Edited by Joseph Pearce

Contributors to this volume:
Jennifer Bonsell
Richard Harp
Regis Martin
Mary R. Reichardt
Aaron Urbanczyk

A key figure in the development of American literature, Nathaniel Hawthorne was also profoundly influenced by his ancestors and the Christianity that underscored their Puritan heritage. A literary classic, The Scarlet Letter presents a profound meditation on the nature of sin, repentance, and redemption, and on how such Christian concepts may be integrated into American democracy. This edition features an introduction by Aaron Urbanczyk, chair of the literature department at Southern Catholic College, that explores themes in "The Custom-House" that guide the reader's interpretation of the text of the novel, and several critical articles on the work's major symbols and Christian themes. Mary R. Reichardt, the editor of this edition, is a professor of literature in the Catholic Studies department at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul MN.

The Ignatius Critical Editions represent a tradition-oriented alternative to popular textbook series such as the Norton Critical Editions or Oxford World Classics, and are designed to concentrate on traditional readings of the Classics of world literature. While many modern critical editions have succumbed to the fads of modernism and post-modernism, this series will concentrate on tradition-oriented criticism of these great works.
Edited by acclaimed literary biographer, Joseph Pearce, the Ignatius Critical Editions will ensure that traditional moral readings of the works are given prominence, instead of the feminist, or deconstructionist readings that often proliferate in other series of 'critical editions'. As such, they represent a genuine extension of consumer-choice, enabling educators, students and lovers of good literature to buy editions of classic literary works without having to 'buy into' the ideologies of secular fundamentalism.
The series is ideal for anyone wishing to understand great works of western civilization, enabling the modern reader to enjoy these classics in the company of some of the finest literature professors alive today.

An exciting and fun new way to help children and parents to discover their Catholic faith together, and a great help for teachers in the classroom.

In child-friendly language, accompanied by talking points for parents and teachers, YOUCAT for Kids explores:

* Creation * The Creed * The Sacraments * The Ten Commandments * Prayer * The Life of Jesus

All the much-loved characteristics of the bestselling YOUCAT series - including fun graphics, quotes from Saints, and thought-provoking images - have been adapted to suit a younger audience.

Designed in consultation with parents and families, YOUCAT for Kids is an essential addition to every family bookshelf and Catholic school classroom.

For school, for art classes, for fun: this kid-friendly guide to the art of beautiful writing will be a hit anywhere.

From the tools to the techniques to the  fantastic projects, everything has been chosen specifically for children. Youngsters can use special, colorful, felt-tipped pens called chisel-edged markers to produce great-looking letters. The guidelines make it easier to get good results. Attractive pages, filled with brightly colored examples, get kids started with simple zigzags and then move on to small and large italics, gothic lettering, uncial, and Roman calligraphy. Children will enjoy using their new skills to write down favorite poems, fashion border designs, and create greeting cards and invitations.

Perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier and Gene Luen Yang, New Kid is a timely, honest graphic novel about starting over at a new school where diversity is low and the struggle to fit in is real, from award-winning author-illustrator Jerry Craft. 

Seventh grader Jordan Banks loves nothing more than drawing cartoons about his life. But instead of sending him to the art school of his dreams, his parents enroll him in a prestigious private school known for its academics, where Jordan is one of the few kids of color in his entire grade.

As he makes the daily trip from his Washington Heights apartment to the upscale Riverdale Academy Day School, Jordan soon finds himself torn between two worlds—and not really fitting into either one. Can Jordan learn to navigate his new school culture while keeping his neighborhood friends and staying true to himself?

This middle grade graphic novel is an excellent choice for tween readers, including for summer reading.

The only drawing book children need to become the artists they want to be!

“This is a gold mine of information.”—Library Media Connection

When children draw, they want to create an accurate likeness of the things they see. With this imaginative, informative, and amply illustrated guide, it's amazingly easy for kids to make their art dreams come true. The entertaining, hands-on lessons begin with contour drawing techniques and feature numerous exercises that show budding artists how to make basic shapes and forms, create the illusion of volume with light, use perspective, and accurately draw people, animals, landscapes, and more.