Child Chapter Books

A nice edition with 11 illustrations and a cover from a 1914 edition.

Jo's Boys, and How They Turned Out: A Sequel to "Little Men" was first published in 1886 as the final book in the Little Women series. In it, Jo's children, now grown, are caught up in real world troubles. The book follows the lives of Plumfield boys who were introduced in Little Men, particularly Tommy, Emil, Demi, Nat, Dan, and Professor Bhaer as well as Jo's sons Rob and Teddy. The book takes place ten years after Little Men.

The Fellows family has joined numerous others striving to make a go of homesteading in the Oregon high desert. But the venture has been disastrous from the start. Mr. Fellows, who is not a farmer, resents any advice from his wife, who grew up on a farm. Ma is not only troubled about the farming, but 7-year-old Ellie s chronic illness has become a source of constant worry and expense. 12-year-old Chris, who cannot seem to please his father no matter what he does, eases his own misery by stealing time away from work to watch a neighbor s scarcely broken black pony, only to get into more trouble. When it seems circumstances could not get worse for the struggling family, Fellows gets drunk and dies. Not willing to give up, Ma stubbornly and creatively seeks a way for the family to stay in Oregon. Frank Chase, an unintentional element in the death of Chris s father, is added to the mix and challenged by Ma to keep his word to help the family. The resultant dramatic and sometimes humorous contest of wills comes to a satisfying culmination when, after Frank s purchase of the wild black pony for Chris, Ma is reluctantly forced to once again use her backbone of steel for the good of all. Walt Morey s careful research and vivid storytelling talent warmly bring to life the struggles and triumphs of homesteading in the Oregon high desert country in the early 1900 s. A great family read-aloud!"

It's Christmas time at St. Anne parish, and a new family has arrived! The Perez family doesn't look like the other families in the parish. As five-year-old Mateo stares at Katie and Patrick, clutching his little stuffed burro, they see he's just puzzled about them. But it's Father Miguel's job to take care of them, right? Just then, a bell rings and the twins are swept up in another Chime Travel adventure, this time to find Mary and Joseph on their way to Bethlehem.

This fresh yet authentic retelling of the biblical Infancy Narratives sheds new light on the life of the Holy Family. And when at last the Magi arrive, Katie asks Mary, "Are you sure you want all of these strangers around the baby?" Mary smiles. "Strangers are simply new friends, just waiting to be loved." Katie and Patrick think of the Perez family. Can they still make new friends for Christmas?

Book 5 in the Chime Travelers series, exciting new chapter books ideal for children in grades 2-5.

The name "Bakhita," which means "fortunate," was sarcastically bestowed upon this young child when she was kidnapped into slavery. After being taken to Italy and put into service as a nanny, she was sent to live with the Canossian Sisters in Venice, eventually becoming part of their community. For twenty-five years, she joyously carried out humble services in the convent, including taking care of the wounded during World War I. This African saint's engrossing life story, heroic choices, and forgiving heart make her a wonderful role model!

Here is the intriguing story of Saint Francis' conversion. Francis abandoned a life of privilege, riches, and war to follow God's call to serve others. He often gave money to the poor and took care of the lepers. Yet, he felt he must do more. Francis became a "knight" of the "lady Poverty," and began living life as a beggar. Everywhere he went, he urged people to stop sinning and return to God. Soon he had many disciples, and the great Franciscan family was born.

St. Thomas More comes to life in this biography from the acclaimed "Vision Books" series of saints for youth 9 - 16 years old. Raised in the London of the late 1400's, Thomas was a bright student eager for knowledge. When serving as a page for Cardinal Morton, the Archbishop of Canterbury noticed his bright wit and sent him to Oxford. There young Thomas became a scholar and later one of the greatest lawyers in England. Going on to serve his King, he soon became one of Henry VIII's most trusted advisors. But then the unthinkable happened.

King Henry VIII defied Rome and set himself up as the head of the Church in England, commanding all of his subjects to acknowledge him as such. Sir Thomas resigned as Chancellor rather than betray his faith, but his defiance came at a price. King Henry had him arrested and charged with treason. On July 6, 1535, Sir Thomas More was beheaded for high treason and became a martyr for the Church. Illustrated.

This is the action-packed story of a young woman who was called by God to fight for her country, France, during the Hundred Years' War. Leading the French to an improbable victory against the English, Joan listened to the voices of the saints calling her to action and fulfilled her special mission. After this triumph, she was imprisoned and burned at the stake, calling out "Jesus" for her final word. This story captures the courage and faith with which the Christian life is filled.