Ten Girls from History

Ten Girls From History by Kate Dickinson Sweetser (edited by Amy Puetz) is a 238 page book that tells the stories of 10 of the bravest girls in history.  It is written for ages 10 and up.

These forgotten heroines will encourage girls of today!Prepare to befriend ten of the bravest girls of history! Whether facing a band of Indians with Madeleine; or saving lives at sea with Ida Lewis; or experiencing the battlefields of the Civil War with Clara Barton, you will be inspired by their faith, courage, and devotion.Girls of all ages will enjoy meeting these ten remarkable girls from the past, and parents will appreciate the godly examples found in these pages. Both inspirational and entertaining, this book will bring history alive for your family.

Each chapter dramatizes the life and accomplishments of these ten girls:

Louisa May Alcott: Author of Little Women
Clara Barton: The Angel of the Battlefield
Molly Pitcher: The Brave Gunner of the Battle of Monmouth
Cofachiqui: An Indian Princess
Madeleine De Vercheres: The Heroine of Castle Dangerous
Dorothy Quincy: A Girl of the American Revolution
Ida Lewis: The Heroine of Lime Rock Lighthouse
Elizabeth Van Lew: The Girl who Risked all for the Union
Virginia Reed: Midnight Heroine of the Plains
Clara Morris: The Girl who Won Fame as an Actress


I've been reading this aloud as a "bedtime" story and we're enjoying this book thoroughly.  Though recommended for ages 10 and up, I am reading this to some of the younger children as well. I wouldn't expect anyone younger than 10 to read this on their own though and it might not hold their attention for long.

This book fits in nicely with what we've been doing.  We recently went to Boston, so the story of Dorothy Quincy came alive when we can picture where these things happened.  Ida Lewis is from our state so we enjoyed reading about her.  We've also enjoyed reading about women we've never heard of such as Cofachiqui and Madeleine De Vercheres.  Right now we are in the middle of reading Clara Barton.  I didn't know that much about her and I find her fascinating (and extremely brave!)

The stories are fairly lengthy so it takes us several sittings to get through a story. (If I was just reading them to myself it wouldn't be as long so keep this in mind for older students.)  I think they are a nice length to learn enough about the person so that you really start to get to know them without reading a long biography.

You can Table of Contents and a Sample Chapter and I highly recommend you do. I think you will enjoy this book.  I have the Kindle version which I just love!

Amy Puetz

Ten Girls from History is available as a download for $15.00(available for Kindle, Nook or pdf for viewing on the computer), a hard copy is $25.00 and it is also available as an mp3 audio book for $25.00

She is currently having a Back to School Sale until September 1st.  The entire store is 20% off.  This would be a great time to get any of the titles being reviewed or others.

Visit the STORE AT Amy Puetz.com for all kinds of audio books, books for boys, historical cooking, historical costumes and more! More information about Amy Puetz (pronounced Pitts) can be found here.

See what others are saying about Ten Girls from History and 3 other e-books from Amy Puetz on The Schoolhouse Review Crew blog. The other titles being reviewed are Heroines of the Past Bible Study, Costumes with Character and Uncovering Exciting History.



disclaimer: I received a free e-book copy of Ten Girls from History in exchange for an honest review.

Mr. Pipes and the British Hymn Makers

Mr. Pipes and the British Hymn Makers by Douglas Bond tells the story of two teens who, while on vacation in England are befriended by an elderly English gentleman called Mr. Pipes.  Through this relationship they learn about famous British hymn writers and the value of traditional worship and praise.  This 242 page book, authored by Douglas Bond and published by Christian Liberty Press is one in a four book series about hymns.

I started out reading this aloud to the family.  The older kids weren't interested and the younger kids kept asking, "How much longer are you going to read?" Unfortunately, neither are a good sign.  However, I decided to press on and read it myself so I could share my thoughts.  Honestly, I originally felt the same way as the kids.  I think because there is a lot of descriptive language used and I just don't care for that and the story is a bit contrived and predictable.  However, the more I read the more I enjoyed it and ended up reading the end of the book to the kids too.  I can't say I've ever done that before.  We'll have to finish the middle at some point.   

