There is
nothing quite so delightful as sitting down by a crackling fire in the living
room with the entire family on a chilly evening and reading aloud a great
story. It doesn’t have to be the Bible or the life of a saint, but you want it
to be good. Christian leaders from the beginning understood the importance of
reading secular literature when it is compatible with a Christian ethos.
Clement, an early-third century bishop of Alexandria, Egypt, wrote that it is
important to be familiar with the stories of secular literature, gleaning
whatever is noble and beneficial for catechesis and human formation.
Secular
literature, read in light of Christian anthropology and moral truth, naturally
compliments and prepares one for more serious learning because great literature
fosters contemplation on the human experience. J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis
wrote about the importance of fantasy, story, and myth which inspires the moral
imagination and trains young hearts to feel rightly about good and evil so that
they can think clearly as adults.
This does
not mean that all secular literature is good. Some children’s
books can actually pervert and damage young minds by teaching them to respond
disorderly to things that are good or to befriend things that are evil. It is
totally naive to deny that there are secular authors who are indoctrinating our
children with very dangerous ideas through literature. As a guide to
critiquing children’s books in general, because there are so many children’s
books, I recommend Michael O’Brien’s, A Landscape with Dragons: The
Battle for your Child’s Mind (1998). O’Brien’s guidelines
are full of common-sense principles and perennial wisdom for parents of young
readers. Reading a biographical sketch of an author and a particular
work on Wikipedia may be another good place to start. Is the author
someone you would like to have over for dinner? If not, maybe your
child should not be reading his books.
As a fourth-grade
teacher, parents sometimes ask me for good book recommend-ations. Often,
I have handed out reading lists to parents without having read all of the books
on the list – booklists written by literature experts who are doubtless much
more knowledgeable about literature than I am. However, one thing I
have noticed that is lacking in most of these booklists is an explanation
of why these books are important to read. The aim
of this list is to recommend a few particular works and give one or two reasons
why I recommend them. Properly assimilated, good books will inspire
wonder, foster virtue, and tutor the emotions. The child who is
deprived of good books will not be sufficiently formed as a human and,
consequently, will not be able to comprehend and integrate the great ideas of
Christianity nor the arts and sciences of Western Civilization.
Different
books are read for different reasons. Some stories are told for the purpose of
frightening children away from bad behavior, while other stories showcase
heroes that are obviously meant to be imitated. Other books,
like Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain, can be dangerous for an
immature child with poor habits of virtue, but beneficial for a mature student
who can distinguish Tom’s treacherous employment of imagination, time, and
energy from the author’s exquisite picture of 19th century, rural
life on the Mississippi River. Parents most know their children and what they
are ready for.
Undoubtedly,
one of the strongest reasons for reading a plethora of classic English
literature is precisely because it helps young readers gain a command of the
English language for reading comprehension, conversation, public address, and
composition. Unfortunately, this important point has been overstated by English
literature professors who almost exclusively value written prose based on the
composition of well crafted sentences and the use of exquisite vocabulary while
ignoring, or even praising, the moral perverseness of literary content.
Children’s literature must be both beautifully, well written and contribute
to the virtuous formation of youth. While many novels come close to
what one might call ‘pure entertainment’, I would encourage parents to
vigilantly guard their children against impure, immoral content.
It would
behoove parents to read books before their children do and talk to them about
the stories they are reading. Here are a few questions that can be
asked which will assist in training a child to experience what C.S. Lewis would
call ‘right ordered emotional responses’ to literature: What are
the virtues and vices that stand out in the main character; and in supporting
characters? How do these virtues and vices develop and bear fruit in
the character’s growth as a human person? What are the
consequences of bad decisions and how does this play out in the story?
Often
times, classic stories feature children or adults who make bad decisions and
consequently suffer. These stories reinforce virtue by deterring children from
bad behavior. The child can see that suffering was the result of poor judgment
in a character. However, sometimes this point needs to be pointed
out to children. A conversation between parent and child can bring out the
subtle themes of a story. Literature can present the invaluable opportunity of
learning from other people’s mistakes without having to learn a lesson the hard
way through life experience. Parents know when their particular
child is mature enough or in need of such a story.
