The Book Tree - A Christian Reference for Children's Literature
By Elizabeth McCallum and Jane Scott

Why is it that when catalogs come out with sweatshirts that boldly declare BIBLIOHOLIC, my friends think of me? Maybe they have counted our bookcases. Maybe they see the UPS truck coming up the road regularly. Sigh. It is true. The Wheelers love books. I love libraries, new and used bookstores, and can zoom through online book sources with the ease of a daily commuter. I pepper friends and strangers with my favorite question, "Any good authors to recommend?" My bookshelves overfloweth.

All of that said, I still run out of good books for my voraciously reading children. I am, therefore, grateful to Elizabeth McCallum and Jane Scott for their reference volume, The Book Tree - A Christian Reference for Children's Literature. As a mother-daughter team, McCallum and Scott have done a fabulous job of listing books worth reading for preschool through high school aged students.

Age and type of literature organize each section. Categories are Preschool Literature, Elementary Fiction (approximately grades one through five), Middle School Fiction (approximately grades six through eight), Elementary and Middle School Biography, High School Fiction (approximately grades nine and up!), and High School Biography. Each selection has a short summary of the content of the book and lists any sequels. There are five criteria used for inclusion in this volume: 1) Well-written literature, 2) Reader-friendly literature, 3) Ethical standards, 4) Visual appeal, and 5) Accessibility. You may have different criteria, or apply these particular standards in a stricter or more relaxed way, but their provision of this list allows you to know what influenced the authors' choices.

For the person that loves to read, the foreword by George Grant is worth the price of the book. He details beautifully the valuable place of books in the life of the Christian. "Families who love to read will find the time to read - the distractions of life are simply crowded out. Even amidst the tyranny of the urgent which seems the natural accompaniment to modern life, they seem to be able to catch moments of quiet, snatches of solitude, brief interludes of attentiveness to the ideas and ideals of literature." How true!

When you travel, you need a well-drawn map to reach your destination. Elizabeth McCallum and Jane Scott have drawn a beautiful map for the journey through literature. The Book Tree will be my companion through libraries, bookstores, and online searches and promises to bring months and years of literary pleasure to our home. Come, join the journey!
-- Product Review by: Diane Wheeler, Senior Staff Writer, TOS Magazine

Future Men
By Douglas Wilson

"This immensely practical book on raising boys is full of Biblical wisdom and insight into the minds of the slugs and snails gender." -- TOS Magazine

As I eagerly await the arrival of my third son, I was elated to come upon the book Future Men by Douglas Wilson. This immensely practical book on raising boys is full of Biblical wisdom and insight into the minds of the slugs and snails gender. Wilson, a pastor and scholar, is the author of many popular books on teaching and family life. Recovering the Lost Tools of Learning and Reforming Marriage are just two examples of his fascinating works. His newest book, Future Men includes 18 easy-to-read chapters that thoroughly detail what a man is, and how to guide our sons safely into fulfilling their role. I was challenged and inspired as I read chapters such as "Laziness and Hard Labor," "Mom and Sisters," and "Church and Worship." I especially appreciated the way Douglas emphasizes diligence in chores and schoolwork as a foundation for manliness. In another chapter, he deals with fantasy literature, such as the Tolkien and C.S. Lewis books, which helped to clarify for me the advantages of a literature style that, not being my favorite, is somewhat difficult for me to value. I am thankful to Douglas Wilson for writing such a rich and useful book, full of clear illustrations and Biblically sound principles, while remaining an enjoyable read. This book is a must have for any parent raising up "Future Men."
-- Product Review by: Jennifer Pepito, The Old Schoolhouseâ„¢ Magazine

The Roar on the Other Side - a guide for student poets
By Suzanne U. Clark

Poetry is a great solace in life. It gives words to love, loss, childhood, and every kind of emotion. We can be provoked to strong feeling, find an understanding friend, or receive devotional inspiration, depending upon our poet of choice.

How do we make help our students make the transition from appreciation of poetry to poet? An excellent first step is to purchase The Roar on the Other Side by Suzanne Clark. She teaches the mechanics of poetry, offers rich sample poems (well known and not-so-well-known), and provides a beautiful defense of the need for poetry in our lives.

The introduction alone is priceless. The chapter begins with this: "Poetry starts with silence - not silence in the world but silence of mind. To write you must learn quiet." In the 21st century, this is no easy task! This exhortation reminds us that poetry requires what is hard to achieve; ergo, poetry is a discipline, not just an art. As Clark states so well, "Our Creator asks us to,Be still and know that I am God." If we cultivate the art of inner quiet and develop habits to nurture the mind's green fields, we will hear the melodies of Heaven.

The chapters cover training our sight, word choice, figures of speech, sound and rhythm, form, genres, voice, advice for reading, writing, revising and publishing poetry, and finally a collection of poems with some exercises to strengthen the skills taught. Each chapter includes instruction, assignments, and samples of poetry.

If this book is to be used properly, certain equipment should be available. A journal is essential, and Clark recommends one that is 8.5 by 11 with lined pages. A computer or typewriter is needed and a folder with pockets for keeping typed poems. The recommended age is junior high and up. I plan to be a fellow-student with my middle grade children, and we will take this adventure together.

The writing style of Suzanne Clark reads like poetry itself. As I have prepared my mind for this review, my husband and I have spent many a contented visit with my reading aloud some of the sections of The Roar that particularly caught my fancy. Her writing teaches, but even more it inspires!

To order this book, or to see more from Canon Press, please see their website at www.canonpress.org, or give them a call at 1-800-488-2034.

Poetry is a discipline that is easy to miss amidst all the choices for our children's education. I recommend that you read The Roar on the Other Side before you decide something else is more important. I predict that Suzanne Clark's clear instruction, beautiful writing style, and defense of poetry's place in our lives will have you convinced and off to gather the perfect journal so you (oh yes, and your student!) can begin the road to becoming poets! Happy writing.

Publisher's note: Canon Press puts out a number of excellent "for the family" books. With a godly perspective, Canon Press' desire is to strengthen the family. Homeschool families everywhere are looking to Canon Press for quality materials to enrich their school year. We took a look at one book, The Fruit Of Her Hands, by Doug Wilson's brilliant wife, Nancy Wilson. This book seeks to encourage women who are looking to follow God's plan for a wife and mother in the home. I found the book to be very down to earth, well written, and encouraging and would recommend it to women everywhere. Canon Press has many helpful books - something for everyone.