20th century

The Singing Tree, sequel to The Good Master, is a much more serious story and takes place during World War I. Sandor, Kate's father, is drafted into the war and eventually, the Good Master, Marton Nagy, must report as well. The majority of the book tells of how the family gets along during the war years without the men of the family. Of course, Jancsi the young master steps up and, aided by a journal his father left for him, manages the farm quite well.

There is a difficult child, Lily, to be tamed in this story also, but she is easily won over by a set of puppies and the efforts of Kate and Jancsi. During the war, prisoners of war from Russia are brought into Hungary and Jancsi brings them to the farm to help with the work. A young woman and her new baby also come to live at the farm since her husband is in the war. Some orphans from the cities of Germany are sent out to the countryside and Jancsi takes them in as well. The household is lively and the wholesome life continues despite the terrible news from the war. Sandor is taken prisoner and put to work on a farm in Russia and Marton Nagy is missing in action. Jancsi, Kate and Lily travel to the front to rescue Jancsi's grandparents. Their home is near the front and the townspeople are fleeing the approaching Russians. While there, they accidently find Marton in a hospital bed. He had been injured and lost his memory. They triumphantly bring him home and he tells many stories about the war. One of the most moving is an often heard story about Christmas Eve where both sides sing Silent Night together and light matches to the newborn King. I have read the book at least ten times and cry every time I read that scene.

It is interesting to note that Hungary was on the "wrong" side in this war, yet in this story we see the people as victims of the political causes of a war which had nothing to do with them. One of the side effects of the war is an increase of racism among the people of the countryside who might not have otherwise been exposed to it. One of Mrs. Seredy's themes is that people, ordinary people, people of the land are the same in their hearts, no matter what nationality, and are connected by their shared humanity. She wrote the book in the late 1930's, on the verge of another war, and her tone is one of the hope of peace.

There is little, if any, other fiction for youth about World War I, so this work could be an important piece in a world history overview. My young children did not understand the political and nationalist themes of the story but enjoyed hearing it read tremendously. The reading level is fourth or fifth grade but it could be read at higher levels for the content.

Chico Felippo is a young boy living in a small village in Southern Italy. It is 1944 and most of the war has moved north, but the American Army has a special "Remount Depot" nearby where donkeys are trained to assist the soldiers in the difficult mountain fighting. Chico loves these animals and becomes friends with many of the Americans as well as one particularly beloved animal, "Sergeant Donkey". The entire town suffers from a shortage of food because all of the donkeys which worked the fields had been seized by the Germans earlier in the war. The monks in the monastery on the mountainside are especially in need of provisions and Chico has the regular task of collecting donations from the townspeople and bringing them up to the monastery. Because he was so familiar with the ways through the forest and up the mountain, he was even able to accomplish these journeys earlier in the war while the Germans were encamped on the mountain and heavy fighting was going on.

One day an American Serviceman is injured by a small troup of German soldiers and stranded on the mountain. Chico decides he wants to help, but the dangers are great. It wouldn't be fair to spoil the details of the adventure that follows, but I'll just say that the whole story is a wonderful one for children in many ways. American children tend to study very little of Italy during World War II. The historical details are fascinating here and especially appropriate as seen through the eyes of a child who has experienced war first hand. The simple details of the struggles of family life in Italy and the companionship they find with the homesick American soldiers are very nice. The simple, honest virtues of courage and friendship are embodied by the characters in the story. Finally, some of the Christmas and other traditions of Catholic Italy are woven into the story as well.

The story is suitable for a family read-aloud and could be read independently by early to mid-gradeschoolers. Sure to become a family favorite. Along with Twenty and Ten and The Winged Watchman, this would make an excellent first-glimpse at World War II - one of the most significant and influential events of our recent history.

This is a compact, readable story of the life of Pope Benedict. It focuses mainly on his young life and early manhood and moves quickly through his 24 years as head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. The most interesting parts are the descriptions of Pope Benedict’s life as young Joseph Ratzinger, a youth in Germany during Hitler’s reign. It’s obvious God had special plans for Joseph as he and his family were spared the more rigorous persecution others endured. Joseph’s father was able to see emerging evil in the events of the times and prepared and protected his family from them by moving out to the country when the children were young. They were able to continue to practice their faith and Joseph and his brother were able to begin their seminary studies.

The author includes endearing details, such as describing how as Cardinal Ratzinger he would walk the streets of Rome in a simple cassock. Those he met thought he was a simple priest and stopped him to ask directions or for Mass times. Although shy and serious and sometimes criticized for his decisions as head of the Congregation for Doctrine of the Faith, he was well respected for his courtesy and intellect. He always stopped to speak to seminarians who met him on the streets and would remember their names and home countries. Throughout the book, the author also focuses on the strength of the relationships between Joseph and his family, relationships that nurtured and fostered his faith.

The book has a few other interesting additions: an explanation of Benedict XVI’s papal coat of arms, a page of quotes from Pope Benedict, and a timeline of his life.

This is a “can’t miss” book for young people today, both to learn the life history of our new pope, but also to see a holy family in action and the triumph of a humble spirit in the face of evil.

The Faroe Islands are located almost midway between Scotland and Iceland. Locals sustain themselves through fishing and bird-hunting. The meeting of the Gulf Stream with an icy Polar current makes for unpredictable weather that can lead to great dangers on the island of Mykines; a place whose rough landings and wild weather make accessibility nearly impossible for all but the locals who are accustomed to its tides and rocky beaches.

In The Strange Intruder, an injured schooner, an unusual passenger and fierce weather conspire to bring grave danger to the islanders while they attempt to save those on the doomed boat. Sixteen-year-old Sven is thrust to the fore-front of strategies and dangerous missions (lots of intense rock-climbing) since most of the men and boys on the island are away on a whale hunt. Heroism, teamwork and quick-thinking are essential to success...and even survival.

This thrilling adventure story will keep you on the edge of your seat and is recommended for ages 10 and up. I think some sensitive youngsters may find it too intense. It also provides a unique and memorable geography lesson!