The Trumpeter of Krakow....

Ruben and I finished reading The Trumpeter of Krakow by Eric P. Kelly this week. Riley also read it a couple of weeks ago through her Beautiful Feet Medieval Intermediate History study. Kelly's 1928 historical fiction novel won the Newbery Award in 1929 and I can see why.

The Trumpeter of Krakow is a dramatic adventure set in the city of Krakow in Medieval Poland. It is also a coming of age story of young Joseph, a 15-year old boy, learning how to protect his father's 200 year old family secret. Kelly's tale left me longing for so much more information. Was there really a Great Tarnov Crystal? Was the Heynal a real song and is it still played today? Was the Church of Our Lady Mary a real place and is it still standing today? As it turns out, the answer to all of these questions is yes!

The legendary Tarnov Crystal, was more commonly known as the "philosopher's stone" as far back as about 300 AD in Greek history. It was an alchemist's substance, which could supposedly be used to turn base metals into gold or silver. For many years, it was the most sought after substance. The Crystal is also known as the "elixir of life", as it's believed to be useful in achieving eternal life. Some say, the stone dates back to Adam in the bible, who received knowledge of it directly from God. That knowledge was then passed down through the biblical patriarchs and was the reason for their long years of living. Either way, the stone's history intrigued me and I think The Trumpeter of Krakow would also be a wonderful living book to read for science/chemistry purposes.

It turns out the Heynal is a real song and is still played today with the broken note, out of all four windows, every hour, just as described in the story. It is a five note Polish anthem. The song is still played with the broken note that stemmed from a Mongol invasion in 1241. Legend has it that the trumpeter in the sentry tower was playing the anthem to sound the alarm of invaders, but the Mongols entered the city before the gates were closed and shot the trumpeter in the throat, causing the abrupt ending of the Heynal. His inability to complete the Heynal resulted in the broken note. The broken note is still observed today as a way to commemorate that 13th Century trumpeter.

I really enjoyed reading Professor Carol Reynold's piece on The Trumpeter of Krakow and watching the YouTube video she linked, showing the modern day Heynal player. For those that don't know, Professor Carol leads European tours for the Smithsonian Institute. She is a retired university professor of music history, who has also written/produced home education courses on music history, and culture. She's a wonderful speaker!

Lastly, the Church of Our Lady Mary is in fact, a real place. It is better known as St. Mary's Basilica, Krakow. The main part of the church as it stands today was completed in the 14th Century. Although, the foundation was laid in the 13th Century. The original church on that foundation was destroyed in the Mongol invasion. It is a Brick Gothic church situated next to Marian Square, the main square of Krakow. The interior images are absolutely stunning! On every hour, the trumpet signal (Heynal) is played from the top of the taller two towers of St. Mary's. I would love to travel there someday and see it.

For me, The Trumpeter of Krakow was definitely an example of a living book as the story caused me to want to dig deeper. I was sad to see it end and yet, I loved the ending, although, Riley and Ruben disagreed on the conclusion of The Tarnov Crystal. The story's end allowed for lively discussion. The characters were rich. The setting was of interest. The history was very intriguing and there doesn't seem to be many books written about medieval Poland for students. Overall, I highly recommend reading The Trumpeter of Krakow by Eric P. Kelly as part of your middle or high school medieval history study!

Adam of the Road by Elizabeth Janet Gray...

Adam of the Road by Elizabeth Janet Gray is a book I've waited years to read. It's on many favorite lists suggested for study of the Middle Ages. Over the last couple of weeks, I finally got my chance.

Adam of the Road tells the story of Adam, an 11-year old son of a traveling minstrel in 13th Century England. Throughout their travels, Adam and his father acquire a horse, named Bayard, and a dog, named Nick. However, after a short time, Adam's father loses Bayard gambling and eventually Nick is stolen. Then while searching for Nick, Adam is separated from his father. The second half of the story becomes Adam's quest to find Nick and his father. Throughout which, he learns a few life lessons. I won't give away the ending, but will suffice to say, Adam of the Road is a worthy read.

