Tuesday, 24 March 2026

Hypergifted - Gordon Korman - Ungifted Book 3

Hypergifted 
Ungifted Book 3
Gordon Korman
Scholastic
ISBN 9781039717312
eISBN 9781039717428
ASIN B0G8MS82WC

Hypergifted - Gordon Korman - Ungifted Book 3

I started reading Gordon Korman books again with my son. After we finished reading Restart, my son and I each picked the other books by him I picked up the eBooks, and we planned to work through them all. Last year I finished reading all of the published book by Korman, and have plans to go back and reread a few of them. My son still has about 30 of the 110 to go. This was Korman’s latest release published early in 2026.

But back to this specific volume; Supergifted. Like the first 2 books in this series, Ungifted, and many by Korman this is told is a series of first-person narratives from different characters perspectives.  The chapters in this volume are:

1: Hypergraduate - Donovan Curtis
2: Hypermisfit - Noah Youkilis
3: Hyperpiggy - Donovan Curtis
4: Hyperbaloney - Raina Overbrook
5: Hypersmitten - Noah Youkilis
6: Hyperpanic - Donovan Curtis
7: Hypercrushing - Noah Youkilis
8: Hyperboring - Darius Marshall
9: Hyperhelper - Raina Overbrook
10: Hyperjailbreak - Donovan Curtis
11: Hyperextended - Noah Youkilis
12: Hyperpoisonous - Donovan Curtis
13: Hyperfierce - Darius Marshall
14: Hyperpajamas - Noah Youkilis
15: Hyperwhosis - Donovan Curtis
16: Hypersecond-Banana - Dean Kendrick
17: Hyperbatty - Noah Youkilis
18: Hypermotherly - Arlene Pulaski
19: Hyperdisappointed - Raina Overbrook
20: Hypermountaineer - Donovan Curtis
21: Hypercurly - Darius Marshall
22: Hyperluna - Donovan Curtis
23: Hypernewsflash – Newspaper Article
24: Hyper32 - Noah Youkilis
25: Hypergravity - Raina Overbrook
26: Hyperchampions - Donovan Curtis
27: Hyperbackup - Dean Kendrick
28: Hyperparty - Darius Marshall
29: Hyperinspection - Noah Youkilis
30: Hyperdelivery - Donovan Curtis
31: Hyperhomecoming - President Aberfoyle
32: Hypergift - Donovan Curtis

About the author we are informed:

“GORDON KORMAN published his first book at age fourteen and since then has written more than one hundred middle grade and teen novels. Favorites include the New York Times bestselling-gifted series, Slugfest, Old School, and the Masterminds series. Gordon lives with his family on Long Island, New York. You can visit him online at his site.”

The description of this volume states:

“The guys from Ungifted and Supergifted are back in their final hilarious school adventure.

Donovan Curtis, Noah Youkilis and their friends from the Academy for Scholastic Distinction have graduated from middle school, so it's on to ninth grade for everyone . . . well, everyone except Noah. Because of his super-genius status, and much to his dismay, he's been graduated from high school as well, and is sent to a summer program at Wilberton University to acclimate him to campus life before enrolling as a freshman in September. He is allowed to bring one person with him, so of course he chooses Donovan, his very own conduit to the real world. Donovan is given a job as a camp counsellor for children of University staff. What could possibly go wrong?”

I have loved all three volumes in this series but this one really amps it up. A thirteen year old and his best friend on a college campus for the summer. Oh so many things can go wrong. Noah has been offered a full scholarship, and Donovan is hanging out for the summer to help him acclimatize to campus life. Noah has assignments, and classes, and Donovan has been forced to be a counsellor at the college run summer camp for younger children. He is just a LIT or CIT Leader in Training or Counsellor in Training and Raina who has been doing it for years this is her first year as a full leader and her experience is extremely underwhelming to begin. When you throw in a secret society, a frat house, and a piggy mascot only Korman could imaging where the story would go.

When you throw in an assignment to create an AI assignment that gets out of hand and you are in for a summer school story to outdo all others!

This is another story masterfully written by Korman. As someone who spent time with Special needs students who were gifted, and having spent 20 years as an undergrad, and had a roommate who started university at 16 twice, I can say this story is an epic book and does an amazing job of capturing these events. Wow what a story! I can easily recommend it.
 
