Before the Trojan War: Tales of the Greek Heroes

Tales of the Greek Heroes

by Roger Lancelyn Green

Roger Lancelyn Green is a master storyteller. I recently read his Tales of Ancient Egypt and was thrilled when someone posted Tales of the Greek Heroes on PaperBackSwap.com.

There are plenty of books of Greek myths and heroes, of course, but Green's book does something a bit different. He attempts to weave the disparate tales into a single whole, mingling stories and ordering events as they might have happened in a mythical chronological order.

Before each chapter, Green includes an excerpt from a poem about or inspired by the subject. Some of them are translations of ancient works and some are modern references. It's a wonderful way to subtly imply the vast reverberations of the Greek myths through time and literature as well as introduce some excellent bits of literature.

I was not intending to use this book for our history studies, but it is included in RC History's Connecting with History Volume 1. Rather than rewrite our lesson plans, I've just added it to the optional supplemental reading lists for First Daughter (7th grade) and Second Daughter (5th grade).

I think you could also substitute it for the Greek myth book recommended by Mater Amabilis™ for Level 1A, Classic Myths to Read Aloud. I love that book, but some people find the stories long and these may be a bit shorter. It can also be frustrating if children are confused by the inexplicable switching from Greek to Roman names in Classic Myths to Read Aloud. Green's book uses only Greek names. There is a list in the back showing the Latin name for each Greek one.

Green doesn't include the tales of the Trojan War or of the Odyssey; he has other books for those.

I have the hardcover of the Puffin Classics edition and it's lovely.

I have received nothing in exchange for this post which includes only my honest opinion. Links to Amazon, RC History, and PaperBackSwap are affiliate links.

Trust and Forgiveness: Tirzah

Tirzah

by Lucille Travis

This is one of the recommended books for RC History's Connecting with History Volume 1. (We're finishing volume 3 this year and then rolling right into 1 again. We study American and modern history a little differently and in another strand.)

Tirzah, a girl born under slavery in Egypt, and her family follow Moses into the desert. This familiar story of the Hebrews highlights aspects lost in the pages of Exodus...what fears parents had, how strange the commands of God, how desperate the situation time after time. As the Hebrew characters struggle with their own failures and sinfulness, some of them persevere in their trust and devotion to God.

One of the aspects of the book I appreciated was the contrition of one of the main characters as he realizes his sins. His father wisely takes the young man to Moses to ask for forgiveness (which many of us might have thought unnecessary) and Moses responds with kindness and comfort. His words are ones I hope my children would remember when they desire reconciliation.

Later, Tirzah and her brother discuss the difficulties they face in the desert: violent enemies, thirst, and hunger. Why does God not make it easier for them? Ram muses:

What I mean is, suppose he had made the whole crossing easy for us, plenty of water and meat every day, what then? We wouldn't even know what he had done for us.

There are scenes of great agony and violence: Pharaoh and his armies destroyed by the Red Sea, wounded and dying Hebrew soldiers suffering at the hands of Amalekites, and rebellious Hebrews cut down at the degree of the Lord. It may be too harsh for some young readers. My ten-year-old is going to read this independently; I doubt I would read it aloud with very young children near-by.

I also loved the example of Hanna, who risks her own life to care for those who are stricken with the plague for their sinfulness and waywardness.

Now child Yahweh may punish those who do wrongly, but when a man or woman is down sick we must not add to their suffering by refusing help. Yahweh has given us herbs and plants to use for the good of all. I must use my skill wherever it is needed.

I'm pleased to have this book in our library for grammar level kids to read independently (grades 4-6, though I'd be comfortable with third grade reading it if the skills are there).

The opinions in this post are my own. I have received nothing for this review, but the links above to RC History are affiliate links. The book is also available at Amazon (affiliate link), which is where I purchased it.

January 2019 Book Reports

Coraline by Neil Gaiman - This twisted fairy tale was wonderful and disconcertingly creepy. Coraline goes through a door in her house into a copycat world. She escapes only to find her parents are trapped there. She emulates her father's courage and follows her mother's love to try to save them. Pre-read if you have sensitive children. My twelve-year-old read it and thought it was pretty good. It may be the kind of book that speaks to parents in a way children miss. (library copy)

The Glorious Adventure by Richard Halliburton - link to my post. (purchased used)

Season of Storms by Andrzej Sapkowski - the newest Witcher book, though it goes back in time a bit. I've been reading some of the King Arthur myths (part of our ninth grade curriculum) and it struck me how much the Witcher is like a roaming knight. (library copy)

Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman - link to my post. (purchased Audible book)

Tales of Ancient Egypt by Roger Lancelyn Green - link to my post. (purchased new)

Red Hugh Prince of Donegal by Robert T. Reilly - This is another great book from Bethlehem Books, recommended by RC History for Connecting with History volume 3. I read it aloud to the children and they were very interested (even when I was a little tired of poor Hugh being stuck in a tower). It's kind of fun to read a book in which the English are the "bad guys" and I was able to torture my own children with my not even passable Irish accent. (purchased new)

Smoke and Mirrors by Neil Gaiman - I picked this up at a library sale. Some of the stories were interesting. Many were a bit disturbing. I think if you're a Gaiman fan, you'd enjoy it, but it's probably not the first Gaiman book I'd recommend. (purchased used)


These opinions are my own. I received nothing in exchange for this post. Links to Amazon and RC History are affiliate links. The link to Bethlehem Books is not an affiliate link.