Gray's tale gives a wonderful overview of minstrel life during the 1200's. It also gives a glimpse of time after the signing of the Magna Charta as England was beginning to establish and build the foundation for their modern day government. The portrayal of medieval culture and society is in line historically. Gray was awarded the 1943 Newbery Medal for writing Adam of the Road.

As mentioned, Adam of the Road is a suggested read on several lists, including Beautiful Feet, Memoria Press, Sonlight, and TruthQuest History. Our entire family enjoyed it as an evening read aloud.

Book Bites - Marguerite de Angeli...

I am a self proclaimed bibliophile who’s built a home library containing a few thousand books. Anyone who enters our home can see we love books! However, I don’t love just any book as I admit to being a little bit of a book snob. To me, a book must be of high quality. I look for a story with excellent moral value. I want the characters to have character and depth. I tend to be partial to books written in the Golden Age of Children's Literature, which began in Europe in the mid 1800’s and continued into America until around the 1960’s. There was about 100 years, where children’s literature was at its peak. We have read widely in our home, but find the books written within that 100 year time period to be far superior.

Last Sept 2017, I gave a talk at the Journey: An Education for Life retreat in which I talked about Teaching Through Literature and Living Books. I received great feedback from families who wanted more information about the books I mentioned and their authors. This got me thinking about how best to present that information. As a result, I’ve decided to write blog posts that accompany Instagram Live discussions. The IG Live only remains for 24 hours, so the blog posts will serve as a more permanent record.

In these posts, I’ll be writing to showcase a variety of authors and their books. I will write about individual books, topical study books, series books, and authors. Today, I’m going to start with Marguerite de Angeli, who lived and wrote during that Golden Age of Children's Literature that I mentioned...

Marguerite was born in 1889 in Lapeer, MI, one of six children. Her father was an illustrator and photographer. In spite of living near poverty, Marguerite reported a happy childhood. She loved to draw and paint from a very early age. However, rather than drawing, she started her career as a professional singer after dropping out of high school to pursue voice lessons.

In 1910, Marguerite married a violinist, John Daily de Angeli. Together they had six children. Marguerite began drawing in earnest while her children were very small. Eventually, she showed some of her drawings to their neighbor, M.L. Brower, who was a well-known illustrator at that time. Brower encouraged Marguerite to continue drawing and within a year’s time, he sent some of her illustrations to his editor, of which, she received her first illustrating commission.

Marguerite continued to work diligently over the next few years illustrating stories, magazine articles and books for others. It wasn’t until 14 years later that she wrote her own first book, Henner’s Lydia, which is the story of a young Amish girl living near Lancaster, PA. Lydia is working on a hooking a small mat to take to the market. However, she is sidetracked daily by everything, but her work. Does Lydia finish her mat in time? I will let you read and find out.

Marguerite went on to write many more wonderful children’s books. She was one of the first authors to write about children of racial, regional, and religious minorities. Marguerite traveled and did on the spot research for her stories. Her book settings are very accurate. In addition, Marguerite's pencil illustrations are remarkable, just as good as the words she penned. I read that she used her own children as models for her illustrations, making them seem life like. Marguerite's books are wholesome as she believed children benefit from reading about happy homes. Her books are truly treasures and I would really encourage you to check them out from the library or to consider purchasing copies for your own home library.

I have collected a few of Marguerite de Angeli's books, but certainly don’t own them all. Many of Marguerite's titles were originally published in hardcover, but unfortunately, they are getting harder to find as they have become collectible and some of the prices are astronomical. Thankfully, many of the titles are being reprinted in softcover by publishers like Sonlight Curriculum, Herald Press, and Laudamus Press. The titles we've collected so far are as follows...

The Old Testament illustrated by de Angeli - This lovely rendition of the Old Testament is a delight for all ages to page through! 

Marguerite de Angeli's Book of Nursery and Mother Goose Rhymes - Again the wonderful illustrations, which alternate between black/white pencil drawings and color, make these nursery rhymes come to life and are extra sweet.

