Curriculum Review: British Literature by James P. Stobaugh {New Leaf Publishing}

British Literature Pack, Student Text and Teacher Text, by James Stobaugh
ISBN: 9780890516737
Available individually in paperback (464 pages) or digital (mobi or epub)
Publisher: Master Books/New Leaf Publishing Group, Inc.
Retail: $38.99 for the set (see website for current pricing)

1 year Curriculum
10^th - 12^th Grade
1 Credit

About this curriculum (from New Leaf Publishing):

From reformers and rogues to poets and playwrights, a study of British literature will take you through some of the most popular works ever written. Using easy to find public domain works (we tell you where to look) and helpful selections included, this is one of three literature courses easy to enjoy and easy on your budget!

“A well-crafted presentation of whole-book or whole-work selections from the major genres of classic literature (prose, poetry, and drama), each course has 34 chapters representing 34 weeks of study, with an overview of narrative background material on the writers, their historical settings, and worldview.

The rich curriculum’s content is infused with critical thinking skills, and an easy-to-use teacher’s guide outlines student objectives with each chapter, providing the answers to the assignments and weekly exercises. The final lesson of the week includes both the exam, covering insights on the week’s chapter, as well as essays developed through the course of that week’s study, chosen by the educator and student to personalize the coursework for the individual learner. (from product description at NLPG)”

About the author- James P. Stobaugh:

Dr. James Stobaugh was a Merrill Fellow at Harvard and holds degrees from Vanderbilt and Rutgers universities, and Princeton and Gordon-Conwell seminaries. An experienced teacher, he is a recognized leader in homeschooling and has published numerous books for students and teachers. He and his wife Karen have homeschooled their four children since 1985.

See a sample of the British Literature.

What’s included in the Student Text:

• Each chapter has five lessons with daily concept-building exercises, warm-up questions, and guided readings
• Suggested reading schedules and daily calendar
• Directs students to think critically about philosophy and trends in culture, and articulate their views through writing

The beginning of the book has a portion directing students how to use the textbook. It covers “How this course has been developed”, “Throughout this book you will find the following” (–which is pretty much the same as I listed above under What’s included…), “Earn a bonus credit!” (–this tells that by covering information and assignments in a corresponding History Connections textbook, also written by Stobaugh published by Master Books, extra credit can be earned), “What the student will need each day” (-here it lists the basics of pencil/pen and paper or computer and a prayer journal but the last one I didn’t see at all where this was necessary during the book), “Increasing your vocabulary”, and “About the Author”.

Included at the end of the table of contents is a list of readings that will need to be acquired to complete the book. Many of the books from the earlier years can be found free online (Project Gutenberg, The Online Books Page, Bartleby, and sometimes Google Books). This is helpful so that the student is aware of what’s coming and doesn’t have to rely solely on the teacher for this information.

The book is broken down into seven time-frames, each with 2-8 chapters dealing with that time period. 3

1. The Anglo-Saxon Age (Parts 1-2)
2. The Middle Ages (Parts 1-2)
3. Elizabethan Age (Parts 1-4)
4. The Seventeenth Century (Parts 1-5)
5. The Eighteenth Century (Parts 1-7)
6. The Nineteenth Century (Parts 1-8)
7. and The Twentieth Century (Parts 1-6)

Within those time periods the book does indeed include a variety of literary works.

What’s included in the Teacher’s Text

First, the teacher text is a copy of the student text except it also has answers where the student text only has questions. It also has in the “Using Your Teacher Guide” section “Grading Record Options” with a chart for three options, which it explains briefly. At the end of the book it also has Chapter Tests which are all essays.

In both books are corresponding chapters in the History Connections books by Stobaugh at the bottom of the chapter’s first page. They also have a little blurb about “Reading Ahead” that includes the work they should read before going on to the first lesson in the chapter. Each lesson has assignments such as reading, “warm-up”, “Concept Builder”, and essays –writing, rewriting and final draft.

The book suggests that each lesson should take 45-60 minutes. Well, for the writing portion I can see it taking that long but some of the assignments, such as the “Concept Builders” only take a few minutes at most. The reading and writing is what takes the most time in this course. It is reading and writing intensive.

What we thought of the course

We used only a portion of this course because it was near the end of our school year. I had high hopes it would be a good addition to help us with our literature study. But I’m not overly convinced it was really what we needed. We did not do the essay writings but did do some of the warm-up and concept builder exercises, as well as the readings for the portions we used.

The main reason I felt this wasn’t that great of an addition for us personally is because we simply don’t have the base knowledge of literature to tackle this type of course. And without that knowledge there are parts that will not make sense because it doesn’t explain it, even in the Teacher’s Text. For instance, we jumped in at the Nineteen Century, with Pride and Prejudice. One of the Concept Builders talks about ‘themes’ of the story. We did not understand the themes of the book. I used the Teacher’s Text but it did not explain well it’s answers.  It just confused and frustrated us. We did not find a greater appreciation for the literature after completing the portions of the textbook.

