The Day the Sun Danced
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Review:
Publisher:
CCC of America
TitleSort:
Day the Sun Danced
History
The Door in the Wall
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Setting:
Grade / Age level:
Copyright:
1949
Review:
The Door in the Wall is set in England in the 1300's. It tells the story of a young boy who survived the plague. The main character is Robin de Beureford, the son of a nobleman. Robin is suddenly stricken with an illness that cripples him. After the servants leave, fearing the plague, Robin is taken to the monastery of St. Mark's by a kindly monk who heard of his plight.
Robin is taught how to read and write, woodcarving, and how to swim at the monastery, but is very disappointed that he cannot become a knight. Who would want a knight who is unable to ride a horse and can only walk with the help of crutches? Robin is finally taken to Sir Peter's castle at Lindsay, where he was to have served as a page and then a knight. He is taken into Sir Peter's service. The castle is soon besieged by the Welsh, and the food and water is slowly diminishing. Robin has an idea of how to save the castle, but can he get out of the castle and obtain the assistance of Sir Fitzhugh in time? Will Sir Fitzhugh help him?
The Door in the Wall gives you a good idea of what life in the Middle Ages was like for a young boy. It has beautiful black and white drawings that show you some of the Medieval styles of clothing. I think that this book would be good for children in grades 4 to 7. My only complaint was that I found the plot slow-moving. I would recommend this as an addition to your study of the Middle Ages.
Publisher:
Dell Yearling Edition
Binding:
Softcover
Number of pages:
121 pages
Review Date:
2-22-2000
TitleSort:
Door in the Wall
The Empty Pot
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Grade / Age level:
ISBN:
805 049 002
Copyright:
1990
Review:
This lovely little storybook has been enjoyed by my preschoolers as well as my grade-school-aged children. As the moral of the story unfolds, this colorful story book exposes children to a little bit of Ancient China. It is the story of Ping, a child with a green thumb. However when the emperor gives Ping a seed to care for, he cannot even get a sprout from it. Yet all of the children of the land, who were also given seeds to nurture, return to the emperor's palace with beautiful flowers. Ping, humbled, gives the emperor his empty pot expecting to be scolded. Much to Ping's surprise, the emperor embraces him and names him his heir, for the seeds that he gave to the children had been baked and were sterile. This is a story that will give your children a beautiful example of honesty as well as courage and humility.
Publisher:
Henry Holt
Binding:
Softcover
Number of pages:
32 pages
Review Date:
7-18-04
Reviewed by:
TitleSort:
Empty Pot
The Evangelization of the New World
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Author's description of the text:
This text is suitable for grades 4 through 8. It tells in narrative fashion the story of the discovery, conquest, and evangelization of the New World from Columbus through the missions of California. Catholic social principles are also taught in the text. Students are asked to use the Catholic principles to judge the actions of history.
The Evangelization of the New World is a social studies supplement dealing with the Hispanic influence in American history. Again, Leek lays out objectives for the program that go far beyond merely imparting historical fact. It is designed to teach Catholic social justice principles such as human rights and duties, justice and charity, and stewardship. The teacher's manual is a great help in helping to begin discussing the interesting text, and the tests are included.
This text is recommended by Laura Berquist in her Designing Your Own Classical Curriculum.
Perspective:
Catholic
Additional notes:
Though this title has been out of print for quite some time, it is readily available on the used book / resale market.
Review Date:
1999
Reviewed by:
TitleSort:
Evangelization of the New World
The Face of the Nazarene
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Grade / Age level:
Copyright:
1997
Review:
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
Publisher:
The Saint Austin Press
Binding:
Softcover
Perspective:
Catholic
Number of pages:
157 pages
Review Date:
1999
Reviewed by:
TitleSort:
Face of the Nazarene
The Fathers of the Church, expanded edition
An Introduction to the first Christian teachers
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Grade / Age level:
ISBN:
159 276 245
Copyright:
2006
Review:
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!
Publisher:
Our Sunday Visitor
Binding:
Paperback
Number of pages:
288 pages
Review Date:
7-25-2009
Reviewed by:
TitleSort:
Fathers of the Church, expanded edition
The First Christians, The Acts of the Apostles
Subject(s):
Illustrator(s):
Ted Schluenderfritz
Setting:
Grade / Age level:
ISBN:
2 147 483 647
Copyright:
1953
Review:
The sequel to A Life of Our Lord for Children, this title by Marigold Hunt tells the story of the infant Church. After a few introductory remarks, the story begins with the Pentecost (Acts 1) and ends with Paul's visit to the Jews of Rome (Acts 28). The beauty of this book is the wonderful storytelling style of Hunt. It is a great book to read aloud because then it really sounds as if she is speaking to us. One day I was reading out loud to my nine year-old and all the other children had gathered around. My eleven year-old said, "That's a cool author." I know he meant, "I love to hear the way that author tells a story."
