Do You Remember Being Young?: Ramona Quimby Audio Collection

Ramona Quimby Audio Collection

by Beverly Cleary

performed by Stockard Channing

We listened to this collection of books once a week when the two youngest and I drove First Daughter to her allergy shots. First Son stayed home but he'd already heard all the books before. I loved to hear them laughing while we listened.

This is probably my third or fourth time listening to these books after being a mother. I cannot recommend them highly enough, not just for the delight they bring to young children, but because they so perfectly describe the thoughts in the mind of a young child. So many times, as I listened to these books, I remembered all over again the thoughts going through the minds of my children as they do the things they do that just don't make sense. They do make sense, just sometimes in an unexpected way. Only it not unexpected for Beverly Cleary.

The other thing I love about the Ramona books is how Ramona interacts with the adults in her life. In book after book, Ramona's imagination leads her into trouble, anxiety, and sometimes despair. Eventually, her mother, her father, or her teacher will convince Ramona to confide her woes. The adult is understanding and compassionate and then promptly helps Ramona discover a solution or comforts her. Listening along with my young children, I was pleased to give them so many examples of trusted adults responding with kindness and wisdom.

As we listened, Second Daughter was inspired to read the books: The Complete Ramona Collection. Second Son picked up Ribsy but I don't know if he finished it.

Stockard Channing does a magnificent job being Ramona. In fact, in the early books, Kansas Dad thought her Ramona impersonation was too much like a loud obnoxious kid in the van so we switched to listening without him. It is annoying that you can't easily forward to books because they're not marked in the chapters. "Ellen" reviewed it on Audible and kindly provided the chapter locations for each of the books:

• Ch 1: Beezus and Ramona
• Ch 7: Ramona the Pest
• Ch 15: Ramona the Brave
• Ch 24: Ramona and Her Father
• Ch 31: Ramona and Her Mother
• Ch 38: Ramona Quimby, Age 8
• Ch 47: Ramona Forever
• Ch 57: Ramona's World

I purchased this complete audio collection from Audible with a credit. The links above are affiliate links to Amazon but this post contains my honest opinion.

July 2017 Book Reports

William Shakespeare: Comedies, Histories, and Tragedies by Peter Saccio (The Great Courses) - This is a set of 36 half hour lectures that cover every major play by Shakespeare. I definitely felt like my understanding and enjoyment of the plays I was reading with the children was enhanced when I listened to the lectures focused on those plays. I happened to be actually reading Macbeth when I listened to those lectures and the connections were much more meaningful. This is not an audiobook I'd listen to with the children as there are many references to mature topics, but it was wonderful for "Mother Culture." (purchased audiobook; The Great Courses often show up on 2 for 1 sales for members at Audible, usually more quickly than I can listen to them!)

The Ground-Breaking, Chance-Taking Life of George Washington Carver and Science and Invention in America by Cheryl Harness - link to my post (library copy)
Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc by Mark Twain - link to my post (purchased used on Amazon, and then discovered again on my shelf)

Anne of Avonlea by L. M. Montgomery - link to my post (a copy my dad bought for me when I was a little girl)

The Good Master by Kate Seredy - link to my post (requested through PaperBackSwap.com)

The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien - link to my post (purchased audiobook)

Prayer and the Will of God by Dom Hubert van Zeller - link to my post (purchased from the publisher)

The Miracle of Father Kapaun by Roy Wenzl and Travis Heying - link to my post (purchased used)

The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Bloom with Elizabeth and John Sherrill - link to my post (library copy)

Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry by Mildred D. Taylor - I read this again in preparation for First Son's history studies next year and wrote a few journal questions. (library copy)

There's an Owl in the Shower by Jean Craighead George - I was considering this for Second Daughter, who has a great love of birds, for independent reading next year. It is the story of a family suffering when their logger father is laid off to protect spotted owls. After adopting one, they come ot respect not only owls but the devastating effects on the environment of logging. I think it would be fine if one of the kids picked it up and read it, but I didn't find it worth requiring.