Now that doesn’t mean that this won’t be a great fit for someone else. There may be others who understand the fine points and details, the underlying meanings and themes, of literature and this would most likely work well for them. If you don’t, it will require more effort than it states in the book(s). The Student Text says that this is an independent course, for the most part, with discussion and grading to be handled by the teacher. But in our case that wasn’t how it turned out.

***Disclaimer: I received the above set from NLPG for free to review. All opinions are my own. No monetary compensation was given. See Disclosure/Policies.***

Book Review: The Tower of Babel {New Leaf Press}

The Tower of Babel: The Cultural History of Our Ancestors by Bodie Hodge
ISBN: 9780890517154
Available in many formats, page count 272 pages
Publisher: Master Books
Retail: $13.99

About the book (from NLP):

The Tower of Babel: The Cultural History of Our Ancestors reveals our shared ancestry as never before! Many are familiar with the Biblical account of Babel, but after the dispersal, there was a void beyond Biblical history until empires like Rome and Greece arose. Now, discover the truth of these people groups and their civilizations that spread across the earth and trace their roots back to Babel as well as to the sons and grandsons of Noah.  

Many of today’s scholars write off what occurred at the Tower of Babel as mythology and deny that it was a historical event. Beginning with the Biblical accounts, author Bodie Hodge researched ancient texts, critical clues, and rare historic records to help solve the mystery of what became of the failed builders of Babel. For the purpose of defending the Bible, Hodge presents these and other vital historical facts surrounding this much-debated event. Teens and older can use this layman’s reference for Biblical classes, ancient history, apologetics training, and to realize their own cultural connection to the Bible.

 

My thoughts:

Wonderful book! It has been thoroughly researched and includes both sides of this ‘story.’ I won’t go so far as to say it is an unbiased research into this because Bodie Hodge is definitely on the side of the Tower of Babel being an actual historical event, as it is mentioned in the Bible. It is written in a way that is both interesting and accessible. Hodge deals with what is known of languages, uses historic documents and accounts (not just from the Bible), conversations and research from both creationists and evolutions, as well as proponents and opponents of the Tower of Babel being an actual historical event. It has many references in the footnotes; I love that!

When I said that the book is written in an interesting way, here is a snippet from Chapter 16, “By What Means Did Those Scattering from Babel Travel?”

“Well, let’s rule out air travel right from the start! However, it is possible that advanced technology existed in these cultures, such as hot air balloons*. But would such things be used for scattering? Likely not. If anything, such balloons were used for surveying and spotting, if they existed at this time” (pg 103). *he references this in the footnote.

The entire book is interesting and made me want to keep reading. In reference to the above snippet, I would not have even considered air travel in the days of Babel!

I am a Christian who believes the Bible to be the inerrant Word of God. If the Bible says it’s so, I believe it. But when it comes to a book, even when written by an author who also believes that the Bible is inerrant, that is trying to convince readers of something, I expect there to be a lot of concrete evidence. I already know the Bible is true, so for a book to say “the Bible says so” as their argument isn’t going to get me interested in reading the book. Hodge doesn’t do this. He uses the Bible, definitely, but he also has other evidence that supports his claim. Here is an example, from Chapter 12, “Did All ~7,000 Languages Today Come Out of Babel?”

“Both Vista World Languages and Cultures and Ethnologue, companies that provide statistics on languages, agree that there are more than 78 (estimates constantly change but are currently sitting between 94 and 120 languages families). Some groupings include sign languages, and constructed languages that have been developed. With further study in years to come, this may change to a smaller number, but this figure is well within the range of families that dispersed from Babel (Genesis 10)” (pg 68).

A bit later in the chapter, towards the end, he concludes that

“the contrast in the secular view, where we all allegedly evolved from rudimentary ancestors with a single primitive grunting language. This theoretical “proto-language” is not even close to the multitude of root languages that gave rise to languages of today…But let’s clarify a misconception. God is responsible for the languages and it was due to judgment…so is having one language a bad thing? Philo, an early Jewish historian, hit the nail on the head when he said, ‘For it was not the languages which were the causes of men’s uniting for evil objects, but the emulation and rivalry of their souls in wrong-doing’” (pg 73).

He also includes charts and graphics (that when viewed on a Kindle Fire aren’t as good as I’m sure they are in the printed book).

The description says that ‘teens and older’ can use this book, but I’d venture to say that some discerning younger folk may be able to get use for this as well. I really think it is a good book. I intend to recommend it to both of my kiddos, who are both teens.

