For those who have never read any of the previous episodes of the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series, this is a wonderful place to start, I would think, because episode 14 reviews so much of the past. Otherwise, the faithful followers of Precious Ramotswe and Grace Makutsi will enjoy […]
Classroom Management for Catechists, by Jennifer Fitz
Jennifer Fitz has incorporated the fruits of her experience, energy, research and organizational skills within a compact, accessible and effective guide. It enables and encourages teachers and students to look forward with joy to each religious education experience. Fitz reminds catechists: 1) “This is the most important subject your students […]
Greater Treasures, by Karina Fabian
From the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty the words of Emma Lazarus proclaim: “Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!” Despite […]
The DNA Connection: Tannenhauser’s Theory, by Joan L. Kelly
High schools and school systems that promote curriculum integration must consider Joan L. Kelly’s The DNA Connection: Tannenhauser’s Theory. The author has stirred genetics, technology, high-powered research, American history, art, social justice and ethics into the flow of this “timely” action-adventure thriller. A quick look at the book cover disclosed […]
The Chronicles of Xan III: The Fire of Eden (OakTara Publishers, 2013) by Antony Barone Kolenc
For better or worse, others have imposed major decisions and their consequences on the lives of children. Nevertheless, even young people have made decisions that affected the rest of their lives. In Chronicles of Xan III: The Fire of Eden like Adam and Eve, most of the characters in this […]
The Chronicles of Xan II: The Haunted Cathedral, by Antony Barone Kolenc (published by OakTara, 2013)
How could a story about Xan, a twelfth century English orphan possibly relate to today’s youngsters? Xan was neither caped-crusader nor superhero. Violence destroyed his neighborhood and family. He was poor, undernourished, homeless, and the victim of bullies. His relationship with his girlfriend became very complicated. Xan had no real […]
The Chronicles of Xan, Part I: Shadow in the Dark (Second Edition, OakTara Publishers 2013) by Antony Barone Kolenc
This and the next three posts address topics in juvenile and young adult fiction with an eye toward developing a list of titles that affirm Catholic values and which may serve as suggestions to those who chose books for reading programs in schools. Please feel free to add to the […]
Race with the Devil by Joseph Pearce
¶ Leave a comment ¶ Edit Raised in the Shire, he left its tranquility for an adventure that brought him through battles, dungeons and peril until he found an immense treasure. To possess it, he fought a monstrously evil dragon. We speak not of Bilbo Baggins, but noted Catholic biographer […]
Emusoi: Maasai Girls Tell Their Stories by Kasia Parham
By dmulcare ¶ a ¶ Leave a comment ¶ Edit Kasia Parham relates the story of the struggle the Maasai of Kenya and Tanzania as they face extinction as a people. The Maasai have lost much of their traditional cattle raising lands through drought, encroachment from large-scale farms and the […]
Candles in the Dark: The Authorized Biography of Fr. Richard Ho Lung and the Missionaries of the Poor, by Joseph Pearce
Joseph Pearce writes that Father Richard Ho Lung, known as the “Reggae Priest,” the Ghetto Priest,” the “Dancing Priest” and the “Renegade Priest” would rather be known as a “practicing priest,” setting a high standard for all clergy. Pearce suggests that Fr. Ho Lung may be the happiest man in […]