Articles written by Francine Morrissette

Calling all teens who've just read a good fiction book and want another one just like it! Here's how to find the next great teen book... fast.

Dec 23, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

Science fiction has evolved! The "new" genre delivers a relevant twist sure to please even the most discriminating teenage sci-fi readers.

Dec 15, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

Modern teens are rediscovering these four "classic" spiritual fiction novels as they explore their own spirituality in a "21st century" way.

Dec 6, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

The latest big trend in teen fiction is "big" indeed: plus-sized teenagers become the latest heroes and heroines in new teen novels.

Nov 28, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

Realistic fiction is a wildly popular genre, but the majority of today's realistic fiction books feature teen girls as main characters. What about books for the guys?

Nov 20, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

Teens who appreciate authentic science fiction will love these classic sci-fi novels which originally inspired, and continue to influence, the entire sci-fi genre.

Nov 13, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

Cyd Charisse is (almost) on her own in the Big Apple in this final wrap-up of the award-winning teen series which began with "Gingerbread" and continued with "Shrimp."

Nov 6, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

Teens can get free books in exchange for insightful as-only-a-teen-can-tell-it book reviews or from no-strings-attached giveaways.

Oct 30, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

Sunday School teachers can use this free Sunday School lesson baby Moses to teach preschool aged students about Moses' humble beginning and God's protection.

Oct 26, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

Cyd Charisse is back from New York with a whole new attitude and a mission to win back her pint-sized surfer dude Shrimp in Rachel Cohn's sequel to Gingerbread.

Oct 23, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

Gingerbread is a funny, poignant and irreverent story about a savvy and strangely likeable sixteen year old punk-Goth misfit girl with a dead-on and amusing take on life.

Oct 15, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

Quick! Grab the guest list and follow this foolproof plan for the fastest, easier baby shower ever. Anyone can plan a quick and easy baby shower in just one afternoon.

Oct 14, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

Sunday School teachers can use this Sunday School lesson about the second creation story to encourage children to take care of God's creation, the planet Earth.

Oct 13, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

From thrillingly creepy to downright disturbing, here's where to read the best horror stories, ghost stories and Gothic tales from classic literature-all online.

Oct 8, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

There are plenty of private lenders offering student loan consolidation, but consolidating student loans through the federal government has distinct advantages.

Oct 7, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

Censored, challenged, forbidden, or just plain banned-some of the greatest books of our time have gotten the worst rap.

Oct 2, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

A "Barbie Games" search yields many results, but few of these sites offer good, safe entertainment for kids. Here's how to find fun and safe Barbie games online.

Sep 30, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

Sunday School Teachers can use this Creation Story Sunday School lesson to share the wonders of God's Creation and His mercy with kindergarten-aged Sunday School classes.

Sep 30, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

Google Books now has over a million books for readers to download in PDF and EPUB format. What does that mean, and how can you get them?

Sep 29, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

Sunday School teachers can use this free Sunday School lesson to share the wonders of God's Creation with preschool-aged Sunday School classes.

Sep 28, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

Google Books may look like a huge collection of public domain "oldies;" but Google's 1+million e-books and e-magazines offer cool and useful stuff for today's teens.

Sep 25, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

Baby formula, baby diapers, even baby care help for first-time parents... here's the best free baby stuff on the internet.

Sep 24, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

Of all the innumerable free homeschool resources available online, these free educational resources deserve special recognition for their innovation and usefulness.

Sep 24, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

Breastfeeding information, support, even how-to videos are all available to nursing mothers for free online. Here's where to find the best breastfeeding info on the web.

Sep 23, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

When shopping for an insurance policy- health insurance, life insurance, auto insurance, homeowners, or other insurance- consumers should ask these key questions.

Sep 22, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

From free pregnancy countdown calendars to free diapers and baby food, pregnant mothers can find plenty of free stuff to make their pregnancy extra special.

Sep 22, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

Using these tips, consumers can easily identify the most financially stable insurance companies who also have the best quality of service.

Sep 21, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

Free online books! Really! Here's where to find thousands of complete, real books that anyone can read online for free.

Sep 20, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

Whether you're staining wood cabinets or re-staining wood furniture, follow these tips for great results.

Sep 19, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

Play free online dress up games with Barbie, My Scene dolls and more. Find an endless variety of characters and themes in these free dress up games for girls.

Sep 18, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

With so many homeschooling curriculum choices available, why choose Seton Home Study School? Seton is an affordable, easy-to-use curriculum for Catholic homeschools.

Sep 17, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

Elementary and middle-school kids (home schooled kids, too) can use these fun and educational math web sites to entertain themselves while improving their math grade.

Sep 16, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

If Halloween snuck up once again and a Halloween costume is needed right now, try one of these ten faster-than-a-flying-witch super-simple costume ideas.

Sep 14, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

What's the difference between latex and oil paint? What are acrylic and enamel paints? What are "edging," "curing," and "VOCs?" Increase your paint vocabulary today!

Sep 14, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

Markus Zusak reveals the Holocaust through the eyes of an orphaned teen girl in this unusual novel of Potteresque characters, narrated by a Lemony-Snicket-like "Death."