Now, having said all that (and mentioning that Hodge is definitely on the side of this is an actual historical event- and he is a Christian), if someone is looking for both sides of the story without bias- it won’t be found here. The bias is not hidden in this book. We, the reader, know the agenda of Hodge when it starts out. There are quite a few times that his religious standing is mentioned. Again from chapter 12, he says, “It’s good to be a Christian today, understanding languages from a biblical perspective instead of the world’s faulty ideas” (pg 73). So if you are looking for a book that takes out the Christian aspect and only presents the ‘facts’ without feeling or beliefs, this is not that book. He says,

“When looking at…information, it is good to understand how to categorize it or more properly “give the proper weight” to a source…God is the ultimate authority…Sources outside the Bible can never be trusted with certainty. There is naturally a rank, though. For example, historians’ commentaries can be trusted far more than mythology…(pg 115)”

You can see the table of contents at the Amazon listing here. 

About Bodie Hodge (from NLP):

Bodie attended Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (SIUC) and received a BS and MS (in 1996 and 1998 respectively) in mechanical engineering. His specialty was a subset of mechanical engineering based in advanced materials processing, particularly starting powders. 

After earning his master’s degree, he accepted a position of Visiting Instructor at SIUC and started in the fall semester of 1998. He was only 24 years old when he began teaching undergraduate engineering courses at the university. 

While working at Caterpillar, he taught apologetics to junior high and high school students at his local church, which was a natural outcome considering his love for science, history, and theology. He did this until taking a position with Answers in Genesis in 2003. Currently, Bodie is a speaker, writer, and researcher on a host of topics, including fall of Satan and related events.

Bodie was saved when he was nine. As a youngster, he was active in baseball, football and basketball. His hobbies also included hunting and fishing, which are almost unavoidable pursuits while growing up on a farm in Western Illinois. 

***Disclaimer: I received a pdf of the above book free from New Leaf Press in exchange of an honest review. No compensation was given. All opinions stated are my own. See Disclosure/Policies.***

Book Review: The Stargazer’s Guide to the Night Sky by Jason Lisle

The Stargazer’s Guide to the Night Sky by Dr. Jason Lisle
ISBN: 9780890516416
Hardcover, 240 pages
Publisher: Master Books
Retail: $34.99

If you have ever looked up into the night sky and wanted to know more about what you are seeing, this book might be for you…I say ‘might’ because it is a little intimidating!

This book has great images and photographs but it sure has a lot of words. It is not a ‘picture book’. I did not say that was a bad thing! But it is overwhelming at times if one doesn’t know much (or really anything) about astronomy. That would be me. I’d recently reviewed a homeschool ebook that was specifically geared toward astronomy during specific months of the year and I really appreciated that particular resource. It is what drove me to request this book for review. Not all astronomy books are created equally user friendly.

The book has an introduction, 12 chapters, an afterward and index. Here are the chapter titles:

1. Motions in the Sky- Basic
2. Motions in the Sky- Advanced
3. Understanding the Eye
4. Astronomy with the Unaided Eye
5. Celestial Events
6. Telescope Basics
7. Telescope Observing Sessions
8. The Moon and the Sun
9. The Planets
10. Star Classification and Telescope Viewing
11. Deep Sky Objects
12. Astrophotography

The images and photographs are quite impressive. With the many sky labeled diagrams (which I am hard pressed to say aren’t actual photographs) it is quite easy to step outside at night and point out different constellations. But if it were just based on the first chapter, I probably wouldn’t read it any further. I was confused by much of what was written (he talks about figuring out what time it is by the position of sun, moon and stars based on the knowledge of the time it takes the Earth to rotate). If you get this book, or might be thinking about getting it, don’t stop at the first chapter. I skimmed through the second chapter which is more of the first chapter only advanced (if I didn’t get the basic, I wasn’t going to chance the advanced). I have not read the entire book (but have skimmed most of it numerous times).

My kids like the book- to look at. Neither have taken the time to actually read much of it. It is intimidating. But it has a lot of information in this book.Since I am not very versed in astronomy, I couldn’t tell if this is a good astronomy book or not. This isn’t a book that I would just pick up to ‘read’- to look at definitely; to find when/where a certain constellation or eclipse is best viewed from, you bet. Perhaps we will use it for the spine of an astronomy class in the coming years. It appears to be a solid book on the topic.

I received this book from New Leaf Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review. No compensation was given. All opinions stated are my own or those of my family. See Disclosure/Policies.