Copper-Toed Boots - an adventure story of a boy through a Michigan summer - I'll include some sample illustrations below. 

Henner's Lydia - story of a young Amish girl hooking a mat to sell at market

Yonie Wondernose - about a 7-year old boy who can't keep his nose out of trouble

Thee, Hannah! - 9-year old Quaker, living in Philadelphia just before the Civil War

Bright April - young black child growing up in Germantown, PA

The Skippack School - Eli immigrates to America and must attend the new school

The Door in the Wall - crippled boy who proves his courage, set in 13th Century England

Black Fox of Lorne - 10th Century Viking twin brothers, who vow to avenge their fathers death

The Lion in the Box - a beautiful Christmas tale, set around the turn of the century in New York City

The Door in the Wall and Black Fox of Lorne, both make an excellent addition to your Medieval History study. The first of which, is more common and readily available. However, the second is a do not miss in our opinion! The Amish and Quaker stories are great reads while studying Colonial History. And, of course, The Lion in the Box is a must read Christmas treasure. Below are some sample illustrations....

Copper-Toed Boots...

Little Bo Peep... 

Wee Willie Winkie.... 

Mary had a Little Lamb...

Poetry, Literature, Shakespeare, Mythology, Folk Tales, Fables, and Five in a Row For Sale...

Below you will find our latest list of poetry, literature, picture books, Shakespeare, mythology, folk tales, fables, and Five in a Row books for sale. The books are coded when related to a particular curricula that I know of. Some of the books are ex-library and some are from a private collection. Many are duplicate copies from our own personal library. Several are out of print and getting harder to find.  Please let me know if you need recommendations or have any questions.

The prices do not reflect shipping. I accept PayPal and ship media mail within the U.S. Please use the contact form on the right side bar to send inquires and desired list. I will consider discounted shipping on book orders over $50.

Thanks so much for your consideration,
Melissa

Five in a Row

Before Five in a Row guide with 4 books $30

-       The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown (hardcover, ex-library) BFIAR BF

-       Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown BFIAR

-       The Carrot Seed by Ruth Krauss BFIAR

-       Caps for Sale by Esphyr Slobodkin (hardcover w/Mylar, ex-library) BFIAR

The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown BFIAR BF $3

Grandfather’s Journey by Allen Say (hardcover, ex-library) Vol. 1 $4

A New Coat for Anna by Harriet Ziefert Vol. 2 $4 each (x2)

Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney Vol. 2 AO BF $4 each (x2)

The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf Vol. 2 AO BF $4 each (x2)

When I Was Young and in the Mountain by Cynthia Rylant Vol. 2 AO BF $4 each (x4)

Gramma’s Walk by Anna Grossnickle Hines (hardcover w/Mylar, ex-library) Vol. 2 $4

The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter Vol. 2 $4

Albert by Donna Jo Napoli (hardcover, ex-library w/Mylar) Vol. 4 $4

Misc. Chapter & Picture Books – Classics & Living Books

The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg (hardcover w/jacket) $3

Mr. Gumpy’s Outing by John Burningham (FIAR author – hardcover) $2

Once When I was Scared by Helena Clare Pittman $2

Song and Dance Man by Karen Ackerman $2

Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears by Verna Aardmea $2

The Old Woman Who Named Things by Cynthia Rylant (hardcover w/Mylar) FIAR author $3

Raggedy Ann adapted from the stories by Johnny Gruelle (hardcover) $2

Red Light, Green Light by Margaret Wise Brown FIAR author $3

A Pocket for Corduroy by Don Freeman FIAR author $3

The Boats on the River by Marjorie Flack FIAR author $4

Madeline in London by Ludwig Bemelman FIAR author $2

Journey Cake, Ho! By Ruth Sawyer (1953 hardcover) $4

Cranberry Birthday by Wende & Harry Devlin (hardcover w/Mylar; ex-library) FIAR author $4