Sep 13, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

The Internet offers many opportunities to get really cheap books and even books for free. Here are some of the best places to get cheap and free books online.

Sep 8, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

Teens who want to read romance books online can check out these great sites which offer free online romance novels ready when they are.

Sep 8, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

Potentially embarrassing wardrobe malfunctions can happen any time, any place. Here's what to do if your fabulous outfit turns against you.

Sep 4, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

With many businesses laying off or instituting hiring freezes, more job hunters are competing for fewer positions. These tips for job seekers can increase their success.

Sep 4, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

A low credit score can decrease the odds of getting hired. With unemployment at 10% job seekers should know their credit score and increase it if they can.

Sep 4, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

Non-Catholics insist that Catholics worship Mary; Catholics say they don't. Do Catholics break God's number one commandment, or not?

Sep 2, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

Being in debt (taking out a mortgage or a student loan, etc.) is not a sin. However, too much debt, especially unnecessary debt, can lead to sin.

Sep 1, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

From peasant blouses and skinny jeans to punk rock and the Rubik's cube, fads from the 1980's have come back in fashion, including these award-winning sci-fi classics.

Sep 1, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

What would happen if characters could escape from books and inhabit a reader's world? When Cornelia Funke asks this question, the answer is "Inkheart."

Aug 28, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

Twilight fans, never fear, there are plenty of vampire romances to satisfy your "thirst." Try theses Twilight Read-Alikes, or use the lists to hunt down more on your own.

Aug 21, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

Easy to make and super-rich, these 7-layer bars can be customized with any kind of chips, such as white chocolate, peanut butter, dark chocolate, raspberry and more.

Aug 18, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

Date logs, a sweet and chewy holiday confection, hit their heyday in the 1960's. They've recently made a comeback as a retro chic Christmas treat.

Aug 17, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

Surprise! Teenage boys do read romance books, and there's a world of romance novels written just for them.

Aug 14, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

Teens are not children. These savvy young adults spot and reject what's artificial. They are drawn to the grittiness of life, to adult problems, and to realistic fiction.

Aug 7, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

Young Adult fiction was once considered a kind of void between engaging children's books and sophisticated adult fare. But not anymore, 'cause YA has a new attitude.

Jul 31, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

Never fear, Harry Potter fans, J.K Rowling's best-loved series might be done but the magic isn't over yet. Check out these magical, mysterious Harry Potter read-alikes.

Jul 23, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

It's a mystery, it's an adventure, it's a supernatural thriller, and it has a graphic novel running throughout... this book is sure to please fans of any genre.

Jul 17, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

The Poisonwood Bible is a rich and complex tale of love and betrayal. It's many themes and complex characters make it a great choice for book group discussions.

Jul 10, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

Move over, hot-of-the-press teen fiction, and make room for these modern literary classics which appeal to "young" adults of all ages, especially the teenaged "YA" crowd.

Jul 3, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

Since October 2005 when Stephanie Meyer introduces the vampire romance Twilight vampire books have been flying onto (and off of) bookstore shelves.

Jun 23, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

Teachers encourage regular reading, but reluctant teens may balk at the thought of diving into a book. Enticing reluctant readers requires high interest, relevant books.

Jun 23, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

For fans of YA fantasy who can't get enough, these Young Adult fantasy series are great for summer reading or year-round breaks from reality.

Jun 23, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) has announced a list of books which appeal to fans of Cecily von Ziegesar's Gossip Girls series.

Jun 23, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

Blessed Julian of Norwich was a 14th Century mystic who comforted her people and who continues to offer inspiration and hope to all who are tormented with anxiety.

Jun 16, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

"He who dies with the most stuff wins" is the battle cry of the greedy. In today's consumer society, this Deadly Sin is one that affects almost everyone.

Apr 21, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

Sensationalized in the 2001 movie "Seven," the seven deadly sins are more than just fodder for the thriller movie industry; they're an institution of the Catholic Church.

Apr 21, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

If someone slapped you, you'd feel pain, and at the same time probably anger, too. Is this justified anger, or is all anger a "deadly" sin? Is anger ever okay?

Apr 21, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

Envy is resenting others for what they've accomplished and what they have. It's a way to justify hate, which earns it a place among the Deadly Seven.

Apr 21, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

Most people wouldn't think of neglecting to feed their body every day, yet these people starve their souls. Starving the soul is called sloth: the fifth Deadly Sin.

Apr 21, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

What is lust, exactly? Is attraction the same as lust? Why is lust a deadly sin? Is the Church, just.... well...prudish?

Apr 21, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

The liturgical calendar of the Catholic Church notes days of fasting and abstinence. What does that mean? Who has to fast and abstain and how do they do it?

Apr 21, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

What exactly is gluttony? Why is is a deadly sin? Did gluttony go out with the fall of the Roman empire, or is it still around today?

Apr 21, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

You've heard the expression: "Pride goeth before the fall;" but are all forms of pride dangerous? And what kind of fall are we talking about? Why is pride a "Deadly Sin?"

Apr 21, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

Saint Elmo is the patron of infants and children with colic and other stomach ailments. He is also the patron saint of sailors who need protection during storms.