Books by Gordon Korman:
MacDonald Hall Series:
         (formerly The War With Mr. Wizzle)
          (aka Macdonald Hall Goes Hollywood)
          (formerly Something Fishy at Macdonald Hall)
…

Bugs Potter Series:
…

Jeremy Bloom Series:
…

Monday Night Football Series:
…

Masterminds Series:
Masterminds (2015)
…

Slapshots Series:
Cup Crazy (2000)
…
4-in-1 Slapshots: The Complete Collection (2008)
…

Nose Pickers Series:
…
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:
…

Everest Series:
The Contest (2002)
The Climb (2002)
The Summit (2002)
…
Everest Trilogy Box Set (2002)

Dive Series:
The Deep (2003)
The Danger (2003)
…

On the Run Series:
…

Kidnapped Series:
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)
S.O.S (2011)
…

The 39 Clues Series:
Flashpoint (2014)
…

Hypnotists Series:
Memory Maze (2014)
…

Ungifted Series:
Ungifted (2012)
Supergifted (2018)
…

Slacker Series:
Slacker (2016)
Level 13 (2019)
...

Non Series Books:
Born To Rock (2006)
Schooled (2007)
Pop (2009)
Restart (2017)
Notorious (2019)
War Stories (2020)
Game On (contains The Chicken Doesn’t Skate and The Toilet Paper Tigers (2021)
Unplugged (2021)
Linked (2021)
The Fort (2022)
...
 






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Monday, 23 March 2026

Tales From Wakken Wood - E. P. Cowley

Tales From Wakken Wood 
E. P. Cowley
Jackie Richard (Illustrator)
ISBN 9781621648000
eISBN 9781642293623
ASIN B0FX6VSZ9K

Tales From Wakken Wood - E. P. Cowley

First I will state I absolutely loved this volume and have encourage my two youngest ages 18 and 15 to give it a read. Second there are a few things that confuse me about the book. For a long time I assumed this was a second volume in a series, the red serpent or sea creature on the cover looks like a stylized “2” So I thought it was a second book and could not figure out what book one was. Second is about it being called a debut novel; more about that in a bit. Again before we proceed overall an excellent novel that leave you wanting more!

The description of this volume states:

“Bullies love to pick on Peter Thornburg because of his shining silver eyes. When Peter’s dad sends him to live with relatives on the island, Peter finds himself just miles away from his best friend, Pixel Rilson, who has also moved to the island to be treated for an inherited blood disease. Why are they both there? Is it a coincidence, or a plan?

Something on the island does not add up. All is normal on the surface: cars, shops, and offices. Yet strange creatures appear and disappear out of the corner of the eye. Stores are ransacked in the dead of night. And sadly, Pixel’s supposed treatments only make her worse. As Peter settles into his new life at Wakkenburg House, he learns that his glinting silver eyes carry with them a great power—and a great responsibility. An old woman emerges to unveil the truth: Pixel is in horrible danger, and the whole island with her. Together, Pixel and Peter discover that Wakken Wood is a borderland where wonders walk and myths unfold.

This dramatic and delightful saga immerses young readers in an enchanted world that touches and illuminates our own, drawing from the folklore and language of the Isle of Man. Readers will learn about courage, prudence, faith, hope, temptation, and the discernment of spirits. In Wakken Wood, the battle between good and evil requires not only bravery, but also careful attention and a love of wonder.”

About the author we are informed:

“E. P. Cowley is a retired home-schooling mother living in southern British Columbia. She holds a masters in English literature from Portland State University. Her debut novel was entitled Tales from Wakken Wood.”

But that does not appear to be the case, I tracked down a copy of a volume called Closing Accounts published in 2015 and with an about the author section that overlaps significantly. Now that book, and the blog listed at the end of it appear to have been scrubbed from the web. But I did find reference to it on a blog post from 2016 that also listed a few other Catholic fictions authors I was reading at the time. So, I believe at best this is the second novel but it is the first commercially published. 

This is a grand adventure story, an epic tale, a novel written large and it pulls it off. I have seen comparisons to Tolkien and C.S. Lewis and I can appreciate where those comments are coming from. Being of Irish and Scottish descent and having read much about the myths, legends and folklore and stories of Celtic saints galore this story falls more in that realm for me. There is definitely a familiar feel about the tale. And in many ways it reminds me of Deacon Nick Donnelly’s unpublished Ben Armstrong Adventure Series of which I have had the pleasure of reading three volumes. It also reminds me of the tales of Celtic saints written by Andrew Seddon. 