The Ant and the Elephant by Bill Peet $3

Hubert’s Hair-Raising Adventure by Bill Peet (hardcover) $3

Mooncake by Frank Asch $2

Alexander and the Wind-Up Mouse by Leo Lionni $2

Father Bear Comes Home by Else Holmelund Minarik $2

My Friend Mac by Lynd Ward $4

April’s Kitten by Clare Turlay Newberry $3

The Little Goat by Judy Dunn $2

Millions of Cats by Wanda Gag $3 each (x2)

The Real Mother Goose SL $3

A House for Hermit Crab by Eric Carle $3

The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck and Other Farmyard Tales by Beatrix Potter (hardcover) FIAR author $4

The Complete Adventures of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter (hardcover) VP FIAR author $4 each(x2)

Giant Treasury of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter (hardcover) $4

Peter Rabbit and Other Stories by Beatrix Potter (hardcover) FIAR author $4

The Tale of Jemima Puddle Duck by Beatrix Potter (hardcover) FIAR author $2

Many Moons by James Thurber $2

Blaze and the Forest Fire by C. W. Anderson $3 each (x2)

Blaze and the Mountain Lion by C. W. Anderson (hardcover, ex-library) $6

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak $3

Curious George by H. A. Rey (hardcover, ex-library) $4

The Little Island by Golden MacDonald and Leonard Weisgard (hardcover, ex-library) $3

The Aesop for Children with Pictures by Milo Winter SL AO $6

Fables by Arnold Lobel $3 SL each (x2)

Rip Van Winkle by Washington Irving retold and illustrated by Will Moses (hardcover) $4

The Pied Piper of Hamelin by Robert Browning, illustrated by C. Walter Hodges (hardcover, ex-library) $5

The Tinderbox – Hans Christian Andersen adapted & Illustrated by Barry Moser (hardcover) $2

The Wild Swans - Hans Christian Andersen (hardcover) $2

The Bremen Town Musicians by Brothers Grimm (hardcover) $2

Rumpelstiltskin by the Brothers Grimm and Jacqueline Ayer (hardcover) $3

Grimm’s Fairy Tales illustrated by Fritz Kredel (hardcover) $4

The Nutcracker adapted and illustrated by Warren Chappell (hardcover) $5

Black Beauty by Anna Sewell retold by Betty Evans and Audrey Daly $2

Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll retold by Joan Collins $2

The Adventures of Robin Hood retold by John Grant $2

Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson retold by Joyce Faraday $2

A Visit to William Blake’s Inn by Nancy Willard AO $4 each (x2)

The Rooster Crows, A Book of American Rhymes and Jingles by Maud and Miska Petersham $4 each (x2)

The Hopeful Trout and Other Limericks by John Ciardi (hardcover; ex-library) SL 3/D $2

All the Small Poems and Fourteen More by Valerie Worth SL 5/F $3

A Child’s Garden of Verses by Robert Louis Stevenson SL AO 10 VP $4 each (x2)

The Complete Poetical Works of James Whitcomb Riley (hardcover w/Mylar dust jacket) $3

Poetry for Young People Carl Sandburg AO $4

Poetry for Young People Emily Dickinson AO $4 each (x2)

Poetry for Young People Robert Frost AO $4

Poetry for Young People American Poetry AO $4

Favorite Poems Old and New by Helen Ferris (hardcover, ex-library) AO SL $8

Oxford School Shakespeare – The Winter’s Tale $4

Barron’s Shakespeare Made Easy – Romeo & Juliet SL 200 VP $3

Macbeth by William Shakespeare VP $3

Our Town by Thornton Wilder SL Core 400 $3 each (x2)

Bulfinch’s Mythology (1964 hardcover) AO $10

Heroes & Monsters of Greek Myth by Evslin, Evslin, & Hoopes $2

Aesop’s Fables retold by Ann McGovern VP $3

Aesop’s Fables (Magnum complete and unabridged) $3

The Wreck of the Ethie by Hilary Hyland $2

Barry, The Bravest Saint Bernard by Lynn Hall $3

The Big Balloon Race by Eleanor Coerr SL $3

The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams SL $3

Hill of Fire by Thomas Lewis SL $3

Clara and the Bookwagon by Nancy Smiler Levinson $3

Owls at Home by Arnold Lobel SL $3

The Chalk Box Kid by Clyde Robert Bulla SL 2/C $3 each (x2)