Book Review: It Could Happen Tomorrow by Gary Frazier

It Could Happen Tomorrow: Future events that will shake the world by Gary Frazier
ISBN: 9780892217113
Paperback, 185 pages
Publisher: New Leaf Press
Retail: $12.99
In this review I will give some points from the book, chapter by chapter and end with my thoughts. I won’t cover everything from the book.
Are we living in the last days? Current events indicate that Old and New Testament prophecies are being fulfilled. Dr. Gary Frazier, a top prophecy scholar, pastor, speaker and author,  identifies key indicators along with Biblical references that explain the demise of America, the coming Islamic invasion of Israel, nuclear weapons in Iran, and more. 
In this updated release of It Could Happen Tomorrow: Future Events that Will Shake the World, you will: 

• Discover what the Bible reveals about the end times
• Separate fact from fiction about the end of the world
• Learn important Biblical signs that the end is near
• Recognize America’s place in Biblical prophecy.

-From New Leaf Publishing Group website
This book covers the Great Disappearing (or Rapture), America in prophecy, the birth of the New World Order, the Islamic invasion of Israel, the Great Deceiver, global religion, the Temple rebuilt, the ‘Mark’, and the Glorious Appearing.
In the great disappearing Frazier discusses the origin of the term “rapture” as well as scriptures that correspond to the rapture. In defense of the word rapture, which does not appear in scripture, Trinity does not appear in scripture but is held by almost all Christians to be a valid word. Frazier contrasts the rapture to the great appearing- 15 differences (pages 22 & 23).  Later he discusses the 3 main views  of the rapture and tribulation- the timing of the two in relation to each other. According to Frazier babies will be raptured...later though he says that it is ‘born-again’ individuals only.
Next he tackles America in prophecy (chapter 2). He does tout America as possibly the greatest country on the planet (page 35). He feels that America is not referenced in prophecy because the Bible canon was closed in 325 ad. References in the Bible in regards to locations are from the standpoint of Israel in the center. Frazier gives some interesting possible reasons he doesn’t feel that America is included in prophecy- one being that America is destroyed before tribulation, either by enemies or from within.
The Birth of the New World Order (chapter 3) refers to the alliances made and that will be made in the European countries. Frazier goes through quite a history lesson for us readers as to the formation of this union. He also uses scripture to back up his view that it is prophesied. I won’t go into the history of the European Union (EU) here but I did find quite a bit of information that I had not before known. These alliances will make way for the invasion of Israel by Islam. How?
According to Frazier, most of the EU is sympathetic to Islam- either outright or by refusing to fight against it (page 81). He also helps the reader to see the different nations mentioned in the prophesies and how the relate to the nations of today. On page 82 he lists the ancient name and the modern name of these nations. For example, Rosh in the Bible is now Russia; Persia is Iran; Gomer is Eastern Europe; etc. How did he come to these conclusions? He traced their descendents from the book of Genesis as well as consulted historical documents. Frazier points that the union of these nations will result in the invasion of Israel, only partly because Ezekiel 37:21 says, “I will take the Israelites out of the nations where they have gone. I will gather them from all around and bring them back into their own land.” Jews are returning to their ‘homeland’ in record numbers. Frazier then moves on to talk about the three fronts of Radical Islam. One way is by words and actions that in our politically correct culture will not allow for anything but wishful thinking. Frazier says that Radical Islam, like Hitler, has already laid its plans out for the world to see and most are ignoring it. Another way, according to Frazier, is through overpopulation by Muslims. Sheer numbers will defeat the West. The final front is economic: lowering the value of the US dollar (page 88-92).
Frazier goes on to discuss the Great Deceiver, the Antichrist, which he says scriptures fairly say it will come from within the EU (no, he doesn’t think Obama is the Antichrist). He will definitely be an imposter but people will be fooled- many very easily. Frazier does not believe that true believers will be here to see or know the Antichrist. Frazier strongly believes, but points out that it is his opinion only, that the Antichrist may even be homosexual (page 105). Five ways that the Great Deceiver will be recognized are 1) he will rise to power from the old Roman Empire (which Frazier says is the current EU), 2) he will come after the rapture and will enter into an agreement with Israel, 3) he will be cunning and offer peace internationally, he will be intelligent and the ‘consummate politician’, 4) (I think this goes along with #2) he will reveal his plan after the Holy Spirit is removed, or after the rapture, and finally, 5) he will have the ability to rule over the entire world, possibly because and through technology (page 107-110).
The next chapter, Global Religion, goes on to talk about the “can’t we all just get along” of religions- but he doesn’t say it that way. The quest for religious unity will play a part in the Antichrist’s plan. Specifically, Frazier sees the Roman Catholic Church as facilitating this plan by “extending an olive branch to Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and even the New Age religions…(page 114)” He says that the Roman Catholic Church has been trying to build

“inroads and partnerships with world religions of every stripe and color, no matter how diametrically opposed they might be to the teaching of Christianity, and the Bible. Their goal is not so much to unite a diverse set of independent beliefs, but to bring the world’s religions under the guidance and leadership of the Pope (page 114).”