It is a tale of friendship, family, and finding your place and way in the world. Even if that path is a winding trail and seems to piece the veil between worlds. It creatures great and small. Of hope, and of striving. Join Peter and Pixel as their friendship only deepens and grow as they face challenge after challenge. They have gone to both family’s home island and things are not all as they appear. And soon they realize they are in a tale much bigger than they ever expected or had hoped for. These two children are drawn through trials, tears and loss, and with the help of many come through changed and for the better. 

An excellent read for the young and old alike. This is way better than a lot of fiction I read in my teen years. And to be honest better than some I still read today. It is an excellent novel that draws reading sin quickly and keeps their attention. The physical book is listed at over 500 pages and the eBook over 600. And it was terribly hard to put down. A great volume I can easily recommend, and I hope there will be many more from Cowley’s pen and if we are very lucky maybe even more in this world. 

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2026 Catholic Reading Plan!  

Books by E.P. Cowley:
Closing Accounts
…
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Sunday, 22 March 2026

Prayer of the Day Saint Francis Prayer

Saint Francis Prayer
From the Great Spiritual Teachers Series
Prayer of the Day

Peace of Heart Francis of Assisi - John Kirvan - Great Spiritual Teachers

Our Father who art in heaven, it does little good to pray with the words you have taught us, if we do not love and sacrifice for those whom you love and for whom your Son sacrificed everything. "A friend of Christ loves the souls that Christ loves."

It profits us little, and others not at all unless our lives speak more loudly than our words. Now as the day ends and sleep approaches, remind me that without love, faith and hope are empty, as are these words I pray.

Bless and keep all your children, especially those most in need of your love. Make your face to shine upon us all, and be gracious to us. Look kindly upon us, grant us a quiet night and lasting peace.

Amen.

Taken from the book:

Peace of Heart Francis of Assisi
Great Spiritual Teachers
John Kirvan (editor)
Caroline Myss (Forward)
ISBN 9781594711558
ASIN B005JC5AO0

 
Note: Every so often I post a prayer I use as part of my daily prayers. I started praying this one several months ago, when I first encountered it in the book.


Books in the Great Spiritual Teachers Series:
Abide in love: the Gospel spirituality of John the Evangelist – John Kirvan 
Fear Not the Night - John of the Cross and John Kirvan 
God Awaits You Based on the Classic Spirituality of Meister - Richard Chilson 
Grace Through Simplicity - Evelyn Underhill 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  
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 
…

Posts related to Clare and Francis of Assisi:

Great Spiritual Teachers Series from Ave Maria Press


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Saturday, 21 March 2026

The Stations of the Cross - Father Lawrence G. Lovasik, S.V.D. - St. Joseph Picture Books Series

The Stations of the Cross 
St. Joseph Picture Books Series
Father Lawrence G. Lovasik, S.V.D. 
ISBN ‎ 9780899422992

The Stations of the Cross - Father Lawrence G. Lovasik, S.V.D. - St. Joseph Picture Books Series

I recently went through my collection of over 70 different Stations or Ways of the Cross. They vary in length from the shortest of booklets to volumes with a few hundred pages. But it appears I found 10 I had not read or had not reviewed. So I decided to try and make it through those 10 this Lent as part of my attempt to pray a Stations every day during lent, and maybe some of them will end up in my rotation for trying to pray a Stations each Friday of the year.

The description of this volume is:

“Stations of the Cross is an ideal gift for a child's First Holy Communion.

The St. Joseph Picture Books Series is a magnificent series of religious books for children, superbly illustrated in full color and simply written, that will help all children to better understand the Catholic Faith. These books are ideal for home or school.

The St. Joseph Picture Books Series is intended to help teach the basics of the Catholic Faith to children in an enjoyable manner. The books in the Series deal with one or more of the following themes: (1) the teachings of the Church, (2) the Christian way of life, and (3) our Catholic worship (including both public and private prayers and devotions). Each book also carries the Imprimatur, assuring that the contents are in line with Church teaching.

