The Face-Off Phony - Gordon Korman - Slapshots Book 3

The Face-Off Phony 

Slapshots Book 3

Gordon Korman

Scholastic Canada

ISBN 9780590706292

ISBN 0590706292

This was the 80th book I have read from the masterful pen of Gordon Korman. I did not read much when young because of a dual form of dyslexia, because of that I have a great fondness for Middle Grade books, and books for tween and teens. Korman is one of the masters. I set the goal of reading all his books about 2020. And with the reading of this I have read books in all his series, and all of the standalone stories. My introduction to Korman’s works was the 39 Clues back in 2009. But I really did not get into them until my son’s teacher gave everyone a book with a note in it at the ends of the school year. Since then my son and I have read many of his books together. 

Not counting omnibus editions I believe that as of the summer of 2025 Korman has published 109 books. And one coming out in a few weeks and one planned for release early next year. As of the reading of this volume I am down to 42 unread books. With each that I read I am entertained and often challenged. 

This book and series was released in 2000, they were rebranded and French editions were released in 2006/07. I could not track down a copy of this in my price point and ended up reading this story in the omnibus edition. The description on line of this volume states:

“It was a classic Cinderella story. . .the unwelcome step-child of the Slapshot hockey league, the Mars Health Food Stars, had played well enough to keep their team in the league. It's just too bad that the road to the play-offs leads directly to Steve Stapleton. The Oilers' new centre has skills, strength. . .and a beard? There's no way this teenager belongs in an elementary league, and Chipmunk will do anything to uncover the truth. Unfortunately, Chipmunk has no proof to back up his claims. Can this out-of-shape student-turned-reporter save the Stars' chances, or has this Cinderella story turned into a nightmare?”

The description on the back of the rebranded edition states:

“School sportswriter "Chipmunk" Adelman knows he's got a scoop when he finds out that his hometown will play in the Waterloo Slapshot league. The Marsers have never had their own team, but with an ex-NHL player for a coach, they're headed for stardom.

But the Stars are in for a big surprise when they hit the ice and suddenly realize they stink! They've got a defenseman who only skates backwards, a star player who wants to be on another team, and a coach who calls everything a whatchamacallit. If they don't get their game in gear soon, they'll be booted from the league.

This new series by veteran writer Gordon Korman will have kids cheering for the Marsers as they scramble to improve their game and stay in the league!”

another states:

“The Stars are in a slump – and it’s getting worse. Sports reporter “Chipmunk” Adelman has discovered a new player who could ruin the Stars’ chance at the playoffs! The Oilers’ new center has skills, strength … and a beard?

There’s no way this teenager belongs in an elementary league. And Chipmunk will do anything to uncover the truth – even if it means taking a spin on the ice himself!

Between the new monster of a player and the team’s depressing losing streak, the Stars’ chance at the post-season isn’t looking good. Can Chipmunk expose the imposter in time? It all comes down to the final game of the season – an event so unbelievable it’s guaranteed to make Waterloo Slapshot League History!”

The about the author in this edition states:

““TIve always been a sports nut,” says Gordon Korman. “And growing up in Montreal and Toronto, hockey was the biggest game in town. My mother insists that I was named after Detroit Red Wings legend Gordie Howe, who was her favorite player when she was a teenager.”

Asked about his inspiration for the Slapshots series, Gordon says: “I started playing hockey when I was seven years old. I loved it, but I always ended up on teams with humiliating sponsors, like Stay Fresh Cleaning Service and Fish Buoy Restaurant. I remember one year we had a lot of bigger players, so we figured we could be the ‘tough guys’ of the league. Then we got our jerseys: Pretty Polly Paint and Wallpaper Inc.”

Eventually, Gordon decided on a writing career instead of the NHL; he began writing the first book in his Macdonald Hall series, This Can’t be Happening, when he was in the seventh grade. Now he has written dozens of books which have sold millions of copies around the world, and is one of Canada’s best-loved authors for young people. He lives in New York with his wife and their three children.”

It has been interesting reading the older sports themed series by Korman. They are fun reads, and I am surprised they are out of print, and that there have never been eBook editions released. 

This is another fun story about kid’s hockey, and specifically a small community just outside town that gets their own team. About the conflict that creates and the trials the players and coach face. The story is written as if narrated by a fellow classmate that wants to be a sports reporter. In this one the reporter becomes an investigative reporter but loses his evidence. And he even becomes the star of a game being credited with most goals in league history. But to find out the details you will need to read this penultimate volume in this great series.  

I really believe it is a great pity this book and series are out of print! I really enjoyed this volume and look forward to reading the final story about the Stars from Mars. A great read in a really fun series.

Books by Gordon Korman:

MacDonald Hall Series:

This Can't Be Happening at Macdonald Hall  (1978)

Go Jump in the Pool (1979)

Beware the Fish!  (1980)

The Wizzle War (1982)

         (formerly The War With Mr. Wizzle)

The Zucchini Warriors (1988)

Light’s Camera, Disaster (1991)

          (aka Macdonald Hall Goes Hollywood)

The Jokes on Us (1995)

          (formerly Something Fishy at Macdonald Hall)

…

Bugs Potter Series:

Who is Bugs Potter? (1980)

Bugs Potter LIVE at Nickaninny (1983)

…

Jeremy Bloom Series:

The D−Poems of Jeremy Bloom (1992)

The Last-Place Sports Poems of Jeremy Bloom (1996)

…

Monday Night Football Series:

The Quarterback Exchange (1997)

Running Back Conversion (1997)

Super Bowl Switch (1997)

Heavy Artillery (1997)

Ultimate Scoring Machine (1998)

NFL Rules! Bloopers, Pranks, Upsets, and Touchdowns (1998)

…

Masterminds Series:

Masterminds (2015)

Masterminds: Criminal Destiny (2016)

Masterminds: Payback (2017)

…

Slapshots Series:

The Stars From Mars (1999)

All-Mars All-Stars/The Dream Team (1999)

The Face-off Phony (2000)

Cup Crazy (2000)

…

4-in-1 Slapshots: The Complete Collection (2008)