The Silver Sword by Ian Serraillier - link to my post (purchased used)


Books in Progress (and date started)

• Norton Anthology of English Literature Vol. 2 (sixth edition) (August 2014)
• A Century of Sonnets edited by Feldman and Robinson (May 2017)
• A Room of One's Own by Virginia Woolf (June 2017)
• Stories of Karol by Gian Franco Svidercoschi (July 2017)
• Redwall by Brian Jacques (July 2017), listening with the family
• The Complete Ramona books by Beverly Cleary (July 2017), listening with the kids
• History's Greatest Voyages of Exploration from The Great Courses (July 2017), listening with the kids
• Great Expectations by Charles Dickens (July 2017), listening on my own
• The Endless Steppe by Esther Hautzig (July 2017)
• If All the Swords in England by Barbara Willard (July 2017)
• Enemy Brothers by Constance Savery (July 2017)
• No Fear Shakespeare: Henry V (July 2017)
• D-Day: 24 Hours that Saved the World from Time (July 2017)
• The Scent of Water by Elizabeth Goudge (July 2017)
• The Shadow of His Wings by Gereon Goldmann (July 2017)
• Caryll Houselander: Essential Writings edited by Wendy M. Wright (July 2017)

The italic print: Links to Amazon are affiliate links. As an affiliate with Amazon, I receive a small commission if you follow one of my links, add something to your cart, and complete the purchase (in that order). Try Audible - another affiliate link.

Links to RC History and PaperBackSwap.com are affiliate links. Other links (like those to Bethlehem Books) are not affiliate links.

These reports are my honest opinions.

Early Readers that Delight for Years: Arnold Lobel's Unforgettable Characters

Second Son is still working his way through The Ordinary Parent's Guide to Teaching Reading, but we've been supplementing each day with a story or two from Arnold Lobel's fantastic repertoire. It's simply delightful. The silliness and sly jokes tickle his fancy, so Second Son will be reading and then suddenly giggle as he anticipates the joke. It's particularly endearing when he continues to giggle as he explains the joke to me, as if I haven't already read the books a hundred times.

Grasshopper on the Road is still Second Daughter's favorite. She'll still bring it along and read aloud from it to whoever is sitting still long enough to listen. Just last week, she found a "dusty dusty road" on our nature walk and proceeding to pretend to sweep the length of it. She's eight! And has been reading this book for years!

Owl and Home is another favorite. Second Son laughed and laughed when Owl was trying to run up and down the stairs to be in both places at once. He also loved the chapter when Owl was frightened by the lumps of his own feet under the covers, something never revealed in the story itself.

Of course, we mustn't forget Frog and Toad. Our original copy has sadly fallen to bits so I am investing in a few more hardcovers. I know Second Son will quickly be beyond their reading challenge (probably already is...) but they are examples of the rare early reader worthy of being read over and over again.

July and August 2016 Book Reports

Ten Ways to Destroy the Imagination of Your Child by Anthony Esolen - link to my post. (Kindle edition)

The Bee-Friendly Garden by Kate Frey and Gretchen LeBuhn - link to my post. (book review for Blogging for Books)

The 101 Damatians by Dodie Smith is a delightful story; I'm sorry I never read it as a child myself. This will either be a family read-aloud for us or First Daughter will read it during her independent reading. I'm dismayed the Amazon link says it's "abridged" as the book I read from the library has the same cover, though it doesn't say it's abridged anywhere. I may invest in the Audible book, just to see if there's a noticeable difference. (library copy)

Hilary McKay's Lulu series - link to my post. (library copies)

Julian, Secret Agent by Ann Cameron is an early reader, and one in a series. Julian and his best friend start a detective agency with his little brother and learn it's best not to jump to conclusions. His father takes their escapades in stride and allows them the freedom to explore and investigate in a way that's probably impossible in today's world, but commendable. This will be an option for Second Daughter in her reading aloud to me. (library copy)

A Traveller in Rome by H. V. Morton - link to my post. (borrowed copy)

Moxy Maxwell Does Not Love Stuart Little by Peggy Gifford is a humorous easy chapter book about a girl who avoids reading her assigned book the entire summer and the events that transpire the last afternoon. It's not clear to me that Moxy learns or changes much in the short book, though she does eventually read Stuart Little. It's odd that there's a much younger boy (she's 9 and he's 6) who has a "crush" on her, follows her around and does whatever she says, a boy she considers her "boyfriend." For those who are concerned about such things, she does live with her mom and stepfather, though it doesn't say anything about divorce. My girls want to read this book, because they've seen it around the house, and I will let them, but I wouldn't offer it during the school year and I won't mention it's the first in a series. (library book)

