Why Did the Underwear Cross the Road? - Gordon Korman

Why Did the Underwear Cross the Road?

Gordon Korman

Scholastic Canada

ISBN 9780590475020

ISBN 9780590475013

This was the 50th volume I have read from the masterful pen of Gordon Korman. My son who is 16 still loves his books, my daughter in 13 picks and chooses, But I am trying to work my way through his complete catalogue, in my 50’s. 

Most of the titles by Korman I have read, I read over the last 5 year. I had read a few back in 2009 when the 39 Clues first came out. I do not recall reading any when I was young, but with my dual form of dyslexia I did not read many Children’s or Middle Grade books. It was only later I learned to really read. 

My son and I started reading Gordon Korman books together five years ago, when he was given one as an end of year gift by his teacher. She gave the whole class the same Scholastic edition and wrote a note to each student in their copy of the book.

When reading Korman books; some he reads to me, some we use adaptive technology and listen to in the car, and some I just read on my own. This one we read over three sittings. 

The description of this book states:

“Fourth-grader Justin Zeckendorf has tons of ideas for scoring the most points in the Good Deed Contest, especially since the prize is a trip to the Tidal Wave Water Park. But his problem is his team -- Jessica Zander and Margaret Zachary are two of the drippiest girls on the planet. And Justin's crazy plans always seem to backfire, earning the team negative points!

Korman's trademark zany style -- short, snappy, and fun -- makes this book perfect for middle-grade readers, avid and not-so-avid alike.”

According to Goodreads there are over 6 editions of this book, as of the writing of this review. In Canada the original publisher was Scholastic, in 1994 and the most recent reprint with a new cover was in 2003. To date there has not been an eBook edition of this story.

This was one of those Korman stories that has some in fact there are a lot of laughs as the Z’s attempt to do grandiose good deeds keep backfiring with serious consequences! From creating an incredible traffic incident with an old lady’s bloomers blowing all over the street and even causing an accident. Flooding a house not realizing a window was open when they went to clean it. To training the wrong kindergartners for the sports day. One mix-up after the other and soon they have more negative points the first place has positive. But with the goal of try, try again they just might be able to turn it around. To find out if and maybe how read this fun story. 

This was another really fun story and one that I can easily recommend. Another great Middle Grade read from 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)

Ouch I got slapped (2023)

…

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)

…

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 

...

Born to Do This 30 Days with Joan of Arc - Jaymie Stuart Wolfe - Great Spiritual Teachers Series

Born to Do This: 30 Days with Joan of Arc

Great Spiritual Teachers

Jaymie Stuart Wolfe (Editor)

Ave Maria Press

ISBN 9781646803606 

eISBN 9781646803613 

ASIN B0CW1KBKWM

I immediately added this volume to my wish list upon first seeing it. I was drawn to it for a few reasons. First I have had a personal devotion to Saint Jon for a few years, second my youngest daughter had picked Joan as her confirmation saint and we have read a few volumes about her over the last 2 years. It is an amazing little volume; I had picked up the eBook edition for myself, and only 2 days in showed it to my daughter and ordered her a physical copy of the book.

The description of this volume states:

“Born to Do This is a personal, thirty-day retreat for those seeking the courage and faith that St. Joan of Arc exemplified throughout her life. Six hundred years after her birth and a century after her canonization, she remains one of the most intriguing and popular saints in history.

In this easy-to-use devotional, the life and words of St. Joan of Arc will help you to grow in courageous faith—the kind of faith that empowered St. Joan to answer God’s call, defeat her enemies, endure martyrdom, and ultimately restore her reputation. With diverse patronages ranging from the United States Armed Forces to prisoners, from those ridiculed for their faith to the entire population of France, this icon of courage and women’s empowerment captures the imagination of today’s Catholic like few saints can.

This little book is perfect for busy people who admire St. Joan of Arc and desire an inspirational read to help navigate the difficulties and challenges of life. The book contains

     • a timeline of important events in Joan’s life and a map of containing important landmarks associated with Joan’s life,

     • a brief introduction to her life and times, and

     • daily opportunities to read, reflect, and pray over her words and story, contained in short yet substantial morning and evening reflections drawn from court transcripts and other contemporary documents.