Stone Fox by John Reynolds Gardiner SL 3/D HoD $3 each (x2)

A Bargain for Frances by Russell Hoban (hardcover) $3

26 Fairmount Avenue by Tomie DePaola Old SL $2

Hello, Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle by Betty MacDonald $3

Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle by Betty MacDonald $3

Native Son by Richard Wright $2

The Magician’s Nephew by C. S. Lewis AO 4 $2

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis AO 4 $2

The Silver Chair by C. S. Lewis (hardcover, ex-library) AO 4 $2

Prince Caspian by C.S. Lewis (+ Finding Christ in C. S. Lewis’ the Chronicles of Narnia Prince Caspian) AO $3

The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis (hardcover) AO $4

The Fellowship of the Ring by J. R. R. Tolkien AO 7 $4

The Two Towers by J. R. R. Tolkien AO 7 $4

The Black Cauldron (The Prydain Chronicles book 4) by Lloyd Alexander AO $3

Taran Wanderer (The Prydain Chronicles book 4) by Lloyd Alexander AO $3 each (x2)

Thimble Summer by Elizabeth Enright (hardcover, ex-library ) SL 4/E AO 4 $5 each (x2)

Miss Hickory by Carolyn Sherwin Bailey $2 each (x3)

The Red Pony by John Steinbeck $2 each (x2)

Cannery Row by John Steinbeck $2

The Pearl by John Steinbeck $2 each (x2)

The Acts of King Arthur and His Noble Knights by John Steinbeck (hardcover) $2

The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck SL $4

Roller Skates by Ruth Sawyer $3

My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George SL Core 100 $3 each (x2)

Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George SL Core 400 $3

Dragonwings by Laurence Yep $3

The Star Fisher by Laurence Yep $2

Strawberry Girl by Lois Lenski SL 1/2/B/C TQ $4 each (x2)

Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm by Kate Douglas Wiggins (hardcover) TQ AO5 $3

The Tough Winter by Robert Lawson $2

The Voyages of Dr. Doolittle by Hugh Lofting SL K/A $3

Freckles by Gene Stratton Porter AO 8 $3 each (x2)

The Most Wonderful Doll in the World by Phyllis McGinley $3

The Seventeenth Swap by Eloise McGraw SL $3

Understood Betsy by Dorothy Canfield Fisher SL AO $4

The Enormous Egg by Oliver Butterworth $3

Secret of the Andes by Ann Nolan Clark SL 3/D $3

Sing Down the Moon by Scott O’Dell SL $3

The Family under the Bridge by Natalie Savage Carlson SL K/A BF $3 each (x3)

The Adventure of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain (hardcover) SL Core 100 VP AO $3 each (1+2 soft)

The Prince and the Pauper by by Mark Twain AO 5/6 $3

A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court by Mark Twain (hardcover) VP AO $3

Great Expectations by Charles Dickens SL 7/H AO10 VP $3

Great Expectations by Charles Dickens – Puffin Classics Edition SL 7/H AO10 VP $3

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens AO 5 SL $3 each (x4)

Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens AO SL $3

Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson AO 4 VP $3 each (x2)

Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson SL Core 200 AO 5 VP $3 each (x6)

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson SL 7/H/W $3 each (x3)

Lord of the Flies by William Golding SL 530 AO 11/12 $3

The Enchanted Castle by E. Nesbit AO $3 

The Railway Children by E. Nesbit AO $3

The Wolves of Willoughby Chase by Joan Aiken SL 5/E $3

Schoolhouse in the Woods by Rebecca Caudill (1949 hardcover, ex-library) $5

White Fang by Jack London (hardcover) $3

Black Beauty by Anna Sewell & The Call of the Wild by Jack London (hardcover Companion Library) SL BF $3

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg SL 5/E VP $3 each (x3)