Among the features of this book are:

     • Brief and easy-to-read biography on 
        the life and legacy of this saint
     • Vibrant, full-color illustrations
     • High-quality paper
     • Durable, sewn paperback binding
     • Conveniently sized at 5 1/2" X 7 ⅜" 
        to accommodate little hands
     • a presentation page that allows for easy personalization 
        of this book when used as a gift
     • an explanation of the Stations of the Cross and prayers
     • Nihil Obstat
     • Imprimatur

Check out all 101 titles in this series of Catholic children's books. Each of the St. Joseph Picture Books make wonderful gifts for baptisms, First Communion, birthdays, Christmas, or Easter.

One of 101 titles in the St. Joseph Picture Book Series, this book by popular author Father Lovasik S.V.D., provides children with simple explanations of Stations of the Cross. The Stations of the Cross is a special journey many Christians take to remember the last hours of Jesus' life on Earth. It's a bit like a story that helps us understand how much Jesus loves us. This journey is usually marked by 14 different stops, called stations, each representing an important event that happened before Jesus died on the cross. Each station reminds us of Jesus' love and sacrifice, teaching us to be kind and loving to others.

Understanding the Stations of the Cross is important for children for several reasons: Learning about the Stations helps children deepen their understanding of Jesus' love and sacrifice. It reinforces their faith and teaches them about the core beliefs of Christianity. Each station offers valuable moral lessons, such as compassion, perseverance, and the importance of helping others. Kids can learn to apply these lessons in their daily lives. The Stations of the Cross addresses suffering and hardship, helping children understand that experiencing difficulties is part of life. It teaches them to find hope and strength in challenging times. Knowing the Stations allows children to connect with their church community and family traditions. It provides a sense of belonging and shared beliefs, especially during Lent and Holy Week.

By meditating on Jesus' suffering, children can develop a sense of empathy for others who suffer. It encourages them to be more compassionate and caring towards those in need. Each station can prompt personal reflection and prayer, helping children to develop their own spiritual practices and a relationship with God. The Stations are an essential part of the Easter story, helping children see the connection between Jesus' suffering, death, and ultimately His resurrection.

In summary, the Stations of the Cross enrich children's spiritual lives, teach important values, and help them navigate their feelings and relationships with others.”

We are informed on the copyright page states:

“This edition is a compilation of various sources published by TAN Books. These works under TAN Books’ copyright include Way of the Cross According to St. Francis of Assisi, Way of the Cross According to St. Alphonsus Liguori, and Stations of the Cross According to St. John Henry Cardinal Newman.”

The sections and chapters and sections  in this volume are:

Introduction
Prayer before saying the Stations
Jesus is condemned to death.
Jesus takes up His cross.
Jesus falls the first time.
Jesus meets His Blessed Mother.
Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry the cross.
Veronica wipes Jesus' face.
Jesus falls the second time.
Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem.
Jesus falls the third time.
Jesus is stripped of His clothes.
Jesus is nailed to the cross.
Jesus dies on the cross.
Jesus' body is taken down from the cross.
Jesus is laid in the tomb.
Prayer after the Stations 

I was hesitant to start this one. It reminded me of the cartoons I watched 50 years ago as a kit. The cover reminded me of Hercules or Rocket Robin Hood. But from the introduction I was greatly impressed. The volume has the: 

IHIL OBSTAT: James T. O'Connor, S.T.D. Censor Librorum
IPRIMATUR: James P. Mahoney, D.D., Vicar General, Archdiocese of New York

The introduction states:

“JESUS Christ, the Son of God, lived, suffered, and died for us. Then He rose again in triumph over sin and death.

At the Last Supper, Jesus gave us Holy Mass as a living remembrance of His Death and Resurrection. The Mass is the same sacrifice that He offered to the Father on the Cross.

We can also remember Jesus's suffering and death by making the Stations of the Cross at any time, especially on Fridays and during all the days of Lent.

The beautiful pictures in this book will help us see how much Jesus suffered for love of us. The simple words will help us tell Jesus of our love and gratitude.

Indulgences — Those who devoutly make the Stations of the Cross may gain a plenary indulgence, which can be applied to the Poor Souls in Purgatory.”

The prayer before the stations is:

“JESUS, I want to make
this way of the Cross
to show how much I love You
and thank You,
and to tell You how sorry I am
for having hurt You by my sins.

I wish to gain all the indulgences I can
and offer them for the Poor Souls
in Purgatory,
especially for our family and friends.

