|
Books by Our CSAA Members for Children Christmas is around the corner and we have a couple recommendations for our youger schoolhouse enthusiasts. Our CSAA authors have been hard at work keeping schoolhouse stories alive for both children and adults. During the past year and a half we've highlighted a number of CSAA writers and their inspiring books, and we appreciate their determination to tell the stories of our country schools. The two posts below are geared for children and will make cherished Christmas gifts. Your support of our writers is much appreciated and you will be rewarded by their creativity and research!  CLICK PHOTO FOR WEBSITE ORDERING Relaunch of the Beloved Belden Boy Series: A Journey Sparked by the Rescue of a One-Room Schoolhouse By P.J. HarteNaus In 2003, an unexpected discovery behind the Jo Daviess courthouse set the stage for an extraordinary preservation effort to save the 1859 Belden School in the Galena Territory. Stockton’s gentleman farmer, Big Bob Kleckner, had a passion for the history of one-room schools. One day (much to the dismay of his wife), Big Bob went dumpster diving and discovered numerous one-room school journals from the area being tossed. Among them were the 1871 and 1923 journals of Belden School. That one search preserved, for future generations, firsthand records of school life from a bygone era. But it didn’t end there. It began in 2003 when Big Bob, Galena Territory managers, Beth Pomaro and Dave Oldenburg, and Territory resident, P.J. HarteNaus, began researching its history. They found Belden artifacts around the school grounds and in the nearby creek. As part of a Master’s class, P. J. interviewed elderly students who once attended the school before it closed due to consolidation in 1943. The stories were incredible. So much so, she decided to preserve them. P.J. fictionalized the oral and documented history, creating the anti-bullying series, Belden Boy, for children of all ages. These events introduced the idea of possibly saving the Belden School structure. After years of discoveries, discussions and presentations to those interested in preserving the school, a committee of volunteers was officially formed in 2005 to authentically and successfully restore the little one-room limestone school in Galena, Illinois. The newly restored Belden School opened to the public in 2009 offering tours and events. The dedicated commission continues to this day, providing education to all who enter the doors of Belden School. The award-winning Belden Boy series takes place in a small farm community in the 1880s where children of all ages learn their lessons in a one-room schoolhouse. Life is simple but rich with challenges and timeless lessons of courage, empathy and understanding. The four-book series is tied to Core State Standards for figurative language and perspective. It is the perspective that makes the series special. The first two books are told from the perspective of the victim, Peter, and his bully relationship with “sometimes pal”, Franky. The third book allows Franky to talk about his confusion when everyone calls him a bully. He just doesn’t see it. The fourth and final book in the Belden Boy series introduces a young girl who comes to Belden School from Minnesota. Annie and her pa have returned to the family farm to help her aging grandpa who is, as they say, “soft in the head”. She has her own limitations but helps to pull the boys and community together, including the new schoolmaster who has a tendency to be a bully, as well. The 2024 relaunch of these timeless tales in the Belden Boy series introduces beautifully illustrated covers, glossy pages and interior sketches by a local Galena artist. The endearing story of Belden School continues to live for future generations. Note from Susan Fineman- P.J. HarteNaus is a two-time winner and recipient of the CSAA Scholarship and Artistry Award. She has presented at numerous CSAA annual conferences. We highly recommend this series for your children and you can locate other children's books by Pattie HarteNaus on her website below.  "The Happy Little Schoolhouse"- Santa Rosa School This illustrated children’s book by Debbie Soto, a 2024 CSAA Scholarship and Artistry Award winner, tells the story of the Santa Rosa Schoolhouse in Cambria, California. The schoolhouse is the main character telling its own story from being built in 1881 through all the major events including the Santa Rosa being moved twice by a large crane. It highlights the happy years with children attending school sessions and the years of abandonment, then the moves and revitalization with children once again returning to the school. In this delightful hardcover book the illustrations are engaging and colorful, and some pages incorporate vintage photos of the school building. We highly recommend it for your children and grandchildren! The author, Debbie Soto, invites you to request a copy through her email at: [email protected]. Note from Susan Fineman-Debbie is a prolific writer promoting schoolhouse history and that of her town of Cambria, California. Her four other outstanding titles include those below: "Let The School Bells Ring" This informative book details the early history of one-room schoolhouses on the north coastal area of San Luis Obispo County, California around Cambria and San Simeon. The author's unique connections to Cambria's pioneer families provide her special insights into the history. Anyone interested in the history of the area will want to take a look at this book. "Living in Harmony- The School, Creamery and Town" Have you ever wondered how the tiny hamlet of Harmony California came to be? Over the years, truth and myth have mingled. Through extensive research, author Debbie Soto provides insight into the history of Harmony - the school, the creamery, and the town. Harmony (population 18) played a surprisingly huge role in California's dairy industry, and supplied William Randolph Hearst and his illustrious guests with their local cheese and butter. Experience the joys and tribulations of those who were lucky enough to live in Harmony. "Glimpses of A Bygone Era: One-Room Schools Along the Hearst Ranch" This informative book details the early history of one-room schoolhouses on the north coastal area of San Luis Obispo County. Anyone interested in the history of the area around Hearst Castle will want to take a look at this book. Packed with area famiy stories, documents, and photos! "Christmas Eve at Bethany" Thus beautiful Christmas story brings the reader memories of an old-fashioned celebration in a vintage church and the real meaning of Christmas. Delight in the idyllic oil paintings and lyrics by Debbie Soto and share a very special Christmas Eve at Bethany.  
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