The View from Saturday by E. L. Konigsburg SL Core 400 $3

The Summer of the Swans by Betsy Byars SL Core 200 $3

Trouble River by Betsy Byars $3

The Moffats by Eleanor Estes AO $3

Ginger Pye by Eleanor Estes SL B/C/2/3 $3

Launching a Leadership Revolution by Chris Brady & Orrin Woodward (hardcover) $4

Red Sails to Capri by Ann Weil SL B/C/2 $3

Star of Light by Patricia St. John (original 1953) MFW SL 5/F $5 each (x2)

The Wizzard of Oz by L. Frank Baum SL $3

Irish Red by Jim Kjelgaard $2

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley AO 10 SL $3

Pilgrim’s Inn by Elizabeth Goudge (hardcover) $2

The Republic by Plato $3

Galileo’s Daughter by Dava Sobel AO 8 $4

Hans Brinker – or- The Silver Skates by Mary Mapes Dodge AO 5 $3

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland & through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll SL 530 $3 each (x2)

Pippi Goes on Board by Astrid Lindgren $2

Incident at Hawk’s Hill by Allan W. Eckert $2

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett AO SL $3 each (x2)

Homeless Bird by Gloria Whelan SL $3 each (x2)

When We Were Very Young by A.A. Milne $3 each (x2)

Death Be Not Proud, A Memoir by John Gunther $3 each (x2)

Amusing Ourselves to Death by Neil Postman VP $2

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde $2

Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese (hardcover) $3

Cheaper by the Dozen by Frank B. Gilbreth, Jr. SL $3

1984 by George Orwell VP $3

The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy AO $3

The Imitation of Christ by Thomas a Kempis AO $3

The Swiss Family Robinson by J.D. Wyss AO $3

The Water Babies by Charles Kingsley AO $4

The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry (hardcover) $4

The Ransom of Red Chief by O. Henry (hardcover) $4

The Borrowers by Mary Norton (hardcover w/Mylar, ex-library) $3

Dear Papa by Thyra Ferre Bjorn (1963 hardcover w/dust jacket) $5

Do Hard Things by Alex & Brett Harris (hardcover) $3

The Adventures of Pinocchio by C. Collodi $3

Mr. Popper’s Penguins by Richard and Florence Atwater SL $3

Follow My Leader by James B. Garfield SL $3

A Wind in the Door by Madeleine L’Engle $3

Elmer and the Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett $3

Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt $3

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry...

The more I read, the more it takes to impress me.  I've noticed that I am pickier than I used to be about what constitutes a good book.  But every now and then, I still come across one.   Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor is one of those great books.  It is the story of an African-American family's struggle in the deep south during the Great Depression.  It is a book about racism.

Though Taylor's subject matter is heavy, her story is engrossing.  The characters are deep, sympathetic, and multi-faceted.  Taylor develops them in such a way that we see their person-hood come to life.   Throughout the struggle and hardship, there is growth.  I used one such example a couple of weeks ago in A Matter of Principle.

It is my understanding that Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry is part of a series Taylor wrote, with it being a middle book chronologically in the series.  I have not read other books in the series, but I know RileyAnn was immediately investigating them and plans to read more at some point.  I have seen Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry on many book lists including, Sonlight and TruthQuest, but of course, we read it as part of our Beautiful Feet Modern American and World History study.  When studying American history, Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor is not to be missed!

Gladys Aylward...

Gladys Aylward was an amazing woman!  After reading her autobiography, written in conjunction with Christine Hunter, as part of our Beautiful Feet Modern American and World History study, I have a much greater appreciation for her life and work.  This Little Woman put her faith and trust in God to provide not only for her needs, but the needs of the children He entrusted in her care.  I remember reading a bit about Aylward from Hero Tales through Sonlight when Riley was in Kindergarten or first grade, so her name was familiar to me.  However, Gladys Aylward, The Little Woman really brought her story to life.

After reading the book, we did watch The Inn of the Sixth Happiness, starring Ingrid Bergman.  The film was good as far as movies go, but it was not an accurate portrayal of Aylward....definitely not in accordance with her autobiography.  I was a little disappointed, particularly with the romance Bergman developed throughout her role of Aylward's mission work.  It was surely made for Hollywood.  If you have to pick between the two, I would highly recommend the book over the movie.

