Every year, at the end of summer or the beginning of fall, Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska holds its annual "Bountiful Harvest Banquet" in Hastings, at which we honor a volunteer or a group of volunteers that have exhibited the love of Christ for their neighbors in an extraordinary way.
This is a dinner that started years ago as a ‘pot-luck’ and is now held at the Hastings City Auditorium. It is a similar dinner to our annual "Celebration of Caring Banquet." It has grown tremendously in that we now have between 300 and 400 people attending. After dinner, during the program portion of the evening, we are able to inform those attending how Catholic Social Services has helped needy individuals and families with their help.
For the last several years I have offered a gourmet dinner as an auction item. The winning bidders in 2012 were Tom and Mary Lieske of Minden and Neal and Susan Hoff from Hastings. At the time of the auction, I gave them a choice of Italian, Spanish or Czech fare. They chose Italian. On Saturday, April 6, I traveled to Minden with my secretary and her husband Pat and Dave Walbrecht with a vehicle full of prepared and partially-prepared food and spirits.
Our first course was an antipasto platter of bleu-cheese-stuffed olives, kalamata olives, pickled mushrooms, applewood smoked gruyere cheese, Italian salami, genoa salami and pickled herring. Our second course was minestrone soup which was started at our main CSS kitchen and finished at Tom and Mary’s. The third course was a three-cheese ravioli with bolognese sauce. Next came a wonderfully delicate tiramisu served with Christian Brothers Port, ending with a colorful and exotic fruit tray of Korean pear slices, mango slices, pineapple chunks, black and red grapes, strawberries, clementine sections, raspberries and espresso with assorted chocolate-covered coffee beans. I am quite confident that after all was said and done, everyone involved skipped their regularly scheduled midnight snack.
I would like to thank once again all of our corporate and individual donors to our annual Bountiful Harvest Banquet as well as Tom and Mary Lieske, and Neal and Susan Hoff for purchasing this dinner. With your help we were able to help the many individuals and families that come to us on a daily basis. Who knows who will be bidding on the next dinner? I am already planning possible menu items.
One of the first things my predecessor, Father Joseph Walsh, showed me after starting at Catholic Social Services was our Eucharistic adoration chapels. I noticed this was one of the most distinctive characteristics of our office sites. As we have expanded, Bishop Bruskewitz has given us permission to have chapels in our new office sites. Thanks to Bishop Conley, we will have a beautiful adoration chapel in our new St. Isidore Center in Imperial.
That said, one of my dreams was having Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in our St. Joseph Chapel in Lincoln. Realizing this requires one to two persons to always be with the Blessed Sacrament, I knew that this would require additional volunteers.
At a recent dinner for Spirit Catholic Radio, Jan Broer said, "Father, we need Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament at your chapel downtown!"
I was excited to hear her suggest it and informed her that this was one of my dreams from the very start. I am elated to inform you that as of Friday, April 5, we now have Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in our St. Joseph Chapel (located on 23rd and O streets in Lincoln) each and every Friday. Our goal, of course is having Exposition each day that we are open for business.
I was told that Jan was amazed at the number of visitors who came into the chapel during her hour. I knew this would happen because many people off the streets wander in our chapels and discover the peace that only Jesus can give. This is leading to many blessing and fruits.
For example, one single mother who came in for assistance wandered into the chapel and after many visits over several years, decided to attend the Easter Vigil at one of the parishes in town. She is, I am confident, on the road to the Catholic Church.
I am grateful to our volunteers who are covering Fridays and would like other volunteers to step forward for an ‘hour with Jesus Christ’ in Adoration. We would love to cover Mondays next. After this, we will tackle the other days of the week. The next goal after this will be starting Adoration in our other chapels across the diocese.
Please keep this dream in your prayers. Can you imagine what the fruits of this program will be? Please know that whenever I am in front of the Blessed Sacrament, I will remember you in my prayers!
As stated previously in this column, we are celebrating our 80th year as an agency, as Bishop Louis Kucera started Catholic Social Services in the midst of the Great Depression to relieve the suffering of individuals and families.
Bishop Kucera started Catholic Social Services for only one reason – he knew that everything we do to the least, we do to Jesus (Mt 25:31-46). We are excited that our new pope chose Francis as his new name, emphasizing the importance of sacrificing ourselves for our neighbors, especially for those who are most vulnerable.
Last year, because of the love our benefactors have for Jesus who is present in the poor, CSS has helped around 28,000 individuals a number of ways.
Many people and families come to us with big needs. Many are on the verge of becoming homeless and need help to stay in their homes. Since starting St. Gianna’s Women’s Homes, many are women who are trying to save their babies, protect their children and save their lives from their abusive husbands or boyfriends. While only in our second year, we have, with the grace of God, helped directly save 16 babies from abortion. The women and children who are at St. Gianna’s respond to the love the Marian Sisters and volunteers give them.
Not all of the requests for aid are big, though. Sometimes, it is the little things in life that are needed.
Several weeks ago, during the period of well-needed rain, a homeless man came into the office and met with Curt Krueger. He was miserable because his socks were soaked. I bet most of us know what it is like to have wet socks. It is a source of suffering, especially if it is cold outside. This was the case in this instance. The temperatures were hovering in the 30s.
In short order, with Curt’s help, the man’s feet were warm and dry. Curt’s next concern was the status of the man’s stomach. What did he want, you ask? A warm cinnamon roll with frosting, of course. Fortunately, we had some. The man then left us, happy.
When Curt told me about this fellow, it reminded me about another man who lives in a group home nearby. He stops here every day for something to drink, and sometimes for a sandwich. He also knows I’m often in the office on Saturdays. Despite knowing we are closed, he peeks into the front window to see if I am here. I usually see him walk up, and so I have a cool bottle of juice waiting for him. As I have gotten to know him better, I have learned more about his life. He always leaves us joyful and thankful.
Whether it is help with emergency services, rent, utilities, helping one escape or avoid homelessness, help with a needed vehicle, help after a natural disaster like the ice storms of the past, or with food and clothing, or with counseling services for someone who is not insured or underinsured, or with many other services we provide, we are ready to help because of the love and generosity of our donors – even with the little things in life, like dry socks and a cinnamon roll.
Thank you for helping us love Jesus who is present in the poor. Please be assured of our prayers for you, your families, and your intentions!
Right after the devastating tornado hit Moore, Oklahoma, I was reading and meditating on Saint Paul’s description in chapter 12 of his first letter to the Corinthians of the Mystical Body of Christ which is called Catholic, meaning universal.
"If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together" (1 Cor 12:26). As members of the Body of Christ, which is the Church, we suffer and grieve with the affected individuals and families of this tragedy and pray for the victims alive and deceased.
It is not coincidental that right after this description of the Universal Church, St. Paul eloquently talks about how we respond. "If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing" (1 Cor 13:1-2). He is talking about faith formed with charity or love, the kind St. James says is able to save us (Jas 2). This is why when certain members of the Mystical Body of Christ suffer, the other members step in and help.
I also remember reading and meditating on this same passage after Hurricane Katrina. Like other major disasters that have struck in the past, we are collecting cash donations that we will send to Catholic Charities in Oklahoma City. In a recent conversation with Becky Van Pool, who is the parish outreach coordinator, I asked her what she needed most. She said, "The bad news is, disasters happen here frequently, but the good news is we are good at responding!" In other words, while we sent cash and material items like bottled water, food, diapers and other essentials to the affected area post Katrina, Catholic Charities in Oklahoma City is in need of mainly financial donations because their network is well established. If one looks at a map of which places are most prone to tornados, this makes sense.
Bishop Conley has approved at the pastor’s discretion a second collection to be taken in parishes across the diocese which will be sent to us. We will then send the monies to the affected area to assist individuals and families that will need to start over. Many have lost everything. If anyone wants to send a check directly to us, please make your check out to ‘Catholic Social Serves’ and in the memo portion of the check, please write, ‘tornado relief.’ Please mail them to: Catholic Social Services, PO Box 30425, Lincoln NE, 68503.
Some may ask, "Why not send your check directly to Catholic Charities of Oklahoma City?" The answer is, you can, but it will be easier for our friends in Oklahoma City to open one letter and process and deposit one check rather than thousands. We are happy to do this for them.
Thank you for loving your fellow members of the Mystical Body of Christ. We are most grateful for your faith formed by charity. Please remember that in addition to praying for the victims of this latest tragedy, we are praying for you as well.
Most of us who have read about Blessed Mother Teresa know that stories about her abound. The following is one of my favorites. Once, a priest asked Blessed Mother Teresa how she could work with people he described as foul smelling, filthy vermin. Without skipping a beat, Mother Teresa replied, "Father, I did not know they are like that. Every morning I make a holy hour and receive Jesus in Holy Communion and then I go out and see Jesus in the people I encounter. I didn’t know they are like that." Blessed Mother Teresa made no secrets of the source of her inner strength – time spent in front of the Blessed Sacrament - some days three hours or more and the reception of Holy Communion.
Remember reading about the Annunciation and the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Lk 1:26-56)? Our Blessed Mother had a visit from the Archangel Gabriel, who announced she was chosen from all eternity to be the mother of the Divine Savior. After freely assenting, "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us" (Jn 1:14), in the tabernacle of her womb. We know that immediately after this most important event in the history of the world, she left and took Jesus (who was inside her) to visit an elderly woman in need- her cousin, Elizabeth. She stayed with her three months and helped her through her pregnancy with St. John the Baptist. The Virgin Mother of God after the Incarnation was therefore the first Tabernacle of the New Covenant.
It is the same with all of us. Like Blessed Mother Teresa, when we receive Jesus frequently and worthily in Holy Communion, we become little tabernacles in which Jesus resides. We become one with Him and receive the knowledge, wisdom and understanding in order to see Jesus in others. We are empowered to go out and see Jesus in individuals we encounter, especially those who are in need. Only then does the following passage make any real sense, "I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was sick and you visited me … Truly, I say to you, as you did it to the one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me" (Mt 25:35-40).
As Catholics, we are called to see Jesus in the poor and needy regardless of their appearances. This is only possible if we first have Jesus within us. This is why the sacraments are so important. Sacraments are signs started by Jesus that give us Sanctifying Grace or the very life of God. The two that we are able to receive most frequently are the sacraments of penance and the Holy Eucharist. Every time we go to confession (Jn 20:23), not only do we obtain pardon for our sins, we receive God’s Divine life within us. When we receive Holy Communion, we receive God’s Divine life within us and the very flesh and blood of Jesus Christ, the only medicine of immortality. The closer we get to God, the easier it becomes seeing His presence in others.
Let us thank Almighty God that like the Blessed Virgin Mary, our spiritual Mother, we too can imitate Blessed Mother Teresa by becoming little tabernacles after worthily receiving the Blessed Sacrament with the ability and vision to see Jesus in the poor and needy. Holy Mary Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death, Amen!
I've heard it said many times that the best way of spreading the Catholic faith is through a smile. Many women who come to us escaping domestic violence and abortion have not had many smiles directed to them in their lives. Sadly, the opposite is true. Instead of smiles, love and kindness, they are used to enduring frowns, anger, mental and physical abuse.
Once at St. Gianna’s, these women and their children respond to the smiles of the Marian Sisters and our volunteers. In addition, to those who are open to it, they respond best to the smile of Jesus Christ present in the tabernacle at our St. Gianna Chapel.
One particular woman’s story comes to mind. She came to us with a horrific story, which unfortunately is all too typical. After moving in, she started spending time in the St. Gianna Chapel crying. She informed us it was one of the few places, if not the only place, where she felt peace, joy and comfort. She wondered why and was told by the Marian Sisters it was because Jesus Christ was present in the tabernacle and was truly with her. She was experiencing the smile of Jesus.
Once after the death of another resident’s grandmother, she immediately took her to the chapel to cry and pray. After a while, she started attending Mass but didn’t seem interested in learning about the Catholic faith. As time went on, the smiles of Jesus Christ continued along with the actions of the Holy Spirit. Now, she has informed me she is ready for classes and has interest in becoming a Catholic.
Jesus said, "For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life, and I shall raise him on the last day" (Jn 6:40). There is no better place to gaze on the face of Jesus than in a chapel that contains the Eucharist, especially during Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. Only the Word of the Father, made flesh in the Holy Spirit can heal the wounds of sin and division.
We are most grateful to all who support Catholic Social Services and St. Gianna Women’s Homes, which allows us to share the love of God with the many individuals and families that come to us. Please know that when we at Catholic Social Services and St. Gianna’s gather either individually or collectively in any of our five (soon to be six) chapels, we do so in part to pray for our supporters.
When you are in the presence of Our Eucharistic King, please remember us as well. Sacred Heart of Jesus, present in the Blessed Sacrament, have mercy on us. Immaculate Heart of Mary, and St. Joseph, pray for us. St. Gianna and all of our patron saints, pray for us!
“Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; He has come to his people and set them free” (Lk 1:68). Days ago, we Americans celebrated Independence Day as members of the “Land of the free and the home of the brave.” Tragically after the sacrifices our forefathers made coming to this land seeking religious freedom, we Christians are losing our religious liberties. This is seen on two fronts- the HHS mandate which forces individuals of faith to pay for contraceptives (all chemical contraceptive agents act as abortifacients) and sterilizations; and making sexual orientation and gender identity a protective class.
As for the HHS mandate, companies with over 50 employees will be forced to pay for abortion inducing drugs and sterilizations or face stiff fines. If said employers refuse to pay, they will be subjected to stiffer penalties.
When it comes to the issue surrounding sexual orientation and gender identity, remember that the Catholic Church teaches that no one should be subjected to any unjust discrimination.Also remember that this issue is not about the person, but being forced to cooperate with sinful behavior. Because of recent laws passed in our country in certain areas and internationally, many Christians are given this choice, cooperate with sinful behavior, or give up your profession.
For example, for a homosexual consumer, flowers and cakes are one thing; a floral arrangement and cake for a ‘gay wedding’ are another. For a homosexual patient seeking medical care for coronary artery disease, hypertension, or cancer, is one thing; asking for Viagra is another. For a homosexual client, seeking counseling services for psychological difficulties is one thing; but ‘marital counseling’ for a same-sex couple is another. There are other examples. In many places, health care professionals who refuse to provide a service or procedure that violates their consciences are being asked to make a direct referral for the said immoral services or procedures, which is likewise immoral. Business men, women and practitioners who refuse to cooperate are being forced out of their businesses and practices, all in the name of ‘tolerance’ which today is a code word for intolerance against Christianity. One can accurately say it is open season on Christianity.
We need to remind ourselves what true freedom is. It is freedom from sin and the devil. Not freedom to sin, but from sin, or in other words, the freedom to do what we ought. This was prefigured in the Old Testament. When the Israelites escaped Egypt and slavery to Pharaoh, they crossed through the waters of the Red Sea to the Promised Land and freedom. This prefigured us crossing the waters of baptism to the life of grace in the Church and eternal life in Heaven with true freedom.
With the daily reading of scripture and the frequent reception of the sacraments of the Eucharist and confession, we are filled with the graces to avoid falling back into the slavery to sin and the devil. If someday someone put us in prison, we would still spiritually be free in that no one can force us to choose sin. Let us all look forward to the day when we will be corporally free in heaven after the resurrection of our bodies where the persecution of Christians will cease. “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; He has come to his people and set them free” (Lk 1:68).
As you might remember, three of the four elements of The Expanding the Works of Mercy Campaign were the establishment of a downtown Lincoln social services center, St. Gianna’s, a home for women escaping abortion and domestic violence, and a permanent site in the western part of the diocese. I am happy to report that with the grace of God and the support of our donors we have done just that. In addition to having four fixed sites across the diocese, we now have 15 clinical sites for counseling across southern Nebraska.
I am grateful to Father Bernard Lorenz and the parishioners of St. Patrick’s in Imperial for letting us use their old parish hall for the initial site of our St. Isidore Gift & Thrift Store. Not long after the establishment of this new center, we started using the profits of the store to help needy individuals and families in the western part of the diocese. We need to reiterate that this project is not just for the Imperial area but for the entire western sector of the diocese. That is why one of our goals is to have buildings in cities out west that will be collection centers for furniture and appliances that can be periodically picked up or taken to St. Isidore’s in Imperial. Why? Because the profits of this new store will be used not just in Imperial, but across the western portion of the diocese.
Recently, we were fortunate enough to purchase a beautiful building in downtown Imperial for the permanent site for St. Isidore’s. The building is currently being renovated. In addition to containing retail space in the front of the building, sorting space in the back of the building, there will be an office for meeting with individuals and families in need by a social services case worker and most importantly, a beautiful chapel with the Blessed Sacrament so that staff, volunteers, clients and people who are in the store will have the privilege of adoring our Eucharistic Lord truly present Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity.
Also recently, we conducted a furniture and appliance drive and what was collected in Lincoln was placed in a 24’ box truck and driven to Imperial by yours truly. Since the gas gauge is non-functional, I had to fuel-up every several hundred miles. I was elated that upon arrival, there was plenty of help to off load the beautiful items that will be in the store for our grand opening on September 11th. I am most grateful for the many volunteers that helped unload the truck. It only took 15 minutes! I am also excited to inform you that Bishop Conley will be at our grand opening and will bless our new St. Isidore Center.
Please remember that you are all in our prayers! Please pray for us! St. Isidore the Farmer, pray for us!
One of the benefits of being at Catholic Social Services is having the privilege of traveling the diocese. Because of the flexible nature of my weekends, I am able to assist my brother priests when they need weekend help.
Recently, I covered the weekend confessions and Masses at the beautiful Sacred Heart Church in Burchard and St. Anthony’s in Steinauer. As some of you know, the church has just been renovated. The church which was beautiful before the renovation is now more so- in a word, spectacular. After arriving that Saturday afternoon, I soon learned that there would be a dinner waiting for me at the Convent House Bed & Breakfast.
After my thanksgiving after Mass, I found myself sitting in the spacious kitchen in the Convent House Bed & Breakfast across the street from the church. The building was built in 1932 and served as the Catholic school for the parish and the home for the Benedictine Sisters who ran it. After 40 years, the school closed and the building sat unused. It was purchased by a private individual and later abandoned.
Then in the early nineties, with the permission of Bishop Bruskewitz, a group of lay women purchased the building. With private donations and a whole lot of ‘sweat and blood’ mixed with love, the place was transformed into a beautiful bed and breakfast. It was started by and is still completely run by volunteers from the parish. Profits from the bed and breakfast are placed back into the business. They have been supportive of the parish including the recent campaign.
The original ladies were Marilyn Wenzl, Marjorie Wenzl, and Erma Gyhra. While in the kitchen, I was able to meet Marilyn and Marjorie, along with Barb Steinauer, Renee Boomgaarn, and Karen Debeer. Others involved are Marie Schmit, Irene Faesser, David Wenzl, Pat Kalin, and Linda Kalin. When there are overnight guests and parties, these hardworking volunteers show up to cook, clean and serve. When large groups show up, even more individuals from the parish pitch in. If I have missed any names, please forgive me!
While in the kitchen, I was served a delicious ‘smothered steak’ complete with the ‘fixings.’ After giving my plate to the ladies for an additional dinner roll, it returned with a nice chunk of prime rib. After giving my plate to the ladies once again for more mashed potatoes, it returned with some additional prime rib. After eating their signature frozen strawberry dessert, I left the table for a tour of the facilities. It was beautiful and the best part was visiting their chapel with the Blessed Sacrament. It was a busy night as they served a group connected with the National Guard and some ladies who were staying overnight.
I would like to thank the ladies of the Convent House for their hospitality and if you are interested in staying there please call 402-869-2230. I highly recommend it! Just make sure you bring an empty stomach!
Have you ever been invited to two weddings on the same weekend? Recently, I was invited to the wedding of Scott Yates and Kelsey Theisen in Roseland, Nebraska. I know Scott because he was a former seminarian and know Kelsey and her family who are from Hastings. The other wedding was of Chris Schilmoeller and Mirna Martinez. Chris being the son of some dear friends of mine. Chris’ father and I have known each other for almost 40 years!
The weddings were on the same day, but at different churches 1,700 miles apart. Since I cannot bilocate I had a decision to make. ‘Pahokee, Florida, here I come,’ I told myself! I will catch up with Scott and Kelsey sometime soon.
When flying, I usually check in at the usual place, get my boarding pass, proceed to security, and then to the gate. This time I checked in 24 hours ahead of time and printed off my boarding passes while at my desk in the office. I was a little nervous, because although I was given my seat assignment from the flight from Atlanta to West Palm Beach, I was unable to get my seat assignment for my flight from Omaha to Atlanta. The boarding pass instructed me to get my seating assignment at the gate in Omaha.
I never fly first class because of the price (we priests are not paid much and we are to live in the spirit of poverty), and because of the appearance of a priest sitting in first class. I can only imagine the thoughts of some, "Father uses his salary from the Sunday collection to fly first class."
Going through security was a breeze, and while at the gate the attendant said, "Father, we are seating you in first class!" "Great!" I thought. As many of you know, the first-class passengers are seated first and then the rest of the passengers. I had hoped no one would recognize me and think, "There is where my contributions to CSS go, for a first class seat for Father Kubat!" Right about that time I heard someone say, "Good morning, Father Kubat!"
But in God’s providence I quickly found myself sitting next to an Evangelical Protestant businessman who was on fire for his faith. So for the next hour and a half, we talked about faith, our most precious gift. He seemed very open to the Catholic faith and was most interested in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. In addition, he agreed that it is living faith that saves, faith conjoined with charity, not dead faith, faith without works (which are the evidence of love) (1 Cor 13; Jas 2).
After landing in Atlanta, I reflected on our donors and benefactors. It is because of their living faith that they support us. I am most grateful to all of you, because without you, there would not be a Catholic Social Services! Please know you are all in our prayers because you are all first class!
On Sunday, Aug. 25, Catholic Social Services celebrated its 15th annual "Bountiful Harvest Banquet" in Hastings. What originally started as a potluck dinner in which a volunteer or volunteers were honored, has grown into what it is now. Almost 400 people gathered at the Hastings City Auditorium with Bishop Conley for dinner and I outlined what the faithful have accomplished through CSS in the central and western parts of the diocese.
I am thankful for having had the opportunity to report to our generous benefactors what they have accomplished using CSS as a vehicle – namely, having helped more than 8,100 individuals in the central and western portions of the diocese last year, in a number of ways, including emergency services and grants for counseling.
I am happy to announce that CSS has given the first Caritas Christi (Love of Christ) Award to Jack and Judy Crowley for the many years they have served the Catholic Church and the those in need.
Mr. Tom Schik informed those gathered that not only has Judy been a volunteer at the St. Joseph Gift & Thrift Store in Hastings, but also helped start our Christmas gift giveaway program for children.
Jack has been a long-time member of the board of administrators and the corporate committee for Bountiful Harvest for Catholic Social Services. He has opened many doors for me, for which I am very grateful. These are just a few of the things this giving couple has done for CSS, their parish and the diocese.
After accepting the award, Jack informed those present that their relationship with Catholic Social Services spans many years, as Judy was adopted through Catholic Social Services!
Before the close of the evening, I was able to thank our many corporate and individual donors and to inform them that we at Catholic Social Services pray for them on a daily basis. Please let me take this opportunity to do this once more – THANK YOU ALL!
Not long ago I met a woman who was sleeping in her car. Her principal problem was the inability to find employment, coupled with a prior injury sustained after a motor vehicle accident. I remember noting her unshakable faith and confidence in God. I reiterated that God would provide. I promised her that once she was in an apartment, we would furnish it not only with furniture, but with kitchen items and other essentials that make an apartment a home. After praying in our chapel, I gave her a blessing along with some gift cards for gas and food. I will never forget her tears of gratitude as she drove away.
After a few phone calls, and job interviews, she was able to find employment. I had told her the type of job didn’t matter in that her first goal was to get off the street, not only for safety reasons but also because winter is just around the corner. Soon thereafter, she found a simple but nice apartment. Not only did she remember my promise of material help, she gave our receptionist a sealed, handwritten note. In it was a list of items needed: a sofa, coffee table, lamps, microwave, dining room table and chairs, dresser, kitchenware, ironing table and iron, and last, but not least, a St. Benedict Cross.
After seeing her in the office, I congratulated her on getting her new apartment and set up a date to bless her new home. Within days, my secretary and I visited her new apartment. It was small but clean and very bright. She was beaming, with a face filled with thanksgiving and joy. I am happy to say that after blessing her new residence, I presented her with a beautiful St. Benedict Cross which she will hang above the door to the hallway. After the blessing I left a very grateful woman.
Please allow me to thank all of our donors who made this possible. Let me remind you that she is one of the countless clients that come to us on a daily basis for many reasons. I have heard from many clients that asking for help is not always easy, but it is not hard for me asking for the help of our donors spiritually, materially and financially because I know it will help individuals and families like this lady.
Please remember us spiritually with your prayers, without which, nothing is possible, materially with items around your homes and farms not needed, including vehicles, and financially with a cash donation according to your means so we can continue to assist individuals and families like this lady who come to us on a daily basis in need.
Please know that we at Catholic Social Services will keep you, your families and intentions in our prayers each and every day. Never forget that you are remembered in our prayers and Masses offered in our chapels scattered across the diocese of Lincoln. Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us. Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us. St. Benedict, pray for us. Our many patron saints of Catholic Social Services and St. Gianna Women’s Homes, pray for us!
Recently, a beautiful baby was born into the world - one who most likely would not be here, if not for the existence of St. Gianna’s Women’s Homes.
Through the grace of God, the baby’s mother responded to our offer for help and escaped the pressures to abort her beautiful baby. Since she came to us with little more than a few material items, your support is very much appreciated.
I am excited to announce that St. Gianna’s Women’s Homes will be holding its "That Takes Cake! A Frosted Fundraiser for St. Gianna Women’s Homes." The event will be held Saturday, Sept. 28, from 1 to 4 p.m. at St. Peter Church, 4500 Duxhall Dr., Lincoln. Admission at the door is $10 for adults, $25 for families, and $5 for children 3-12 years old (children 2 and under enter free). All proceeds will help the ladies and their children who reside at St. Gianna’s.
As for our yearly fundraiser for St. Gianna’s, we have found a pattern that seems to work, alternating our flower-decorating event with our cake-decorating event. This is the year of the cake. As in previous years, there are professional and celebrity divisions. If one didn’t know better, you would think it was a sculpture exhibit - except in this case, the sculptures are edible. Winners will be determined by voting with dollar bills, with the opportunity of taking away beautiful and flavorful masterpieces via a silent auction.
We promise fun for everyone in the family. Many have volunteered baking cakes and pies for our always-popular cake walk. I for one, in a moment of weakness, promised to bake two pies for the cake walk, with homemade pie crust, of course, in addition to the cake that I will enter in the celebrity division! It will be my third solo cake (Mom baked my first one)!
I would like to take this opportunity to thank our participating bakers, board members, volunteers, corporate sponsors and all who are helping with this fun endeavor. We hope to see you Saturday, Sept. 28 from 1 to 4 p.m. at St. Peter Church for our "That Takes Cake! A Frosted Fundraiser for St. Gianna Women’s Home!"
Thank you for your spiritual, material and financial support! Please know that we at Catholic Social Services and St. Gianna Women’s Homes pray for you daily. St. Gianna, pray for us!
I am happy to announce that on Sept. 11, Bishop James Conley blessed our new St. Isidore Center, which includes a beautiful chapel (named after our patron St. Isidore) with the Blessed Sacrament, the St. Isidore Gift & Thrift Store, and a social service office where clients in need can meet with a social service case worker.
This is a realization of one of the four elements of our recent effort, the Expanding the Works of Mercy Campaign. Even though we had always helped individuals and families in the western portion of the Diocese of Lincoln, we now will be able to accomplish more because, in addition to the funds we previously spent in the area, the profits from the thrift store will be used for emergency services such as rent and utility assistance, and grants for clinical services for individuals who cannot afford counseling services for some reason. In other words, in addition to providing affordable furniture, appliances, kitchen wares and household goods and other countless items to those who come in to shop, the proceeds from the store will be spent in the area to help those in need.
We all need to be reminded that this is not just an Imperial project, in the same way our St. Francis Center is not just an Auburn project. The St. Isidore Center is meant to serve the entire western region like the St. Francis Center serves the southeastern section of the diocese. Therefore material donations are encouraged in the surrounding cities just as those living in the surrounding cities are eligible for assistance.
I would like to thank Bishop Conley for his support and for blessing our new center, Father Bernard Lorenz, the pastor of St. Patrick in Imperial and his parishioners for their support, our dedicated staff and volunteers and all those who supported us in this latest endeavor. A special word of thanks is needed for those who worked so hard in moving items and furniture from our old thrift store and into our new facility! All of you truly have helped us "Expand the Works of Mercy!"
How many times have we heard the parable of the rich man, clothed in purple, with the poor man Lazarus lying outside his home? "There was a rich man who dressed in purple garments and fine linen and dined sumptuously each day. And lying at his door was a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores" (Lk 16:19-20). Most of us are aware of what happens to the rich man and Lazarus in the parable.
In addition, the majority of us most likely do not identify with either the rich or poor man, not having a tremendous amount of disposable wealth, but at the same time are not homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
None of us want to live lives like Lazarus, but do not want to end up like the rich man after he died, either.
The nagging question then is, ‘How do we help those in need?’ - according to our means, of course.
Earlier this year, while shopping at a local grocery store, I ran into a young couple with children doing exactly the same. I remember saying hello to the wife and mother inside and was pleasantly surprised greeting her and her husband outside in the parking lot.
Soon afterward, I received a nice card in the mail with $16 and the words, "Dear Father Kubat: Hi there! I just spoke with you at the grocery store … I felt from the moment I saw you that I should give you the change from our groceries – I’m sorry I didn’t! I just wasn’t quite sure how to do it. Anyway, even though it may be belated, I hope this helps whoever it is meant to help!"
She signed it by saying "With love and prayers." Could any words be truer? This generous act was done after prayer and with love. Only when someone loves God can they love their neighbor, especially the ones who are in need.
Not too long before receiving this card in the mail, I received another one from a couple with a cash donation in thanksgiving for having helped a friend in a desperate situation. They wrote that in addition to helping their friend financially, "CSS gave her hope."
I would like to thank these two couples, who have one thing in common – Faith in God that is alive – Faith which has an effect on how their lives are lived. Not dead faith, which has no effect on how life is lived. As I reflect on these two couples I am reminded that in reading the lives of the saints, they all have two things in common: an intense love of Jesus in the Eucharist, and of His presence in the poor and needy. I am certain that it is the same for these two couples.
Let me take this opportunity to thank all of our donors who assist us spiritually with their prayers and penances, materially with items not needed around their homes and farms including vehicles, and financially with cash donations, according to their means, including their change for Jesus!
Recently, I received a call from a concerned individual regarding a homeless young man who was sleeping outdoors. The young man was lucky enough to have found a job at a local restaurant in the community, but he was in desperate need of housing, especially since the weather is turning. He was fortunate to have found a small house to rent, but was not able to afford the security deposit and the first month’s rent.
In addition to helping with the deposit and first month’s rent, CSS will be able to furnish him with a bed and other furniture, along with items for the kitchen. This story is reminiscent of a young woman who when she was accepted at St. Gianna’s had been living in her car. They are so grateful for the help they have received. I feel impelled to relay this gratitude to our loving benefactors.
Often I am asked, "Father, how may I help?" First and foremost, we are in need of prayers, for without them, we will be ineffectual in our mission of loving and serving Jesus who lives in the poor and needy.
Secondly, we are always in need of material items such as furniture, appliances, vehicles and other items that individuals and families do not have. And finally, we need financial contributions so we can continue to help those who come to us on a daily basis in crisis.
That said, I am happy to announce two fun events that will be occurring later this month. First is our annual Bishop Flavin Memorial Sporting Clay Tournament, which will be held at Oak Creek Sporting Club near Brainard Saturday, Oct. 19. There are many sponsorship opportunities and room for individuals and teams to sign up. Trophies will be awarded to the top three teams along with raffle and door prizes with lunch provided.
Registration and shooting games start at 9 a.m. Teams will begin the course every 10 minutes until 3 p.m. with many time slots still available. Further information and a map can be found on our website, www.cssisus.org.
Then on Sunday, Oct. 20 at 3 p.m., there will be a benefit concert for St. Gianna’s Women’s Homes at St. John the Apostle Church, 7600 Vine St., Lincoln. There are no tickets to be purchased, but free-will donations will be welcomed. Six choirs will be highlighted – St. Teresa’s Boys’ Choir directed by Laura Minchow; the St. Francis Choir directed by Nicholas Lemme; St. Peter’s Contemporary Choir directed by Mary Odgaard; the Lincoln Schola directed by Stan Peters; St. Teresa’s Choir directed by Amy Johnson; and the St. John Celebration Choir directed by Ellen Soukup.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Kristina Brandl, who organized this concert, as well as all the choir directors and members for their planning, hard work, practicing and participating in this upcoming event. I would also like to thank Father Lyle Johnson, pastor of St. John Parish, for his gracious hospitality in hosting it.