Everything I Need to Know I Learned from a Children's Book edited by Anita Silvey is a series of brief essays, some only a few sentences, of a successful person from a variety of careers, though there are lots of writers and illustrators, sharing a childhood memory of a book that impacted their lives. A variety of books are features, not all of them even written for children. Many of the stories reinforce Charlotte Mason's insistence on a broad feast of excellent books, as people draw different strengths and ideas from different books at different times. Each essay includes a full page excerpt, often with illustrations, from the featured book as well as a brief introduction to the book or series (in teeny tiny print) from the editor. One of my favorite stories told how Dr. Seuss had given up publishing his first children's book and was on his way home to burn it when he met a college acquaintance who just happened to be newly assigned to the children's book arm of his publishing house. Book lists appear at the end, but there are others I like more. (library book)

The Power and the Glory by Graham Greene - link to my post. (owned copy)

Black Fox of Lorne by Marguerite de Angeli - link to my post. (PDF copy from publisher, complimentary copy of the book when published)

At the Back of the North Wind by George MacDonald is the story of a young boy named Diamond who is befriended by the North Wind. He learns to trust in her even when he knows she sometimes causes what seems to be evil. In our favorite chapter, Diamond observes (and understands) two horses conversing in horse language. The reader in our audio version sounded a bit like a grandmother which was a bit confusing to me when the narrator became a part of the story and was obviously male. The children didn't seem to mind, though, perhaps because they've listened to their mother read just about anything aloud to them. (audio book from Audible)

Ruby Lu, Brave and True by Lenore Look is a early reader chapter book, one of a series about a young Chinese American girl who loves performing magic tricks, adores her brother, and has a delightful family. It's cute and sweet and one I'd be happy for my young readers to enjoy. (library book)

Under the Lilacs by Louisa May Alcott - I started to read this aloud to the kids from my Kindle when we were stranded outside Sequoia National Park. They were drawn in right away by the dog in the first chapter. We finished the book on Librivox. The girls (8 and 9) loved this book the most. First Son, I think, anticipated the ending and found it a little too "girlish" for his taste (though he loved Little Men last year). I found the Librivox reader a little perplexing in her pacing, but the children didn't seem to notice anything odd about it. I hadn't read this one myself before. It was fairly moralistic and the ending was predictable (but I still loved that predictable ending). (free Kindle book, free Librivox recording)

For the Children's Sake: Foundations of Education for Home and School by Susan Schaeffer Macaulay and Towards A Philosophy of Education (Charlotte Mason's Original Homeschooling Series) by Charlotte Mason were read with my Start Here book club. We spent nearly 18 months reading through the study and I neglected to take extensive notes on the books. For the Children's Sake is an excellent introduction to Charlotte Mason and her principles. I recommend it for people who are new to Charlotte Mason, especially if her original volumes are intimidating. (purchased copy of For the Children's Sake at some long unknown time and place, purchased used copy of Towards a Philosophy of Education)

Humility of Heart by Fr. Cajetan Mary da Bergamo - link to my post. (purchased used on Amazon)

Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens - link to my post. (read for free on the Kindle, but I have an old used copy for First Son to read purchased at a library book sale)

Dispossessed by Ursula Le Guin - link to my post. (library copy)

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by John Tiffany and Jack Thorne - There was really no way to avoid reading this book, which is really the script of a play. It was weird to read a Harry Potter play. The plot and character development are limited in a script; so much of that happens on stage. Many of the characters seemed like they were there just for show (especially Ron). Kansas Dad had trouble imagining Harry having so much difficulty relating to his son, but I personally think that could be managed. Really, though, I'd prefer to see this play performed. Maybe one day we will. (purchased copy, with a generous gift card from my godparents)

The Captain's Dog: My Journey with the Lewis and Clark Tribe by Roland Smith is recommended by RC History for volume 2. First Daughter read it independently and I read it just ahead of her. It seemed to do a good job of describing the trials and hardships of the journey without being too explicit for younger readers. The dog's point of view is also a benefit for more reluctant readers. It does present spirit animals (of a Native American tribe) as real and instrumental in the story, if that concerns anyone. We were fine with that as a literary technique. I linked above to the RC History website (an affiliate link), but the book is also available from Amazon (another affiliate link). (library copy)

