Book Review: Close to the Wind (supplement to Mater Amabilis Level 1A Weather)

Close to the Wind: The Beaufort Scale by Peter Malone

Earlier this week, our assignment for second grade Weather centered on the Beaufort Scale. (We're following the Mater Amabilis Level 1A schedule of lessons.) I happened to know about Peter Malone's book and was delighted to have a way to incorporate it into our studies. I read it aloud to second daughter, talking about wind and waves and ocean travels in the early 1800s.

This book conveys a lot of information about Beaufort, the scale he designed, and life at sea during his time. Along the way there are many interesting tidbits of information. The illustrations are excellent, including one at the end showing all the masts and sails with descriptions and names for each of them.

At the end of the book (a certain sign of a good one), Second Daughter wanted to learn more. She wanted to see the wind and waves in action. So of course I did what any American homeschooling mom with a bit of time to spare would do and we pulled up YouTube. This video is an excellent representation of the progression of the scale. Second Daughter, however, preferred this one. It's a little more entertaining but still informative.

The real treasure for me, though, is this recording of Sir Ian McKellan reciting the scale. (It would be even better without the laughter.) Can't you just imagine someone daring him to read something mundane and make it dramatic?

Back to the book...It's an excellent addition to any study of weather and recommended for a wide variety of ages.

September 2014 Book Reports

Genesis: The Book of Origins by Fr. Albert Joseph Mary Shamon is one of the recommended background books for teachers to read in preparation for Connecting with History volume 1 which covers creation and Genesis. It covers creation through the story of Joseph with insights into each one. I found it a decent book, though I already knew much of it from other readings. Certainly it would be valuable for someone relatively unfamiliar with the meaning of those Scripture readings beyond the Sunday School stories. (purchased at Sacred Heart Books and Gifts)

Heart of a Samurai by Margi Preus is a wonderful book of historical fiction based on the true life of Manjiro (John Mung), a Japanese fisherman shipwrecked as a teenager who makes his way to America (perhaps the first Japanese person to visit the United States) in the 1840s. It contains a vast amount of information on whaling, prejudices in America and Japan, America's inventions, and the Gold Rush, as well as courage and perseverance. I loved it. The drawings and reproductions in the book are often those of the real Manjiro. We also listened to the audio book, which was wonderful and let me avoid trying to pronounce the Japanese words. Be aware there are graphic descriptions of whaling, comparisons between Christianity and Buddhist faiths (not always to Christianity's benefits), and an episode where Manjiro steps on an image of Mary and Jesus when he returns to Japan. All of these seemed accurate depictions of the time in which Manjiro lived. (library copy)

Revolutionary by Krista McGee, read to review for another website and not worth your time. (purchased for the Kindle)

The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri J.M. Nouwen (a review for Blogging for Books)

The Night is for Hunting (The Tomorrow Series #6) by John Marsden, also read to review for another website. If you've read the first five books in the series, you'll read this one, but the series as a whole isn't that interesting or well-written. (library 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)
• Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift (February 2014)
• A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 by Phillip Keller (April 2014)
• Norton Anthology of English Literature Vol 2 (sixth edition) (August 2014)
• Men and Women Are From Eden: A Study Guide to John Paul II's Theology of the Body by Mary Healy (September 2014, with our parish adult education class)
• The Little Oratory: A Beginner's Guide to Praying in the Home by David Clayton and Leila Marie Lawler (September 2014)
• The Bible Compass: A Catholic's Guide to Navigating the Scriptures by Edward Sri (September 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)

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

My Favorite Picture Books: Sequoyah

Sequoyah: The Cherokee Man Who Gave His People Writing by James Rumford

I discovered this book years ago when we read through American History in a year with picture books (a delightful course of study).

The author and illustrator tells the story of an amazing man, Sequoyah, about whom very little is really known. Weaving together myths and legends, he introduces Sequoyah through the stories that have been told about him over the years. Wonderfully, Ann Sixkiller Huckaby has provided a Cherokee translation of the words on each page.

Sequoyah is a hero and Mr. Rumford presents his story as such. Despite hardships, disabilities, a lack of education, and persecution, Sequoyah develops a syllabary for the Cherokee language and with help, modifies it to symbols that can be printed for newspapers and signs. One page touches on the Trail of Tears and other struggles the Cherokee have faced, showing the great gift Sequoyah gave his people without overwhelming little ones with too much sorrow.

It is a picture book you should not miss.