2015-2016 Family Read Aloud List

It's make-up work time on the blog, I guess. I never posted our family read alouds for 2015-2016. That school year I had a sixth grader, third grader, first grader, and a preschooler.

Many of these can be found in the literature recommendation on the Mater Amabilis™ site.

Easter, 2016

The Complete Tales of Peter Rabbit and Other Tales by Beatrix Potter - Our edition is out of print, but this is a complete one. My sentimental favorite is a set of miniature original tales Kansas Dad bought at Oxford when he was there for a conference and I was home with lots of little ones.

The Father Brown Reader II: More Stories from Chesterton adapted by Nancy Carpentier Brown - The second volume is more serious than the first in that in contains stories of murders rather than just thefts. Additionally, there is a suicide. A few times, too, I had to walk my eight year old through the conclusion as often it is not explicitly written out.

The Animal Family by Randall Jarrell, decorations by Maurice Sendak

Francie on the Run and Pegeen by Hilda van Stockum - These are the second and third books in the Bantry Bay series and are fantastic. The publisher has frequent sales and many other wonderful books.

The Adventures of Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi

The Big Alfie and Annie Rose Storybook by Shirley Hughes - My two youngest (seven and five when we read it) loved these sweet stories of Alfie and Annie Rose just living life. I loved the wedding story that showed a black couple getting married with Alfie as the ring bearer. There's no mention of race in the text, just the illustrations depicting different races celebrating family life together.

The Story of the Treasure Seekers by E. Nesbit

Brighty of the Grand Canyon by Marguerite Henry - We finished this book just in time to leave on a cross-country camping trip that included the Grand Canyon. The children loved the book and were thrilled to talk about it all over again when we were visiting the park.

Audiobooks

As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride by Cary Elwes - We listened to this audiobook from the library (read by Cary Elwes!) and loved it so much, I bought it on Audible during a recent sale. If you love The Princess Bride, you will love this book, though you may want to pre-listen to it.

D'Aulaire's Book of Greek Myths - This is a wonderful book, of course, but it's also a very enjoyable audiobook. Even Kansas Dad appreciated it.

A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett

The Cricket in Times Square by George Selden

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang by Ian Fleming - This is a really fun story!

We also listened to the Series of Unfortunate Events books, but I didn't think they were that great.

I have received nothing in exchange for this post. All links to Bookshop and Amazon are affiliate links. Most of these were probably library copies, but it was so long ago I can't remember!

First Son's Third Grade Reading List

First Son, back when he was in third grade

This is just a quick post with a list of the books First Son read independently, for lessons but not for narrations, in third grade. I used to find lists like this invaluable in determining the kind of books that were about right for both reading level and age level when my kids were younger. First Son is now sixteen (gasp!), 6'3" (gasp!) and reads just about whatever he wants.

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and the rest of the Narnia series by C.S. Lewis - I've linked to one of the editions we've had over the years. I think we've gone through at least three copies of each book over the years.

Walking the Road to Freedom: A Story about Sojourner Truth by Jeffi Ferris - This was on our bookshelf and lined up with our American history readings.

Chike and the River by Chinua Achebe - This matches well with an Africa study. It's a wonderful story of adventure and courage.

A Grain of Rice by Helena Clare Pittman - First Son was able to read this in one day; it's really an early reader. It's a delightful little book, though, and I wanted him to read it even though he was older before I found it.

The Apple and the Arrow by Mary and Conrad Buff - An exciting story of William Tell.

The Wright Brothers: Pioneers of American Aviation by Quentin Reynolds - I think this is my favorite Landmark book. It's well-written, adventurous, and inspiring.

From Kansas to Cannibals: The Story of Osa Johnson by Suzanne Middendorf Arruda - This is a biography of a young woman from Kansas who travelled the world making some of the first movies of natural wildlife in Africa and the people of the South Seas. There's a lot of grappling with out-dated beliefs about non-white ethnicities necessary when reading it, but she's one of my heroes. Third grade on the Range includes both a study of the South Seas in Extreme Environments and a study of Kansas, so it's a perfect fit. Not every family would feel the same.

The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick

Blessed John Paul II: Be Not Afraid by Susan Wallace (Encounter the Saints series) - This series is a pretty good one for the early elementary years. First Son chose from the ones we have.

Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder - First Son also read Little House on the Prairie and Farmer Boy. Farmer Boy was by far his favorite.

Time Cat by Lloyd Alexander - I haven't read this book, but my boys have both enjoyed it.

I have received nothing in exchange for this post. All links to Bookshop and Amazon are affiliate links.

Inos Biffi and Franco Vignazia for Advent: The Life of Mary and The Way to Bethlehem

The Life of Mary

edited by Inos Biffi

illustrations by Franco Vignazia

The Way to Bethlehem

text by Inos Biffi

illustrations by Franco Vignazia

These two books are recommended by Mater Amabilis™ for Level 1A for Advent reading. I've mentioned them in the past when I've blogged about our Advent plans in general, but I thought I'd highlight them in their own post.

The Life of Mary is focused almost entirely on the illustrations, drawn to resemble stained glass windows. The limited text focuses the reader on the events of the life of Mary as they are related in the Gospels, pulling from (Roman and Ambrosian) liturgy, hymns (including at least one of the Eastern Church), and Scripture.

The meditations cover:

• The Annunciation
• The Visitation
• The Nativity
• The Presentation in the Temple
• The Flight into Egypt
• The Loss and Finding of Jesus in the Temple
• The Wedding at Cana
• The Crucifixion
• The Ascension
• Pentecost
• The Assumption or Dormition

The Way to Bethlehem contains more text than The Life of Mary. Based on the Gospel stories leading up to the Nativity and through the infancy of Jesus (coming of the Wise Men, flight into Egypt, return to Nazareth), it provides the same kind of contemplative artwork. The second section provides information on the saints of the season: Mary, Joseph, Zechariah, Elizabeth, John the Baptist, Angels and Shepherds, Wise Men, the Innocents, Simeon, Anna, Nicholas, Lucy, Stephen, John, Thomas Becket.

I was afraid the children would be upset by the page on Herod's killing of the Innocents, but they seemed less saddened than I was. Perhaps my response was stronger because I had little babies myself when I first read it.

These are two beautifully illustrated books. The illustrations are stylized (much as you see on the covers) with brilliant colors.

When First Son was in Level 1A, I read both of these books aloud, a few pages a day, while the children ate breakfast. (That's our Morning Time / Morning Basket / whatever it's called now.) Reading aloud allowed me to control the reading rate, encouraging contemplation and a prayerful attitude.

As families change, so did our time all together, so the other three children read it on their own. In some ways, independent reading provides a great opportunity for a child to immerse themselves in these meditations, but I wasn't able to see whether either of them really took advantage of that opportunity. It's possible they were more focused on just finishing the reading for the day. (One way to combat that hastiness is to follow the Mater Amabilis™ recommendation to cut back on some of the other readings during Advent; the children then really have more time to appreciate the liturgical year readings.)

Here's the schedule I used for the those who read on their own. You might need to adjust the readings a bit to match the time you have in Advent and time you want to be off school for the season. I did not ask them for narrations.

Independent Reading Schedule

Second Grade: The Way to Bethlehem

Week 1
1 - pp. 8-11
2 - pp. 12-15
3 - pp. 16-19

Week 2
1 - pp. 20-23
2 - pp. 24-27
3 - pp. 28-31

Week 3
1 - pp. 32-35
2 - pp. 36-39
3 - pp. 40-43

Week 4
1 - pp. 44-47

Third Grade: The Life of Mary

Week 1
1 - pp. 6-9
2 - pp. 10-13

Week 2
1 - pp. 14-17
2 - pp. 18-21

Week 3
1 - pp. 22-25
2 - pp. 26-27

I intend to keep these books on our shelves because I do think they invite and encourage prayer for all ages. I hope the children will revisit them.

I've linked to Amazon above, but I have frequently found these books available directly from Liturgy Training Publications at reasonable prices.

I have received nothing in exchange for this post. Links to Amazon are affiliate links.

Third Grade People and Places: Asia (Lesson Plans)

[UPDATE April 2021: I just read a book that would work wonderfully in this study - Little Leap Forward.]

Second Son is finishing up third grade this month and, as I am wrap up the year, I realized I have never shared our actual plans for the recommended books for Mater Amabilis™ People and Places of Asia (Level 1A Year 2).