Table of Contents My favorite chapters were on John Newton and John Bunyan. I struggled a lot with the pdf version of this book.  I don't like reading off of the computer so I put it on my Kindle (regular keyboard kind) and had a hard time with the size of the font.  I did finally figure out that I could get the font a little bigger by turning the text on the Kindle to the sideways view but then you only get half a page so the illustrations are chopped in half and I have to hit the turn the page button twice as often.  This would probably work great for someone with an iPad or Kindle Fire where it is easier to read pdf's.  (Or for a younger person that isn't on the verge of needing bifocals!) So, if this sounds like something your family might enjoy, you might want to consider a physical copy. I love the pencil illustrations in the book.  They look great on the Kindle too.  I do like how the gospel is woven into the story as well.  The biographies of the hymn writers are woven into the story.  As the kids go on various adventures, Mr. Pipes tells them the stories of the hymn writers .  You can view a sample for yourself to see if it's something you might enjoy.  I think this book is a different way to learn about hymns and those that wrote them. One of the things I love about this book is that at the end of each chapter several hymns written by the featured writer, complete with music are included.  Since I have the pdf version these would be easy to print and sing with the family. hymn sample Download the pdf version of Mr. Pipes and the British Hymn Makers for $8.79 or order a hard copy for $9.89. The other titles in this series include: Mr. Pipes and Psalms and Hymns of the Reformation , Mr. Pipes Comes to America, and The Accidental Voyage:Discovering Hymns of the Early Centuries. A complete set is also available. Christian Liberty Press has been publishing homeschool materials for over 25 years.  They publish a full range of curriculum.  Check them out if you haven't already.  We've used many of their books over the years. See what others are saying about Mr. Pipes and the British Hymn Makers on The Old Schoolhouse Review Crew blog. disclaimer: I received a free pdf copy of Mr. Pipes and the British Hymn Makers in exchange for an honest review.

I Don't Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist

Every time a review item from Apologia comes up I get very excited.  Everything I have used from them has been excellent and this is no exception.  Several weeks ago I was sent a copy of the book I Don't Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist and the corresponding curriculum workbook.  They did not disappoint.

The book, written by Norman Geisler and Frank Turek has 445 pages. The workbook is a spiral bound 279 page companion to the book written by Frank Turek and Chuck Winter. They are written for high school students, but I think this is also a perfect study for adults and particularly for parents.

Table of Contents

Foreward by David Limbaugh
Preface: How Much Faith Do You Need to Believe this Book?
Introduction: Finding the Box Top to the Puzzle of Life

1. Can We Handle the Truth?
2. Why Should Anyone Believe Anything at All?
3. In the Beginning There Was a Great SURGE
4. Diving Design
5. The First Life: Natural Law or Divine Awe?
6. New Life Forms
7. Mother Teresa vs. Hitler
8. Miracles: Signs of God or Gullibility?
9. Do We Have Early Testimony about Jesus?
10. Do We have Eyewitness Testimony about Jesus?
11. The Top 10 Reasons We Know the New Testament Writers Told the Truth
12. Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead?
13. Who is Jesus: God? or Just a Great Moral Teacher?
14. What Did Jesus Teach about the Bible?
15. Conclusion: The Judge, the Servant King, and the Box Top
Appendix 1: If God, Why Evil?
Appendix 2: Isn't that Just Your Interpretation?
Appendix 3: Why the Jesus Seminar Doesn't Speak for Jesus
Notes
General Index
Scripture Index

Here you can see the workbook open.  Notice there is ample space for writing answers.

