Tag Archives: family

For the Adults

Ordinary Things: A Review of ‘The Corporal Works of Mommy and Daddy’

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“The family is the first essential cell of all humanity.”–Pope Francis

“In my little way there are only very ordinary things.”–Saint Terese of Lisieux

Review and Comments

The Corporal Works of Mommy and Daddy was a blessing for this young  stay-at-home mother of two (soon to be three).   With such young kids so close together, and with days when I often feel I do the same thing over and over again, it was relieving to read that I, too, can work for the glory of God in this Year of Mercy.

The corporal works of mercy were concepts I was taught in the third grade.  (My mother was my teacher and I remember learning them well.)  As an adult, I often think about how I should be doing more…how these corporal works should be the forefront of my life.  Then, Dr. Greg and Lisa Popcak wrote this wonderful book reminding us all that we can all live these works every day in our own families.  And what better way to teach our children the love and mercy of Christ?   When they see us live this way every day, they are learning as well. Continue reading Ordinary Things: A Review of ‘The Corporal Works of Mommy and Daddy’ →

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

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’ →

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’ →

Elementary

Home Sweet Home: A Review of ‘Make Way for Ducklings’

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“……‘home’ must always be the loveliest spot in the world, no matter what fairer lands may lie under alien stars.” ― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of the Island

Reading Level:

Grades K-1 [according to common core]

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

Review and Comments:

Finding the perfect home is a challenging goal for Mr. and Mrs. Mallard.  They are looking for the ideal place to raise a family – a quiet neighborhood, close to the waterfront and places of interest, and a safe location. Their Boston area search continues until they settle on a cozy little island in the middle of a pond in the Public Garden.  Everything is going well until Mrs. Mallard determines the area is too dangerous so they extend their search. Of course being mallards they explore the area that encompasses the Charles River. Eventually they find a splendid location on a small quiet island on the river. They settle in and then spend some time touring the surrounding area. Along the way they meet a policeman named Michael who feeds them peanuts. Michael becomes their friend and a favorite stop on their daily stroll. Continue reading Home Sweet Home: A Review of ‘Make Way for Ducklings’ →

Middle School

The Most Frightening Lesson: A Review of ‘Red Scarf Girl’

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“Our leader had taken advantage of our trust and loyalty to manipulate the whole country. This is the most frightening lesson of the Cultural Revolution: Without a sound legal system, a small group or even a single person can take control of an entire country.”—Ji Li Jiang

Suggested Grade Levels:

Grades 6-8

Review and Thoughts

Ji-Li Jiang is a young girl growing up in China when the Cultural Revolution began.  She is a star pupil, popular and a dutiful daughter.  She is impressed and excited by the new leadership of Chairman Mao.  She worships him as so many others do.  This is what begins her struggle.  She feels so strongly that Chairman Mao is the leader that China has been waiting for, but then she sees the tragedy that happens to her family. Continue reading The Most Frightening Lesson: A Review of ‘Red Scarf Girl’ →

Elementary, High School, Middle School

Sidekick Wanted: A Review of ‘El Deafo’

“There is a plan and a purpose, a value to every life, no matter what its location, age, gender, or disability.”—Sharron Angle

Suggested Grade Levels:

Interest Level: Grades 4-9

Grade Level Equivalent: 2.7

(As stated by Scholastic)

Review and Thoughts

El Deafo by Cece Bell is a cute novel written about the author’s own experience of dealing with becoming deaf at a young age.  This graphic novel chronicles her early life and explains how she became sick with meningitis as a child and lost her hearing.  Because the story takes place in the 1960s, some of the aids she receives are different than one might see today, but the situations with other people are all too familiar.  Friends, family, and teachers are unsure of how to treat Cece and she is unsure how to connect with them. Continue reading Sidekick Wanted: A Review of ‘El Deafo’ →