

Begin at the Beginning
The Great Adventure Catholic Bible from Ascension Press combines a beautiful Bible with color-coded timelines, a 90-day Bible reading plan (which covers the highlights of salvation history), and guidance on interpreting the Bible, applying Scripture to our lives, and praying with Scripture. The Bible is divided into sections, each of which has a fascinating introduction featuring maps, charts, and historical background:- Early World
- Patriarchs
- Egypt & Exodus
- Desert Wanderings
- Conquest & Judges
- Royal Kingdom
- Divided Kingdom
- Exile
- Return
- Maccabean Revolt
- Messianic Fulfillment
- The Church
History and Heritage
Beginning with Pentecost, the "birthday of the Church," and ending with the New Evangelization, Sister Mary Lea Hill, FSP, has put together a history of the Catholic Church that will appeal to kids, teens, and the adults in their lives. The Church Rocks! (I see what the author did there) is a century-by-century look at Church history that covers everything from stained glass to saints. It's clever without being irreverent and definitely takes the "boring" out of historical study, providing a clear sense of time and place to Church events. Each chapter begins with a timeline that lists major events in that century. In addition to the chapter's narrative, readers will find an "I Witness" paragraph, written from the point of view of someone from that time period; this will grab the attention of younger readers (grades 3 to 5). Older students (grades 5 and up) will appreciate "More than the Facts," "Latest and Greatest," and "On the Record," all of which offer more information on special topics, events, or important people. For further research, "Mystery of History" suggests topics for study. There's also a writing prompt, vocabulary builder, and prayer in each chapter. "The Bigger Picture" closes out each chapter by placing that century in historical context and setting up what's to come in the next century. Packed with black-and-white reproductions of famous art from the time, pictures of saints, and a useful index, this book would make a useful classroom tool and will intrigue history buffs of all ages. Take a peek at the inside of this fascinating book: https://issuu.com/paulinebooksandmedia/docs/1657-4Visit our Book Notes archive.
Copyright 2018 Barb Szyszkiewicz, OFS This article contains Amazon affiliate links; your purchases through these links benefit the author.
About the Author

Barb Szyszkiewicz
Barb Szyszkiewicz, senior editor at CatholicMom.com, is a wife, mom of 3 young adults, and a Secular Franciscan. Barb enjoys writing, cooking, and reading, and is a music minister at her parish. Find her blog at FranciscanMom and her family’s favorite recipes with nutrition information at Cook and Count. Barb is the author of The Handy Little Guide to Prayer and The Handy Little Guide to the Liturgy of the Hours, available from Our Sunday Visitor.
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