Because we use it in many of our other studies, I assigned some mapwork from The Geography Coloring Book for my younger children. My oldest just traced a map of the country (identifying some rivers and major cities, etc.) before his reading. The coloring book is really easy for me because it doesn't take any prep work and it's easy to confirm the student actually did something involving a map, but it's not necessarily better than the map exploration First Son did each week.

[UPDATE June 8, 2020: I created a new set of mapping activities for these books and the others suggested for this level. You can find the updated lesson plans here.]

Term 1: Russia

Sovietrek: A Journey by Bicycle across Russia by Dan Buettner

This is one of my favorite Mater Amabilis™ books so I'm surprised I haven't written about it before. Dan and two friends bike through Russia in 1990, when Russia was almost unknown to the average American. It's an adventure complete with mishaps and enduring generous hospitality from Russians who share what sounds like truly disgusting food (and some good things to eat, too). Some of the bike riding described is amazing.

Week 1
- Geography Coloring Book p. 18 - color Russia (Russian Federation, under "Eastern") and read the text.
- Sovietrek pp. 6-17. Narrate.

Week 2
- Geography Coloring Book p. 19 - Color these rivers: Dvina, Dnepr, Don, Volga, Ural.
- Sovietrek pp. 18-25. Narrate.

Week 3
- Geography Coloring Book p 19 - Color these bodies of water: Black Sea, Caspian Sea, Barents Sea, Baltic Sea.
- Sovietrek pp. 26-33. Narrate.

Week 4
- Geography Coloring Book p. 19 - Color these mountain ranges: Carpathians, Urals, Caucasus.
- Sovietrek pp. 34-43. Narrate.

Week 5
- Geography Coloring Book p 19 - Color the Principal Land Regions (smaller map on second page).
- Sovietrek pp. 44-51. Narrate.

Week 6
- Geography Coloring Book p 25 - Color the Former Soviet Baltic Republics.
- Sovietrek pp. 52-57. Narrate.

Week 7
- Geography Coloring Book p 25 - Color the former Soviet Eastern European Republics.
- Sovietrek pp. 58-67. Narrate.

Week 8
- Geography Coloring Book p 26 - Color Russia on the big map.
- Sovietrek pp. 68-75. Narrate.

Week 9
- Geography Coloring Book p 27 - Color the Former Soviet Caucasus Republics.
- Sovietrek pp. 76-83. Narrate.

Week 10
- Geography Coloring Book p 27 - Color the Former Soviet Asian Republics.
- Sovietrek pp. 84-93. Narrate.

Week 11
- Geography Coloring Book p. 28 - Color Russia and Middle East I countries.
- Sovietrek pp. 94-99. Narrate.

Week 12
- Finish Sovietrek. Narrate.

Term 2: China

The Children of China: An Artist's Journey by Song Nan Zhang

This book has beautiful pictures covering whole pages, painted by the author. They show families and children working or playing, but generally joyful. At one time we also owned A Little Tiger by the same author (also on the Mater Amabilis™ list), but I decided I preferred this one for our study. It covers a lot of different areas and people of China. If you're interested in something more personal, A Little Tiger would be a good choice.

Week 1

- Geography Coloring Book p. 28 - Color the Eastern countries (starting with China).

- Children of China (own) pp. 5-7. Narrate.

Week 2
- Geography Coloring Book p. 28 - Color the Middle East II countries.
- Children of China pp. 8-9. Narrate.

Week 3
- Geography Coloring Book p. 28 - Color the Southern countries.
- Children of China pp. 10-11. Narrate.

Week 4
- Geography Coloring Book p 28 - Color the Southeastern Countries.
- Children of China pp. 12-13. Narrate.

Week 5
- Geography Coloring Book p. 28 - Color the Western countries.
- Children of China pp. 14-17. Narrate.

Week 6
- Geography Coloring Book p 29 - Color the principal rivers.
- Children of China pp. 18-19. Narrate.

Week 7
- Geography Coloring Book p 29 - Color the principal mountain ranges.
- Children of China pp. 20-23. Narrate.

Week 8
- Geography Coloring Book p 29 - Color the land regions (smaller map on the second page).
- Children of China pp. 24-27. Narrate.

Week 9
- Geography Coloring Book p 29 - Color the mountain peaks.
- Children of China pp. 28-30. Narrate.

