BOOK LIST (to print) -- FRANCE
PODCASTS:
The connecting link between this month's American and World history studies is the fact that France played an important role in our victory in the American Revolution. Lafayette, the young freedom fighter from France, also played a large role. Depending on the ages of your children, seeing how the two Revolutions played out--the American Revolution and the French Revolution--will help them see that freedom cannot be given to a people not prepared for it.
There are so many great choices for this month's study. I'll highlight just a couple of them, but do search the recommended reading lists in the online library. You can't go wrong! And don't forget the resources in the Enrichment section: crafts tied into France, French food, French music,
Canada is tied into this month's study because it was originally settled by the French. And Switzerland could tie into a couple of different countries, but for convenience sake, I tied it into the study of France.
SPOTLIGHTS:
There are so many great choices for this month's study. I'll highlight just a couple of them, but do search the recommended reading lists in the online library. You can't go wrong! And don't forget the resources in the Enrichment section: crafts tied into France, French food, French music,
Canada is tied into this month's study because it was originally settled by the French. And Switzerland could tie into a couple of different countries, but for convenience sake, I tied it into the study of France.
SPOTLIGHTS:
- Although Cinderella tales are found in nations all over the world, the most popular version comes from France. Have fun reading and watching different versions. Ever After has Cinderella seeking revenge on her stepmother at the end — in the newest version, notice her forgiveness. I see Cinderella as a modern day story of Joseph that is about forgiveness and doing good to those who despitefully use you. Not all modern versions include that part of the story. Let your kids discover that by reading several versions.
- Louis Braille by Margaret Davidson I found it interesting that the object that blinded Louis as a child--an awl- is shaped like the very instrument he designed to help the blind 'to see'. This is a great readaloud for your children of a boy who wouldn't give up. Very inspiring. On the back of the book is a raised braille alphabet. You might encourage your children to create some braille pages by gluing split peas on a piece of paper.
- Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc by Mark Twain. If you go to p. 229 in Stories of Great Writers (G12), you can read how this book came to be written. It's fantastic for your older readers. For your younger children, there's an introductory story written by Andrew Lang (who compiled the Red Fairy Tales, etc. series) found in the W5 Forgotten Classics book. I've collected several children's versions of the story and really like the illustrations in this one. Or here is an online illustrated version written in French but could be used to 'talk' through the story after your children hear it. As you read the story of Joan of Arc, think about what may have been our outcome, considering the French role in our fight for independence, if Joan had not succeeded; if France had ceased to exist as a nation. The more I study history, the more I see the Hand of Providence orchestrating events.
- Evangeline was a poem written by Longfellow, inspired by the stories of the Acadians, French settlers in the Nova Scotia region who were driven from their homes by the English. They were placed on boats and their village was burned behind them. Families were separated and many died. They struggled to find anyone who would let them settle--it's the very relevent story of refugees without a home, which is the big story in today's headlines and can foster discussion. Many of them eventually settled in New Orleans, and if you love Cajun food, you can thank the A-Cad-yuns for it. Here is the story behind Evangeline for your high schoolers. And here is Longfellow's poem. I picked up a beautifully illustrated version of the story for children.
- The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Contains one of my favorite and oft used quotes: “Only the heart sees rightly. What is essential is invisible to the eye.” Simple story for children with enough layers of meaning to satisfy adults. Translated from French.
- Abroad Thomas Crane’s beautifully illustrated children’s book of a family’s trip ‘abroad’ to France, all written in rhyme.
- For a cultural look at France a hundred years ago, check out Our Little French Cousin, Little Jeanne of France, The French Twins
- Gabriel and the Hour Book, a lovely story of faith for your young listeners of a young boy whose task is grinding the colors for the monks' illumination.
- The Red Balloon: A short Oscar winning 1956 film set in Paris about a boy and his balloon and friendship.
- Treasures in the Snow by Patricia St. John "Annette's little brother is crippled, and Lucien, the village bully, is responsible. Controlled by anger and hatred, Annette vow she will never forgive Lucien and sets out to hurt him in every way she can." This really is a heartwarming book--I highly recommend it.
- Marie Antoinette--If you see her only as the frivolous "Let them eat cake" queen, take another look. The story of the royal family is tragic beyond comprehension, but her strength as a mother shines out through the dark days. You might want to begin with a story in Great Wives on p. 159. And then I posted a couple of biographies in the Wives and Mothers online library in the Great Lives Category.
- And lots of great classic literature choices! Heidi, Swiss Family Robinson, Anne of Green Gables, Tale of Two Cities, Count of Monte Cristo--(a fun read for high schoolers), Les Miserables, -- you'll find online copies in the online library.
Bon Appetit!
Art credit: The Village Festival by Jean Charles Meissonier