Below are some of RileyAnn's notebooking pages she created during our study of Gladys Aylward...

Robinson Crusoe...

Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe or Foe, as was his birth name before he changed it to sound more aristocratic, was our March Socratic Book Club read.  Though nearly 300 years old, this great adventure tale still appeals to modern readers.  It is the story of shipwreck and survival, man against nature and man against self.  

In opposition of his father, Robinson Crusoe leaves home to find adventure at sea.  He is shipwrecked, captured by pirates, sold into slavery, eventually escaping, and becomes a prosperous land owner in Brazil. However, his success is not enough, for he sets sail from Brazil to Africa to participate in the slave trade.  While enroute, he is again shipwrecked.  Being the lone survivor, he makes his way to an uninhabited island.  It is here, he spends the next 28 years of his life.   

Weaving between first and third person narrative, Defoe keeps the reader's attention during those initial years of Crusoe being marooned. Like any masterful storyteller, Defore also uses a variety of literary devices, including vivid description, metaphors, similes, contrast, foreshadowing, and flashback. to make his story more interesting.  I was totally pulled into Crusoe's struggle.  The author writes,

I had a dismal prospect of my condition; for as I was not cast away upon that island without being driven, as is said, by a violent storm. quite out of the course of our intended voyage, and a great way, some hundreds of leagues out of the ordinary course of the trade of mankind, I had great reason to consider it as a determination of Heaven, that in this desolate place, and in this desolate manner, I should end my life.  The tears would run plentifully down my face when I made these reflections, and sometimes I would expostulate with myself, why Providence should thus completely ruin its creatures, and render them so absolutely miserable, so without help abandoned, so entirely depressed, that it could hardly be rational to be thankful for such a life.  

But something always returned swift upon me to check these thoughts, and to reprove me; and particularly one day, walking with my gun in my hand by the seaside, I was very pensive upon the subject of my present condition, when Reason, as it were, expostulated with me t'other way, thus: "Well, you are in a desolate condition, it is true, but pray remember, where are the rest of you?  Did you come eleven of you into the boat?  Where are the ten?  Why were they not saved, and you lost? Why were you singled out?  Is it better to be here, or there?"  And then I pointed to the sea.  All evils are to be considered with the good that is in them, and with that worse attends them.  

Then it occurred to me again, how I was furnished for my subsistence, and what would have been my case if it had not happened, which was an hundred thousand to one, that the ship floated from the place where she first struck and was driven so near to the shore that I had time to get all these things out of her; what would have been my case, if I had been to have lived in the condition in which I at first came on shore, without necessaries of life, or necessaries to supply and procure them?

Here, we see Crusoe attempting to rationalize and tame his thoughts.  For the first few years of his abandonment, he continues to wrestle with his fate. At one point, he makes a list of the good and evil of his circumstances, "And as my reason began now to master my despondency, I began to comfort myself as well as I could, and to set the good against the evil, that I might have something to distinguish my case from worse; and I stated it very impartially, like a debtor and creditor, the comforts I enjoyed against the miseries I suffered..."  

Over time he takes up the Bible and begins reading it on a regular basis trying to find purpose and meaning in his condition.  Finally, after multiple fits of "ague", Crusoe accepts Christ and his lot.

Thus I lived mighty comfortably, my mind being entirely composed by resigning to the will of God, and throwing myself wholly upon the disposal of His providence.  

From that point on, he not only tames his inner self, but also conquers the physical realms of nature.  He depends on God's provisions and learns to work the land instead of against it, making a comfortable home and life for himself.  Eventually, Crusoe even embraces the simplicity and solitude of life on the island.