A Biography of Isaac Newton: The Scientist Who Changed Everything

Isaac Newton: The Scientist Who Changed Everything

by Philip Steele

This biography of Isaac Newton is recommended by RC History for Connecting with History volume 3 at the logic level (7th-9th grades). It was not my intention to buy it. I thought our library would certainly have a biography on Isaac Newton I could substitute without spending any money. So I checked out and read every juvenile biography of Newton...and they were all unacceptable.

So I bought this inexpensive biography and it far surpassed all of the library options. It's brief, only about 60 pages, but is in full color and has supplementary information and a timeline in addition to the text. It's divided into four sections: Young Isaac, Fired by Genius, Secrets of the Universe, and Man of the World.

Many biographies of Newton present what seems to me an unbalanced look at Newton's religious beliefs. This book remains mostly quiet on such matters. It does explain that he did not believe in the trinitarian nature of God, which is known from his unpublished works, but the book doesn't claim he no longer believed in God at all or that he rebelled completely from a life of faith.

I asked my sixth grader to read this. She's an overachiever, but I think most fifth and sixth graders could follow this text without too much trouble. She even wrote an excellent narration on Newton at the end of the book.

I received nothing in exchange for this review and all opinions are my own. I purchased this book new. Links above to RC History are affiliate links. The book is also available at Amazon (affiliate link).

Faith and Adventure: Ship's Boy with Magellan

Ship's Boy with Magellan

by Milton Lomask

This is an enjoyable and exciting fictional account of Magellan's voyage around the world from the point of view of a boy escaping his murderous uncle. Milton Lomask, the author, also wrote some of the Vision saint books. This book is part of our history work this year which is pulled mostly from Connecting with History.

I initially planned to read this aloud, and I still think it would be a marvelous family read aloud, but if we don't have time for it, it's one my ten-year-old could easily read independently. (In fact, my eight-year-old probably can, too, though I can't remember if that's normal for eight.)

The book shares plenty of information about what sailing was like at the time of Magellan and how a ship's boy would be treated (by a kind captain). Magellan's slave, Enrique, is treated as an honest, courageous, and kind friend for the young boy.

I had no idea Magellan was such a staunch evangelist, ensuring preaching to people they encountered on their voyage was a top priority. At first I thought the book exaggerated the details, but a little research seems to indicate it is true.

The author of the book claims the Philippines were predominantly Christian as a direct result of Magellan's lingering to allow a priest to instruct and baptize people on island after island.

Young as he was, Pedro recognized that these were the great moments of the great voyage. He could not, however, look into the future of foresee the long-lasting effects of what Father Valderrama was doing with Magellan's help.

Despite pleas from priests (according to Lomask) later explorers were much more ruthless.

They were often cruel to the natives of the new countries to which they were sent by their kinds. Some explorers did little or nothing to assist the priests who traveled with them. Instead of trying to Christianize the natives, they enslaved them.

It's probable there is much more to the story than just Magellan's effect on the Philippines; the islands have a long and nuanced history. We'll leave more details until the kids are older.

The fictional account mainly follows the story of Magellan. After he dies (gallantly defending his sailors in their ill-fated attack), the story rushes ahead to the return of the beleaguered ship to Spain. I would have liked to hear more about the rest of the voyage, but the book is plenty exciting.

This edition by Hillside Education is nicely bound. The illustrations in the book by William Plummer are superior to the cover art. Hillside is one of those publishers I regard highly for their excellent craftsmanship and their dedication to republishing worthy books.

I purchased this book (from Sacred Heart Books and Gifts - not an affiliate link). I have not received anything in exchange for this honest review. I did learn of the book from RC History in the Connecting with History syllabus and lesson plans. The links to RC History in this post are affiliate links. The book is also available at Amazon (another affiliate link).

July and August 2018 Book Reports

The Power of Silence: Against the Dictatorship of Noise by Robert Cardinal Sarah with Nicolas Diat - link to my post. (library copy)

In the Steps of the Master by H. V. Morton - link to my post. (purchased used)

Calde of the Long Sun by Gene Wolfe - I'm reading this series again and enjoying it more the second time around I think. Sometime in the past few years, the library copy of the last book was damaged or lost so here's hoping they buy another one for me. (library copy)

Echoes by John Ciardi - I picked this book out of the library catalog when I was searching for poetry books for the children. (How to Tell the Top of the Hill is delightful.) This book is beautifully printed on lovely paper. Many of the poems seemed melancholy or dispirited to me, but a few near the end of the book appealed to me. I liked Ten Minutes my Captive in which he describes a turtle he allows to escape "into the green flecked edge of water and home." (library copy)

Joan of Arc by Hilaire Belloc - link to my post. (purchased Kindle version)

Ember Rising by S.D. Smith - We started listening to this audiobook with Kansas Dad, but he asked us to finish it without him because he found it upsetting that the main characters seemed to suffer worse and worse fates as the book progressed. I'm going to have to go against the current on this series and admit I often find the writing almost painful. There's far too much alliteration and minute descriptions; I'm always thinking there should have been more editing. The story is reasonably good, though, and the children enjoy it. I bought it thinking it would be the last of the trilogy, but it's not. I suppose I'll buy the rest of the books for the children to read but I think I'll pass on the audiobook. (Audiobook received from our contribution to the funding page.)