While this book is not what I would call light reading, it is written in an easy to understand and enjoyable format.  I like the personal stories that are interjected.  When you include the workbook this is an in-depth apologetics course designed to teach you and your students how to "always be ready to give an answer for the hope that is in you."  You will find questions, activities, vocabulary and supplemental reading material which includes lots of biographical sketches of men mentioned in the book.

Each chapter should take 2-3 weeks to complete, making it possible to complete this course in less than 9 months. So, easily within the school year even if you start a few weeks into it.

The beginning pages of a chapter in the workbook.  The workbook is not
just text but also includes black and white pictures and diagrams.

Every lesson begins with a reading assignment in the book, the key topics the student is expected to learn, key terms (vocabulary) and a road map that shows which of the twelve points that prove Christianity is true is being covered in the chapter.  There is a HOOK which will remind you what was read in the textbook (not a substitute for buying the book in case you are wondering), the BOOK which takes you deeper into the issues covered in the chapter and includes comprehension questions, LOOK which has research assignments and other suggested activities for the student to search it out for himself and TOOK which is the summary of the material learned within the chapter.

Tests are included but not in the book, however, you are given a password in the workbook that will allow you to download them from the website free.  You will also find the workbook answer key and test answer key in the same place.

Every major worldview fits into one of these three categories.

These are the twelve points mentioned above:

1. Truth about reality is knowable.
2. The opposite of true is false.
3. It is true that the theistic God exists. This is evidenced by the:
     a. Beginning of the universe (Cosmological Argument)
     b. Design of the universe (Teleological Argument/Anthropic Principle)
     c. Design of life (Teleological Argument)
     d. Moral Law (Moral Argument)
4. If God exists, then miracles are possible.
5. Miracles can be used to confirm a message from God (i.e., as acts of God to confirm a word from God).
6. The New Testament is historically reliable. This is evidenced by:
     a. Early testimony
     b. Eyewitness testimony
     c. Uninvented (authentic) testimony
     d. Eyewitnesses who were not deceived
7. The New Testament says Jesus claimed to be God.
8. Jesus’ claim to be God was miraculously confirmed by:
     a. His fulfillment of many prophecies about himself;
     b. His sinless life and miraculous deeds;
     c. His prediction and accomplishment of his resurrection.
9. Therefore, Jesus is God.
10. Whatever Jesus (who is God) teaches is true.
11. Jesus taught that the Bible is the Word of God.
12. Therefore, it is true that the Bible is the Word of God (and anything opposed to it is false).

I think this is a course that every Christian should take the time to go through.  If you homeschool, you will definitely want to add this to your high school student's list of must have classes.  If you don't homeschool, you still may want your high school student to read this book and complete the workbook.  While you could just read the book, the workbook adds a whole level of understanding that you wouldn't get just from reading alone. (You do need the book to complete the workbook.)

You can read a sample chapter and view workbook sample pages.

You can purchase I Don't Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist for $16.00.  The consumable workbook is $33.00. Answers could be kept in a notebook so that more than one student could use the book, but copies cannot be made. Ideally each student would have their own workbook.

If you are not already familiar with Apologia you should take the time to visit their website and see all they have to offer from science curriculum to parenting and more.

See what others on the crew are saying about I Don't Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist on the Schoolhouse Review Crew blog.








Disclaimer:I received a free copy of I Don't Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist book and workbook in exchange for an honest review.

Raising Your Kids to Love the Lord by Dave Stone

Are you looking for a great summer read that will help you in raising your children in the Lord? Pastor Dave Stone's Raising Your Kids to Love the Lord is just the book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this hardcover, gift-sized book. It is filled with practical ideas and examples from his life in raising his own children. I found it to be both encouraging and challenging.

With 145 pages divided into ten chapters, this book is a quick read. I loved this quote from the first chapter:

Only perfect parents raise perfect children. (Last time I checked, there were no perfect children and no perfect parents either!) There is no foolproof plan. And there is this little detail called free will which will determine the spiritual commitment level of your children when they are grown. On the other hand, Christian homes don't just happen; neither do kids who love the Lord. There is a lot we can do to help determine the outcome of our children's spiritual lives.