Mary, Mother of Sorrows,
be with me,
and help me to pray well.”

A sample station is:

“3rd STATION
JESUS FALLS TO THE GROUND

FOR THE FIRST TIME
JESUS, by Your first fall
under the heavy Cross,
make up for my pride
which led me into sin.

Make me humble and kind
that I may be like You.

When I fall into some sin,
help me to get up again
by being sorry for the sin
and by trying very hard
never to hurt You again.

Lord Jesus crucified,
have mercy on me!”

I hope those samples of the third station give you a feel for this volume. There is no opening or closing just simple reflections. I could easily add the opening and closing prayers myself. But the reflections were deeply moving. I really enjoyed this little volume, and wish I had had it when my own children were younger. The pictures are full page and bright and vibrant. Yes they are in an older style but they work better than I thought they would. At the end of the book we are informed about the St. Joseph Picture Book series:

“The St. Joseph Picture Books Series is intended to help you teach the basics of the Catholic Faith to your children in an enjoyable manner. The books in the Series deal with one or more of the following themes: (1) the teachings of the Church, (2) the Christian way of life, and (3) our Catholic worship (including both public and private prayers and devotions). Each book also carries the Imprimatur of the Archdiocese of New York, assuring you that the contents are in line with Church teaching.

This best-selling Series has been used and appreciated by thousands of children. They have been captivated by page after page of original four-color illustrations and clear typographical layout At the same time, their young minds have grasped the teachings set forth in simple reverent language. May your children also experience this same enjoyment and knowledge.”

And if the others are as good as this I missed out on a lot of great books with my kids.  This would be a great gift book, or pick it up for your personal use or use as a family. It might look old or like the older Little Golden Books, but it is an excellent version of this devotion. I can easily recommend it. I just wish there was a digital edition so I could have it on my Kindle with me all the time.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2026 Catholic Reading Plan! For all Stations of the Cross review click here.  

The Stations of the Cross - Father Lawrence G. Lovasik, S.V.D. - St. Joseph Picture Books Series Sample 1

The Stations of the Cross - Father Lawrence G. Lovasik, S.V.D. - St. Joseph Picture Books Series Sample 2

The Stations of the Cross - Father Lawrence G. Lovasik, S.V.D. - St. Joseph Picture Books Series Sample 3
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Friday, 20 March 2026

The Way of the Cross with the Saints - TAN Books

The Way of the Cross with the Saints 
ISBN 9781505136173
eISBN 9781505137170
eISBN 9781505137163

The Way of the Cross with the Saints - TAN Books Leatherette Edition

I was very excited when I first heard about this volume. First I will state it is an excellent volume for Lent, or any time of the year. I try and pray a Stations each Friday throughout the year and also every day during lent. Second this volume contains some of my all-time favourite Stations in a single volume. And third even though I am a huge eBook guy, but this is a beautiful physical book that I picked up and plan to pick up copies for my children. 

The description of this volume is:

“There is no devotion more richly endowed with indulgences than the Way of the Cross, and none which enables us more literally to obey Christ’s call to take up our cross and follow Him.

In this new, deluxe edition from TAN Books, The Way of the Cross with the Saints will guide you to pray and atone for your sins, gain deeper understanding of Our Blessed Mother’s sorrow, contemplate Our Lord’s passion, and grow in meekness and humility as you follow Our Lord to Calvary. With rich, moving meditations and traditional prayers of the Church, this beautifully bound edition will enliven your love and devotion to Christ as you pray and contemplate His passion.

Featuring methods from St. Alphonsus Liguori, St. Francis of Assisi, St. John Henry Cardinal Newman, Bl. Anne Catherine Emmerich, and Ven. Mary of Agreda, along with timeless Lenten hymns and powerful prayers to Our Lord, this thoughtfully designed book is sure to become your family’s guide for Lenten meditations on the passion, death, and resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ.”

We are informed on the copyright page states:

“This edition is a compilation of various sources published by TAN Books. These works under TAN Books’ copyright include Way of the Cross According to St. Francis of Assisi, Way of the Cross According to St. Alphonsus Liguori, and Stations of the Cross According to St. John Henry Cardinal Newman.”

