit about the numerous stories involving soldiers and dead bodies, but I really enjoyed the course and was grateful for the jump-start in Latin before the more intense Latin studied at Thomas Aquinas College.

I like the way the text is broken up into two books - a Grammar book which lays out all the noun and verb endings, grammar rules and other basic stuff that will be useful through all four years of Latin; and the text itself which is much less intimidating when broken up in this fashion.

Overall, compared to other Latin texts I've used, this program seems particularly balanced in not being too overwhelming, but also not holding back on giving you enough of the big picture to make things clear. Also, the vocabulary is presented in an organized and logical fashion. To explain more fully, I quote from the preface: "It is rather common practice in Latin textbooks to set down a limited vocabulary for mastery, but to employ many more words in the reading material. First Year Latin limits its vocabulary for use largely to its vocabulary for mastery, and this vocabulary, incidentally, is drawn largely from the Caesar readings that will be taken in second year." I think this makes for a more useful, user-friendly text, particularly for families who are new to Latin.

Despite the emphasis on Caesar, this is a Catholic text and offers quite a bit of exercises and vocabulary relating to the faith. It would still be beneficial, however, to supplement the text with Latin hymns (from sources such as Lingua Angelica and The Adoremus Hymnal) and prayers.

Laura Berquist has written a syllabus/study guide for the Henle Latin which can be purchased from Emmanuel Books. Seton Home Study offers a Henle Latin course which includes lesson plans and telephone assistance from a Latin teacher. There is also a support-group e-mail list for those studying Henle Latin.
 

Reviewed by: 
Alicia Van Hecke
First reviewed: 
6-19-03

here.now. a catholic guide to the good life

Book cover: 'here.now. a catholic guide to the good life'
Author(s): 
Amy Welborn
Number of pages: 
128 pages
Copyright: 
2005
ISBN: 
9781592761432
Publisher: 
Our Sunday Visitor
Binding: 
Softcover
Subject(s): 
Living the Faith
History
Grade / Age level: 
Mature Teens
Adults
Resource Type: 
Book(s)
Supplement
Review: 

The world claims to have the answers, but what are they? Please yourself, answer to no one, claim your truth, reject any close-minded or intolerant positions, be tolerant and diverse and accepting of other truths, whatever they are, except if they are intolerant.

If these are the answers, what are the questions?

When young people ask themselves:

  • Who am I?
  • What do I want out of life?
  • Why is everything so complicated?
  • Where will I find true happiness? and
  • How do I choose right from wrong in a world filled with so many different answers?

they want the truth, even if it is challenging.

Amy Welborn has written here.now. as a guide book for today's young people, Catholic and Christian. Welborn's style is light, breezy, funny and pointed: the truth is found in the Catholic Church, and if you don't understand why, it's simple: Because Jesus told us so.

She continuously rejects answers such as, "because there is a rule that says..." or "because the Church said so." Welborn reminds us that it's not about "have to" (as in "I have to go to Mass today", or "will I have to confess this sin?") She continues to bring us back to the thought that if we want to have a relationship with God, we can do it best by getting to know His Son, Jesus, and we figure out Jesus best by reading the Bible, going to Church, and receiving the sacraments. It's that simple.

I was prepared to find this book too simplistic, too small. It is a very thin book, only 118 pages with short paragraphs and an easy-to-read type face. However, I found myself totally absorbed in it, able to quickly understand it, and even came away from it with some easier ways to talk about the faith with my relatives and friends.

I think this book would be good for older teens ("mature" 14 or 15 and up, due to the chapter on morals) and young adults to read as an overview of our faith.

This would be a great gift for a confirmand, a fallen-away Catholic, a lukewarm relative, or any person who needs to figure out how to be a mature, adult Catholic in this Church. It is perfect for anyone who might not read something more in depth. I think this book serves a great purpose in being a short and brief but thorough description of the good life: life as a Catholic in full communion with Jesus though his church.