…

Nose Pickers Series:

Nose Pickers from Outer Space! (1999)

Planet of the Nose Pickers (2000)

Your Mummy Is a Nose Picker (2000)

Invasion of the Nose Pickers (2001)

…

4-in-1 The Ultimate Nose-Picker Collection (2006)

…

Island Series:

Shipwreck (2001)

Survival (2001)

Escape (2001)

…

3-in-1 Island Trilogy Collection (2006)

…

Son of the Mob Series:

Son of the Mob (2002)

Son of the Mob 2: Hollywood Hustle (2004)

…

Everest Series:

The Contest (2002)

The Climb (2002)

The Summit (2002)

…

Everest Trilogy Box Set (2002)

Dive Series:

The Discovery (2003)

The Deep (2003)

The Danger (2003)

…

On the Run Series:

Chasing the Falconers (2005)

The Fugitive Factor (2005)

Now You See Them, Now You Don't (2005)

The Stowaway Solution (2005)

Public Enemies (2005)

Hunting the Hunter (2006)

…

Kidnapped Series:

The Abduction (2006)

The Search (2006)

The Rescue (2006)

…

Swindle Series:

Swindle (2008)

Zoobreak (2009)

Framed (2010)

Showoff (2012)

Hideout (2013)

Jackpot (2014)

Unleashed (2015)

Jingle (2016)

…

Titanic Series:

Unsinkable (2011)

Collision Course (2011)

S.O.S (2011)

…

The 39 Clues Series:

One False Note (2008)

The Emperor's Code (2010)

Vespers Rising (2011)

The Medusa Plot (2011)

Flashpoint (2014)

…

Hypnotists Series:

The Hypnotists (2013)

Memory Maze (2014)

The Dragonfly Effect (2015)

…

Ungifted Series:

Ungifted (2012)

Supergifted (2018)

Hypergifted (2026)

…

Slacker Series:

Slacker (2016)
Level 13 (2019)

...

Non Series Books:

I Want to Go Home! (1981)

Our Man Weston (1982)

No Coins, Please (1984)

Don't Care High (1985)

Son of Interflux (1986)

A Semester in the Life of a Garbage Bag (1987)

Radio 5th Grade (1989)

Losing Joe's Place (1990)

The Twinkie Squad (1992)

The Toilet Paper Tigers (1993)

Why Did the Underwear Cross the Road (1994)

The Chicken Doesn't Skate (1996)

Liar, Liar Pants on Fire (1997)

The Sixth Grade Nickname Game (1998)

No More Dead Dogs (2000)

Maxx Comedy: The Funniest Kid in America (2003) 

Jake, Reinvented (2003)

Born To Rock (2006)

Schooled (2007)

The Juvie Three (2008)

Pop (2009)

Restart (2017)

What's His Face? (2018)

The Unteachables (2019)

Notorious (2019)

War Stories (2020)

Game On (contains The Chicken Doesn’t Skate and The Toilet Paper Tigers (2021)

Unplugged (2021)

Linked (2021)

Operation Do-Over (2022)

The Fort (2022)

The Super Teacher Project (2023)

Mixed Up (2023)

Slugfest (2024)

Faker (2024)

Old School (2025)

Snoop (2025)

… 

Gordon Korman - Sheelagh Matthews - Remarkable Writers 

Gordon Korman Children’s Storytellers - Chris Bowman

...

The Radium Girls - Kate Moore - The Dark Story of America's Shining Women

The Radium Girls: 

The Dark Story of America's Shining Women

Kate Moore

Source Books

ISBN 9781492650959

eISBN 9781492649366

ASIN B01N7KMS7X

I give books 5/5 stars for a variety of reasons, I really enjoyed it (that was not the case here), or it is  very important or meaningful book (Absolutely the case here). I try and read one volume a year on the Holocaust not because I enjoy them but because it is important. That is how I feel about this volume; it is a very important read. But as a father of 3 daughters it was at times a very hard read. There were a few times I had to put it down because of the pains, agonies, and disfigurements these young girls and women endured and after the first few years at the wilful misleading of them by the corporation and men in charge. 

The description of this volume begins with:

“Discover the gripping and inspiring true story of The Radium Girls, a groundbreaking work by acclaimed author Kate Moore. Immerse yourself in this compelling narrative that unravels the extraordinary lives of these fearless women who fought against all odds.

The Curies' newly discovered element of radium makes gleaming headlines across the nation as the fresh face of beauty, and wonder drug of the medical community. From body lotion to tonic water, the popular new element shines bright in the otherwise dark years of the First World War.

Meanwhile, hundreds of girls toil amidst the glowing dust of the radium-dial factories. The glittering chemical covers their bodies from head to toe; they light up the night like industrious fireflies. With such a coveted job, these "shining girls" are the luckiest alive—until they begin to fall mysteriously ill.

But the factories that once offered golden opportunities are now ignoring all claims of the gruesome side effects, and the women's cries of corruption. And as the fatal poison of the radium takes hold, the brave shining girls find themselves embroiled in one of the biggest scandals of America's early 20th century, and in a groundbreaking battle for workers' rights that will echo for centuries to come.”

The sections in this volume are:

List of Key Characters

Prologue

Part One: Knowledge

Part Two: Power

Part Three: Justice

Epilogue

Postscript

Author’s Note

Acknowledgments

Reading Group Guide

Picture Acknowledgments

Abbreviations

The first chapter in Part one has a title of: NEWARK, NEW JERSEY

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA —1917— and the final chapter of part 3 ends in 1939. Unfortunately the postscript informs us this type of work continued up until 1978. 

This story would be a tragedy if the company very early on did not know that it was in fact to blame. But the goal of profits and cheap labour overruled a human response in this situation. And the company and its executives just kept playing at shadows and changing the game time and time again.

There are many stories of labourers fighting for what is right, just, and even humane. Miners, Oil workers, and many more come to mind. But In this case with it being young women as young as 14, and the known and proved culpability and pure dishonesty of those in charge is staggering. One of the worst examples is the supposed Doctor who was never licensed nor studies medicine. 

