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Middle School Reading Lists 100 Years Ago Vs. Today

One of the striking features of the Edina list is how recent the titles are. Many of the selections were published in the 21st century. In fact, only four of the selections are more than 20 years old.

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11 years ago

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And you wonder why people were so much smarter a hundred years ago?

“I will fetch my knowledge from afar, and will ascribe righteousness to my Maker.” Job 36:3

I recently dug up a 1908 curriculum manual in the Minnesota Historical Society archives. It provided instructions on everything from teacher deportment to recommended literature lists for various grades. As a book lover, I was especially interested in the latter!

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With the exception of a few textbook-like anthologies, the chart below lists the recommended reading material for Minnesota 7th and 8th graders in 1908:

public-school-reading-lists-1908

With such a list in hand, I decided to examine if the common accusation that today’s education standards have been dumbed down is really true. To make sure I wasn’t unfairly weighting this survey in favor of the past, I went to one of the Twin Cities metro area’s finest districts, namely, Edina Public Schools. Again, with the exception of a few textbook anthologies, the list below offers the reading options for their 7th and 8th grade students:

public-school-reading-lists-2014

In examining these lists, I noticed three important differences between the reading content of these two eras:

1. Time Period

One of the striking features of the Edina list is how recent the titles are. Many of the selections were published in the 21st century. In fact, only four of the selections are more than 20 years old.

In comparison, over half of the titles on the first list were at least 20 years old in 1908, with many of them averaging between 50 to 100 years old.

Older is not necessarily better, but the books on the first list suggest that schools of the past were more likely to give their students time-tested, classic literature, rather than books whose popularity may happen to be a passing fad.

2. Thematic Elements

A second striking difference between the two book lists are the themes they explore. The first is full of historical references and settings which stretch from ancient Greece (Tanglewood Tales) to the Middle Ages (Harold, Last of Saxon Kings) to the founding of America (Courtship of Miles Standish). Through highly recognized authors such as Longfellow, Stevenson, Kipling, and Dickens, these titles introduce children to a vast array of themes crucial to understanding the foundations upon which America and western civilization were built.

The Edina list, however, largely deals with modern history, particularly hitting on many current political and cultural themes such as the Taliban (The Breadwinner), cloning, illegal immigrants, the drug war (The House of the Scorpion), and deeply troubled youth (Touching Spirit Bear). In terms of longstanding, classic authors, Mark Twain and Ray Bradbury are the only ones who stand out.

It’s good for children to understand the world in which they live, but as with any area in life, you can have too much of a good thing. A continual focus on modern literature narrows the lens through which children can view and interpret the world. Would it not be better to broaden their horizons and expose them to a balance of both old and new literature?

3. Reading Level

Many of the books on the Edina list use fairly simple, understandable language and vocabulary familiar to the modern reader. Consider the first paragraph of Nothing But the Truth:

“Coach Jamison saw me in the hall and said he wanted to make sure I’m trying out for the track team!!!! Said my middle school gym teacher told him I was really good!!!! Then he said that with me on the Harrison High team we have a real shot at being county champs. Fantastic!!!!!! He wouldn’t say that unless he meant it. Have to ask folks about helping me get new shoes. Newspaper route won’t do it all. But Dad was so excited when I told him what Coach said that I’m sure he’ll help.”

On the other hand, consider the first paragraph of Longfellow’s Evangeline:

“This is the forest primeval. The murmuring pines and the hemlocks,
Bearded with moss, and in garments green, indistinct in the twilight,
Stand like Druids of eld, with voices sad and prophetic,
Stand like harpers hoar, with beards that rest on their bosoms.
Loud from its rocky caverns, the deep-voiced neighboring ocean
Speaks, and in accents disconsolate answers the wail of the forest.”

The first example uses simple words and a casual sentence structure, while the second uses a rich vocabulary and a complex writing format. Naturally, some might look at the second selection and say, “Good grief! How do you expect a child to understand that?!?”

But that’s the whole point. Unless we give our students challenging material to dissect, process, and study, how can we expect them to break out of the current poor proficiency ratings and advance beyond a basic reading level?

