19th century

Full title: From Slave to Priest: A Biography of the Reverend Augustine Tolton (1854-1897) The First Black Priest of the United State

"Good Father Gus" was born into a devout Catholic family of slaves in Missouri in 1854. His father died fighting for the Union Army and Augustine was just seven years old when the rest of the family traveled the Underground Railroad to freedom in Illinois. Life was very difficult there, even after the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863. Tough working conditions and low pay were the norm at the tobacco factory where Augustine worked beginning at age nine.

When Augustine discovered he had a vocation to the priesthood, he had the support of many priests and religious who knew him, but was unable to find any seminaries in the United States willing to accept him. After many years of study, prayer and hard work, he was finally accepted at the Collegium Urbanum de Propaganda Fide in Rome.

After his ordination in 1886, he returned to America where he served as a pastor in his hometown of Quincy, Illinois and later on in the first black parish in Chicago. Throughout his life and his ministry, his efforts, though blessed with a significant number of friends and benefactors, were frustrated by ignorance, racism and poverty. He labored tirelessly on behalf of his people, but died at the young age of 43, with many unfulfilled dreams.

It's a rather sad, though faith-filled and inspiring story, and perhaps serves as an important examination of conscience within the study of American history. A tidbit from a conversation between the young Augustine and one of his teachers illustrates the obstacles he was up against: "Father, you mentioned that a master did not actually own a slave's will and intellect when he acquired a slave. What chances did these slaves have to develop their wills and minds? Look at the thousands of persons who are illiterate, mentally and morally stunted."

This is a fascinating and rather quick read for upper high school or adult. Father Tolton is a man who deserves to be remembered and emulated. Sister Hemesath has done a great service to the world by compiling and preserving this very detailed (though at times confusingly-organized) account of his life. She was able to interview many people who knew Father Tolton (including St. Katharine Drexel) since her interest in his life story dates from 1933.

St. Therese of Lisieux is a very popular saint whose life story is easily understood by children. While not full of action and adventure, her life story's simplicity and sweetness are appealing to even the most worldly of children. This lovely picture book, with its carefully chosen vocabulary and sentence structures, is written on a level that will allow a 3rd-grade and up child to read it for himself or herself. The full-page illustrations are attractive, colorful, simple, and modern in style, adding to the story rather than overwhelming it.

God's Little Flower is not so much a biography but an age-appropriate explanation of St. Therese's spirituality. There are no dates or quotations or geography lessons slipped into the text, yet it manages to convey an even more important lesson---that of quiet, loving service to God through our prayers and sufferings.

This is an interesting, very readable overview of the Civil War. There is a significant focus on the issue of slavery as a plague upon American culture of the time. The author's basic thesis is that, while different people fought for different reasons and the focus was especially blurred when the war began (when there was more emphasis on preservation of the union), the war was essentially fought over the issue of slavery.

Although the author herself is not consistent on this issue in her final volume, a lot can be learned from studying her stories, ideas and conclusions about slavery in light of the current abortion debate. A thoughtful older student might even study this volume thoroughly and compare it with Hakim's significantly-problematic treatment of the 20th century. Hakim makes a significant effort to be fair to the intentions of both North and South while clearly believing that the North has the upper moral hand on the slavery issue.

Although the writing style is quite engaging, all the side bar quotes and information do make a cover-to-cover reading a little choppy. This volume could be used very beneficially as a "spine book" to tie together a study of the Civil War with an emphasis on great stories such as Uncle Tom's Cabin and Killer Angels. Most approriate for grades 6-8 but usable for anyone studying the Civil War. The book can have the effect of kindling an interest in the topic and inviting the student to learn more on their own.

From the opening pages, there is an air of mystery and suspense. Who is this stranger riding on a horse and what does he want? Jamberoo Road is a story set in 1830 on the Australian coast of a group of ten orphans and Misabella, a hard-working woman of indomitable spirit, and for many of them, the only mother they have known.

Together they are carving out a homestead in this lush and untamed land. In this sequel to The Switherby Pilgrims, many of the children are no longer children, but on the verge of adulthood, ready to make a place for themselves in the world and that involves hard choices. For Cassie, that means accepting her first job as governess to the sister of the handsome, gentlemanly Edward Marlow. But what about Eben, her companion and friend from youth? Will independent Cassie become enamored with her new position as governess in a wealthy colonial family? Cassie is not the only one who has to make hard choices. Impetuous Luke too must decide whether or not to be led down a dangerous “road.”

As the plot unfolds, there is trouble in the area as a group of natives led by Billy Major covet the Marlows’ prize horses. Will Billy Major and his band succeed in stealing the Marlows’ horses and at what risk does he hope to carry out his plan?

Wrapped in an exciting adventure story, this story also covers the dilemma many young people have to face with choices, especially those dealing with lifelong consequences.