 

As the six hundredth anniversary of her martyrdom approaches, the inclusion of the Maid of Orleans in Ave’s Great Spiritual Teachers series brings the inspiration of St. Joan’s own words and life story to those who admire her courage and hope to emulate her in virtue. A special novena is included at the end of the book for those who wish to invoke her intercession.”

About the series we are informed:

“Each book in the Great Spiritual Teachers series provides a month of daily readings from one of Christianity’s most beloved spiritual guides. These easy-to-use books are the perfect prayer companion for busy people who want to root their spiritual practice in the solid ground of these great spiritual teachers.”

I believe there are 15 volumes in this series currently in print, and a number that are currently out of print, The oldest I have seen are from the mid 90’s and it looks like they went through a rebinding and format change in the mid 00’s, and they have undergone yet another rebranding in the 2020’s including this title I believe the most recent available in the series. I must admit I do not recall running across this series prior to this volume, but have added a number of them to my ‘to be read list’. I love the most recent rebranding, and hope Ave Maria completes the rebranding across all volumes. But back to this work.

While reading this I only highlighted a few passages, they were:

“Her men loved her. Her enemies envied her. Joan was inspiring, but she was also controversial. Consequently, she suffered persecution, as have many mystics before her and since.”

“Because both public and private interrogations were officially recorded, we can hear Joan speak for herself. And while we will also listen to the eyewitness testimony of some who knew her, listening to Joan is the purpose of this book.”

“Joan of Arc has been celebrated as a national hero since her first victory in 1429. The city of Orléans, France, has held an annual parade in her honor since 1435, less than five years after her death. This tradition has continued, with few interruptions, for nearly six hundred years. Joan was officially vindicated and declared a martyr by the Church in 1456.”

“Joan of Arc’s brief life can be envisioned in three acts: Mysticism, Mission, and Martyrdom. Over the next thirty days, we will accompany her in those three aspects of her story—and invite her to accompany us with the hope that the courageous faith we admire in her will become our own.”

“We have some suggestions for how you can make the most of this journey. But keep in mind that these books are meant to help you experience the freedom and joy of communing with God in prayer. The daily format is there to help—but don’t hesitate to go at your own pace or take your own route! Repeat a day as often as you like, or skip a day if the reading isn’t resonating with where you are in your journey. The goal is to hear the voice of God through the words of the saints.”

“We’ve chosen to follow the suggestion of the classic book on spirituality The Cloud of Unknowing, which describes a three-part movement of reading, reflecting, and praying: “These three are so linked together that there can be no profitable reflection without first reading or hearing. Nor will beginners or even the spiritually adept come to true prayer without first taking time to reflect on what they have heard or read.””

“Lord, 

Sometimes, I don’t say the things that should be said, 

or hesitate to ask for forgiveness because I fear rejection. 

Instruct me in your ways, Lord. 

Sustain me when I do not understand exactly what you are asking of me. 

Give me a heart that is quick to obey. 

Correct me when my judgment is in error. 

Keep me from sin. 

Lord, teach me to know your commands. 

Inspire me with the urgency of your purpose. 

Empower me to overcome any obstacles that arise. 

Reassure me when I am uncertain. 

Reveal the nature of true obedience to me. 

Prepare me to accept any sacrifices I must make. 

Show me how to keep your will at the center of my life. 

Reign as king over all my decisions and deeds. 

And keep me always in your service. 

Amen. 

Joan of Arc Pray for us.”

“St. Joan of Arc 

Like you, we want to be faithful to the promises of our baptism; guide us.  

We want to discern the will of God to accomplish it; enlighten us.  

We desire to follow the standard of Christ to extend his reign over our lives, our homeland, and the Church; go before us.  

We implore you for the salvation of our country and our souls; pray for us.  

Amen.”