Father Elijah: An Apocalypse by Michael D. O'Brien - In this fictional apocalypse, a Jewish convert priest does spiritual battle with an Anti-Christ who has risen to great political power in Europe. What does evil look like in the present world? How are we deceived by evil masquerading as doing good? How do we cultivate faith when the world seems so terrible? There is only minimal resolution in the book and I read recently there is a new book in the series. (parish library copy)

Krakatoa: The Day the World Exploded by Simon Winchester - link to my post. (library copy)

Books in Progress (and date started)

• Norton Anthology of English Literature Vol 2 (sixth edition) (August 2014)
• Transforming Your Life through the Eucharist by John A. Kane (June 2016)
• Peter and the Starcatchers by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson (August 2016, listening with the children) 
• My Several Worlds by Pearl S. Buck (August 2016)
• The Peterkin Papers by Lucretia P. Hale (August 2016, reading aloud to the children)
• Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott (August 2016, with First Son)

The italic print: Links to Amazon are affiliate links. As an affiliate with Amazon, I receive a small commission if you follow one of my links, add something to your cart, and complete the purchase (in that order). 

Try Audible and Get Two Free Audiobooks - another affiliate link.

Any links to RC History and PaperBackSwap are affiliate links.

Other links (like those to Bethlehem Books) are not affiliate links.

These reports are my honest opinions.

Pets, Wild Animals, Friends, and Family: Hilary McKay's Lulu Series

I read Lulu and the Duck in the Park by Hilary McKay along with Second Daughter. Then I checked the rest of the books out of the library and read through them quickly to see if the whole series was worthwhile and oh, it is!

Lulu and the Dog from the Sea tells of the seaside vacation Lulu and Mellie take with Lulu's parents and her dog. I love how Lulu's parents respond to Mellie's frustrating kite kit. In the end, of course, they adopt and tame the kind but wild young dog.

Lulu and the Cat in the Bag shows Lulu and Mellie's grandmother responding to all of Lulu's pets but happily taking in one of her own when the perfect one lands on their doorstep.

Lulu and the Rabbit Next Door is my favorite of the Lulu books. A new boy next door has a rabbit but is unable to enjoy or properly care for him. Rather than rabbit-napping the bunny or torturing the boy, Lulu and Mellie discover a fantastic way to foster friendships all around.

Lulu and the Hedgehog in the Rain begins with a lovely description of a furious downpour Lulu cannot resist. Of course a half-drowned hedgehog is swept right before her and immediately scooped up and deposited on her grandmother's sofa. Lulu must learn to let her wild hedgehog wander, recruiting all her neighbors to help keep him safe. One of my favorite parts of this book tells of her racing to her neighbor's house with a library book all about hedgehogs to teach how to properly care for them.

Lulu and the Hamster in the Night tells of Lulu's newest rescue, a hamster abandoned by a classmate. In what I think is a first for the series, Lulu tells a lie in order to smuggle her hamster to her grandmother's house overnight. She faces quite a bit of anxiety and chagrin for her decision and, in the end, she tries to confess to her parents. Her grandmother graciously forgives her.

The books are full of little jokes to delight new readers. Sam, for example, is Lulu's old dog who can't stand dogs.

Sam didn't know, and would never have guessed, that he was a dog himself.

Lulu's grandmother declares her granddaughters beautiful and then demands they clean themselves up.

"I thought you said we were beautiful," objected Mellie.

"Beautiful? Yes!" said Nan. "Respectable? No!"

Lulu's mother happily agrees to bake a carrot cake for the bunny birthday party the girls plan, as long as they do all the measuring, mixing, pouring into the cake pan, cleaning up, and reminding her to put it in the oven and take it out again.

I love how in every book, Lulu and Mellie or their friends receive encouragement and support from the mothers and fathers and grandmothers and teachers. Most of the time, they are able to be independent, walking home from school and planning parties, but at just the right times, a trusted grown-up helps implement a solution, usually one devised by the children. That's the kind of parent I want to be - here when they need me, but back a few paces so they can see what they can do.

If Second Daughter doesn't read these books on her own, they'll be on the list from which she can choose for the books we read together during her continuing reading lessons next year. These books would be enjoyable for a grown-up buddy-reading as well. (It only took a few books for me to tire of the Boxcar Children series and decide those would be relegated to independent reading only.)