Term 3: Vietnam (First Son and Second Son)

Water Buffalo Days: Growing Up in Vietnam by Huynh Quang Nhuong is a gentle tale of a boy in Vietnam who loved his family, his village, his water buffalo and his life. It is an autobiographical account that gives a wonderful glimpse of his daily life, the joy he found in his home though the Vietnam War does touch his life violently near the end of the book.

Week 1

- Geography Coloring Book p. 33 - Color China, Japan, North Korea, South Korea, Mongolia, and Taiwan.

- Water Buffalo Days pp. 1-10. Narrate.

Week 2

- Geography Coloring Book p 33 - Color the oceans and seas.

- Water Buffalo Days pp. 11-22. Narrate.

Week 3

- Geography Coloring Book p. 32 - Color the countries.

- Water Buffalo Days pp. 23-30. Narrate.

Week 4

- Geography Coloring Book p. 32 - Color the oceans and seas.
- Water Buffalo Days pp. 31-38. Narrate.

Week 5

- Geography Coloring Book p. 34 - Color the countries.
- Water Buffalo Days pp. 39-46. Narrate.

Week 6

- Geography Coloring Book p. 34 - Color the oceans and seas.
- Water Buffalo Days pp. 47-57. Narrate.

Week 7

- Water Buffalo Days pp. 58-71. Narrate.

Week 8

- Water Buffalo Days pp. 72-86. Narrate.

Week 9

- Water Buffalo Days pp. 87-101. Narrate.

Week 10

- Water Buffalo Days pp. 102-112. Narrate.

Week 11

- Water Buffalo Days pp. 113-117. Narrate.

Week 12

- Sacred River: The Ganges of India by Ted Lewin. Narrate. (for fun, because we own it)

Alternate Term 3: Japan (First Daughter and Second Daughter)

Water Buffalo Days is wonderful and certainly a good choice for girls as well as boys, but Miss Happiness and Miss Flower by Rumer Godden is absolutely delightful. (I recommend finding an older copy of the book with the original illustrations.) It's quite a bit shorter than Water Buffalo Days, which might be good for the end of the year when everyone is ready to be outside playing instead of reading and narrating. (It does happen.)

Week 1

- Geography Coloring Book p. 33 - Color China, Japan, North Korea, South Korea, Mongolia, and Taiwan.

- Miss Happiness and Miss Flower pp. 1-23. Narrate.

Week 2

- Geography Coloring Book p. 33 - Color the oceans and seas.

- Miss Happiness and Miss Flower pp. 24-36. Narrate.

Week 3

- Geography Coloring Book p. 32 - Color the countries.

- Miss Happiness and Miss Flower pp. 37-54. Narrate.

Week 4

- Geography Coloring Book p. 32 - Color the oceans and seas.

- Miss Happiness and Miss Flower pp. 54-71. Narrate.

Week 5

- Geography Coloring Book p 34 - Color the countries.

- Miss Happiness and Miss Flower pp. 72-87. Narrate.

Week 6

- Geography Coloring Book p. 34 - Color the oceans and seas.

- Miss Happiness and Miss Flower pp. 87-104. Narrate.

Week 7

- Sacred River: The Ganges of India by Ted Lewin. Narrate. (for fun, because we own it)

I have received nothing for this post. Links to Bookshop and Amazon are affiliate links.

Finally - Actual Crystals!

One of the activities in the Mater Amabilis™ Mountains and Volcanoes study in Level 1A Year 2 (third grade) is to grow a crystal. We tried some different kits and methods with First Son, First Daughter, and Second Daughter, with varying degrees of success.

This year, I purchased the 4M Crystal Growing Experimental Kit and it was far and away the best kit we've ever used. Second Son (the third grader) used it to grow enormous crystals. It actually got away from us. Then later in the year, First Son (the tenth grader) used it to grow a second set of crystals for his geology term.

There's enough left for another set but I don't know if it'll still be around in three years when First Daughter is ready for tenth grade geology. We may have to use them up just for fun before then.

I have received nothing in exchange for this post. Links to Amazon are affiliate links.

Adding Maps: Geography Coloring Book for Extreme Environments in Level 1A

My youngest child is finishing up the Extreme Environments studies in Level 1A Year 2. The three main books of this study recommended by Mater Amabilis™ are some of my absolute favorites and it's a little sad to think there won't be another child reading through them for the first time.