The Pope in 2008 at the interfaith conference held in Washington, D. C., was emphasizing the Catholic Church’s goal of uniting the religions of the world based on the common ethical values and common pursuit of peace (page 115). Frazier says that the Catholic Church will play a part in the end-times prophecy. He then gives a history of the Church and then ends with the statement that it has become an avenue for the False Prophet through the ‘pulpit’. But the Antichrist will not need this ‘puppet’ for long and in Revelations 17:16-17 we read that it will be destroyed shortly after it is used.
The Bible often uses women to represent religions. Frazier tells that the “Bride of Christ” symbolizes good religion and a harlot represents evil religion. Frazier says this is how the conclusion that the Catholic Church is the evil woman in Revelation 17:5 has been reached. He goes on to say that all the religions of Babylon, as the woman is called Mystery Babylon, used idols in their worship. Frazier points to Catholicism’s use of rosaries, statues of Mary, and the worship of Marian apparitions. He also says that Rome sits on seven hills as the beasts seven heads are seven hills; coincidence? Frazier thinks not. He finishes that chapter with more reasons why he feels the Catholic Church will be the tool that is used by the Antichrist; I’ll not expound any more on that.
In chapter 7, Frazier discusses the Temple Rebuilt. He starts with scriptural misconceptions concerning the destruction of the Temple and the fulfillment of prophecy. Then he talks about how the Temple might be rebuilt. Finally he discusses the Jews vision of the Temple Restoration.
Very interestingly, Frazier thinks that the Mark will have something to do with technology. Revelation 13:15-17 says that the False Prophet will be able to make all to have a ‘mark’ on their right hand or forehead that will allow them to buy and sell; it is the name or number of the beast. In order to get the mark (so that they can buy or sell) they must first worship the Antichrist. Frazier goes on to say that he doesn’t believe that during Tribulation those who accept Christ will be able to ‘accidentally’ or unknowingly get the mark; it will be ‘engraved upon’ those who worship the Antichrist. It will be a choice (page 141-142). From here, Frazier gives a glimpse of a new, still being tested technology of bluetooth ‘cell phone’ implants. It is slipped under the skin and works like a smartphone. The reason he talks of this is because the technology of our time is so advanced that it is truly difficult to keep track of. Frazier believes that the once sci-fi notion of one individual ruling the world is more than ever possible- because of technology. He moves from this technology talk to the eradication of cash; using technology to buy and sell. With cash it is easy to get by without government interference but with a cashless system, government could monitor- and control- it all. It would become global. He ends the chapter by discussing Radio Frequency Identification (RFI), smart cards and implantable chips to drive home his theory of technology being the “mark” of the beast.
Chapter 9, The Glorious Appearing, Frazier ends the book with these topics: the Joyous Judgment of the Saints, the Marriage Supper of the Lamb, the Rapture Part Two, the Battle of Armageddon, Judgment of the Antichrist and False Prophet, Triple Destruction of the Earth, During the Millennial Kingdom and After, and the Benefits of the New Jerusalem.
And now my thoughts:
Very interesting book. I’ve not read anything like it before (I don’t read many books like this). There are a lot of numbers and names (locations, countries, etc) in this book and I got lost in some of it (rather, I couldn’t make myself focus on the details). That said, I did find it to be quite interesting. I won’t say that I felt Frazier has it all together and I buy it all but he definitely made some good points.
I don’t believe that babies will be ‘raptured’ (and Frazier himself says that only ‘born again’ individuals will be), although I have no problem with the term ‘rapture’- it’s an appropriate word for being caught up into the clouds (1 Thess. 4:16-18) and was used in the Latin Bible that translations were taken from.
I’m not as convinced that America will not have any part in the prophecies but Frazier’s points are all good ones. I don’t follow his line of thinking that America is not to be considered because the Bible canon was closed long before the institution of America. Regardless of when the canon was closed, God has a plan in place- just because it was written by individuals in a certain area does not mean that it pertains to those areas only. If that were the case, the Bible wouldn’t refer really to many other than those in the areas where Jesus and the disciples were. Frazier definitely puts in some good points about how America could be taken out of the equation- but if it were, it’s all part of the plan.
His ideas about the EU are interesting as well and as I really am not too into current events, I learned a lot of tidbits from that section of the book. Moving onto how he feels the Catholic Church will be a facilitator of the Great Deceiver is not something that I haven’t heard before. Also the possibility of the Pope leading people to follow the Antichrist is plausible to me. I’m sure many people will not be happy to consider that. Something that I thought about while reading about the ‘idolatry’ in Catholicism made me think of Christians who use a cross- it is the same thing that all should consider. Truly it is. Think about it.
Using technology as the ‘mark’ is not a shocking possibility, because of the vastness of today’s technology. There is so much and so all encompassing, many would be 'lost’ without it. And it makes a lot of sense to think along the lines of Frazier on this point.
Overall, I found this book to have a lot of good points. He also says that prophecy is often neglected to be taught in churches but I suppose I’ve been in the few that have not neglected this topic. I have always been interested to learn more about what will happen. Of course, no one will know when. We cannot. I appreciated that Frazier refers to Scripture when putting out his thoughts and ideas on these matters. He doesn’t just say, “I think it is this way because this is going on.” No, he says, “The Bible says this which refers to such and such or directly relates to this idea.” You might like this book if you are intrigued about prophecy being fulfilled.
I received this book from New Leaf Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review. All opinions stated are my own. No compensation was given.