There are
a few old books that are part of the corpus of English classics because of the
universal importance they have played in the childhood experience of Western
youth throughout time. These are important to read for cultural
literacy. These stories often come up as examples in the arts and
sciences and in modern literature. Those who neglect these works
will be the person who nervously laughs at a literary reference out of courtesy
instead of comprehension. Being on the ‘inside’ of Western cultural literacy
also sets a foundation for the communication of ideas. There are
certain stories English authors assume one has read as a child: the Greek and
Roman myths, Aesop’s Fables, Arabian Nights, Robinson
Crusoe, Gulliver’s Travels, Mother Goose, the fairy tales of
Hans Christian Anderson, and a few others. But John Senior, the late
comparative literature professor at the University of Kansas once said that one
should read a thousand good books in one’s
lifetime. Here are a number of good books that have stood the test
of time. The following is obviously not an exhaustive list but
rather a short list of good books that I have read and that I
recommend.
I have
divided the list into five sections which correspond to school grades, stages
of reading development, and intellectual maturity: Grades K-2 (learning how to
read), Grades 3-4 (the age of reason), Grades 5-6 (pre-adolescence), Grades 7-9
(adolescence), and Grades 10-12 (young adults who are beginning to see the
realities of the world). With the exception of the first stage,
these are books that children can be reading on their own. If an
adult is reading to a child, a higher level of reading is possible, for
example, our four-year-old loves the Little House Series. No good
book is too elementary for an older student to read.
GRADES K-2 AND UP
Aesop: Fables
– From Ancient Greece, these are classic animal tales with an explicit
moral.
Anderson,
Hans Christian: Fairy Tales and The Brothers
Grimm: Fairy Tales - These stories form a child’s
moral imagination by creating stories which teach the love of good and the
hatred of evil. Young children are also warned about dangers that cannot be
openly discussed at their age, such as kidnapping and pedophilia (the big bad
wolf), through allegory. Vigilant parents will pre-read ahead in these
collections.
Harris,
Joel Chandler: Uncle Remus (Brer Rabbit stories)
- Not at all politically correct and written in dialect, these stories are
meant to be read out loud. They are comical morality tales which
give a good insight into Southern culture before the Civil War.
Kipling,
Rudyard: Just So Stories and The Jungle Book - Just So
Stories are of the nonsense genre of literature which is important
for learning vocabulary and language constructions. Young children
love the goofiness of this type of story and poetry.
Lear,
Edward: Nonsense Omnibus - Lear is the master of
nonsense poetry.
Mother
Goose - These and other anthologies of children’s poetry are generally
good as long as the words have not been tampered with in order to make the
poems politically correct. Mother Goose poems accompanied by
beautiful illustrations are best. Poetry is meant to be memorized and children
will memorize these poems effortlessly, if you read them over and over again.
Milne,
A.A.: Winnie the Pooh and others - These
stories capture the sentiment of a boy whose stuffed animals come to
life. The various personalities and temperaments represented in the funny characters
expose the child to the richness of personal relationships and ironical
humor. The delightful adventures also inspire play outdoors.
Potter,
Beatrix: Peter Rabbit and 23 others - These
charming tales introduce children to the everyday activities of
animals. The detailed stories, related with superb vocabulary, help
children develop the imagination and be more observant of nature.
Wilder,
Laura Ingalls: Little House in the Big Woods and the Little
House series - Stories of pioneer life, this is another series that could be read
aloud and enjoined by family members of all ages. The Ingalls family is a model
family of Christian virtue. This series can be read and re-read.
GRADES
3-4 AND UP
Brink,
Carol: Caddie Woodlawn - This is the story of a
pioneer girl who grew up in Wisconsin. Similar to Laura Ingles Wilder
Collodi: Pinocchio
- This is a story about a boy who always gets into trouble and never
learns his lesson. The intent of the author is to purge the young
reader of any desire to be disobedient, stupid, or bad.
Edmonds,
Walter: The Matchlock Gun - Young readers will love
this book about a boy who has to be brave while his father is away with the
militia. American settlers and hostile Indians…
Henry,
Marguerite: Justin Morgan Had a Horse, King of the Wind, and others
- These are enjoyable stories for the horse lover.
Irving,
Washington: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and others - Humorous
tales from early America written in exquisite prose.
Knight,
Eric: Lassie, Come Home - This is a heartwarming
story about a boy and his loyal dog. It is a culture study of Northern England
and Scotland.