Mission: Jimmy Stewart and the Fight for Europe by Robert Matzen - This incredibly researched book tells Jimmy Stewart's wartime story based on extensive interviews and governmental reports. It gives detailed accounts and descriptions of life for bombers living in England and flying missions over Europe. Stewart's life in Hollywood (with all his exploits) is described just as openly as the often graphic scenes of carnage and struggle in war, so this is a book for mature readers, but it could be a fascinating read for anyone interested in World War II. (borrowed from my dad)

The Blood-Red Crescent by Henry Garnett - link to my post. (purchased used on Cathswap)

Mara, Daughter of the Nile by Eloise Jarvis McGraw - One of the historical fiction books recommended by RC History for Connecting with History volume 1, this is an exciting story of an inadvertent double spy in the time of Queen Hatshepsut. There's a Novel Inquiries guide for the novel which I own, but I haven't decided if we'll use it. First Daughter (sixth grade) is going to read this for independent reading and I might not ask her to do anything in particular other than reading it. It's a good choice for a middle schooler or older student as there is some violence and romance. It's exciting and I enjoyed the story, but I was a little upset at some of the scenes where she flirts with a guard (to get him to let her out of the gate) or her love interest because they reaffirm stereotypes, but First Daughter hears me talk about those things enough for me not to be concerned about her reading them here and there. (purchased used)

Baptism of Fire by Andrezej Sapkowski - This is the third book in the Witcher series. After I read the second book, I wrote that I wouldn't recommend them due to the use of the rape myth in the plot line. Of course, I kept reading them myself and discovered this book has a surprising pro-life message. Entertaining fantasy and moral questions for a mature audience. (library copy)

Crosstalk by Connie Willis - This is a light-hearted science fiction book set in the near future when the instant messaging and texting creates a constant bombardment. I read this book in the twenty-four hours before and during my daughter's surgery. It was nothing major, just pins in a broken finger, but I was worried and this book was the perfect companion as I tried to relax and waited for the results. (library copy)

The Burgess Seashore Book for Children by Thornton W. Burgess - link to my post. (purchased used)

Much Ado about Nothing by Shakespeare - First Son is reading this as his first Shakespeare play of high school so I read it to help myself be prepared. I read the No Fear Shakespeare version (linked) and the one he will read. It helps a lot to have the modern translation and some editorial helps to understand the references. It doesn't include any essays on the meaning, but I found a Cliff's Notes with a bit of information for him to read after he reads the play. (I just requested whatever was available on PaperBackSwap.com.) Reading even those short notes gave me some added dimensions for understanding the play, the characters, and the themes. I am absurdly excited to be reading Shakespeare with First Son and First Daughter this year. (They'll be reading different plays.) I've scheduled three plays for each of them this year, but even if we only make it through two of them, I'll be thrilled. Realizing I didn't encounter Shakespeare at all in college, I've decided this must be a priority for us in middle school and high school. It might be their only experience with the Bard. (purchased book for the play, requested book for the supplementary reading from
PaperBackSwap.com)

The Sea Around Us by Rachel Carson - link to my post. (purchased used)

Usually here I list all the books I'm reading, but that would take too long because I'm reading everything First Son is reading for high school. Yikes! It's a lot.

The Battle of Lepanto: Blood-Red Crescent

The Blood-Red Crescent

by Henry Garnett

This historical fiction novel follows a young man who sails on his father's galley to fight against the Ottoman Turks. It is recommended at the grammar level of volume 3 in Connecting with History.

There are descriptions of death, mayhem, and destruction, so it is appropriate to wait for the grammar level (roughly grades 4-6) to read this novel. Second Daughter will read it independently for fourth grade. (It will be optional for First Daughter, in sixth grade.)

Though written explicitly from the Christian perspective, the author allows the main character and the reader to contemplate the Turkish perspective a little. I wouldn't say it's necessarily balanced, but it leaves room for compassion. At the end of the novel, Guido (the young man) says:

Then I don't understand how these miracles come to be mixed up with death, cruelty, and suffering.

In order to understand, he returns to the monastery of his education to learn and study more.


Links to RC History are affiliate links. I received nothing for this post which reflects my honest opinions. I purchased this book used from a member of the Cathswap Yahoo group.

Excellent Little Biography of a Great Saint: Joan of Arc

Joan of Arc

by Hilaire Belloc

This book is a recommended biography of Joan of Arc for the logic level (roughly grades 7-9) in volume 3 of Connecting with History. Because First Daughter has already read the biography for the grammar level, I thought I'd see if this would be a good fit. (I considered Mark Twain's Joan of Arc, and I think she could read it, but it would have to be an independent read as it's much longer than the Belloc one.)

This biography is relatively short and succinct, but excellently written.

As she stood, a dazzling light shone by her at her right hand, supplanting the day, and she was overcome with terror; till, from the midst of the glory, came a voice which spoke of the faith and its observance, and at last gave order that she should seek the uncrowned King of France, dispossessed by his foes, and rescue him and crown him at Rheims. At the third summons she saw St. Michael in his splendor and about him the soldiery of Heaven.

