By Regina Lordan
WASHINGTON (CNS) – The following books are suitable for Christmas giving:
“I Lived on Butterfly Hill” by Marjorie Agosin. Atheneum Books for Young Readers (New York, 2014). 455 pp., $16.99.
Lucila has a good life: a loving family, close friends and a home in her cherished hill city of Valparaiso, Chile. But her sense of security quickly crumbles when political turmoil turns violent. Classmates disappear and her parents flee for safety. Then her grandmother, a refugee from Nazi Germany, sends Lucila to Vermont.
Now a refugee, Lucia must overcome language barriers, homesickness and anxiety. But Lucila triumphs, finding inner strength in her creative writing and will to flourish.
Author Marjorie Agosin, who was raised in Chile by Jewish parents, wrote a story of survival particularly of interest to preteen girls. Full of many meaningful messages, the novel will remind readers to welcome “the new kid in class” with patience and understanding. Ages 10-14.
“Manger” poems selected by Lee Bennett Hopkins, illustrated by Helen Cann. Eerdmans Books for Young Readers (Grand Rapids, Michigan, 2014). 34 pp., $16.
Wild and domestic animals rejoice and give praise to the Baby Jesus in this unique collection of poems selected by Lee Bennett Hopkins. One by one, each awestruck and curious animal – from the cow to the spider – lends a voice to the chorus of Christmas celebration. Illustrated in lovely watercolor images by Helen Cann, this book will be enjoyed for many a Christmas season. Ages 4-8.
“Grandfather Gandhi” by Arun Gandhi and Bethany Hegedus, illustrated by Evan Turk. Atheneum Books for Young Readers (New York, 2014). 37 pp., $17.99.
In his life, Arun Gandhi had a lot to live up to – not least of whom was his grandfather, Mahatma Gandhi. But the 12-year-old boy did not feel peaceful during prayers or successful at his lessons. Instead he felt fidgety and frustrated. And after a friend shoved him during a soccer game, Arun’s blood boiled with anger. With tears streaming down his face, he ran to his beloved grandfather, who explained to him how the power of anger can do good.
The product of years of collaboration between author Bethany Hegedus and Arun Gandhi, “Grandfather Gandhi” is a story with unique, three-dimensional collage illustrations that will be enjoyed by adults and children alike. Ages 5-9.
“Tell Me about the Catholic Faith for Small Children” by Christine Pedotti. Magnificat (San Francisco, 2014). 96 pp., $16.99
This hardcover book is a valuable resource for teaching young children about the Bible, saints, early church history and faith traditions. Young children will be engaged in the simple language and colorful illustrations while adults will find the book’s organization and clear information helpful. The Catholic faith is rich and complex, and this book’s simplicity can help start build a foundation for a life of faith. Ages 3-6.
“The Great Big Green”” by Peggy Gifford, illustrated by Lisa Desimini. Boyds Mill Press (Honesdale, Pennsylvania, 2014). 32 pp., $15.95.
What is big, round and green all over … except where it is blue? Take a look inside this clever book by author Peggy Gifford and illustrator Lisa Desimini to find out. The rhyming riddle will delight little readers while the multidimensional illustrations will keep them interested and curious. Ages 3-5.
“Real Life Faith: Bible Companions for Catholic Teens” by Mary Elizabeth Sperry. Liguori Publications (Liguori, Missouri, 2014). 160 pp., $12.99.
By using fictional but authentic anecdotal stories to accompany the Bible stories of Miriam, Solomon, and others, author Mary Elizabeth Sperry connects the Old and New Testaments to today’s teens..
Many of the challenges biblical figures faced were rooted within the context in which they lived, but, as Sperry points out, their struggles and lessons remain valuable. This book makes the connections tangible, and is appropriate for individual teens, youth groups and classrooms. Ages 13 and up.
Lordan, who reads to her two young children, is a former assistant international editor for Catholic News Service.