Alicia Van Hecke

Simply Grammar

Book cover: Simply Grammar
Author(s): 
Karen Andreola

A very simple and lovely grammar book based on the text First Grammar Lessons written by Charlotte Mason in 1928. The text is illustrated with charming 19th century drawings which are used within the text for exercises such as: completing sentences and making sentences of certain types and telling stories using certain parts of speech. The text is intended for fourth grade and up (the Charlotte Mason method recommends waiting until then for formal grammar studies - focusing on reading and narration earlier).

Holy Papers

Book cover: 'Holy Papers'

This booklet provides thirty-three pages of lined paper with beautiful Catholic pen and ink illustrations. The pages are intended for handwriting practice and may be photocopied for use within your own family. Following the lined pages are approximately forty pages of beautiful religious quotes - printed in both script and cursive - for practicing handwriting. Quotes are organized according to themes such as Adoration, Conscience, Eucharist and Obedience.

Reading Comprehension: Stories of the Saints, Volume 2

Book cover: 'Reading Comprehension: Stories of the Saints, Volume 2'
Author(s): 
Elaine Woodfield

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.

Garden of Virtues

Book cover: Garden of Virtues: Planting Seeds of Goodness
Author(s): 
Christina Keffler
Illustrator(s): 
Rebecca Donnelli
Suzanne Etman

This is a friendly and lovely little book on practicing the virtues in the midst of family life. Although it is clear that at least one of the authors is Catholic, the book is written on a very practical level and in such a way that it would be appealing to any family attempting to live a peaceful and virtuous life (particularly in the midst of raising children).

The History of the Papacy

This CD ROM provides a complete and orthodox look at the History of the Papacy in a professional and attractive interactive format. Each of the Popes from St. Peter through Pope John Paul II are presented with a short biography (from one or two paragraphs to one or two pages each - the text is taken from The Popes Through the Ages by Joseph S. Brusher, S.J. - 1959), numerous images (portraits, coins, commemorative stamps, statuary) and the coat of arms.

Stories in Stone

Book cover: Stories in Stone
Author(s): 
Jo Kittinger

Although this is a meaty book for its age level and rather lengthy, my children were completely absorbed when I read this aloud to them.

Stories in Stone presents the "World of Animal Fossils" and the story of the dinosaurs from the point of view of generally accepted scientific theories of today. Chapter 1 (A Rock Sandwich) covers introduces the idea of fossils, how they were formed, types of fossils, the scientific classification of animal species ("Why Dinosaur Names are Hard to Spell") and how scientists determine the age of fossils.

Eyewitness: Astronomy

Book cover: Eyewitness: Astronomy
Author(s): 
Kristen Lippincott

Although most books in the DK Eyewitness series are at least slightly problematic in the text, our family enjoys a number of them entirely for the sake of the pictures. Eyewitness: Astronomy is one of the ones I wouldn't bother with even for the pictures. Although there are many beautiful photos, the book overall is both disappointing and even problematic in places.

Homeschoolers' College Admissions Handbook

Book cover: 'Homeschoolers' College Admissions Handbook'
Author(s): 
Cafi Cohen
This book provides loads of information regarding homeschool admissions to college. Although not written specifically for Catholics, the author did solicit survey responses from Catholics (the webmaster was one of the respondents and has several quotes in the book under the pseudonym "Alexa") and there is a great deal of valuable information for any homeschoolers applying for college. It will be especially helpful for those beginning the admissions process with some trepidation and those wanting to attend colleges that are not especially known to be homeschool friendly.

The Big Dipper

Book cover: The Big Dipper
Author(s): 
Franklyn M. Branley
Illustrator(s): 
Molly Coxe

A very simple science book for children with cartoon-like pictures (nice cartoon, not cheezy-cartoon) that introduces some basic concepts about the stars. The very simple story line discusses looking at the night sky, that you see different stars in the summer and winter, where the big dipper got it's name, the names of the stars that make up the big dipper, how people can find direction from the North Star and the traditional constellation Ursa Major that the Big Dipper belongs to.

What the Moon is Like

Book cover: What the Moon is Like
Author(s): 
Franklyn M. Branley
Illustrator(s): 
True Kelley

This book covers the appearance of the moon from the earth (in regards to its surface rather than its changes over the month), the explanations people have given for the appearance of the moon (man in the moon, etc.) and why it really looks that way. It covers many interesting details about the surface of the moon (including a simple map of the moon's surface marked with the locations of moon landings), its atmosphere, the length of day and night on the moon (and the extreme temperature difference between the two), the difference in gravity on the moon, etc.

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