This was a very hard read. It is one that will churn your gut. But it is well worth the read. I remember which friend recommended it, and wish I had read it earlier. I doubt I could make it through the movie based on it. It is an excellent story, well researched and masterfully presented.  

Saint Thomas the Apostle From Doubt to Devotion - Paddy Bréagnamh - Mini Saints & Missionaries Library

Saint Thomas the Apostle: From Doubt to Devotion

Paddy Bréagnamh

Mini Saints & Missionaries Library

Pettyfeather Publishing

ISBN 9798899680380

eISBN 9798899680397

ASIN B0FGBBK5FZ

This is the seventh of 7 volumes currently available in the Mini Saints & Missionaries Library that I have read. It is also announced as the first in a new subset in this series focusing on the Apostles. I have enjoyed them all and recommended them to several friends and family. I especially loved the volume on Pope Leo XIV. This volume I picked up the day it was released and read it shortly after. The description of the book is:

““Unless I see the wounds, I will not believe.”

Saint Thomas the Apostle—best known as “Doubting Thomas”—wasn’t afraid to ask questions. But after seeing the Risen Jesus with his own eyes, he became one of the boldest missionaries in history, carrying the Gospel all the way to India.

This engaging, faith-filled children’s biography brings Saint Thomas’s story to life through accessible storytelling, rich illustrations, and global perspective. Kids will discover that faith doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful!

Perfect for ages 8–12, this short, easy-to-read book

The story of Thomas’s journey from doubt to deep beliefHis missionary travels through Persia and IndiaMiracles, martyrdom, and the legacy he left behindBonus Timeline, glossary, a prayer, and reflection questions

Part of the popular Mini Saints & Missionaries Library, this book is ideal for Catholic families, classrooms, homeschoolers, and anyone exploring the lives of the saints from around the world.

Feast July 3 – A perfect summer read to inspire bold faith!”

I now suspect that the author, Paddy Bréagnamh, is a pen name, I can only find the 6 volumes in this series and the one on Saint Patrick in several bookstores online. This sixth, newly released volume I have The chapters and sections in the volume are:

Author’s Note 

Prologue: What If You Had Questions? 

Chapter 1: Before He Followed 

Chapter 2: The One Who Asked Questions 

Chapter 3: The Day Everything Changed 

Chapter 4: Seeing—And Believing 

Chapter 5: A Mission to the Ends of the Earth 

Chapter 6: Planting Seeds in India 

Chapter 7: Martyr and Saint 

Chapter 8: His Legacy Lives On 

Reflection Questions 

The Saint Thomas Cross (Mar Sleeva) 

A Prayer Inspired by Saint Thomas 

Timeline of Saint Thomas’s Life 

Glossary 

Mini Saints & Missionaries Library Series

This was the latest volume written in this series. I have not read a volume specifically dedicated to Saint Thomas the Apostle previously.

This volume is written for young readers, it would be considered an early chapter book. Each chapter has illustrations. The material is well put together. It is a good introduction to apostle and Saint. I highlighted a few passages while reading this volume they are:

“Even today, more than 2,000 years later, there are Christians in southern India who proudly call themselves “Saint Thomas Christians.” They trace their faith all the way back to the missionary who once doubted—but became a builder of belief. Some of their churches are among the oldest in the world. Some families even tell stories of ancestors who met Thomas in person!”

“He’s proof that doubt can lead to devotion, that questions can lead to courage, and that even the quietest of apostles can change the world. So if you’ve ever wondered: “Is God real?” “Does Jesus hear me?” “Can I believe even when I feel unsure?” You’re not alone. Saint Thomas understands. He’s been there. And from heaven, he’s still cheering you on. Because in the end, the one who doubted became the one who traveled farthest, loved the deepest, and believed the strongest.”

“Many call him “Doubting Thomas”, but others prefer “Believing Thomas”, “Thomas the Brave,” or simply “The Apostle of India.” • He’s often shown with a spear (the weapon used in his martyrdom) or a builder’s square—because tradition says he helped design and build churches in India. • You might also see him holding a scroll or book, representing the Gospel he preached.”

“He’s the patron saint of: 

   • India 

   • Builders (because he helped build churches by hand) 

   • Architects 

   • The blind and visually impaired 

   • And most of all: people who struggle with doubt”

I hope those quotes give you a feel for this volume. This latest release in this series is another excellent read. I really enjoyed reading about Saint Thomas’s journeys to the east. I hope they do the Apostle Paul as part of this sub set in this series. This series just keeps getting better and better. It was an excellent little read in a great series. 

  

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2025 Catholic Reading Plan! 

Books in the Mini Saints & Missionaries Library Series:

From Pirates to Parades: The Story of Saint Patrick and His Day 

Blessed Carlo Acutis: The Boy Who Showed the World Jesus  

Saint Lorenzo Ruiz: The Brave Witness 

Pope Leo XIV: From Chicago to the Vatican: The First American Pope 

Saint Joan of Arc: The Girl Who Heard God's Call 

Venerable Augustus Tolton: Priest of Freedom 

Saint Thomas the Apostle: From Doubt to Devotion

…

The Month of the Sacred Heart Practical Meditations for Each Day of the Month of June - Abbe Martin Berlioux

The Month of the Sacred Heart Practical: 

Practical Meditations for every Day of the Month of June

Abbe Berlioux

Laetitia Selwyn Oliver (Translator)

Mediatrix Press

ISBN 9781957066257

ISBN 9781957066295

I do not even recall how I stumbled upon The Month of Mary: Practical Meditations for every Day of the Month of May. But I picked it up towards the end of Lent, and then read it during the month of May. When prepping that review I found out it is one of 4 volumes available in English by Abbe Berlioux, a couple of them have a number of editions, and Mediatrix press has all 4 available but currently only 2 of the 4 are available as eBooks. Because of a dual form of dyslexia I greatly prefer eBooks so I can change the font, and the colour of font and page to make reading easier. I Hope Mediatrix will release the other 2 in English. For the day I finished that volume on Mary volume I started this volume. The description of this edition of this book states:

“After the devotions of May to His Blessed Mother Mary, we turn now to June, the month of His love. It is not a coincidence that western culture has chosen June for the month of weddings, nor that Our lord chose to elevate the month to turn the mind toward love, union, and the promises of the human heart and Divine Love. To increase this necessary fervor, The Month of the Sacred Heart, by the Abbé Berlioux, contains a valuable trove of practices and sentiments toward sanctifying the month of June. Excellent as a daily reader for the month, but also very useful for the monthly First Friday devotions and home enthronement preparations and ceremonies, as well as matrimonial devotions, anniversaries and vow renewals.