The sections and chapters and sections  in this volume are:

Editor’s Note
The Way of the Cross with the Saints
     Preparatory Prayer
     Prayer to the Shoulder Wound of Jesus
     The Prayer to the Shoulder Wound of Jesus
St. Francis of Assisi
St. Alphonsus Liguori
St. John Henry Cardinal Newman
Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich
Venerable Mary of Jesus of Ágreda
Final Prayers
Stabat Mater
Prayers for Meditation Following the Way of The Cross
     Act of Resignation
     Adoramus Te Christi
     Prayer Before The Crucifix
     Anima Christi
     The Jesus Prayer
     Prayer to Jesus Crucified
     Prayer to The Wounded Side Of Jesus
How to Gain a Partial or Plenary Indulgence
Appendix Traditional Hymns Sung during Lent and Passiontide
Endnotes
I highlighted 2 passages while working through this volume:

“In this special edition, we’ve compiled The Way of the Cross according to the methods of three spiritual masters: St. Francis of Assisi, St. Alphonsus Liguori, and St. John Henry Cardinal Newman, along with the mystical visions of Bl. Anne Catherine Emmerich and Ven. Mary of Jesus of Ágreda.”

“With these saints as our guide, we can begin our journey to breaking free from worldly things and self-centeredness. We can begin our journey to humility and meekness as we follow in the footsteps of Our Lord. We can begin to ease our restless hearts as we find our true rest in Him.”

Below is a sample station for each of those in the volume

St. Francis of Assisi

“Third Station
JESUS FALLS THE FIRST TIME

O quam tristis et afflicta
Fuit ilia benedicta
Mater Unigeniti!

THIRD STATION
JESUS FALLS THE FIRST TIME

V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and we praise Thee, 

(Genuflect)

R. Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the world.

Priest: Our dear Savior, carrying the cross, was so weakened by its heavy weight as to fall exhausted to the ground. Our sins and misdeeds were the heavy burden which oppressed Him: the cross was to Him light and sweet, but our sins were galling and insupportable.

People: O my Jesus, Thou did bear my burden and the heavy weight of my sins. Should I, then, not bear in union with Thee, my easy burden of suffering and accept the sweet yoke of Thy commandments? Thy yoke is sweet and Thy burden is light: I therefore willingly accept it. I will take up my cross and follow Thee.

Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory Be.

V. Lord Jesus, crucified,

R. Have mercy on us!

All: O, how sad and sore distressed
Was that Mother highly blessed
Of the sole-begotten One!”

St. Alphonsus Liguori

“Third Station
JESUS FALLS THE FIRST TIME

O quam tristis et afflicta
Fuit illa benedicta
Mater Unigeniti!

THIRD STATION
Jesus falls the First Time

V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and we praise Thee, 
(Genuflect)

R. Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the world.
Priest: Consider this first fall of Jesus under His cross. His flesh was torn by the scourges, His head crowned with thorns, and He had lost a great quantity of blood. He was so weakened that He could scarcely walk, and yet He had to carry this great load upon His shoulders. The soldiers struck Him rudely, and thus He fell several times in His journey.

People: My beloved Jesus, it is not the weight of the cross, but of my sins, which has made Thee suffer so much pain. Ah, by the merits of this first fall, deliver me from the misfortune of falling into mortal sin. I love Thee, O my Jesus, with my whole heart; I repent of having offended Thee. Never permit me to offend Thee again. Grant that I may love Thee always; and then do with me what Thou wilt. 

Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory Be.

All: O, how sad and sore distressed
Was that Mother highly blessed
Of the sole-begotten One!”

St. John Henry Cardinal Newman

“The Third Station
JESUS FALLS THE FIRST TIME BENEATH THE CROSS

V. Adoramus te, Christe, et benedicimus tibi.

R. Quia per sanctam Crucem tuam redemisti mundum.

V. We adore Thee O Christ and we praise Thee. 

(Genuflect)

R. Because by Thy Holy Cross Thou hast redeemed the world.
Jesus, bowed down under the weight and the length of the unwieldy Cross, slowly sets forth on His way, amid the mockeries and insults of the crowd. His agony in the Garden itself was enough to exhaust Him! Yet, it was only the first of many sufferings. He sets off with His whole heart, but His limbs fail Him, and He falls.
Yes, it is as I feared. Jesus, the strong and mighty Lord, has found for the moment our sins stronger than Himself. He falls—yet He bore the load for a while; He tottered, but He bore up and walked onwards. What, then, made Him give way? I say, I repeat, it is an intimation and a memory to you, O my soul, of your falling back into mortal sin. I repented of the sins of my youth and went on well for a time; but at length a new temptation came, when I was off my guard, and I suddenly fell away. Then all my good habits seemed to go at once; they were like a garment which is stripped off, so quickly and utterly did grace depart from me. And at that moment I looked at my Lord, and lo! He had fallen down, and I covered my face with my hands and remained in a state of great confusion.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be.