The proceeds for these two events on the horizon will be used to help individuals and families like the homeless man and woman described above.
I am looking forward to seeing some of you either at the upcoming Bishop Flavin Memorial Sporting Clay Tournament, the benefit concert at St. John’s parish or both! Please remember that you, your family and intentions will remain in our prayers!
Recently, I played checkers with a 5-year-old grand-niece of mine named Megan. During our match I did my best to try to let her win, moving my black checkers in the way of her red ones so they could be jumped and taken. After pointing out time and time again her opportunities to take my checkers, she said quietly, gently and lovingly, "No, I do not want to take your checkers!" Her objective was not to hurt me….
Yes, love of neighbor starts early and, aided by the grace of God and the good example of parents, blossoms. Recently, I was visited by a fifth-grader from St. Teresa Parish and School, named Henry Gengler, accompanied by his mother Melissa. He had been saving his nickels, dimes and quarters from his daily chores and allowance money and decided to donate half of his earnings to Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska to help someone less fortunate than himself. I was quite edified, because although the Bible talks about tithing at the level of 10%, he was generous enough to bring in half of what he had been saving. I fully realize that his love of God and neighbor does not come out of a vacuum but as mentioned above, is the result of the grace of God and the good example of parents.
I asked Melissa what some of his chores were and she mentioned one of them was doing his own laundry. "After all," she said, "I don’t want to send an 18-year-old into the world not knowing how to do his laundry!" I was impressed, for I was much older before I learned the art of laundry. I told them about one of my first loads which contained a fully-loaded pen left in my shirt pocket.
I then gave Henry and his mother a tour of our office by starting in the chapel where we had Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. After our prayer, he reminded me that they had Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament at St. Teresa, too! Oh, the benefits of Catholic schools….
After showing him our facilities (including our food pantry), I gave him some cookies and cupcakes. Have you ever met a fifth- grader who did not like them? Finally, I informed him about a young man who had been living in a tent. With the help of CSS he now has a roof over his head. I related how we would be using these funds to directly help this individual. Doesn’t it help sometimes to know the fruits of your gifts and sacrifices?
I would like to thank Henry, his mother Melissa and his father Michael for their loving example for helping Henry get an early start in the love of neighbor, which is the proof of their love of God.
Recently, at the dedication and blessing of our new center in Imperial, which serves the western region of the diocese of Lincoln, I told Bishop Conley that when opening a new thrift store and social service and counseling center in a community, the support of the pastor is very important for its success. This applies not only in Imperial but in Auburn, where we have the St. Francis Center which serves the southeastern sector of our diocese.
I would like to thank Father Phil Rauth for his support when we opened the St. Francis Gift & Thrift in Auburn and now Father Gregory Pawloski for his continued support as we recently expanded and enlarged our physical plant to include more floor space for the thrift store, storage and warehouse space, social and clinical service offices and most importantly, a beautiful chapel dedicated to St. Francis with the Blessed Sacrament. Within this chapel are two gorgeous stained-glass windows, one of the Holy Family in a nativity scene and one of St. Francis.
Recently, members of the Knights of Columbus raised some funds for the St. Francis stained-glass window in order to dedicate it to Father Rauth. Since the window was already paid for, the funds were earmarked to help needy families and individuals who are homeless, those who are at risk for becoming homeless, and for grants for individuals who are in need of counseling and who are un-insured or under-insured.
Just days ago, Dr. John Crotty, Jim Florence and John Collins hand-delivered a check for $3,553, which was garnered from individual donations solicited by the Knights from St. Joseph in Auburn and St. Clara in Peru, and sweet corn sales from corn picked and sold from Bill and Lana Fulton’s farm, also by the Knights.
I would like to thank all those who donated and helped with this wonderful project which will allow us to help more individuals and families in need, an example of charity in action.
We have heard it over and over again: the key to staying off the streets is a good job.
Recently, one of our benefactors stopped by the office with a donation and wondered how we are doing. I answered by telling him of a young man we recently assisted. He was living in a local park but was fortunate enough to have found a job. Having been tipped off by another supporter, we helped him with a stay in a local motel since the weather had turned, the security deposit for an apartment, his first month’s rent, furniture and kitchen items to make his new apartment a home. The visitor was glad to hear his donations were helping individuals and families.
The man mentioned above was fortunate enough because his apartment was in walking distance to his new place of employment. Others are not so fortunate. Although bus passes are an option, they are not useful to someone who does not live near a bus stop, or works after hours. In addition, not all cities in the diocese have buses. This is why our St. Christopher Car Donation Program is so important. Since its inception, Catholic Social Services has given countless cars to individuals and families in need so parents can get to work, take their children to school and church on Sundays.
In general, vehicles that are donated to us are given directly to a client, placed in our fleet, or sold and the proceeds used to help fund our many programs.
Unfortunately, cars donated to CSS are outnumbered by the requests. At the present time, in addition to the many requests there are also three women at St. Gianna’s who are in desperate need of a vehicle.
Please pray for the continued success of this important program, spread the word to those you know, and consider donating a vehicle to us if you are able. Remember, it is tax deductible!
We at Catholic Social Services appreciate your help immensely. Please know that we will keep you, your family and intentions in our prayers. St. Christopher, pray for us!
As some of you may know, Matthew Kelly, author of "The Four Signs of a Dynamic Catholic," recently visited our diocese. During his visit at our last clergy study day at St. Gregory the Great Seminary in Seward, he pointed out that those who are serious about their faith pray at least 10 minutes daily. Those who pray daily either were taught by someone else to do so, or learned on their own.
In his magnificent Gospel, St. Matthew recounts the visit of the Three Kings at the beginning of Chapter Two. The Three Kings are also referred to as Magi or Wise Men. Magi were learned men from ancient Persia, deeply schooled in astronomy. This would help explain their awareness of the star leading to Bethlehem. The Evangelist states that Wise Men (or Kings) came from the East to worship the newborn King of the Jews. St. Matthew does not tell us the exact number of kings arriving in Jerusalem, or their names. Ancient tradition places the number at three, and tells us their names are Gaspar, Melchior and Balthazar. What is very clear is that the Three Kings were the first Gentiles to respond to the call to worship Our Lord. The three gifts that they bring bear witness to the two natures of Our Savior. Incense is used at Mass and in other liturgical celebrations such as Benediction to show our prayers literally rising to the throne of God. Gold is the most treasured metal on earth and is given to kings. Myrrh is the ointment used by faithful Jews to prepare a body for burial. In these three gifts we already see the outline of the life of Christ. He is God, a King and a Redeemer.
Gennady Spirin has written and illustrated a lavish book about the visit of the Three Kings. Mr. Spirin uses the famous song “We Three Kings Of Orient Are” for the written text of this beautiful book. In the beginning of the book, readers see the Three Kings travelling from afar. Dressed in magnificent oriental clothes, they follow the westward leading star. Between each set of verses of the song, he uses a stunning picture of angels for the chorus, “O Star of wonder, star of light, Star with royal beauty bright, Westward leading, still proceeding, Guide us to thy perfect light.” Each gift is lovingly praised through the music and paintings. The function of the individual gift can be seen through the words of the song and the actions of the Three Kings. When they finally arrive in Bethlehem, Spirin paints a spectacular scene of worship. The Three Kings humbly present their gifts to the Newborn King of the Jews, as worshipping angels give witness. The book concludes with the musical score of the song, and the words of each verse.
Gennady Spirin was born in 1948, near Moscow, Russia. His paintings are copious in their beauty. In many ways they resemble the splendor of famous Renaissance artists. By using a song so familiar to children, he has merged art and music to help youngsters understand the visit of the Three Kings. The artwork is simply wonderful. By using this famous song for the written text, Spirin tenderly invites children to lay their gifts at the foot of the manger. In so doing, all children can give their love to Our Divine Savior. Please go to the library and checkout this stunning title. I relished reading it, and think you will as well. Enjoy!
The Netherlands is a country protected from the sea by a series of dikes. Very similar to levees along the Mississippi River, the dikes hold back the ocean from flooding the country.
The Netherlands is often called Holland. Much of the Netherlands is below sea level, and the dikes are the only reason there is a country. Traditionally, windmills have constantly pumped excess water into a series of canals. These narrow waterways carry the water back to the ocean. The battle between the sea wanting to reclaim the country and Holland refusing to submit marks the people and culture of this remarkable land. Since Holland is far north in Europe, the winters are quite cold. One of the benefits of this weather is the love the Dutch have for ice skating. The narrow, straight canals make perfect places to skate. The most famous children’s story written about Holland was published in 1865 by a Dutch/American woman named Mary Mapes Dodge. The name of this beloved story is Hans Brinker or The Silver Skates.
The story begins with the desperately poor Hans Brinker and his sister Gretel trying to skate down a frozen canal on wooden skates. Though the family was once better off, Mr. Brinker has been badly injured while repairing a damaged dike. This injury has caused him to be semi-conscious for years. During this difficult time, the Brinker family has slowly sunk into deep poverty. In spite of the terrible trials they have endured, Hans and Gretel develop a deep love for each other and for their parents. Ridiculed by other children for their desperate condition, both children have a strong faith in God. This deep religious belief supports them during their distress. As Hans continues to try to earn money to help his family, he meets a famous doctor. He reluctantly tells the renowned physician of his father’s illness. Something in Hans’s earnest face reminds him of his own lost son. The doctor agrees to visit the Brinker hut and see if he can help the father.
Because of their poverty, Hans and Gretel have never been able to afford metal skates. But good fortune suddenly shines on both children, and they each receive a pair of new metal skates. Both children are blessed with a natural skating ability. The major event in their home town each year is the winter skating race. The winning boy and girl will win a pair of silver skates. Many of the wealthier children do not want the poor Brinker children racing in this celebrated affair. But through the kindness of other children, both Hans and Gretel enter the race.
What happens before and during the race? Is the doctor able to heal Mr. Brinker? Does the perseverance of the Brinker children carry them to victory? What great act of charity does Hans perform during the race? How does this affect the outcome of the race? Could you sacrifice a dream you have to benefit someone else? What choice does Hans make? To find out the answers to these questions, go to the library and checkout Hans Brinker or The Silver Skates by Mary Mapes Dodge.
This book is one of the most loved titles in the history of children’s literature. It has been made into movies, and has also appeared in abbreviated forms. The country of Holland is described in great detail in the novel. The character development of the children in the book has a universal appeal. We all can relate to the people so compelling described by the author. A bestseller in the United States, it has always been equally popular in Holland. I hope you go to the library and checkout this wonderful title. I think you will find it a moving and poignant story. I certainly did. Enjoy!
Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936) was one of the most famous writers of the Victorian and Edwardian Ages.
Born in India, Kipling was raised in Bombay. Though living in the English section of the city, Kipling was often told fables by his Indian nannies. These rich fantasies about India became the basis for a number of Kipling’s novels. Kipling would also later turn a number of these accounts into some of the most famous stories in the history of children’s literature.
The first book using this rich material was “The Jungle Book” (1894). The next work, published in 1895, was “The SecondJungle Book.” Often modern-day publishers combine the two books and simply call both collections “The Jungle Book.”
Though some of the characters in the books are animals such as the mongoose Rikki-Tikki-Tavi, the main character is Mowgli. A boy, raised by wolves in the jungle, Mowgli will be involved in many adventures. One exciting story about Mowgli is “Tiger-Tiger.”
Mowgli has just left the wolf pack and entered a village. There, Mowgli begins to learn how human beings operate. Since he can only speak wolf language, men consider him wild and untamed. Mowgli quickly learns many words and begins to understand how people think. He hears a famous jungle hunter describing a man-eating tiger.
Mowgli can’t believe the hunter knows so little about this tiger. Mowgli has fought with the tiger, named Shere Khan, and knows the tiger wants to kill him. Gray Brother, from the wolf pack, brings Mowgli the news that the tiger is laying in wait at an entrance to the village. Though Mowgli is tremendously strong, he is still a boy. In a straight-up fight with a tiger, he is sure to be destroyed.
So he begins to think of a plan. He has helped the other village boys herd all the water buffalos into muddy marshes outside the village. As he begins looking at the size of the water buffalos, Mowgli knows a herd of stampeding water buffalos could easily crush Shere Khan. Could the water buffalos become his allies?
What does Mowgli do? Can the wolf pack help him control the water buffalos? Where is the tiger when the struggle begins? Though he is still dangerous, why is the tiger also in peril?
How do the villagers respond to Mowgli fighting Shere Khan? Why does Mowgil begin to wonder if the wolves actually have more intelligence than men? To find out the answers to these questions, go to the library and check out “The Jungle Book” by Rudyard Kipling, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney.
Rudyard Kipling won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1907. He was very famous for most of his adult life. His reputation has suffered in recent decades because of his support for the expansion of the British Empire. His well-known poem “The White Man’s Burden” was used to justify many colonial prejudices of the late 1800s. However, his books for children continue to be very popular. “The Jungle Book” blends animal fantasy in exciting scenes set in India. Later stories such as the mongoose Rikki-Tikki-Tavi fighting the cobras Nag and Nagaina will be enthusiastically enjoyed by middle grade students. I hope you go to the library and check out this interesting title. I liked the collection and think you will as well. Enjoy!
Too often parents neglect reading to their children from the Bible. Whether they think the children will not be interested, or they don’t feel comfortable reading the Sacred Scriptures to their children, parents underutilize the Bible.
Actually, children are quite interested in hearing the Word of God. But parents should be careful in the selections they choose. While Genesis and Exodus are interesting to young, the Prophets usually are not. In the New Testament, the Four Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles are well received. While the Epistles do not normally hold their attention, the Book of Revelation fascinates children.
As Vatican II tells us in Chapter VI of the magnificent document Dei Verbum (Word of God): “In the sacred books the Father who is in heaven comes lovingly to meet his children, and talks to them.” What could therefore be better than reading the Bible to children?
Within the Four Gospels, the miracle accounts fascinate and instruct children. Realizing this, the exemplary author/illustrator Tomie dePaola has created a book retelling 12 of these miraculous events. He has entitled it “The Miracles of Jesus.”
The first miracle detailed is The Wedding Feast of Cana. Here some important points about Our Lord’s ministry and the future life are the church can be seen.
Jesus and His disciples are celebrating marriage as a joyous event. Being divine, Our Lord knows the wine is running short. But instead of immediately performing a miracle, He waits for His mother to tell Him: “They have no wine.” While no one knows the exact reason for this, it seems plausible to me that Our Lord is giving an intercessory role to His mother. When people need something, He knows that people naturally turn to their mother. Since this is a good thing, Jesus waits until Mary asks.
Then the Blessed Mother gives us the wisest words ever spoken: “Do whatever He tells you.” After this brief but wonderful exchange, Jesus changes the water into wine.
In the 11 miracles that follow, dePaola takes us to some of the most important and powerful events in the life of Our Lord. One of these miracles has become part of the Mass. The words of which miracle are used each day at the Agnus Dei (Lamb of God) part of the Mass? At which miracle does Jesus tell us that He is “the Resurrection and the Life?” How many times does Our Lord tell the people to “have faith?”
To find out the answers to these questions, go to the library, or buy a copy of “The Miracles of Jesus” by Tomie dePaola at the bookstore.
Tomie dePaola is one of the most accomplished, genuine, and loving author/illustrators in the field of children’s literature. His drawings are not complicated and are warm and inviting.
Children are naturally drawn to the books of this remarkable man. He has frequently written and drawn religious books. His books “Mary: The Mother of God,” and “The Virgin of Guadalupe” are beautiful tributes to Our Lady.
By combining his talent in writing and art with the majestic miracle accounts of Our Divine Savior, Tomie dePaola has invited children into a conversation with their “Father who is in heaven coming lovingly to meet his children, and talk to them.”
The Holocaust was a time of horrible evil inflicted by the Nazis on victims deemed unworthy of life. All Jewish people in Europe were included. Millions of Poles, Slavic prisoners of war, Gypsies, homosexuals, trade unionists, nuns, clergymen and many other groups were exterminated. In the face of this hideous violence, some people hid in fear. Others collaborated with the Nazis. But many, at great risk to their lives, helped the victims.
The Allied governments during World War II, with their vast resources of arms, soldiers and planes did relatively little to interrupt this slaughter. But the Catholic Church, led by a holy, courageous pope, stood against the killing. This brave leader was Pope Pius XII.
During World War II, Pope Pius XII gave a number of radio broadcasts condemning the murder of a people based on race or ethnicity. While never specifically naming the Jews or the other groups mentioned above, the Nazis clearly understood the Holy Father was condemning them. The diary entries of Reich leaders clearly prove this. Numerous statements by Hitler to those in his inner circle demonstrate this as well. For the Nazis, the problem was that the pope wasn’t silent.
Throughout the church, Pope Pius XII issued directives to save as many people as possible. Papal nuncios filed complaint after complaint against the removal of Jews in a number of countries. The petitions slowed down the ability of the Reich to round up and ship these unfortunates to death camps. This saved many lives. Numerous priests and nuns hid terrified victims in convents, monasteries and basements. Leading churchmen such as French Cardinal Pierre Gerlier defied the Nazis. The instructions of the Holy Father led the French bishops to oppose the efforts of the Vichy Government to round up French Jews. On pages 44-48, Sister Marchione lists a number of Jewish groups who thanked Pope Pius XII for his help during those awful years. Historian John Toland, the author of a definitive biography on Hitler, also states that the Catholic Church under Pope Pius XII’s direction saved more Jews than the combined efforts of all other churches and relief agencies. When Pope Pius XII died in 1958, worldwide expressions of sorrow and condolences poured into the Vatican.
Following the publication of Roch Hochhuth’s play “The Deputy” in 1963, a systematic attack on the actions of Pope Pius XII during the Holocaust has occurred. Critics argue that the pope was silent in the face of all these atrocities. Disregarding the fact that direct confrontation with the Nazis always brought about an immediate annihilation of Jews, these naïve critics continue to hold that Pius should have been more confrontational. The pope knew each word he spoke could cause the death of thousands of Jews. The Nazis understood that the veiled speech used by Pope Pius XII was a condemnation of them. He wasn’t silent to them, and they hated him for condemning the philosophy of National Socialism and his countless acts of mercy to the Jews. The Jewish leaders during the war comprehended and supported the pope’s prudence. In 1955, the Israeli Philharmonic performed a concert in the Vatican to thank Pope Pius XII for his heroic efforts in saving Jewish lives during the war.
Sister Marchione has written a number of books concerning Pope Pius XII’s actions during World War II. She is to be complimented on telling the historical truth and answering these false attacks on Pope Pius XII. Catholics need to realize that Pope Pius XII was willing to lay down his life for the sheep. This thin, holy priest stood up to the massive hatred of the Third Reich and helped save hundreds of thousands of lives.
When a girl or boy reaches adolescence, life can become a confusing series of events for them. Both sexes begin feeling awkward. While boys do not have an easy time during this period of change in their lives, girls are often confronted with feelings of not being attractive or popular. Their bodies are changing, and these years can be fraught with turbulent emotions.
A number of writers have addressed this issue in what are known as “coming of age” novels. When done with sensitivity, these books can be a great help for teenage girls. One writer with these valuable insights is Betsy Byars. One of her finest books on this important issue is “The Summer of the Swans.”
As the book begins, Sara has just decided to dye her tennis shoes a bright orange. Immediately afterward, she feels the shoes are ugly. To Sara, the shoes look just like her. Her older sister Wanda, combs her beautiful hair and prepares to go on a date. Sara jealously looks at her attractive sister. Wanda tries to talk with Sara, but the teenager has her mind made up. No one is ever going to like her. Her feet are too big and her hair is ugly.
She walks out to the front porch and sees her mentally diminished brother, Charlie. At 3, Charlie had two severe fevers that left him mentally damaged. Now he can do very little and needs constant attention. Sara feels a fierce protectiveness for the boy, and will strike out at anyone taunting him. She particularly despises a boy named Joe Medley. Sara feels that Joe stole Charlie’s prized watch. She will not accept Joe’s explanation that he found the watch and returned it to the family. But the constant attention Charlie requires places a constant strain on the family and becomes a burden to Sara.
Each year a group of swans land in the nearby lake. Charlie is fixated on looking at the swans swimming on the lake. When he sees the swans, he won’t leave and has to be dragged away from the lake. That night, a button on his pajamas becomes loose, but no one takes the time to repair it. This keeps him awake, and in the middle of the night he thinks about the swans and leaves the house, looking for them. As he walks in the night, Charlie becomes totally lost and finally stumbles into a ravine. There, terrified, he mutely sits in the dark.
The next morning, the family realizes Charlie has wandered away and frantically organizes a search party. Sara begins searching everywhere for her brother.
Who helps Sara during this panic-stricken time? Has anyone ever helped you in a trying time? What qualities are needed to give and accept assistance?
What does Sara find out about beauty and friendship during this frightening day? Does she begin to see the human qualities in people that unite us despite our differences? How does she learn the value of her own worth through the frenzied search for her lost brother?
To find out the answers to these questions, go to the library and check out this fine novel, “The Summer of the Swans,” by Betsy Byars.
Betsy Byars is a highly acclaimed children’s author. “The Summer of the Swans” won the Newbery Medal in 1971. Many of her books deal with the issues of adolescence, and are written with understanding and sensitivity.
Since she has four children, Mrs. Byars has a great deal of practical knowledge on the subject. She frames her characters with understanding and hope.
I hope you check out this excellent book. I found the story moving and think you will as well. Enjoy!
The Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us that justice is a moral virtue that disposes man to respect the rights of others, and promotes harmony within the human family. When this virtue is ignored, fundamental human rights such as self dignity and freedom are violated. In the United States, the painful history of racial discrimination is an example of the breach of justice. From the 1620s until the 1950s, justice was frequently missing in racial relations. As the civil rights movement began to build momentum in the 1950s, a young African American minister in Atlanta became a leader and spokesman for the movement. This charismatic young preacher’s name was Martin Luther King Jr.
Born in 1929, Martin’s father was a famous minister in Atlanta. Experiencing racism as a youth, Martin decided to become a minister and spread the Word of God. Believing that love could conquer hate, and nonviolent protest could change hardened hearts, the younger King began his mission of transforming the United States.
In 1955, the first major event in this process occurred. It was the Montgomery, Alabama Bus Boycott. In the segregated South of the 1950s, black people were routinely required by law to defer to white people. One day, a black woman named Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat to a white passenger. She was then arrested for breaking the law. In response, Dr. King led a boycott of the bus company by African Americans in Montgomery. The boycott lasted for more than a year. During this frightening time, Martin Luther King Jr. was jailed for his leadership in the boycott. Though very difficult, the laws began to slowly change, and racial justice started making its way into the legal system of the United States.
In the succeeding years, Dr. King was involved in repeated attempts to change racial bigotry and hatred in the United States. During many painful and trying times, he was frequently arrested and incarcerated. But while in jail and upon being released, his message never varied: love can overcome hate, and justice can replace bigotry. Aided by his beautiful and gifted wife, Coretta Scott King, Dr. King worked throughout his life to break down the walls of ignorance and prejudice.
What famous speech did Dr. King give in Washington that energized the country? What illustrious award was given to him for his tireless work for equality? How did his death traumatize and yet compel the United States to change into a freer, better, more just society? How many examples of Dr. King’s vision are still molding our lives today? To find out the answers to these questions, go to the library and check out “I’ve Seen the Promised Land: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.” by Walter Dean Myers.
Walter Dean Myers is a brilliant writer of children’s and adolescent literature. His books are filled with examples of dignity and respect for others. While he frequently details the painful realities of racial discrimination in our society, he always develops the concepts of hope and forgiveness. This book is a valuable introduction to the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and a testimony of how far the United States has moved in the last 50 years.
St. Matthew writes that “Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.” (Mt 5: 6) Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. lived this divine statement, and the United States is the better for it.
During the painful history of racial discrimination in the United States, heroic people have risen to show the country the path to a more just future.
In the 1800s these people were involved in the movement to abolish slavery. These abolitionists, as they were known, at great risk to themselves, helped slaves escape to Canada.
Later in the 1800s, great educational leaders such as Booker T. Washington started universities to combat the learning inequalities caused by slavery.
Building upon these advances, 20th century civil rights leaders could move to greater justice and equality. One great leader in the civil rights movement was Martin Luther King Jr. Helping Dr. King was his talented and inspiring wife, Coretta Scott King. Mrs. King was a compelling leader as well. This book tells her story.
Growing up in the segregated South, Coretta Scott walked five miles to school each day. School buses picked up rural students, but black children were not allowed to ride. So doggedly, Coretta would walk with her brother and sister to the distant school. Academically gifted, Coretta thrived in school. As well, she was a talented singer, and frequently sang in church choirs.
When she had finished high school, Miss Scott attended graduate school in Boston to study concert singing. In Boston, she met a young minister named Martin Luther King Jr. Soon they were married.
The young couple were drawn to the writings and philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi. Nonviolent protest, according to Gandhi, will do more to change ingrained prejudice than violent acts. The freedom of India from British rule proved Gandhi’s position.
Moving back to the South in the mid-1950s, the Kings were drawn into the violent cauldron of racism that was crippling and destroying so many lives.
What did the Kings do to counter this hatred? Did Gandhi’s philosophy help the United States begin to address the problems caused by racial inequality?
How did Coretta Scott King become a leader in her own right for all people in the United States? Have you ever suffered from personal attacks or bigotry?
How did their deep faith in God always support Martin and Coretta King? How does the life of Coretta Scott King demonstrate that charity and courage can overcome malice?
To find out, go to the library and check out this beautifully illustrated book, “Coretta Scott,” by Ntozake Shange. Since so much has changed in the United States in the last 50 years, some children may find the concept of segregation difficult to understand. This book shows the process involved in this change.
Like her beautiful voice, Coretta Scott soared from humble beginnings to a height of influence. So positive were her contributions that the American Library Association named an award after her. The Coretta Scott King Award has been presented since 1970 to the book that best promotes racial equality in the United States.
The text of Ntozake Shange’s book is written as poetry. The paintings are filled with beauty and dignity. The spiritual basis of the Kings’ work can be readily seen throughout the book.
I hope you take the time to go to the library and check out this title. Coretta Scott King is an important figure in American history, and this book helps tell her inspirational story.
When a child is small, he will often mix-up words and create language. Instead of “Hark the Herald Angel Sings,” a 3-year-old girl might say “Harold the Hark Angels.” This makes delightful memories for parents as the child grows into a beautiful young woman.
Any number of authors have used invented language to captivate readers.One early famous invented language was “Jabberwocky” by Lewis Carroll in “Alice in Wonderland.” In the United States in the 20th century, one celebrated author stands out for his famous drawings and use of language. His name is Theodor Geisel. But most people remember him by his well-known name, Dr. Seuss.
Born March 2, 1904 in Springfield, Mass., Theodor Suess Geisel was born into a German family. He learned German in order to understand what his parents and grandparents were discussing when not speaking English. The Geisels were financially comfortable and owned a local brewery. However, when Prohibition began in the early 1920s, the family’s situation worsened quickly. Fortunately, Mr. Geisel became the park superintendent of Springfield. Young Ted was happy too, because he became the head of the zoo.
Shortly after this, Ted began studying at Dartmouth College. Always interested in writing and drawing, some teachers at Dartmouth thought his art was strange. It was as if Ted were looking at the world through the wrong end of a telescope.
After graduating from Dartmouth, he moved to England and attended Oxford University. But while listening to profound lectures on Shakespeare or other great authors, he kept doodling and making up funny verses about imaginary characters. He seemed to appreciate a world-class education, but felt that others were better suited for it than himself.
He soon fell in love with a beautiful American girl named Helen Palmer. They were married and began wandering around Europe. At this time, he began submitting his stories to magazines. Many magazines thought his drawings were strange. His word play seemed foreign to many editors. But eventually, Theodor Geisel found a publisher and started writing under the name of Dr. Suess. The drawings and ideas that appeared odd to adults were fascinating to children. In a short time, his career skyrocketed.
Why do children like Dr. Suess? Why do youngsters still enjoy his zany ideas? Do you like green eggs and ham? Do you have a favorite Dr. Suess book? My favorite is “Yertle the Turtle.”
How could one man create so much magic with his work? What kept Dr. Suess writing until his death in 1991 at the age of 87? To find out the answers to these questions, go down to the library and check out this fine biography of Dr. Suess.
Dr. Suess had a significant impact on American culture from 1940-90. Behind the silliness of his work, there is profound seriousness to his writing. Dr. Suess teaches us important lessons about how to live with charity and kindness. He instructs readers in the value of loyalty and honor. Children naturally understand these lessons, and adults need to remember them. While many have tried to replicate his meter, no one has mastered it.
So the next time you read “Horton Hatches the Egg,” remember there is much more here than just a funny story. I hope you go to the library and read this fine biography.
Children are frequently drawn to animal stories. The reasons for this are many. Children can identify with pets, and often learn valuable life lessons from these animals.
As they grow older, some children become fascinated with horses. Children’s literature has long had wonderful horse stories that have inspired and fulfilled the yearnings of children. Since horses are beautiful, exciting and require a great deal of care and attention, youngsters often see them as ideal pets. While many authors have written about horses, one author has been unusually successful in creating horse stories. Her name is Marguerite Henry, and one of her finest novels is “Justin Morgan Had a Horse.”
Shortly after the American Revolution, young Joel Goss and his schoolteacher Justin Morgan visit a farm in Massachusetts. The farmer owes Justin Morgan a sum of money but has had a recent string of bad luck. Looking into his pasture, he asks the teacher if he will take a large colt in payment for the debt. As the men debate the matter, Joel begins petting a small colt in the meadow. There is something unusual about the little horse. He has spunk and dancing eyes. Additionally, he moves quickly and seems to have a great deal of determination and resolve. Justin Morgan accepts the deal and leaves with the large colt. To everyone’s surprise the little colt insists on following. When they return to their home in Vermont, Joel begins training the small colt.
Though the colt is small in size, everyone soon learns that he has the heart of a champion. He pulls logs that large horses cannot move, and begins winning races against local horses. Joel begins as an apprentice to a miller, but keeps training the undersized horse. He longs to own the colt now named Justin Morgan after his owner. A pair of rich New Yorkers have heard of this special little horse. They grandly state that their famous thoroughbreds can easily win a race against Justin Morgan.
The day of the race the small, rough-looking horse lines up against the majestic stallions. The pistol shot starts the race. Justin Morgan begins pumping his short legs like pistons. The stallions confidently begin running. It was time to put this little horse in his place.
What happens? Does Justin Morgan defeat the New York thoroughbreds? What happens as both Joel and Justin Morgan grow into maturity? Does Joel ever get the chance to buy the small but mighty horse? How does heart and determination play into any situation in life?
Have you ever attempted something that was difficult but necessary to do? What did you learn from it? What do Joel and Justin Morgan learn about life? To find out the answers to these questions, go to the library and check out this fine novel, “Justin Morgan Had a Horse,” by Marguerite Henry.
Marguerite Henry is a highly acclaimed author in the field of children’s literature. She has won nearly every major literary award for children’s books. Her novels are invariably uplifting and inspiring, as well as filled with adventure and action. She also creates comforting environments in her books. This allows children to enter into this created world with eagerness and security.
Please go to the library with your children and check out this title, or any of her other outstanding books. I think this is a great story, and believe you will like it as well. Enjoy!
Engineering marvels, such as hydroelectric dams, often have unintended consequences.
While the electricity produced by such dams benefits society, there is also a price. This cost comes in the loss of wetland habitat necessary to support the ecology of an area. This results in nature losing its ability to control floods and purify water.
Another problem is the environmental changes affect the animal and bird species that live in this location. As the geography is altered, the food chain is interrupted. This can harm birds dependent on wetland habitat. Alison Imbriaco makes an inclusive study of these effects on birds in this fine work of nonfiction entitled “The Whooping Crane.”
Whooping cranes are nearly five feet in height, making them the tallest birds in North America. Never existing in large numbers, these majestic birds migrate each year from northern Canada to southern Texas and Florida. The distance is nearly 3,000 miles.
With their seven-foot wingspan, and beautiful white feathers tipped in black, whooping cranes look stunning in flight. About halfway through the migration, the birds rest along an 80-mile section of the Platte River in Nebraska. There they are joined by their much more numerous relations, the Sandhill Cranes.
At one time the Platte River was wide and shallow, with the river’s waters and sandbars providing ideal conditions for the cranes to rest on their southern journey.