Lang,
Andrew (ed.): Arabian Nights - This is
mostly for cultural literacy. The value of it will become clearer
with time as the child reads countless other books which reference these
stories.
Lewis,
C.S.: The Chronicles of Narnia - Lewis was
a master of Christian allegory. One will recognize themes from
Lewis’ philosophy and theology illustrated throughout his
stories. These are great books for evening, fireside reading as a
family. Children will enjoy them numerous times during one’s
lifetime.
Malory,
Sir Thomas: The Boy’s King Arthur - This is
the edited version of Le Mort d’Arthur for children. These
stories of chivalry are essential for fostering loyalty in friendship and
gentlemanly conduct among boys.
Porter,
Eleanor: Pollyanna - Pollyanna is a virtuous
girl who helps others around her to be grateful for the blessings in life.
Pollyanna is one of many stories that were ruined by Walt Disney (I am not a
fan of Disney who was visibly anti-Christian, overtly pagan, and systematically
corrupted the minds of youth for decades. For more on Disney see
Michael O’Brien, A Landscape with Dragons). I recommend
the book, Pollyanna, not the Disney movie.
Porter,
Gene Stratton: Freckles and others - These
stories inspire wonder for God’s creation. They are about children who spend
most of their time outdoors – books like this will assist in supplanting video
game culture with a culture of outdoor life.
Pyle,
Howard: Some Merry Adventures of Robin Hood; and others - Unfortunately,
Disney and other moderns made Robin Hood into a Marxist who ‘steals from the
rich to give to the poor.’ This is not the real Robin
Hood. Older versions of Robin Hood, like the Pyle version, show his
true colors as a loyal subject to the true king, defender of the oppressed, a
man of prayer, a chivalrous gentlemen, and a skilled man at arms.
Rawls,
Wilson: Where the Red Fern Grows - This is
another heartwarming tale about a boy and his dogs peppered with themes of
loyalty and friendship.
Sewell,
Anna: Black Beauty - The story of a 19th century
London cab horse. The adventures are told from the horse’s
perspective and written in beautiful prose.
Wilder,
Laura Ingalls: Little House on the Prairie, and all the others
- The Wilder family is a model family. These stories
are the classic pioneer tales for
children. Centered on Laura, these semi-autobiographical novels
weave together themes of perseverance, hard work, obedience, love, forgiveness,
agrarian life, and self-sacrifice. Laura captured the ‘pioneer spirit’ on paper
for all succeeding generations.
GRADES
5-6 AND UP
Alcott,
Louisa May: Little Women, Little Men and others - Less well
know than Little Women, Little Men is a great
story about boys who learn virtue through school activities, gardening, and
play. Their character is tested when a wild boy joins their school.
Burroughs,
Edgar Rice: Tarzan series - These
stories glorify the ape-man, Tarzan. Burroughs was influenced by
Darwin’s macro-evolutionary theory and Rousseau’s false idea of the ‘noble’
savage. Nevertheless, besides being highly entertaining, they do give an
interesting insight into the communal nature of man. Without human
interaction, Tarzan has developed into a sub-human beast. It begs the questions
of whether or not rugged individualism is good. Tarzan is obviously a savage,
not a saint.
Burnett,
Frances Hodgson: The Secret Garden - The
Secret Garden is about finding healing. All of the characters are
wounded, physically or psychologically, and find healing through restoring a
garden to health.
Dickens,
Charles: Christmas Carol - This is a great short story
to read and discuss as a family around Christmas time. Dickens is a
master novelist who will be especially enjoyed by children as they age and
mature. This novelette is a good introduction to Dickens. The
use of language and the Christmas time images are charming. A story
of redemption and selfless generosity…
Defoe,
Daniel: Robinson Crusoe - This is the original
‘castaway’ story about a man who survives a shipwreck and learns to live
self-sufficiently through his ingenuity on an uninhabited island. Part of the
literary canon, this story will not fail to entertain the young reader and fill
his mind with schemes of survival in the wild.
Dodge,
Mary: Hans Brinker - There are many good themes
in this book. One theme is that of selfless love between family
members. The story takes place in mid-19th century
Holland and is a study of that country and culture.
Forbes,
Esther: Johnny Tremain - About a Boston boy who
lives through the war for American independence, this story give accurate
cultural insight into the time period.