At the beginning of each chapter Hunt lists the corresponding chapters from Acts of the Apostles. At various points in the text she recommends the reader go and read from the Bible. For example, when she describes the Pentecost, she suggests that the reader reads Peter's speech which is recorded in Acts 2. She calls it the "very first sermon of the very first pope." I have to admit that when I read her suggestions, I wanted to hop up and read the Bible version! Hunt selects particular tales from Acts, saying that she couldn't tell all that happened. However, she selects those that would be of most interest to young readers. For example, she chooses to include the story of Philip running next to the chariot of the Treasurer to tell him about the Faith, which is kind of a funny image. Hunt also does a good job explaining the problem that Christians Jews had with gentiles becoming Christian without keeping the "law of Moses," and how it was resolved. She makes it clear that Peter makes the final decision, and that when he does, everyone accepts it, clearly establishing him historically as the leader of the Church. With every story she explains things in ways a child would understand by comparing them to things in our own time.
As with A Life of Our Lord for Children, this edition, reissued in 2004, is illustrated by Ted Schluenderfritz (a homeschooling dad!). His drawings add greatly to the text. This is a book that will appeal to all children and is a joy to read aloud. It could be read independently by a 4th grader.
Publisher:
Sophia Institute Press
Binding:
Softcover
Perspective:
Catholic
Number of pages:
165 pages
Additional notes:
Imprimatur
Review Date:
5-3-05
Reviewed by:
TitleSort:
First Christians, The Acts of the Apostles
The Flying Aces of World War I
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Setting:
Copyright:
1965
Review:
Biographies of eight famous flyers of World War I - from both sides of the War. From an historical perspective we see how quickly the war caused innovations in the fledgling aircraft industry. From a human perspective we admire the bravery of these men and the significant impact they had on the war. We see the awfulness of war as most of these great "aces" did not survive the war. Most surprising is the respect they held for their counterparts on the other side - during the funeral of one flyer, an enemy plane flew over and dropped a wreath to honor the dead. This is a fascinating and compelling living book to aid in the study of World War I.Includes index.
Publisher:
Scholastic
Number of pages:
185 pages
Review Date:
11-16-99
Reviewed by:
TitleSort:
Flying Aces of World War I
The Flying Ensign: Greencoats against Napoleon
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Copyright:
1962
Review:
In their latest "Budget Book", Bethlehem Books gives us a double dose of adventure featuring Ensign Peter Byrd of the "Fighting 95th" Riflemen of the British army.... The Flying Ensign (copyright 1960)
In the first story, the treacherous mountains of Northern Spain in winter provide a unique backdrop for the harrowing and courageous endeavours of "the Flying Ensign" and his comrades in rescuing their friend from certain death behind enemy lines and subsequently attempting to rejoin the ranks of the British army as they retreat from a desperate and lop-sided challenge to Napoleon's forces.
Fans of Showell Styles' Midshipman Quinn stories will recognize the similar attention to detail and themes of courage and ingenuity tied up with actual historic events in the Flying Ensign but with fresh characters, settings, and adventures. The landscape, architecture and culture of Spain are a fascinating place to experience mountain climbing adventures, hair-raising rescues and escapes and a wide variety of heroes and villains on both sides of the battle lines.
A quick and engaging read for ages 10 and up or a great read aloud for the whole family.
Also see our review of the second book in this volume - Byrd of the 95th.
Publisher:
Bethlehem Books
Binding:
Softcover
Number of pages:
297 pages
Additional notes:
Copyrights 1960/1962
Review Date:
2-21-03
Reviewed by:
TitleSort:
Flying Ensign: Greencoats against Napoleon
The Fourth Magi
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Review:
The Fourth Magi is the story of Artaban, a Persian magi, whose family has recently died tragically. Artaban, while studying the stars, discovers a new star, the one foretold in the Old Testament. He resolves to follow the star and find Jesus, despite the ridicule of his friends. Taking his ever-complaining slave, Orantes, he embarks on his perilous journey of faith.
The movie details the journey of Artaban and the many trials he encounters. In the end, Atraban meets the physical Jesus only on his death bed, but we learn that Artaban had been ministering to Jesus whenever he helped "the least of my brothers".
Our family highly recommends this movie for family viewing. Orantes provides several interludes of comic relief. Though the story is fictional, it would still be an excellent addition to your study of Israel in the time of Jesus Christ, and an inspiring movie for all to watch. *****
The Fourth Magi stars Martin Sheen and Alan Arkin, and is based on the novel, The Story of the Other Wise Man, by Henry Van Dyke. The movie was produced in 1985 by Paulist Productions.
Review Date:
7-25-2000
Reviewed by:
TitleSort:
Fourth Magi