In 1941, about 15 birds were left in the migration from Canada to Texas. While some of the species were housed in zoos, a non-migrating flock of whooping cranes were wiped out in Louisiana during a hurricane.
But by the early 1970’s, the number of whooping cranes had been reduced to such an alarmingly low number that the animal’s name was placed on the newly enacted Endangered Species Act. At long last, we began to see the need to preserve and protect this beautiful bird.
The primary issues were saving the wetland habitat and increasing the numbers of whooping cranes. Scientists wanted to establish a second migrating flock of whooping cranes. The first step was raising a number of whooping cranes. Secondly, the cranes had to be taught to migrate from Canada to Florida. This had to be done quickly, as an avian epidemic could kill all the birds in the original group.
So what happened to the whooping cranes? Were scientists able to get the eggs needed to start the second flock?
How would you train young whooping cranes to follow you on a 3,000-mile journey? Then, would they remember their way back to Florida in the winter?
Why has whooping crane watching become so popular in Nebraska? What is the Rowe Sanctuary? Why has the Endangered Species Act been so successful?
To find out the answers to these questions, go to the library and check out this interesting title, “The Whooping Crane,” by Alison Imbriaco.
This book is a dedicated study of the whooping crane. The author speaks about the competing demands on water and wetland areas. She makes a balanced case for protecting the whooping crane.
There are many helpful graphs and photographs in the book. The habitat restoration currently underway will help other animal and bird species in addition to the whooping crane.
I hope you go to the library and check out this fine title. After reading it, I’m ready to go crane watching. I think you will be as well.
Bird migrations have fascinated people each year. But migrating birds may encounter many obstacles when travelling across continents. Sometimes, the birds are decimated by storms. At other times the habitats on which they depend have been altered by natural or manmade disasters.
Recently, pollution has become a serious problem for these birds. Birds can get caught in abandoned nylon fishing line or empty, plastic pop-bottle holders. Since plastic products will not disintegrate for decades, these manufactured creations can cause havoc for wildlife. In this elegantly drawn picture book, Jean Craighead George has shown how the migration of Sandhill Cranes can be affected by these issues. The name of this fine book is “Luck.”
Luck is a young sandhill crane. As he walks around the marsh on his long stilt-like legs, he is observed by bird watchers, including an attentive young girl. There are dozens of cranes in the marsh, and excitement fills the air. The cranes are about ready to migrate thousands of miles northward. Luck’s parents call to each other, and to him. But something catches his eye and curiosity. It is some kind of a shiny, plastic thing.
Unable to resist, Luck picks up what turns out to be a six-pack holder. In the process, the plastic holder falls around his neck. Now the crane has a six-holed plastic halter that could catch on almost anything and harm him.
The young girl manages to grab hold of the plastic around Luck’s neck. She quickly breaks the ring and frees the trapped bird. She is wearing a pair of blue sunglasses that enchant Luck. While his parents are memorizing the Texas marsh for the return trip, Luck keeps looking at the child with the blue sunglasses. She has saved his life, and Luck begins thinking of her as home.
Soon Luck’s parents call to him, he stretches his beautiful 6-foot wings and takes off. As he flies north, Luck tries to remember everything on the journey. This way the return trip south will be simpler. As the cranes fly across Kansas, they head for Nebraska and the Platte River. When they get to Kearney, they come down by the thousands.
Where do the cranes go from Kearney? How do they remember a trip that lasts several thousand miles? Do any of them actually fly beyond North America? How long do male and female cranes stay together?
Does Luck ever get back to the Texas marshes? Does he find the lovely young girl with the blue sunglasses?
To find out the answers to these questions, go to the library and check out this well-written and attractively illustrated book, “Luck,” by Jean Craighead George.
Jean Craighead George is a highly celebrated writer in the field of children’s literature. She won the Newbery Medal for the outstanding contribution to children’s literature in 1972 with the publication of “Julie and the Wolves.” Another famous book, “My Side of the Mountain,” was published in 1959.
Deeply interested in the physical world, Mrs. George draws upon a lifetime of knowledge of biology and ecology for her books. This results in stories in which people and animals have complex interactions. Her books have been very popular for more than 50 years.
I hope you go to the library and check out this title, or any of the dozens of fine books written by this prolific, sensitive author. I liked “Luck,” and think you will as well. Enjoy.
This year, on Palm Sunday, the Passion Account of St. Luke was read. St. Luke, a disciple of St. Paul, was a physician. Only in his Gospel account do we learn of some of the physical afflictions of Our Lord, such as the drops of sweat becoming blood in the Garden of Gethsemane. Additionally, the gentle and compassionate St. Luke gives us the wonderful account of the repentance of the Good Thief.
On Good Friday, the Church reads the Passion Account of St. John to the faithful. St. John’s Gospel has always inspired the Church, due to its majesty and theological significance. St. Augustine says that the Gospel soars like an eagle.
In St. John’s account of the Last Supper, Jesus washes the feet of the apostles, teaching us the need for humble, caring service to others. Whereas the first three Gospels have accounts of the institution of the Holy Eucharist at the Last Supper, St. John writes the sublime Farewell Discourses (Chapters 13-16) and ends with the magnificent High Priestly Prayer for Our Blessed Savior (Chapter 17).
In St. John’s Passion Account, it is clear that the Beloved Disciple (St. John) is a firsthand witness. St. John relates how Pilate repeatedly tries to free Our Lord. But part of the ruling leaders, the Sanhedrin, demands the death of Jesus. Others, like Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemas, refuse to take part in the condemnation. When it is finally clear that a riot is beginning to break out, Pilate hands over Our Lord to be executed.
As Jesus is dying, St. John stands near the Blessed Mother. Our Lord’s last thoughts are on her and the Church. He says to His mother: “Behold your son.” And then to the Beloved Disciple, “Behold your Mother.” (Jn 19:26-27) Even as Our Lord is dying, He has given His mother to the Church and the Church to His mother.
After Jesus dies, a Roman soldier pierces the side of Christ. Blood and water flow from this wound. Through His blood we have been redeemed, and in His water we are baptized.
We learn the accounts of Our Lord’s Passion and Death predominately from the Gospel accounts. Take some time with your family to read these accounts during Holy Week. Each one tells us something different about the Last Supper and the Passion. The four accounts give us the totality of the price Jesus paid for our redemption. St. John’s account is singular in that the Beloved Disciple was actually present for the Passion.
The Last Supper and Passion Accounts of the other Gospels are tremendously useful to read as well. They are: St. Matthew’s account from Chapters 26-28; St. Mark’s description from Chapters 14-15; and St. Luke’s description is found in Chapters 21-23.
St. Paul tells us in the Epistle to the Romans that “death spread to all men, because all men sinned.” (Rm 5:12) All people and nations are equally responsible for this since everyone has sinned. For centuries, however, the Jewish nation was unfairly blamed for the crucifixion of Our Lord. This has led to many outbursts of violence against Jews. On October 28, 1965, the Church defined this issue that had caused great pain between Christians and Jews. In the document “Nostra Aetate” (Age of Ours), Vatican II states that “neither all Jews indiscriminately at that time, nor Jews today, can be charged with the crimes committed during His (Jesus) passion… Indeed, the Church reproves every form of persecution against whomsoever it may be directed.” (Paragraph 4) It is necessary to remember this important document throughout the year and especially during Holy Week.
I hope you read St. John’s account of Our Lord’s Passion and Death. It vividly demonstrates how Christianity is based on the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Gospel Accounts of the Last Supper and Passion
Matthew, Chapters 26-28
Mark, Chapters 14-15
Luke, Chapters 21-23
John, Chapters 13-20
Spring is a happy time of the year. The snow has melted, the grass begins to turn green, and hope fills most hearts.
For millions of people, it also means that Opening Day is close at hand. Opening Day is the beginning of baseball season in the major leagues. Though the season traditionally starts in Cincinnati, recent first games have been played in many different ballparks.
April is also the time to remember all the great stars of the past. Older adults can often vividly remember their first baseball game. They recall long home runs and exploits from the past. But no one conjures up more dramatic memories than the first man to ever hit 60 home runs. This great player was none other than the Great Bambino himself, Babe Ruth.
So many stories abound about the Babe that it is hard to know where to start. In 1914, a strong young pitcher named Babe Ruth came up with the Boston Red Sox. Early in his career, Babe is in tremendous shape. He is a pitcher at the beginning of his career, and his rocket arm helps the Red Sox dominate the American League.
But his manager is surprised when Babe begins hitting long home runs. This simply wasn’t the way baseball was played at the time. Hitters were supposed to hit behind the runners and move them along the base paths. This type of play is sometimes called small ball. Now crushing a fastball 100 feet over the center field fence for a home run is quite different. This is known as long ball. No one had ever so consistently pounded the baseball like Babe Ruth. His enormous home runs, sometimes called “taters,” were avidly followed across the nation.
Two things then happen at the end of the 1919 season. First, the World Series is thrown by the Chicago White Sox. The 1919 Chicago team will be referred to as the Black Sox after this awful event.
Second, Babe Ruth is sold by the Red Sox to the New York Yankees. Much to Boston’s sorrow and New York’s delight, Ruth begins leading the Yankees from one World Series Championship to another. So many people begin following the Yankees, that Yankee Stadium is built.
Next, Ruth begins hitting so many home runs that he becomes a national hero. But the Great Bambino has something else that draws people to him like a magnet.
What about Ruth fascinates the entire nation?
As the years pass, his rock hard physique changes. When does it change? Does being in shape or not being in shape seem to have any effect on his play? How does the size of his waistline make him even more attractive?
Why are children so drawn to the great Yankee outfielder? Why do people forget the Black Sox scandal after seeing Ruth crush a towering home run?
To find out the answers to these questions, go to the library and check out this interesting early reader, “Babe Ruth Saves Baseball,” by Frank Murphy.
This book is part of an early educational series entitled “Step into Reading.” This series is written to help primary school students’ move from picture books into chapter books. It uses an easy to understand vocabulary, and is written in an interesting and lively manner. The illustrations are enjoyable, and draw early readers into the story.
You can’t help but love the Babe after reading this book. I hope you go to the library and check out this pleasurable title. I like it and think you will as well. Play Ball!
Alzheimer’s Disease is an illness that slowly robs people of their memories. It usually effects people over 75 years old, but has been known to strike earlier. Since life expectancy is now much longer, many more people are being afflicted by the disease.
While many seniors begin having some episodes of forgetfulness, Alzheimer’s is far more serious. This malady steals the past life of people, and creates a number of serious problems for caregivers and family members.
Fame and fortune are no guarantees against this sickness. Sargent Shriver, a well-known American diplomat and the first director of the Peace Corps, suffered from Alzheimer’s Disease in his last years. His daughter, Maria Shriver, the First Lady of California, has written a comforting story of how a family reacts to this painful reality. The name of this short novel is “What’s Happening to Grandpa?”
Each weekend, Kate visits her grandparents. Her grandmother is a well-dressed woman given to having tea parties with her granddaughter. Grandpa has a very different personality. He tells stories, eats bowls of potato chips, and enjoys baseball. Kate loves both of her grandparents and looks forward to the weekly trips.
One weekend, she is surprised when her grandfather keeps repeating the same story. Shortly afterward, he has trouble remembering the names of some family members. During one visit, she sees her grandmother crying after her grandfather has a temper outburst.
The young girl is completely confused. Her grandfather is always so cordial and friendly. What has happened to him?
Kate turns to her mother with these troubling questions. Her mother holds her and tells Kate the painful news. Grandpa has a disease that will only worsen with time. Broken-hearted, Kate tries to think of something she can do. Is there any way that she can help her grandfather continue to remember some parts of their lives together? She comes up with a plan, and hopes it will work.
What does Kate do? Can she help Grandpa recognize some past family events? What does she learn about this silent, but devastating illness?
Why is it so important to love everyone every day? How does her love for her grandfather help ease the pain associated with this disease?
To find out the answers to these questions, please go to the library and check out this beautifully told story.
Maria Shriver’s father, Sargent Shriver, was a famous diplomat and politician during the Kennedy Administration. He was highly regarded by most people for his courage and integrity. Mr. Shriver blended a profound intellect and a deeply religious nature throughout his long public life.
Maria Shriver has lovingly written this touching book to help families recognize and assist people stricken with Alzheimer’s Disease. The illustrations are soft and comforting. They tell the story almost as well as the text.
At the end of the book, a number of helpful websites and resources are listed for families coping with the disease. If someone in your family has Alzheimer’s, this book could be a nonthreatening way to introduce younger children to the consequences of the disease. Maria Shriver stresses the importance of living each day as lovingly as possible. The book teaches the value people have regardless of their condition. It is a lesson we need to remember today.
Most people will begin asking eternal questions sometime during their lives. Such questions might be phrased as “What is the purpose of the world?” or “What is the reason for my life?” This examination can begin when children are quite young. It is very important for adults to be able to help children answer these questions. This presupposes that the grown-ups have already begun this process themselves.
Matthew Kelly, a famous Catholic writer, poses these questions through the eyes of a young boy named Max. The title of this insightful book is “Why am I Here? A Story of Becoming the Best Version of Yourself.”
Max begins his pleasant weekend fishing with his grandpa. As they sit in the boat and cast into the water, Max turns to Grandpa and asks: “Why am I here in this world?” The older man carefully takes his grandson through a series of questions about why various animals act as they do. He points out to Max that each animal, fish or bird acts naturally. They never try to be something they can’t be. For example, Grandpa says, “A bird doesn’t try to be a fish or a lion; it just enjoys being the best bird it can be!”
As Max muses over this answer, Grandpa explains the connection between the choices people make, and the characters they develop. This makes people become the best version of themselves.
When Max gets ready for school on Monday, he begins thinking about what Grandpa has said. What can he do to improve himself? When he goes into the kitchen, his mother is already at work getting his lunch ready. What should he ask his mother to put into the lunch box? He wants to eat candy and potato chips, but knows that something else is actually better for him.
Throughout the day at school, how does he act? Should he take things from other children, or generously help others? What choices does Max make? Does he choose selfishly or virtuously? And finally, how do these decisions help create his character? To find out the answer to these questions, go to the library and check out “Why am I Here?” by Matthew Kelly.
While the first great commandment is to love God with your entire heart, the second great commandment is to love your neighbor as yourself. We can do this by making virtuous choices. The cardinal virtues of prudence, fortitude, temperance and justice help people achieve this. These four virtues are built upon grace, but they are also developed through decisions made in everyday life. So by acting positively, children develop wholesome attitudes. They become other-centered, which helps them to become the best version of themselves.
Our decisions will mold our characters for the good or ill. Since we find God in our neighbors, we can love Him through service of others. Because the ultimate goal of human existence is to be united with God for all eternity, we find true meaning and happiness in life through loving service.
The question of why we are here will be finally answered when Our Lord says: “Come, you whom My Father has blessed and take the kingdom prepared for you since the foundation of the world… For when I was hungry you gave Me to eat...thirsty and you gave Me to drink” (Mt 25:35-38). What higher purpose can we strive for?
I hope you find this book valuable. Enjoy!
Potatoes are one of the most nutritious crops in the world. Growing in small mounds, the plants send their root systems into the ground. The potatoes then grow in clusters under the earth. Harvesting potatoes is simple. It involves digging into the mounds with a spade, turning over the dirt, and picking up the potatoes. The crops are usually abundant and can be cooked into many tasty dishes.
In Ireland, potatoes became the staple food product for most people by the early 1800s. By 1845, Ireland had a population of about 8 million people. Of these, about 6 million lived in the rural areas of the land. These people lived almost entirely on potatoes. When the potato harvests were bountiful, there was no real hunger in Ireland. But what would happen if the crop was struck with a nationwide potato blight? Could famine ever rage across the country?
In the fall of 1845, the Irish peasants began digging up their potato mounds. But instead of healthy, firm potatoes, the Irish found a blackened and diseased crop. Throughout the entire country, widespread blight was soon reported. Though Ireland produced beef and dairy cattle, and also cultivated grain crops, these were not available to the destitute Irish peasants. Most land was owned by absentee landlords. These rich barons exported the grain crops and livestock to England and other countries.
As the potato blight worsened in 1845, the starving peasants watched cattle and grain being exported from their stricken land.
This social disaster was worsened by the poisonous relationship between Ireland and England. Having been overrun by the British centuries earlier, the Irish had a justifiable hostility toward the British. The English Parliament, for the most part, had a certain contempt for the Irish. When reports of the potato famine arrived in London, the Parliament reacted slowly. When decisions were first made, the government insured that the British overlords of Irish land would not suffer financial harm from the catastrophe. This brutally selfish action led to the continued starvation of Irish peasants.
Some enlightened British leaders, like Prime Minister Robert Peel, tried to import corn to alleviate the famine. But Parliament would not allow a tax reduction on the importation of grains to Ireland, because of lost revenue. Knowing how desperate the situation was in Ireland, Peel began secretly importing maize from the United States.
While well intended, the importation had serious problems. Even after milling the maize, the grain was too coarse not to harm the health of some in the starving population. With weakened digestive systems, many older and younger people couldn’t digest the rough food and died after eating the maize. Soon, everyone began hoping that the cruel blight would pass, and the 1846 potato crop would be unaffected.
But what would happen if the potato blight continued? How long can people withstand famine without resources? What choices do starving people have? Why did people die with green mouths?
While some peasants shared everything they had with their starving neighbors, others turned to survival at all costs. Some Irish lied to survive, and others cursed the British hoping that God would damn all the English. But many just silently died. What would you have done in this dreadful time? What did the British government do and what should it have done?
To find out, go to the library and check out this heartbreaking book, “Black Potatoes: The Story of the Great Irish Famine, 1845-1850” by Susan Bartoletti.
This book won the Sibert Honor Medal for Outstanding Nonfiction in 2002. The author treats the famine with compassion and thoroughness. This book would be very useful to junior high students studying social issues. By understanding the many aspects of the catastrophe, students can learn that governmental and personal choices can change a situation for better or worse. Hopefully this will lead to better choices being made the next time.
After the American Civil War erupted in 1861, the Union, as the northern states were called, imposed a naval blockade on the Confederate States of America, as the seceding southern states were named.
This blockade was imposed gradually, but eventually began to strangle the South. By 1863, the Union naval barricade had stopped many supplies from reaching the Confederate states. While a number of military solutions were developed by southern strategists; such as building iron-clad ships, none were particularly effective. What was needed was something completely different. Two brilliant southern designers, Horace Hunley and James McClintock, invented a warship that could possibly turn the tide of the war. The name of this invention was the H.L. Hunley. It was the world’s first practical submarine.
By the end of 1863, a number of underwater trials had been carried out with the Hunley. Since the submarine portals were only a few inches above sea level, any type of accident could sink the boat. Two tests actually resulted in the submarine sinking with a subsequent loss of life. Both times the ship was raised from the floor of Charleston harbor. Each catastrophe was carefully studied, and additional safeguards were added to the vessel.
But as the southern situation in the war grew more desperate, the Confederate commander, General P.T. Beauregard, agreed to one final attempt at an underwater attack.
On February 17, 1864, eight southern sailors squeezed into the cramped, 40-foot long submarine. With a torpedo held by a shaft attached to the front of the submarine, they began hand turning the propeller and guided the Hunley toward the USS Housatonic. Sailors watching on the Union vessel thought a log was floating toward them. Quickly, they realized the “log” was being propelled and battle stations were sounded. Suddenly, there was an explosion and a blinding flash.
What really took place during the submarine attack? Did the southern sailors actually torpedo the northern ship? What happened to both the Hunley and the Housatonic?
Was naval warfare permanently altered by this event? Could scientists today actually discover what had occurred to both ships? If so, what tools did scientists need to comprehend the event?
To find out the answers to these questions, go to the library and check out “Secrets of a Civil War Submarine” by Sally M. Walker.
This book is an excellent work of nonfiction. It will be intriguing to inquisitive students going into junior high school.
There is a wealth of technical information in the book. The second half of the book describes the scientific investigations conducted to solve the many riddles of the H.L Hunley. The amount of detail in the accounts might lead readers to think they are in a laboratory of a television crime show. The photographs and diagrams are quite precise and illustrative.
Fifth through seventh grade readers will appreciate the combination of history and science utilized in this appealing title. Teachers could assign this book for social studies or science class. I hope that you go to the library and check out this interesting book. You will learn a great deal about a Civil War event that altered military warfare. I learned many things about the naval aspects of the Civil War from reading this book. The book is an engaging read, and I hope you have the opportunity to check it out of the library.
The Puritans were the first European settlers of New England. Their faith was derived from the stern and merciless dictates of John Calvin. According to Calvin, God predestined some people for heaven, and others for hell.
This terrible idea was the foundation of the Massachusetts colony. To cope with the fear of damnation, the early colonists needed something to reassure them that they were in the “elect,” or the people chosen by God for paradise. Since no one knew for sure about their fate, the Puritans looked for signs of God’s favor. Worldly success was the most common measure. Another standard was the respect one achieved in early Boston. Certain sins almost surely guaranteed you were not in the elect. Among these, having a child out of wedlock was considered one of the worst. Hawthorne writes one of the greatest novels in American literature about these issues. The name of this famous book is “The Scarlet Letter.”
The story begins with the open denouncement of Hester Pyrnne for having an illegitimate child. She is made to stand with her infant Pearl, in public disgrace for three hours and must forever wear the letter A on her dress. The entire world will then understand that she is an adulteress. The city leaders demand she tell them the name of the man guilty of adultery with her. She refuses. With this, the leaders turn to the brilliant, holy young minister, Rev. Arthur Dimmesdale. The young minister passionately begs Hester to disclose the name of the sinful man. Even the baby turns her little face to hear the kind, pained words of the minister. Despite all of Dimmesdale’s admonitions, Hester refuses to betray her fellow sinner. At the end of the interrogation, Pearl starts wailing.
On the edge of the gathering is an ugly man named Roger Chillingworth. He married Hester years earlier before departing to study medicine in Europe. Much older than Hester, he is a cold man, given to malevolence and revenge. As he listens to Rev. Dimmesdale’s plea to Hester Pyrnne, he develops a plan. He will discover the adulterer and hurt him with the hate that now fills his own heart.
As the denouncement ends, the Puritans look at the fallen woman with scorn, smug in their assurance of their own righteousness. Hester takes her daughter to a poor cottage on the outskirts of town, while the Rev. Arthur Dimmesdale carries a crushed pain within himself. Only Roger Chillingworth appears to have an even disposition. There is a reason for this. If it takes him the rest of his life, Roger will find out who was Hester’s partner and exact an evil revenge.
So what happens? Who is the father of Hester’s child? What does keeping this secret cost the man? How does Hester manage to live in a town that holds her in such a despicable state?
Why do all people need confession and forgiveness? Why is mercy usually more valuable than justice? And finally, what does hating cost a person? To find out the answers to these questions, go to the library and check out this classic book, “The Scarlet Letter” by Nathaniel Hawthorne.
This novel may be one of the greatest literary works demonstrating the need people have to confess their sins and be forgiven. Hawthorne shows how people can suffer when they aren’t honest. He also gives us a riveting example of an act of mercy and forgiveness. The decision to choose evil and the destruction it can cause is also evident in the text.
To really understand the themes in this book, readers need to have some maturity. It is appropriate for upper high school students. I hope you read and encourage others to read this masterpiece. Few books have told the story of revenge and hatred, confession and forgiveness, and love and mercy as well as “The Scarlet Letter.”
Prince Edward Island is a province in eastern Canada. Situated in the gulf of the St. Lawrence Seaway, it is in that part of Canada known as the Maritime Provinces. Since it is completely surrounded by water, Prince Edward Island is somewhat isolated geographically and culturally. Graced with abundant natural beauty, the province is home to one of the most famous series of books ever written by a Canadian. This renowned author is Lucy Maud Montgomery. The beloved character in this series is Anne Shirley. However, she is better known worldwide as Anne of Green Gables.
An orphan stands at the train station in the Bright River station, eight miles from Avonlea. She is a skinny, red-headed, freckled girl. Attired in a nondescript dress, this plain-looking child is waiting for her new family.
An old bachelor, Matthew Cuthbert is coming to fetch an orphan home to the village of Avonlea. He lives on a small farm named Green Gables with his spinster sister, Marilla. Matthew needs a young boy to help him on the farm, and looks forward to seeing the young man at the station. Matthew is a man of few words, and is especially uncomfortable around children, particularly girls.
When he gets to Bright River, the station master introduces him to his new ward, Anne Shirley. He had asked for a boy, not a girl. The station master leaves and Mr. Cuthbert is faced with a decision. Should he take Anne home, or return her to the orphanage?
She is so small and helpless-looking that he decides to take her home to Green Gables. Matthew knows that his loving but sharp-tongued sister will oppose Anne staying. As his ponderous mind works on this problem, Anne asks him many questions about flowers, plants and trees during the ride. Matthew starts to enjoy Anne’s chattering, friendly personality. She tell him about her imagination. He slowly tries to think about this imaginary world as Anne prattles on. Soon they are back in Avonlea. As he drives the horses up to Green Gables, he sees Marilla. She never encouraged Matthew to adopt a boy, and with a stunned manner looks at Anne. She tells Matthew that Anne cannot stay. Anne is crushed by this rejection, and Matthew tries to think of what must be done to convince his sister to adopt Anne.
What plan does Matthew develop to keep Anne? How does imagination play into this decision? Can a lonely little girl bring warmth into the hearts of two middle-aged people? What about Anne makes her so attractive? Does her imagination ever get her into trouble? How does the commonsense of Marilla and the genuine goodness of Matthew cement their bonds? Why have readers worldwide found Anne of Green Gables to be one of the most attractive personalities in children’s literature? To find out, go to the library and check out “Anne of Green Gables” by Lucy Maud Montgomery.
“Anne of Green Gables” launched a famous literary career for Lucy Montgomery. In many ways, Montgomery resembled Anne. Her mother had died when she was young, and she was raised by her grandparents. She was lonely as a child and escaped into a world of imagination. She became a teacher and later a writer. The pluck and honesty of Anne Shirley has endeared her to generations of readers. The conversations in the novel are funny and refreshing. I hope you go to the library and check out this delightful book. It gave me a pleasant day of reading, and I think you will like it as well. Enjoy!
Talking animals have long been a staple of fantasy in children’s literature. Frequently, these animals are accompanied by toys that can talk and relate to human experience. Through the adventures of these characters, children can learn important life lessons about the value of truthfulness and honesty.
When the writing is witty and entertaining, youngsters learn these moral messages naturally. By seeing the consequences bad decisions have on the lives of the characters in the story, children can learn to make better choices. One particularly famous fantasy about these topics was written in 1883 by Carlo Collodi. The name of this story is “Pinocchio: The Story of a Puppet.”
The story begins when an old wood carver, Geppetto, fashions a piece of wood into a puppet. He names the puppet Pinocchio and looks on the toy as his own son. But immediately, Pinocchio begins playing tricks on his father. He steals his wig and then runs away. As Geppetto vainly tries to catch up with the lively puppet, he despairs of ever catching him.
After much effort, he finds Pinocchio, but then the marionette cleverly outwits the wood carver and the police. So instead of Pinocchio being punished for his disobedience, the police arrest Geppetto and throw the old man into jail. Unperturbed by these events, Pinocchio continues to follow his own will and do whatever comes into his head. A good fairy tries to help the wandering puppet, but Pinocchio is in no mood to change his behavior.
As he continues his misadventures, Pinocchio meets some unsavory characters. He continues to get into serious scrapes, and is badly injured. In his pain, he begins to think of someone other than himself for the first time. Remembering the kindness of his father, the puppet begins having remorse.
As Pinocchio starts to recover from his injuries, he attempts to discipline himself by going to school. His studies begin to go well, but then one classmate tempts him into another act of defiance. Why work hard in school, and fill your head with knowledge when you can go away to a land of self indulgence? His slothful friend tells him of the fanciful land of Boobies, where boys can play all day long, and never have to study or obey. Pinocchio realizes that fleeing to this fantasy land is a bad decision and will hurt people, but he decides to go anyway. The land of Boobies seems too good to be true.
What happens to the puppet because of this choice? Who is injured with burned legs and long ears? What happens to Pinocchio’s nose when he tries to lie his way out of situations? Why do the puppet’s bad decisions continue to harm him?
What does it take to get someone to learn what is really important in life? When does Pinocchio finally learn this important message? To find out, go to the library and check out “Pinocchio: The Story of a Puppet.”
This classic story has been made into a movie by Walt Disney. Unfortunately, the movie somewhat sanitized Collodi’s message of moral responsibility. The decisions made by Pinocchio and their consequences are quite stark in the novel. Though the fanciful situations will be enjoyable for children, they will not fail to miss the meaning of the author.
This is a valuable book that has withstood the test of time. I hope you encourage your child or grandchild to read this book. It both instructs and delights, which is the best type of children’s book.
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2003, 40 pages, Grades 9-12.The use of “discarded” human beings as “precious tools” for the benefit of other humans is exactly what happens when man transgresses (e.g. in vitro fertilization) into God’s domain as the Author of Life.
Poetry is one of the most difficult forms of literature to write. It is also complicated to understand. The reason for this is that poetry can convey deep and profound thoughts in very few words. Serious poetry frequently uses delicate imagery and subtle language. Readers must be willing to enter the world created by the poet to understand the importance of his message. Though many have tried to write poetry, few have ever excelled in the genre. Fewer still have been successful in conveying the spiritual depth of the Christian faith. But in addition to all of his other accomplishments, Pope John Paul II was one such a poet. One of his masterpieces is the three part poetic study named the “Roman Triptych: Meditations.”
As the Book of Genesis tells us, creation starts with God hovering over the waters. With this idea, the Holy Father begins by meditating on a stream. As the water flows down the mountainside, he thinks about what the stream is telling him. The pope senses that only man is capable of wonder. This desire can lead to a prayerful search for the Divine. The water continues to tumble down the hillside and Pope John Paul II wants to encounter the Source. But the Source doesn’t readily tell its identity, and the Holy Father meets with silence. To further his encounter with the water, he tastes the cold liquid with his lips. He feels the life giving splendor of the water, and knows that he is beginning to touch the Eternal Word.
In the next meditation, Pope John Paul II sits in front of the Sistine Chapel and ponders the spectacular beauty of Michelangelo’s creation. The Holy Father sees the Creation panel on the ceiling, and the immensely powerful painting of the Last Judgment. The Pope knows that God is a loving God and that the created world is good. Though tarnished by sin, Michelangelo shows God reaching to man and giving him new life. As the pope realizes, this painting predates the Incarnation. It is therefore pre-sacramental. But like the water in the first meditation, the figures are already moving to Our Lord.
The final set of meditations concern Abraham and Isaac on the hill in the land of Moriah. Abraham hears and follows God. The Voice that kept calling to Abraham is the Eternal One. By listening to this Voice and obeying, Abraham becomes the Father of All Nations. This act led to the First Covenant between God and Abraham. It is the first human response to begin setting the stage for the birth of Son of God in Bethlehem.
The Roman Triptych is a remarkable set of poems and meditations. Filled with the search for God, with the loving encounter with the Lord and the beauty of the journey to the Eternal Word, Pope John Paul II has written a magnificent book. As with all poetry, this book must be read slowly. The richness of the pope’s thought and the beauty of his encounter with God needs to be pondered at some length. But the marvelous insights of Pope John Paul II make this a fruitful experience. I hope you take the opportunity to read this wonderful book.
The Midwestern part of the USA is known as the Corn Belt. These states stretch from Ohio to Nebraska. On the fertile plains of the Midwest corn is grown in large quantities. Naturally blessed by God with abundant rain and sunshine, the Corn Belt states grow millions of tons of corn each year. This valuable food is processed into many products necessary in today’s society. Gail Gibbons has written an interesting and informative book about the history, planting, harvesting and processing of this important food product.
Corn was planted and harvested in the Americas long before the European encounter with the New World. In Mexico, corn played an important role in Aztec and Mayan society. Called maize, by the Aztecs and Mayans, corn eventually began to be grown in New England. When the Pilgrims came to Massachusetts, Indians in the area taught the settlers the value of this product. Soon, corn reached Europe and began to be grown throughout the continent.
The author describes the four basic varieties of corn.
These are sweet corn, popcorn, flint corn and dent corn. Gibbons shows the agricultural cycle of planting and harvesting corn in this colorful book. We see farmers planting the grain. The corn plant is described in detail. The pollination process is drawn in an accurate and appealing manner. The role of corn silk in the fertilization cycle is illustrated. The height of the average corn plant is now about eight feet tall. The various methods of harvesting corn are also shown. Corn has so many uses in today’s society that people take them for granted. But everything from glue, to syrup, to soap, to medicine and even ethanol comes from this valuable plant. Additionally, many of the states in the Corn Belt rely on corn for tax revenue.