Then one day, Crusoe sees a lone footprint in the sand on the shore.  He is both happy and afraid as he realizes the island has been visited by cannibals.  However, many years pass before he actually sees them.  I will not give away the second half of the story, but encourage you to read Robinson Crusoe for yourself, which by the way was originally titled, The Life and Strange Surprizing Adventures of Robinson Crusoe, Of York, Mariner: Who lived Eight and Twenty Years, all alone in an un-inhabited Island on the Coast of America, near the Mouth of the Great River of Oroonoque; Having been cast on Shore by Shipwreck, wherein all the Men perished but himself. With An Account how he was at last as strangely deliver'd by Pyrates.

If you are fortunate enough to come across a Charles Scribner copy of Robinson Crusoe, pictured above, illustrated by N.C. Wyeth, I would recommend it as the illustrations are fabulous and add to the antiquity of the story...

My only caution is that the illustrated copy does not include the full ending, so I did finish the book reading from my Watermill Classic paperback, which included approx. 40 more pages.

This review of Robinson Crusoe will be included as part of my 2016 Back to the Classics Challenge in the Adventure category.

Miracles on Maple Hill....

We read Miracles on Maple Hill by Virginia Sorensen for the February 5th/6th Grade Socractic Book Club discussion.  It was a much easier read than some of our other choices, but a delightful story just the same.

When her father returns from the war, a POW suffering from what appears to be PTSD, Marly's family retreats to Maple Hill.  Her grandmother's old house in the country and her mother's childhood haven, look to be the perfect place for father's recovery.  Upon arrival, they are met by Mr. Chris, an old neighboring farmer who believes the first miracle of the year is sap rising and maple syrup making.  Over the course of the year as the seasons change, miracles do happen on Maple Hill.

This delightful coming of age story will warm your heart.  It's set in rural Pennsylvania, post WWII.  The flora and fauna of Maple Hill aid in father's recovery.  Miracles on Maple Hill is a reminder of hope and the importance of family and friends in times of adversity.  The making of maple syrup is also a perfect fit for a great spring read!

The Singing Tree...

The Singing Tree by Kate Seredy happened to be the third title we've read by this author.  Many years ago we read The Chestry Oak and for Christmas 2014 we read A Tree for Peter.  Early on RileyAnn mentioned the fact that all three Seredy books we've read had something to do with a tree.  I found this to be an interesting connection, however, I'm not sure whether or not there was purpose to Seredy's titling.

Anyhow, The Singing Tree takes place on the Hungarian plains during WWI.  It not only covers the war, but is also a coming of age story for Jancsi and his cousin Kate.  When their fathers are sent off to war, the children learn what it is to grow up.  They not only have the responsibility of a farm, but also neighbors and family around them.  When it's been decided they will house six Russian prisoners of war and six semi-orphaned German children, they learn valuable lessons about peaceable relations with the so-called enemy.

As with other Seredy books we've read, there are a variety of themes and story threads woven throughout.  From our experience, I can't imagine that you'd be disappointed.  Seredy is a fabulous story teller and her illustrations are like no other.  In fact, she considered herself an illustrator and not an author, stating something to the effect that her stories simply gave her an excuse to draw pictures.  Ironically, Seredy was born in Budapest, Hungary.  Although most of her books were written in English, it was not her native tongue.

As part of the Beautiful Feet Modern American and World History study, while reading The Singing Tree, the kids were assigned a character sketch.  The following is the work of Ruben...

Ruben’s Character Sketch of Lily

February 1, 2016

Lily was very mean.  Her father was Judge Kormos.  He sent Lily to boarding school because her mother was sick.  Lily returned and one day they went to a wedding.  The Nagy’s were there and Lily didn’t get along with Kate Nagy.  Lily didn’t want to dance with Peter and she called him a bad name.  Kate stepped on Lily’s toe, which started a fight.  Lily fell into a hay pile in Varadi’s barn and Kate locked her in. 

Eventually Lily’s disappearance was discovered.  Judge Kormos admitted his struggle rearing Lily and Marton Nagy asked if Lily could spend the summer on this farm.  Judge Kormos thought it was a good idea.

Lily went to live at the Nagy farm.   At first, she didn’t like it, but after a while she didn’t want to leave.  Lily liked the animals and people.  By the end of the story, Lily matured into a young lady.  She was kinder and more helpful.