Both of those prayers I immediately added to my Daily Prayer List one in the morning and one in the afternoon. I found this an incredible little volume to work through. It was hard to stay at a chapter a day.  It was deeply moving and brought Joan’s life and holiness even more clearly into focus for me. I know I will return and read this volume again and will read others in this series. There are so many lessons we could learn from Joan’s life and example and apply to our own life. Mike Aqulina states about this volume that:

“From the life of an extraordinary saint, we can learn lessons for ordinary life. This book helps us see the adventure we’re living every day—in temptations, in spiritual warfare, and in the company of angels. St. Joan teaches us to listen in our prayer and open our eyes to the world as it really is.”

And I completely agree. It is an excellent volume any Catholic would benefit from reading. I can easily recommend this volume and look forward to reading it again and reading others in the series.

Relates posts and links:

Prayer of the Day Posts

Prayer Book Reviews

My Prayer Notebook. 

My Daily Prayer List April 2024

...

Other books about Joan of Arc:

Coached By Joan of Arc - Alexandre Havard

Joan of Arc - Paul Dunn and Colin Jeffery - CTS Biographies

Saint Joan of Arc: God's Soldier - Susan Helen Wallace – Encounter the Saints

Saint Joan The Girl Soldier - Louis de Wohl – Vision Books

Joan of Arc The Maid of Orléans - Andrew Votipka

Joan of Arc The Girl Who Fought For France - Jeannie Meekins

Born to Do This 30 Days with Joan of Arc - Jaymie Stuart Wolfe - Great Spiritual Teachers Series

…

Prayer of the Day Prayer to Joan of Arc

9 Year Novena Prayer to Saint Joan of Arc 

...

Books in the Great Spiritual Teachers Series:

Abide in love: the Gospel spirituality of John the Evangelist – John Kirvan

All Will Be Well - Julian of Norwich and John Kirvan

Born to Do This - Joan of Arc and Jaymie Stuart Wolfe

Come into the Silence - Thomas Merton

Draw Ever Closer - Henri J. M. Nouwen and Robert M. Hamma 

Fear Not the Night - John of the Cross and John Kirvan

Grace Through Simplicity - Evelyn Underhill and John Kirvan

Let Nothing Disturb You - Teresa of Avila and John Kirvan 

Let There Be Light - Hildegard of Bingen and John Kirvan

Living in the Presence of God - Brother Lawrence and John Kirvan

Love Without Measure - Mother Teresa and John Kirvan

Peace of Heart - Saint Francis of Assisi and John Kirvan

Rejoice in the Lord - Augustine of Hippo and Trenton Mattingly 

Set Aside Every Fear - Catherine of Siena and John Kirvan 

Set Your Heart Free - Francis de Sales and John Kirvan

Simply Surrender - Thérèse of Lisieux and John Kirvan 

That you may have life: let the mystics be your guide for Lent - John Kirvan

True Serenity - Thomas a Kempis and John Kirvan

We Are Beloved - Thea Bowman and Karianna Frey MS

Where Only Love Can Go - The Cloud of Unknowing and John Kirvan 

You Shall Not Want: The Psalms - Richard Chilson

…

Books by Jaymie Stuart Wolfe:

Mary and the Little Shepherds of Fatima

Praying with the Holy Father

The Wonder Within

Expecting a Miracle: A Companion Through Pregnancy

Born to Do This: 30 Days with Joan of Arc

The Call to Adoption: Becoming Your Child's Family

Adoption: Room for One More?

…

Books Edited by Jaymie Stuart Wolfe:

Honoring Mary with the Holy Father

The Mass Explained for Kids

Family Matters - Thirteen Short Stories

…

Books contributed to by Jaymie Stuart Wolfe:

Jorge from Argentina

The Ave Prayer Book for Catholic Mothers

…

The Catholic Youth Prayer Book, Second Edition - Mary Shrader, Laure L. Krupp, Robert Feduccia Jr., Matthew J. Miller

The Catholic Youth Prayer Book, Second Edition 

Mary Shrader

Laure L. Krupp

Robert Feduccia Jr.

Matthew J. Miller   

Saint Mary's Press 

ISBN 9781599823331

eISBN 9781599826479

ASIN B00FK8ML7C

Over the last year my son took part if the Frassati Leadership Program in the Diocese of Hamilton. One of their graduation gifts was a physical copy of this book. It looked really good so I picked up the eBook edition and worked my way though it over a few months. It is a great resource, while researching for this review I discovered there is also a “Teaching Activities Manual for The Catholic Youth Prayer Book” that could take this book to the next level in the church or school setting.

