20th century

The Young Life of Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Book cover: 'The Young Life of Mother Teresa of Calcutta'
Author(s): 
Claire Jordan Mohan

This is an interesting and unique short chapter book telling the story of Mother Teresa of Calcutta – a great lady who changed the world by following God's will and being a true messenger of peace and love. Similar to Pope John Paul II, Mother Teresa's childhood was filled with both joy and tragedy. Her early inclinations to be a missionary led her to teach at a wealthy girls school in India. One day she realized that she was called, not to teach the wealthy children, but go out and help and teach the poor, sick and homeless out on the streets of Calcutta.

Pegeen

Book cover: Pegeen
Author(s): 
Hilda Van Stockum

Pegeen is the final book in the Bantry Bay Series, which chronicles the O'Sullivan family of Ireland in the 1930s. In this story, Pegeen, an orphan who was befriended by Francie in the previous story, comes to live with the O'Sullivans while waiting to be sent to her uncle in America. A rather wild girl with very little "upbringing", Pegeen gets into all kinds of trouble and adventures. In the midst of all this she manages to win the hearts of the O'Sullivans and does learn to become more responsible for her actions. The conclusion is very sweet and touching.

The Good Master

Book cover: The Good Master
Author(s): 
Kate Seredy

The Good Master by Kate Seredy is a timeless tale of the goodness of the land and of the Faith. Set in Hungary before World War I, a young impish girl, Kate, is sent to the country because her father, a widower, cannot control her anymore. When she arrives she is a world class brat but she is tamed by her uncle through discipline and love. She is somewhat fearless and zealous to try everything the farm life has to offer and this leads her and her cousin Jancsi on many humorous farm adventures.

Noble Heroine of Charity

This is the story of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, the little Italian nun who came as a missionary to help the Italian immigrants, orphans and many others in America. She was the first American citizen to be canonized. This audio drama is very nicely performed with a full cast and narrator, music and sound effects. My daughter especially enjoyed this story since we had recently read Joan Stromberg's, The Orphans Find a Home: A St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Story.

Mother Cabrini

Book cover: Mother Cabrini
Author(s): 
Frances Parkinson Keyes

The story of the great Italian missionary to the United States is told to two young students in one of the schools she founded. The story especially elaborates on the history of the schools and works founded by Mother Cabrini in New Orleans, Louisiana. A very beautiful story already, this particular rendition has the unique angle of being told by one of the Sisters of Charity who had come to America from Italy with Mother Cabrini. This would make a good read aloud story for the whole family and would be a helpful supplement to your American History curriculum.

Blessed Miguel Pro

Book cover: Blessed Miguel Pro
Author(s): 
Ann Ball

Miguel Pro (1891-1927) was a young priest in Mexico during the persecution of the Church in the 1920s. He used interesting disguises to slip past authorities in order to celebrate Mass in secret and otherwise minister to his people. He fearlessly continued such dangerous missions despite health problems and eventually was arrested and martyred for his faith.The reader will learn a lot about the politics, culture and religion of his time.

Francie on the Run

Book cover: Francie on the Run
Author(s): 
Hilda Van Stockum

Francie on the Run is the second book in the Bantry Bay trilogy. It was written by Hilda van Stockum in 1939. It's the story of Francie O'Sullivan, who runs away from the hospital in Dublin. The entire book is about his funny adventures as young Francie makes his way home to Bantry Bay. My whole family loved this book because the characters are warm and funny. There are many beautiful pictures drawn by the author herself. It's an excellent book. You'll love it!

Little Britches

Book cover: 'Little Britches: Father and I Were Ranchers'
Author(s): 
Ralph Moody

Little Britches is the first book in an eight-book series by Ralph Moody and came so highly recommended that I was concerned about being disappointed. We shouldn't have waited; it is brilliant! This book is particularly well-suited to being read aloud and will be enjoyed by every age grouping. It would be a wonderful book to have Daddy read to the family.

The titles in the series are:

The Orphans Find a Home

Book cover: 'The Orphans Find a Home: A St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Story'
Author(s): 
Joan Stromberg

This is the story of three orphan immigrants – Maria, an Italian in her early teens, Molly, a little Irish girl with a way of getting into trouble, and Ming, a very shy Chinese girl. Maria, Molly and Ming, survive for a time by sticking together and living in a dark boiler room until their lives are changed by meeting Mother Cabrini. The author, who is a Catholic homeschooling mother, has included questions and other study helps in the areas of history, geography, vocabulary and religion.

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