George,
Jean: My Side of the Mountain - The
premise for this story is not very good – a boy runs away from home to live in
the woods. However, it is an engaging modern day version of
the Robinson Crusoe theme and a 1960 Newbery Medal Honor.
Grahame,
Kenneth: Wind in the Willows - This
story would be best understood if read aloud as a family; written at a middle
school level, if read out loud, the whole family will enjoy this
story. Similar to Beatrix Potter, it blends human habits and
emotions with animal behavior in a hilarious tale about friendship and
adventure set against the backdrop of a charming, English, rural setting.
Henty,
George William: The Young Carthaginian (2nd Punic War), In Freedom's
Cause (William Wallace), With Lee in Virginia (Civil War). Boys will
particularly enjoy Henty as one of the great British historical fiction
writers. Henty died in the early 20th century so his
novels take place before then and are written from a British perspective.
However, he is very anti-Catholic so pre-reading of his other hundred
novels is recommended.
Latham,
Jean Lee: Carry on Mr. Bowditch – This 1956
Newbery Award Winner is one of my very favorites. This is an epic
adventure story about New England sailors. Bowditch is a navigator
who will inspire any student to take their studies in hand as lifelong
learners. The story blends adventure with practical applications of
mathematics, astronomy, and the arts.
Montgomery,
L.M.: Anne of Green Gables – Young
ladies will take delight in learning from Anne’s mistakes. A quick
tempered, hardheaded, lofty minded, endearing girl gets into a lot of
trouble. Thankfully, Anne learns from her mistakes, as well, and
matures into a fine young woman.
North,
Sterling. Captured by the Mohawks - This 17th century
novel tells the adventure of a young French-Canadian who has adventures among
the Indians.
Serrailer,
Ian (trans.): Beowulf - This epic is the oldest
tale we have in the English language. It is about a warrior-hero who fights
monsters – a must read. Serrailer captures the essence of the tale without
getting bogged down in the genealogical mire of early medieval literature.
Speare,
Elizabeth: The Bronze Bow, and The Sign of the Beaver - Speare is
a two time Newbery medal winner, an exceptional 20th century
children’s book author. The Bronze Bow is an historical novel
which takes place in Palestine under the Roman Empire during the time of
Christ. This book is hard to put down. The Sign of the Beaver is
a story of courage and growing-up. A young boy is left alone in the
woods and befriends the Indians.
Spyri,
Johanna: Heidi - This is an inspiring story about
the love and loyalty of family members, which takes place in the breath-taking
Alps.
Stevenson,
Robert Louis: Treasure Island; Kidnapped, and others - These
stories are about good guys and bad guys. The boy, Jim, in Treasure
Island has to fight pirates and make many ethical decisions under
difficult circumstances. Most of Stevenson’s poetry is also very good and
recognizable.
J.R.R.
Tolkien: The Hobbit - This story has a special
place in my heart because my father read it to my siblings and me several times
when we were young. I have many fond memories of sitting around the
open fire in the living room eating lembas (sesame seed, honey
candies) and listening to Dad read. My father was my 4th grade
teacher and he read The Hobbit to us as part of our classics
curriculum. He also taught us the Tengwar alphabet
used by the elves. Like all good fairy tales, The Hobbit is
a story of good conquering evil through trial and heroic
sacrifice. Although Tolkien disliked explicit allegory, the dragon
has always been an icon of the devil. There is no better way to inspire healthy
spiritual development in young boys then to fill their imaginations with the
works of bold men who cleave goblins, stab spiders, and slay dragons.
Verne,
Jules: Around the World in Eighty Days; and many others - These are
entertaining travel and adventure stories. Verne is one of the
fathers of the science fiction novel.
GRADES
7-9 AND UP
Bolt,
Robert: A Man for All Seasons - This is a
superb screenplay written for stage and later edited for film by Robert
Bolt. I have read it and seen the film with Paul Scofield (1966). I
recommend both, but at least see the film. I think plays ought to be
seen, not just read. It is the story of St. Thomas More, a martyr for the
sanctity of marriage and a man of clear conscience. This play is perhaps the
best morality tale ever written.
Cervantes,
Miguel: Adventures of Don Quixote - The
humorous adventures of a Spanish “knight” will bring out the
optimist. Don Quixote sees everything in a noble, innocent light.
