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The Face of the Nazarene is a work of historical fiction relating the story of Jesus as seen through the eyes of His friends at the home of Lazarus in Bethany. Although Mr. Trimming's earlier book, Abigail and the Widow Mary, was aimed at younger children, this story contains greater character development and more plot intensity, and thus would be more enjoyable for older children and teens. Like Abigail, the Face of the Nazarene paints a very accurate picture of life at the time of Jesus as the author takes us from the busy streets of Alexandria to the serene oasis of Bethany. These historical details and vivid descriptions are somewhat reminiscent of the writings of Louis de Wohl.

As the story unfolds, we see the powerful influence of "the Master" upon his devoted friends - especially Judah, the headstrong young charge/apprentice to Lazarus. Judah and his friends are gravely concerned about the plottings of Jesus' enemies and they desperately wish to do something to protect him. The story helps to give us a very real sense of their helplessness and sorrow as they watched His Passion and death unfold. Mary's sorrow and faith during this difficult time are also very beautifully rendered. The reader, who has experienced the sorrow of the Passion with Jesus' friends will also rejoice all the more with them at His Resurrection

Nancy Carpentier Brown’s newest book, The Father Brown Reader: Stories from Chesterton, is an adaptation of four of G.K Chesterton’s Father Brown mysteries. It’s a delightful and captivating read-aloud, as well as a perfect book to hand to a young child to read on his own. The four stories – The Blue Cross, The Strange Feet, The Flying Stars, and The Absence of Mr. Glass – are all easy reads, short enough to read in just one sitting. And be prepared to do so, because at the end of each chapter I always heard “just one more, please!” I bought the book intending to read it aloud to my 8-year old daughter and 10-year old son, but soon found that my 15-year old daughter always wanted to be within earshot as well.

Mrs. Brown has pared Chesterton’s already short stories down to the bone, and then broken them up into very short chapters of 2-3 pages each, in order to make them accessible to young readers.

However, she has in no way “dumbed them down”. She’s used Chesterton’s own words, including his unique phrasings. One such phrase was “elderly young woman”, which led to an interesting discussion of his use of those adjectives and what exactly Chesterton meant by them.

Mrs. Brown has also kept all the essential details so that even one who has never read the Father Brown mysteries previously can easily follow the clues and enjoy the fun of the surprise endings. She’s also included Chesterton’s subtle but powerful points of theology, including a discussion of the union of reason and faith.

These adaptations do not involve murder or any other truly unsavory situations, though petty theft, a mild chloroforming, and an apparent -- though not actual -- murder do figure into these innocent plots, adding just enough spice to keep the interest of readers (or listeners) of all ages.

There are a few helpful footnotes after each story. In some cases they are simply vocabulary definitions, in other cases pertinent comments on Chesterton’s fictional devices or historical elements of the story.

The black and white illustrations by Ted Schluenderfritz are delightfully charming. They add just the right touch to enhance, and never detract or distract from, the storyline.

This little book is a great way to get children started on lifelong enjoyment of the writing of G.K Chesterton.

This past year my Lit class in our Tutoring Center read the biography of Saint Athanasius. We were all equally amazed at the tempestuous life of the important Church father: I confess I had never read a Church Father biography until then. As the importance and relevance of reading the early Fathers became evident, I read Mike Aquilina's "The Fathers of the Church" very happily to prepare for this review.

What amazing lives they led! Diverse, and in a great array of geographical locations, and under great danger so many times! Most fascinating is to see how teachings of the Catholic Church were first discussed, explained, described and defined. Mike Aquilina succeeds in telling all of this to a lay audience in simple and engaging language, very often quoting from the fathers directly!

The book has a very compelling preface and introduction persuading the reader of the importance of getting acquainted with the Church Fathers. The introduction also gives an overview of the early fathers and how they may be sub-divided. Chapters are thus divided into Apostolic Fathers, Ante-Nicene Fathers, Nicene-era Fathers, post-Nicene era Fathers and even the "Mothers", a chapter on the writing of early spiritual women. An appendix with resources for further study, a timeline and a general index complete this most useful and fascinating volume.

Because of its accessible language I would venture to say this book would be very appropriate for a homeschooled High Student! Either studied alone or in a book study group, Mike Aquilina's "The Fathers of the Church Expanded Edition" will surely instruct and illuminate!

Laura and Almanzo's first four years of married life and the difficulties of starting out as farmers. This book seems to have been written quite a bit later than the other books of the series and has quite a different flavor. When I first read the series in grade school I found this difference a little disappointing and confusing. The story is quite a good one, though, but geared more for older children (perhaps 12 and up).
Additional Comments: "According to a biography of Laura Ingalls Wilder, the book was begun shortly before Almanzo's death, and afterwards Laura lost interest in it; thus it was published "as is" some years after her death. The different tone is due to the fact that it is a first draft - she did not do the revising and "fleshing out" she did with the others."
(Contributed by Pat Dixon)