V. Have Mercy upon us O Lord.

R. Have Mercy on us.

May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.”

Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich

“The Third Station
Jesus Falls the First Time

Excerpt
Leader: “Just here, where the street begins to ascend, there was a hollow place often filled, after a rain, with mud and water. In it, as in many such places in the streets of Jerusalem, lay a large stone to facilitate crossing. Poor Jesus, on reaching this spot with His heavy burden, could go no farther. The executioners pulled Him by the cords and pushed Him unmercifully. Then did the Divine Cross-bearer fall full length on the ground by the projecting stone, His burden at His side. The drivers, with curses, pulled Him and kicked Him.” (246)

Reflection
Leader: Jesus is exhausted, in unimaginable pain, shuffling His feet along to accomplish the Father’s will. Jesus, carrying the heavy weight of the cross, becomes stuck in the mud and stumbles over the stone in the pathway. It is easy for anyone to fall or stumble, but much easier in Jesus’s condition. In our lives, we will have our falls, not just literally, but the little stumbles along the path of Christian discipleship. Like Jesus, we will need to garner our strength, pick up the cross, and continue on our way. 

Prayer
All: By the grace of Jesus’s first fall, O Lord, help me to follow the gospel without stumbling. Amen.”

Venerable Mary of Jesus of Ágreda

“The Third Station
Jesus falls the first time

Excerpt
Leader: “The executioners, bare of all human compassion and kindness, dragged our Savior Jesus along with incredible cruelty and insults. Some of them jerked Him forward by the ropes in order to accelerate His passage, while others pulled from behind in order to retard it. On account of this jerking and the weight of the Cross, they caused Him to sway to and from and often to fall to the ground.” (656)

Reflection
Leader: Jesus falls to the ground because of the way His executioners treat and torment Him. The cross becomes heavy, yes, because the wood is heavy, but because my sins make it heavy too. What does Jesus think of when He falls underneath the cross? He thinks of me. His passion was for me. 

Prayer
All: Jesus, my words and prayers cannot begin to express how sorry I am for what You endured. Please let me never forget how You were treated and help me to never treat You or another person like that ever again. Amen.”

I hope those samples of the third station give you a feel for this volume. This is an excellent collection of versions of this devotion. The top three are among my favourites and are ones I return to often. The last 2 were new to me and I greatly enjoyed them. The formatting on the eBook version is great, and the physical edition is stunning. 

This would be a great gift book, or pick it up for your personal use or use as a family. A wonderful new prayer book from TAN that I can easily recommend. 

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2026 Catholic Reading Plan! For all Stations of the Cross review click here.  

The Way of the Cross with the Saints - TAN Books Sample Station

The Way of the Cross with the Saints - TAN Books eBook Edition
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Thursday, 19 March 2026

Children's Way of Cross - Sister Anne Flanagan FSP and Dick Smolinski

Children's Way of Cross 
Sister Anne Flanagan, FSP 
Dick Smolinski (Illustrator)
ISBN 9780819869548

Children's Way of the Cross - Anne Flanigan, FSP

This was one of 2 new Stations of the Cross I picked up to use during Lent in 2026, both by Sister Anne Flanagan, FSP. I try and pray a Stations each Friday of the year, and each day through Lent. I was attracted to this and the other based on the artwork, and I had stumbled upon them by chance when researching for a different review. 

An online description of this volume states:

“This booklet leads children through the heart of the message of the Good News of Jesus. The prayers and meditations have been specifically written to help children enter into the mystery of Christ's suffering, death, and resurrection. Each station opens with a suggestion of prayer for those who are immersed in the sufferings of Christ in today's world. Adapting St. Ignatius's approach to meditation, children imaginatively recreate scenes suggested in each station of the prayer.”