Crane,
Stephen: Red Badge of Courage - This
story is about the realities of ephemeral courage on the battlefield where not
every man is a hero. A civil war classic…
Dana, Richard
Henry: Two Year Before the Mast - A contemporary
of Melville, Dana tells this adventure from the common sailor’s
perspective. Entertaining and rich with 19th century
vocabulary, this is the unromantic tale of a seaman on duty – arduous sea duty.
Relive the days when sailing from San Diego to Boston meant several months of
hard sailing and the treacheries of frigid Cape Horn!
Dickens,
Charles: David Copperfield, Oliver Twist, Old Curiosity
Shop, and others - David Copperfield was
important for me to read before I got married. Secular society has always been
full of funny ideas about what will make us happy in life. Asking
Katy to marry me was the best decision I ever made. I contribute
this to God’s providence and to the principles I learned from the wisdom of
such great men as Charles Dickens. The young protagonist of this story, David,
learns through trial what kind of a woman makes a good wife. Yet, it is hardly
a romance novel, per se. Dickens explores several themes: poverty,
the nature of friendship, starting a career, death, scandal, and the vital
importance of distinguishing good from bad ‘character’ in others.
Doyle,
Sir Arthur Conan: Sherlock Holmes series - Sherlock
Holmes is a master of observation and logical deduction – perfect for
adolescence.
Dumas,
Alexandre: The Count of Monte Cristo - Themes
include: fidelity, friendship, courage, and perseverance in action packed, 19th century
France.
Hamilton,
Edith: Mythology - These are the classic
Greek, Roman, and Norse myths, which are most important for understanding
countless literary references for the rest of one’s life.
Henty,
George William: The Young Carthaginian (2nd Punic War), In Freedom's
Cause (William Wallace), With Lee in Virginia (Civil War). Boys will
particularly enjoy Henty as one of the great British historical fiction
writers. Henty died in the early 20th century so his novels
take place before then and are written from a British
perspective. However, he is very anti-Catholic so pre-reading of his other
hundred novels is a recommended. Between 5th and 7th Grade,
boys will start to enjoy Henty; he is an expert in Old World history. He is
also an outdoorsman who likes to work practical knowledge about woodcraft
and seamanship into his novels.
Hilton,
J.: Good-bye Mr. Chips - This story features English
school boys in a boarding house with their teacher, Mr. Chips, who becomes like
a father to them.
Hubbard,
Elbert. A Message to Garcia - This
short story is an inspiring tale about a soldier who overcomes all obstacles to
do his duty. It is about taking initiative.
Hugo,
Victor: Les Miserables and others - Les
Miserables is an epic tale of selfless love, romance, and adventure set
during the French Revolution.
Keith,
Herold: Rifles for Watie - This is a Civil War fiction
about a boy and his adventures as a scout. A 1958 Newbery Medal winner, this
story is a well-researched historical fiction of that beloved era.
Kipling,
Rudyard: Kim and others - An Irish
orphan boy in India becomes a spy. Kipling’s descriptions of India capture a
very unique period in history, British colonialism. This story about Kim will,
like Sherlock Homes, inspire attention to detail and keen observation. The
setting for this story is so intriguing; it is also a great introduction to
world religions.
London,
Jack: Call of the Wild and others - London,
like Edger Rice Burroughs, was very much influenced by Darwin. I
recommend these with caution. London’s stories include the theme of
‘survival of the fittest’ in the wild. They are harsh adventure
stories of the frigid Northwest. However, London’s descriptions and
use of language outweigh his faults as long as the reader is mature and able to
recognize the brutality of his rugged individualism.
Malory,
Sir Thomas: The Boy's King Arthur - These
stories of chivalry are essential for fostering loyalty in friendship and
gentlemanly conduct among men.
Scott,
Sir Walter: Ivanhoe and others - Chivalry,
knights, good stuff…similar to the above.
Shelley,
Mary: Frankenstein - The purpose of Shelley’s
novel is show the difference between what science can do and what it ought to
do. This story should lead into discussions about stem cell
research, cloning, etc.
Shakespeare: Romeo
and Juliet, Midsummer Night’s Dream, Henry V - Aristotle
said the purpose of Tragedy is to purge the soul of disordered passions through
fear, pity, and affection for the characters. Tragedy acts out a defect of
character, in one or many of the players, to its logical, natural, tragic
conclusion. Romeo and Juliet illustrates the twin
follies of adolescence: unbridled infatuation and violent
machismo. It warns of its inevitable consequences: suffering and
avoidable death. I prefer watching Shakespeare plays to reading
them, but recommend both.
