“We must stand up for the rights of our neighbor who is suffering from injustice; we must defend them all the more vigorously because we see Jesus present in them. Surely this is our duty because of our love for others for his sake. We have no right to be ‘sleeping watchmen’ or dumb watch-dogs. Whenever we see evil we must sound the alarm.” — Blessed Charles de Foucauld
Reading Level: 5.2 [according to Scholastic which reflects the grade level at which a student reading on grade could read the book independently]
4.5 [AR level]
Interest Level: Grades 3 – 6
Review and Comments:
Number the Stars is a historical fiction that takes place during WWII in Denmark. The danger and turmoil in Copenhagen at the time are seen through the eyes of a ten year old girl named Annemarie. She witnesses cruelty and personally experiences fear amidst the bravery and heroic sacrifices of many who “honor the humanity of others.” Continue reading Bearing the Burden of Another: A Review of ‘Number the Stars’ →
“It is a wise father that knows his own child.” William Shakespeare
Suggested Reading Level
Grades 2-3
Review and Thoughts
Crow Call is the story about a young girl named Liz and her dad as they begin to rediscover their love after the very long separation of World War II. They begin this journey by going crow hunting soon after he returns. It is the fall season and Liz is dressed in her rainbow colored hunting shirt – an overly large adult shirt that comes to her knees and with sleeves that have been rolled up in order to see her hands. From the beginning of the story the reader can sense that Liz is having trouble getting used to being with her dad again. As they ride in the car on their way to their hunting destination she says, “I sit shyly next to the stranger who is my father.” She also practices whispering his name over and over again, “Daddy. Daddy.” Continue reading A Daughter’s First Love: A Review of ‘Crow Call’ →
Literature reviews from the Catholic side