About the author on the other Stations we are informed:

“Sister Anne Flanagan, FSP, has been a Daughter of Saint Paul for over forty years. As a catechetical author and editor for Pauline Books & Media, she has "taught" tens of thousands of children. Her Eucharistic adoration guide for children, Come to Jesus, has been in print for almost ten years. Sister Anne has written for print, digital, and social media as a specialist in the spirituality of the Pauline Family, and she has recorded over two dozen albums with the Daughters of Saint Paul Choir.”

I only highlighted two passaged while reading this volume they are:

“The prayers and meditations offered in this booklet have been specially written to help children enter into the mystery of Christ's suffering, death and resurrection. Each station opens with a suggestion of prayer for persons in today's world who are immersed in the sufferings of Christ. Adapting St. Ignatius' approach to meditation, the format allows children to use their gift of imagination to re-create the scene suggested in each station, and to place themselves there . A Scripture reading suggests the way this station applies to everyday life. A Scriptural response follows.”

“The prayers, readings and reflections in this booklet are arranged in a way that allows several children to assist the leader. This child-participation is important if the children are to fee l that this is their prayer. Since Scripture texts are quoted from the International Children's Bible, young readers will find them easy to pronounce and to understand.

The format of each station allows for two or three readers to assist the leader or catechist. (Parts are assigned only to "reader l" and "reader 2".) An interval of silence should follow the "Imagine" reading, after which the leader can cue reader 1 for the next section of the station.”

“Dear Jesus, who died to save me, I am here to remember your great love for me. I am sorry for the times I have not returned your love. May these Stations of the Cross open my heart more and more to your gifts of love!”

A Sample station is:

“Third Station

Leader:
Third Station: Jesus Falls the First Time

Reader 1: Pray for the victims of violence.

Leader: We adore you, 0 Christ, and we praise you.

All: By your cross, you saved the world.

IMAGINE 

Reader2:
The crowded streets smell like dust and garbage. Jesus stumbles along with his heavy cross. Then he falls into the dirty street and the cross comes crashing down on him. He looks at you to help him up.

LISTEN

Reader 1:
If you are punished for doing wrong, there is no reason to praise you for bearing punishment. But if you suffer for doing good, and you are patient, then that pleases God. ( 1 Peter 2:20)

RESPOND 

All:
Lord, answer me quickly.
I am getting weak.
(Psalm 143:7)”

I did a side by side comparison of the two editions by Sister Anne Flanagan, FSP:

Stations of the Cross for Young Catholic
Children's Way of Cross

There was a little overlap, across the 2 but this is a more simplified version. It is a good clean crisp Stations. I really enjoyed this volume, I just wish there was an eBook edition so it could always be with me on my Kindle. Over the years I have prayer through and reviewed about 60 different ‘Way of the Cross’ books and booklets. Some I pray once or twice and others I have been praying for decades. I could see this one working its way into the rotation, but know it would be more frequent if there was a digital edition. I enjoyed it enough my son took a copy to school to give to the chaplain, for work she does with younger children. 

This is a great little stations. It does not have the Hail Mary, Our Father, or Glory Be at the end of the stations, but those are easily added. It also does not have the Stabat Mater either. This is one that could be used with grade school students, Secondary school, or even just with a group of adults.

I can easily recommend this Stations for home, school, or church library and use. So track it down and give it a try.

Side note: It was hard to make a list if books published by Sister Anne as they are published under the following names:

Anne Flanagan
Anne Joan Flanagan
Anne Joan Flanagan, FSP
Sister Anne Flanagan
Sister Anne Flanagan, FSP
Sr. Anne Flanagan

and maybe even more variations.

Children's Way of Cross - Sister Anne Flanagan FSP and Dick Smolinski Sample 1

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2026 Catholic Reading Plan!  For all Stations of the Cross review click here.

Books by Sister Anne Flanagan, FSP:
5 Keys to Understanding Pope Francis
A Quiet Place With Jesus
Come to Jesus
Come to Me: Living the Nine First Fridays
Confirmation Be Sealed
Family Saints
Family Saints Coloring and Activity Book
Jesus Brings Us Life
Jesus Walks With Us
Saints of the Americas
The Night of the Shepherds
…

Stations of the Cross for Young Catholics - Sister Anne Flanagan, FSP

Children's Way of the Cross - Anne Flanigan, FSP



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