Each chapter contains the whole day’s reading, prayer, and a fitting example for the reading, usually taken from the author’s personal knowledge or some other historical example. Much of the life of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque is included, as well as incredible inspiration and pearls of hope from the tumultuous nineteenth century – a century that echoes our own in social and spiritual unrest. This is what gives the book a unique atmosphere, and timeless appropriateness. As each of the thirty days of June progress, the subjects cover every possible facet of the Sacred Heart devotion, solidifying for the devotee a rich theological truth and piety.

The subjects range from the origins of the devotion and life of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, the incredible promises of the Sacred Heart devotion, the material and spiritual objects of the devotion, a description of, and ways to devote oneself to each symbol within the Image itself, the various desires of our Lord’s Heart, the terrible “thorns”, or sorrows, with which His people wound His Heart, the means of honoring His Heart, beautiful ways to execute the practice of this devotion in our everyday lives, the hearts of the Holy Family, and more. The readings are short and easy for modern man to complete for a morning meditation, between the labors of a busy life, and for raising to a higher level one’s entire being to live each moment in honor of His Divine Heart. Let us make impossible the words of St. Francis of Assisi that, “Love is not loved”.

The Month of the Sacred Heart was first published in the French language in Grenoble. The book was soon after translated for the English-speaking world and published in 1885. The Abbé Berlioux was a priest of the diocese of Grenoble and was the Curé, or parish priest, of the church of St. Bruno. In his works he often uses a literary charm of addressing the reader personally. In this work, he calls out to the reader, addressing him by the name, “Christian”, or “Christian”, in nearly each day’s reading as he gets to the point of what the individual could do to utilize and live a Christian life based on a greater devotion to the Sacred Heart, increasing the seriousness of the tone as well as gripping the attention of the reader with it.

Read The Month of the Sacred Heart to increase in the soul the love of Christ’s love! The devotion taught in its pages will take the reader by the hand and lead him to live more fully the life of a brother of Christ. In its pages you will find:

• An organized 30 days of Sacred Heart devotions for the complete month of June

• Daily spiritual reading on the various facets of the devotion to Jesus’ Heart

• Daily prayers to the Sacred Heart

• Daily examples of true-life stories that draw out the truths within each day’s reading.

• A collection of devotions and prayers, including a special means of attending Mass through the Sacred Heart of Jesus.”

The volume has:

Nihil Obstat:

P. J. TYNAN, S.T.D.,

Cens. Theol. Dep.

Imprimatur:

Gulielmus J. Canon Walsh 

Vic. Cap. Dublinensis.

Dublini,

A sample day is:

“THIRTEENTH DAY: 

THE SECOND DESIRE OF THE HEART OF JESUS—THE HONOR OF HIS MOTHER

 

WHO can say what the love of the Heart of Jesus was for His Blessed Mother? As God, He loved her as the purest and most perfect of His creatures; He preserved her from all sin, and adorned her with all graces and virtues. As Man He loved her as would the most respectful, the most docile, the most submissive and affectionate of children. What favors, what sanctity must not the Heart of the Son have communicated to the Heart of the Mother during the nine months He reposed in her virginal womb, and during the thirty years of intimacy which He passed with her at Nazareth! During the time of His public ministry, it was frequently at the request of His Mother that Jesus worked His miracles, as He did at Cana in Galilee, so that the women of Israel, envious of such great glory, cried out: “Blessed is the womb that bore thee.” Luke. 11:27. In Heaven, He wills that His Mother should be the dispenser of His treasures, the channel by which His graces descend to earth. He takes pleasure in granting the prayers which are addressed to her, and to confirm by miracles the confidence that is shown by her servants. He wills that the Church should have for her the most profound respect, the most tender love, the most entire confidence; He loves to see her name united to His, and when a temple is raised to His glory, it is necessary in order to please Him, that its vaulted roof should give shelter to the humble altar of Mary. Finally, He wills, that wherever the Son is adored, the other also should be honored. “Invenerunt puerum cum Maria.” 

Christians, if we wish to please Jesus, let us love and respect Mary; let us love her as dutiful children love their mother; she has for us all the tenderness and devotedness of a parent; her heart, like that of her Son, is an abyss of love and mercy. In our devotion, let us never separate the honor of Mary from that of Jesus; let us honor and love them both with all fervor; they were always closely united, let us not, in our affections, separate them. Let us address our petitions to God the Father through the Heart of Jesus; let us appeal to Jesus through the heart of Mary; we shall obtain all from the Father through the Heart of Jesus, and all from the Son through the heart of the Mother. Let us delight to repeat frequently the touching invocation:

Jesus, meek and humble of heart, have mercy on us! 

Immaculate heart of Mary, heart like to the Heart of Jesus, pray for us! 

 

EXAMPLE

 

During the fatal war of 1870, between France and Germany, a virtuous and only son, when on the point of starting to join the army, placed himself under the powerful protection of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. His good parents had also placed in this twofold refuge their hopes for the preservation of a child so dear, and whom they looked to as the stay and support of their old age. As it always happens these hopes were not deceived. The young man, a captain in the army of the Loire, encountered the greatest dangers, he was exposed to the fire of the enemy’s cannon, and saw blood flowing on every side, and yet he received no wound. He devoted himself day and night to nursing a soldier ill of smallpox, and he was preserved from the contagion. In a word, under every circumstance, Jesus and His holy Mother watched over this faithful servant with the tenderest care, and he on his side, in the midst of the toils and perils of war, never failed a single day to recite his rosary; and protected by the Sacred Hearts he returned safe and well to his family. 