Book Review: World History by James P. Stobaugh (High School History Curriculum)

World History: Observations and Assessments from Creation to Today by James P. Stobaugh, High School Level, Student book
ISBN: 978-0-89051-648-5
Publisher: Master Books
Retails: $24.99

From the back cover:
A new series from respected educator Dr. James Stobaugh that takes you on a journey through history without the filters of revisionist or anti-Christian perspectives. This book is designed for a year’s worth of study; 34 powerful weeks of historical viewpoints. A summary sets the stage for learning so the student can enjoy a daily lesson with thought-provoking questions, and an exam that takes place every fifth day. With clear objectives and challenging assignments, students investigate ancient and modern source material, all provided.

Historical content covered in this volume includes the following: Mesopotamia, the Jewish Exile, Egyptian Life, Greece, Life in Athens, Roman Life, Early Church History, Japanese History, Indian (South Asian) History, Persian History, Chinese History, the Middle Ages, the Crusades, the Renaissance, the Reformation, German History, the World Wars, and South Africa.

A history curriculum that is easy to implement, compact and designed for independent study- that’s what you will find in this book. It would work well for those who are not attempting to do an extremely in depth World History course in high school. Also it will fit nicely those students who prefer to do their work on their own.  I don’t think it would be well received for those who are looking for an intensive World History course in high school. Nor would it be a good fit for those who appreciate living books for their education.

Each chapter has 5 lessons that follows the format of read, answer critical thinking questions (most are open-ended, only a couple are T/F or multiple choice/matching), and then take an exam (as the ‘5th lesson’). It also contains the following components (from the book): narrative background, concepts/generalizations, a bit on a person who made a difference in history (called History Maker), historiographies or historical debate (presents theories surrounding a period or topic), world view formation, and history and world view overviews throughout the book.

It is suggested as a 12th grade book. The book can be purchased from New Leaf Publishing Group. Other books in the series include American History (10th grade) and British History (11th grade).

Here are the pros I found with this book:

• Short lessons that would take about 20-30 minutes, perhaps a little longer for answering the questions in depth
• Many open-ended questions (it says that they are critical thinking based roughly on Bloom’s Taxonomy) that help students think ‘outside the box’
• Interesting presentation of some information/worldviews (such as book review for Pagan and Christian in an Age of Anxiety)
• Includes quite a few religions and views from other cultures (without giving up it's Christian perspective)
• It is a year long course (it has 34 weekly lessons)
• Affordable
• Compact and light book (not like a heavy textbook)
• Christian viewpoint (but it doesn’t shelter needlessly –presents overviews and some insight into worldviews)

The cons for our family are as follows:

• There really are no primary source documents (it does have quotes and excerpts from some but it doesn’t really direct the learner to more than just what is in the textbook)
• It is too textbook –it isn’t terribly engaging until the questions are asked.
• It seems very basic and just skims the surface (not to say that it should be college level work but a little more would have been nice). Some of the information isn’t any more in depth than my current 7th grader is already learning.
• The exams are only included in the teachers book (I don’t have it and the preview I found does not show the format of the exams). If it were truly ‘independent’ I would like it to include them in the student book with the answers in the teachers book.
• If we were to use this as a World History text we would need to supplement it with other books. There are websites included (referenced in the paragraphs) where the information was obtained but very few authors and books. That may not bother some people especially since our world is becoming immersed in the internet but *I* would prefer a book.
• And finally, which doesn’t really take much away from it, it is all in black and white. Keeping the cost down, I am sure, is part of the reason for printing in black and white but it’s just not as ‘pleasing’. My kids and I read lots of books on the Kindle –which is gray scale –so the black and white isn’t new, I just didn’t expect it in a textbook.

Bottom line:

I expected it to be more in depth and complete than it is - since it is designed for independent learning. It states at the beginning the students are responsible for reading and following through with assignments –the teacher obviously is expected to give insight as well and to correct/discuss the questions and exams- that’s the impression I got. It is ‘comprehensive’ as in it includes a lot of historical content in terms of quantity. I would like to have seen more references and resources suggested for further reading (if the student –or parent –so desired). I think this might work for a spine with other books and resources integrated to further study the times, places, events and/or people. I don’t think it is all that is needed for a really good World History high school course. Of course, if one isn’t really that into history then this may be perfect for them. If they need to just get the credit this might be just the thing. For us, we need more.