So why does popcorn pop? How many kernels of corn does an average ear contain? Have you ever picked corn? What is Indian corn? Is all corn yellow? Why can delicious corn chips be blue? Have you ever slathered butter on freshly cooked sweet corn? What did it taste like? What other fun things are there to know about this wonderful product? To find out the answers to these questions, go to the library and check out “Corn” by Gail Gibbons.
The drawings in this book are delightful to behold. Children will be drawn to the simplistic, enjoyable art in the text. Gail Gibbons is one of the foremost authors of nonfiction for younger children. She uses accurate information in her stories, and presents the material in an appealing manner. The bright colors and easy to understand science makes her books very useful for children in younger grades. I might add, that most adults will know more about the varieties, and uses of corn than they ever suspected after reading this book. This book can’t be beat for an introduction to one of the most nutritious and valuable foods in the world. I had a great time reading it and think that you and your family will like it as well. So I hope you go to the library and check out this engaging title. Enjoy!
Occasionally the best laid plans and intentions are undone. This breakdown is not always due to ill will or bad planning. Sometimes a leader can have the desire to do good and even attempt to achieve a virtuous goal and still fail. An example of such a failed ruler is King George III of Great Britain at the time of the American Revolution. George III wants to be a good leader. The policies that he creates make sense to him. Surely the American colonies will see his modest taxation plans as beneficial and support the policies. When the Americans revolt against his government, the King is vexed. Why don’t those troublesome Americans just behave? Jean Fritz has written a humorous, informative biography of King George III and his American subjects. The name of this work is “Can’t You Make Them Behave, King George?”
As a young boy, George trains to be the next king. His mother teaches him to be orderly, moral, frugal, honest and punctual. These traits form the young boy. He carefully studies and lives an honest, virtuous life. George refuses to spend money foolishly, and lives a very simple life style. After he becomes King of Great Britain, a number of serious issues arise. The most important is the length and cost of the French and Indian War in North America. This war lasts from 1754-1763. Although the war ends with Britain and its American colonies defeating the French, the costs of the victory are enormous. Since the King is orderly and frugal, he decides that the Americans should help pay the war debt. The British Government begins imposing a series of taxes on the colonies to service this debt. Unfortunately, George III does not feel that he needs to consult with the Americans on their view of his tax project. The war has been costly for the Americans as well, and these new taxes seemed designed to keep the colonies in perpetual adolescence. These unruly Americans appear to be very disobedient children to George III. Why should they object to a few taxes? After all, he is their benevolent father. When the Americans dump all the tea he had allowed to come to Boston in the harbor, he becomes furious. The King decides to show those colonists a thing or two. He will give them a good punch in the nose. After that, they will learn to obey.
What actions did George III take during the American Revolution? Why didn’t the colonists give up after the fall of Philadelphia and New York? Why do these Americans continue to misunderstand and disobey his good plans and intentions? After all, a father should always make his children obey. These Americans were going to learn this important point or else get a bloody nose. How does all this turn out for King George III? To find out, go to the library and check out this well written, funny biography, “Can’t You Make Them Behave, King George?” by Jean Fritz.
Jean Fritz is a prolific writer of children’s literature. She has written historical fiction and historical biographies. Her writing is entertaining and informative. In this biography, she cleverly takes the point of view of George III. From the King’s viewpoint, the Americans are ungrateful and parsimonious. Since they are colonists, it is necessary for a king to take care of them. Otherwise, they will make bad decisions and spend money foolishly. By examining the American Revolution from George III’s side, Fritz makes the reasons for the Revolution more obvious. The Colonies are growing up, and the King wants them to remain in infancy. They want to manage their own affairs, but George III doesn’t see how this can ever be possible. Rather than a traditionally violent revolution, Fritz views the American Revolution more as a country growing into adulthood and away from its parent. But since King George III wants to remain the benevolent father of the colonies, friction is unavoidable. This book is a fun read. I hope you go to the library and check it out. Enjoy!
When young children begin exploring the world, everything is new and exciting. They often use the senses of touch and vision to learn about their physical surroundings.
As they continue to grow older, children will begin using their imagination. This allows them to perceive differences and understand their environment. Sometimes they will develop make-believe friends and at other times create fantastical worlds. This use of imagination is to be encouraged as it allows young children to “try out” different experiences.
One author understanding the value of this part of early childhood development is Don Freeman. The lovely book he has written on imaginary exploration is entitled “A Rainbow Of My Own.”
A young boy looks out of his window. It has been raining, and there is little to do. Suddenly, he sees beautiful colors forming in the sky. These colors come together magically to create a rainbow.
Enchanted, the boy puts on his raincoat and tries to catch the splendid rays of light. Running over a number of hills, he can almost touch the stunning glow. But each time he reaches out to catch the rainbow, the colors disappear.
This puzzles the child. Where did the rainbow go? Why can’t he catch the elusive tints?
He is frustrated by the disappearance of the gorgeous rays and begins mentally creating a rainbow in his mind. Soon a burst of colors exist for the boy. The colors are vivid and beautiful. He and the rainbow start running together over hills and across fields. They play games together and soon happiness and joy surround them.
But the pleasant games soon begins to end. The little boy so wants the rainbow to stay and continue to play with him. But as he looks up, he realizes his dream has changed. He sees that he is actually not far from his own house. But something unusual is beginning to happen in his home and another adventure seems possible.
What takes place next? Does the young boy finally catch the rainbow?
Is chasing after a rainbow a futile waste of time, or is the experience of seeking beauty its own reward? Have you ever pursued a far-off dream or an imaginary goal with enthusiasm? What did the quest do for you? What does this desire do for the child in this story?
To discover the answers to these questions, go to the library and check out “A Rainbow Of My Own” by Don Freeman.
This book has captivated preschool children since its publication in 1966. If you read this book out loud with a young child, you will find yourself wanting the boy to catch the rainbow. You will enjoy the whimsical games he plays with the rainbow as much as he does.
Freeman uses warm and comforting colors throughout the book to support the boy during his adventures. Children will be drawn to the pleasant scenes and freedom the author creates. These illustrations will assure youngsters that imaginary exploration is good and desirable. They will be pleased with the satisfying conclusion in the book.
I hope you take the time to go to the library and check out this fine title. It is a wonderful picture book to share with those you love. Enjoy!
The Grimm Brothers have collected some of the most famous fairy tales known. Among these are the stories of Hansel and Gretel, Rumpelstiltskin, and the sisters Snow White and Rose Red.
Fairy tales are meant to tell the value of choosing virtuously or being justly punished for acting evilly. They are powerful tools to instruct children in right living. Any attempt, as is often done in current times, to excuse selfish or hateful actions is antithetical to the motif underlying fairy tales. They are meant to teach virtue based on universal ideas. The famous fairy tale of Snow White and Rose Red is an example of this. Regina Doman has written a powerful retelling of this fairy tale in modern-day New York City. She has entitled the book, "The Shadow of the Bear: A Fairy Tale Retold."
Blanche and Rose Brier have resettled in New York City shortly after the death of their father. Blanche has creamy white skin and is quiet and dark-haired.Reflective to a fault, Blanche rarely does anything spontaneously.
Rose is quite different. Red-haired and vivacious, with a beautiful flushed complexion, Rose acts impetuously at times. On a snowy, bitterly cold night, their mother comes home after working as a nurse in a local hospital. A car narrowly misses running over Mrs. Brier in front of her house. She is saved when a powerfully built young man pushes her out of the way of the careening car. Mrs. Brier invites her young rescuer into their apartment. When asked his name, the young man responds that his name is Bear. There is an air of mystery about Bear, because though he seems kind, he appears to be hiding some deep and painful secret.
At the Catholic high school the girls attend, they hear of a horrible tale in which a priest was murdered in the old church next to the school. A holy, old nun at the high school confirms this story to Blanche. Days later, Bear takes Blanche to the old, decrepit church. The church had once been majestic, but has fallen into ruin. Bear is stricken with a painful agony as he nears the sanctuary. Blanche looks down and sees what appear to be blood stains in front of the altar rail. A great evil begins to surround them, and Blanche senses that some terrible act has happened in the church.
What would make anyone want to kill a priest? What has happened to the valuable ornaments and decorations in the church? How do Blanche and Rose become involved in this deadly contest?
Who is Bear? Why do the girls keep getting protected in times of danger? What does the killer really want? How do faith, courage and a willingness to sacrifice your life for your neighbor enable good to triumph over evil? To find out the answers to these questions, go to the library and check out this compelling novel, "The Shadow of the Bear" by Regina Doman.
This is one of the finest Catholic novels I have read in a long time. The plot will grip readers. However, there are several chilling, frightening scenes at the climax that require a certain maturity. For this reason, I don’t think the book is appropriate for students not yet in high school.
But the faith of the Brier sisters, and the strength, love and courage of Bear are deeply edifying. They are committed to their Catholic Faith. Their heroic choices made in moments of starkest vulnerability will bring fire into your heart and tears to your eyes. Doman’s writing makes you want to hurl yourself into the arms of Christ.
Simply a religious tour de force, Doman has created a great work. I hope you take the time to read this powerful, modern day fairy tale of good triumphing over evil.
Poetry is a complex form of literature. In a unique way, poetry is able to capture and describe some of the deepest feelings and thoughts of people.
Unfortunately, the very strength of poetry is sometimes the reason students find it to be dense and unappealing. To avoid these problems, younger children are often taught rhyming, melodic poetry. In this type of poetry, children can hear the music and meter of the writing. This allows them to enter into the world being described with joy and adventure. Many beginning poetry books will combine photographs or illustrations with the text to help students understand the meaning of the poems. A wonderful example of this type of book is "Count Me A Rhyme: Animal Poems by the Numbers." The author of this fine title is Jane Yolen, and the accompanying photographs are the work of Jason Stemple.
Yolen begins with a picture of a lone elk, and a poem starting with the delightful cadence of: "One, Single, Solo, Me, The Only One That I can See." Beside the poem are sidebars filled with information. In addition to the number being displayed, the Roman Numeral for each number is given as well. Synonyms are placed throughout the background to develop vocabulary and enhance interest. This combination of photography and writing allows students to see that there are many ways to understand the number one, and to be able to describe a singular item. Yolen writes in such a fluid style that students will soon be clapping their hands to the rhythm and time of each poem.
With each additional number, the poet adds new ideas that relate to music or mathematics. The animals in the pictures quickly draw students into the poem. Beside the number four, we see four slow snails crawling up a reed. The word "quartet" is carefully placed under the poem to develop understanding. The connection with music is implicitly made.
The number six begins teaching students mathematical terms such as "hexagon." The pictures at times are funny, and the text leads to laughter. The book tells us that the "seven turtles on the go are slow, s l o o o w." The turtles look so homely that they become loveable.
Yolen continues through the number 10 and beyond. One of the numbers is written in Japanese Haiku poetry.
At the conclusion of the book, the poet introduces students to the idea of infinity. How many grains of sand are there on a beach, and how many stars can be in the sky? The enchanting pictures and satisfying poems will encourage children to begin seeking these answers.
Jane Yolen is a prolific writer of novels and picture books. Her writing has entertained and informed children for many years.
It is not easy to take a simple subject such as counting from one through 10 and make it an experience in vocabulary, music and mathematics. But Yolen has accomplished this task throughout this humorous, delightful, educational picture book. She skillfully guides young readers through this endeavor, and encourages children to imagine and learn about the physical world.
I hope you read this book with the children you love. It will give you as much pleasure as it gives the children. Enjoy!
The American Colonies were developed for many reasons. First, Great Britain desired to build an overseas economic empire. Second, many settled in the Americas to start a new life.
Finally, others came to North America to escape religious persecution. The most famous people in this last group were the Pilgrims or Separatists. Refusing to accept the Anglican Church of England, these dissenters left England and settled in Holland. After 12 years of barely getting along, 37 Pilgrims decided to migrate to the New World.
Not having enough Separatists to pay for the trip, they were joined by 65 others, called "strangers." Together they embarked on the ship named The Mayflower on July 21, 1620. For 66 storm-tossed days, they were hurled across the Atlantic Ocean.
Finally, at long last, the 102 weary travelers, many having been sea sick, sight Cape Cod (Mass.). This book tells the story of their first year in North America.
Soon after landing, the Pilgrim leader Miles Standish leads a group of colonists near present day Provincetown, Mass. To their surprise, they find a supply of corn on the rocky shoreline. Thanking God for this wonderful discovery, the Separatists are reprieved from the force of a New England winter with little food.
Unbeknownst to them, the corn belongs to the local Native American Tribe named the Wampanoag. Two years before, an epidemic swept through New England killing many Wampanoag and other Indian peoples. This leaves much land cleared for agriculture and depopulated.
One Wampanoag is named Squanto. Years before he had been captured twice by the English. Having learned English during his captivity, Squanto returns to Massachusetts as a guide for an English party in 1619. Squanto returns to his village only to find everyone is dead from the dreaded epidemic.
Fortunately for the Pilgrims, Squanto soon meets the members of the colony. He translates a peace accord between the colonists and the Wampanoag. This allows the fledgling colony to live in peace during its first year.
By April 1621, only 52 members of the original 102 have survived the first brutal winter. With the help of Squanto and other Wampanoag, the Pilgrims begin planting their first crop in the rocky soil of New England.
Why are the Pilgrims able to raise such a bountiful harvest? What crops can grow in this terrain? Does the peace treaty continue between the Wampanoag and the colonists? Have you ever done something that required great fortitude? Did anyone help you in this difficult journey?
What drives the Pilgrims to work so hard to make the Massachusetts Colony succeed? Why are they successful? What happens to the Wampanoag? To find out, go to the library and check out "The First Thanksgiving," by Andrew Santella.
This historical study is a book from the Cornerstones of Freedom series. It is highly readable and filled with interesting facts and illustrations. Santella presents the viewpoints of both the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag during the development of the Massachusetts Colony. He gives a history of the initial Thanksgiving meal, and how it came to be part of the culture of the United States.
At the end of the book, the author gives a glossary of terms and a timeline of events. This book is excellent for social studies classes from third to fifth grade. Students will like the illustrations and learn a great deal of history about the founding of the American Colonies. The book is well written, interesting and informative. I hope you like this book and learn about the many valuable topics discussed. Enjoy!
In 1861, the Civil War rent the United States. Abraham Lincoln, the president, felt that the unity of the nation was the important issue at the beginning of the conflict.
This can be seen in the famous Emancipation Proclamation. Only slaves in the rebelling states are freed. None of the slaves in the four border states; Delaware, Maryland, Kentucky and Missouri are released from bondage. Lincoln knows for the North to win the war, these four states can’t secede and join the Confederacy.
In Kentucky, the situation is particularly delicate for Lincoln. If he forces the issue of slavery, Kentucky might secede. But as the war progresses, he faces the problem of Northern troops occupying a state that still allows slavery. This was a confusing and cruel time for slaves in Kentucky. Were they free, or were they still slaves? Alison Hart captures this painful predicament in an exciting novel about horses, freedom and the Civil War.
On many farms, slaves were the primary trainers and jockeys of the famous Kentucky thoroughbred horses. This talent gives them a small amount of power. But how should this slim branch be used? If they try to escape, the slaves know their families will be persecuted. Should they boldly try to flee or simply wait for the Northern armies to set them free? There are no easy answers.
Master Giles is an Englishman living on a Kentucky horse farm. Though not cruel, Giles uses slavery to further his economic self interests. To avoid being attacked by Southern raiders, or Northern cavalry, he flies the flag of Great Britain at his farm. His prize horses are trained by a talented free black man named Isaac Alexander. His son Gabriel studies his father at work, and quickly becomes an expert on horses. Though both he and his mother are still slaves, the youth dreams of becoming a jockey, winning a number of races and buying his way out of slavery.
During the horse racing season, Giles takes his training crew and a number of horses to the track in Lexington. Before arriving in Lexington, they encounter a band of Southern raiders. Considered heroes by some and vicious thieves by others, these irregulars terrify the locals because they often shoot first and ask questions later. Through bribery and deception, Giles tricks the guerrillas and saves his horses. But he knows this good luck could end at anytime with the guerrillas returning and stealing his horses.
Soon after this incident, the Giles party arrives in Lexington. Isaac and Gabriel take the thoroughbreds to the race track, and eagerly await the race the next day. On race day the excitement mounts as the horses line up at the start. Isaac and Gabriel strain for a better look as a drumbeat sends all the horses off to a pounding start.
Who wins the race? Can Isaac buy his wife’s freedom from Master Giles? Gabriel still needs $300 to become free. How can a young boy raise that amount of money? As the Northern army controls more of Kentucky, what happens to the slaves? Do the southern raiders return to steal the horses? Who tries to kill Gabriel while he rides wildly through the woods? What is the cost of freedom? To find out, go to the library and check out "Gabriel’s Horses" by Alison Hart.
The book is fast-paced and exciting. Hart shows the flaws and strengths of each character and examines a number of interpretations of freedom. However, one problem for me is the use of politically-correct language that tends to diminish the evil of slavery. The practice of slavery caused a terrible ordeal in the United States, and politically-correct language can minimize the horror of this system. But the portrayal of the black family is poignant and inspiring, and with Gabriel’s decisions, are totally believable. This story has a great deal of action and adventure and will be eagerly read by upper elementary school students. I hope you get a chance to encourage your child to read this fine book. It is an exciting novel. Enjoy!
In 1620, the Pilgrims land near present-day Plymouth, Mass. Fleeing from Europe due to religious persecution, the Pilgrims seek to build a new community and freely worship God in North America.
Though the landing in Massachusetts is somewhat accidental, the early colonists work hard to make a home at Plymouth Plantation, the name of the new settlement. It is a primitive world by modern standards, and one that requires backbreaking work from dawn to dusk.
People in the 21st century will have a hard time imagining what the colony might have looked like, and how the Pilgrims lived. This interesting book helps contemporary readers by describing the modern day reconstruction of Plymouth Plantation. All the homes, buildings and inhabitants photographed in the text closely resemble the early town and settlers.
The main character in the book is based on the life of Sarah Morton, an actual resident of the original 1620 community. She is played by a young girl acting out Sarah’s life as a 17th century Pilgrim. Dressed in clothing from the period, and speaking in the language of early New England, the current-day "Sarah" leads readers through the daily life, work and routine of the colony.
Rising at sunup, Sarah begins to get dressed. Over her night smock, she first puts on a petticoat. Then she pulls on her stockings and ties garters around the top of the stockings to keep them from falling. Next, Sarah puts on two more petticoats, a waistcoat, and a coif (cap) for her hair. Not yet finished, the young girl next ties her apron around the three petticoats. Finally, she attaches a pocket (a sack for holding things) to her apron, and then finishes dressing by tying her shoes.
Rolling up her bedding, the girl proceeds to the barn to begin milking the goats. After milking, and helping her mother make breakfast, Sarah industriously turns over the mulch in the garden to improve the soil for next year’s planting. By 10 a.m., both mother and daughter are busy churning butter and pounding spices. Time can’t be wasted because before noon, corn bread must be baked, a goose cooked and the table set for dinner.
Knowing that the idle mind is the devil’s workshop, Sarah and other Pilgrim children continue to polish pots, work at the plantation, and study the alphabet throughout the afternoon. Amazingly, Sarah’s father has insisted that the young girl learn to read. Because of this, Sarah carefully traces the letters of the alphabet on a slate, and begins dreaming of the day when she can read a letter from their relatives in England.
But we have only reached mid-afternoon. What else does Sarah do during the rest of the day? What games does she play? How long does it take Sarah to prepare for bed? Given the grinding amount of work required each day, do the Pilgrims seem to be enjoying their lives? Would you like to be a Pilgrim? Would you like to live in 17th century Massachusetts? To find out, go to the library and check out this appealing book, "Sarah Morton’s Day: A Day in the Life of a Pilgrim Girl" by Kate Waters.
This book will be of high interest to students in grades 2-4. The amount of work Sarah does each day will flabbergast modern day children. The period clothing and 17th century English will draw students into the book.
One thing that will surprise modern children is the lack of complaining by Pilgrim youngsters. These hardy souls expected to work from sunup to sundown. The modern-day concept of leisure would be as foreign to them as a Roman war galley would be to us.
Waters has written a fine account of Plymouth Plantation and the photographs give readers a glimpse into life as it might have existed in 17th century Massachusetts. I hope you encourage your family members to read this excellent account of colonial life. Enjoy!
Holidays are times of joy and remembrance throughout the world. These celebrations mark important events within a culture, and are often marked by dancing, song and special meals. Germanic people have used Christmas trees and Father Winter (sometimes called Santa Claus) to mark the beginning of the Christmas season. In Latin American culture, the Christmas celebrations are marked by special foods, songs and remembrances from the Bible. From December 15 through December 23, children nightly reenact St. Luke’s beautiful story of St. Joseph and the Blessed Virgin arriving in Bethlehem. None of Bethlehem’s inns, or las posadas in Spanish, has room for the Holy Family. St. Joseph’s frantic search for a room out of the cold for Mary is the central theme of the nine day celebration.
Each night of the celebration, children dress up to play different parts in St. Luke’s biblical account. A procession of peregrinos (pilgrims) will accompany the Holy Family on their quest to find lodging. This group will be outside each night for the nine day play. In the outside group, one boy will be attired as St. Joseph and will lead a young girl dressed as his beloved spouse, Mary, into Bethlehem. The party moves each night to a new house that represents an inn or posada. The family owning the house will act like the inn keepers and refuse admittance. The parents and children inside the posada will sing back responses to the requests of the peregrinos in the La Cancion de Las Posadas (The Song of Las Posadas.) The inn keepers do not want to help the Holy Family, and repeatedly reject St. Joseph’s request. In the song St. Joseph is told "Leave, go away, and do not rob us of our dreams and of our sleep." But St. Joseph and the other peregrinos keep asking for help until the inn keepers finally agree to give assistance. The inn keepers then sing to the Blessed Mother: "Enter, beautiful maiden, You and your spouse, We offer it to you humbly, This is your house." With these closing verses of the song the Holy Family is welcomed into the posada.
The author captures the deep religious devotion of Latin American people in this book. The photographs of the religious processions show the love of God and the tenderness towards the Blessed Virgin that exists in Mexican American society. Goldsmith specifically mentions the recitation of the rosary by families during Las Posadas. The actual pageant of going from house to house is a teaching opportunity for the church. By dressing up as St. Joseph and the Blessed Mother, the children learn about the parents of Jesus, and the setting of St. Luke’s Gospel. The numerous cultural aspects of this celebration are also not overlooked by the writer. The recipe for Biscochitos (sugar cookies) is listed, and mouth watering photographs of tamales and other foods are shown. The music and fiestas mentioned throughout this nine day celebration are joyful and uplifting.
Las Posadas is both a religious and a cultural event in Latin America. Many North Americans have little knowledge of this beautiful Christmas celebration and this book is an excellent introduction to Las Posadas. At Our Lord’s birth in Bethlehem, a wooden manger held what the world could not hold. So open your hearts to the Holy Family. You never know what might happen. If a group of peregrinos suddenly begins singing outside your house in the next few weeks, give the final answer of the inn keepers: "Entra, bella nina…Esta es vuestra casa (Enter, beautiful maiden…This is your house.) I hope you enjoy this beautiful book. Merry Christmas!!
Buying books for your children, grandchildren, nephews and nieces is one of the most pleasant Christmas activities of the season. Below is a list of books that have been reviewed in the last weeks of 2009 and all of 2010. I hope that this list will give some ideas for Christmas presents. It has been an honor to have written these book talks for the Southern Nebraska Register. Thanks for the book recommendations and encouragement you have given me. I hope that you and your family have a Merry Christmas.
1. Carle, Eric. Dream Snow. Philomel Books, New York, 2000, 32 pages, Preschool.
2. Demi. Jesus. Margaret K. McElderry Books, New York, 2005, 32 pages, Grades 3-5.
3. Spirin, Gennady. We Three Kings. Atheneum Books for Young Readers. New York, 2007, 32 pages, K-3.
4. Dodge, Mary Mapes. Hans Brinker or, The Silver Skates. The World Publishing Company, New York, 1865, 335 pages, Grades 4-6.
5. Kipling, Rudyard. Illustrated by Pinkney, Jerry. The Jungle Book. William Morrow and Company, New York, 1995, 258 pages, Grades 4-7.
6. dePaola, Tomie. The Miracles of Jesus. Holiday House, New York, 32 pages, 1987, K-3.
7. Marchione, Sister Margherita. Man of Peace: Pope Pius XII. Paulist Press, Mahwah, New Jersey, 2003, 76 pages, Grades 7-9.
8. Byars, Betsy. Illustrated by CoConis, Ted. The Summer of the Swans. Puffin Books, New York, 1970, 142 pages, Grades 4-6.
9. Myers, Walter Dean. Illustrated by Jenkins, Leonard. I’ve Seen the Promised Land: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Harper Collins Publishers, Published in China, 2004, 32 pages, Grades 1-3.
10. Shange, Ntozake. Paintings by Nelson, Kadir. Coretta Scott. Amistad, an Imprint of Harper-Collins, 2009, 32 pages, Grades 1-3.
11. Weidt, Maryann N, Illustrated by Maguire, Kerry. Oh, the Places He Went: A Story about Dr. Seuss. Carolrhoda Books, Minneapolis, 1994, 64 pages, Grades 4-5.
12. Henry, Marguerite. Justin Morgan Had a Horse. Rand McNally & Company, New York, 1954, 170 pages, Grades 4-6.
13. Imbriaco, Alison. The Whooping Crane. Enslow Publishers, Inc. Berkeley Heights, New Jersey, 2006, 128 pages, Grades 5-7.
14. George, Jean Craighead. Paintings by Minor, Wendell. Luck. Harper Collins, New York, 2006, 32 pages, Grades 1-3.
15. The Last Supper and Passion Account by St. John. Chapters 13-20. The Holy Bible: Revised Standard Version, Second Catholic Edition. Ignatius Press, San Francisco, 1946, reprinted in 2006.
16. Murphy, Frank. Illustrated by Walz, Richard. Babe Ruth Saves Baseball! Random House, New York, 2005, 48 pages, Grades 2-4.
17. Shriver, Maria. Illustrated by Sandra Speidel. What’s Happening to Grandpa? Little, Brown and Company, Boston, 2004, 48 pages, Grades 1-3.
18. Kelly, Matthew. Illustrated by Mitchell, Hazel. Why am I Here? A Story about Becoming the Best Version of Yourself. Beacon Publishing, 2010, 50 pages, K-3.
19. Bartoletti, Susan Campbell. Black Potatoes: The Story of the Great Irish Famine, 1845-1850. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, 2001, 184 pages, Grades 5-8.
20. Walker, Sally M. Secrets of a Civil War Submarine: Solving The Mysteries Of The H.L. Hunley. Carolrhoda Books, Inc., Minneapolis, 2005, 112 pages, Grades 5-7.
21. Hawthorne, Nathaniel. The Scarlet Letter. Easton Press, Norwalk, Connecticut, 1850, republished in 1975, 223 pages, Grades 10 and higher.
22. Montgomery, Lucy Maud. Anne of Green Gables, Three Volumes in One. Avenel Books, New York, 1908, republished in 1985, 241 pages, Grades 6-8.
23. Collodi, Carlo. Pinocchio: The Story of a Puppet. Grosset & Dunlap, New York, published in 1883, 236 pages, Grades 4-6.
24. Pope John Paul II. Translated by Peterkiewicz, Jerzy. The Poetry of John Paul II: Roman Triptych: Meditations. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2003, 40 pages, Grades 9-12.
25. Borden, Louise. Illustrated by Michael Foreman. The Little Ships: The Heroic Rescue at Dunkirk in World War II. Margaret K. McElderry Books, New York, 1997, 30 pages, Grades 2-4.
26. Gibbons, Gail. Corn. Holiday House, New York, 2008, 32 pages, Grades 1-3.
27. Wilder, Thornton. The Bridge of San Luis Rey. Harper Collins, New York, 1998, reprint of 1927 original. 131 pages, Grades 10 and higher.
28. Rylant, Cynthia. Karas, G. Brian, Illustrator. The High-Rise Private Eyes: The Case of the Baffled Bear. Greenwillow, published in China, 2004, Grades 2-3, 48 pages.
29. Polacco, Patricia. Thank You, Mr. Falker. Philomel Books, New York, 1998, 32 pages, Reading Level: Gr. 1-3, Application Level: Elementary School.
30. Suess, Doctor. Green Eggs and Ham. Random House, New York, 62 pages, 1960, K-2.
31. Scieszka, Jon. Illustrated by Smith, Lane. The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs. Viking Press, New York, 1989, 32 pages, Grades 1-3.
32. Chesterton, G.K. Father Brown Crime Stories: Twenty-Four Short Mysteries. Avenel Books, New York, 1990, (first published in two volumes in the early 1900’s) 652 pages, Grades 10 and above.
33. Johnson, Crockett. Harold and the Purple Crayon. HarperCollins, New York, 1955, 63 pages, Preschool-Grade 2.
34. De Paola, Tomie. Strega Nona’s Harvest. Putnam’s Sons, New York, 2009, 32 pages, K-3.
35. Fritz, Jean, illustrated by de Paola, Tomie. Can’t You Make Them Behave, King George? G.P. Putnam’s Sons, New York, 1977, 48 pages, Grades 3-5.
36. Freeman, Don. A Rainbow of My Own. Puffin Books, New York, 1966, 32 pages, Preschool.
37. Doman, Regina. The Shadow of the Bear: A Fairy Tale Retold. Chesterton Press, Front Royal, Virginia, 1997, 207 pages, Grades 9 and older.
38. Yolen, Jane. Photographs by Jason Stemple. Count Me A Rhyme: Animal Poems by the Numbers. Boyds Mills Press, Honesdale, Pennsylvania, 2006, 32 pages, Grades 2-3.
39. Santella, Andrew. The First Thanksgiving. Children’s Press, New York, 2003, 48 pages, Grades 3-5.
40. Hart, Alison. Gabriel’s Horses. Peachtree Publishers, Atlanta, Georgia, 2007, 161 pages, Grades 5-7.
41. Waters, Kate, Photographs by Kendall, Russ. Sarah Morton’s Day: A Day in the Life of a Pilgrim Girl. Scholastic Inc., New York, 1989, 32 pages, Grades 2-4.
42. Goldsmith, Diana. Photographs by Migdale, Lawrence. Las Posadas: An Hispanic Christmas Celebration. Holiday House, New York, 1999, 32 pages, Grades 3-5.
Apocalyptic literature describes the disasters, wars and catastrophes before the end of the world. The final book of the Bible, written by St. John, is called the Book of the Apocalypse or the Book of Revelation. St. John uses commanding images and creatures such as dragons to convey his message. The End Times have been a matter of considerable debate in the last ten years with the turning of the millennium and the supposed prophesies of the Mayan Calendar. In the early 20th century, the distinguished Catholic writer Msgr. Robert Benson wrote a powerful work of literature concerning these matters. The title of this compelling book is "Lord of the World."
The world has changed. Nation states have disappeared throughout the world and the rise of three great powers has occurred. First, there is the Asian sphere which comprises China, India, Australia, Japan and all of the Far East. The second power is Europe. Occupying the continent of Europe and nearby countries, this land mass has great influence because of its cultural development. Finally, there is America which consists of the North and South American continents. In Europe, England is much changed after the 20thcentury. Volors (a type of airplane) make travel incredibly fast and convenient. Communication is almost instantaneous throughout the world. Euthanasia is seen as a great benefit in the world. Anyone suffering or in great pain is quickly and "mercifully" killed. The world of religion is vastly different as well. Protestantism has virtually died out. Catholicism is under great stress as many believers have lost the faith and many faithful Catholics have been forced to flee to Rome. There they are protected by the Pope from religious persecution and attack. Man has begun to believe that his reason is almost infallible, and this eliminates the need for God in daily life. The Vatican struggles against these emerging evils and still has faithful staffs of priests’ worldwide writing letters informing the Holy See of emerging situations. One such writer is Father Percy Franklin. An Englishman, Father Franklin senses a great evil about to descend upon the world and struggles to understand this horror.
Suddenly news erupts that a world war is about to break out. Given the development of weaponry, everyone knows this could annihilate the world. Someone is needed to quell this potential calamity. One such person, Julian Felsenburgh, appears on the world stage with great power. Capable of speaking many languages and holding audiences in worshipful awe, he averts the disastrous war. This causes the world to begin a worshipful adulation of Felsenburgh and he is offered all the honors and powers of this world. He accepts the power of the entire world, and begins his rational cleansing of anything holding back the new order. His first target is the Catholic Church.
Why does Felsenburgh attack the Catholic Church? Why do so many religious people eventually agree with Felsenburgh’s position? Why do secular humanists callously discard sick people? What has happened to the human race? Who redeems mankind as it careens toward destruction? To find out, read "Lord of the World" by Msgr. Robert Benson.