There are a few parts that made me laugh. Here, she's being questioned by theologians and clergy before the dauphin entrusts his soldiers to her:

The learned Aymeiri put her the question always put to those who assert divine aid: saying that if it were God's will to deliver the realm, He could do so without men-at-arms. Whom she answered that, if they would give her a few knights, they would work out God's will well enough.

Her end, of course, is clear from early on in the book. It's no secret she will be burned on the cross.

In those days--and now from the crowning nearly a month had gone by--as she was riding between the Bastard of Orleans and Regnault the Archbishop, she said in her joy at the people's cheering for the King: "Here are good folk, and here would I lie buried in this earth of theirs, when I die." But never was she to lie at peace in Christian earth beside the blessed dead, but more brightly, through the fire, to strike to Paradise.

There is a high-ranking soldier called the Bastard; it's not meant in a condemnatory way and is merely his title or nickname or something. If you have a child who might repeat it, you'll want to explain it's not a word we throw around casually.

This is a nice little biography of St. Joan of Arc that First Daughter will read this year in sixth grade. It's a good option for those looking who have already read the Vision biography and might not have the time or inclination for Mark Twain's much longer book.

I read a Kindle version of this book (linked below in the italics) which was a good copy overall. There were a few mistakes in the text ("main" instead of "maid") but only a handful. The table of contents was linked and the formatting was decent.

I received nothing for writing this review. The links above are affiliate links to RC History, the home of Connecting with History. I purchased a Kindle version of this book (affiliate link to Amazon). 

Serious Piety: The Face in the Flames

The Face in the Flames: A Story of Saint Bridget of Sweden

by Brother Roberto, C.S.C.

In the Footsteps of the Saints series, Level 2 (reading level)

I wrote back in January about Hide the Children, a book from the same series as this one and recommended by our history program, volume 3 of Connecting with History, but that we would not be reading. It seemed appropriate to write a little post about this one, which I pre-read and decided to assign to First Daughter (fifth grade, grammar level in the Connecting with History lesson plans).

Like others in the series, this book reveals some of the odd piety of books written in the 1950s. For example, there was quiet awe when St. Bridget seemed to know of her daughter's husband's death when the women were visiting each other in Italy, but not really any sorrow from either of them despite the fact that this second husband was described as a good man earlier in the book. (Her first husband was not a good man and they seemed relieved and grateful when he died young.)

There was one really extreme example. Late in the book, Bridget is traveling to the Holy Land with her daughter and her son (both grown) when her son falls in love with a princess, although both are married.

When Bridget heard of their desire to marry, she was overcome with anxiety and turned at once to Our Lady and her Son in prayer.

Her prayers were quickly answered. Karl became violently ill while in Naples and after a sickness of two weeks quietly died in his mother's arms. Thus, death ended the evil love affair.

So there you have it. She was apparently better pleased by her son's death than by such a mortal sin. I will probably never be a saint, because I'd rather my son sinned and repented but still lived or (better yet) repented before sinning and lived.

First Daughter will still read this book. I doubt she'll be concerned with this part much.

According to the RC History website, the Level 2 books in the In the Footsteps of the Saints books are written at about a fourth grade reading level. Because of their format (large print and generous white space on the pages), they are not intimidating for younger readers who might be confident enough to read them. I think my third grader could read this book easily, though she has a July birthday and is therefore older than most third graders. But I'm happy to leave it as assigned just for the more advanced level.

I purchased this book new from Sacred Heart Books and Gifts (not an affiliate link) and received nothing for writing this post of my own opinions. The links above are affiliate links to the RC History website.

Faith and Vikings: Beorn the Proud

Beorn the Proud
by Madeleine Polland

This book is recommended in RC History's Connecting with History volume 2, which we finished in the first term this year. I read this aloud to the children based on their recommendation without reading it ahead of time and we all enjoyed it immensely.

There are some disturbing events in the book. Ness's village is attacked by Viking raiders and she is the only survivor, captured by a young Viking and kept as his slave. On the way home, the raiders stop at a remote monastery and again attack. Ness sees monks plummeting from high towers to their deaths.

Though distraught at the loss of her village and family and at her plight as a slave, Ness is always cognizant of the opportunity to lead Beorn, the Viking boy who captured her, to the Christian faith. Beorn makes no similar effort, but his actions and words often show the faith of the Vikings in pagan gods. Ness does not denigrate his beliefs, which I found a good example of evangelism for the children.

Sorry for the boy, she tried to think with sympathy of his pagan ways even if they horrified her, and to understand that they meant much to him. This was no time to try and tell him they were wrong.

Throughout the book, we encountered many aspects of Viking culture that expanded on what we read about in other books during the unit.

At one point, before leaving Ireland entirely behind, Ness has the chance to kill Beorn and escape. She stands above him with a knife but does not attack.

Ness was too confused to be angry. She had had the chance in one moment to dispose of her enemy and gain her freedom, and she had not been able to take it. She did not know whether she had lacked the courage for revenge or whether she had been given the grace to resist the temptation to kill. 

Beorn's father dies and he discovers a plot to kill the king. Escaping his home, they arrive in time to help thwart the attempt and save the king. Beorn's foolish pride endangers him and his people but he is blind to the threat. When Ness tries to reason with him, he attacks her faith, asking the kind of questions we all ask when tragedy befalls Christians.

