Elementary

Middle School Perception: A Review of ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’

“The deeds you do may be the only sermon some people will hear today.” — St. Francis of Assisi

Reading Level:  

Grades 4-5 [according to common core]

Grade   5.2 [according to Scholastic]

Interest Level:  

Grades 3-8

Review and Comments:

Greg Heffley reluctantly begins a journal at the same time he starts middle school. The journal is a very detailed record of his private thought process, observations, desires, and schemes. The reader also learns that the journal is primarily a record of his life so when he becomes famous he will only have to reference this history to recall his life story.  From the beginning, he realizes the transition to a new school is an uncertain one and brings with it many challenges.  His anxiety is on high alert as he tries to tread lightly and yet at the same time survive and fit into the intimidating world called middle school. Continue reading Middle School Perception: A Review of ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ →

Middle School

The Burden of Affliction: A Review of ‘A Monster Calls’

“Without the burden of afflictions it is impossible to reach the height of grace.  The gift of grace increases as the struggle increases.”-St. Rose of Lima

Interest Level:

6-9

Grade Level Equivalent:

4.5

Review and Thoughts

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness is a story about a young boy named Conor whose mother is dying of cancer.  Conor is visited by an ancient monster, a yew tree, who lives in a graveyard close to his house.  The monster tells him that he will tell Conor three stories and then Conor must tell him the fourth story, which is Conor’s truth, or he will be eaten.  Conor is surprisingly not scared of this monster because he has seen another monster in his dreams and it is much more terrifying. Continue reading The Burden of Affliction: A Review of ‘A Monster Calls’ →

Elementary

A New Life: A Review of ‘The Memory Coat’

“All journeys begin by leaving one place to venture to another.” – Ellis Island

Reading Level: 

Grades 2 – 3  [according to common core]

Grade  3.7      [according to Scholastic – reflects the grade level at which a student reading on grade could read the book independently]

Review and Comments:

The Memory Coat by Elvira Woodruff is a story about loss and a hopeful new beginning – the loss of a beloved mother, the loss of a community and country, and the promise of a better life in a new country. Continue reading A New Life: A Review of ‘The Memory Coat’ →

Elementary, Middle School

The Universal Language: A Review of ‘Echo’

“Music is the universal language of mankind.”—Henry Wordsworth Longfellow

Interest Level:

Grades 5-9

Reading Level:

Grade 6

Review and Thoughts

Pam Munoz Ryan begins her story with a legend.  A little boy lost in the woods begins to read the story of three princesses cursed to wander the woods.  He is eventually found, disoriented and confused.  His memories of what took place are soon dismissed and forgotten. Continue reading The Universal Language: A Review of ‘Echo’ →

Elementary

Reminders of God’s Love: A Review of Three Books by Anthony DeStefano

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The Donkey That No One Could Ride

[A tale of faith]

“Be strong and steadfast; have no fear or dread of them, for it is the LORD, your God, who marches with you; he will never fail you or forsake you.” – Deuteronomy 31:6

Age Range 5-8

Grade Level: K-3

Donkey was a small, frail creature.  He knew that was accurate because everyone told him it was true.  Even his owner abandoned him because he wasn’t able to carry anyone or do any kind of work so he considered Donkey worthless.  Donkey was left alone to ponder his weak and frightened life.  Then, quite by surprise he was brought to a man who was different than anyone he had ever met before.  The man’s voice was gentle as he explained that he wanted Donkey to carry him into the city.  Donkey knew in his heart he could not do what the man asked because he was a desperate loser.  This man told him that “the weaker a person is the more strength he would give if they had faith.”  Donkey didn’t know why he believed the man, but he felt his powerful love.  Suddenly, he gained strength and became more courageous!  He humbly accepted the duty before him and carried the man to the town. They walked through throngs of people who were actually praising the man as a prophet and savior.  Donkey was overjoyed that he was chosen to carry a king even though he was “young, weak, and small.” Continue reading Reminders of God’s Love: A Review of Three Books by Anthony DeStefano →

Elementary

Achieving Hero Status: A Review of ‘The Irish Cinderlad’

“Since it is so likely that children will meet cruel enemies, let them at least have heard of brave knights and heroic courage.” – C.S. Lewis