Sienkiewicz: Quo
Vadis - A historical novel and love story which takes place against the
backdrop of the early Christians in late, first century Rome.
Song of
Roland - The oldest epic poem in French literature, this amazing story of
pride and bravery is about a tragic battle during the reign of Charlemagne.
Swift,
Jonathan: Gulliver’s Travels - One of
the oldest, English, children’s story writers, Swift is a master of details. He
inspires wonder for everyday things through a different perspective on them –
everything is in miniature or humongous.
Tolkien,
J.R.R.: The Lord of the Rings - Tolkien
is the master of fantasy and myth. His stories of struggle between
good and evil are epic tales of fidelity, courage, trust, friendship, and
mastery over temptations. Tolkien set out to write a mythology for
England and succeeded in inflaming the imagination of millions. Tolkien is
worth reading again and again.
Twain,
Mark: Huckleberry Finn (but not others) - I
recommend Twain with caution, but Huckleberry Finn stands out
as both well written and morally profound. Tom Sawyer is exposed by
Huck as a bad egg and a liar, but Tom doesn’t come into this story much. The
hero of the story is the negro, Jim. Huck is a humble protagonist who often
does the right thing without realizing it. They both have a
delightfully original sense of morality that contrasts colorfully with
slave-state prejudices.
Wallace,
L.: Ben Hur - An historical novel that
takes place during the time of Our Lord’s life on earth, it is a story of
adventure, escape from captivity, revenge, conversion, repentance, and
redemption. Here again, I will also recommend the epic movie starring Charlton
Heston, one of the greatest movies of all time.
GRADES 10
AND UP
Augustine
of Hippo: Confessions - This is St Augustine’s
autobiography of conversion from paganism to Christianity – very appropriate
for our post-modern age.
Austen,
Jane: Pride and Prejudice, and others - This
novel is exceptional and perhaps Austen’s best. Young men and women
will give much thought to the formation of their character in preparation for
marriage after reading these books.
Bronte,
Charlotte: Jane Eyre - A love story about a tragic
secret, fidelity, and a happy ending
Cather,
Willa: My Antonia, Death Comes for the Archbishop and others - Cather
captures the pioneer days for adults. Cather is an author whose
novels exude a lightness of spirit and a gentle beauty.
Chaucer
Geoffrey: Canterbury Tales - This is
the classic 14th century collection of short stories written in
Middle English. Begin with the Prologue because it lays out the
entire work. Try to read it in Middle English; it helps to read it out loud.
Columbus,
Christopher: Four Voyages to the New World - The true
story of Columbus in his own words. Columbus was a devoted Christian and a good
man, but proud, yet, not the villain he is often made to be.
Dickens,
Charles: Our Mutual Friend, Great Expectations, Tale of Two
Cities and others - Our Mutual Friend is
about the difficulties of owning a large sum of money; hilarious plot; great
characters. Great Expectations is a little depressing, but it
shows the importance of true love and friendship vs. the dangerous illusions of
external beauty and popularity. Tale of Two Cities is a
beautiful love story about selflessness during the ugly French Revolution.
Dostoyevsky,
Feodor: Crime and Punishment, Brothers Karamazov, The Idiot - Dostoyevsky
is the master of psychological drama. Dostoyevsky will take you into
the mind of a murderer in Crime and Punishment and you will
think you did the murder yourself. My favorite is The Idiot. The
Idiot follows a simple, virtuous man trapped in the insufferable drama
of late 19th century ‘high society.’ The ‘holy fool’ is a
beloved character of Russian literature.
Eliot,
George: Silas Marner, Middlemarch, and others - Silas
Marner is a beautiful story about finding true wealth in family
relationships, not in gold. Middlemarch captures the tragic
drama of life in mid-19th century England – a time of political
turmoil.
Hawthorne,
Nathaniel: Scarlet Letter - This novel illustrates the
hypocrisy of puritanical New England. It is a story of redemption,
service, and agonizing conscience.
Herriot,
James: All Creatures Great and Small series - These are
charming semi-autobiographical stories about a country vet in Yorkshire,
England. His stories are a delightful culture study of early-20th century
Yorkshire farmers.