I posted plans for the three books long ago when First Son first read these books and have used the same plans almost unchanged for the three other children. I had to change some of the library basket books as our library updated their offerings and retired some older books, but most of the notebook pages stayed the same. It's fun to look back at the differences between the children. First Son would draw elaborate pictures but refuse to write a single word. Second Son, my youngest, would eagerly log on to the computer to get some facts and write them down (usually writing on the back side of a lined piece of paper) but refused to draw any pictures of anything.

One change I did make was adding some assignments in our Geography Coloring Book. It was easy for me to add these because I have assignments for this book in a variety of lessons all the way up to seventh or eighth grade. I would not recommend purchasing it just for these couple of assignments, but you might want to consider adding them if you've already decided to buy the book.

[UPDATE June 2020: I've created a master lesson plan for The Geography Coloring Book for Levels 1A, 2, and 3 which avoids assigning the same maps in different levels as much as possible.]

Term 1: 52 Days by Camel lesson plans - On the first day of the study, color Morocco and Mali on page 37.

Term 2: Jungle Islands lesson plans - On the first day of the study, color Australia, New Zealand, and the Solomon Islands on page 36.

Term 3: By Truck to the North lesson plans - On the first day of the study, color British Columbia (and Vancouver Island), Yukon Territory, Northwest Territories, and Beaufort Sea on page 5.

I am an affiliate with Bookshop and Amazon. Links to either are affiliate links. I have received nothing in exchange for this post.

A Continuous Turning to God: The Practice of the Presence of God

The Practice of the Presence of God

by Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection

I'm trying something new with this post - an affiliate link to Bookshop.org. I didn't read this exact copy, so I can't speak to its quality. I checked this book out from our local library.

This is a book gathered from conversations and letters by Brother Lawrence, who lived in the 1600s, on how he developed and maintained his relationship with the Lord. He called his method the practice of the presence of God. In this practice, he would focus his thoughts on God at all times: while working and at leisure as well as in prayer.

That our thoughts spoil everything, all the trouble begins with them. We must be careful to reject them immediately we see that they are neither necessary to our occupation at the moment nor conducive to our salvation, and return to our communion with God, wherein is our only good.

With continued focus on the presence of God, Brother Lawrence found his will conforming to that of God's in all things.

I have no troubles or doubts about my state, because I have no wish but God's will which I try to fulfill in all things; I want not to pick up a straw from the ground except in accordance with God's order and sheer love of Him.

He does not pretend it's an easy practice, but it is one he claims becomes easier over time.

I advise you to avoid much talking in prayer; long speeches often induce distractions. Hold yourself in prayer before God like a dumb or paralysed beggar at a rich man's gate; rivet your attention on keeping your mind in the presence of the Lord. If it wanders away from Him, don't get upset; to worry about it serves rather to distraction than to recollection: let the will bring back the mind quietly. If you persevere in this way, God will have pity on you.

Interestingly in this time of our own pandemic, his letters often offer comfort in times of physical or mental suffering, but not for healing.

I do not pray that you may be delivered from your sufferings, but I ask God earnestly to give you strength and patience to bear them so long as He pleases to afflict you.

He follows up with advice to seek no physician but God, which was undoubtedly better advice in the late 1600s than it is today.

This is a very short, easy book to read. It would be perfect as spiritual reading during an adoration hour.

I'm trying something new. Links above are to Bookshop.org, a relatively new way to shop for books online from independent booksellers. I am an affiliate with Bookshop and, in theory, earn a commission if you follow a link and make a purchase. I have received nothing in exchange for writing this post.

