December 20, 2024
Dear Friends,
Seventeen years ago, I began writing this column to help parents and relatives find children’s and adolescent books that would build character and assist in spiritual formation. As we know, all things have a beginning and an end. I have reached that end.
Over the years, I have searched through innumerable book reviews to find novels that build spiritual and character formation. While some people simply feel that today’s children’s literature is deformed and to be avoided, I think this is very short-sighted. Today, the field of children’s literature is filled with brilliant writers, each with a story to tell.
The issue is not whether today’s authors know how to write. They do. The question is whether their writing is built upon Judeo/Christian values. This is the area with all the difficulties. Writers conforming to today’s secular values of self-centeredness and moving sexual mores are harmful to children. These stories cannot possibly bring youngsters to Christ. In the Children’s Literature Bookshelf, I have tried to find literature that builds a love of God and aids the growth of human and spiritual values. It has become an increasingly exhausting job that has caused me to put off a writing project on a book about World War I and Our Lady of Fatima. As a result, it is time to say goodbye.
In 2025, I, along with the outstanding editor of the Southern Nebraska Register, Cathy Bender, will select 42 of our favorite book reviews from the Children’s Literature Bookshelf for publication. Each week, one will be re-published in the Register. I can’t thank Mrs. Bender enough for all the support and assistance she has given me over the last 17 years. She is a gem and will continue to help bring you outstanding articles in the Register.
This column has not been mine alone. Many people in the diocese have given me potential book titles, and I appreciate their compliments and support. I am very grateful to them. The greatest support I received came from my beautiful wife, Diana Nollen. She carefully edited the book reviews each week before publication. She gave me invaluable advice on writing style and different books of interest. Though I received most of the credit, I know that her assistance was a large part of the success of the Children’s Literature Bookshelf. I can’t thank her enough.
It has been an honor to have written for you. In my recent Christmas column, I quoted the famous English writer, Walter de la Mare: “only the rarest kind of the best can be good enough for the young.” I trust that I have lived up to the great English writer’s guidance. Take care, dear friends.
With Affection:
Dr. Terrence Nollen