Well, if like me, you are not perfect, you will be encouraged that you do not have to be perfect and you don't need to expect perfection in your children. You will also be challenged to raise your children (with the Lord's help) to the best of your ability and be given practical ways to carry this out.



Some of the topics covered in the book include having an authentic Christian walk at all times; what, when and how to pray for your children; being consistent in discipline; how others can help and more. There is also one chapter written just to moms and one for dads as well.


I really enjoyed reading this book and think all Christian parents would benefit from reading this book. I plan to read it again.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Amazing Animals by Design

I was recently given the opportunity to review Amazing Animals by Design. This children's book is an adorable yet educational story by homeschooling mom Debra Haagen.  Debra is a military wife and mom of 4 and fellow TOS crew member!

This story follows children John and Sarah and their parents as they visit the zoo.  This is not just about  typical zoo animals with  elephants, giraffes and zebras. It also has other animals you may have never even heard of.  (Visit Debra's website for actual pictures of the animals used in the story.) Amazing Animals by Design includes lots of facts about each of the animals and how they are designed.  For instance, we learn why an elephant has a trunk, why a zebra has stripes and much more.

Do you know what animal this is?

Sarah

John

The illustrations in Amazing Animals by Design are soft and inviting. They seem well suited to younger children (pre-school to maybe 4th grade depending on your child.)








It is refreshing to have a book about animals that acknowledges that God is the creator and designer of animals and that he also made us (in His image.) While the book introduces the idea of intelligent design, it clearly points the reader to God as the creator. 

I received the pdf version of this book to review.  We read it on a laptop and an iPod Touch.  I think we would prefer a "real" book because the text and animal illustrations are not on the same page therefore when I was reading it the kids, they couldn't see the picture the text was referring to. (Maybe there is a way to do that but I couldn't figure it out.)

You can purchase Amazing Animals by Design at Tate Publishing as a paperback for $8.99 or a digital version for $7.99.

 I received the pdf version of this book to review.  We read it on a laptop and an iPod Touch.  I think we would prefer the actual book because the text and animal illustrations are not on the same page so when I was reading it, the kids couldn't see the picture the text was referring to (maybe there was a way to do that but I couldn't figure it out.) There is a way!  If you purchase the digital version you can view the book in a two page format by clicking on view and choosing that as an option. (Thanks Debra for the tip!)

author Debra Haagen

You can find Debra on the web, on facebook, on her blog or her review blog.

Read what others are saying about Amazing Animals by Design on the TOS crew blog.

disclaimer: I received a free pdf copy of Amazing Animals by Design in exchange for an honest review.

Raising Real Men-Book Review

I was recently given the opportunity to read Raising Real Men: Surviving, Teaching and Appreciating Boys by Hal and Melanie Young. This 253 page book for parents was the Christian Small Publishers Association 2011 Book of the Year.

This book is filled with practical, godly advice for raising sons.  As a woman with no brothers, 8 daughters and 2 sons, I definitely feel more equipped to raise girls than boys.  This book is the remedy for that.  (Though I have to admit I'd love to read a similar book for girls.) hint, hint :)

Following the introduction, the book is divided into 2 parts.

Part One: Virtues in the Rough

1. Someone to Look up to
2. Is There Not a Cause?
3. Standing Alone
4. Taking Up Arms
5. Who's in Charge Here?
6. Racing to Win
7. Doing Real Things

 Part Two: Civilization for the Tough

 8. First Things
 9. A Faithful Steward
10. Your Own School For Boys
11. Chivalry is Not Dead
12. KP Isn't Women's Work
13. Love and War
14. Firing the Arrow

I really appreciate the fact that this book addresses issues that pertain to boys and recognizes the fact that boys and girls (men and women) ARE in fact different.  I don't think I realized how different until I had sons myself. :)  Before reading this book, I thought maybe this book would be better suited to fathers to read than mothers but I think it is great for any parent with a son.