To mark their sense of this favor, the relatives of the man placed a slab of white marble in the Chapel of the Blessed Virgin, bearing in golden letters this inscription: “Gratitude to the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, who have preserved and restored a beloved son to his family during the war of 1870.” Under every circumstance, in every danger let us invoke Jesus and Mary, let us take refuge in their Hearts and we shall always be safe. 

 

PRAYER

 O Heart of Jesus, grant that I may be always the favored child of the most holy Virgin! Inspire me with the most tender and filial confidence towards her, and give me the grace to invoke her unceasingly. Grant that her blessed name, united to Thine may be always on my lips, that thus living here below with Jesus and Mary, I may one day behold them in heaven. Amen.”

I highlighted a few passages while reading this volume, some of them are:

“This little work is of the kind most useful in the present stage of devotion to the Sacred Heart. Until very recently the important point was to bring home to the faithful that, even as in the old dispensation, when some great sorrow was crushing down the people of God, He was wont to cheer them by a message from on high, so now, in these days of danger for souls, His compassion has been moved to reveal to us a special preservative against the incredulity and selfishness of the age.”

“This work, which appears now for the first time in English, is the outcome of a theological intelligence of the devotion, perfected in prayer. It is, in reality as in name, a manual of practical meditation for the month of June.”

“Each meditation is suggested by some one of the emblems of divine love disclosed to Blessed Margaret Mary, or by the dispositions of the adorable Heart; its affections, its sympathies, its sufferings, its yearnings for our love. Some simple thoughts on such touching subjects lead to a practical conclusion, strengthened by an appropriate example.”

“The Abbé Berlioux’s manuals are well calculated to promote this blessed result, and the translator has a claim on the gratitude of English-speaking Catholics for the admirable manner in which she has presented to them such helps to their devotion.”

“Christians, is not this sacred wound of the Heart of Jesus, and its last outpouring Of blood, the great resource reserved for the fearful evils of our century? Is it not time to appeal to it, to take possession of and employ it for the deliverance of the Church, of our country, of society, and above all of poor sinners?”

“O Lord Jesus! these poor souls belong to Thee; they loved Thee on earth, they still love Thee amidst the flames of Purgatory; by the merits of Thy cross and Thy divine Heart, deliver them from that abode of expiation. Above all, deliver the souls of my relations, my friends and benefactors, so that, united to the choirs of angels, they may praise and bless Thee through all eternity. Amen.”

“Christians, since gratitude is one of the distinctive marks of devotion to the Sacred Heart, you should endeavor never to pass a day without recalling to your mind the blessings you have received from God; the blessings of creation, of preservation, of the call to the true faith, of the sacraments, of the Heart of Jesus, and many other particular graces.”

“Divine Heart of Jesus, I bless and thank Thee for all the favors that Thou hast bestowed on me, notwithstanding my unfaithfulness to grace, I thank Thee also for all that Thou hast granted to my relatives, friends and benefactors. I offer Thee in return the thanksgivings of all fervent souls, those of the Blessed virgin and the saints, and with Thy prophet I will never cease to say: “Give praise to the Lord, for He is good, for His mercy endureth forever.” Amen”

“Consider that next to hearing Mass, and receiving Holy Communion, there is nothing so acceptable to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, or so beneficial to our souls, as to visit often our divine Lord in the Sacrament of His love.”

“His Heart kept for us one last proof of love, and from the cross He wished to leave us a pledge of His immense and unceasing tenderness. Ah! yes, the love of our good Jesus is, indeed, unceasing and inexhaustible; He knows not how to say: “It is enough.” Yet He had already given us His words to instruct us, His sacraments to purify and strengthen us, His Heart to love us, His body and blood to nourish and quench the thirst of our souls. He was going to give us His last breath when expiring on the cross: what more could He give? Oh! His Mother still remained to Him; she was His dearest and most precious possession; her tenderness was the only earthly joy He had ever known, and it is this sweet Mother whom He bequeaths to us.”

I hope those quotes give you a feel for the book. This was a wonderful volume to work through. It was between 4-6 pages a day through the month of June. It was a wonderful volume to use to spend a month with the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Note the eBook can only be purchased direct from the publisher.

I can easily recommend this book, and look forward to others by Abbe Berlioux. This book would be a great read for any Catholic.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2025 Catholic Reading Plan! 

Books by Abbe Berlioux:

The Month of Mary: Practical Meditations for every Day of the Month of May

The Month of Holy Souls: Practical Meditations for Every Day of the Month of November

The Month of St. Joseph: Practical Meditations for each Day of the Month of March

Month of the Sacred Heart: Practical Meditations for Each Day of the Month of June

…

Survival - Gordon Korman - Island Series Book 2

Survival

Island Series Book 2

Gordon Korman

Scholastic Canada

ISBN 9781546131816

eISBN 9780545630757

ASIN B00CFTA3LA

This book was originally published in 2001 and went through a rebranding in 2024, I really love the rebranded covers, but the eBook editions still have the old covers. According to Goodreads there are 26 editions of the second volume in this series, including editions in English, French, Japanese, and Spanish. My introduction to Korman’s works was the 39 Clues back in 2009. Since then I have read 80 of his books including this volume. I am two thirds of the way thorough his canon, and have completed all the stand alone books and am now just working my way through the remaining series. Not counting omnibus editions I believe that as of the summer of 2025 Korman has published 109 books. With each that I read I am entertained and often challenged, and I am always entertained. I do plan on trying to read them all. My son, who is 17 often, reads these books to me or with me, and he still loves them. 

A description of this volume states:

“The second installment in the survival suspense series Island, from bestelling and award-winning author Gordon Korman

Six kids.

One shipwreck.

One desert island.

Stranded. Separated.

Six kids are stuck on a desert island. They have no food. No shelter. Nobody knows they are lost. They must take from the island in order to survive. But what if they're not alone?”