Apr 9, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

If you're worried about your eyesight, or are just having trouble with your contact lenses, call on the virgin saint Lucy, the patroness of eyesight.

Apr 9, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

Is your wallet feeling a little thin? Are you putting off an important task? Get help from the patron saint of chronic postponement and money issues.

Apr 7, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

Call on Saint Thomas Aquinas when you need help with school stress, especially when experiencing test anxiety.

Mar 26, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

Since the dawn of mankind, people have yearned for a higher power who resides in a spiritual plane. People today continue to seek God, and they find Him through prayer.

Mar 26, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

If you've ever broken out in a cold sweat because you've lost something irreplaceable, worry no more because Saint Anthony, the finder of lost things, is on your side.

Mar 24, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

Many shoppers shave hundreds of dollars off their grocery bills by diligently clipping coupons, but is there hope for coupon-less shoppers to save money, too?

Mar 17, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

A deck adds comfortable outdoor living space which the whole family can enjoy. Extend the life of your deck by applying a weather-resistant paint or exterior stain.

Mar 17, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

Rituals provide substance and meaning amidst the chaos of modern life, and Catholic faith rituals provide comfort, order, and much-needed nourishment for the soul.

Mar 17, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

The Divine Mercy Chaplet is prayed on rosary beads, but it is quicker because the prayers are shorter. It promises to bestow innumerable graces and God's divine mercy.

Jan 27, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

Make money from home while making room on the bookshelves. It's quick, it's easy, and anyone with a computer and a few extra books to sell can make some extra cash.

Jan 27, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

Natural cough remedies work with your body's defenses to control coughing, expel mucus, and soothe irritated bronchial passages without drugs.

Jan 23, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

The Rosary fell out of use after Vatican II, but in recent years it has made a strong comeback. Its Biblical roots have enticed even Protestants to discover the rosary.

Jan 23, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

The tradition of abstaining from meat on Fridays dates back to the time of Christ. Where did this tradition come from and how is it practiced today?

Jan 23, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

Through the Morning Offering prayer Catholics worldwide unite their thoughts and actions, remembering and honoring Christ's loving sacrifice on Calvary.

Jan 23, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

Like a healthy lunch which nourishes the body, traditional Catholic noonday prayers nourish the soul and give it strength and energy to last through the rest of the day.

Jan 23, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

When a Catholic receives the sacrament Confirmation, they also receive the Gifts and the Fruits of the Holy Spirit. Why? What are these "gifts" and "fruits"?

Jan 15, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

High cholesterol levels can increase the risk of heart disease, but cholesterol levels can be effectively reduced through diet, exercise, and relaxation.

Jan 15, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

This question of suffering is possibly the biggest obstacle to people who believe in, or who are trying to believe in, the possibility of God.

Jan 15, 2009 - Francine Morrissette

Catholics believe that God can be encountered not only though the scriptures and through his creation, but also through certain ritual actions called sacraments.

Aug 8, 2008 - Francine Morrissette

Leading a youth group or teaching a faith formation class can be a challenge, but leaders can get the best possible experience by following a few simple guidelines.

Aug 8, 2008 - Francine Morrissette

Celibacy is a discipline, not a doctrine. The Church doesn't teach and has never taught that all clergy must be celibate. So why are so many priests unmarried?

Aug 8, 2008 - Francine Morrissette

The world's most successful people agree: if it's worth having it's worth suffering for ... but is knowing Christ worth suffering for, too? Is it supposed to hurt?

Aug 8, 2008 - Francine Morrissette

Portrait photography is fun and rewarding, but it can be tricky. Start taking great pictures of your friends and loved ones with these easy techniques.

Aug 6, 2008 - Francine Morrissette

Catholics confess to a priest because Jesus told them to. But why would Jesus want his followers to confess their sins to mere human beings? Why not go straight to Him?

Aug 6, 2008 - Francine Morrissette

It's easy to create beautifully decorated walls without buying fancy tools or expensive supplies. Try one (or all) of these easy techniques and quickly perk up any wall.

Aug 6, 2008 - Francine Morrissette

Open to the classified section of almost any newspaper and you'll find dozens of petitions and thank-yous to Saint Jude. Who is Saint Jude and what can he do for you?

Jun 2, 2008 - Francine Morrissette

Astrology entices people by offering a glimpse into the future for a price. Should Christians accept the offer? At what price? What does the Bible say about astrology?

Jun 2, 2008 - Francine Morrissette

At the heart of the pro-life pro-choice debate lies this crucial question: What is the value of a human life and when does that life begin? The Bible's got answers.

Jun 2, 2008 - Francine Morrissette

While on earth, Jesus instructed his disciples to form one unified church, and for that church to spread His word. What happened to Christ's singular, united church?

Apr 14, 2008 - Francine Morrissette

To worship Mary would be a grave sin, because worship is reserved for God alone. So why do Catholics pray to Mary and venerate statues of her?

Apr 2, 2008 - Francine Morrissette

How does work fit into Christian lives? Can believers bring Christianity to work? Is work a curse? What does God say about work, anyway?

Apr 1, 2008 - Francine Morrissette