The description of this volume states:

“Help youth understand the meaning of Christian prayer. Introduce them to traditional and devotional prayers of the Church, as well as to contemporary styles and methods. Assist youth in developing the habit of daily prayer. This all-in-one resource for prayer forms was specially written for teens, in the PRAY IT! STUDY IT! LIVE IT!® model, like The Catholic Youth Bible® and The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth. It is the most expansive prayer book for teens. But The Catholic Youth Prayer Book does more than teach about prayer. It helps teens become prayerful people.

Here's what's new!

• An easy-to-use index and improved navigational features have been added to enable young people to find prayers quickly and easily.

• Many additional prayers have been added to address any situation young people may encounter in their day-to-day lives.

• Additional chapters were added that include prayers that can be used for special occasions such as Confirmation preparation and celebration, and prayers to open or close meetings.”

The chapters and sections in this book are:

Introduction

Part I

Chapter 1: Prayers through the Day

Chapter 2: Prayers for Life Events

Chapter 3: Opening and Closing Prayers

Chapter 4: Blessing Prayers

Part II

Chapter 5: Prayers and Devotions to Mary

Chapter 6: Prayers about the Holy Spirit

Chapter 7: Prayers from the Saints

Chapter 8: Creeds and Devotions

Chapter 9: Prayers That Express Our Love for God

Chapter 10: Prayers from around the World

Part III

Chapter 11: Praying the Lord’s Prayer

Chapter 12: Praying with Scripture: Lectio Divina

Chapter 13: Praying with Guided Meditation

Chapter 14: Prayer and Journaling

Part IV

Chapter 15: Liturgical Prayer

Chapter 16: A Four-Week Psalter

Acknowledgments

It has both:

Nihil Obstat: Rev. Timothy J. Hall, STL

Censor Librorum

December 20, 2012

Imprimatur: † Most Rev. John M. Quinn

Bishop of Winona

December 20, 2012

The introduction begins with a prayer:

Why We Pray

I asked God for strength, that I might achieve;

I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey.

I asked for health, that I might do great things;

I was given sickness, that I might do better things.

I asked for riches, that I might be happy;

I was given poverty, that I might be wise.

I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men;

I was given weakness, that I might feel the need for God.

I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life;

I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.

I received nothing I asked for—but everything I hoped for.

Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayer was answered;

I am, among all men, most richly blessed.

—Unknown Confederate Soldier

The introduction ends with these words:

“This book’s table of contents gives an overview of the prayers and prayer forms in this book. In addition to the prayers in each chapter, you will also find sidebar notes called Study It!, Pray It!, and Live It!

Study It!

Prayer has a deep history in our Catholic faith and is a rich part of our Tradition. The Study It! sidebar notes help you learn about prayer in general or describe the origins of certain prayers.

Pray It!

Look for ways to be inspired in your own prayer life. Maybe you will discover new ways to pray either individually or with your family, friends, and community.

Live It!

Read about the prayer lives of the saints. People’s stories can help us learn more about the value of prayer and can inspire us to live a prayerful life focused on God’s will for us. Listen to the lives of others. Think about how you incorporate prayer into your own life. If you have so much as uttered the words “But I don’t know how to pray,” then you are already on the way to learning how to pray. At the very least, prayer is talking to God, and there is no right or wrong way to do that. This book will introduce you to many great ways to pray. Just ask God to guide you, and God will plant the seeds of deeper prayer in your heart.”

One of the chapters I was most impress with was the section on Liturgical Prayer. It is about a quarter of the book and teaches Liturgy of the hours I would have loved to have learned this when in my teens or as a young adult. 

Overall this is an excellent prayer book. It is written for youth but could benefit any Catholic. There is a good mix of teaching sections, and actual prayers. Some of the side notes are wonderful as well. It is a great volume I can easily recommend.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2024 Catholic Reading Plan! 