Each chapter title is a day and time; the first chapter is Day 1, 4:45 P.M. and the final chapter is Day 10, 11:35 A.M. The majority of the story follows four of the youth, as they try and survive on what at first they believe to be a deserted island. Luke Haggerty, Charla Swann, and Ian Sikorsky are trying to find sustenance, drinkable water, and build a shelter. Will Greenfield has been unconscious since before they washed ashore. When he comes to he has amnesia and flees from the other three believe it is a prank by his sister. Not able to risk their own lives the three decide the best they can do is survive and try and find a way to get recued, and through that find a way to help Will. 

Things do not go as they had hoped and on many occasions there are setbacks and trouble. When they see and hear a plane and it lands on a different side of the island, they go looking. But sometimes when you get hope and it is dashed it is even worse than not having any hope at all. But things are not all as they appear. And the youths are learning to work together and fight for survival.

This series is published as three short works, it is also published in an omnibus edition with all three stories in 1 volume. But what I like about the shorter versions is they are great for the classroom, or reluctant readers. This volume is short; but it keeps your attention, readers are drawn in through book one and are desperate for the final instalment by the end of this one. 

This story is another excellent read from Korman’s pen. 

I still have about 30 books from series left to read to have completed the canon of Korman’s works. I am grateful I finally gave this a read it is an excellent start to a series! This is a great volume than even reluctant readers will love this book and series.

 

Books by Gordon Korman:

Books by Gordon Korman:

MacDonald Hall Series:

This Can't Be Happening at Macdonald Hall  (1978)

Go Jump in the Pool (1979)

Beware the Fish!  (1980)

The Wizzle War (1982)

         (formerly The War With Mr. Wizzle)

The Zucchini Warriors (1988)

Light’s Camera, Disaster (1991)

          (aka Macdonald Hall Goes Hollywood)

The Jokes on Us (1995)

          (formerly Something Fishy at Macdonald Hall)

…

Bugs Potter Series:

Who is Bugs Potter? (1980)

Bugs Potter LIVE at Nickaninny (1983)

…

Jeremy Bloom Series:

The D−Poems of Jeremy Bloom (1992)

The Last-Place Sports Poems of Jeremy Bloom (1996)

…

Monday Night Football Series:

The Quarterback Exchange (1997)

Running Back Conversion (1997)

Super Bowl Switch (1997)

Heavy Artillery (1997)

Ultimate Scoring Machine (1998)

NFL Rules! Bloopers, Pranks, Upsets, and Touchdowns (1998)

…

Masterminds Series:

Masterminds (2015)

Masterminds: Criminal Destiny (2016)

Masterminds: Payback (2017)

…

Slapshots Series:

The Stars From Mars (1999)

All-Mars All-Stars/The Dream Team (1999)

The Face-off Phony (2000)

Cup Crazy (2000)

…

4-in-1 Slapshots: The Complete Collection (2008)

…

Nose Pickers Series:

Nose Pickers from Outer Space! (1999)

Planet of the Nose Pickers (2000)

Your Mummy Is a Nose Picker (2000)

Invasion of the Nose Pickers (2001)

…

4-in-1 The Ultimate Nose-Picker Collection (2006)

…

Island Series:

Shipwreck (2001)

Survival (2001)

Escape (2001)

…

3-in-1 Island Trilogy Collection (2006)

…

Son of the Mob Series:

Son of the Mob (2002)

Son of the Mob 2: Hollywood Hustle (2004)

…

Everest Series:

The Contest (2002)

The Climb (2002)

The Summit (2002)

…

Everest Trilogy Box Set (2002)

Dive Series:

The Discovery (2003)

The Deep (2003)

The Danger (2003)

…

On the Run Series:

Chasing the Falconers (2005)

The Fugitive Factor (2005)

Now You See Them, Now You Don't (2005)

The Stowaway Solution (2005)

Public Enemies (2005)

Hunting the Hunter (2006)

…

Kidnapped Series:

The Abduction (2006)

The Search (2006)

The Rescue (2006)

…

Swindle Series:

Swindle (2008)

Zoobreak (2009)

Framed (2010)

Showoff (2012)

Hideout (2013)

Jackpot (2014)

Unleashed (2015)

Jingle (2016)

…

Titanic Series:

Unsinkable (2011)

Collision Course (2011)

S.O.S (2011)

…

The 39 Clues Series:

One False Note (2008)

The Emperor's Code (2010)

Vespers Rising (2011)

The Medusa Plot (2011)

Flashpoint (2014)

…

Hypnotists Series:

The Hypnotists (2013)

Memory Maze (2014)

The Dragonfly Effect (2015)

…

Ungifted Series:

Ungifted (2012)

Supergifted (2018)

Hypergifted (2026)

…

Slacker Series:

Slacker (2016)
Level 13 (2019)

...

Non Series Books:

I Want to Go Home! (1981)

Our Man Weston (1982)

No Coins, Please (1984)

Don't Care High (1985)

Son of Interflux (1986)

A Semester in the Life of a Garbage Bag (1987)

Radio 5th Grade (1989)

Losing Joe's Place (1990)

The Twinkie Squad (1992)

The Toilet Paper Tigers (1993)

Why Did the Underwear Cross the Road (1994)

The Chicken Doesn't Skate (1996)

Liar, Liar Pants on Fire (1997)

The Sixth Grade Nickname Game (1998)

No More Dead Dogs (2000)

Maxx Comedy: The Funniest Kid in America (2003) 

Jake, Reinvented (2003)

Born To Rock (2006)

Schooled (2007)

The Juvie Three (2008)

Pop (2009)

Restart (2017)

What's His Face? (2018)

The Unteachables (2019)

Notorious (2019)

War Stories (2020)

Game On (contains The Chicken Doesn’t Skate and The Toilet Paper Tigers (2021)

Unplugged (2021)

Linked (2021)

Operation Do-Over (2022)

The Fort (2022)

The Super Teacher Project (2023)

Mixed Up (2023)

Slugfest (2024)

Faker (2024)

Old School (2025)

Snoop (2025)

… 

Gordon Korman - Sheelagh Matthews - Remarkable Writers 

Gordon Korman Children’s Storytellers - Chris Bowman

...

