General Resource

A Students' Guide to U.S. History

Book cover: A Students' Guide to U.S. History
Author(s): 
Wilfred M. McClay

In A Students' Guide to U.S. History, author Wilfred M. McClay challenges the mind of the reader to think wider, deeper and higher about the study of American history. After explaining the purpose behind this book, he elaborates on what the study of history mistakenly is thought to be, before he realigns the reader's mind to what it should be. Taking a philosophical turn of mind, he dares the reader to search for truth; to do otherwise would be folly.

Patriotic Leaders of the Church

Book cover: Patriotic Leaders of the Church
Author(s): 
John F. Fink

Although the book is titled Patriotic Leaders of the Church, perhaps another way of saying it would be "Clergy in the Catholic Church who were both Leaders and Patriotic". With the exception of a few priests, the majority of the biographies are of Bishops, Archbishops, or Cardinals. In other words, the main focus of the book is to show that a person can be both Catholic "to the core," patriotic, and even a priest at the same time.

Catholic Cardlinks: Patron Saints

Book cover: 'Catholic Cardlinks: Patron Saints'
Author(s): 
Thomas J. Craughwell

My children have always loved picture cards for learning about subjects – animals, art, flags, etc. I love it when the cards are fastened together in some way so that they don't get lost and thus rendered useless. Catholic Cardlinks: Patron Saints is just the sort of resource that makes everyone happy!

Leonardo da Vinci for Kids: His Life and Ideas

Book cover: Leonardo da Vinci for Kids: His Life and Ideas
Author(s): 
Janis Herbert
Leonardo da Vinci for Kids is a fascinating biography of a fascinating man with plenty of material to keep children and adults interested and amazed. The story details da Vinci's life, works, ideas and interests. His artistic and scientific creations and inventions cover an incredibly broad field - from his famous paintings to complex defense mechanisms for cities under siege to mechanical "creatures" to complex and artistically creative parties for important people of his day.

A Student's Guide to the Study of History

Book cover: A Student's Guide to the Study of History
Author(s): 
John Lukacs

It is hard to believe that such skinny little books can pack such a wallop. That is what you find in this series by ISI (Intercollegiate Studies Institute) books.

From the opening pages, you gain a sense of the personal; you feel that you have picked the brain of your favorite professor over your beverage of choice, as he elaborates on his favorite subject. Since it is a professor speaking, he does not merely "tell" you his opinion, he speaks with academic authority, in both his level of language and the conviction of having taught this for many years.

Hold That Thought: History Volumes 1 and 2

I have a houseful of active, writing-resistant sons, and I am always on the lookout for materials that not only encourage my boys to write frequently, but also encourage them to write well. History, Volumes 1 and 2, from Hold That Thought have turned writing in our history studies, and the historical overlaps into science, religion, and the fine arts, into an activity that we all enjoy. The pages produced by the children are original reports that have filled our notebooks and our heads with unforgettable details, while documenting our studies and providing a pleasant means of review.

The Ultimate Lap Book Handbook...Plus Other Books to Make with Children

Book cover: 'The Ultimate Lap Book Handbook...Plus Other Books to Make with Children'
Author(s): 
Tammy Duby
Cyndy Regeling

When it comes to craft projects, I am all thumbs. If I must struggle with following incomprehensible directions and managing difficult techniques, I prefer to end up with something delicious to eat. You can imagine my fear when I was first introduced to lap books–-described by the author of the Ultimate Lap Book Handbook as "a file folder folded a funny way, and then filled with child-produced booklets". As I read through this book, my fear turned to fascination. This was one incredible project that even I could handle!

Art Fraud Detective: Spot the Difference, Solve the Crime!

Book cover: Art Fraud Detective: Spot the Difference, Solve the Crime!
Author(s): 
Anna Nilsen
Andy Parker

This is an exciting and fun art supplement that kids are sure to love (makes a great gift for Christmas or a birthday). There are three main parts to the book. First is an introduction which explains a problem the art museum is having with forgeries. Several gangs of artists have copied original works, but made very slight changes to them. The object of the book is to identify who is responsible for the various forgeries by looking carefully for very specific clues.

Life of Jesus

Book cover: 'Life of Jesus'

We put this poster up in our upstairs hallway thinking that the colorful pictures would be attractive to the little ones and help them develop a better understanding of the Life of Jesus. The full color drawings are attractive but dignified. It's been a big hit so far. I find my six year old reading words here and there, my four year old asking about what happens in different pictures and my two year old pointing to her favorite scenes. The pictures include simple descriptions and dialogue along with Biblical references.

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