A Bird and Sweetness: Lulu and the Duck in the Park

Lulu and the Duck in the Park by Hilary McKay

I saw this series last year and knew I had to read it with Second Daughter. She's developed an intense love of all things bird, but is drawn to all wildlife. A little girl with a menagerie? A girl who likes to leap off the swing when it's at it's highest height? Oh yes, this girl is for Second Daughter!

Each Tuesday, the class walks through the park for their swimming lesson.

Getting Class Three past the climbing wall without anyone darting in, and the lake without anyone getting wet, was the hardest part of Mrs. Holiday's week.

We all know how that goes, right?

On the way back one Tuesday, they witness a near-tragedy at the local park when a few dogs run amok, disturbing all the birds' nests. Lulu spies one lone egg on the sidewalk as they walk back to class and smuggles it into school. Of course, it hatches! Lucky for Lulu, she has a good friend and a wise teacher to help her.

Second Daughter and I both enjoyed this book. One of the best parts are the illustrations which are realistic and somehow surprisingly joyful. You can feel the energy in them. Even better, Lulu and her cousin (and best friend) are black, a point not mentioned in the story at all. Her class is multicultural (which is standard today and welcome), but minority main characters are harder to find, especially if you're just looking for a sweet story and not one specifically about being a minority. (Those stories are important, too, of course.)

I'm not sure Second Daughter is confident enough in her reading to read them herself. (In theory, she's been reading more advanced books, but I think she's just skipping the more difficult words.) We alternated reading pages after her official-reading-lessons but when the story was really exciting, she wanted me to just read it to her. I wouldn't; we'd set it aside if she got too tired to read.

I haven't read the rest of the books yet, but they're on my list. If you've read them, let me know what you think!

Almost a Picture Book: The Story of Diva and Flea

The Story of Diva and Flea as told and shown by Mo Willems and Tony DiTerlizzi

Mo Willems, famous for Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus and the Elephant and Piggie books (for the most part, great early reader books less intimidating then chapter books), brings us The Story of Diva and Flea, wonderfully illustrated by Tony DiTerlizza.

Diva is a sweet pampered little dog while Flea is a homeless adventurer. They overcome a misunderstanding early in the book to develop a friendship. I love the response when Flea brings an offering of apology to Diva: a dead mouse. Shocked and surprised, she demands to know who brought such a thing to her doorstep, but immediately changes her tone when Flea explains he's brought it to show how sorry he is.

Diva looked at the mouse and thought for a moment. Then she walked over to Flea and said, "That is the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me. But, in the future, bring me a small piece of ribbon, okay?"

Flea encourages and supports Diva as she learns to explore outside her garden. Diva in turn introduces Flea to life and love in a home.

My children are enamored of France at the moment, so Second Daughter will love the lovely two page spread of the Eiffel Tower and the occasional French word like flaneur. (I don't know how to make the French symbols on Blogger.)

Friendship, courage, trust, adventure, all in Paris. A fantastic addition to early reader shelves.

I'd probably introduce this book right after or along with the Henry and Mudge books. Second Daughter is a little ahead of that level, but we'll read this together anyway. Because of the French words, it's a good one to read along with a new reader.

An Early Reader for Kansas Territory

The Sod House by Elizabeth Coatsworth is an early reader in which a young girl travels to Kansas Territory with a movement to prevent slavery from taking hold. Her family struggles more with isolation and threats from other white settlers than Native Americans (who protect them) or the harsh environment. It's a nice complement to Kansas studies for young readers, especially for girls or those not quite ready to read the Prairie Skies trilogy. First Daughter would be able to read it very quickly, but I think she'll like it so I'll provide it as an option.