I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to those who are in need of a World History curriculum that ‘gets the job done’ while presenting it with a Christian perspective. But I wouldn’t really recommend it to those who want serious study into history (or those who aren’t interested in it having a Christian perspective).

***Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from NLPG in exchange for an honest review. A positive review was not required. See Disclosure/Policies.***

Book Review: Unveiling the Kings of Israel

Unveiling the Kings of Israel by David Down
ISBN: 978-0-89051-609-6
Publisher: Master Books
Retail: $29.99
David Down has been a field archaeologist for over four decades, excavating regularly in Israel, and involved in numerous digs over the years. He is editor of the magazine “Archaeological Diggings.” from the back cover
Having taken only one archaeological course in college, I’m not very knowledgeable about the digging up part of the field but I have taken quite a few anthropology courses that utilize the information ‘dug’ up by archaeologists. I did find it to be quite refreshing that Down doesn’t automatically subject readers to evolutionist theories. His book presents Biblical records in accord with historical records to show that the Bible is accurate. Taking the above mentioned courses at secular colleges, I don’t recall hearing Down’s viewpoints or work prior to receiving this book.
This hardback book features 20 chapters and 4 Appendices. Each chapter starts with a simple timeline and a summary of the time frame to be discussed.

On every single page of this book are color images- photographs, maps, paintings, etc. The pages themselves are thick and glossy.

 

Throughout the entire book are comparison of Biblical records and historical records.

 

This book would be a wonderful addition to a home library. It shows how secular assessments of history actually back up the Bible’s accounts.

***Disclaimer: I received this book from New Leaf Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review. A positive review was not required. See Disclosure/Policies.***

Book Review: Begin

Begin: a journey through scriptures for seekers and new believers, Compiled and edited by Ken Ham and Bodie Hodge
ISBN: 978-0-89051-630-0
Publisher: Master Books
Retail: $12.99

Begin presents foundational and relevant portions of Scripture from the ESV version of the Bible, along with a powerful mix of commentary, historical information, and helpful detail that gives you an easy overview of the structure and focus of the Bible. from the back cover.

I chose to review this book through New Leaf Publishing Group from Master Books. Originally, I had chosen it because I wanted to see if it would be a good answer to skeptics of the Bible. I didn’t really find that in this book but the authors don’t say that is their goal.

The book takes the ‘seeker’ through specific books of the Bible: Genesis, Exodus, John, Romans and Revelation. Before each section of Bible being put in the book is a commentary relevant to the section. At the end of each chapter of the book of the Bible that is presented in ESV version of the Bible are questions geared to make one think about what is being said in the Bible. Some of the questions are quite simple (yes/no) but most are open-ended, requiring reflection.

The one thing I appreciated the most about this book is the option to ‘journal’ through the study. On almost every page the margins are lined to allow for note taking. Also at the end of each chapter, where the questions are located, is ample room for writing down the answers. There are also footnotes for the scriptures in case a word or phrase may be confusing.

Some of the reasoning put forth to try to help explain an aspect, concept, situation, etc., in the Bible is not very clear in the author’s words and personally I would find it to confuse more than enlighten. I did find it a little amusing where Paul wrote “brothers” the footnote says, “Or brothers and sisters…” I find that to be a little silly but do understand that some new believers may have trouble with the prominence of males in the Bible {or lack of prominence of women}. That is just one instance and just a personal view of it.

Another issue I have with the book is the focus of creation and a young earth. But again, I do understand that it is not a commonly held belief and coming into Christianity may challenge previously held beliefs. I just get tired of hearing about it, I guess.

I use the KJV Bible but I think that ESV may be my next choice of Bible so this book wasn’t too difficult to adjust to in that respect. If you are adamant that one version of the Bible is the ‘correct’ one then this book may not sit so well with you. Also, if you are adverse to Ken Ham’s view points, you may not like this book either.

Overall, I found the book to be okay. It would be good to have beside your Bible while you read the chosen parts discussed in this book.

***Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from NLPG in exchange for an honest review. A positive review was not required. See Disclosure/Policies.***

Book Review: World of Science

World of Science
ISBN: 978-089051-618-8
Hardback, 248 pages
Publisher: Master Books
Retails: $24.99

Fascinating facts about the world of SCIENCE

Science is a bit of a touchy subject in our house. It isn’t that we do not like science but well, perhaps we are I am science challenged and would rather not talk about it –nevermind do it!

