What we know of the complicated life of this early Christian missionary is related through several books in the New Testament. In this biographical compilation, the author uses all the various books of the Bible related to Paul to create a linear narrative of his life, presented in short chapters with abundant spot and full-page illustrations rendered by Cockroft in a muted but pleasing style. A map on the front endpapers traces Paul’s journeys throughout the Middle East and on to Greece and Italy. A final page provides some key facts about Paul, but this chart should have been placed at the front of the volume to aid readers’ understanding of the main text. Paul’s arguably most famous words—from I Corinthians—serve as the conclusion to the final chapter, but there is no clear reference to the specific chapter and verse. The most glaring omission is the lack of a chart of the Bible books that are attributed to Paul; only a vague reference indicates that Paul’s letters are found in the New Testament. (Religion. 8-12)
Pub Date: March 1, 2010
ISBN: 978-0-8254-7906-9
Page Count: 48
Publisher: HarperBlessings/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2010
BOOK REVIEW
The Touro Synagogue of Newport, Rhode Island, is the oldest Jewish house of worship in the US; Fisher traces its history and details the design and construction of the beautiful two-story Georgian-style building, describing “the quietness of the building’s exterior, its gentleness” which “belied the tormented history of its congregants, resolute in their beliefs.” Constructed from 1759—1763, the synagogue was the focus of President George Washington’s comments in 1790 that “the Government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens, in giving it on all occasions their effectual support.” This well-documented history will remind readers that the US was settled by people of many faiths who were united in their “search for freedom and peace of mind.” (photos and reproductions, bibliography, index) (Nonfiction. 8-12)
Pub Date: Feb. 15, 1999
ISBN: 0-8234-1401-9
Page Count: 64
Publisher: Holiday House
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1999
It’s hard for most US readers to imagine what it is like to grow up amid ongoing violence, but that is what Liam’s life has been in Belfast. However, this 11-year-old’s family life, school, and dreams will be known to children everywhere. After providing an overview of “the Troubles,” McMahon movingly describes the conditions of Liam’s existence: a Catholic, he has never known a Protestant—“peace walls” separate the Catholic and Protestant sections of Belfast. On his way to school, Liam passes buildings with large messages painted on them: “Brits Out,” or “No Surrender.” Family and school conversations often include passing references to a bomb going off. O’Connor’s full-color photographs show all the aspects of Liam’s life, including his training for a boxing match; the boy loses, but rather than believe that the judges ruled against him because of where he’s from, he quotes a rule he has learned—“We win, or we lose. Then we go on.” This book provides a realistic glimpse of a place where peace has taken a fragile hold, and offers a reminder that the dreams of children can flourish amid misery. (map) (Nonfiction. 7-12)
Pub Date: March 1, 1999
ISBN: 0-395-68620-2
Page Count: 64
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 1999
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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