March and April 2020 Book Reports

Strangers in a Strange Land: Living the Catholic Faith in a Post-Christian World by Charles J. Chaput - link to my post (inter-library loan copy)

The Collected Tales of Nikolai Gogol by Nikolai Gogol, translated and annotated by Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky - link to my post (Kansas Dad's copy)

Why Buddhism Is True: The Science and Philosophy of Meditation and Enlightenment by Robert Wright - This book would probably be better titled "How Successful Mindfulness Meditation Practices Seem to be Explained by Recent Scientific Research" but that's not quite as catchy. While the author takes some time to explain Buddhist philosophy, he's really only interested in the aspects of it that define and direct mindfulness meditation. Anything "religious" (Buddhist/Christian/etc.) is set aside, though respectfully. The supporting relationship between recent research and scholarship and mindfulness medication practices is fascinating. Kansas Dad (who was the first to listen to the book) was immediately asking questions about the Truth found in this modern research and how it might be related to what we know is True through our Catholic faith. He also found interesting lines of thought in considering past failures and potential successes in evangelizing amongst those who follow Buddhist philosophies. I am still thinking about this book and its implications. (purchased Audible book)

The Stand by Stephen King - Believe it or not, I didn't seek this book out in the midst of the impending pandemic. It literally just happened to be next on my list. I enjoyed reading it and found some scenes presented in unexpected ways. Overall, however, my view of the great battle between Good and Evil varies considerably from that of King which led directly to a feeling of dissatisfaction with the ending of the novel. I also know just enough biology and genetics to be distracted by what are probably inaccurate predictions of how such a deadly epidemic would happen. Of course, he didn't have the "luxury" of coronavirus in his past at that point. (library copy)

Born Standing Up: A Comic's Life by Steve Martin - I picked this book up at our library sale. I thoroughly enjoyed it, though it's certainly not for the young or sensitive reader. I was surprised at how thoughtful Steve Martin is and at the honesty with which he shared some of the difficulties in his life while still being respectful of the privacy of some of those closest to him. It was a good read. (purchased used)

Something Beautiful for God by Malcolm Muggeridge - This book is Mr. Muggeridge's comments on Mother Teresa and his interviews and television recordings with her. It's more a collection of thoughts than a focused book. It was interesting to read as a glimpse into how St. Teresa of Kolkata was viewed and understood in her own lifetime, but it's not a comprehensive book on her life or her philosophies. I enjoyed it, but it will not be the book I offer to my Level 4 student next year. (library copy)

The Last Whalers: Three Years in the Far Pacific with a Courageous Tribe and a Vanishing Way of Life by Doug Bock Clark - link to my post (library copy)

The Winter's Tale by William Shakespeare (No Fear Shakespeare) - This is one of the recommended Shakespeare plays for high schoolers in the Mater Amabilis™ curriculum. (See the English course here.) While this play is much lighter-hearted than Hamlet, which First Son and First Daughter just finished reading, it still surfaces questions about marriage, fidelity, trust, and responsibility toward children. I'm not sure I'd consider it one of the top ten plays a student should study in high school, but if you've already read many of the more common ones, it's a good option. It's not too long and contains one of the most unusual stage directions of all time: "Exit, pursued by bear." (purchased copy)

Mother Teresa of Calcutta: A Personal Portrait by Fr. Leo Maasburg - link to my post (library copy)

It's Not What It Looks Like by Molly Burke - This was one of the better Audible originals offered free to members. I've never watched the author's YouTube channel, so her story was entirely new to me. I enjoyed her youthful voice and her ability to speak authentically for the blind and other disabled people. Her story includes some tough struggles with depression, anxiety, and suicide ideation, which could be difficult for some people to hear, but are shared to support and encourage others. (offered free to Audible members in August 2019)

Theatre of Fish: Travels through Newfoundland and Labrador by John Gimlette - I read Gilmette's Wild Coast and requested this because I enjoyed that one so much. Theatre of Fish is a little more depressing overall, though it has similar moments of witty remarks and insight. There are quite a few references to multiple instances of terrible abuse at the hands of priests or religious. (requested from PaperBackSwap.com)

One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez translated by Gregory Rabassa - link to my post (requested from PaperBackSwap.com)

I have received nothing for this post. All opinions are honest and my own. Links to Amazon or PaperBackSwap are affiliate links.

Alone in a Crowd: One Hundred Years of Solitude

One Hundred Years of Solitude

by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

translated by Gregory Rabassa

This is one of the books listed as a possible supplemental reading book for Mater Amabilis™ Level 6 Year 1 Geography on the Americas. For some reason, I thought this would be a good choice to pre-read while sheltering at home during a pandemic.

You can find far better essays and explanations of the book elsewhere. It's lyrical but startling, touching but shocking. There's a great sadness and perplexity throughout, as if no one understands anything and is struggling toward a goal they can't see. The magical elements would jar my complacency as I read, which was difficult for me but rewarding.