Reading Level:

Grades 2-3 [according to common core]

Grade   3.5  [according to Scholastic – reflects the grade level at which a student reading on grade could read the book independently]

Interest Level: K – 2

Review and Comments:

The Irish Cinderlad by Shirley Climo is a story that takes place in ages past in Ireland.  It is a familiar tale based on Doublas Hyde’s “The Bracket Bull” and on Sara Cone Bryant’s “Billy Beg and His Bull.” It also brings to mind the very familiar fairy tale, Cinderella. Continue reading Achieving Hero Status: A Review of ‘The Irish Cinderlad’ →

Elementary

Lost and Found: A Review of ‘Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale’

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“When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real.” – Margery Wilson, The Velveteen Rabbit

Reading Level:

Grades K – 1 [according to common core]

Grade   1      [according to Scholastic – reflects the grade level at which a student reading on grade could read the book independently]

Interest Level: Pre-K – 1

Review and Comments:

Knuffle Bunny by Mo Williams is a humorous story that both parents and children will enjoy. Mo Willems has captured an authentic moment in the everyday life of a father and daughter – one of those moments that is better appreciated when reminiscing after some time has passed. Continue reading Lost and Found: A Review of ‘Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale’ →

For the Adults, High School

A Necessary Read: A Review of ‘The Walls Are Talking’

“It seems to me that there are two types of pro-lifers active in the cause.  The first simply wants to win, and in their minds, they do this by saving the baby.  They are the right fighters who don’t seem to give any consideration to the other lives involved, such as the mother, father, and clinic workers.  Their goal is to save the baby at all costs.

Of course we all want to save the baby, but the second group of people I see in the movement have realized that the hearts, minds, and souls of many others are at stake as well.  They are the people who excite me and encourage me on a daily basis.  They are the people who want to help in any way possible.  They want to provide so many avenues of support that abortion would be unthinkable.  They offer solutions instead of slogans, prayers instead of protests, self-sacrifice instead of self-righteousness.”—Abby Johnson

Interest Level:

Grades 11-12+

Review and Thoughts

I’m pretty familiar with Abby Johnson, her And Then There Were None organization, and her first book, Unplanned, so I was excited to hear more from her.  The Walls Are Talking is a book that tells the different stories of women who have experienced first-hand what it is like to work in an abortion clinic.  Let me tell you, this was a tough read. Continue reading A Necessary Read: A Review of ‘The Walls Are Talking’ →

Elementary

A Mother’s Plan: A Review of ‘A New Coat for Anna’

“Nothing great is ever achieved without much enduring.” ― St. Catherine of Siena

Reading Level:

Grades K-1 [according to common core]

Grade   3.1 [according to Scholastic – reflects the grade level at which a student reading on grade could read the book independently]

Interest Level: Grades 3-5

Review and Comments:

I looked forward to reading this historical fiction, my favorite genre, and wasn’t disappointed as the story and illustrations drew me in from the first page.  This very touching account is based on a real life story of a little girl and her mother soon after WWII when life continued to be very difficult.  Supplies and food were limited and no one had any money. The fact that Anna needed a new winter coat presented quite a dilemma for her mother. Continue reading A Mother’s Plan: A Review of ‘A New Coat for Anna’ →

Elementary

A Childhood Lesson: A Review of ‘Little Mouse Gets Ready’

“The things we have to learn before we can do them, we learn by doing them.” Aristotle

Reading Level: 

Grades K – 1 [according to common core]

Grade  1.1     [according to Scholastic – reflects the grade level at which a child reading on grade could read the book independently]

Interest Level:  Grades K – 3

Review and Comments:

Little Mouse is going to spend some time in the barn collecting the yummy tidbits dropped by the animals.  He is very excited to begin his day but first he must get dressed.  The story follows the progression of Little Mouse getting dressed from his underpants to his jacket.  He reminds himself to put the tags in the back and talks himself through pushing buttons through button holes.  When he is completely dressed his mother points out that mice do not wear clothes!  In a flash, Little Mouse is free of clothing and scampering to the barn. Continue reading A Childhood Lesson: A Review of ‘Little Mouse Gets Ready’ →

Literature reviews from the Catholic side