In Chapter 8, First Things they share,

"This book is written from a Christian perspective, and we've tried to illustrate as often as possible how we've applied the Bible in our family's day to day lives. It's a principle in our home that we try to bring Scripture to bear in any situation so that our children are saturated in a Biblical worldview.  We discuss it with them, point it out to them, and make sure they know we're looking to God's word."

Isn't that just what we should be doing as Christians?  The Bible is the authority and we need to compare everything we do with with scripture.  This book does exactly that.  I found it encouraging and practical.  I will definitely keep this on hand to re-read and refer to. Read a chapter for yourself here. (It's the chapter I quoted from above.)

 You can purchase Raising Real Men on the website.  The list price is $15.00 but you can see a variety of specials here.  It's also available for the Kindle (my favorite way to read!) as well as Nook, pdf, audio, iPod etc.  (I love technology!)  Visit the Raising Real Men website to see other products available from the Youngs. Late last year I reviewed Christ Centered Christmas (click here to read the review).  Go to the store to see books, webinars, workshops, Hero Tales audio CDs (which I will be reviewing soon) and more.

Thank you Hal and Melanie for writing this book and for giving me the opportunity to read it and write this review!

Authors Hal and Melanie Young are the parents of six sons and two daughters.  They frequently speak on parenting, education and family policy issues, and their articles have appeared in publications in the US, Canada and New Zealand including Homeschooling Today, Homeschool Digest, The Freeman: Ideas on Liberty, School Reform News and Conservative Citizen.

disclaimer: I received a free copy of Raising Real Men in exchange for an honest review.

Christ-Centered Christmas

Christ-Centered Christmas:The Ultimate Guide to Celebrating a Christmas Your Family Will Never Forget is a recently released e-book from Hal and Melanie Young, the authors of Raising Real Men.

Hal and Melanie Young have written this wonderful 80 page full color e-book to help you find the true meaning of Christmas.  It is filled with practical ideas you can implement this year with your family along with menus and recipes meant to help your family to truly ENJOY this season and to make it about Christ.  I absolutely adore the chapter, "What about Santa?"  It puts into words the exact reasons that we have chosen not to pretend Santa is real with our children.

The chapters include:

Decorating

The Ornament of the Year

Granny’s Christmas Tea

The Advent Season

The Christmas Story

Caroling Parties (including the lyrics to 16 hymns with clickable links to the tunes)

Christmas Baking

Christmas Eve

Chrismas Eve Menu (with recipes)

What About Santa Claus?

Christmas Gifts

Christmas Day

Christmas Feast Menu (with recipes)

Old Christmas

Other Great Resources

I read most of this book on my Kindle.  I used my free Kindle address and sent the pdf file to it.  The font was a little small but I could read it without any trouble (like you sometimes have with pdf's on the Kindle).  I read the rest of it right on my laptop. This would be a wonderful book to print out and have bound but I love  keeping things on my Kindle because my bookshelves are too full as it is!

I highly recommend this book if you are looking to make this Christmas and the ones to come very special in your family. Lots of great ideas!

Christ-Centered Christmas is available at the introductory price of $6.00 (regular price will be $15.00).  Buy Christ-Centered Christmas and find some new traditions to bring you and your family closer to Christ and have many fond memories for years to come. Other titles by the Youngs include Raising Real Men and We Gather Together.  Visit the store for books, CD workshops and character building gifts for your children.

disclaimer: I received a free copy of Christ-Centered Christmas in exchange for an honest review.

How to Have a H.E.A.R.T. For Your Kids

I'm not sure that I ever shared that I am an official member of the TOS Homeschool crew and will be reviewing products all year long.  I am so excited.  The first item I am reviewing is How to Have a H.E.A.R.T. For Your Kids by Rachael Carman.  It is a beautiful hardcover book that is the perfect size for carrying anywhere.  I was so surprised by how adorable this book is...but, since we can't judge a book by its cover let's take a peek inside.

