For those of you who look at the blog, you will notice that I have a section on the left hand side where I talk about the books or resources that we are using. I try to update this from time to time but many of these are delved into over long periods of time.
My friend, Susan (aka Home Grown Kids), has just listed an entry on her blog about History Lives. It is the same series as the one we have been using all year. We are using Volume 3, called Courage and Conviction: Chronicles of the Reformation Church. I have been meaning to write a review on this for a long time and as Susan has asked for comments from others about this series, I decided to write my reply and review all in one.
Each book in the series is about a different historical time in the ages of the church. The first book covers the Ancient church, the second is about the Medieval church and the third looks at the church of the Reformation. This series is being written now, by Brandon and Mandy Withrow, so the language is modern and the stories are easy to follow for ages 8 and up. So, do the topics lack depth? Not at all! Last year, in the book titled Monks and Mystics: Chronicles of the Medieval Church, we read about Bernard of Clairvaux. He struggled with the mission given to him by the Pope to preach in favour of a Crusade when personally, he felt it was futile. Isn’t that part of the unfolding drama of history – the complexity of events and how they impact upon people? The Withrows are able to weave these components into their stories; helping you to understand the frailty of humans and God, who is at work through it all.
This latest book has been no different. The Reformation was a time of great upheaval socially, as well as religiously. We read a story on Thomas Cramner recently. Though this man was convinced of the importance of the Scriptures, the need to expose errors in the Catholic Church at that time, of his right and privilege to marry as a man of God, he still struggled with his resolve when Queen Mary asked him to recant and return to the Catholic faith. For a short while, he valued his life above his faith but was burned at the stake. In a story of about 30 pages, this critical time in Cramner’s life was told poignantly. We talked about that for quite a while afterwards.
Another feature of this series is its structure. Interspersed between the biographies are short chapters or summaries on different events. Some topics we have read about are: Religious Wars, Cathedral building, and the forming of universities. I like the two styles being put together in the one book. Sometimes, it’s great to be able to read a narrative to the children and at other times, I prefer to give them the background information before we move on.
The only story I haven’t liked so far has been the one on John Calvin. In my opinion, it spent too much time talking about his desire and quest to find a wife and not enough time on other key aspects of his life. We read other books on Calvin so we just skipped this one in the book. You may find that some stories won’t resonate with you, though I would be surprised if the number is high.
Overall, I find this series to be excellent. It certainly has found a niche in a plentiful homeschooling market! I eagerly await the next title – Hearts and Hands: Chronicles of the Awakening Church.
Mindy Withrow Says: November 2nd, 2007 at 10:36 pm
Jocelyn, how kind of you to mention our books and leave comments at our sites! Thanks for your thoughtful review. I am so pleased you are using the series with your children, and especially discussing the chapters as you read. Do let me know what you think of book 4 when you get to that point in your studies. Many blessings!
HomeGrownKids Says:
November 1st, 2007 at 5:28 am
HomeGrownKids Says:
November 1st, 2007 at 5:28 am
Thanks Jocelyn. I didn't realise you are reading this series…and lots further ahead than we are. Thanks for commenting on my blog and directing people to your review.
I'm not very good at reviews. I find great resources but struggle to do them justice with a review. Your review is great though!
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