Msgr. Benson (1871-1914) was a convert to the Catholic Church from Anglicanism at the beginning of the 20th century. In a period of ten years prior to his death, he wrote one acclaimed book after another. By the time of his death, he was likely the most famous Catholic writer in the world. This columnist does not recommend "Lord of the World" for younger readers as some of the scenes are frightening and have horrible implications. But 10th grade students and older may have a strong interest in this book. It is amazing how much Msgr. Benson has foreseen about the world’s development. He accurately shows how the world will act if it is devoid of divine direction. Through this ominous book, Benson also gives us the answer to these problems, which can be found in the saving power of grace. I hope you get the opportunity to read this outstanding novel. It is well worth the effort.
Each December the world begins to breathe a spirit of hope. The reason for this is the long-awaited birth of our divine Savior, Jesus Christ.
After man had rebelled against God through sinful disobedience, a chasm was created. Through his own power, man cannot bridge this terrible separation. Only God had the power to reach back to the human race. God promises this gift of redemption after the fall in the Garden of Eden, and chooses a special people, the Israelites, to carry out this promise.
Throughout the Old Testament, the Israelites turn to and away from God, demonstrating the need for the Redeemer. Finally, in the fullness of time, Our Lord is born in a humble stable in Bethlehem.
He comes not as the desired conquering warrior king, but as a helpless Infant. As Simeon is soon to prophesy, He is already a sign of contradiction. This beautifully-illustrated book uses the Gospel accounts in St. Matthew’s and St. Luke’s Gospels to tell the story of this miraculous event. The time of darkness has ended; the people have seen a great light. Our redemption begins with the birth of Jesus Christ, Our Lord.
Spirin skillfully blends both Evangelists’ accounts of the Nativity (Birth of Our Lord). She paints a spectacular Annunciation scene between Mary and the Angel Gabriel. White lilies indicate the pure state of Mary, and the Holy Spirit, in the form of a dove, descends on the Blessed Virgin. In the next scene, the artist paints St. Joseph being told by an angel to take Mary into his home. The Child has been conceived through the power of the Holy Spirit. Additionally, St. Joseph is to give the name Jesus to the Holy Child, for He will save His people from their sins.
The following painting portrays the Holy Family on their way to Bethlehem because of the decree of Caesar Augustus. St. Joseph, being a descendant of King David, goes to register in Bethlehem. Because there is no room in the inn, Mary gives birth to Jesus in a stable, wraps Him in swaddling clothes, and lays him in a manger (an animal feeding trough). Here in the humblest of circumstances lies the Savior of the world.
Meanwhile, angels of heaven appear to shepherds watching their flock by night. In a two-page painting, Spirin magnificently displays the choirs of angels descending to earth and telling the shepherds the wonderful news of the birth of Christ the Lord.
In the final paintings in the book, readers see the wise men (Magi) coming from the East. Somewhat naively, they ask the evil King Herod about the birth of the newborn King of the Jews. The paranoid Herod plays the hypocrite and tells the wise men (sometimes called the Three Kings) to find the Child and then come back with the location of His birth. When he finds out where Jesus has been born, Herod plans to send soldiers there to kill Jesus. Fortunately, the Three Kings will trick Herod, foiling his plans. Spirin’s canvas of the Magi worshipping Jesus is simply stunning. This picture will cause you to want to worship Our Lord. The book closes with the author’s comments on the establishment of Dec. 25 as the date of Christmas.
While the story of Our Lord’s birth is well known, this book will be a magnificent and comforting introduction of these sacred events to younger children in your family. The paintings are sometimes subdued and at other times gorgeous. The text is taken directly from the Gospel accounts of St. Matthew and St. Luke.
I can’t recommend this book highly enough for your family. When I read this book and began absorbing the beauty of the paintings, my heart, like those of the angels, wanted to shout out "Glory to God in the Highest, and peace to His people on earth." (Lk 2:8-14)
Have a blessed Christmas!!!
Many species of animals are in danger of becoming extinct in the 21st century. Tragically, this has happened already to a number of famous species such as the passenger pigeon and the wingless dodo bird. While overhunting was the primary reason for the disappearance of animals historically, the problem of shrinking habitat is the primary reason for extinction today. Though there is some argument about the causes of global warming, the melting of glaciers and the shrinking of the Arctic ice pack is indisputable. While many Arctic animals are in danger, the polar bear is particularly susceptible to the loss of the ice pack. In many zoos throughout the world, the polar bear exhibit is one of the most stirring and fascinating sites to view these marvelous white animals. A world-wide interest can be generated when baby polar bears are born in captivity. Such an international awareness started in the Berlin Zoo with the birth of a polar bear cub named Knut. Isabella Juliana and others tell this intriguing story in the book Knut: How One Little Polar Bear Captivated the World.
Knut and his brother were born in the Berlin Zoo. Their mother, Tosca, refused to nurse the cubs after birth. In the wild this would have meant sure death for the baby polar bears. The chief bear keeper, Thomas Dorflein, made the decision to raise both cubs through bottle feeding. Unfortunately, Knut’s brother developed a fever and soon died. Dorflien built a small heated bed for the remaining cub, and slept next to him each night for next four months. Baby polar bears need to eat every two hours, so the determined zoo keeper climbed out of his sleeping bag throughout the night to attend to the hungry cub. Soon Knut began playing with Thomas on the floor, and learning to swim in his swimming pool. As the months went by Knut began to grow and grow. Interest in the polar bear grew throughout the world and T.V. crews from many countries journeyed to Berlin to see the pair. Both Thomas and Knut soon became international celebrities.
What happened as Knut grew into an adult polar bear? Could Thomas still wrestle and swim with Knut? Why were so many people interested in this story worldwide? How did Knut continue to be so popular in Germany? Are you interested in polar bears? Have you ever walked in a deep snow? Would you like to pet Knut? To find the answers to these questions, go to the library and checkout this very interesting book, Knut: How One Little Polar Bear Captivated the World.
Knut’s life became a popular international story in 2007. Many people could identify with Thomas Dorflien’s diligent efforts to raise Knut. Baby polar bears are beautiful to look at, and Knut is no exception. Knut’s playful nature was captivating to the public as he wrestled with balls, rolled in the sand and went swimming. The writing and photos in this book are very well done, and the pictures of the baby Knut are endearing. I hope you go to the library and checkout this fine title. You and all your family will take pleasure in Knut’s story. Enjoy!
A number of the American Founding Fathers came from colonies developed in response to religious oppression. Thomas Jefferson wisely thought that the separation of Church and State would be advantageous to the young nation. For several hundred years, this idea has been a basic tenet of American society.
Recent court decisions in the United States have challenged Jefferson’s sage understanding. When the civil society begins to force believers to accept certain moral and religious dictates, a persecution begins. Usually the State attacks the Church to compel the faithful to follow certain secular ideas. Normally these persecutions attack the Church’s religious beliefs and punish anyone refusing compliance with the State’s convoluted principles.
While savage attacks on the Church happened during Roman times, a particularly vicious attack on the Catholic Church occurred during the reign of the English queen, Elizabeth I. In this masterful book, Msgr. Robert Hugh Benson recounts the dreadful persecutions of the Elizabethan period, and the heroic resistance of the English martyrs.
Robin Audrey, a young English nobleman, rides through a meadow thinking of a beautiful young woman named Margorie Manners. The day is scenic and his heart burns with affection for the charming Miss Manners. When they meet it is evident that Margorie is equally in love with the young nobleman. Soon they begin talking about marriage. Robin then reveals to the young woman that his father has decided to become a Protestant to escape paying the dreadful fines the Crown has imposed on Catholics. Sir Audrey has no interest in Anglicanism but fears that Queen Elizabeth will bankrupt him with fines and take over his estates.
This places his son in a terrible dilemma. If he obeys his heart he cannot become a Protestant, but if he remains a Catholic he will have to disobey his father. Robin’s devotion to Catholicism is evident to Margorie as she watches him struggle with this painful decision. Robin’s love of the Faith is so strong that Margorie begins to wonder if he has a vocation to the priesthood. The young woman finally asks Robin if he is being called to the priesthood. Looking deep into his heart, Robin realizes that he is being called to Holy Orders. In a heartbreaking scene, both he and Margorie accept his decision to enter the seminary. Since all English priests and seminarians are subject to execution, Robin must flee England as well. With a heart that has just been broken and is being healed, Robin escapes to France to begin his priestly studies.
Years later he returns to England as a Catholic priest. Soon Queen Elizabeth’s priest-catchers and torturers are chasing him down. As he desperately evades them, he turns to faithful Catholics to shelter him. In an act of heroic love, Marjorie hides the hunted cleric as her house is searched by Elizabeth’s malevolent henchman.
What happens to Robin? Is he caught and tortured? Is Marjorie’s love for the Faith and for Robin the cause of her arrest? Would you shelter a hunted priest? What gives anyone the strength to persevere in the face of such evil? To find out, read this excellent book, "Come Rack! Come Rope! by Msgr. Robert Hugh Benson."
Msgr. Benson is an outstanding writer and clearly understands the religious revolutions of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. This is a moving love story of two dedicated young people surrendering their lives to Our Lord. The novel has been reprinted many times and is easily available through the Internet or at Catholic bookstores. I hope you get the opportunity to read this superb story of human love, the transforming qualities of sacrificial grace, and the cost of discipleship.
College and professional football teams have rabid followers. While college athletic programs are usually associated with a particular state or geographical location, professional teams may command a national fan base. This is particularly true with famous professional teams such as the Green Bay Packers or the Dallas Cowboys. Some of the most memorable moments in sports history have come in football games, and the greatest professional event is the Super Bowl. This contest has become a national affair filled with passions and Super Bowl parties. Why did this game become so famous and where did it originate? James Buckley Jr. tells the story of the Super Bowl in this well written book from the Eyewitness Series.
In the 1920s, the early days of professional football, the league champion was the team with the most victories in the regular season. By the 1930s the two top teams in the National Football League began playing for the title. The players in the initial seasons were not required to wear helmets, and no one played with a face mask. These rough and tumble matches began to gather a following. In 1958, on national television, the Baltimore Colts won a famous overtime title game against the New York Giants. This dramatic game was watched by millions of viewers and cemented concept of televising championship football. The result of this was the first Super Bowl in 1967 between the famed Green Bay Packers and the Kansas City Chiefs before a national television audience. The famed coach Vince Lombardi guided the Packers to their first Super Bowl triumph. Two years later, quarterback Joe Namath boldly predicted that the New York Jets would defeat the Baltimore Colts. Namath was famous for his strong arm, fur coats, white shoes and charming manner. Few believed that the Jets could defeat the Colts, but in front of the entire nation, Namath backed up his boast as the Jets won by a score of 16-7. When Namath ran off the field, he proudly held up his index finger to show that the Jets were number one.
In the succeeding decades many Super Bowls have left unforgettable memories for millions of viewers. The events leading up to the game are great fun as well, with tailgate parties, family gatherings and visits with friends. Buckley gives many interesting facts about all of these activities surrounding the Super Bowl. These include comments by players winning the Most Valuable Player award, pictures of famous plays in the Super Bowl and even the size of Super Bowl stadiums.
So what are some of your favorite Super Bowl memories? Have you ever wondered what the Super Bowl rings look like? What were some of the greatest plays in the Super Bowl? Which player has played in the most Super Bowls? It is not someone you would ever suspect. Do you have a favorite Super Bowl player? To find out the answers to these questions, go to the library and checkout this outstanding book, "Super Bowl," by James Buckley Jr.
The photographs and writing are excellent in this book. As with all Eyewitness Books, the book is filled with many interesting facts and compelling sidebars. Reading this book is like reliving many exciting Super Bowl Sundays. No matter what your favorite team is, you will find many things that will make you want to keep reading. All that is missing is the great food and pop. So go ahead and get some grilled chicken wings when you read this book. Just remember to wipe the grease off your fingers before turning the pages. Enjoy!
Animal extinction is a serious problem. From the disappearance of large predators such as Siberian tigers, to the reduction in numbers of spectacular birds such as peregrine falcons, species disappearance is a worldwide dilemma.
In North America, passenger pigeons were once so widespread that they could blacken the sky. Unfortunately this species was hunted into extinction. However, a number of endangered species have been successfully returned in significant numbers to the natural world. Two famous examples of this are the American buffalo and the bald eagle.
The Southern Hemisphere has its own particular problems and a number of species are in serious danger of extinction. In New Zealand, the Kakapo Parrot is one such example. Once plentiful in New Zealand, the Kakapo has been reduced to less than 100 birds. A major effort has been undertaken to protect the Kakapo Parrot, and Sy Montgomery has written a powerful account of the attempt to save this species. It is entitled, "Kakapo Rescue: Saving the World’s Strangest Parrot."
The Kakapo Parrot is the heaviest parrot in the world, weighing up to 9 pounds. The Kakapo has an owl-like face and is not able to fly. They nest on the ground, and go out each night to feed on grasses, plants, seeds and berries. Before colonization, New Zealand did not have any land predators, but feral cats, weasels and other small animals were unwittingly introduced into the country. The slow-moving parrot had no defense against these predators.
Within 100 years, the population of Kakapos had dropped from thousands to less than 100. Seeking to save the breed, the government of New Zealand moved a small number of the remaining Kakapos to an isolated isle named Codfish Island.
A group of intrepid volunteers and forest rangers have worked to protect the few remaining Kakapos. These assistants use electronic antennas, and trek through the tropical rainforest and jungle to plot the life cycle of remaining Kakapos.
Especially important to the success of the restoration project is the need for all baby chicks to survive. Through night and day, rain and cold, this dedicated group works to ensure the fledglings’ survival.
What are the results of this concerted effort? Have the Kakapos increased in number? Why is it so important to preserve the natural world? What threatened animal would you like to see off the endangered list? What happens when animal needs conflict with human needs? Who decides the outcome? To find out the answers to these questions, go to the library and check out "Kakapo Rescue" by Sy Montgomery.
The writing in this book is excellent, and the accompanying photographs are outstanding. It won the prestigious Sibert Award for Nonfiction in 2011. The story of the massive reduction in the numbers of this important bird is tragic and needs to be told.
However, one difficulty I have with this book is the author’s tendency to elevate animal rights to a near human level. While it is important to recognize the value of conserving animal species and creating parks to allow these animals to thrive, animals will never have the value of humans. Equilibrium needs to be developed in which the biological world is not degraded, but human rights are still understood to be primary. It is not always easy to achieve this balance.
Having said that, I hope you read this fine book about the dedicated effort being made for the Kakapo Parrot.
Horses have always held a fascination for people. Maybe it is the majestic way they run, or their beauty in the outdoors. A number of children’s authors have written wonderful horse stories, with Marguerite Henry and Anna Sewell being two famous examples. Many of these stories center on captive horses being trained on farms. Pam Munoz Ryan has drawn upon this rich tradition and has adapted it to a beautiful story of wild horses roaming across Wyoming. The name of this moving title is "Paint the Wind."
Artemisia lives with her paternal grandmother, Agnes Menetti, in a suburban home in Southern California. Mrs. Menetti is very particular about everything. Artemisia must get very good grades in school, always be punctual and never think any fanciful thoughts.
Artemisia is orphaned because her parents were killed in a terrible accident. Mrs. Menetti blames her son’s death on marrying a non-conventional woman. Artemisia’s mother was born and raised on a ranch in Wyoming and developed an immense interest in horse riding. The old woman believes horse riding is a foolish activity carried on by flippant people. Her son had wanted to be a painter, and in spite of his talents, Mrs. Menetti had driven those strange ideas from his head. He had become respectable as was fitting to his class.
All that Artemisia has left of her parents are a few pictures, and a box of toy horses. Every time she is caught playing with the horses, her grandmother punishes her and berates the memory of her deceased mother. But Artemisia loves these play horses and dreams of riding real horses.
To avoid her grandmother’s pestering, she becomes adept at lying and deception. However, one day her grandmother unexpectedly dies from a heart attack, and shortly after the funeral the young girl is sent to her grandfather in Wyoming. She has never met her mother’s family, as her grandmother has cunningly deceived them about Artemisia’s legal custody. After arriving in Wyoming, her grandfather soon takes Artemisia into the mountains with a herd of horses where she meets grandfather’s sister, Aunt Vi and his brother, Uncle Fig. In the wilderness, Aunt Vi begins teaching Artemisia the art of horseback riding. The girl is talented with horses and everyone agrees that she rides like her mother.
As she develops her riding skills, Artemisia also begins to learn about honesty. One lie she tells has a severe consequence, and Aunt Vi confronts her on this falsehood. The young girl begins to realize the result of being deceptive.
Aunt Vi shows Artemisia a herd of wild horses and she is enchanted by these magnificent animals. The young girl wants to chase the wild horses, but Aunt Vi always shields her. Artemisia is still headstrong and doesn’t want to follow orders. When she is left alone for a short time, she takes a horse and rides into the mountains on an adventure. There disaster strikes Artemisia and her beautiful horse. She must either grow up or die in the brutal wilderness.
What is this terrible event? Is Artemisia badly injured? What role does a mountain lion play in the story? Have you ever done something that was thoughtless? What happened? Do Artemisia and her horse ever make it back? To find out, read this fine novel, "Paint the Wind," by Pam Munoz Ryan.
Pam Ryan has written a terrific horse story. The climax is exciting and the main characters are well developed. The book is a well told rite of passage story. Artemisia is an undeveloped, dishonest narcissist at the beginning of the book. Her growth is remarkable as she learns the physical skills required for horsemanship and the personal qualities needed to become a caring person. Readers will readily identify with her and will enjoy the other characters in the book. Besides being a great horse story, this is a touching account of an immature young girl growing into a virtuous young woman. I read the book in one sitting and think you find it interesting as well.
In 1973, the United States legalized abortion with the infamous Roe v. Wade decision. This tragic decision has resulted in the deaths of millions of babies, and untold suffering for women involved in abortions. Last weekend, hundreds of thousands of marchers protested this awful ruling, and it is hoped that someday it will be overturned.
It is useful to compare our contemporary situation with those from previous generations. Several questions need to be asked. First, what happened to neglected and sometimes unwanted children in the past in the United States? Second, why was adoption so possible 85 years ago, and so very difficult today? Finally, what solutions did earlier American generations find for abandoned children? One answer to this complicated set of questions is provided by Andrea Warren in the compelling book, "We Rode the Orphan Trains." The author follows the lives of six destitute children that rode west on orphan trains. The accounts are moving and instructing.
In major American cities, abandoned and orphaned children were a rising civic concern. Most of these children were placed in large orphanages and were supervised with strict discipline. The care was uneven in many institutions. Some of the caregivers were dedicated and loving while others could be unyielding and tyrannical. As the number of unwanted children rose, the Children’s Aid Society of New York City organized an entirely new adoption plan. Children would be taken by train to states west of New York and adopting families would select a boy or girl from the group of youngsters. Adults would accompany the children on this journey west and provide a modicum of comfort and protection for the children. Frequently, fliers were sent to the cities and towns before the arrival of the children at the train station. Would-be parents frequently knew that they were going to get a child when the train arrived. When the train arrived in the city, all the children would line up and be selected by people at the site.
The Children’s Aid Society tried to make sure the placements were suitable, and would come back once a year to see how adoptions were working out. If it became clear that abuse was taking place, the Society removed the child from that home, and found a new set of parents. There were no guarantees that everything would work out right, but the stories of orphan train riders told by Andrea Warren indicates that the program was very successful.
The author does not gloss over the fact that the orphans often felt embarrassed when they were examined before being adopted. She also states that most of the children had a hidden ache in their hearts from not knowing about their biological families. Some of the children in the stories seek out their biological families after they are grown. In most cases this reunion causes them intense depression because the parents have either died or are still indifferent to them. All of the orphan riders discussed in the book are thankful for the opportunity of being adopted.
For all the difficulties, the orphan trains offered a way out for many children in desperate plight. Robert Peterson was abandoned in New York City by his father in 1922. At 5 years of age, he rode the orphan train to Nebraska and was placed in loving and caring family. He was forever grateful for the chance at life that the orphan train gave him.
I hope you get a chance to read this beautifully told story. Most of the orphan train riders are dying or elderly. But their stories are a testimony to life, and to an idea that an earlier American generation made to preserve the lives of unwanted children.
Young children frequently feel alone. In many cases, their family surrounds them, but this feeling of aloneness still can prevail. To fill in the spaces in their minds, youngsters might make up imaginary friends or fantasize about some great accomplishment. Many times in these musings, children will want to hold onto a doll or stroke a pet. Animals usually are the most comforting, and cats and dogs are frequently chosen.
Amy Hest has written a beautiful picture book about a lonely little girl finding an equally abandoned puppy. The name of this endearing story is, "The Dog Who Belonged to No One."
A young girl, Lia, lives with her family at the edge of town. Both of Lia’s parents are bakers, and the bakery is attached to their home. Each day the wonderful fragrance of fresh bread and cakes fills the air. Lia’s job is to deliver baked products across town. She daily begins her solitary commute with her bicycle loaded down with baked goods. Lia longs to have a friend but because of her busy schedule, she rarely has a chance to play with the other children in town. To compensate for this hurt, she makes up stories while riding her bicycle to fill in the lonely spaces in her heart.
In the same town, a small, friendly puppy is happily running down the streets. He has an attractive personality and no bad habits, but has been abandoned. He searches up and down the streets trying to find someone to befriend him. Each night he sadly crawls back into a corner and fearfully waits for night darkness to fall.
One day a huge storm blows into town. The wind begins howling and the rain starts to pelt down. The little dog is caught in the gale and tries to outrun the storm. As he is running from the howling winds, the little dog sees Lia trying to out-pedal the rain. Soaked to the bone, both try to find shelter. The little dog belonging to no one runs frantically ahead of the exhausted and drenched girl. Both look up and see a warmly lighted house ahead of them, and they smell the sweet fragrance of bread and cake.
So where are they? Do they escape from the pounding wind? Does a friendship develop between Lia and the little dog?
Have you ever felt lonely? What can take away that painful feeling? Have you ever helped anyone feel less lonely? And finally, what does Lia learn about friendship? To find out, go to the library and check out this lovely picture book, "The Dog Who Belonged to No One," by Amy Hest.
This title is on the Golden Sower List for K-3 readers in Nebraska. The Golden Sower Award is voted on each year by the school children of Nebraska. At the annual Nebraska Library Convention, the winner is given a plaque and invited to speak at the convention. It is usually an exciting day for the children and librarians to meet the winning authors.
This book is simply charming and I would strongly encourage you to read it with your children. The pictures invite readers into the story, and you will cheer the decisions made by Lia and the little dog. In this tender story, Amy Hest shows how trust can build love and friendship. I hope you get a chance to check out this wonderful picture book. Enjoy!
Few figures have cast as large a shadow on a nation as George Washington. With his face on the one dollar bill, and carved into the granite of Mt. Rushmore, Washington commands a respect bordering on awe. Where did this remarkable man come from? What motives drove him throughout his extraordinary life? How did a person born into a modesty prosperous family achieve so much? Albert Marrin delves into these vital questions in this outstanding biography of the first president of the United States. Appropriately enough, Marrin shows the parallel growth of Washington as a person, and the development of the American colonies into a nation.
George Washington was born on February 22, 1732, in Westmoreland County, Virginia. Washington’s father Gus was a giant of a man, with aspirations of becoming a great land owner. His mother seems to have been a beautiful woman, but one of cold and uncaring nature. At the age of eleven, Gus Washington died, leaving the bulk of his estate to George’s half brother, Lawrence. In due time, young George went to live with Lawrence and began to be introduced to the highest levels of colonial society. With the sudden death of Lawrence, the 20-year-old was cast into an uncertain world. Not knowing what to do, George accepted a military command under the Governor of Virginia, Robert Dinwiddie. Washington was to lead the expedition into the Ohio River Valley and warn the French not to colonize the area. Rebuffed by the French, Washington returned to Virginia and fought with the British in the French and Indian War. So impressive was his battlefield leadership that Gov. Dinwiddie soon appointed the young Virginian to command all the Virginia troops. Washington held this command for five years during the war before retiring to his inherited estate at Mount Vernon.
For a number of years, Washington lived the life of a Virginia gentleman. These were happy years as George could concentrate on farming, management of his estates and living with his wife Martha. This pleasant period was soon interrupted by the events leading up to the American Revolution. The American colonies began to grow away from the mother country of England. To pay for debts incurred during the French and Indian War, Parliament began levying taxes on the colonies. Though the taxes weren’t brutal, American resentment started to build. The Americans wanted to tax themselves, not have the English decide what was best. All of these angers and grievances finally drove the colonists into a rebellion against the Crown. Against the strongest army in the world, the rebelling Continental Congress appointed George Washington as general of the Continental Army. This was the most important and clear-sighted decision that could have been made.
During the grueling years of the Revolution, only Washington’s great strength of character held the rag tag Continental Army together. How did he do it? How did Washington keep learning from his military defeats? Why was his personal integrity as important to the Revolution’s victory as any military decision he made? To find out, read this magnificently written biography, "George Washington & the Founding of a Nation" by Albert Marrin.
This biography stands out as an outstanding account of the life of George Washington. The author uses original sources, quotes from important personages about the events and Washington’s own letters. Baron von Steuben’s salty drill instructions to the undisciplined Americans add color to the misery of the Valley Forge period. This is a fine book to learn a great deal about the founding father of the United States. I hope your junior high school student gets the opportunity to read this fine biography. Enjoy!
With the wonderful statement "Pitchers and Catchers Report," the yearly baseball famine ends.
This welcome phrase announces the start of Spring Training in the baseball world. For six weeks, all the major league teams have intensive workouts in Florida or Arizona, and then select the 25 players for their regular season roster.
The sport of baseball still holds a fascination with the American public. According to BaseballReference.com, in the 2010 season, 2,430 major league games were played with an average attendance of 30,067 fans, for total attendance for all games of 73,061,763. Obviously, some people are still listening to the song, "Take Me Out To The Ballgame."
Where does all of this appeal come from? Is it the beauty of sitting with your family on a pleasant summer night at the ballpark? Is it watching great athletes make outstanding plays?
Maybe it’s the intensively satisfying sound of a wood bat smashing a ball and seeing it soar into the stands for a home run. Without question this is one of the most exciting moments in baseball, and Mark Steward and Mike Kennedy have captured this experience in the book, "Long Ball: The Legend and Lore of the Home Run."
One hundred years ago, home runs were hardly noticed in baseball. Hitting in those days meant slapping the ball into holes in the infield and outfield. Since this was the "proper" way to hit, batters did not take big swings at the pitch. Ty Cobb was the perfect example of this type of hitter. This radically changed when Babe Ruth arrived on the scene and began hitting massive drives into the bleachers. Needless to say, the fans were impressed by these monster shots. The Home Run Era was born at this time. Following Ruth were a number of dynamic home run hitters including Jimmy Foxx, Mickey Mantle, Henry Aaron, Mark McGwire and Barry Bonds.
Throughout the book, the authors take readers through some of baseball’s compelling moments. The top 10 home runs of all time are detailed. Tape measure home runs are illustrated. Even strange facts about home runs, including the longest and the shortest are presented. Another curious example is the fact that Ty Cobb once led the league in home runs without ever hitting a ball over the fence. Each of his nine home runs was an inside-the-park homer.
While telling the fun and glory of the home run, the authors honestly discuss the gloomy events surrounding the Steroids Era. But despite this black eye, baseball is still thriving and the home run is still the most exciting play in the game.
What are some of your memories of baseball games? Did you sit with your parents and enjoy the atmosphere and excitement? Do you have a favorite player? Does any home run stand out in your mind as a lifetime thrill? I have always cherished the memory of seeing Duke Snider smash a home run in St. Louis when I was 8 years old. Now that was a tater.
If you want to start your child on a life time of wonderful baseball memories, go to the library and check out "Long Ball: The Legend and Lore of the Home Run."
This is a terrific book that will be greatly enjoyed by students in the 4th-6th grades. The writing is solid and the pictures and illustrations draw readers into the book. "Long Ball" is a most pleasant read. I hope you get a chance to check it out.
By the way, all the baseball books can be found in the j796.357 section of the library. After all, it’s almost time to "Play Ball." Enjoy!
One of the greatest gifts parents and teachers can give children is the love of reading.
When children are able to read, they can explore new worlds, ideas and experiences. Unlike fast-paced video games, reading gives children the nuances of life. Sometimes this is swift, but at other times life moves more languidly. Reading increases children’s attention spans and develops critical thinking skills.
There are two basic types of reading; 1) there is decoding, which turns the letters into words, and 2) there is reading for understanding and enrichment. The first type of reading is of the utmost importance because it is the foundation of being able to read. Decoding is also easier to quantify on standardized tests, while the second type of reading is much more difficult to assess.
How do you judge the value of children being "lost in a book?" A life-long love of reading is rarely cultivated through decoding alone, and can only be fostered through the second type of reading.
This wonderful picture book by Brian Lies shows the importance of ideas and reading and is entitled "Bats in the Library."
It is a warm summer night and the bats have eaten and flown about the night sky. But all of this normal nocturnal activity has left them bored. Suddenly, the happy news arrives at the bat colony that the library window has been left open. Usually, the librarian leaves the window open once a summer for the bats to savor new and old books, and to teach the young bats the joy of reading.
Quickly, scores of eager bats rush towards this feast of books, maps and magazines. Zooming through the open window, the old bats go to the shelves holding their classical favorites. The young bats go up and down the shelves looking at all the marvelous books about unknown and exotic places.
The older bats put on their glasses and begin teaching the younger bats how to read and to enjoy the stories. Soon the adult bats are holding story hour for the baby bats. The little bats may have a hard time understanding everything since they are hanging upside down, but everyone is having a glorious time.
The distant voices of the books pull all the bats into the novels. The young bats seem to especially enjoy "Goodnight Sun," a bat rendition of the children’s classic. Unfortunately, the night quickly passes by and the bats know that they must soon leave the library.
When do the bats leave? Why did the baby bats so enjoy their first trip to the library?
When did you begin your library adventures? Do you have a favorite memory of that experience? Most adults have dozens of such happy memories. What reading memories have the adult bats so lovingly created for the baby bats?
To find out, go to the library and checkout this delightfully humorous story, "Bats at the Library" by Brian Lies.
This title is on the Golden Sower List for the children of Nebraska for the 2010-11 school year. You will simply love reading this book to your children. The pictures of the bats reading in the library are funny and endearing. Their love of reading and the desire to share this superb gift is evident throughout the book.
I highly encourage you to go to the library and check out this wonderful title. You will laugh as much as your children. Enjoy!
Why is soup so satisfying? Maybe it is because of the many varieties of soup available. There are hearty types like potato soup and thinner mixtures such as chicken broth. Some nationalities make soup an integral part of their diet. In Russia many people eat some kind of borscht, a thick soup made with beets, and are warmed by this comforting meal on cold winter nights.
In this hilarious picture book, Jackie Urbanovic shows Maxwell Duck trying to create a soup masterpiece. The name of this funny title is "Duck Soup."
Maxwell Duck has frequently tried to construct the perfect soup. While wearing his ornate chef hat, he has made Fish Soup with Curry and Pickled Lemon, Red Hot Chili Soup, and Way Too Many Beans Soup. The Red Hot Chili scalded Dog’s throat, and the Fish Soup made Cat sick. Nonetheless, all of his animal friends constantly want to eat his latest creation. While pondering his next culinary endeavor, the duck concludes that the problem with the previous soups is that he had borrowed the recipes from other chefs. What he needs to do is create his own formula. Maxwell is so thrilled with this idea that he immediately begins building his own work of genius. He begins chopping up vegetables, adding spices and herbs and combining them in a large soup pot.
At long last he tastes his tour de force but discovers that something is wrong, some ingredient is missing. He thinks and thinks and concludes that the missing herb is chives. Happily, he takes off his chef hat and dons on his outdoor hat. With his herb basket in hand, Maxwell joyfully goes out the door to get the prized chives.
In the meantime, his friends Dog, Cat and Parakeet arrive at his house. They begin sniffing around the kitchen and calling his name. Puzzled by his absence, they finally threaten to eat his soup if he doesn’t come out from hiding. Not hearing a sound, the three friends become even more anxious. Where could Maxwell Duck be? Suddenly, Cat looks into the pot and sees a large herb that looks remarkably like a feather floating on the top of the soup. Could the worst have happened? Could their friend have fallen into his own soup and gotten cooked? The animals begin to take quick and decisive action.
What do the three animals do? How can the animals look through a pot of soup without destroying the marvelous potage? Is the old proverb that "curiosity killed the cat" really true? Have you ever done anything rash? What occurred because of that act? What finally happens to the three friends and to Maxwell Duck? To find out go to the library and checkout this comical tale, "Duck Soup," by Jackie Urbanovic.