This book for moms is divided into an introduction, 5 chapters (one for each letter in H.E.A.R.T.) and an epilogue as follows:

Introduction: The Heart of the Matter

                        Chapter 1:   H — Have a Heart for the Things of God

    Chapter 2:   E — Enrich Your Marriage

Chapter 3:   A — Accept Your Kids

     Chapter 4:   R — Release Them to God

      Chapter 5:   T — Teach Them the Truth

Epilogue: Heartfelt Encouragement

The chapters are easy to read yet thought provoking.  It begins with the author's journey into homeschooling then she shares ways for moms to really have a heart for our children by first strengthening our walk with the Lord and then allowing Him to use us to equip our children for His purpose.  Each chapter ends with a HEART CHECK UP which is a list of questions meant for self examination.  The questions help to make the chapters personal and practical.

Here is a brief look into each chapter:

In the introduction, the author shares her journey into being a homeschool mom.  She didn't jump in head first with a great desire to homeschool.  She started out of necessity and the Lord slowly changed her heart.  On page 24 she says, "When we first started homeschooling in the fall of 1996, I did not have a heart for my children.  Although I loved my children, I was ready to get my life back.  I was done with the motherhood gig, ready to get back to me."

Chapter 1 is about having a heart for the things of God.  Before we can have heart for our children we need to prepare ourselves and our hearts to parent our children through our own pursuit of God for His glory and by His grace. (p.32)

In Chapter 2 you find simple ideas for enriching your marriage and reasons why this is so vital.

Chapter 3 may have been the most convicting for me.  Accept your Child  - Sometimes I spend too much time trying to "fix" my children.  In this chapter, she explains the difference between accepting your child and supporting them and also tells you what acceptance is not

Chapter 4 was also very timely for me as my oldest daughter turned 18 this year and I have others not far behind.  This chapter is about releasing your children to God to do what HE would have them do and not what WE would have them do.

Chapter 5 Teaching Them the Truth.  Above all else, we must teach our children the Truth...biblical truth. This needs to be our priority.

The Epilogue closes this scripture filled book with words of encouragement.

I highly recommend this book for all moms.  It is Biblical, entertaining, convicting and encouraging.  This is a book I will read more than once and would consider it a great gift for a new mom or one getting ready to start homeschooling (and just as good for someone who has been homeschooling for a long time).

You can purchase a copy of How to Have a H.E.A.R.T for your Kids at Apologia educational ministries, inc for $13.00.  Click here to read the introduction.  Did you know that Apologia sells things other than science books?  I didn't realize this until recently.  Check out everything they have to offer on their website.

See what others are saying about this book by visiting the TOS Crew Blog.

Disclaimer:  I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Anxiety and Prayer

I love summer because I have more time to read and since I bought a Kindle I seem to be able to read a lot more often.  In the last couple of weeks I read two books which I enjoyed immensely and wanted to share.

The first book is Calm My Anxious Heart by Linda Dillow.  I owned a hard copy of this book for many years but it was sorely neglected and I gave it to a friend. Recently it was available as a free download for my Kindle so I figured I'd grab it and if I had time I would take a look at it again and I'm so glad I did.  This book can be read on your own or as a 12 week study with a group.  If you struggle with anxiety at all you will be blessed by this book.

The second book was recommended to me by my friend Lori at Deeper with Jesus in Rhode Island and she loaned the book to me (on my Kindle).  A Praying Life: Connecting with God in a Distracting World by Paul Miller is a life changing book.  This book has helped me to think about (and start to put in place) real ways to pray for people...to not forget to pray for people and to pray without ceasing as in 1 Thessalonians 5:17.  I HIGHLY recommend this book.  I will likely end up buying it.

What are you reading?  I am currently reading, How to Have a H.E.A.R.T. For Your Kids by Rachel Carman for an upcoming TOS crew review.  Look for my first TOS crew review in about a month. :)