Saints Around the World Early Reader Collection - Meg Hunter-Kilmer and Lindsey Sanders

Saints Around the World Early Reader Collection 

Meg Hunter-Kilmer

Lindsey Sanders (illustrator)

Emmaus Road Publishing

ISBN 9781645854265

I recently received the 6 volumes in this set to review. The volumes are:

Adventurous 

Ordinary 

Royal and Warrior

Talented 

Unshakable 

Young Saints 

These 6 volumes are geared for younger readers. They are a very high quality picture book. The six books are available individually or as a set. There is a volume that was released in 2021 by the same author and illustrator called Saints Around the World, that could be read to the same audience as this volume but it is much more in-depth and has significantly more information on each of the 100 saints covered in the volume. The description of this volume states:

“Saints Around the World Early Reader Collection includes all six books authored by Meg Hunter-Kilmer and Illustrated by Lindsey Sanders. Each book features the stories of fifteen saints—young, adventurous, ordinary, royal and warrior, talented, and unshakable—with 32-page full color illustrations.

Young Saints Around the World showcases young saints who accomplished much in their very short lives.

Adventurous Saints Around the World compiles the stories of adventurous saints and shows how serving God is the greatest thrill of all.

Ordinary Saints Around the World features short stories that show children that no life is too ordinary for extraordinary holiness.

Royal and Warrior Saints Around the World show how great heroes can also be holy

Talented Saints Around the World depict saints using their remarkable skills to spread God’s message in many times and places.

Unshakable Saints Around the World teaches children to never let go of God’s hand—despite danger, doubts, and other challenges.

Recommended for ages 4-8.”

About the author we are informed:

“Meg Hunter-Kilmer is a speaker, a writer, and a missionary who has lived out of her car since 2012. Meg loves telling stories, learning about Saints, reading the Bible, and watching the Olympics. She is a proud godmother of ten and aunt of an ever-increasing crew of incredible nieces and nephews.”

About the illustrator we are informed:

“Lindsey Sanders is the creator of AlmondRod Toys, an online shop that sells Catholic toys designed by Lindsey herself. She has seven kids who she homeschools in Grand Rapids, Michigan.”

There is no table of contents nor even pages numbers which are the only draw backs I see to this book and the 6 in the series. If you wanted to find a specific saint you would need to flip through looking for them. That being said this is an excellent volume and series. We have given a set of them to our Catholic School Library. The physical books are well made, and designed to last a long time and for heavy use. They are beautiful hardcovers with solid stitching. I bent the books flat to scan a couple sample pages and there is no indication I did so. I believe the artwork is either watercolours or water colour pencils. The artwork is stunning. The artist sells blocks with images from the books, for teaching children, and other resources to support learning about saints. I wish she sold a set of them as prayer cards, I would buy a set for myself and 2 of my teen children who love collecting prayer cards. I would also love prints of a couple of the images to be able to hang in my den.

Each 2 page spread includes:

Name of the Saint or Blessed

Pronunciation Guide to the name

Brief introduction to them

A key point to learn from them

Then the country, dates and feast day.

A world map with a star marker for where they were from.

There is also available a Saints Around the World Map & Sticker Set that contains stickers for all the saints in the series. The inside cover of each volume shows where the saints for that volume come from. It would be an excellent supplement for home or classroom use. The saints by volume are:

Adventurous 

Blessed Peter Kasui Kibe

Saint Dulce Pontes

Blessed Emilian Kovch

Saint Damien of Molokai

Saint María Antonia de Paz y Figueroa

Saint Laura Montoya

Saint Joseph Vaz

Blessed Ladislaus Bukowinski

Blessed Sara Salkaházi

Blessed Victoire Rasoamanarivo

Barnabas

Blessed Maria Therese von Wüllenweber

Blessed Vasyl Velychkovsky

Blessed Peter To Rot

Saint Rafael Guízar y Valencia

Ordinary 

Saint Agatha Kim A-gi

Saint André Bessette

Saint Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin

Saint Faustina Kowalska

Saint Nina of Georgia

Blessed Stanley Rother

Saint Lorenzo Ruiz

Saint Alphonsa Muttathupadathu

Blessed Laurentia Herasymiv

Blessed Ceferino Giménez Malla

Saint Martha Wang Luo Mande

Blessed Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi

Blessed Rani Maria Vattalil

Blessed John Sullivan

Peter Wu Guosheng

Royal and Warrior

Saint Adelaide of Burgundy

Blessed Takayama Ukon

Saint Casilda of Toledo

Saint Raphael Kalinowski

Saint Augustine Phan Viết Huy

Saint Dominic Đinh Đạt

Saint Nicholas Bùi Ðúc Thê´

Saint Olga of Kiev

Saint Kaleb the Ethiopian

Saint James Intercisus

Rosalia of Palermo

Blessed Ceferino Namuncurá

Blessed Margaret Pole

Saint Pulcheria

Saint Moses the Strong

Saint Albert Chmielowski

Virgin Mary

Talented

Blessed Denis of the Nativity

Blessed Dina Bélanger

Blessed Benedict Daswa

Blessed Concepción Cabrera de Armida

Blessed Nicolas Steno

Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein)

Blessed Francisca de Paula de Jesus

Blessed Hermann of Reichenau

Saint Hildegard of Bingen

Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara

Blessed María Romero Meneses

Saint Martin de Porres

Saint Jerome

Saint Macrina the Younger

Saint Thorlak Thorhallson

Unshakable 

Saint Josephine Bakhita

Saint John Colobus

Saint Leopold Mandić

Saint Mary MacKillop

Saint Oscar Romero

Blessed Ana of the Angels Monteagudo

Saint Margaret of Castello

Blessed Peter Donders

Saint Rafqa Pietra Choboq Ar-Rayès

Saint Monica

Blessed Nicholas Bunkerd Kitbamrung

Saint Columba of Iona

Saint Katharine Drexel

Saint Serapion the Sindonite

Saint Teresa of Calcutta

Young Saints

Blessed Carlo Acutis

Saint Kateri Tekakwitha

Blessed Marie-Clémentine Anuarite Nengapeta

Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati

Blessed Cecilia Butsi Wongwai

Blesseds Daudi Okelo and Jildo Irwa

Saint Germaine Cousin

Blessed Benedetta Bianchi Porro

Saints Perpetua and Felicity

Blessed Paul Thoj Xyooj

Saint Teresa of the Andes

Saint Eulalia of Mérida

Saint Joan of Arc

Saint Peter Yu Tae-chol

Saint Jacinta Marto

I have had the longer version of this book for a few years now, as well as Meg’s volume Pray for Us: 75 Saints Who Sinned, Suffered, and Struggled on Their Way to Holiness but after reading just one of these they have jumped way up in my ‘to be read’ pile. I look forward to reading Meg’s other works. I can easily recommend this  series for home, school, and church library. They are excellent for introducing children and even us older folks to a wide range of friends in heaven. A great series sure to become a family favourite!

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2024 Catholic Reading Plan! 

Books by Meg Hunter-Kilmer:

Pray for Us: 75 Saints Who Sinned, Suffered, and Struggled on Their Way to Holiness

A Year in the Word Catholic Bible Journal

…

Saints Around the World Books:

Saints Around the World

Saints Around the World Map & Sticker Set

…

Saints Around the World For Younger Readers:

Adventurous Saints Around the World

Ordinary Saints Around the World

Royal and Warrior Saints Around the World

Talented Saints Around the World

Unshakable Saints Around the World

Young Saints Around the World

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Saints Around the World Early Reader Collection

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Contributed to:

Living the Word Catholic Women's Bible

The Ave Catholic Notetaking

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Remembrance Day 2024 Lest We Forget

Remembrance Day 2024

Thank you to all the men and women who have served. May we always remember and honour your service and your sacrifice! To the families who have lost members either in the field of battle or who came home changed, thank you. 

When I was young I recall my grandmother always bought real poppies. She got a wreath to take to the memorial. She wore a real poppy. And she told stories about my grandfather, her siblings, friends, who had served. I now keep a poppy on my desk all year long to remember, and to pray for the fallen.  Over the last few years I have read amazing stories about Military Chaplains, their faith, their devotion, their heroism. 