The Note - Alafair Burke

The Note

Alafair Burke

Knopf

Penguin Random House Canada

ISBN 9798217014392

eISBN 9780593537091

ASIN B0D1QDBZ4N

My father has been recommending the works of James Lee Burke and Alafair Burke for a while now, and I had yet to get around to reading one. I was recently looking at some challenges on Good Reads and decided to give this one a go. The description of this volume states:

“It was meant to be a harmless prank.

Growing up, May Hanover was a good girl, always. Well-behaved, top of her class, a compulsive rule-follower. Raised by a first-generation Chinese single mother with high expectations, May didn’t have room to slip up, let alone fail. Her friends didn’t call her the Little Sheriff for nothing.

But even good girls have secrets. And regrets. When it comes to her friendship with Lauren and Kelsey, she's had her fair share of both. Their bond—forged when May was just twelve years old—has withstood a tragic accident, individual scandals, heartbreak and loss. Now the three friends have reunited for the first time in years for a few days of sun and fun in the Hamptons. But a chance encounter with a pair of strangers leads to a drunken prank that goes horribly awry.

When she finds herself at the center of an urgent police investigation, May begins to wonder whether Lauren and Kelsey are keeping secrets from her, testing the limits of her loyalty to lifelong friends.

What had they gone and done?

The Note is a page-turner of the highest order from one of our greatest contemporary suspense writers.”

The premise of this story was interesting. And the execution well written. Three old friends, a prank, a missing man, and soon another body. Each of the three friends have been through the wringer before, cancelled by social media culture. May's character stood out and was the most relatable, the two friends however Lauren and  Kelsey seem more like grown up Mean Girls. The story focused a lot on the pandemic and it’s impact on the three, especially May.

In some ways this novel felt ‘too soon’. It was very close to ending up on my 'Did Not Finish' pile. I am glad I saw it through, even though I had it figured out before the reveal. It is an interesting mystery and decent beach or summer read. I would be more than willing to give another of Alafair’s books a read.

Books by Alafair Burke:

Samantha Kincaid Series:

Judgment Calls 

Missing Justice 

Close Case 

…

Ellie Hatcher Series:

Dead Connection 

Angel's Tip 

212 

Never Tell 

All Day and a Night 

Find Me

… 

Under Suspicion Series:

The Cinderella Murder 

All Dressed in White 

The Sleeping Beauty Killer 

Every Breath You Take 

You Don't Own Me 

Piece of My Heart

… 

Other Works:

Winning 

Long Gone 

The Mother 

Long Gone 

If You Were Here 

The Ex 

The Wife

The Better Sister 

Find Me 

Where Are the Children Now 

The Note 

…

The Climb - Gordon Korman - Everest Book 2

The Climb

Everest Book 2

Gordon Korman

Scholastic Canada

ISBN 9780545392334

eISBN 9780545666374

ASIN B00E9BJ8JK

This book was originally published in 2002, unlike the other 2 trilogies that published around the same time; the Island Series or the Dive Series, this series has not gone through a rebranding in 2025. Though there are a couple different versions of the cover of book one, one in brown and the current in blue. According to Goodreads there are 24 editions of the first volume in this series, including editions in English, French, Dutch, Italian, and Spanish editions listed. My introduction to Korman’s works was the 39 Clues back in 2009. Since then I have read 65 of his books including this volume, a few of them more than once. I set the goal of reading all his books about 2020. I am over half way thorough his canon, and have completed all the stand alone books and am now just working my way through the remaining series. Not counting omnibus editions I believe that as of the summer of 2025 Korman has published 109 books. With each that I read I am entertained and often challenged, and I am always entertained. My son, who is 17 often, reads these books to me or with me, and he still loves them. 

One description of this volume states:

“A thrilling adventure trilogy from Gordon Korman that follows a group of young climbers to the top of Mt. Everest!

The height of danger. Everest. The ultimate climb. The greatest of risks. Four kids are on a quest to reach the top-and none of them are among the four anyone expected to be there when Summit Athletic started the contest to bring the youngest team of climbers to the peak. Their ascent is not easy. The weather is harsh, and the competition is even harsher. Then the unexpected happens, and the climbing contest becomes a life-or-death rescue mission. With thinning air-and on thin ice-no one is guaranteed to survive.”

another states:

“A thrilling adventure trilogy from Gordon Korman about a number of kids competing to be the youngest person to ever reach the top of Mt. Everest

Four kids. One mountain.

The youngest expedition ever to attempt an Everest climb has begun. But the trouble starts long before they reach the summit. Competition is fierce. Conditions are harsh. And the trek from Base Camp proves a challenge that not all the contestants can meet...with disastrous results. And then the storm hits...”

The story begins with a prologue. That prologue begins with:

“Dominic Alexis was waiting his turn to use the airplane bathroom when he got his first glimpse of Mount Everest.

Standing there in the narrow aisle of the 747, he froze, gawking out the porthole in the emergency door. To the north rose the jagged, icy spires of the Himalayas, the highest mountain range on the face of the earth. And right in the heart of it, the giant among giants — barely lower than the cruising altitude of the plane — Everest.

There should be trumpets, he thought reverently. A fanfare. Fireworks.”

It concludes with:

“Dominic’s eyes never left the mountain. “You’re crazy if you’re not a little bit scared.”

“I’m just amped,” said Sammi. “I can’t believe we’re really on our way!”

They squinted through the clouds, trying to discern the summit — the object of years of climbing and months of preparation.

What Dominic, Tilt, Sammi, and Perry could not know was that the mist-obscured peak was more than a goal. For one of the four team members, it would be a final resting place.”

From the very beginning of book one we know this is a tragic tale, and we are reminded again with the prologue of this instalment in the story. This second instalment in the series begins with Dominic, Tilt, Sammi, and Perry  heading to Everest to summit the mountain sponsored by Summit Athletic Fuel and Energy Bars. The goal is to be the youngest to ever summit. Sammi is she makes it will be the youngest women to ever reach the peak, and all three guys are in the running. If the whole team makes it Dominic will set the record.

But all is not as it appears on the team. One of their members wants the glory for themselves; and is even trying to sabotage the chances of one of the other climbers. With some misdirection they are even able to throw some shade on someone climbing with a different team who bailed on being part of this climb. 