February 2015 Book Report

Stout Hearts and Whizzing Biscuits: A Patria Story by Daniel McInerny is the first is a series (of two novels and one novella, so far) that has been highly recommended to me from a variety of sources. I was a little nervous because it looked like they might be self-published and sometimes those books were refused by publishers for good reason. I thought it was pretty fun and offered it to First Son (11) who declared it fantastic and read it in a few hours (over two days). First Daughter (8) is reading it now and also enjoying it. It seems to be just challenging enough for her. I had to request it through inter-library loan, but after I suggested it to the library, they have ordered both of the books. My kids are really excited to read the second one! (inter-library loan)

Happy Times in Noisy Village by Astrid Lindgren is a sequel to The Children of Noisy Village (recommended by Mater Amabilis for Level 1A and a truly delightful book). I learned only recently about the sequel and was thrilled when the library purchased a copy. It's just as delightful. The first book includes a bit more than a hint that Santa Claus does not actually deliver presents which I modified a bit when I was reading it aloud because we like St. Nicholas around here and I didn't want to ruin the fun too early for the girls. There's nothing like that in this book, so I'm comfortable handing it over to First Daughter (8) who will read it independently for her lessons when she finishes the Patria book. (library copy)

The Call of the Wild by Jack London was a book I was going to pre-read for First Son, but decided we'd just listen to it when I saw the library had it on audio CD. I have never read anything by Jack London myself. There were a few scenes in which animals were cruelly treated (most often by other dogs) and one fairly gruesome scene at the end where Buck attacks and kills a large number of people. As far as I know, it was all historically accurate (though fictionalized) and it was certainly beautifully written, but I probably would not have let my girls (6 and 8) listen to it if I had read it myself beforehand. They handled it without comment or gasp, though. It would have been worthwhile independent reading for First Son (11) either for school or summer reading. (audio CD from the library)

The Little Oratory: A Beginner's Guide to Praying in the Home by David Clayton and Leila Marie Lawler - my review. (purchased copy from Sacred Heart Books and Gifts)

The Bad Beginning: Or, Orphans! (A Series of Unfortunate Events, Book 1) by Lemony Snicket
We listened to the audio CD read by Tim Curry. It was delightful. Though awful things happen to the children, just as promised, there are frequent moments of laughter and ridiculousness. We love Violet, Klaus, and Sunny, and can't wait to hear more about them. (audio CD from the library)

The Bible Compass: A Catholic's Guide to Navigating the Scriptures by Edward Sri was recommended as background reading for Volume 1 of Connecting with History (Ancient History). I read The Drama of Scripture, which Kansas Dad recommended, but thought it would be nice to read this one as well for a Catholic perspective. The first part of the book was a little frustrating as I felt like he was telling me only what the Catechism would tell me about the Bible (which I could look that up myself), but as the book progressed there was more detailed information about Scripture and how to read it. Overall, I feel like it's a good overview, especially for someone who is feeling intimidating about reading the Bible. (purchased copy from Sacred Heart Books and Gifts)

Miss Happiness and Miss Flower by Rumer Godden is recommended by Mater Amabilis in year 2 of level 1A (third grade) for People and Places. I did not consider it for First Son when I saw the plot focused on Japanese dolls, so this is the first time I've read it. A family comes together to create something beautiful and perfect, in the process providing a path for a young girl to establish herself in a new home. First Daughter is going to love it! (library copy)

In Her Kitchen: Stories and Recipes from Grandmas Around the World by Gabriele Galimberti - my review. (review copy from Blogging for Books)

Bleak House by Charles Dickens - my review. (library copy)

Priest on Horseback: Father Farmer, 1720-1786 by Eva K. Betz is a book I read about but was always daunted by the high price as it is out of print. I was delighted to discover it on LibriVox coincidentally as we were studying colonial American history. First Daughter loved the story but the others were not as interested. This book gives a look at what colonial life was like for a traveling priest at a time when many people distrusted or outright hated Catholics. The reader is not my favorite, though I am glad she recorded this book. (listening with the children on LibriVox)

Marriage: The Mystery of Faithful Love by Dietrich von Hildebrand - my review. (inter-library loan copy)

Books in Progress (and date started)

• Open Mind, Faithful Heart by Pope Francis (January 2014) 
• The Education Of Catholic Girls by Janet Erskine Stuart (February 2014)
• Norton Anthology of English Literature Vol 2 (sixth edition) (August 2014)
• The Religious Potential of the Child: Experiencing Scripture and Liturgy with Young Children by Sofia Cavaletti (September 2014, with a book club at our parish)
• Good Poems ed by Garrison Keillor (October 2014) 
• Evangelizing Catholics: A Mission Manual for the New Evangelization by Scott Hahn (January 2015, with our adult education class at our parish)
• For the Children's Sake: Foundations of Education for Home and School by Susan Schaeffer Macaulay (January 2015, with my Start Here book club)
• The Story of the Amulet by E. Nesbit (February 2015, listening with the children on LibriVox)
• The Story of a Bad Boy by Thomas B. Aldrich (February 2015)
• The Best of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle (February 2015)
• The Sinner's Guide to Natural Family Planning by Simcha Fisher (February 2015)
• Humility of Heart by Fr. Cajetan Mary da Bergamo (February 2015)