Breaking the Bread: A Biblical Devotional for Catholics Year B - Scott Hahn and Ken Ogorek

Breaking the Bread: A Biblical Devotional for Catholics Year B

Scott Hahn

Ken Ogorek

Emmaus Road Publishing

St Paul Center

ISBN 9781645853480

eISBN 9781645853503

ASIN B0CLNH4FTK

Wow! This is an incredible volume. I somehow missed it when it came out last year. But this year the volume for Year C was recommended and I loved it, I read a handful and wanted to go back and get this volume. I will make sure next year I am keeping my eye out for Year A. This finishes in a 9 weeks from when it arrived. But I could not help but read it. I devoured it over a few days to get caught up. I can easily state this and the two companions would be excellent resources for any Catholic! And I plan on using them for a number of years to come.

The description of this volume states:

“As Catholics, we draw meaning and purpose from the celebration of the Mass each Sunday. But what if we could enhance our experience of the Mass with a better grasp on the readings we hear?

In Breaking the Bread, a beautiful, full-color, clothbound companion for the Sunday Mass, beloved Scripture scholar Scott Hahn reflects on the Sunday Mass readings, providing insightful context for all Catholics to better understand what we hear—and why we hear it—on any given Sunday.

This easy-to-use devotional also includes carefully selected passages from the Catechism that provide an overview of the Church’s basic doctrinal and moral teaching and challenge each of us to greater fidelity to Christ.

Breaking the Bread will help all Catholics make the most of Sunday Mass through reflections on Scripture, the Catechism, and short prayers to help one deepen their personal relationship with the living Word of God: Jesus Christ.

This edition of Breaking the Bread highlights the lectionary readings for Year B. Additional volumes for Year A and Year C are forthcoming.”

Over the last three years I have worked through volume from the Catholic Truth Society by Dom Henry Wansbrough OSB, Companion to the Sunday Gospels Year B, which are based on the Lectionary and scriptures used in England, Wales and Scotland. I was just finishing up the third volume when I was offered a review copy of the volume for Year C. And it was an easy choice to try a new volume from Scott Hahn. And this volume does not disappoint. A sample reflection is:

“Thirteenth Sunday In Ordinary Time

WISDOM 1:13-15; 2:23-24

PSALM 30:2, 4, 5 6, 11, 12, 13

2 CORINTHIANS 8:7, 9, 13-15

MARK 5:21-43 (OR 5:21-24, 35B-43)

Arise

God, who formed us in His imperishable image, did not intend for us to die, we hear in today's First Reading. Death entered the world through the devil's envy and Adam and Eve's sin; as a result, we are all bound to die. But in the moving story in today's Gospel, we see Jesus liberate a little girl from the possession of death.

On one level, Mark is recounting an event that led the disciples to understand Jesus' authority and power over even the final enemy, death (see i Corinthians 15:26). On another level, however, this episode is written to strengthen our hope that we also will be raised from the dead, along with all our loved ones who sleep in Christ (see 1Corinthians15:18).

Jesus commands the girl to "Arise!"- using the same Greek word the Apostles would later use to describe Jesus' own Resurrection (see Mark 16:6). And the consoling message of today's Gospel is that Jesus is the resurrection and the life. If we believe in Him, even though we die, we will live (see John 15:25- 26).

We are called to have the same faith as the parents in the Gospel today- praying for our loved ones, trusting in Jesus' promise that even death cannot keep us apart. Notice the parents follow Him even though those in their own house tell them there is no hope and even though others ridicule Jesus' claim that the dead have only fallen asleep (see 1 Thessalonians 4:13 - 18 ).

Already in Baptism we've been raised to new life in Christ. And the Eucharist, like the food given to the little girl today, is the pledge that He will raise us on the last day.

We should rejoice, as we sing in today's Psalm, that He has brought us up from the netherworld, the pit of death. And, as Paul exhorts in today's Epistle, we should offer our lives in thanksgiving for this gracious act, imitating Christ in our love and generosity for others.