I listened long enough to your talk of humility and your God of gentleness. He cares, you say, for those who serve Him! How has He cared for you? He has allowed you to lose your home and your family."

She can only answer, "You have not yet walked all your road!"

In the end, it is Ness's faith in her family and her Lord that save them all.

This post is my honest opinion. I purchased this book, probably from the publisher during one of their frequent sales. The links to RC History are affiliate links.

Martyrdom of St. Thomas Becket: If All the Swords in England

If All the Swords in England: A Story of Thomas Becket

by Barbara Willard

This book is one of the recommended resources for Connecting with History volume 3 at the grammar level. First Daughter will be using mostly grammar level resources but I wanted to read this one ahead of time because I was afraid the martyr's death at the end might be upsetting to her.

The book is written from the points of view of twin boys, separated by service. Edmund serves the King of England while Simon serves the Archbishop. They see each other only rarely. In the end, Edmund realizes what is going to happen and attempts to warn the Archbishop. He arrives too late, but St. Thomas Becket knew already what would transpire. The hectic ride is the focus of the back cover which I thought was a little silly since anyone reading the book probably knows the book will end with a murder.

The title comes from St. Thomas Becket's own words as they are quoted in the novel.

"I know you have come to kill me." He rose, then. He pulled himself up to his immense height and his great powerful voice rang out over their heads. "I make God my shield. If all the swords in England were pointed against my head, your threats could not move me. Foot to foot you will find me in the battle of my Lord."

The moment of martyrdom is described and it is violent. The attackers hack at the holy man and a renegade monk deals the final blow.

He drew his sword and struck at the skull of the dead man, scattering brains and blood on the pavement.

It is only a few pages, though Simon's sorrow continues.

I think First Daughter can handle this book even if the ending may be a bit outside her comfort zone. It is an excellent introduction to conflict between earthly and heavenly kingdoms.


I purchased this book from the publisher (not an affiliate link) which often runs sales, but I've linked above to RC History (affiliate link) because I intend to use this book with Connecting with History. It is also available from Amazon (another affiliate link)

Beowulf and Christ: The King's Thane (and other Beowulf books)

The King's Thane
by Charles Brady

This book is recommended in Connecting with History volume 2 (my affiliate link) in unit 5, the time when the tale of Beowulf was first written down. This book, brings the story forward a bit in time, to coincide with the first Bishop of York. The setting provides opportunities for conversations of faith and valor.

Beorn wants desperately to be a thane, but a deformed leg hinders his ambition. When a hero comes to battle Grendel, he accepts Beorn as his thane, teaching and training him. Father Paulinus is a missionary priest who has already converted the queen and some others, though Beorn and the king hesitate.

At one point, Beorn and Father Paulinus have just finished a meal at a freeman's cottage, one full of welcome, good food, and family. Asked what he saw there, Beorn answers:

"Richness," said Beorn. "But a far different sort of richness than gold can buy. The richness of black earth and fat tillage. Honest wealth and weal and health and -- yes, a kind of holiness as well, though it is true I know not much of holiness and so should not speak about such things."

Father Paulinus responds:

"What is the world's glory worth, after all? Kings live that Gorm and Elfwina may be, not they that kings may flourish. If it is anything, Bjarki's sword is to keep safe such as these twain and their small ones. It is true that the songs the scops sing do not get written about such as Gorm and Elfwina. No matter. They are what the songs say."

At the end is a note provided by the author. He addresses the change in venue for Beowulf's story:

As for the suggestion that a monk named Beorn wrote the Beowulf, well, someone wrote the Beowulf, most probably at a Northumbrian court, and quite possibly as early as the year 667 a.d., when my Beorn would have been only fifty-six years of age.

First Son (seventh grade) read this book independently but I think it could have been a good family read-aloud as well.

I did share more traditional forms of Beowulf as well. I read aloud Beowulf by James Rumford to all the children. There's courage and lofty language and just enough visuals of the monster to intrigue the children without scaring them. (My youngest is six.)


First Daughter (fourth grade) will read Michael Morpurgo's version of Beowulf. Lavishly illustrated by Michael Foreman, this version is full of phrases reminiscent of epic tales but accessible to younger readers. There's plenty of gore including an illustration of Grendel eating a man's leg as he dangles upside-down (just to be clear). The Christian elements of the original are highlighted (a shadow of a cross above the dying Beowulf, for example). This version is also recommended by Connecting with History.

First Son (seventh grade) read Beowulf the Warrior by Ian Serrailier which is recommended by Connecting with History. This version is more sophisticated than Morpurgo's book, but could still be read by a wide range in ages from late elementary and up. It retains the look and feel of an epic poem (rather than prose). It was my favorite of the versions we read this year.

The King's Thane and the Rumford and Morpurgo versions we read were from the library. I bought Beowulf the Warrior at a Bethlehem Books sale last summer.

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). Every little bit helps - thanks! 

Unless otherwise stated, links to RC History for the Connecting with History program are not affiliate links, but if you'd like to make a purchase through my affiliate link, here it is!