Perspective: 
Catholic
Reviewed by: 
Nancy Carpentier Brown
First reviewed: 
10-29-05

Heritage Memo Game

Book cover: 'Heritage Memo Game'
Number of pages: 
72 pages
Copyright: 
1992
Publisher: 
Piatnik
Subject(s): 
History
Geography
Grade / Age level: 
All ages
Resource Type: 
Flashcards
Puzzles and Games
Review: 

A memory game showing 36 pictures of outstanding sites worldwide.
While looking for something fun to add to this year's curriculum purchases, I discovered this memory game in the Montessori Services catalog. I can't tell you how much fun we've had with it. The whole family down to the 2 1/2 year old have enjoyed rousing games of memory while learning about important historical, cultural and religious sites from around the world. The cards are approximately 2 inches square with full color pictures of famous sites. There are a high percentage of Catholic sites:

Cathedral of Aachen, Germany
Palace of the Pope, Avignon France
Chartres Cathedral, France
Cathedral of Cordoba, Spain
Cathedral and Monastery "Victorious Holy Maria" in Portugal
Cathedral of Cefalu in Sicily
Church of Sagrada Familia, Spain
Reims Cathedral, France
Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, Spain

Other sites are:

Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem
Stonehenge, Great Britain
St. Basil's Cathedral, Moscow
Cathedral of Canterbury, Great Britain
Nemrut dagi, Turkey
Easter Island, South America
Temple of Katmandu, Nepal
Schwe-Dagon-Pagode, Birma
Stupa of Borobudur, Indonesia
Todaidshi-Temple, Japan
Amun-Temple, Karnak Egypt
Uxmal, Mexico
Madrese Schir-Dar, Russia
Tula, Mexico
Taj Mahal, India
Temple of Abu Simbel, Egypt
Hagia-Sofia, Turkey
Maccu Picchu, Peru
Acropolis, Athens
Sphinx and Great Pyramid
Wailing Wall, Jerusalem
Menhirs of Carnac, France
Temple of Hera, Italy
Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy
Athos-Monasteries, Greece
Malawiya Minaret, Iraq
Schah-Mosque, Iran

Included with the game is a fold-out sheet with black and white images of each of the sites along with a brief description and location.
 

Additional notes: 

72 cards, Made in Austria

Reviewed by: 
Alicia Van Hecke
First reviewed: 
9-20-02

Herodotus and the Road to History

Author(s): 
Jeanne Bendick
Number of pages: 
80 pages
Copyright: 
2009
Publisher: 
Bethlehem Books
Subject(s): 
History
Setting: 
Ancient Greece
Grade / Age level: 
Grades 6-8
High School
Review: 
This is a brief, engaging and heavily illustrated biography of the world's first historian. Herodotus lived in the Greek city of Halicarnassus in the Persian empire during the 5th century BC. His situation and personality put him an ideal place to tell the fascinating stories of the Persian Wars (think Marathon, Thermopylae and Salamis) and to travel extensively and collect stories from all over. His original writings are a fascinating read for upper high school or college. This is unique in that it shares the basic history of his own life, told in first person narrative. It gives a fascinating glimpse into the world he lived in as well as touching upon major events and characters that he wrote about. It's the perfect companion to a children's edition of the stories of Herodotus. Our family read it immediately after finishing Stories from Herodotus by Glanville Downey (which is sadly out of print, but may be available from your local library), which made it even more relevant and interesting. Suitable for independent reading ages 10 and up, or for a read aloud to younger children.
Additional notes: 

Donated for review by Bethlehem Books.

Reviewed by: 
Alicia Van Hecke
First reviewed: 
10-21-2009

Heroes of God's Church

Author(s): 
Father P. Henry Matimiore, S.T.D.
Number of pages: 
286 pages
Copyright: 
1931
Publisher: 
Neumann Press
Binding: 
Sewn Hardcover
Sample Pages
Subject(s): 
Reading Comprehension
Saint Story Collections
Grade / Age level: 
All ages
Review: 
"In writing this volume, the purpose has been to acquaint our children with biographies that will have some particular influence on the development of their characters. Each story has been planned as a real character-training project, not merely as a reading lesson to inspire admiration for faith and religious heroism." (From the Foreword)

I think the author does an admirable job in achieving his purpose. We are shown how the Saints were real people who struggled with things like bad tempers and parents who just didn't understand their religious fervor. Some became great saints by just doing the little everyday things well and out of love while others showed incredible heroism through the most agonizing tortures and martyrdom.

The book covers 25 Saint stories, from 6 to 18 pages each, with comprehension questions for each story. We are presented with a variety of Saints of every age with a true diversity of personalities, difficulties to overcome and social classes. The chronological order and selection would also make this a very worthwhile supplement to a study of World History.

The comprehension questions seem suited to mid-grade school (perhaps grades 3-6) but the stories themselves would be appropriate for a wide age range (probably from first grade through adult if care is taken with regard to some of the "scarier" martyr stories for the very young ones).
Quibble:
Perspective: 
Catholic
Reviewed by: 
Alicia Van Hecke
First reviewed: 
1998-99

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