History

Set in Palestine in the days leading up to the fall of Jerusalem in 70 A.D., this is a beautiful and powerful story of a Greek family living in the city of Philadelphia. On one of his business journeys, their father, who is a merchant/businessman, rescues a man whom Roman soldiers had left in the desert to die. The merchant's three sons have diverse reactions to this stranger who becomes part of the household, but when the Father is killed by bandits on a later journey, it seems that this stranger without a memory may have a providential role in their future.

The story illustrates the struggles of those caught up in the brutality of Roman rule, the horror of the fall of Jerusalem and touches upon the mysteries of suffering and death. While dealing with the different sorts of reactions that people have to the evils of Rome, the story does highlight - albeit in a subtle way (as good literature should) - the true paths that Christ showed us. An especially interesting contrast can be seen between the courage of the Christians before death (inspired by Christ and given his grace) with the Jews rebelling against Rome (whose motivations involved patriotism, but also hate).

The story is not overly intense, gory, or otherwise objectionable, but dwells upon serious and mature themes of death and suffering in a way suitable to teens and adults. Although the book is a sequel to The Ides of April (which is not apparent until well into the book), it could be read on its own as well.

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. Also included in the book are a number of black and white photos of Blessed Miguel Pro - including several of him in disguise and those taken at his execution and his funeral. The government allowed photographers to be present at the execution in order to make an example of the martyr, but later tried to prevent their release. The appendix includes prayers and poems written by Blessed Miguel Pro, a novena and chaplet composed in his honor, and ideas for a celebration for his Feast Day, November 23.

Blue Willow is the sweet story of ten-year-old Janey Larkin, whose family is struggling to make ends meet in California's Central Valley during the Great Depression. Janey and her family have a few treasured possessions which they've dragged along with them from place to place because of the difficulties in finding work. Janey's beautiful blue willow plate is her greatest treasure, but when tough times get worse, she decides to offer it as payment for her family's rent...

This is a beautiful story of family life in difficult times which also offers a portrait of the Great Depression and some lesser-known parts of "old" California. The story will probably be best appreciated (possibly as a read-aloud) for grades 1-4.

This story is told in the style of a journal written by a ten year old girl who travels by wagon train with her parents and her twelve year old brother from St. Joseph, Missouri to Fort Laramie (Wyoming) in 1860. The author relates a very detailed account of how life was lived on a highly organized wagon train (and some comparisons with one that was slopped together and suffered great difficulties from it). We also see the growth of character in the family (particularly the mother) who must accustome themselves to hard labor and ignoring their previous station in society. There are many beautiful examples of how our behavior and attitudes can change the lives of others and how intensely the choices we make can be crucial to the things that matter most. The story as a whole offers great themes of heroism and sacrifice and should provide lots of material for thought and discussion. A very unique and worthwhile book.

Discussion Questions:

1. Why does Mamma have so much difficulty adjusting to life aboard the wagon train? How does the journey change her life?

2. Why do the Cleavers find themselves in trouble with the others on the wagon train?

3. After the trial of the Cleavers (Chapter 5), Papa tries to explain to Mama why things turned out the way they did. He says "There are times, Ellen, when a person must live for others before they can have a full life for themselves." Explain how this might be considered a theme in the book by applying it to the actions of Mama and of Jerry.

4. Did Jerry make the right decision in Chapter 13? Explain why or why not in terms of practical considerations and his Christian faith.

Giant of the Western Trail by Rev. Michael McHugh, about Fr. Pierre-Jean de Smet, has many interconnections with Brave Buffalo Fighter. In addition to many details of Indian life in the same geographical locations, it provides some Catholic perspective to that time and place in history. Since both books are also appropriate to the same grade levels (7th - 12th), they would be great to read in close proximity. I would suggest Brave Buffalo Fighter first because it is more novel-like and exciting and provides an excellent preview to the story of Fr. deSmet.