December 2016 Book Report

Three Short Novels by Wendell Berry - link to my post (purchased used at a library book sale)

Simon Brute and the Western Adventure by Elizabeth Bartelme is recommended by Connecting with History for American History. After consulting with the publisher (Hillside Education is just wonderful), I decided to read it aloud to the whole family and enjoyed it right along with them. It's a delightful novel of historical fiction based on the life of Simon Brute, a French priest who travels to the colonies to be a missionary to the Native Americans, though he spends most of his life teaching and as a bishop. He is a humble and dedicated man who loved and served God and His people. (copy purchased from Sacred Heart Books and Gifts)

Chaplain in Gray: Father Abram Ryan by H. J. Heagney is recommended by Connecting with History for American History at the time of the Civil War. It is only recently published (a reprint of a previously out of print book) by Hillside Education. It follows the adventures of a Confederate priest who became famous for his poetry. I appreciated reading a story aloud to the family that helped to alleviate the tendency to view all Confederates as perpetually in the wrong. It doesn't really explain why someone who didn't own slaves would fight for slavery (Rifles for Watie did that rather well, for older readers) but it did engender compassion for the people of the Confederacy. (copy purchased from Sacred Heart Books and Gifts; it's not on the site yet but she'll order it for you if you ask)

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson is a classic I had never read. The Audible version was well-read and enjoyable, though the story itself is even darker than I had expected. (free Kindle version and audio book purchased at a discount)

Classics of Russian Literature with Professor Irwin Weil from The Great Courses (purchased from Audible) covers the classics of Russian literature in 36 lectures. It has inspired me to fill in the substantial gaps in my own reading. The professor seemed knowledgeable and was entertaining. I loved listening to him quote in Russian. (purchased from Audible)

Teaching from Rest: A Homeschooler's Guide to Unshakeable Peace by Sarah Mackenzie is a very short book, easy and accessible for the harassed homeschooling mom. I don't think it covered anything I hadn't already seen or read (being a slightly experienced homeschooling mom at this point), but it was pleasant listening to the author's chatty voice. It's also useful to have a reminder of what's really important and encouragement to ensure our days are centered around a life of faith together first while also managing the more traditional academic educational stuff. This would be an excellent book for a young homeschooling mother with little ones who is feeling a little overwhelmed. (purchased Audible book)

The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy - link to my post. (from a member at PaperBackSwap.com)



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)
• The Innocence of Father Brown by G.K. Chesterton with my book club (September 2016)
• Between the Forest and the Hills by Ann Lawrence (October 2016, with the children)
• The Problem of Pain by C.S. Lewis (October 2016)
• The Wright Brothers by David McCullough (November 2016)

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Homeschool Review: Augustus Caesar's World

Augustus Caesar's World by Genevieve Foster

This is a wonderful book describing now only the life of Augustus Caesar, but cultures and people all over the world at the time. The birth of Jesus is an important moment in the book, of course, but it focuses on Caesar and the Roman world. The text is enjoyable and the illustrations are many.

The book lends itself to narrations with the strong story aspect. First Son (seventh grade) read it easily enough, though of the reading assignments were long and took him a bit of time. I think it could be used a little younger and certainly older than seventh grade as well.

I appreciated how the book handled specifics that aren't exactly known, and that don't matter as much as the overall thread of history.

In this Year 1, which was later supposed to mark his birth, Jesus was perhaps eight, possibly only four or six years old. No one knows exactly, for the two stories telling of his birth do not agree. But that is not to be wondered at, for they were not written until after eighty or ninety years had passed. Seen through the distance of so many years, facts lose their sharp outlines and often appear strange and mysterious like objects seen in starlight.

Highly recommended and delightful enough for independent reading even if you aren't assigning the book as part of a history course. I only wish these Foster books weren't so expensive!

The link above is an affiliate link to RC History's website. I purchased this book used at Cathswap but wouldn't have known of it without Connecting with History.

Growing Up in Ancient Rome: A Triumph for Flavius

A Triumph for Flavius by Caroline Dale Snedeker

First Daughter (age 9, third grade) read this book independently in our study of volume 1 of RC History's Connecting with History. Flavius is the son of Mummius, the conqueror of Corinth in 146 BC. He bestows the most impressive captured Corinthian on his son as his personal slave. It's an excellent close look at the life of a young boy in ancient Rome, but more importantly, it's well-written and a book of loyalty, courage, and compassion.

In one sentence early in the book, Flavius suddenly seemed like a real person:

The flame from the pine torch lit up the muddy street and the smoke trailed backward. All his life Flavius was to associate the smell of burning pine with those trips to school.

Ariphron quickly becomes a hero to Flavius, describing his travels to locations throughout the ancient world on his father's trading vessels. The pyramids, for example:

"They are covered with polished stone... and when the sun shines upon them, they dazzle the eyes. They seem like mountains for the gods to dwell on. But they are not beautiful. They are only stupendous."

Ariphon's despair is difficult for Flavius to understand, sheltered as he is at his age from the reality of war and the previous life of a captured slave. 

"What is the matter? little Flavius," he said brokenly. "Only the death of my father and mother, only the death of my brother and best friend, and the disappearance of all--all the rest. Only my city burning, burning forever in my mind."

Still, over time, Flavius and Ariphon learn to respect each other. In foolishly but courageously protecting him from Mummius, Flavius proves to his father Ariphon's worth as well. In the end, he and his wife are reunited and granted their freedom.

RC History lists this book as grades 3-5. First Daughter is in third grade and read it easily. Some third graders may need it to be read aloud to them, but it would be an excellent book for a family read-aloud. Though there are some violent events mentioned (like the destruction of Corinth), the violence and sorrow are tempered for young readers and listeners.