I am ambivalent about scheduling this for my eleventh grader next year. I can see how reading it would give him a glimpse into the struggles and culture of Colombia, but I also wonder if it might be too confusing for him. He might dismiss it and never read it again, and that would be a great loss. I definitely think some maturity makes the novel richer. I also think it's the kind of novel that benefits from multiple reads.

Another aspect that concerns me is the wide variety of rather strange and often illicit behavior of the characters in intimate situations. I would not say the actions and events of the novel endorse such behavior, but it would probably be a good idea to mention these things and discuss them with a high schooler reading the book.

I do not think I'm going to assign it, but I think I might leave it on the eleventh grade list as an optional read, knowing I'd want to share a few comments about the behavior of the characters before it's read. In all honesty, I know that means my son will not read it. My second child is a much more voracious and adventurous reader; she may want to read it.

I have received nothing for this post. I requested the book from PaperBackSwap.com. Links to Amazon and PaperBackSwap are affiliate links.

Delightful and Inspiring: Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Mother Teresa of Calcutta: A Personal Portrait

by Leo Maasburg

Mater Amabilis™ recommends three biographies of twentieth-century saints to complement the modern history studies in Level 4, eighth grade.

Though I have three excellent saint books for Level 4 from First Son's eighth grade year, I wanted to find a biography of St. Teresa of Kolkata for First Daughter to have as an option.* (Knowing her, she'll read them all.) I read Spink's biography a few months ago and decided it was too fact-filled. Our library had this book by Father Leo Maasburg which I checked out before it closed for the pandemic.

It's fantastic! It's lively and filled with personal stories about Farther Maasburg's experiences and reflections on his time with Mother Teresa. The stories cover her vast travels, deep spirituality, and humble spirit. There are plenty of snippets of her advice and wisdom.

Cleaning is life-sustaining. And everything that sustains life comes from the Holy Spirit. So by cleaning we encounter the Holy Spirit in our everyday lives!

There are also plenty of stories that show what life was like for Mother Teresa in the midst of her extensive ministry as for the Missionaries of Charity. In those, Fr. Maasburg reveals her responses to the questions and concerns raised by those who found themselves in her presence or by reporters.

Once, when we were discussing whether it was right to give all that help without any recompense, Mother Teresa said, "Many people say, 'Mother Teresa, you are spoiling the poor, because you give everything free of charge.' But no one spoils us as much as God Himself." 

I loved Fr. Maasburg's personal stories: times Mother Teresa prompted him to go outside his comfort zone, times she naively entered a country and accomplished the impossible with nothing but her prayers and some miraculous medals, times when they responded to sorrow and pain with comfort and joy.

She herself once gave us the answer when she spoke about dealing with insults: "If someone accuses you, ask yourself first: Is he right? If he's right, go and apologize to him. If he's not right, then take the insult that you have received in both hands. Don't let it go but seize the opportunity and give it to Jesus as a sacrifice. Be glad that you have something valuable to give Him." 

Humor and surpassing joy surface again and again. The Sisters always treat those who die in their care according to their own faith and pay for those services, whatever they may be. Once a Bishop found himself locked out of his residence and asked if he could stay the remainder of the night at the House for the Dying.

Mother Teresa reflected for a moment and then agreed, but on one condition: "Promise me you won't die. The burial of a bishop would be much too expensive for us."

This is a perfect biography for Level 4. Without being too boring or depressing, it explores Mother Teresa's mission and spirituality through Fr. Maasburg's personal memories of his time with the saint. I think it's a wonderful introduction to her life and would encourage exploration deeper into her spirituality for an interested student. I think I've now read five or six books on Mother Teresa, but this one is my favorite.

* For those that are interested, the three biographies First Son read were: John Paul II: A Personal Portrait of the Pope and the Man by Ray Flynn, A Shepherd in Combat Boots: Chaplain Emil Kapaun of the 1st Cavalry Division by William L. Maher, and The Shepherd Who Didn't Run: Fr. Stanley Rother, Martyr from Oklahoma by Maria Ruiz Scaperlanda.

I have received nothing in exchange for this honest review. Links to Amazon are affiliate links. I borrowed this book from our library.