This book is a rollicking funny tale to share with younger children. They will clap their hands at the antics of the three animal friends and drawings of Maxwell Duck. This book is on the Golden Sower list for 2011, and has been a New York Times book selection. The pictures are so humorous that you will have a hard time reading the book because of your own desire to laugh. Treat yourself and your children to a delightful tale and go to the library and check out "Duck Soup" by Jackie Urbanovic. You won’t regret it. Enjoy!
Pope Pius XI stated that all Christians are "spiritual Semites." Pope John Paul II said that the Jewish people are our "elder brothers in the faith." While all Four Gospels frequently connect to Jewish religious experiences, St. Matthew particularly shows that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Patriarchal promises to the Israelite nation.
During Lent, this connection to this Jewish heritage is particularly evident on Holy Thursday. On this holy night, Our Blessed Savior shared the Last Supper with His disciples. Because of the immense significance of the Last Supper, Catholics need to understand the origin of this meal. This meal is the first Mass in the New Covenant, which the Council of Trent will call the "Unbloody Sacrifice of Calvary."
Since Passover is central to understanding Judaism, knowledge of the Passover meal is important for Catholics to understand our own faith.
The children of Israel settled in Egypt because of a terrible famine in Canaan. After they had become numerous, the Egyptian Pharaoh feared their power and enslaved them.
After brutal years of slavery, Moses appeared before Pharaoh and told him to free the Jews. Thinking this foolishness, the Pharaoh punished the Israelites even further. Moses confronted the Pharaoh and told him that God would send plagues on Egypt if the Jews were not freed. When Pharaoh continued to refuse, the terrible plagues descended upon Egypt.
The last plague, the death of the first born, happens on the night of Passover. Moses gives the Israelites specific instructions for their last meal in Egypt. They are to eat unleavened bread, bitter herbs, and an unblemished lamb. Afterwards, they are to take blood from the lamb and spread it on the lintel of their doors. When the angel of the Lord "passes over" Egypt, the blood of the lamb will save their first-born children.
When the last plague ends, Pharaoh drives all the Jews from Egypt. The Passover meal, or Seder, commemorates this night.
Fishman places the Seder meal in a contemporary setting, but includes all the main elements of this critical historical event. Readers will learn why matzah (unleavened bread) is used, what the purposes of the bitter herbs are, and the importance of the paschal lamb. She shows the Jewish elders sharing the cups of wine in remembrance of the Jews suffering and being delivered from slavery.
The author also discusses the joyful nature of the Passover meal. On this night the Jewish people passed from slavery into freedom.
When Catholics read about the Seder meal, they will easily understand the symbols connected with the supper. In the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church, unleavened bread is changed through transubstantiation into the Body and Blood of Our Blessed Savior. The cup of wine is offered for the "remission of our sins." We believe that Our Lord is the perfect lamb of sacrifice offered for our redemption from the slavery of sin to the freedom of grace.
All of these reasons show why Catholics need to know about the Jewish celebration of Passover and the Seder meal. By using symbols knowledgeable to all Jews, Our Lord Himself becomes the perfect Lamb of Sacrifice. Throughout the New Testament, the sacred writers repeatedly make this connection. By understanding the Seder meal, all Catholics can better understand Pope John Paul II’s admonition that the Jewish people are "our elder brothers in the Faith."
The Mass has its origins in the Passover meal. In the New Covenant pronounced on Holy Thursday, Our Lord transforms this Seder meal into the magnificent banquet of His Body and Blood. Because of this, Catholics can only fall down on their knees and cry out "Praise to You Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory."
Dance is one of the most exciting forms of art. Dancers must have both athletic strength and artistic grace while being able to understand the power of music. This is a highly unusual combination of talent, and few dancers achieve these skills at the highest level.
Within dance, ballet is one of the most demanding forms of the art, as well as one of the most evocative. Martha Graham was one of the few gifted people capable of combining all of these dazzling skills within the world of ballet. Always seeking to move the art form to a higher level, Martha, as she was commonly known, collaborated with the famous composer Aaron Copeland to create an altogether new ballet for the United States. Danced on the sets created by the world renowned stage designer, Isamu Noguchi, this amazing ballet was named "Appalachian Spring."
Martha Graham wanted to make a ballet that broke away from the traditional boundaries of toe shoes, tutus and pirouettes. She wanted something to capture the spirit of the United States.
After a number of starts and failures, Martha and Aaron Copeland came across the old Shaker hymn "It is a gift to be simple; it is a gift to be free." That was it, the song that described the American spirit. Immediately, Martha began designing the dance steps as Copeland began composing the music.
Since this type of ballet had never been performed, she had to work out the ballet by trial and error. Since the ballet was original, the dancers wore clothes from the Pennsylvania Dutch countryside. No one had ever considered such an idea before. Noguchi had never created dance stages resembling the western Pennsylvania countryside, and the finished sets seemed odd to the ballet dancers. artha finally decided to make the entire ballet center on a young farmer and his bride on their wedding day. After months of practice, the world premiere was performed October 30, 1944.
How was this entirely new way of creating a ballet received by the public? Why did the excitement and simple beauty of the work move the public so powerfully?
Have you ever danced? Would you like to perform a dance that demands grace of traditional ballet and the exuberance of country square dance?
Why does "Appalachian Spring" so speak to the American experience? To find out, go to the library and check out "Ballet for Martha: Making Appalachian Spring" by Jan Greenberg.
This title won the Sibert Honor Medal for Nonfiction in 2011. The illustrations show the exuberance of Martha Graham’s famous ballet. Greenberg and Jordan write about the difficulties encountered by the ballet dancers, musicians and set designers throughout the creation of this work of art.
Middle-grade students will have their fine arts knowledge enhanced by the authors’ explanation of these challenges. Though a picture book, the subject matter in the text is more appropriate for middle grade students. While the book could be read aloud, I think it would be more useful for students to read the work in a small group. Then they could together share their feelings and responses. The subject of dance may seem foreign to some students and a group learning session might help them understand the subject in a wholesome way. I hope you encourage your sons and daughters, nieces and nephews to read this fine title. "Appalachian Spring" artistically shows the zest of the American spirit through dance and I hope you like the title. Enjoy!
The only divinely-inspired book in history is the Holy Bible. At one time, people routinely read and learned from the Bible. This highly beneficial practice is experiencing a renaissance of sorts in universities throughout the U.S.A., and needs to again be commonly used in the home.
Lent is a wonderful time to start reading the Bible out loud with your family. Since Holy Thursday is rapidly approaching, the passages about the Holy Eucharist in the New Testament are a good place to start.
Vatican II tells us that the Holy Eucharist is the "font and summit of the faith." Tragically, many Catholics today do not believe in the Real Presence of Our Lord in the Holy Eucharist. Therefore, reading these sacred Eucharistic passages is an excellent way to teach the Faith to your family.
In St. John’s Gospel, Chapter Six is the pivotal revelation of Our Lord concerning the Holy Eucharist. At the beginning of Chapter Six, Our Blessed Savior multiples the five loaves and two fish of a young boy to feed a crowd of about 5,000 men and their families. At the end of the multiplication, 12 baskets of bread are left over.
In the middle of the chapter, the disciples see Jesus walking across the rough waters of the Sea of Galilee. He tells the frightened apostles: "It is I; do not be afraid." (Jn 6:21)
In the next verses, Our Lord states that "I am the Bread of life." (Jn 6:35) Then Our Blessed Savior declares that: "the bread which I shall give is My own flesh," and that "My flesh is food indeed, and My blood is drink indeed." (Jn 6:53-55) Jesus concludes this majestic teaching by proclaiming "He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in me, and I in him." (Jn 6:56)
Whereas St. John tells us exactly why the Holy Eucharist contains the Real Presence of Jesus, the first three Evangelists describe the institution and purpose of the Holy Eucharist at the Last Supper.
St. Matthew writes that Our Lord took bread, blessed it and gave it to His disciples saying: "Take this and eat, this is My body." (Mt 26:26) He then took the cup and said "Drink from it, all of you; for this the blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins." (Mt:28-29)
St. Luke’s account of the institution of the Holy Eucharist can be found in Chapter 22: 14-22. St. Mark writes of this marvelous event in Chapter 14: 22-25. As well, St. Paul tells us of the establishment of the sacrament in First Corinthians Chapter 11: 23-26.
You will give yourself and your family a great blessing by reading these holy passages together during Lent. At each Mass, the priest stands in the person of Our Lord and transubstantiates the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of our Divine Savior. This is part of Christ’s great gift to the Church before His Passion, Death and Resurrection.
The Eucharistic passages in the Bible attest to the Real Presence of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist. So take the time to teach your children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews about this unsurpassable gift of love given by Our Lord to His children. Read these compelling, faith building chapters in the New Testament and it will help your heart shout out with joy at Easter; "He has risen, He has truly risen!"
Easter is the highest liturgical event in the religious calendar of the Catholic Church. While Easter is primarily a religious event, many other secular activities bring joy to people on this happy day. There are family gatherings and dinners, children wondering if the Easter Bunny left any eggs and the hunt in the backyard for Easter Eggs. Priscilla Adams has written a delightful story about a terrible mistake the Easter Bunny made one Easter Morning. The name of this charming story is The Easter Bunny That Overslept.
The Easter Bunny cozily lay sleeping in his warm rabbit burrow. The rain fell and fell, and he kept turning over thinking he would get up at any moment and deliver Easter Eggs. But the sun never cracked through the dark clouds, and the bunny missed Easter altogether. Children throughout the area awoke to the disappointment of not having any eggs in their baskets. So they made the best of it and ate the candy they found on Easter morning. Finally, the Easter Bunny woke up. He quickly realized that he was a month late on delivering his Easter Eggs. He rapidly jumped up and took all the eggs to the nearby houses. The children burst out laughing at his attempt to deliver Easter Eggs on Mother’s Day. After going to several more houses and being ridiculed, the Easter Bunny dejectedly returned to his rabbit burrow. Exhausted and not knowing what to do, he fell asleep.
Waking up over a month later, the rabbit developed a plan. Maybe people would accept the Easter Eggs if they were painted different colors for another holiday. Since the Fourth of July was so near, he decided to paint them red, white and blue. He would give everyone patriotic eggs, and they would cheer this gift when they saw the fireworks. As the parade began marching through the center of town, he joined the joyful occasion. Proudly, the Easter Bunny displayed his red, white and blue Fourth of July Eggs. The officer in charge of the parade stopped the celebration. He demanded that the rabbit explain these colored eggs. When the Easter Bunny replied that he had created Fourth of July eggs, the officer jeered at him and told the Bunny to step aside. Fourth of July Eggs simply didn’t exist. For the second time the Easter Bunny dejectedly returned to his burrow. What was he going to do with all of his eggs? A new plan began to form in his mind. Maybe a different holiday was needed? This was going to take some thought.
What holiday did the Easter Bunny choose? What famous holiday character helped the Easter Bunny with his duties? Did you ever accidentally oversleep and create a misunderstanding? Who helped you out? Did you take any precautions to make sure it didn’t happen again? What does the Easter Bunny finally do? To find out, go to the library and checkout The Easter Bunny That Overslept by Priscilla Friedrich.
Adrienne Adams was a famous children’s artist in the 1950’s and latter decades. She has drawn endearing pictures portraying the problems faced by the Easter Bunny. This is a whimsical book that will be enjoyed by young children as they see the Easter Bunny trying to solve his egg problems. They should find the conclusion very satisfying. I hope you get a chance to read this delightful title with your younger family members. It is a pleasant story. Enjoy!
Easter is a joyous occasion during springtime. Families come together and have Easter Egg hunts, share special meals and enjoy each other’s company.
But Easter is the most important day of the year because on that wondrous day, Our Lord overcame death through His Resurrection.
While reading books about the Easter Bunny is fun and brings humor to our gatherings, the religious nature of Easter is central to our understanding of our Catholic faith. It is through the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus that the barrier created by the sinful disobedience of man is overcome. Paul Maier tells this magnificent story of the Resurrection of Our Lord in this fine book, "The Very First Easter."
Christopher is a young boy living in a rural area. His parents are devout Christians and want him to deeply know Our Blessed Savior. In their kitchen, they begin talking about Jesus and why He is the center of history.
As the young boy asks questions about Our Lord’s life, his father takes out the family Bible and turns to St. Luke’s Gospel. The father reads about Jesus returning from the Temple as a 12-year-old boy and growing in "wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and men. (Lk 2:52) He tells Christopher about Jesus growing up in Galilee and beginning His public ministry.
As the boy continues to ask questions about the divinity and mission of Our Lord, the father reads passages from the Bible to answer the youth’s inquiries. One of the passages is the raising of the widow of Nain’s dead son. Clearly, Jesus has power over death, and this miracle attests to His divinity.
The father continues reading passages from St. Luke’s Gospel to his son. He reads the account of Jesus entering Jerusalem on Palm Sunday (Lk 19:37-38), and tells Christopher about the disbelief of many people in Jerusalem. Christopher is then encouraged to read the account of the Last Supper. He sees that Our Lord has made a "new covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you." (Lk 22:19-20)
The father then continues reading the Passion accounts in St. Luke to the boy, which culminate in the Agony in the Garden, (Lk 22:41-46) and the trial and crucifixion of Jesus. (Lk 23:1-56)
After all the sorrow and pain of Good Friday, the father now begins showing the son the magnificence of Our Lord’s resurrection on Easter Sunday. (Lk 24:1-51) By the end of this loving interaction with his own father, Christopher knows how Jesus interacted with His Father and with all men. Paul Maier beautifully portrays how a child can understand and rejoice in the events of the Resurrection in this lovely book, "The Very First Easter."
This book lends itself to being read by an adult with a child. It would be most helpful to have a Bible nearby during the reading, so that you can continually turn to the Sacred Scriptures and show the youngster where the events being described by St. Luke are located in the sacred text. This way the child will see the connection between a fictionalized picture book and the inspired Word of God. Maier provides us with an exceptional teaching model to instruct a child in the faith. I hope you get a chance to check out this award-winning book, and to read the beautiful Biblical passages from St. Luke listed in this review. The sacred scriptural readings will be a grace filled encounter for you both. Enjoy and be Blessed!
Classical children’s literature transcends all times and cultures. The reason for this endurance is the poignancy, joy, interest and fascination that classical stories produce in young readers.
Without doubt, one of the great treasures of this field is the book "Tales of a Thousand and One Nights." Frequently shortened to "A Thousand and One Arabian Nights," these stories have delighted children for decades. Originally, these 244 tales were published in English in the early 1700s. They come from older stories and folktales in Asia and the Middle East.
While it must have been difficult, Kate Wiggin has selected a number of the most famous tales in this beautifully illustrated book entitled "The Arabian Nights." Of these, the story of Aladdin has always held great interest for Americans.
Aladdin is a very poor boy with little virtue. His father has despaired of ever making anything out of his son, as laziness seems to be the chief trait of the young boy. Broken down by hard work as a tailor, the old man dies, leaving his impoverished wife and ne’er-do-well son. Quite by accident, Aladdin one day meets an African magician in the marketplace. The magician takes a keen interest in Aladdin and begins showering gifts on the destitute youth. Aladdin’s mother is quite suspect of the magician and discourages the boy from associating with the older man.
As usual, Aladdin pays no attention to his mother’s advice, and continues spending time with the magician. The man takes the boy outside of town and entices him to go into an enchanted, jewel-filled cave to get a magic lamp. Before entering, he puts a magic ring on the boy’s finger, and tells him it will provide protection. What Aladdin doesn’t know is that the magician plans to keep the lamp and then kill him. Having taken down the magic lamp, he fills his pockets with precious jewels as he leaves the cave. His coat is so full of emeralds and diamonds that he tells the magician to help him out of the cave and then he will give the magician the magic lamp. This throws the older man into a fury, and he casts a spell that entombs Aladdin in the magic cave.
Alone and fearful of dying, Aladdin rubs the magic ring and a genie suddenly appears. He is told that any wish of his can be granted. The boy asks to be returned home, which instantly happens. Now Aladdin stands in front of his astonished mother with a magic ring and lamp. A few days later an announcement is made that everyone should stay indoors as the sultan’s daughter is going to the baths. However, Aladdin catches a glimpse of her and falls immediately in love. But how can a poor boy ever hope to marry a sultan’s daughter? Puzzling over this, Aladdin looks at the magic lamp.
What happens to Aladdin? Does the magic lamp help him win over the heart of the sultan’s daughter? What happens to the magician because of his acts of hatred? Why is virtue better than vice? To find out, go to the library and check out "The Arabian Nights" by Kate Wiggin.
All the stories in Wiggin’s title or any of the other numerous editions of the Arabian Nights fire children’s imagination. They will be enthralled by the exploits of the characters in the tales. Sinbad the Sailor will become a real person, and Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves will delight the children. Please encourage young children you know to read these exciting stories. As they pick up the book be sure to say "Open Sesame!" These stories are great fun.
In elementary school, students frequently ask to read "chapter books" by the end of the second grade. With this transitioning from picture books based primarily on pictures, to novels built on vocabulary, students enter a new world in reading development.
Several problems exist with these "early chapter books." First the students often don’t have the vocabulary needed to advance to these novels. Second, while their attention spans are growing, their ability to concentrate remains limited. Finally, it can be difficult to find stories that are interesting due to the limited vocabulary and cognitive development of these younger students.
Betsy Byars has addressed some of these issues in her fine novel, "Tornado." While both sexes will enjoy this book, boys will find a particular interest in the themes presented by the author.
The sky begins darkening in Tornado Alley, the swath of area that covers the borders of Kansas, Oklahoma and Missouri. Peter, the farm hand, shouts out the frightening word "twister."
Two young boys look as the twirling, snakelike tornado descends from the clouds. Their mother helps the old grandmother down the steps as they frantically try to reach the storm cellar. They barely have time to open the doors and get in before the twister descends on them. As they hang on for dear life, all remember that their father did not make it to the cellar before the cyclone struck.
To allay the fears of the young boys, Pete begins telling the story of a whirlwind that hit his farm when he was a young boy. His family had hurried into a root cellar to escape the fury of the tornado. In a matter of minutes the twister tore its way across their farm and their lives. The roof of their house was hurled like a piece of paper in their yard.
Amid all the destruction and debris, a doghouse had somehow descended from the heavens and landed near the well. In the smashed structure, a moan could be heard. Young Pete eventually got up the nerve to look inside the doghouse.
To his immense surprise, a large, black dog lay trapped inside. How in the world had a doghouse been carried so far by the twister? Even stranger, how had the dog survived?
The young boy bent down and tried to uncover the dog. After a while, the black dog pushed his way out of the wreckage. When he heard the word "supper" he bounded to the back door. Pete had just had a pet delivered to him by a tornado.
What kind of dog was this airborne creature? Why was he so friendly? What did Pete learn that the dog could do that was remarkable? How fast did it take Pete to fall in love with the black dog? What had happened to his original owners? To find out the answers to these questions, please go to the library and check out "Tornado" by Betsy Byars.
Betsy Byars is one of the most beloved writers in the field of children’s literature. She has dozens of publications in the field, and has won numerous awards for her work.
This early chapter book will keep the interest of young readers without proving to be too daunting. The boy’s love for the dog will ensure this book’s popularity. I hope the children in your family get a chance to read this excellent story. They will like the novel. Enjoy!
Summertime is a time of adventure and fun for most people. With the temperature rising, people naturally want to go outdoors. Sports become a major part of summer for many people. In addition to baseball, soccer, tennis and swimming, many students want to start playing golf.
This is a demanding sport that teaches humility and discipline. It seems so easy to hit a golf ball. But the results can be unpredictable. The ball doesn’t always fly straight, which can leave players befuddled. In spite of the demands of the sport, golf is a terrific game that can be learned with practice and discipline.
What skills and instruction are needed to be successful? John Gordon answers many of these questions in his fine book entitled "The Kids Book of Golf."
The author points out that golf is a sport that can be played by all types of people. You don’t need to be tall, or particularly strong, because accuracy is one of the most important elements in golf. Keeping the ball in the fairway is a surefire way to success in the sport.
He gives a history of golf’s origins in Scotland. Then a series of drawings show the most usual golf holes.
Next, Gordon talks about the development of golf clubs and golf balls. When one considers the technological development of clubs in recent years, it is hard to imagine anyone being able to play well with these early clubs.
A picture shows an early golf ball made out of feathers, and another one made out of gutta-percha, a type of gluey rubber. The rubber core golf ball that is used today was invented about 1900.
Gordon states that grip, aim and posture are the three elements of a good stroke. Next, he talks about the importance of chipping and putting. The common phrase "drive for show, putt for dough" becomes apparent after reading this section.
The author then has a section on golf rules. He discourages "winter rules" where you move the ball to a nicer position, and insists on playing honestly. Many adult players could learn from this section.
Since golf is such a physical sport, Gordon places great emphasis on warming up. Stretching exercises, and warm-up shots at the driving range are strongly encouraged. This means that golfers need to arrive at the course early enough to stretch and take some practice shots.
The book then includes some interesting photos of famous golfers, and their stories about learning to golf. Gordon then closes the book with a description of the most important golf tournaments, and some fun facts about unusual events in golf history.
This is an excellent book for students looking to spend their time learning an interesting and challenging sport. Golf cannot be learned quickly, which is one of the most valuable parts of the game. Golf teaches about life and determination. You cannot play well if you are not disciplined.
But it is important to remember that golf is meant to be fun. So while you want to encourage youngsters to try hard, also make sure you show them the joy of experiencing a well hit ball soaring towards the green. That is what keeps people coming back to golf, and what makes it such a great sport. Enjoy!
Floods are frightening acts of nature. Usually occurring near a river, citizens of the area watch helplessly as the waters begin to rise. They pray that the rains stop and the flow of water from the north abate.
Sometimes they get lucky and the flood is not too damaging, but other times misfortune arrives as dams and levees break. Then the penned up water surges through the weakened opening and disaster follows.
While the 2011 Mississippi River flood may be the worst to ever strike the United States, Deborah Kent tells the fearsome story of the 1927 flood. The title of this excellent book is "The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927."
The Mississippi River and its tributaries touch 31 states. Virtually all the rivers east of the Rocky Mountains and west of the Appalachian Mountains flow into the Mississippi. This huge watershed usually flows southward through New Orleans into the Gulf of Mexico. But in certain years, due to heavy snowfall and rains, the "Father of Waters" overflows its banks.
As people began settling the areas along the river, a series of earthen walls called levees were built. These massive structures were built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to exact specifications. They were to be 30 feet high, 188 feet thick at the base, and gradually sloping upward to an 8-foot wide plateau on the top. This size of levee was the norm for the 1,100 miles from Cairo, Illinois to the Gulf of Mexico. In 1926, the head of the Army Corps of Engineers, General Edgar Jadwin, confidently stated that this engineering feat could withstand any flood the Mississippi could throw at the levee system.
Heavy rains fell in late 1926, and were followed by deep snowfalls. By early spring the waters of the river began to rise. The tons and tons of water began pressing against and stretching the river’s levees. All along the river, workmen began to frantically build the levees higher, only to watch more rain fall and see the river continue to rise. Weak points in the levees began to leak, and everyone became terrified of a crevasse, or break, in the levees. Orders were given to armed guardsmen walking on the top of the levees to shoot anyone trying to damage the levees.
In spite of all this heroic effort, the levees broke in the state of Mississippi. This northern section of Mississippi, called The Delta had large section swamped under many feet of water. The city of New Orleans knew they were next. What should they do to save their city?
What answers did New Orleans arrive at? How did 39 tons of dynamite play a role in saving New Orleans? Who paid the price for this salvation? Who were the winners and losers of the 1927 flood?
Is it really possible to channel a river as immense as the Mississippi into a levee system? What have we learned in the last 90 years about floods on the Mississippi River? To find out the answers to these questions, go to the library and check out this well-written book about the 1927 flood.
Deborah Kent has written a number of excellent nonfiction books for children. This title is in the highly regarded Cornerstones of Freedom series. The writing is very interesting and the photographs draw readers into the power and awful terror of the Mississippi River during a flood.
Having grown up on the banks of the Mississippi River, I can attest to the immense havoc a flood can inflict on an area. This book would be quite useful to students in the fourth through sixth grades in social studies classes. Kent’s book was not enjoyable for me, but it was compelling reading.
Children have little trouble using their imaginations. They understand fairy tales, and enjoy reading and hearing these stories of adventure and excitement.
Children appreciate fables as well, with their moral underpinning. The combination of exciting the imaginations of children and teaching values is a unique talent. David Wiesner takes a very well known fairy tale/fable and gives it a completely new twist in his 2002 Caldecott-winning book, "The Three Pigs."
As he commonly does in his books, Wiesner writes about and draws hilarious scenes that will keep children laughing throughout the reading of the book.
The story begins with the big bad wolf coming over the hill and seeing the first pig building his house out of straw. The wolf huffs and puffs and blows the house down. Unfortunately for the wolf, the strength of his puff has also blown the pig out of the story.
Perplexed, the wolf looks around the destroyed house and doesn’t find the pig. As a result of this undesired consequence, he gets no lunch. So he ventures after the second pig, who has built his house out of sticks.
After threatening the second pig, he blows the house down. Unfortunately, the wolf now finds that the second pig has vanished as well. He has joined the first pig. Now the wolf is completely lost and hungry. Where did they go?
The wolf doggedly trudges on to the third pig’s house that is made of bricks. As he huffs and puffs, the third little pig escapes from the house and finds the other two pigs. By now the wolf has become trapped in the pages of the story book, and the three pigs go on adventures in other fairy tales. This leads them to flying through the air and landing the story, "Hey diddle, the cat and the fiddle." But this fairy tale is too dull for the pigs, so they fly off to another story, filled with dragons and princes. Much to their surprise, the pigs find that the cat and the fiddle have joined their escapades.
But this isn’t the fairy tale of the three little pigs; so how do they get back to their own story? What has become of the poor wolf still stuck in the pages of the original story?
How can you use your imagination to pop in and out of fairy tales and situations? Who finally protects the three pigs? Have you ever saved someone from harm? To find out the answers to these questions, go to the library and check out this very funny picture book, "The Three Pigs," by David Wiesner.
The author uses surrealist art in much of his work, and creates highly unusual settings. Here we see pigs flying through the air and traditional fairy tales being combined with zany actions. This book is completely fun, and children will keep laughing at the hi-jinks of the three pigs.
When you read this book it important to remember that Wiesner will sometimes write the original fairy tale, but create a different reality through the drawings. Lest you get confused, the original words don’t always match what is really happening in the story, and this is especially true in the second half of the book. The drawings are the true reality of what has occurred.
You will have an enjoyable time reading this delightful book with your younger family members. Just don’t laugh more than the children. Enjoy!
Baseball is a sport enjoyed by millions throughout the world. It has a long heritage, with the beginning of the game in the late 1800s. Just as today, people of that period cheered their favorite players and rooted for their home teams.
During the early 1900s, baseball cards began to be manufactured. Children began collecting the cards of the most popular players. One of the greatest stars of this period was Honus Wagner, and his baseball card became the rarest card in the entire sport. Jane Yolen tells the story of this phenomenal player, and the incredible account of his baseball card.
Born near Pittsburgh, Honus grew up in a German family of hard-working miners. As the fourth boy in the family, Honus had plenty of time to see his older brothers excel in the sport. Fluent in German and English, the young boy did not attend formal schools after reaching his 12th birthday. Instead, he began working in the coal mines from dawn to dusk.
All of this difficult work built Honus into a very strong young man. Since he had bowed legs and long arms, Honus was sometimes thought of awkward and homely. When not working he would play baseball with an intense passion and soon caught the attention of major league teams. So gifted was Honus, that he was able to play most positions, but eventually developed into a brilliant shortstop. There, playing mainly for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Wagner began a 21-year major league career. During that time, he won eight batting championships and set many other records. By the time he retired, Honus was a beloved figure in Pittsburgh, for his athletic prowess and kind deposition.
The story of his baseball card is larger than life as well. In the early 1900s, baseball cards began to be included in cigarette packages. To get the card, youngsters had to buy the cigarettes or have their parents purchase them. The virtuous Wagner thought this a terrible idea because it encouraged smoking in young people. As a result, he demanded that his card be removed from the cigarette packages. At first this didn’t seem like an important event. But what it actually did was create a huge shortage of baseball cards for one of the greatest players of all time. The name of this famous baseball card is the T206. It is likely the most highly prized and expensive baseball souvenir in the world.
Why is Honus Wagner still so revered in baseball circles today? What did the Pittsburgh Pirates have made to honor his memory? Who did Ty Cobb think was the most gifted baseball player of all time?
Could you smash a baseball if you held onto the bat with a separated grip? What is a T206 Wagner card worth? The amount will stagger your imagination.
To find out the answers to these questions, go to the library and check out this excellent book, "All Star! Honus Wagner and the Most Famous Baseball Card Ever."
This book is an uplifting read. It is hard not to be inspired by the life and athletic skill of Honus Wagner. Unlike so many famous sports figures, Wagner always kept a spirit of humility about him. He showed that a baseball player can be a great player and a great man at the same time.
The story of the T206 card continues to be in the news as well. Some nuns were recently willed a T206 card in poor condition and sold it at auction December 20, 2010 for $220,000. So don’t put those old baseball cards in the spokes of your bike like I did. They may someday make you a millionaire.
I hope you encourage your younger family members to check out this fine book. It was fun to read. Enjoy!
The Fourth of July celebration is one of the most joyful and entertaining days in the year.
Families come together with expectations of friendship and picnics of delicious food. After sharing the lip-smacking meal, children play outside and adults visit. Frequently, bands play patriotic music in city parks.
After this pleasant event, as the sun sets, everyone eagerly awaits the annual fireworks display. With the first bursting rocket, people glue their eyes to the sky for the next colorful explosion.
Jean Van Leeuwen takes readers back into the 1850’s and describes a Fourth of July celebration along the Oregon Trail. The title of this well-written book is "A Fourth of July on the Plains."
The journey from Indiana has been going on for weeks. By July 4th, the wagon train has finally reached the last section of the Great Plains before entering the Rockies.
Footsore and weary, the travelers decide to rest for a day and celebrate the Fourth of July. So far from home, they look out on immense grass and looming mountains and plan their celebration.
The men decide to go hunting and leave the wagon train behind.Young Jesse wants to go with the men, but his father tells him he is too young.
Left behind, he disconsolately looks about the camp. The women are busy baking and preparing the celebratory meal. This seems dull for Jesse, and he starts getting into trouble. His mother becomes angry at his shenanigans and soon has him sitting at a campfire, stirring a pot.
Jesse and his friends now really feel disconnected and without purpose. They are too young for the men, and have no interest in working with the women and girls. They begin to think of an idea.
Remembering the parades they have witnessed in Indiana, and the music the bands played, the boys wonder if these things could be something they could do at the camp.
But how do you create a band in the middle of the plains? Looking about, the boys come up with a plan.
What do the boys create for the wagon train? How does music form a major part of this idea? Do you like Fourth of July parades? Have you ever participated in a parade?
Do you like the picnics on the Fourth of July best, or are the fireworks your favorite? How do these young boys bring joy to the travelers in the middle of the Great Plains?
To find out the answers to these questions, please go to the library and check out this interesting title, "A Fourth of July on the Plains," by Jean Van Leeuwen.
The author shows this well known holiday being enjoyed by a group of settlers on the Oregon Trail.
She has used the actual diary of the young boy, Jesse, to give the actual details of the celebration. As a result, the story has a deep sense of authenticity.
As you prepare for your upcoming celebration of the Fourth of July, share this intriguing story with your family. The times were certainly different, but the joy of the holiday celebration and the love of the United States is still the same. I hope you like the book. Enjoy!
Concept books are very hard to write in an interesting manner. First, you have the problem of presenting the idea of the story. Second, the concept must be described in a manner that is understandable for the audience. Finally, the book must be interesting. Because of this, many writers steer clear of concept books.
Fortunately for us, Joyce Sidman has written a poetic concept book that avoids these problems. She uses the natural world to teach children the seasons of the year, and the colors in the spectrum. The title of this lovely book is "Red Sings from Treetops: a Year in Colors."
The story begins with a lady walking outdoors with a little dog. Both the woman and the dog are wearing crowns. The top of the house is lifting off and cardinals are flying across the sky. It is Spring! The maple trees develop a red hue; rhubarb begins taking a red shade and all the sounds of the world echo like cherries falling to the ground.
The entire world then becomes green, and the lady and her little dog explore this lovely world. Balanced on a wheel, the woman holds an umbrella made of green stalks. Soon this bursting world is joined by the color yellow. Goldfinches join the cardinals and fly upwards toward a comforting yellow sun. Some of the tips of the yellow flowers gracefully turn purple.