My takeaway from this comparison? It’s great that schools today have students read contemporary literature. But we still need to make sure that students also read good literature from the past and are sufficiently challenged.

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Israel Launches ‘Operation Rising Lion’ And Eliminates Nearly All IRGC Commanders In First Wave Of Attacks On Iran’s Nuclear Facilities In Early Morning Hours

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June 12, 2025

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Moments ago, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a targeted military operation aimed at dismantling the Iranian nuclear threat to Israel’s survival. This operation will continue for as long as necessary to eliminate this danger.

Operation Rising Lion launched as a complete and total surprise for the military of Iran, it happened so fast that Iran never even had time to sound the warning siren. In moments, precision airstrikes took out, one by one, nearly the entire top brass of the IRGC, as they lay sleeping in their beds. For over 16 years, NTEB has written about what this day might look like, tonight it happened. That’s the memo.

“Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.” Psalms 121:4 (KJB)

Iran will certainly retaliate, that is if they still retain the ability to do so, but as of yet, no news of an Iranian counterattack has surfaced. Iran has been bragging recently about have advanced long range missiles, perhaps they do, but they better move fast. Israel is pounding them with everything they have, so it begs the question of will Russia or China, both of whom have a signed military defense pact with Iran, step in and help their ally out? Below is the message that Benjamin Netanyahu gave the Jewish people and the entire world tonight about the reasons for Operation Rising Lion, and why the time had come.

‘Never again is now’: Netanyahu announces strikes on Iran nuclear targets

FROM THE JERUSALEM POST: For decades, the leaders of Tehran have openly called for Israel’s destruction. They have backed up their genocidal rhetoric with a nuclear weapons program. In recent years, Iran has produced enough highly enriched uranium for nine atomic bombs—nine. More concerning, Iran has recently taken unprecedented steps to weaponize this uranium. If not stopped, Iran could develop a nuclear weapon in a very short time—it could be a year, or even just months. This is a clear and present danger to Israel’s survival.

Eighty years ago, the Jewish people were victims of a Holocaust perpetrated by the Nazi regime. Today, the Jewish state refuses to be a victim of a nuclear Holocaust, especially one initiated by the Iranian regime. As Prime Minister, I have consistently made it clear: Israel will never allow those who call for our annihilation to develop the means to carry out their threats. Tonight, Israel has backed those words with action.

We have struck at the heart of Iran’s nuclear enrichment and weaponization programs. We targeted Iran’s primary enrichment facility in Natanz. We also targeted leading nuclear scientists involved in Iran’s nuclear weapons project. Additionally, we struck at Iran’s ballistic missile program. Last year, Iran launched 300 ballistic missiles at Israel. Each missile carries a ton of explosives, threatening the lives of hundreds. Soon, those missiles could carry nuclear warheads, putting not hundreds, but millions at risk. Iran is preparing to produce tens of thousands of these missiles within three years.

I assure the civilized world: we will not let the world’s most dangerous regime obtain the world’s most dangerous weapons. And Iran plans to give these nuclear weapons to its terrorist proxies, making the nightmare of nuclear terrorism all too real. The increasing range of Iran’s ballistic missiles would bring that nuclear nightmare to the cities of Europe and, eventually, to America. Remember, Iran calls Israel the “small Satan” and America the “great Satan,” and for decades, it has led millions in chanting “Death to Israel” and “Death to America.” Today, Israel is responding to those genocidal calls with action—and with a call of our own: Long live Israel and long live America.

Our action today will help make the world a much safer place. I want to thank President Trump for his leadership in confronting Iran’s nuclear weapons program. He has repeatedly made it clear that Iran cannot have a nuclear enrichment program. Today, it is evident that Iran is simply buying time, refusing to meet the basic requirements of peaceful nations. This is why we have no choice but to act—and to act now.

The hardest decision any leader faces is to stop a threat before it fully materializes. Nearly a century ago, facing the Nazis, a generation of leaders failed to act in time. They were paralyzed by the horrors of World War I and determined to avoid conflict at all costs—and they got the worst war in history. They adopted a policy of appeasement. They ignored all the warning signs. That failure led to World War II, the deadliest conflict in history, claiming 60 million lives, including six million Jews—one-third of my people.

