Posted in Reading
Book reviews with a traditional family-values angle . . .
I came across a website that has the kind of book reviews I've been looking for! Book Angles is "one family's attempt to help other families select good books for their children." Books are listed by title and author.
For some reason, I can't get the link to work every time. Not sure if it is my browser or their website. Sometimes, I click on the link and an update page appears. Wait a few seconds and then click on the link where it says "Click here to access your portal." Then the Book Angles website appears. Other times, their website comes up right away. Not sure what the deal is, but it's worth the effort to get to these book reviews if you are trying to find good reading for your family.
Received this in an e-mail and thought it was worth posting . . .
During WWII, there was an advisor to Churchill who organized a group of people who dropped what they were doing every night at a prescribed hour for one minute to collectively pray for the safety of England , its people and peace. This had an amazing effect as bombing stopped.
There is now a group of people organizing the same thing here in America .
If you would like to participate: each evening at 9:00 PM Eastern Time (8:00 PM Central, 7:00 PM Mountain, 6:00 PM Pacific), stop whatever you are doing and spend one minute praying for the up-coming election, and for the revival of Christianity in this great country.
If you know anyone who would like to participate, please pass this along.
Someone said if people really understood the full extent of the power we have available through prayer, we might be speechless. Our prayers are the most powerful asset we have.
SPREAD THE WORD!
Easter Unit Study by Amanda Bennett - This is an eBook to purchase and download immediately. Gives you the freedom to print all the pages or a selection -- and no shipping!!
A book we enjoyed as a read-aloud a couple of years ago this time of year is Vinegar Boy by Alberta Hawse. "Abandoned by his parents and shunned by society, Vinegar Boy is certain he'll be adopted once Jesus removes the ugly birthmark that scars his cheek. But when he carries the drugged vinegar to a crucifixion, Vinegar Boy finds himself face to face with the only one who can heal his face. Is there still time for a miracle?" This is still one of my favorite books and I highly recommend it!
Posted in History
Our children have learned -- and retained -- so much history from listening to great (and very informative) tapes and CD's. We started having them listen to a tape or CD at bedtime many years ago. By the time they were ready to read about history, they already had a very good background and familiarity with many of the people and places. These are also great to take on long trips! Some of our favorites are listed here.

Your Story Hour Volume 6
Like old-time radio, these 24 riveting historic dramas bring to life exciting chapters from America's past. Backed by music and sound effects, a professional cast re-enacts the tests and triumphs of both celebrated and lesser known people such as Benjamin Franklin, Belva Ann Lockwood, Walter Reed, Booker T. Washington, and Glenn Cunningham. 12 one-hour CDs in a vinyl storage case.

Your Story Hour Volume 7
Children will listen and learn as they experience the historic adventures of Joan of Arc, John Bunyan, Albert Schweitzer, George Mueller, Florence Nightingale, Clara Barton, Louis Pastuer, Sir Wilfred T. Grenfell, Dwight L. Moody, John Wanamaker, George W. Carver, and Keith Argraves. Exciting, educational, and entertaining, these dramatizations feature sound effects, music, and professional actors portraying the high moral values demonstrated by men and women throughout history, and necessary for successful living today. 12 one-hour CDs in a vinyl storage case.
The rest of these listed here are by Diana Waring. My boys love listening to her tell stories of history. She is so enthusiastic about it and listening to these has helped our boys to seek out books about various people and events on their own. She has several other great items that I didn't list here -- I was just listing the ones here that we own (and a couple that I plan to buy soon).

What in the World's Going On Here? Part One: Creation to Christ
Diana Waring
Now revised and expanded, this award-winning set is a gold mine of information! Centering on events between Genesis 1 and the life of Christ, this eye-opening tour introduces students to fascinating archaeological discoveries and "movers and shakers" of antiquity. Witness God's mighty hand in history---and get a behind-the-scenes look at controversies between prevailing opinion and Scripture's true account of creation. Four CDs, approx. 5 hours total.

What in the World's Going On Here? Part Two: Resurrection to Revolution
Diana Waring
Witness Christianity's impact on Rome, follow the rise of Islam and the fall of the Byzantines, and trace God's hand in events from the Middle Ages through the French Revolution. Four CDs, approx. 5 hours total.

What in the World's Going On Here? Part Three: Napoleon to Korea
Diana Waring
The curtain rises on the ashes of the French Revolution in volume three of this popular series. William Carey, father of modern missions, journeys to India. Then we travel through the 19th and 20th centuries, before finally witnessing God's deliverance of Allied troops during World War II, as well as his guidance in the Korean War. Four CDs, approx. 5 hours total.

True Tales & More True Tales from the Times of Ancient Civilizations & The Bible
Diana Waring
How does the Bible mesh with history? Now updated, Waring's best-selling text and teacher's guide take students on a 9-month journey through ancient and biblical history, from creation to the time of Jesus.

True Tales & More True Tales from the Times of Romans, Reformers & Revolutionaries
Diana Waring
More stories to pique your curiosity from the early Church, the middle Ages, and the Age of Exploration! Learn about the Canon of Scripture (how the New Testament was accepted). Discover the amazing adventures of Prince Henry the Navigator of Portugal-who didn't leave home! Hear the spine-tingling story of Hernando Cortez and the Aztecs. Meet Sir Isaac Newton whose discoveries put a man on the moon. Sail to the South Pacific with Captain Cook, and more. 3 CDs.

True Tales & More True Tales from the Times of World Empires, World Missions & World Wars
Diana Waring
The 3-CD set contains more short vignettes of history, short biographies of fascinating people, and short descriptions of incredible events, all told in Diana's internationally renowned, enthusiastic and captivating style. In this CD you will ride the wavesof freedom with Diana as slavery is abolished and nations are liberated from empirical rule, watch as the aftermath of the second World War unfolds across Europe, Asia and the Pacific Ocean, listen as men and women sacrifice all to bring the Gospel to distant lands, and stand amazed at the unflagging persistence of heroes who conquered opposition and overcame failure to attain their destinies and dreams. Topics include: the Father of Modern Missions, William Carey, the Englishman who gave himself for the abolition of the slave trade and slavery, William Wilberforce, the architect of Europe after Waterloo, Klemens Von Metternick, the scientific genius of James Watt, Empire builder, Napoleon III, the hero of Mexico, Benito Juarez, the Liberator of South America, Simon Bolivar, the Italian Patriot, Garibaldi, the construction of the Suez Canal, the mission and life of Lilias Trotter, the adventures of Lawrence of Arabia, the Korean War, the Cold War, and the life and martyrdom of Jim Elliott.

More True Tales from the Times of World Empires, World Missions, World Wars
Diana Waring
Fascinating new stories from the 1800's and 1900's. Learn about William Wilberforce who single-handedly waged war against the slave trade in the British Empire-and won! Hear the incredible tale of James Watt, who persevered through mind-boggling difficulties to produce the Steam Engine. Find out about the earthshaking building of the Suez Canal. Prepare to meet Lilias Trotter, an amazing artist who gave it all up to share the Gospel with Muslim Algeria. Discover the unbelievable true-life adventures of Lawrence fo Arabia, and much more! 80 minutes. 1 cassette.
America, the First 350 Years
Steve Wilkins
This link takes you to an MP3 version of this that you can buy for $25. I happened to come across a great deal on the cassette tapes on eBay and bought them. Click on the link above for more information about the series. Excellent and very informative!