But since spring is a time of thunder and lightning, the lady picks up her little dog and runs away from the white bolts of lightning and cold white hail. Fortunately, the storm blows over and white leaves behind delicate pale flowers.
Now the woman and her dog run outdoors to play in the gorgeous sunshine and encounter the majestic color blue. The blue sky frames the world and gives it a spectacular beauty. In a nearby tree, four young pink birds open mouths for their mother to feed them and sing to the heavens. It is almost Summer!
More colors come pouring into the story. The lady discovers the beauty of black on a nighttime walk. The black night is mysterious, and in a tree the woman sees a raccoon staring at her. But the color also is comforting.
But Fall and Winter have not yet arrived. What colors and shapes will represent these wonderful seasons?
What color do you prefer? Do you have a favorite season? Sometimes it is hard to tell because each color is beautiful and every season has its charms.
Why do the lady and her dog always have a crown on their heads? To find out the answers to these questions, go to the library and check out "Red Sings from Treetops: A Year in Colors," by Joyce Sidman.
"Red Sings from Treetops: A Year in Colors" won the Caldecott Honor Award in 2010 for its distinguished art. All of the illustrations have a whimsical, poetic feel. Since Sidman is teaching color concepts and the four seasons of the year, readers will be gracefully introduced to the various colors of the changing calendar.
This book is particularly valuable for readers with a sense of beauty. The poetry is engaging. It is written in a warm and comforting manner and is illustrated in a lovely, whimsical style.
I hope you get the chance to go to the library and check out this enchanting title. I liked the book, and think you will as well. Enjoy!
The early Christian writer, Tertullian, is well known for his famous statement that "the blood of the martyrs is the seedbed of the Faith." During the Roman Canon (Eucharistic Prayer I), many martyrs are directly named. While the 20th century likely has more martyred Catholics than any other century, one of the most recognized victims for the Faith is the important philosopher/nun, Edith Stein (later Carmelite Sister Teresa Benedicta of the Cross.) Dr. Stein was born into a close knit Jewish family in Germany in 1891. By the time Miss Stein began studying philosophy, she had long lost her faith. Through a fortunate occurrence, she read "The Story of a Soul" by St. Therese of Lisieux and this revelatory experience started her conversion to Catholicism. Dr. Stein eventually joined the Carmelite Order and took final vows in 1938. With the attack of the Nazis on German Jews, she and her sister Rosa moved to Holland to escape the Nazi grip. With the conquest of Holland by the Third Reich in 1940, all Dutch Jews were now subject to deportation and death.
This terrible situation put the Dutch Churches in a difficult spot. All the Christian church leaders felt that they were obligated to condemn the horrible actions of the Nazis. Archbishop de Jong of Utrecht finally decided to decry the Nazis horrible actions in an Episcopal letter to be read from all Dutch pulpits on July 26, 1942. The major Protestant churches in Holland agreed to read a similar version of the letter. De Jong told Dr. Arthur Seyss-Inquart, the vile Nazi leader in Holland, that the letter was going to be read on July 26, 1942. Forewarned, the Nazi leaders managed to get most of the Protestant churches to change their minds about reading the letter, but were unsuccessful with the Catholic hierarchy. As a result, the letter was read in all Catholic churches and the Nazi retaliation was almost immediate. Nearly all of the 400 or so Catholic Jews were arrested seven days later on August 2, 1942. About 70% of these victims were subsequently released, but 113 went to their deaths in the concentration camps. This group included priests, nuns, religious brothers, single persons and entire families.
Father Hamans gives brief biographies of 28 of the victims. St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Dr. Edith Stein) has a detailed account of her life and sacrificial suffering after being arrested. Hamans compassionately records the lives and deaths of these Catholic Jews. The book includes a copy of the July 26, 1942 letter, and a thorough account of the Nazi revenge on the Catholic Jews for the public reading of the letter.
The book raises important questions. How should we respond to terrible moral evil? Should we ever do anything that might put other people’s lives at risk? Christians cannot remain silent in the face of sinful depravity, but what should you do when you suspect that a protest will likely bring down a frightful consequence? These are all complex questions that don’t have easy answers. Father Hamans shows the great faith and courage of the Dutch martyrs throughout the biographies. A number of the Catholic Jews were frightened and terrified of being arrested, but all persevered in the Faith during this dreadful time. This is not a book that is enjoyable to read, but rather a book that is appropriate for our times when Catholics are being martyred in a number of countries. Father Hamans has given remarkable face to heroic martyrdom of the Catholic Jews of Holland. This book is available from Ignatius Press, and a number of Catholic bookstores. I hope you take the chance to read it.
The late James Marshall was one of the funniest writers to ever grace the field of children’s literature. Wildly popular with children, Marshall tells the zaniest stories with fun and laughter. After his early and unfortunate death, the famed illustrator Maurice Sendak took one of Marshall’s manuscripts’s and created all the illustrations for a new story. This powerful combination of talents has created a book that has all the humor of Marshall and the drawing talent of Sendak. The name of this funny book is Swine Lake.
A down on his luck wolf hunches over a newspaper looking for opportunities to find some delicious animals to eat. Somewhat given to the fine arts, the wolf peruses the Arts and Leisure section of the newspaper as well. Since reading isn’t going to fill his stomach, he leaves his threadbare room and heads out to the street. Above all else, the wolf loves to eat pigs, and salivates at the mere sight of the little porkers. Much to his surprise he sees that a new ballet has come to town and is being performed by the Boarshoi Ballet. As he nears the theatre, he sees pigs everywhere and his hunger becomes inflamed. But since the audience appears to be completely comprised of pigs, the wolf wonders how he can get into the theatre with his bushy tail and sharp claws. Fortunately, a rich old sow stops the wolf and offers him her front row tickets. Cunningly, the wolf walks to his section and begins planning his assault. The curtain rises and the ballet begins.
Much to his surprise, the wolf is captivated by the music and the graceful dancing of the chunky pigs. One of the male leads, the portly Monsieur Franche de Lard, seems to leap through the air in his leotards. Captivated as he is by the story, the wolf keeps telling himself not to gobble all the pigs when he makes his attack. But the prima pigarinna and the ballet have begun to capture his heart. Much to his surprise the wolf understands that a story is being told, and a marriage is about to take place in the ballet. His heart rises with joy for the pigarinna and is crushed when an evil monster appears on stage and snatches her away from her heartbroken fiancé. As his stomach rumbles, concern for the welfare of the abducted pig fills his heart. How could that evil monster seize such a beautiful girl pig? The curtain falls and the wolf begins planning a rescue strategy.
What does the wolf do? Does his physical hunger overcome his love for the stricken pigarrina? Or does he act nobly and save the graceful but forlorn ballet star? What would you do in such circumstances? Does love triumph in the end? To find out, go to the library and checkout this witty book, Swine Lake by James Marshall and Maurice Sendak.
The vivid play of imagination is quite evident in this book. Children will have no trouble understanding the book, and will think it is hysterical that pigs are dressed in ballet attire and gracefully dancing. The pictures of the wolf’s growing concern for the female lead dancer are delightful. Pay close attention to the pictures because they are as funny as the story. This book is not trying to tell some eternal truth, but is children’s literature at its rollicking best. I hope you get a chance to read this book with the younger members of your family. My wife kept laughing when she read it, and I think you will too. Enjoy!
Courage and perseverance are two necessary traits when one encounters trials and persecutions in life.
Courage gives a person the strength to enter into a trying and painful situation and attempt to transform it. Perseverance is the equally necessary quality that allows a person to continue striving to carry difficult tasks to their conclusion.
One hero in American life is Jackie Robinson. Mr. Robinson helped the United States begin to overcome its discriminatory past through his courageous life in sports and the pubic arena.
While much is known about his integration of major league baseball, much less is known about his private life. His daughter, Sharon Robinson, writes a compelling biography of her father and relates an important personal incident that taught the family the true meaning of courage. The name of this fine biography is "Testing the Ice: A True Story About Jackie Robinson."
In the late 1940s, the general manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers, Branch Rickey, approached Jackie Robinson about becoming the first African American player in the major leagues. This was a culturally revolutionary offer that was filled with peril for Jackie Robinson and the Brooklyn Dodgers. Could racial hatred be overcome through the sport of baseball?
In the beginning of this experiment, Jackie Robinson faced terrible racial abuse. The hatred was so much that it would have broken a lesser man. But Robinson’s strength of character, courage and fortitude carried him through these awful times. Eventually, Robinson became admired and respected both as a person and as a baseball player in the United States.
After the Dodgers won the 1955 World Series, Robinson moved his family to a beautiful home in the country. The property was wooded and had a lovely lake. All of Jackie’s children swam in the lake with other youngsters in the neighborhood. When they beckoned Jackie to join them, he always waved but never entered the water to swim with the children.
When winter came, the lake would freeze completely over. Jackie’s children and those in the neighborhood would clamor for him to go ice skating with them. But Jackie was suspicious of the ice cracking. Despite his misgivings, he put on his winter coat and headed to the lake with the children. Cautioning them to wait on the shore, he walked out onto the ice. Suddenly there was a loud booming crack.
What caused the ice to crack? Can someone survive if he falls through the ice in the middle of winter? What did the author, Sharon Robinson learn about her dad that day?
Have you ever been frightened? What did you do to overcome your fears? What did Jackie do when the shattering noise occurred? To find out, go to the library and check out this fine biography, "Testing the Ice: A True Story About Jackie Robinson."
Jackie Robinson affected American culture in many ways. While his public life is well known, this attractively drawn portrait of his private life is very inspirational.
I hope you get a chance to read this book with your younger family members. I found the book moving and think you will as well. Enjoy!
American schools are based on the understanding of the written word. This is done by reading information and transcribing ideas through writing.
While oral storytelling is capable of transmitting cultural ideas accurately, a written alphabet transforms a culture. Writing allows people from different cultures and countries to learn and experience a society. Since storytelling relies on an immense amount of time to memorize, writing gives members of a society the capability to quickly develop thought and capture cultural ideas in books, letters and essays. Writing allows a society to develop beyond a hunter/gatherer mentality.
In Native American tribes, history was usually passed on through oral tradition. But this tradition was changed in the Cherokee tribe because of the efforts of one man. That man was Sequoyah, the inventor of the written Cherokee language.
Sequoyah was born in the 1760s and was partially crippled. He learned to be a metal worker and made both sturdy iron tools and delicate silverware. As the migration into Cherokee land in Georgia began to happen in the 1790s, Sequoyah began to see that contracts, deeds and other important documents were always written.
He decided to create a written system for the Cherokee language. Many of his fellow Cherokees thought he was foolish for wasting his time on such a silly project. In fact, members of his tribe actually burned down his cabin with all of his early attempts to write Cherokee. But in spite of this mean-spirited attack, Sequoyah persevered. While he had first tried to draw a picture for each idea around him, the amount of pictures became too vast to be useable. He needed to try a new method. What would happen if there was a symbol for each sound in the language? How many sounds were there in Cherokee? Sequoyah decided to find out.
After he had listened and studied his language, he created all the letters needed to form an alphabet. All of his neighbors were reduced to silence when his 6-year-old daughter read in the newly-written language. Soon, Cherokee warriors started writing out their thoughts as well. Now a new way was possible to record the history of the Cherokee people.
Terrible times soon came to the Cherokee people through the stubborn cruelty of President Andrew Jackson. They were marched from Georgia to Oklahoma on the sorrowful "Trail of Tears." Throughout this awful time, their language was preserved, and with it the memory of their nation.
How did all this happen? How did Sequoyah’s great invention help save the cultural memory of the Cherokee nation? Have you ever tried to invent a form of writing? How would you do it? And finally, why did Sequoyah’s work make him a true American hero? To find out, go to the library and read this excellent biography, "Sequoyah," by James Rumford.
This award-winning book is a highly readable introduction to the remarkable life of Sequoyah. The author does not belabor the deportation of the Cherokees from the Southeast, but tells the story in a sensitive manner. All of the English writing in this story has a Cherokee translation at the bottom of each page. While some of the Cherokee letters were historically transformed into durable English characters, most of the Cherokee scripts retained the beautiful loops and whirls Sequoyah invented. I hope you take the time to read this interesting book about Sequoyah and the beautiful writing he created.
In St. Matthew’s Gospel, Our Lord tells Simon Peter: "Thou art Peter and on this Rock I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven" (Mt 16:18-19) With this divine command, Our Blessed Savior established the office of the papacy.
From the first martyred popes, to the recent Holy Fathers, the papacy has steered the Church through many trying periods. Twentieth-century popes had to confront world wars, revolutions and revolts against religion.
During the long and grace-filled reign of Pope John Paul II, one cardinal in particular assisted the great Slavic successor to St. Peter. This cardinal’s name was Joseph Ratzinger, and Claire Mohan has written a sensitive account of his life for children. It is entitled, "Joseph from Germany."
On April 16th, 1927, a baby boy was born to Joseph and Maria Ratzinger. His father bundled him up in a blanket and took the baby to the village church for baptism. Given the name Joseph Aloysius Ratzinger, the infant was quickly baptized on that same day. During the next few years, Joseph grew up in a pious and loving family. He had an older sister named Maria and an older brother named Georg. The family was deeply devoted to prayer and the Catholic Faith. This nurtured a deep love for God in all three Ratzinger children.
But the happy, peaceful days of childhood ended when Adolph Hitler gained power in Germany. Now all Germans were taught to look at Hitler for guidance instead of God. Mr. Ratzinger found this situation to be intolerable and moved his family into a rural setting, farther away from the insanity of National Socialism, as the Nazi philosophy was named. No member of the Ratzinger family supported the Nazis.
This isolation in the country for some time worked, but eventually World War II erupted and both of the young Ratzingers were drafted into the German Army. At the end of the war, both brothers returned home and entered the seminary and were later ordained on the same day.
Happily for Father Joseph, his first assignment was in a parish. There he brought the sacraments to the sick, said Mass and happily performed the duties of a parish priest. But the Holy Spirit had other plans for Father Joseph, and he was asked to begin a doctoral program in theology. His path toward becoming a holy priest and an intellectual giant had begun.
What happened to Father Ratzinger during these years? How did his brilliance lead to his becoming a theological expert at Vatican II? Why did his spiritual and intellectual qualities lead to his becoming a cardinal? Why did Pope John Paul II have such trust in Cardinal Ratzinger? How did all of these life experiences prepare him to become Pope Benedict XVI? To find out read this wonderful biography, "Joseph from Germany," by Claire Jordan Mohan.
This is a beautifully-told story of the life of Pope Benedict XVI. The writing draws you into the life of Father Ratzinger, and tells of his elevation to Archbishop, Cardinal and finally to the papal office. I found the book interesting and informative.
Ms. Frizzle (Frizzy or The Friz) is one of the most interesting characters in children’s books in recent years. Joanna Cole, the author, has taken countless elementary school students on exciting adventures with Ms. Frizzle and the Magic School Bus. With her swirling, unruly red hair, Ms. Frizzle always holds a charm for children. In each of the expeditions, she takes her class on a yellow Magic School Bus.
One of her students is the lazy and somewhat hapless Arnold. The Friz always gets Arnold moving and the story frequently centers on his actions and reactions to the adventures.
This book is slightly different in that Ms. Frizzle begins the story in Craig’s Castle Shop, rather than school and Magic School Bus. She enters the Castle Shop carrying a book on medieval castles. When Arnold sees her, an uneasy feeling comes over him. Frizzy pulls the trapdoor Arnold is standing on and the boy disappears. Ms. Frizzle immediately jumps down the trapdoor with several others. They instantly find themselves in an English medieval castle. The adventure is beginning.
Somewhat stunned, Arnold starts running through a castle tunnel to get away from The Friz. Undeterred, she pursues him until they are in the middle of the castle. Looking around, Arnold and the others see a fully functioning medieval castle.There are towers, walls, parapets, and a drawbridge over a moat. Inside the castle, they meet poor peasants working in the castle and see the rich noble family of Lord Robert and Lady Anne. There are cooks making food for the people in the castle, the leather workers, blacksmiths, carpenters and hunters carrying falcons.
The whole scene is one of constant motion. Suddenly trumpets sound and all the soldiers assemble to march out on a military campaign. Lord Robert leaves at the head of the army for the kingdom is in danger. Lady Anne takes charge of managing the castle in her husband’s absence.
Unfortunately, an old enemy, Baron Griffin sees his opportunity to seize the castle. He arrives with an army and prepares to lay a siege. As the peasants flee to the safety of the castle, the battles begin. The soldiers under Lady Anne hold out during several attacks, but it is clear that the castle will fall if Lord Robert does not return with his army. Unfortunately, the plight of the castle is unknown to Lord Robert. A brave person must be chosen to risk his life getting through enemy lines. Ms. Frizzle knows just the man for the job. She selects Arnold.
How does Arnold prepare for this dangerous assignment? Is he courageous? Have you ever been chosen for something you were unsure about? Did you have the strength and ingenuity to complete the task? What does Arnold do? Is the castle saved? To find out, go to the library and check out this entertaining book, "Medieval Castle" by Joanna Cole.
Ms. Frizzle and Arnold are both delightful characters. Their adventures are interesting, and Joanna Cole and Bruce Degen have packed a great deal of information and vocabulary development into the side bars next to each drawing.
This is not a book for most K-2 students. The story is complex and the reading is challenging. But middle grade students usually love the exploits of Frizzy and her students. If you have never read this book or any of the titles from the Magic School Bus series, you should do so. You are in for a treat; it is easy to see why they are so popular. Enjoy!
Animal fantasies are among the most famous stories in children’s literature.
In these types of tales, animals talk, make decisions and solve problems that are common to the life situations of most people. "Charlotte’s Web" by E.B. White may be the most memorable animal fantasy ever written. Elementary-school children enjoy this genre of literature because it is entertaining and addresses problems that they encounter.
Dick King-Smith, an English writer, has crafted a delightful story about an animal wanting to become greater. The name of this engaging fantasy is "Babe: The Gallant Pig."
Mr. Hogget is an English sheep farmer. Little given to speech, he works his farm with diligence and the assistance of an outstanding collie named Fly. In short order, Fly can encircle a herd of sheep and drive them into holding pens. The sheep are terrified of Fly because she bites them when they don’t move fast enough. Being sheep, they do not have highly-developed intellects, and constantly bleat out the word "wolf" each time they see a dog. Fly holds all sheep in contempt for their low I.Q.’s.
When Mr. Hogget goes to town one day, he sees a pig being given away. Though he doesn’t raise pigs, this pig is free if you will pay 10 pence and guess the correct weight. The pig has an interesting look about him, so the farmer pays the money and guesses 31 pounds and a quarter. Much to his surprise, his estimate is completely accurate, and he wins the pig.
The new pig is introduced to Fly in the barn and soon loves her like his own mother. When asked his name, the pig says his first mother simply called him Babe. Fly takes a liking to the little porker and takes him all around the farm. When Babe sees Fly, whom he calls Ma, rounding up the sheep, he makes a momentous decision. He too will round up the sheep by becoming a sheep-pig.
But the first day Babe tries to round up the sheep, he discovers that a pig cannot run as fast as sheep or dogs. So he sits down and begins conversing with the sheep. Stunned that anyone would treat them with kindness, the sheep immediately obey Babe and quickly go down to the pen. Farmer Hogget carefully watches this and begins to hatch a plan. Each day Babe gets better and better at rounding up the sheep, and discovers the secret password that will get the sheep to follow him anywhere. Sensing something special, Mr. Hogget loads Babe into his ancient Land Rover and enters him in the National Sheepdog Trials. But will the officials allow a sheep-pig to enter the National Sheepdog Trials? The tension builds.
What happens to Babe at the National Trials? Does the password change the way the new sheep react to him? Can he chug along fast enough to keep up with the sheep? Will the judges accept such an unusual entry? Have you ever done anything really out of the ordinary like this? What finally happens? To find out go to the library and check out this highly entertaining animal fantasy, "Babe the Gallant Pig."
This story is simply delightful. The author understands that childhood should have a time of wonderful innocence. You can’t help but root for the chubby Babe as he attempts to transform himself into a sheep-pig. Dick King-Smith knows how to keep middle grade students laughing as they follow Babe’s exploits. I hope you get a chance to read this funny book.
People with crippling infirmities have to overcome many obstacles. First, there is the personal adjustment they must make to live in a world that does not befriend them.
Second, they sometimes must endure odd looks and rejection from "normal people."
Finally, they must try to overcome their disabilities to lead a productive life. While some handicapped people, like Helen Keller, literally change the way the world views people with differences, others struggle under the weight of their crosses.
Paul Gallico has written a beautifully-told story of one man coping with and transforming his disabilities. The name of this sensitive and brave account is "Snow Goose."
In 1930, Phillip Rhayader moved to the abandoned marshes of southern England.
A sensitive artist, Phillip also had a deformed back and hand. After years of trying to fit in, he simply leaves society and settles in a lonely lighthouse near the beach. There he paints magnificent seascapes, and befriends countless birds, ducks and geese. Every week or so, he journeys into town and gets a few supplies before returning to his lonely exile.
Stories begin to abound about his ability to heal birds, and a young girl named Fritha finds a wounded Canadian goose in the marsh. As the bird is badly injured, the girl decides to risk visiting the artist to see if the stories of his healing skills are accurate.
As the girl brings the wounded goose to the lighthouse, she meets a sensitive man with a deeply caring nature. He attends to the injured goose and names it "the Lost Princess."
Fritha is a very lonely child and comes out and visits Mr. Rhayader and the Lost Princess frequently. As the bird gets better, Fritha finds herself drawn into a caring friendship with the crippled man.
But the goose is well by spring and flies north with the other geese. Fritha is somewhat heartbroken at the Lost Princess’s departure, but Phillip comforts her with the thought that geese also migrate south in the winter.
Sure enough, some months later, the Lost Princess lands at the lighthouse to the delight of the artist and the girl. Knowing a good thing, the goose never migrates again, and lives permanently with Rhayader.
As the years pass, the friendship of Phillip and Firtha grows. He teaches her to sail, and they have many wonderful days on the ocean.
But the spring of 1940 changes everything. The Nazis have surrounded and pinned down a British and French army at Dunkirk. From the beach they can hear the shelling across the English Channel. The British government puts out an urgent plea for anyone with a small boat to sail to France and ferry the trapped soldiers over the shallow port waters to the waiting British fleet.
Phillip quickly readies his small sailboat as Fritha anxiously waits on the beach. As he leaves, Fritha finally realizes that she loves Phillip. As the cannon fire increases, Phillip arrives at Dunkirk with the Lost Princess flying over his boat.
What happens at Dunkirk? Does Phillip save the lives of French and British soldiers? What are the odd tales the soldiers are telling that their lives will be spared if that strange goose flies over them? Who is this unusual man that pulls so many of them out of the sea? How many little boats are machine gunned during the miracle rescue of more than 300,000 soldiers at Dunkirk? What happens to Phillip and what does Firtha learn about the true value of people?
To find out, read this exceptional story of courage and dedication by Paul Gallico.
This is a beautiful and moving account of people overcoming barriers in life and finding their human dignity. It is a moving story with poignant illustrations.
The book is not meant for light reading, but tells a powerful story of compassion and bravery. The story is just as meaningful today as when it was first published 70 years ago. I hope you get a chance to read this outstanding book.
Every country has a unique musical sound. Germany has powerful symphonies by Beethoven and lyrical waltzes. Italy has soaring operas by Verdi and Puccini, and Mexico has music with a vibrating beat. The musical sound of the United States has been influenced by a melting pot of cultures. There is classical music, rag time, blues and jazz. When combined this unique blend of tones and feelings gives a power to music from the United States. No composer captured this spirit like George Gershwin. Anna Harwell Celenza tells the amazing story of his masterpiece, "Rhapsody in Blue," in this interesting book.
By the age of 26, George Gershwin has already written numerous popular songs and several musicals. During a pool game, much to his surprise, his brother Ira tells him that a recital of American music is going to take place in New York in five weeks. According to the newspaper column, George will play a new jazz concerto to highlight the show. The young composer drops his pool cue on hearing this. What new jazz concerto? He isn’t even working on a concerto, let alone one that would showcase American music. Angrily he storms down to see Paul Whitman, the band leader with this grandiose idea for showcasing American music. Whitman realizes that Gershwin has not written any of the music for this defining piece, but confidently tells the musician that he has all the talent necessary to write such a work. Reluctantly, George agrees to try and returns home to listen to the great composers Liszt and Chopin. But this is not American music, and the compositions are of little help. So George begins walking around New York thinking about the concerto. Frustrated, he boards a train to Boston to attend a production of his recent musical. On the train, as the wheels continue to clack around and around, an idea begins to form. He remembers hearing a band playing at a Bar Mitzvah, the sounds of Scott Joplin’s ragtime, and various blues songs. Throughout the trip he sees the new dance, the Foxtrot, blending with all of these sounds. Gershwin quickly puts the notes down on the musical score. In a short time the concerto must be performed at the theatre and Gershwin races to stay ahead of his deadline. On the night of the performance, the crowd has become angry with the mediocre songs in the show. Paul Whitman turns to George to play "The Rhapsody in Blue." He hurriedly runs across the stage to the piano and begins.
What happens that night? Did the crowd riot as Paul Whitman had feared? Is it possible to blend rag time, popular, classical and blues music together? How do you add dancing into this exciting mix? Have you ever heard George Gershwin’s music? If not, go to the library and check out this entertaining book about the development of Gershwin’s masterpiece.
George Gershwin captured many American experiences in his excellent compositions. Listening to them is fun and exciting, and this book has excellent pictures and text to tell the story of writing of "The Rhapsody in Blue." It is a very entertaining book. You will enjoy it as much as your children. And remember; don’t forget to listen to the exhilarating CD of the music that is available on the back page. Enjoy!
Racial discrimination is always an ugly event. To judge and, many times, condemn people for their physical characteristics is to harm Christ Himself. Unfortunately, most countries have practiced some form of racial discrimination in their history.
While slavery was the most long lasting example in the United States, the treatment of Japanese-Americans during World War II was also terrible. Shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, the Roosevelt administration ordered all Japanese-Americans to be interned at 10 camps in six western states. About 120,000 people were exiled to these internment camps, and they were not released until the end of World War II.
The highly acclaimed Japanese-American writer/illustrator Allen Say tells their painful story in this subtle, metaphorical book, "Home of the Brave."
The story begins with a man kayaking down a stream. The waves of the river turn more violent and he is carried over a waterfall and plunges beneath the surface of the earth in an underground river. He loses his helmet, life jacket, kayak and paddle. Stunned, he is carried away by the water and thinks he is drowning. But at last he sees a light and crawls out of the water. Sun is streaming through an opening in the ground and the exhausted man climbs up a ladder to the surface.
No sooner does he leave the underworld than he sees two children. Thinking he is in an abandoned Indian village, he sees two children huddled next to an adobe wall. To his surprise, they are both Japanese-American and are stranded in a desert. He, also Japanese-American, inquires what they are doing in this desolate land. The children answer that they are waiting to go home. He sees that both children have tags around their necks, but he can’t make out the meaning. When he asks the girl where the children came from, she simply replies "From the camp."
Taking the children’s hands, he walks with them through a blinding sandstorm to the camp. When he gets there he sees many abandoned houses. Opening up one door he finds an old identification tag. On the tag, to his horror, is his own name. Now the man realizes that, like the children, he too feels the need to go home. He is so tired he lays down and upon waking, develops a plan to get home.
What is the plan the man develops? How does courage and forgiveness form the basis of this plan? What does the title "Home of the Brave" really mean? How can an ethnic group overcome a profound evil? To find out go to the library and check out this fine title.
Allen Say is a renowned writer/illustrator in children’s literature. This is a powerful, haunting account of a tragic event in American history, yet concludes with a statement of hope. I think this book would be excellent in a social studies class discussing racial discrimination, but will need teacher assistance as some ideas in the text are complex. For the ideas that are not readily apparent, teachers can provide assistance through directed reading and discussion.
Though this book is sometimes painful to read, it teaches valuable lessons on the need to reject bigotry and violence. Say’s hope filled response to the Japanese-American incarceration is edifying. I hope you get the chance to read this compelling book.
Historical fiction is a very popular form of literature. In the hands of a gifted writer, the story can have all the excitement of fiction while retaining the accuracy of history. In fact, students can often learn valuable historical lessons while being engrossed in a work of fiction.
Rosemary Sutcliff is one of the masters of historical fiction. Born in England, Sutcliff (1920-1992) began her remarkable writing career in the 1950s and frequently concentrated on stories involving the settlement of Great Britain by Rome.
This stirring story is set in England and tells of the destruction of the doomed Ninth Legion and the search for the missing standard, the golden Roman eagle. Sutcliff weaves her own literary magic in this masterpiece, "The Eagle."
Centurion Marcus Flavius Aquila takes his Cohort of soldiers from the Second Legion and marches them to relieve a battle garrison. He has served under the golden eagle of the Second Legion for less than a year. While he could have been sent anywhere in the Roman Empire, Marcus is secretly pleased to be assigned to Britain. As he takes command of the fort, he thinks of his ill-fated father leading the Ninth Legion some 15 years earlier. They disappeared into the Scottish mists and were never heard or seen again. The proud gold standard of the Legion also disappeared.
But such thoughts are soon banished when hoards of attacking British tribesmen assault the Roman post. In the battle, Aquila is badly injured after heroically saving his soldiers from tribal charioteers. The injury is so severe that there is serious doubt whether Marcus will ever again command the Legionnaires.
During the months of his long recovery, the thoughts about the fate of his father, the Ninth Legion and the lost golden eagle constantly fill his mind. He begins concocting a dangerous plan to find out this information. But people continue to caution the young centurion against going north of Hadrian’s Wall, which separates the Roman south of England from the wild northern sections. In the north, priests named Druids and wild, warlike tribes will readily kill any Romans they come upon. But Marcus decides he must find out what happened to his father and the golden eagle.
Marcus needs some type of disguise to travel in the north, and is soon trained by a Roman doctor to put ointments on eyes of children suffering from marsh blindness. Using this scheme, Marcus and his spear-bearer Esca plan to go through the northern tribes until they discover the whereabouts of the golden eagle and the fate of the Ninth Legion. At Hadrian’s Wall, the gate ominously opens and they ride through into the northern wilds. Any mistake will result in their deaths.
What happens on this dangerous quest? Do Marcus and Esca fool the tribal leaders and locate the golden eagle? What withered old man tells them about the brutal fate of the Ninth Legion? Who heroically leads the Romans on that fateful day? Why does he know? How long does their eye-healer deception last? And finally, who is riding at breakneck speed to escape howling warriors at the end of the story?
To find out, go to the library and check out "The Eagle" (often published as "The Eagle of the Ninth.")
This is a tour de force of historical fiction. The tale is gripping and intriguing with Marcus and Esca meeting untold perils during their northern mission. Rosemary Sutcliff won many famous awards for her outstanding writing, and this excellent story is usually considered her finest work. For advanced seventh-grade readers and older, this will be a compelling book. It simply can’t be beat for its exciting action and human drama. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I have.
When Americans think about World War II, their thoughts usually focus on the conflict in Europe. However, equally significant war activities took place in Asia. In some ways the war was worse in Asia due to the racial hatred of the Japanese toward the Chinese. Japan attacked China in 1937 and continued the battle through 1945. The destruction wreaked upon the Chinese was terrible. By 1941, the United States began fighting alongside the Chinese and triumphed after four more brutal years.
In this fictional account, Meindert Dejong tells a beautiful, harrowing account of one family’s attempt to survive these desperate times. The name of this poignant novel is "The House of Sixty Fathers."
Tien Poa and his family have fled from the invading Japanese in a boat called a sampan. Barely having time to pack anything, they leave as their village is overrun. For days they row upstream to get away from the attackers, and arrive at the river city of Hengyang. With little food and clothing, both parents leave Tien Poa in the sampan and begin looking for work. Through an accident, the sampan becomes unmoored and drifts into a flooded river. Terrified, young Tien Poa discovers that he is unable to control the boat and it swirls downstream. Much later it becomes lodged on the shore and the boy jumps off the boat clutching his pet pig, Glory of the Republic.
His only thought is how he can get back to his father and mother but the child has no idea how to do this as he is miles downstream from Hengyang. Suddenly, Tien Poa looks across to the other side of the river and sees platoons and trucks filled with Japanese soldiers advancing toward Hengyang. Remembering the horrible attack by the Japanese Army on his village, Tien Poa scrambles up a cliff to avoid being shot. He yearns to do something to stop the Japanese invaders. From his perch on a bluff, he watches a speck in the sky turn and rush at the Japanese. Soon he realizes it is an airplane and it is machine-gunning the aggressors. The Japanese fire back and the plane catches on fire and crashes close to Tien Poa.