Links to Amazon are affiliate links. As an affiliate with Amazon, I receive a small commission if you follow one of my links, add something to your cart, and complete the purchase (in that order). My homeschooling budget is always grateful for any purchases. 

Links to RC History are affiliate links.

Links to Sacred Heart Books and Gifts are not affiliate links.

These reports are my honest opinions.

May 2012 Book Reports

Edmund Campion: Hero of God's Underground by Harold Gardiner - This book shows the English Reformation very much in black and white. The bad guys are truly bad and the good guys are wonderfully good. I don't know how historically accurate that is, knowing almost nothing about the English Reformation, but I plan to read a few actual histories to get a feel for that. I think this could be a good book to read aloud to First Son next year as a supplement to our history studies, but I'll certainly read it when the girls are busy with something else because the descriptions of tortures and the martyrs' deaths are rather disturbing. (purchased used copy)

Inferno by Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle  - This was the last book for my science fiction and theology class. In it, a science fiction author dies ignominiously and finds himself being lead through Dante's Hell (updated for contemporary sins and full of real and imaginary characters). It's been more than fifteen years since I read Dante's Inferno, but the authors do a good job of presenting it here so you don't have to remember it or know it to enjoy this novel. It's a bit impertinent, but I think is an engaging book to read concerning the problem of sin and eternal damnation. (purchased new by Kansas Dad)

The Gammage Cup: A Novel of the Minnipins by Carol Kendall - In this book, the Minnipins have become complacent, following leaders who have forgotten the dangers of the past. A few brave Minnipins are voluntary outlaws from a village that has become inhospitable to those who dare to wear different clothes or study history. They are the first to discover a great danger to their village and risk their own lives to warn their people and defend them. The more I think about this book, the more I like it. I will definitely encourage First Son to read it. (library copy)

Saint Gianna Beretta Molla: The Gift of Life by Susan Helen Wallace, FSP with Patricia Edward Jablonski, FSP (a review for The Catholic Company)

Into the Unknown: How Great Explorers Found Their Way by Land, Sea, and Air by Stewart Ross and illustrated by Stephen Biesty (library copy)

Zoya's Story: An Afghan Woman's Struggle for Freedom by Zoya with John Follain and Rita Cristofari - I picked up this book at a library sale and decided to read it when the reviews looked good. It was a startling memoir of life in Afghanistan during the Russian occupation through September 11th and the immediate aftermath. Zoya's voice is clear in the novel, young and blunt. I was particularly disturbed because she is nearly my age; I would often compare our lives at different times during the book. I'm not sure how to best help the women of Afghanistan. (RAWA, Zoya's organization supports the use of contraception.) Certainly prayer is a good place to start. (purchased used copy)

The Whisper of Glocken: A Novel of the Minnipins by Carol Kendall is a sequel to The Gammage Cup (above) and I think I liked it even better than the first one. In this book five New Heroes set out to seek the reason for the overflow of the river which flooded two of their villages. They are average Minnipins without even a strong bond between them, but set out nonetheless. (library copy, and shockingly, they had to pull it from the storage shelves which don't even have bar codes; this book deserves to be read more!)

Like the true chime of the golden Whisper which cut through mountains, it came to him--the truth about heroes. You can't see a hero because heroes are born in the heart and mind. A hero stands fast when the urge is to run, and runs when he would rather take root. A hero doesn't give up, even when all is lost.