The main events in this instalment of the series are their arrival, and slow progress up the mountain to get acclimatized. One of the team suffers altitude sickness and for a while it looks like they will not even reach base camp. After a tragic accident with another team, the group attempts two different heroic rescues. One group breaking explicit instructions. To find out what happens read this excellent volume in this intense and thrilling series.

It is a strong instalment in the story in the adventure story of the four young climbers that young readers will love. Heck I am in my mid-fifties and I am loving it. This series is published as three short works; it is also published in an omnibus edition with all three stories in 1 volume. Unfortunately that 3 in1 edition is out of print and it looks like it was never released as an eBook. What I like about the shorter versions, is they are great for the classroom, or reluctant readers. This volume is another short read, it really grabs your attention, and draws you in, and it leaves you desperate for the final piece of the story. As mentioned this is one of a few series written around the same time, in a similar format. If you love it check ou the Dive, Island, or even the Titanic series as well. 

A great read from Korman’s masterful pen. 

I still have 32 books from series left to read to have completed the canon of Korman’s works. I am grateful I finally gave this series a read; I look forward to the final offering in the trilogy, and finishing the other 3 trilogies as well. It is an intense read in an exciting series! 

Books by Gordon Korman:

MacDonald Hall Series:

This Can't Be Happening at Macdonald Hall  (1978)

Go Jump in the Pool (1979)

Beware the Fish!  (1980)

The Wizzle War (1982)

         (formerly The War With Mr. Wizzle)

The Zucchini Warriors (1988)

Light’s Camera, Disaster (1991)

          (aka Macdonald Hall Goes Hollywood)

The Jokes on Us (1995)

          (formerly Something Fishy at Macdonald Hall)

…

Bugs Potter Series:

Who is Bugs Potter? (1980)

Bugs Potter LIVE at Nickaninny (1983)

…

Jeremy Bloom Series:

The D−Poems of Jeremy Bloom (1992)

The Last-Place Sports Poems of Jeremy Bloom (1996)

…

Monday Night Football Series:

The Quarterback Exchange (1997)

Running Back Conversion (1997)

Super Bowl Switch (1997)

Heavy Artillery (1997)

Ultimate Scoring Machine (1998)

NFL Rules! Bloopers, Pranks, Upsets, and Touchdowns (1998)

…

Masterminds Series:

Masterminds (2015)

Masterminds: Criminal Destiny (2016)

Masterminds: Payback (2017)

…

Slapshots Series:

The Stars From Mars (1999)

All-Mars All-Stars/The Dream Team (1999)

The Face-off Phony (2000)

Cup Crazy (2000)

…

4-in-1 Slapshots: The Complete Collection (2008)

…

Nose Pickers Series:

Nose Pickers from Outer Space! (1999)

Planet of the Nose Pickers (2000)

Your Mummy Is a Nose Picker (2000)

Invasion of the Nose Pickers (2001)

…

4-in-1 The Ultimate Nose-Picker Collection (2006)

…

Island Series:

Shipwreck (2001)

Survival (2001)

Escape (2001)

…

3-in-1 Island Trilogy Collection (2006)

…

Son of the Mob Series:

Son of the Mob (2002)

Son of the Mob 2: Hollywood Hustle (2004)

…

Everest Series:

The Contest (2002)

The Climb (2002)

The Summit (2002)

…

Everest Trilogy Box Set (2002)

Dive Series:

The Discovery (2003)

The Deep (2003)

The Danger (2003)

…

On the Run Series:

Chasing the Falconers (2005)

The Fugitive Factor (2005)

Now You See Them, Now You Don't (2005)

The Stowaway Solution (2005)

Public Enemies (2005)

Hunting the Hunter (2006)

…

Kidnapped Series:

The Abduction (2006)

The Search (2006)

The Rescue (2006)

…

Swindle Series:

Swindle (2008)

Zoobreak (2009)

Framed (2010)

Showoff (2012)

Hideout (2013)

Jackpot (2014)

Unleashed (2015)

Jingle (2016)

…

Titanic Series:

Unsinkable (2011)

Collision Course (2011)

S.O.S (2011)

…

The 39 Clues Series:

One False Note (2008)

The Emperor's Code (2010)

Vespers Rising (2011)

The Medusa Plot (2011)

Flashpoint (2014)

…

Hypnotists Series:

The Hypnotists (2013)

Memory Maze (2014)

The Dragonfly Effect (2015)

…

Ungifted Series:

Ungifted (2012)

Supergifted (2018)

Hypergifted (2026)

…

Slacker Series:

Slacker (2016)
Level 13 (2019)

...

Non Series Books:

I Want to Go Home! (1981)

Our Man Weston (1982)

No Coins, Please (1984)

Don't Care High (1985)

Son of Interflux (1986)

A Semester in the Life of a Garbage Bag (1987)

Radio 5th Grade (1989)

Losing Joe's Place (1990)

The Twinkie Squad (1992)

The Toilet Paper Tigers (1993)

Why Did the Underwear Cross the Road (1994)

The Chicken Doesn't Skate (1996)

Liar, Liar Pants on Fire (1997)

The Sixth Grade Nickname Game (1998)

No More Dead Dogs (2000)

Maxx Comedy: The Funniest Kid in America (2003) 

Jake, Reinvented (2003)

Born To Rock (2006)

Schooled (2007)

The Juvie Three (2008)

Pop (2009)

Restart (2017)

What's His Face? (2018)

The Unteachables (2019)

Notorious (2019)

War Stories (2020)

Game On (contains The Chicken Doesn’t Skate and The Toilet Paper Tigers (2021)

Unplugged (2021)

Linked (2021)

Operation Do-Over (2022)

The Fort (2022)

The Super Teacher Project (2023)

Mixed Up (2023)

Slugfest (2024)

Faker (2024)

Old School (2025)

Snoop (2025)

… 

Gordon Korman - Sheelagh Matthews - Remarkable Writers 

Gordon Korman Children’s Storytellers - Chris Bowman

...