Homer:
the Iliad and the Odyssey - One who
skips these will miss countless references. Edith Hamilton’s Mythology gives
an introduction to the stories. A bird’s eyes view may help get the
ball rolling if you are overwhelmed by the size and archaic language of these
tales. The Odyssey is much easier to read than the Iliad which
may be too much blood and gore for the faint of heart.
Lagerof,
Selma: Jerusalem - This is a powerful story
about the dangers of unbridled spiritual mysticism, Christian individualism,
and blind discipleship vs. the necessity of the Church sacraments as ordinary
means of grace.
Matarasso, Pauline (trans.): The Quest of the Holy Grail - This my son's favorite medieval story. It is also Fr. Chad Ripperger's favorite book, which is saying a lot. This is a translation of the 13th century French edition of the Grail legend.
Melville,
Herman: Moby Dick - Melville gives great
descriptive detail about New England whaling vessels and their
crews. His use of language is remarkable. The last fifty pages are
worth the wait.
O’Connor,
Flannery: Short Stories - A major theme of O’Connor’s
stories is redemption. She strips all glamour of sin
away from her stories, which are written in a genre of Christian realism. She
is a Catholic who is well in tune with human suffering. Her stories teach one
to cherish the world while enduring its less than romantic twists and turns.
Shakespeare: Hamlet,
Macbeth, Henry V, As You Like It, and others - See above
notes on Shakespeare and tragedy. Aristotle thought tragedy was very
important for the formation of our character. Henry V is one
of his great historical dramas. Memorize the Saint Crispin Day speech. Kenneth
Branagh captures this play very well on film.
Tolkien,
J.R.R. (trans.): Sir Gawain and the Green Knight - This is
an Arthurian romance written in 14th century Middle
English. Read it in the original or translated into Modern English
by Tolkien.
Tolkien,
J.R.R.: The Silmarillion – The story of the creation
of Middle-Earth is the first tale in this collection of myths from the early
days of Middle-Earth, before The Hobbit adventures. Tolkien’s
creation myth is the most beautiful allegory of the Judeo-Christian creation
account that I have ever read. Middle-Earth is a pre-Christian world but
Tolkien portrays his heroes with the noblest of human virtue.
Tolstoy,
Leo: War and Peace - This is perhaps the
greatest historical novel of all time. It covers Napoleon’s march to Moscow and
so much more. You will grow to love the characters like your own
family members. Tolstoy’s short stories are also very good.
Undset,
Sigrid: Kristin Lavransdatter - This is a
story about the consequences of fornication - very powerful. This is
recommended for young women especially.
von
Schell, Capt. Adolf: Battle Leadership - This
German classic is about a young officer who excels in adaptation and mission
accomplishment during World War I.
Wilde,
Oscar: The Picture of Dorian Gray - This is
an excellent story about the effects of sin and the beauty of redemption.
2024 Appendix: Recommended
Reading for Parents
Forming
our Children’s Character
Solomon. Proverbs,
Wisdom, Sirach. 900s B.C.
Bishop
Irenaius. On the Upbringing of Children, 1901
Capuchin
priest. Mother Love: A Manual for Christian Mothers. 1800s
David Issacs.
Character Building: A Guide for Parents and Teachers. 1976
Art &
Laraine Bennett. The Temperament God Gave You. 2005
Problems
and Solutions to Post-Christian Education
Dorthy
Sayers. “The Lost Tools of Learning”. 1948
Josef
Pieper. Leisure, the Basis of Culture. 1948
C.S.
Lewis. The Abolition of Man: How Education Develops Man’s Sense of Morality.
1955
Christopher
Dawson. The Crisis of Western Education. 1961
Michael O’Brien.
A Landscape with Dragons: The Battle for Your Child’s Mind. 1994
Ray
Guarendi. Raising Upright Kids in an Upside-Down World. 2019
Resources
for Build Your Own Catholic Liberal Arts Curriculum
Catholic catechisms
(various); The lives of the Saints (various)
Lara
Berquist. Designing Your Own Classical Curriculum. 1994
“Christopher
Warner’s Annotated Booklist of Children’s Classics”. 2013
Providing
Nutritious Food and Managing Family Finances
Sally
Fallon. Nourishing Traditions. 1999
Christopher Warner. Catholic Money: A Father Teaches His Son About Family Finances. 2022
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