An American with strange-looking blond hair escapes the burning plane and the soldiers furiously attempt to capture the flyer. A battle ensues. When a Japanese fighter is about the kill the American, Tien Poa screams a warning, and the flyer turns and shoots the soldier. Soon the hills are packed with vengeful Japanese. Tien Poa finds the wounded flyer and tries to hide him. As the Japanese begin bearing down, Tien Poa helps the pilot avoid the soldiers but they are still far from Hengyang. Can a young boy and a wounded aviator make their way through miles of hostile territory? A panic-filled night sets in.
Do Tien Poa and the pilot make it to the Chinese/American lines? What has become of Tien Poa’s family? How terrible is a Chinese World War II battle and retreat? Who are the 60 fathers? And finally, how much courage does it take to keep searching and struggling against such incredible odds? To find out read this outstanding World War II novel, "The House of Sixty Fathers."
For his many fine children’s books, Meindert Dejong was awarded the famous Hans Christian Andersen Award in 1962. This book is a gripping, action filled account of World War II in China. The suffering of the war is presented in a truthful manner, but in such a way that children will not be offended by the accounts. Dejong has written a masterful, beautiful story of a family trying to love and protect each other during a terrible war. I found this book to be a compelling account of human nature at its best. I hope you get a chance to read this uplifting novel of hope.
State religions have often been the bane of pure faith. The reason for this can be summed up in Our Lord’s command, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s." (Mark 12: 14-17)
With few exceptions, state religions often force believers to trust in the power of the King before submitting to the yoke of Our Lord. The heresies that begin under King Henry VIII and continue under his pragmatic, morally lukewarm daughter, Elizabeth I, are ample testimony to this fact. With the wholesale theft of English monastic lands by Henry and the rapacious Parliament, a state religion becomes an absolute prerequisite. If Henry isn’t the head of the church, how can such morally reprehensible actions be theologically justified? Quite simply, they cannot be justified, so Henry sets up his own church with himself as the head. His practical daughter, Elizabeth I, simply carries the project to the next stage. Like her father, she also declares herself the head of the church, and then later decrees that any Englishmen becoming priests are traitors, and any lay persons helping priests are also guilty of treason. The punishment for both clergy and laity is the same, with both groups being hung, drawn and quartered. Evelyn Waugh has written a powerful account of this evil time in English history. The name of this penetrating book is "Saint Edmund Campion: Priest and Martyr."
The saga begins with Elizabeth I travelling to Oxford University to meet the faculty and to seek talented men capable of helping her found a new church. Due to her father’s persecutions and her own suppression of the Catholic hierarchy, many talented clerics have been killed or jailed, and their replacements often owe their offices to their submission to state authority rather than innate talent. Because of this, the ever down-to-earth Elizabeth needs first-rate intellectuals to work in her government and new church if both are to thrive. At Oxford University, a young professor named Edmund Campion stands apart for his outstanding intellect and virtuous character. Campion is just the type of man Elizabeth desires. Edmund is brought to her and it soon becomes clear to everyone that the young professor can have all the riches and honors of the world if he will acquiesce to Elizabeth’s designs. But after the offer, young Campion’s heart becomes inflamed with love for the historic church of England, the Roman Catholic Church. He turns his back on the Queen’s lucrative proposal and enters the Catholic Seminary for English speakers in Douay, France. Elizabeth and her like minded counselors simply cannot understand why a man as gifted as Campion will not accept their offer to become a famous and wealthy leader of the church.
After many years of training, Father Campion returns to England. Under the ban, he courageously ministers to persecuted Catholics throughout England. But the priest-chasers have been paid by the Crown to find him. If caught, he will be hung, drawn and quartered for treason. The noose literally begins to tighten. What occurs? What is the famous treatise named "Campion’s Brag?" What brutal tortures does Elizabeth allow to be used on the stricken cleric? What takes place when the Queen asks for a second meeting with the priest? And finally, what happens to Father Campion, and why is he such a heroic figure in the Catholic Church? To find out, read this outstanding story by Evelyn Waugh, "Saint Edmund Campion: Priest and Martyr."
Evelyn Waugh is one of the most famous English writers in the 20th century. Among his many notable books is "Brideshead Revisted." Waugh details Campion’s limitations as well as his strengths in this compelling story of historical fiction. Because of this the novel has both truthfulness and accuracy. While the book is packed with numerous ideas and a complex writing style, it is a rewarding read. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.
Fairy tales are some of the most enduring forms of literature. The reasons for this are that fairy tales teach eternal truths about human existence. There is never doubt about right and wrong in fairy tales, and this helps children judge situations and make positive moral choices.
Since the writers of fairy tales understand that there is such a thing as unchangeable moral truth, these stories threaten the cultural relativism of contemporary society. As a result, modern people want to constantly rewrite fairy tales since they stand in opposition to the current belief that truth is only what we want it to be. This white-washing of fairy tales is disastrous and ruins the value of the literature. With their superior understanding of morality, traditional writers of fairy tales have a great deal to teach modern society. Among the great writers of fairy tales is Hans Christian Andersen, and one of his most famous stories is "The Ugly Duckling."
As the story begins, a large, unsightly egg rests in a nest with some nicely-formed duck eggs. The mother duck is quite pleased when the chicks begin to hatch. Since the large egg is taking so long to hatch, an old duck comes by and states that the last egg is actually a turkey egg. The mother duck decides to sit on the egg for a little longer and at last it cracks open. Out comes the oddest, ugliest chick the ducks have ever seen.
The mother duck doesn’t really know if this large chick is a duck, so she calls all of her chicks to the water to see if they can swim. Sure enough, the ugly chick can swim. But all the farm animals begin insulting and biting the odd-looking chick. At last the mother duck can’t stand the persecution anymore, and turns on the odd baby.
Completely devastated by this rejection, the downtrodden chick flees the attacks and flies to a nearby marsh. There he sees some majestic, graceful swans swimming in the pond and wants to join them. Then to the ugly duckling’s amazement, they spread their beautiful wings and soar into the sky. But he doesn’t know where to go or what he should do. So he continues to swim around the pond as winter sets in.
Soon the bitter cold brings great suffering to the rapidly-growing ugly duck. But he perseveres throughout the difficult winter of ice and snow and happily sees the swans flying back to his pond. He wants to be with the swans and then a wonderful thing happens to the now grown ugly duck.
What is it that transforms the life of the Ugly Duckling? Why is he such a noble bird? Why has his suffering been so helpful in developing his charitable personality? Have you ever felt odd or out of place or seen someone else in this condition? What did you do? And finally what happens to the Ugly Duckling. To find out, go to the library and check out this wonderful story, "The Ugly Duckling" by Hans Christian Andersen, as retold by Stephen Mitchell.
Hans Christian Andersen (1805-1875) was considered a national treasure in his native Denmark during his lifetime. "The Little Mermaid," "The Steadfast Tin Soldier," "Thumbelina" and "The Snow Queen" are also among his many famous fairy tales. Andersen’s stories are poignant and beautiful and children should become acquainted with them at a young age.
Many modern artists have illustrated many of Andersen’s fairy tales for modern picture books. Please take the time to go to the library and check out any of these wonderful fairy tales. You and your family will have a delightful time reading them. I enjoyed revisiting Andersen’s fairy tales and think you will as well.
When children begin the difficult task of learning to read, it is frequently helpful to use rhymes and songs. The reason for this is that children can memorize the cadence and be delighted as they learn the alphabet.
With repeated readings of these rhyming alphabet books, young children begin learning the complicated activity of understanding written text. Illustrations are particularly helpful to students of this age because they assist in decoding the meaning of the work.
Since learning to read is challenging for many students, educators should use every type of learning medium available to help in this process. Among the first great illustrators of children’s books was the Englishwoman, Kate Greenaway (1846-1901). One of the charming books she created for young children learning to read is "A Apple Pie."
On the title page, we see children holding apples, flour, sugar and a rolling pin. Obviously, they are about to bake an apple pie.
On the first page, a number of boys and girls are dancing around a large apple pie. Greenaway writes the letter A in bold print. The next page has the bold print B and the next part of the nursery rhyme.
As the new pages are created with their corresponding letters, the author continues to tell the story of the apple pie. We see the children cutting the pie and eating the dessert. Unfortunately some of the middle letters of the alphabet such as L and M cause the youngsters to long and mourn for the pie.
Later on, R and S, the children are much more aggressive to get the pie by running and singing for the delicacy. By the end of the book, all the children are sampling a delicious slice of the pie as they march off to bed in their charming 18th-century bedclothes.
This book is a pleasant and delightful experience to share with children. After hearing the book read several times, children will naturally begin clapping their hands and chanting, "Apple Pie, Bite it, Cut it, Dealt it, Eat it etc." The cadence and rhythm of the book are enjoyable and children will especially like the warm and caring mood created by the story.
All of the figures are drawn in old-fashioned clothes favored by Kate Greenaway. The girls wear smocks down to their ankles, with a sash tied around the waist. They rather look like the "empire dresses" so favored in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
The boys wore jackets over high-waisted trousers. Though they look somewhat stylish, they would have taken some getting used too, as they seem uncomfortable.
The Kate Greenaway Medal is named after the famous illustrator. It has been awarded since 1955 in the United Kingdom for books with outstanding illustrations.
I hope you get a chance to go to the library and read this appealing alphabet book by Kate Greenaway. Her illustrations and drawings are always enjoyable and entertaining.
When you read "A Apple Pie," just don’t start chanting the rhyme before you get to the end of the alphabet. Enjoy!
Thanksgiving is one of the most enjoyable holidays of the year. Each year, families gather for a day of feasting and relaxation. Many families will plan some special event each year during Thanksgiving, which only adds to the fun. Most people can’t wait to eat turkey and dressing, potatoes and gravy, with cranberries and hot rolls. This glorious meal is usually topped off with pumpkin pie, or in the South, with sweet potato pie.
While modern-day Americans cannot imagine a November without Thanksgiving, the holiday nearly ended in mid-1800s. One courageous woman, Sarah Hale, decided the United States needed this great festival, and in the face of considerable opposition, she rallied support for its establishment.
Born in New England, Sarah grew up listening to stories from her father, a crippled Revolutionary War veteran. The accounts of the birth of the United States stirred her heart with an appreciation for the sacrifices and ideals of the founders of the country.
However, by 1825, though still celebrated by the people in New England, Thanksgiving was fast fading in other parts of the country. Sarah believed the United States needed to have a day to give thanks for all the blessings the citizens had received. So she started a letter-writing campaign to have the fourth Thursday of November declared Thanksgiving.
At first, few people pay attention to Sarah’s efforts. Unfazed, Sarah begins composing elegant letters to the presidents of the country urging the establishment of Thanksgiving. The first president to receive her letters, Zachary Taylor, refused to declare Thanksgiving a national holiday. Since presidents come and go, Sarah just waited for Millard Fillmore to be elected to the office. Fillmore also didn’t want to dedicate the holiday. Next, she harangued President Franklin Pierce to create Thanksgiving. He declined. As the Civil War was about to begin, Sarah continued to send more letters to the recently elected President James Buchanan. With the country about to divide into war, the hapless Buchanan had more things to think about than holidays.
Finally, as the United States was embroiled in the bloody and deadly Civil War, Sarah pleaded with President Abraham Lincoln to establish Thanksgiving. Surely the beleaguered country needed something to give it hope and bring people together. The idea began to resonate with Lincoln and he became determined to act.
What did Lincoln decide? Did Sarah Hale’s 38 years of organized letter writing with a quill pen finally pay off? Is hard work and perseverance worth the effort? What have you worked diligently to achieve? And finally, why does the entire country owe a debt of gratitude to this inspired woman? To find out, go to the library and check out this captivating story about the establishment of Thanksgiving, "Thank You, Sarah" by Laurie Anderson.
At a young age, Sarah Hale was left a widow with five children. To support her family, she began editing one of the country’s first magazines for women. She published many famous authors, including Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and Edgar Allen Poe. Additionally, she wrote essays, novels and poems with her most famous work being the universally loved poem "Mary Had A Little Lamb."
Quite simply a whirl-a-wind of energy, Sarah Hale persisted for years in writing letters and organizing letter writing campaigns to have Thanksgiving declared a national holiday.
The illustrations in this book are filled with humor and assist children in understanding the issues behind the establishment of Thanksgiving as a national celebration. Quite simply, this is a fun and informative book about a dynamic woman’s drive to establish one of the most pleasant holidays in the United States. The book is fun to read, and has an excellent appendix. So before you roll up your sleeves and get ready to eat this year’s Thanksgiving turkey, check out this interesting book. Enjoy!
World War II was one of the most destructive wars in the history of the human race. For the United States this terrible conflict began December 7, 1941 with the surprise attack on the United States Army and Naval bases at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii by the Empire of Japan.
This "day of infamy," to use Franklin D. Roosevelt’s words, aroused the anger and hatred of the United States and eventually led to the near destruction of Japan by the end of the war. Harry Mazer creates a very realistic account of this awful day in "A Boy At War: A Novel of Pearl Harbor."
December 6, 1941 begins at Adam Pelko’s house with the return of his father, Lieutenant Emory Pelko, from the Battleship Arizona. As a military child, Adam has moved many times during his father’s various deployments. Lt. Pelko runs a tight ship at home and Adam makes his bed military-style and obeys when he is told. But there is tenderness in the soldier’s relationship with his wife and daughter.
There is great tension in Hawaii however because of the deteriorating relationship between Japan and the United States. Everyone is fearful that war will soon break out. Emory receives an unexpected call from the officers of the Arizona telling him to return to the battleship. As the father leaves home for the fleet, his little sister, Bea, plays blissfully with her Japanese American nanny, Koniko.
On Sunday morning, Adam meets two of his friends to go fishing at Pearl Harbor. One boy is native Hawaiian and the other is Japanese-American. They row an old boat out near the massive Battleship Arizona. Adam has been on the Arizona many times and proudly tells the boys of the immense power of the vessel.
As the flags are being raised over the sleepy naval base, planes suddenly begin sweeping over Pearl Harbor. Bullets and bombs start raining down on the unsuspecting American navy. Adam realizes that the planes are Japanese, and one banks to strafe the rowboat. The bullets rip through the nearby water and slash the boat. All three boys are hurled into the water amid screams and pain.
As Adam tries to get back into the crippled boat he turns and sees the mighty Arizona lift out of the water and explode. Other ships begin blowing up and hundreds of sailors are flung into the burning, oil-covered waters. Adam and the boys don’t know what to do.
What choices do the boys make? How do all three show heroic courage on this terrible day? What role does racial bigotry play in the story?
And finally, how do hundreds of Hawaiian families and the entire United States react to this horrifying attack? To find out, go to the library and read this heartbreaking account of one of the worst days in United States history, "A Boy At War: A Novel of Pearl Harbor."
Obviously this book contains many brutal facts from the Pearl Harbor attack and it is nearly impossible to convey mayhem of that day. While it is not fun to read this book, it is important to remember the valiant sacrifices made by defenders of Pearl Harbor, and to understand that peace can be taken away from a nation. The book contains many graphic and realistic scenes from the Japanese air assault, and includes a mild curse when the Japanese begin machine gunning the boats in Pearl Harbor. It is important for the youth of a nation to know their history and the Pearl Harbor onslaught is part of that story. Students should read books like "A Boy At War: A Novel of Pearl Harbor" to better understand their heritage.
Buying books for your children, grandchildren, nephews and nieces is one of the most pleasant Christmas activities of the season. Below is a list of books that have been reviewed in the last weeks of 2010 and through mid-December of 2011. I hope that this list will give some ideas for Christmas presents. It has been an honor to have written these book talks for the Southern Nebraska Register. Thanks for the book recommendations and encouragement you have given me. I hope that you and your family have a Merry Christmas.
1. Benson, Robert Hugh. Lord of the World. Newman Press, Long Prairie, Minnesota, first published in 1907, republished in 1982, Grades 10 and higher.
2. Spirin, Gennady. The Christmas Story, According to the Gospels of St. Matthew and St. Luke. Henry Holt and Company, New York, 1998, 32 pages, all ages.
3. Juliana, Isabella et al. Knut: How One Little Polar Bear Captivated the World. Scholastic Press, New York, 2007, 32 pages, Grades K-3.
4. Buckley, James Jr. Super Bowl. DK Eyewitness Books, New York, 2003, 64 pages, Grades 4-7.
5. Montgomery, Sy. Photographs by Bishop, Nick. Kakapo Rescue: Saving the World’s Strangest Parrot. Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, Boston, 2010, 74 pages, Grades 4-7.
6. Ryan, Munoz, Pam. Paint the Wind. Scholastic Press, New York, 2007, 327 pages, Grades 3-5.
7. Warren, Andrea. We Rode the Orphan Trains. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, 2001, 132 pages, Grades 4-6.
8. Freedman, Russell. Lafayette and the American Revolution. Holiday House, New York, 2010, 88 pages, Grades 5-7.
9. Hest, Amy. Illustrated by Bates, Amy. The Dog Who Belonged to No One. Abrams Books for Young Readers, New York, 2008, 32 pages, Grades K-2.
10. Marrin, Albert. George Washington & the Founding of a Nation. Dutton Children’s Books, New York, 2001, 276 pages, Grades 7-9.
11. Steward, Mark and Kennedy, Mike. Long Ball: The Legend and Lore of the Home Run. Millbrook Press, Minneapolis, 2006, 64 pages, Grades 4-6.
12. Lies, Brian. Author and Illustrator. Bats at the Library. Houghton Mifflin, Boston, 2008, 32 pages, K-3.
13. Urbanovic, Jackie. Author and Illustrator. Duck Soup. Harper Collins, New York, 2008, 32 pages, K-2.
14. Fishman, Cathy Goldberg. Illustrated by Hall, Melanie W. On Passover. Atheneum Books for Young Readers, New York, 1997, 32 pages, Grades 2-4.
15. Greenberg, Jan and Jordan, Sandra. Illustrated by Floca, Brian. Ballet for Martha: Making Appalachian Spring. Roaring Brook Press, New York, 2010, 48 pages, Grades 4-5.
16. Passages about the Holy Eucharistic in the New Testament. Revised Standard Catholic Edition of the Holy Bible. Ignatius Press, 2005, 1096 pages, 2005, all ages.
17. Friedrich, Priscilla. Adams, Adrienne, Illustrator. The Easter Bunny That Overslept. Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Books, New York, 1957, 32 pages, Grades 1-3.
18. Maier, Paul. Illustrated by Francisco Ordaz. The Very First Easter. Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, 1999, 32 pages, Grades 2-4.
19. Wiggin, Kate Douglas, Editor. Illustrated by Maxfield Parrish. The Arabian Nights. Macmillan Publishing Company, New York, 1909, republished in 1992, 344 pages, Grades 5-7.
20. Byars, Betsy. Illustrated by Doron Ben-Ami. Tornado. Harper Collins, New York, 1996, 49 pages, Grades 2-4.
21. Gordon, John. The Kids Book of Golf. Kids Can Press. Toronto, 2001, 48 pages, Grades 3-5.
22. Kent, Deborah. The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927. Children’s Press, New York, 48 pages, Grades 4-6.
23. Wiesner, David. The Three Pigs. Clarion Books, New York, 2001, 32 pages, Grades 2-4.
24. Yolen, Jane. Illustrated by Jim Burke. All Star! Honus Wagner and the Most Famous Baseball Card Ever. Philomel Books, 40 pages, 2010, Grades 2-4.
25. Van Leeuwen, Jean. Illustrated by Henri Sorensen. A Fourth of July on the Plains. Dial Books for Young Readers, New York, 1997, 32 pages, Grades K-3.
26. Sidman, Joyce. Illustrated by Pamela Zagarenski. Red Sings from Treetops: A Year in Colors. Houghton Mifflin, Boston, 2009, 32 pages, Grades K-2.
27. Hamans, Father Paul. Edith Stein and Companions: On the Way to Auschwitz. Ignatius Press, San Francisco, 2008, 310 pages, Grades 10 and higher.
28. Marshall, James. Illustrator, Sendak, Maurice. Swine Lake. Harper Collins, New York, 1999, 32 pages, Grades 2-4.
29. Robinson, Sharon. Illustrator: Nelson, Kadir. Testing the Ice: A True Story About Jackie Robinson. Scholastic Press, New York, 2009, 32 pages, Grades 2-4.
30. Rumford, James. Cherokee Translation by Anna Sixkiller Huckaby. Sequoyah. Houghton Mifflin Company, 2004, 32 pages, Grades 3-4.
31. Mohan, Claire Jordan. Illustrated by Charlie Craig. Joseph from Germany: The Life of Pope Benedict XVI for Children. Pauline Books & Media, Boston, 2007, 38 pages, Grades 3-4.
32. Cole, Joanna. Illustrated by Bruce Degen. Ms. Frizzle’s Adventures: Medieval Castle. Scholastic Press, New York, 2003, 40 pages, Grades 3-4.
33. King-Smith, Dick. Illustrated by Mary Rayner. Babe: The Gallant Pig. Random House, New York, 1983, 118 pages, Grades 3-5.
34. Gallico, Paul. Illustrated by Barrett, Angela. Snow Goose. Alfred A. Knopf, New York, 1940, reprinted in 2007, 48 pages, Grades 4-6.
35. Celenza, Anna Harwell. Illustrated by Kitchel, JoAnn E. Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. Charlesbridge, Massachusetts, 2006, 32 pages, and sound recording, Grades 3-4.
36. Say, Allen. Home of the Brave. Houghton Mifflin, Boston, 2002, 32 pages Grades 3-4.
37. Sutcliff, Rosemary. The Eagle (Previously published as The Eagle of the Ninth.) Farrar Straus Giroux, New York, 1954, 212 pages, advanced Seventh Grade and Higher.
38. Dejong, Meindert. Illustrated by Sendak, Maurice. The House of Sixty Fathers. Harper & Row, New York, 1956, 189 pages, Grade Five and higher.
39. Waugh, Evelyn. Saint Edmund Campion: Priest and Martyr. Sophia Institute Press, Manchester, New Hampshire, 1996, (originally published in 1935) 232 pages, Ninth Grade and older.
40. Andersen, Hans Christian. Retold by Mitchell, Stephen. Paintings by Johnson, Steve and Fancher, Lou. The Ugly Duckling. Candlewick Press, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 2008, 32 pages, Grades 2-3.
41. Greenaway, Kate. A Apple Pie. Frederick Warne, London, Year not given, 32 pages, Grades K-2.
42. Anderson, Laurie Halse. Illustrated by Faulkner, Matt. Thank You, Sarah. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, New York, 2002, 32 pages, Grades 2-4.
43. Mazer, Harry. A Boy At War: A Novel of Pearl Harbor. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, New York, 2001, 104 pages, Grades 5-7.
The Third Sunday in Lent is named Gaudete Sunday, or the Sunday of Rejoicing. Since Christmas is now near, the Church wants the people of God to rejoice. Soon we will be in the presence of the Child Jesus and we will lift our hearts and sing the famous song, "Joy to the World." But in this happy period many people struggle with sadness. Their lives have been affected by events that do not match the beautiful season of Our Lord’s birth. Kate DiCamillo has written a beautiful story about a man with such a life, struggling during the season of the Nativity. She tells the Christian message of loving others when they are in distress in this compassionate picture book entitled "Great Joy."
The week before Christmas, a poor organ grinder and his pet monkey appear on a street corner. In the cold and snow, the organ grinder plays his music while the monkey holds out a cap for tips. No matter what the man plays, there is a continual quality of sadness in the music. Most people hurry by the older, poorly dressed musician. A young girl named Frances and her well dressed mother see the old man and his monkey attempting to earn a few coins on the cold street corner. The child is moved with pity for the poor man’s plight and asks her mother where he sleeps during the night. The mother brushes her daughter’s question aside and says that everyone goes somewhere each night and to not be concerned about it. She needs to hem Frances’ dress for the Christmas play and has little time to worry about organ grinders and monkeys. This dress is for Frances’s role as an angel in the Nativity Play. But Frances is so moved by the plight of the old man that she stays awake all night looking through the snow and cold to see where he goes. Much to her shock, she sees that he is sleeping on the street. As her family is hurrying the next day to get to church for the Christmas play, Frances sees the old man and invites him to the play. The child tells the impoverished musician that she only has one line in the play, but he is welcome to come and hear it. At the church the play begins with the angels walking onto the stage but the beautifully attired Frances looks out in the audience and simply can’t say her one line. As everyone waits breathlessly, the back door opens. A smile then spreads across Frances’s face and she throws open her arms and powerfully shouts her line.
What message does Frances proclaim? Who has walked in the back door? Why is compassion always at the center of the Nativity? Have you ever helped someone desperately in need of help? Why were your actions based on the heart of the Gospel? Finally, how does this little girl bring the message of Christ’s Birth to everyone? To find out, go to the library and check out this touching picture book, "Great Joy" by Kate DiCamillo.
Kate DiCamillo is a compassionate writer with many fine novels to her credit. Her stories are filled with charity and courage, and her characters are memorable. The illustrations are filled with the tenderness a child would feel for the afflicted. They are simply beautiful. When you see Frances announce her line, you will be filled with the spirit of Gaudete Sunday. You too will rejoice!
Christmas is filled with joy and giving. This is only proper since God the Father gave His Son to the world on this happy day. Since the fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, people had only a promise of redemption. Through God’s mercy, a people were chosen to be the instrument to spread God’s love in the world. This people, the Jewish nation, persevered in the Faith for centuries despite their sometimes sinful disobedience which resulted in exiles and sufferings. At last in the fullness of time, God sent His only Son into the world to save us. This fulfillment of all the prophecies of the Old Testament occurred in Israel in the town of Bethlehem during a census ordered by the Roman Emperor, Caesar Augustus. This marvelous book uses the Infancy Accounts of St. Matthew and St. Luke’s Gospels to tell this wonderful story. Additionally, the Editorial Staff and Art of World Book blend in current photographs and texts of many of the holy sites mentioned in the Gospels.
The book begins by giving sections of the Infancy Narratives of St. Matthew and St. Luke. Included with each biblical account is a classical picture of the event. St. Luke’s Annunciation is naturally the first scriptural description given. Botticelli’s beautiful rendition of this holy scene is painted next to the text. As the world held its breath, the Blessed Virgin gives her marvelous "yes" to the Archangel Gabriel. Next, we see St. Matthew’s account of St. Joseph having the angel announce to him in a dream that the Child being carried by Mary is of "the Holy Spirit" Mt 1-18-21. St. Joseph too is asked to believe and take Mary as his wife. The angel specifically tells St. Joseph that he is to name the baby, Jesus. Though St. Joseph is not the biological father of Our Lord, this command to name Jesus grants him the power of being the earthly father of Our Blessed Savior. The book continues with scene after scene from the birth of Jesus.
Blended in with the paintings of these sacred events are photographs from modern day Palestine. Readers see shepherds watching their sheep on the rocky hillsides just like 2,000 years ago. In fact, so little has changed in the dress of Palestinian shepherds that modern readers might think they were the shepherds mentioned in the Gospel Narratives. In the latter half of the book, World Book takes us into modern day Bethlehem focusing specifically on Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity. The authors tell of the complicated relations that exist with various Christian denominations in Bethlehem. We see the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem leading the pilgrimage through Bethlehem which concludes with the celebration of Mass at St. Catherine’s Church in Bethlehem. The archbishop of the Eastern Orthodox Church is also shown presiding over services on Christmas Eve. The book concludes with a series of interesting classroom activities that allow children to better understand the Christmas events.
This is both a simple and a complicated book. The biblical passages will be quite familiar to readers. The blending of great works of art with the scriptural verses gives an immediacy and visual power to the Christmas event. However, the writing by the World Book staff on Bethlehem requires a great deal of attention and reading skill. Because of this I feel that this book is best shared together by two students, or an adult and a child. This is a beautifully written book with remarkable paintings and photographs. Go to the library and check out this fine title and enjoy it with your family.
During the early stages of World War II, England was the only country standing in the way of the total domination of Europe by Nazi Germany.
During these dark days in which civilization seemed to be hanging in the balance, the British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, rallied his people. Vowing to fight the fascist aggression of the Nazis on land and sea, Churchill staved off what appeared to be certain defeat.
But the doughty prime minister knew he would need the help of the United States if Germany was to be defeated. President Franklin D. Roosevelt could see that a German victory in Europe would be disastrous for Western Civilization, but the American people had little taste for another major war in Europe.
However, the tranquility of isolation felt by the United States ended with the Japanese attack on the American naval base at Pearl Harbor Dec. 7, 1941. This caused a new set of concerns and by Christmas 1941, Winston Churchill steamed across the stormy Atlantic Ocean on the battleship Duke of York to meet with the president of the United States. This book is the account of this important visit and the decisions made by two countries to stop the spread of totalitarianism.
Both leaders had overcome difficult problems in their lives. Winston Churchill’s father never had much confidence in the young man. Rather than defeating him, this caused the young Englishman to develop toughness in the face of difficulty.
Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) had been stricken with polio as a young man and had to rebuild his life from a wheelchair. FDR had been elected president in the worst economic depression in the history of the country, and had to rally the country throughout these hard years. The perseverance developed by both men would soon be needed.
Now together, these two heads of state needed to convince the United States Congress to support an alliance between Great Britain and the United States to fight the evils of fascism. On Christmas Eve, Winston joined Franklin for the lighting of the national Christmas tree. Later that evening, FDR joyfully carved a turkey at the Christmas Eve dinner for the British leader, but both men knew this serious issue would soon come to a head when Churchill addressed the United States Congress.
Could Churchill convince the Congressional representatives to support the great alliance between the two countries? Without this agreement, the Nazi and Japanese threats could not be adequately repulsed. Finally, Churchill began speaking before the members of Congress as millions of American citizens listened on the radio.
What speech did Churchill give? How was it received by Congress and the American people? Why do words and ideas shape the actions and decisions of people and entire nations? Why can nations usually not stand isolated from world events? To find out, go to the library and check out this excellent title, "Franklin and Winston: A Christmas That Changed the World."
Douglas Wood has told the story of the American and British Alliance in this compelling account. The pictures are attractive and the text is interesting. The friendship between these two great leaders is inspiring, and I hope you get a chance to go to the library and check out this fine book.
Reading out loud to young children is one of the most enjoyable experiences parents can encounter. While it may not seem to be so important to adults, this type of reading creates a positive mindset in children. Reading is fun and oral reading shows children how much their elders love and cherish them. Most successful early readers have had books read to them from an early age, so the value of this activity cannot be overstated. In the 1950’s, a very successful series of books were published by Random House Press in New York. They are known as the Golden Book Series and were extremely popular during that and later decades. Fortunately they are being republished today, and can be purchased at grocery stores, bookstores and on the internet. "Baby Farm Animals" is from this series and is a delightful tale for young children.
In the farmyard, all the animals begin to stir. First, a baby lamb begins walking in the meadow. Second, baby cats start playing and tussling with each other. Then more baby animals are introduced into this delightful setting. Soon rabbits and guinea pigs are rolling in the pasture and playing with each other. Someone tries to trick Baby Donkey with carrots hanging from a tree limb. They are trying to make him stand up on his hind legs to grasp the dangling treasure, but he is too clever to fall for that old trick. More and more animals come into the story. Ducklings can be seen swimming in the pond and inviting the baby chickens to go swimming. But the chicks have little interest in the water. However, the swans and geese cannot get enough of the lake and can be seen diving under the water and dipping under the water looking for something good to eat. A section of the barnyard next to the lake has fresh, clean straw. Here the piglets roll, play and dig into the earth with their strong snouts. Soon, readers see puppies chasing each other and chewing up old shoes. All the animals are having the time of their lives and all are playfully encountering the other animals. Outside the barn, two young goats or kids, line up across from each other and ram each other in the head. The kids do not seem to mind the collision and are ready to do it again. A beautiful young colt looks on at all this play and begins running gracefully across the pasture. The book finally closes with several other delightful scenes from the baby animals.
This book is not difficult to explain or interpret. All the baby animals are presented in a charming manner. Young children will love to hear these stories read to them. Garth Williams is the famous illustrator of the children’s classic, "Charlotte’s Web," and the animals bear a strong resemblance to the characters in that story. A sense of calm and peace prevails throughout this wonderfully illustrated title. Adults reading the story will enjoy the book as much as the children hearing it. There are any number of Little Golden Classic books in reprint. Be somewhat careful with the Disney reprints of the many fairy tales in the series as Disney mutes the moral purpose of the fairy tales by making them "politically correct." Since fairy tales originated to teach children right and wrong, these sanitized versions can blunt the basic purpose of the stories. But "Baby Farm Animals" will fill your heart with pleasure. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.
