Literature: Structure, Sound, and Sense by Laurence Perrine - This is the main literature textbook for Mater Amabilis Level 6 Year 2 (twelfth grade). The nice thing about this text, is that the edition doesn't much matter. It begins with elements of short stories (like plot, character, theme, point of view, symbols, irony, and humor). Then it introduces elements of poetry (denotation and connotation, imagery, figurative language, allusion, tone, rhythm, meter, sounds, patterns, etc.). The chapters across editions contain different stories and poems, but cover the same elements and themes. That means families can always find a copy at a reasonable price. (purchased used)
A Short History of the World by John M. Roberts - This is the main text for the world history strand of Mater Amabilis Levels 5 and 6 history. It covers a lot of ground, but is a solid overview of all of world history up to modern times (published in the late 1990s). The Mater Amabilis plans supplement with a lot of primary sources, as well as different texts for British history, American history, and church history. I like this approach because the students get broad brush strokes from a single author (with definite biases) with a lot of other voices all along the way. (purchased used)
History of the World Map by Map by DK and Smithsonian - The one thing I felt like the history plans were missing were maps. Some events are just easier to understand if you have a map showing movements of people and time frames. First Daughter agreed, so before her sophomore year, I added maps from this book. It has two page spreads in full color with lots of diagrams and text. It's still an overview, like A Short History of the World, but I find it really helpful to see boundaries and landmasses. I didn't write the history plans for Mater Amabilis, but I have considered adding this book as an optional supplement for others. (purchased new)
The Catholic Church through the Ages by John Vidmar - This book was recommended by a theologian for church history for high school history for Mater Amabilis. It covers all of church history in six ages from the early church through the present (2010s for the second edition). The author is a Catholic theologian, but he is fairly even-handed in his description of historical events in the church. It's quite readable and I have found my children narrate it well. The second edition is preferable because it includes a lot more information on St. John Paul II as pope. (purchased new)
Zoology: Understanding the Animal World by Donald E. Moore (a Great Courses audiobook) - I purchased this audiobook for Second Daughter to use as the spine for her zoology course, along with an apprenticeship at our local zoo. It's incorporates real stories from the National Zoo and interviews with other scientists, almost like a podcast, but goes through the fundamentals of zoology. I asked my daughter to listen and narrate each lecture. I thought it worked well. (purchased audiobook)
Orthodoxy by G. K. Chesterton - This book is assigned in Level 6 Year 2 of the religion readings for Mater Amabilis. (Are you sensing a theme for this month? Finish all the school books!) First Daughter loved Orthodoxy, so I decided to read it even though I often find Chesterton a little abrasive. (I know! Don't judge me!) Drawing on his own life and faith journey, Chesterton argues that reason supports a belief in the Christian life, opposed to the prevailing modern view that reason would deny such a belief. (Kansas Dad's ancient copy)
Ring of Bright Water by Gavin Maxwell - This was recommended as a living book for Second Daughter's zoology course. Maxwell writes lovingly of his home in Scotland and his pet otters. In the end, I didn't assign it, mostly because she had enough coursework without it, but also because there are some sad parts when the otters die or disappear. (purchased used)
The Gospel of Mark edited by Mary Healy - Some of my older kids read commentaries along with specific books of the Bible rather than the whole Bible (as Second Son is doing). This is one of the commentary series we really like, Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture. Each book gives the text of the Scripture followed by analysis, commentary, boxes that give context and reflections. Highly recommended. (purchased used)
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens - an audio recording of this novella is practically a family tradition on our drive to visit my parents every Christmas season. This year we listened to Simon Vance. (I own four different recordings!) If you have never listened to or read this story, do yourself a favor and spend a little time with Dickens himself this year! (purchased audiobook)
Goodnight Mind for Teens by Colleen E. Carney - This is a great little book to add to a high school health course, focusing on good sleep habits for teenagers. It works well to read a tip each week and spend the rest of the week practicing it. (purchased used)
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