The Saints Pray for Us edited by Christina Miriam Wegendt, FSP (a review for The Catholic Company)

The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins (first book Kindle edition, from the Kindle Owners' Lending Library, second and third books purchased for the Kindle)

Adulthood Rites and Imago by Octavia E. Butler are the second and third books of the Xenogenesis series. I read the first book as part of the science fiction and theology class. These continued the story of Lilith's children on a changed Earth. I wanted to read the end of the series, but I can't say it was entirely satisfactory. The whole concept is bizarre and disturbing. (desk copy of Lilith's Brood)

The Perilous Road by William O. Steele is a book I was considering for our homeschool lessons next year when we'll be studying the Civil War. Chris is a young boy who struggles with an extreme hatred of the Yankees even when his own brother joins them. In the end, he realizes that Yankees are just men, some of them kind and lonely, and that war is a terrible thing. It includes a violent scene of a Civil War attack and its aftermath. I found Chris's hatred overdone, but I think this could be a fine book for a child to read to themselves. I will not be reading it aloud with my young girls. I think First Son could read it next year in third grade but I haven't decided if I'll ask him to do so. (library copy)

The Catholic Company Review: Saint Gianna Beretta Molla

Saint Gianna Beretta Molla: The Gift of Life by Susan Helen Wallace, FSP with Patricia Edward Jablonski, FSP

First Son has read two or three other books from the Encounter the Saints series and we've found them to be interesting and enjoyable. I think they're generally recommended for 9 to 12 year olds, but the reading level seems to be a little lower than that to me, perhaps second or third grade.

Gianna Beretta Molla was a physician in Italy in the 1950s, a time when women physicians were rare. Then she married and had children but continued to practice medicine, most remarkably. In the course of her fourth pregnancy, she was diagnosed with a uterine tumor and chose in the most generous way to proceed with an operation to remove the tumor that would give her baby the best chance of survival. The operation was successful, but complications after the birth of her healthy daughter led to Gianna's death.

She is a model of love and sacrifice. She is the only working mother to be named a saint in the Catholic church. St. Gianna is the saint and patroness of mothers and the unborn.

This book is a wonderful introduction for children to this amazing modern saint. St. Gianna's dedication to her patients and family and her love for the Mass are clearly shown.

Daily, numerous patients waited in her office. The doctor knew that many were anxious and worried. She greeted each one with concern and compassion. I must never appear rushed or tired, she thought. My patients deserve my time and my total attention. I want to treat each person as I would treat Jesus himself.

Many times, the saints own words from her letters and papers are used in the book.

I was pleased at how clearly this book explained that Gianna and her husband had three medical options to treat her tumor during the fourth pregnancy. Two of them were acceptable morally, even though one of those would have resulted in the death of her unborn child.

St. Gianna is a particularly good role model for young girls. She struggled with her education, but persevered even through a World War to receive a medical degree. She waited a long time before meeting and marrying her husband, a time when she was always open to a religious vocation but waited patiently to learn God's plan for her life. A loving wife and mother, she continued to work, to provide medical care to those who depended on her.

First Son could easily read this book now, but I hesitate to share it with him. First, my children do not yet understand that pregnancy does carry risks for a mother and her child. We have read many books where mothers die, even where mothers die after childbirth, but this book explicitly discusses St. Gianna's risks in her fourth pregnancy. Gianna's health problems are always described delicately, without revealing too much information for a young reader, and certainly health care during and after pregnancy has improved in many ways, but I still want to protect my little ones from worrying that I might be in danger if I were to become pregnant.

The real problem is that my children do not know what an abortion is. They know that unborn children can be miscarried and go to heaven without being born, but they have never been told that a mother may choose to abort a baby. Honestly, it is not a conversation I plan to have any earlier than necessary. Once First Son asks about abortion, I will explain it to him. Then I will share this book with him, precisely as a way to discuss the beauty and blessing of children and the sacrifice that St. Gianna made for the life of her unborn child. The last chapter especially invites that kind of discussion, prompting the reader to consider how St. Gianna's example can lead us to recognize the value of all life.

There is one scene that seemed contrived to me, one in which Gianna consoles a young unmarried pregnant woman in her office. I understand what the authors were sharing in the scene, but I felt it almost trivialized such a woman's predicament. There is no doubt that choosing life is the moral obligation in such a situation, but I think it imperative we recognize the courage and sacrifice such choices mean, even when a mother's life is not physically in danger.

You can learn more about St. Gianna many places online, like this site.

This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company. I received a free copy of this book in return for an objective review. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Saint Gianna Beretta Molla - The Gift of Life. They are also a great source for a baptism gifts or first communion gifts.