My kids however are more science inclined than I. I’ve been looking for a book that I could let them see that wouldn’t drive them to beg me to do tons of horribly incredibly detailed experiments. If they could read and share their excitement with me, I’d be happy. But I do understand that hands-on activities (especially in a subject such as science) is a good thing.

The book World of Science is a good book- it’s a compromise for the kids and I Separated into seven sections (Matter & Chemicals; Energy, Motion & Machines; Electricity & Magnetism; Light & Sound; Earth & Life; Space & Time; Science Experiments), it gives history of the particular field as well as descriptions of various particulars of the field. For example in the Matter & Chemicals section there is a portion on Molecules. It talks briefly about molecular bonds and also has images and photos of examples (in this case, changing molecules is represented by the flame in a hot air balloon and for discussing oxygen molecules, a deep sea diver with an oxygen tank). On the next page it gives a brief history of the discovery of DNA and who the men were that made the discovery.

The book is interesting partially because of the images and photographs. My kids are drawn to colors and images like most are. We have a couple ‘encyclopedia’ type books that are very visually stimulating and my kids are constantly looking at them again and again. It’s the same with this book. We actually keep it on our kitchen table for looking at whenever.

In Section 7 is where the real fun begins perhaps There are more than 60 experiments that you can do at home. None of them require really fancy materials. One that we are going to try is the hot air balloon made with tissue paper. It is easy to do (thank goodness!) and will help them learn about heat and cold. Each experiment shows the corresponding concept and page number.

I like this book. I do think it is a bit young for my 12 and 15 year old but I definitely think this can be used as a supplement for their other science. It has a lot of information and fun experiments.

 

***Disclaimer: I was graciously given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given. See my Disclosure/Policies.

Book Review: Already Compromised

Already Compromised by Ken Ham & Greg Hall with Brit Beemer
ISBN: 978-0890516072
Publisher: New Leaf Publishing Group/Master Books
Retail: $13.99

If you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything.

How do Christian colleges stack up when it comes to teaching Biblical truths? How many actually teach what the Bible says? What impact does this have on those entering and leaving Christian colleges? Ken Ham, Greg Hall and research data from Britt Beemer give the facts in the book Already Compromised.

With the passing of time, I’m getting very close to having a student that will be looking at attending college. I really can’t keep burying my head in the sand. I requested to review this book from New Leaf Publishing and they graciously sent me a copy.

Many know who Ken Ham is (and many may know who Greg Hall is as well- I didn’t) and his affiliation with Answers in Genesis. The philosophy behind AiG is that if you can’t believe, and have faith in, the first book of the Bible (in its entirety- as written) then you will have trouble with the remainder of the Bible as well. That is why when researching Christian colleges many of the questions were dealing with belief and teachings about and from the first book of the Bible. Of course, there are other questions that veer from the book of Genesis (such as “do you believe the Bible is literally true?” and “what does your institution teach about the Bible?”) but it is interspersed throughout the book. Personally, I felt it ‘got old’ that they kept coming back to the “young earth/old earth” debate BUT I understand that it is something that is important to distinguish.

I did like a statement made by Ken Ham on page 129 in chapter 8 (The High Stakes of Good Thinking: The Age of the Earth):

I am sometimes belittled and cut down by professors at “respected” Christian universities because I don’t have the academic credentials that some of these people do. They think that because they have the credentials, they have the truth. They say, “How dare Ken Ham question us, because he is not trained in biblical languages; he didn’t go to Bible college; he didn’t go to seminary; etc.” In some ways I’m glad that I don’t have those credentials, because I might have ended up like some of them: compromising the truth clearly laid forth by Scripture in the midst of a bunch of academic mumble jumble created to accommodate secular scientific ideas.

I agree that it seems that much of the debate about Christianity is because the ‘educated’ are ‘in the know’. And the only ones. He goes on to say:

Or worse than that, they might actually believe that since they teach it, that makes it true—that they are the ones who actually determine the truth.

There is a chapter geared toward college students- chapter 10- that gives many scriptures and advice to help students stay true to their beliefs. The final chapter- chapter 11- calls for unity but not as it has been requested by many:

We are often told we should be concentrating on our unity in Christ alone. The accusations usually sound like this: “Only Christ should matter and those elements of the gospel message essential for salvation—and differing interpretations in Genesis should be acceptable and tolerated.

But this view ignores a larger question—can we separate the centrality of Christ from the authority of [God’s] Word? Surely we should agree that our unity should be centered around Christ. After all, it is only through faith in Jesus Christ that one can be saved…If the Word of God is not an authoritative document, then how can we know that the message of Jesus and the gospel is reliable?

Well, it was a lot to read (not that it is a large book but it is full of numbers and statistics) and take in. But it definitely made me think.

I received this book from New Leaf Publishing in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any other way.