I have an older edition of this book, I think. I can't remember when or how I bought it as it was many years ago though we didn't read it until this year. The illustrator for my edition is Cedric Rogers and though the cover illustration is terrible (being a distorted and poorly colored version of one from inside the book), the interior illustrations were excellent and plentiful. I am pleased to see the cover has changed, though there is a new illustrator so I cannot say when the interior illustrations are like.

Links to RC History are affiliate links. We use this program in our homeschool and I highly recommend it. If you prefer, you may reach RC History here on a non-affiliate link.

February 2016 Book Reports

Herodotus and the Road to History by Jeanne Bendick is suggested as a family read-aloud for Connecting with History volume 1. I read it aloud to the children. They enjoyed it and it does give a glimpse into what Herodotus's life may have been like. (purchased copy, I think from the publisher which has fantastic sales if you follow them on facebook and wait patiently)

Pegeen - by Hilda van Stockum, read aloud to the children. Read my thoughts here. Sorry the sale has ended, but follow Bethlehem Books on facebook or get on the email list to be notified of the next tremendous sale. (ebook purchased for the Kindle, directly from the same publisher as above)

The Black Cauldron and The Castle of Llyr by LLoyd Alexander, are the second and third books in the Prydain chronicles. I enjoyed them and think First Son (12) and First Daughter (9) would as well. (library copies)

The Big Alfie and Annie Rose Storybook by Shirley Hughes. Alfie and Annie Rose books are mentioned on the Pre-K page at Mater Amabilis but we'd never read any of them. The last pages show Alfie turning five and Annie Rose is just a baby. Second Daughter (seven) and Second Son (five) 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. (library copy)

Don Camillo Takes The Devil by the Tail by Giovanni Guareschi, translated by Frances Frenaye, is the fourth book of Don Camillo available in English. This is a particularly wonderful book for discussions about discerning the ethics of actions in the world, rather than only theoretically (though of course it's fiction). There are plenty of examples of good people (maybe) doing the wrong thing and (maybe) bad people doing the right thing. (library copy)

The Children's Own Longfellow by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow - Read my thoughts here. (library copy)

Let's Play Math: How Families Can Learn Math Together and Enjoy It by Denise Gaskins - Read my thoughts here. Sorry, the giveaway has ended. (PDF version provided by the author)

It Happened In Yellowstone by Erin H. Turner is a young reader book of short stories about real things that happened in the area of Yellowstone National Park, beginning with the "Making of Wonderland" 600,000 years ago. I might read some of this book to my children before a planned trip to Yellowstone later this year, though I intend to skip three of the chapters I thought might make them more nervous than excited - about an Indian raid, a murder, and a deadly earthquake. There's nothing particularly gory or violent in those chapters; I just prefer to focus on the excitement of our trip rather than the dangers of it. The stories vary between animals, historical figures, and events in history. It's a good introduction to Yellowstone. (library copy)

String, Straight-Edge, and Shadow: The Story of Geometry by Julia E. Diggins, illustrated by Corydon Bell - Read my thoughts here. (purchased copy)

George Washington, Spymaster: How the Americans Outspied the British and Won the Revolutionary War by Thomas B. Allen - Read my thoughts here. (purchased copy)

Books in Progress (and date started)

• Norton Anthology of English Literature Vol 2 (sixth edition) (August 2014)
• For the Children's Sake: Foundations of Education for Home and School by Susan Schaeffer Macaulay (January 2015, with my Start Here book club)
• Humility of Heart by Fr. Cajetan Mary da Bergamo (February 2015)
• Towards A Philosophy of Education (Charlotte Mason's Original Homeschooling Series) by Charlotte Mason (May 2015, with my Start Here book club)
• Ten Ways to Destroy the Imagination of Your Child by Anthony Esolen (November 2015)
• Everything Must Change: When the World's Biggest Problems and Jesus' Good News Collide by Brian D. McLaren (December 2015) 
• Father Junipero Serra by Ivy Bolton (January 2016, aloud to the children) 
• City of Saints: A Pilgrimage to John Paul II's Kraków by George Weigel (February 2016)
• Mystery of the Roman Ransom by Henry Winterfield (February 2016, aloud to the children)
• The Story of the Treasure Seekers by E. Nesbit (February 2016, aloud to the children)

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).

Links to RC History are affiliate links.

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

These reports are my honest opinions.

Spies and Codes, Revolutionary Style: George Washington, Spymaster

George Washington, Spymaster: How the Americans Outspied the British and Won the Revolutionary War by Thomas B. Allen

This book is recommended by RC History for the grammar level (4th-6th grades) of Connecting with History volume 4A (American History).

It's a fantastic little book, delving deeply into George Washington's spy network and the early days of espionage in American history while also providing opportunities to practice reading in code and hints of how espionage still works today, for good or ill. I particularly loved how the font and design of the book evoke the American Revolutionary times as well. Even the title chapters reflect time times: "Spymaster at Work. In which Washington proves to be a master of deception, and help comes from a surprising source." A large variety of woodcuts, maps, and paintings (all in black and white) illustrate the text.

