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).

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.

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)