~

If this child were not dead, it would be appropriate in our time for a priest to administer the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick. This sacrament is certainly not to be reserved only for times when death is imminent. Acting in the Person of Christ, priests anoint the seriously ill so that, if God wills it, they may get well and live.

Each time a Christian falls seriously ill, he

may receive the Anointing of the Sick, and

also when, after he has received it, the illness

worsens. (CCC 1529)

God's Son commands a little girl to arise. His healing grace allows this to occur. God does not command the impossible. Grace helps us fulfill His commandments.

What God commands he makes possible by his grace. (CCC 2082)

OUR SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST DESTROYED

DEATH AND BROUGHT LIFE TO LIGHT

THROUGH THE GOSPEL.

Cf. 2 TIMOTHY 1:10

Have I ever been ridiculed for my faith? What was my reaction? How does Jesus react in this Gospel passage? How might I become more like Him in this respect?

Have I ever been guilty of ridiculing another for her or his faith? What are the consequences of this kind of behavior? How can I be more loving toward Christians and people of other faiths? Heavenly Father, You heal me and give me new life throughout my earthly pilgrimage. Bless my family and friends, including those whose journey on earth has drawn to a close. Keep me in Your loving care until all the faithful are united in Your glorious presence forever. Amen.”

I hope that sample reflection give you a feel for this volume. Each reflection is between 3 and 5 pages. Spread throughout the volume are full page prints or artwork. Twenty-five in this volume to be specific. Also occasionally there are full page quotes to highlight specific passages on a coloured background. This is a well-made hardcover book. The cloth covers match the covers for the lectionary for that year being Green and Blue so far and I am assuming red for next year. Its compact size 5x7 inches makes it perfect for desk, prayer corner or bedside table. The pages are high quality semi glossy paper and will last for years to come. The only thing missing is a cloth bookmark to keep your place. 

I am typically an eBook guy, in part because of my dual form of dyslexia. But I plan to acquire both the physical and eBooks for this series and See myself using them year after year. 

This volume and set is one I can easily recommend. It will be a great addition to any Catholic’s prayer corner. It is a volume every home would be blessed by having a copy and reading it before attending church on Sunday. This is a great resource, I strongly encourage you to pick up a copy! It will be life changing. 

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2024 Catholic Reading Plan! For other reviews of books by Scott Hahn click here.

Books by Scott Hahn:
A Father Who Keeps His Promises
A Pocket Guide to Saint Paul
A Pocket Guide to the Bible
Angels and Saints: A Biblical Friendship with God's Holy Ones
Answering the New Atheism: Dismantling Dawkins's Case Against God
Catholic for a Reason
Consuming the Word: The New Testament and The Eucharist in the Early Church
Covenant and Communion
Evangelizing Catholics: A Mission Manual for the New Evangelization
First Comes Love: Finding Your Family in the Church and the TrinityHail, Holy Queen: The Mother of God in the Word of God

Holy Is His Name
Hope for Hard Times
Joy to the World: How Christ's Coming Changed Everything and Still Does
Kinship by Covenant: A Canonical Approach to the Fulfillment of God's Saving Promises

Letter and Spirit : From Written Text to Living Word in the Liturgy
Living the Mysteries - A Guide for Unfinished Christians
Lord Have Mercy: The Healing Power of Confession
Many Are Called: Rediscovering the Glory of the Priesthood
Ordinary Work, Extraordinary Grace
Politicizing the Bible: The Roots of Historical Criticism and the Secularization of Scripture 1300-1700
Reasons to Believe: How to Understand, Explain, and Defend the Catholic Faith
Rome Sweet Home
Scripture Matters
Signs of Life: 40 Catholic Customs and Their Biblical Roots
Swear to God : The Promise and Power of the Sacraments
The Creed: Professing the Faith Through the Ages
The Fourth Cup
The First Society
The Kingdom of God As Liturgical Empire
The Lamb's Supper: The Mass as Heaven on Earth
Understanding "Our Father"

Mary Mother of All

Breaking the Bread: A Biblical Devotional for Catholics Year B

Breaking the Bread: A Biblical Devotional for Catholics Year C

Breaking the Bread: A Biblical Devotional for Catholics Year A

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