Kansas Dad even picked up this book and read a bit of it, granting it his approval as well. As a connoisseur of end notes, source notes, and other such appendices, I commend the author for his excellent work on those areas of the text as well. It's shockingly rare to find those well-done in works for young readers.

This work would appeal especially to boys, I think, especially in the 4th-8th grades. First Son read and narrated it this year, in sixth grade.

Links to RC History are affiliate links.

The Beauty of Geometry: String, Straight-Edge, and Shadow

String, Straight-Edge, and Shadow: The Story of Geometry by Julia E. Diggins, illustrated by Corydon Bell

I can't remember where I purchased this book, but I'm linking to RC History because it's presence on the syllabus for Connecting with History Volume 1 is the reason I purchased it and I am entirely grateful. Through the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Greece, it tells a story of discovery, the discovery of the eternal truths of geometry.

We began this book last year, when First Son was in fifth grade. I would read the selections to him and then he would narrate it back to me. This year, in sixth grade, I asked him to read it independently and then narrate it. Some of the chapters, ones that deal specifically with theorems more than story, are a bit more challenging, but worth the effort.

In the chapter The Golden Age and the Golden Mean, the author writes of the rise of Athens under Pericles.

High on the hill of the Acropolis rose new marble temples and bronze and painted statues. Crowds thronged the vast new open-air theater nearby, to hear immortal tragedies and comedies by the greatest Greek playwrights. These splendid public works were completed under the direction of the sculptor Phidias and several architects, all of whom knew and used the principles of geometry and optics. "Success in art," they insisted, "is achieved by meticulous accuracy in a multitude of mathematical proportions." And their buildings had a dazzling perfection never seen before--the beauty of calculated geometric harmony.

This is not just a book that teaches geometry. This is not just a book that lists off the names of important men and their achievements. This is a book written by someone who appreciates the intrinsic beauty of geometry and skillfully shares that appreciation with the reader.

But working on what may seem useless has frequently been the task of mathematicians, and such tasks, pursued with care, patience, and persistence, have led to most useful results. A whole book could be written about useful results from useless problems.

Kansas Dad taught a class on theology and mathematics a few years ago and agreed whole-heartedly with the above quote. Over and over, he says, investigations into pure mathematics have revealed insights that have clear and immediate real-world applications.

The book reaches its end and its pinnacle in discussing Euclid's Elements.

It was as though Thales and the Pythagoreans had quarried great marble slabs from nature, and through the centuries that followed many minds had carved and polished each piece until at last the whole was put together by Euclid into a simple and perfect structure as lovely as any Greek temple.

Excellently written. Clearly and attractively illustrated. A fantastic addition to our homeschool and a book I thoroughly enjoyed myself.

Links to RC History are affiliate links. 

Prereading: The Reb and the Redcoats

 The Reb and the Redcoats by Constance Savery

This is one of the possible resources listed for RC History's Connecting with History Volume 4A (American History). 

A captured American soldier-colonist, the Reb, is held at a private residence in England. The action of the Revolutionary War is far away, but the book shows some of the effects on those who return from war or have friends and family in harm's way. It's a book about honor, chivalry, friendship, and seeing the humanity of those who are our political enemies.

It would be appropriate for reading aloud to the whole family and I think I'd like it a lot better than reading Mr. Revere and I, which I'll have as an option for First Son (sixth grade) or First Daughter (third grade) to read independently.

The links above are affiliate links at RC History. I purchased this book directly from the publisher, Bethlehem Books, during one of their many great sales. (I actually purchased the Kindle version from the publisher a year ago, but we didn't get to this unit last year and I took advantage of a sale to get a real book for the kids to read.)

Homeschool Review: Genesis 1

Genesis 1: House of the Covenant by Mary Daly

This book is recommended for grammar level students (4th - 6th grades) in Volume 1 (Ancient History). Connecting with History is the study of salvation history and therefore begins with Creation. It explores the meaning of the creation story in Genesis and how it can be reconciled with current scientific theories.

Beautifully printed text appears on the left hand page. The right hand page is a black and white illustration with Biblical verses. It is a coloring book, with nice thick pages appropriate for colored pencils or crayons. First Son is not much interested in coloring, but a student could color the picture while listening to the text. Each day, I read one or two pages and asked First Son (who was ten) to narrate, though mostly we just talked through the thought-provoking ideas. I think it might have been difficult for him to read through the ideas on his own slowly enough for him to concentrate on them, but he was capable of discussing them with me.

The Catholic Church asserts God created the world, but we are free to assess the scientific evidence when considering the length of time in which He did so. (Read more in the Catechism.) This book reveals the truth and beauty of the creation account in Scripture as a complement to our reason and study of the natural world.

He has the power to make things quickly instead of slowly; He can do anything. But He could not mean for us to study the world, if He made it falsely, since we would never know when we were finding the truth and when we were finding falsehood.

Our faith teaches us that God He can neither deceive nor be deceived. He is our loving Father.

If you believe in a more literal reading of Genesis, you may not want to read this book with your child. I still recommend you find a copy for yourself to better understand the beliefs of those who believe in the truth of the Genesis account of creation in a less literal way.


All of the links above are affiliate links to RC History. I purchased Genesis 1 from RC History and have received nothing in exchange for this review. I do receive a small commission if you make any purchases at RC History. If you would like to visit the store without going through an affiliate link, you may do so by clicking here.