After that war, the Jewish people and the Jewish state vowed, “Never again.” Well, never again is now. Today, Israel has shown that we have learned the lessons of history. When enemies vow to destroy you, believe them. When enemies build weapons of mass destruction, stop them. As the Bible teaches us: When someone comes to kill you, rise and act first. This is exactly what Israel has done today. We have risen like lions to defend ourselves.

Over 3,000 years ago, Moses gave the people of Israel a message that has steeled our resolve ever since: “Be strong and courageous,” he said. Today, our strong and courageous soldiers and people stand united to defend ourselves against those who seek our destruction. And in doing so, we defend many others, and we roll back a murderous tyranny. Generations from now, history will record that our generation stood its ground, acted in time, and secured our common future. May God bless Israel. May God bless the forces of civilization everywhere. Thank you. READ MORE

Now The End Begins is your front line defense against the rising tide of darkness in the last Days before the Rapture of the Church

When you contribute to this fundraising effort, you are helping us to do what the Lord called us to do. The money you send in goes primarily to the overall daily operations of this site. When people ask for Bibles, we send them out at no charge. When people write in and say how much they would like gospel tracts but cannot afford them, we send them a box at no cost to them for either the tracts or the shipping, no matter where they are in the world. We have a Gospel Billboard program. We are now broadcasting Bible studies, Podcasts and a Sunday Service 5 times a week, thanks to your generous donations. All this is possible because YOU pray for us, YOU support us, and YOU give so we can continue growing.

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But whatever you do, don’t do nothing. Time is short and we need your help right now. The Lord has given us an open door with a tremendous ‘course’ for us to fulfill that will create an excellent experience at the Judgement Seat of Christ. Please pray for our efforts, and if the Lord leads you to donate, be as generous as possible. The war is REAL, the battle HOT and the time is SHORT…TO THE FIGHT!!!

“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;” Titus 2:13 (KJB)

“Thank you very much!” – Geoffrey, editor-in-chief, NTEB

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BREAKING NEWS: Israel Has Begun The Process Of Pre-Emptive Strikes On Iran’s Nuclear Facilities As Bombs Are Falling Tonight On Tehran

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14 hours ago

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June 12, 2025

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Israel begins preemptive strike against Iran, defense minister says; sirens wail across Israel

The chatter across social media tonight is deafening, and everyone is talking about the same thing, the soon-coming strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities by Israel. The US has evacuated all non-essential embassy staff across the Middle East, and US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee posted this: “At our Embassy in Jerusalem and closely following the situation. We will remain here all night. ‘Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!’ “ Something is about to go down soon, that’s the memo.

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.” Psalm 122:6 (KJB)

The US Department of State posted this earlier tonight: “Due to high tensions in the Middle East, the security environment remains complex and can change quickly. We remind U.S. citizens in Israel and the broader region of the continued need for caution and encourage them to monitor the news for breaking developments.” Word from NTEB sources in Jerusalem have informed us that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has entered the Mossad Command Bunker. Would you like to guess what that means? NTEB will bring you all the developments as the situation on the ground, and in the air, unfolds. Pray for the Jews, pray for Israel and pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

UPDATE: Israel has started the bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities

FROM THE TIMES OF ISRAEL: Defense Minister Israel Katz says he has declared an emergency situation across the country due to Israel’s action in Iran. “Following the State of Israel’s preemptive strike against Iran, a missile and drone attack against the State of Israel and its civilian population is expected in the immediate future,” Katz says.

He says he has signed “a special order, according to which a special state of emergency will be imposed in the home front throughout the entire State of Israel.” READ MORE

Israel launches preemptive strike on Iranian nuclear sites, military targets

FROM THE JERUSALEM POST: Warning sirens have been set off to get the public ready for potential Iranian counter attacks of ballistic missiles on Israel. Iran has not yet fired ballistic missiles, but has thousands of them.

According to the IDF, Iran has enough uranium to weaponize it to nuclear levels, to 15 nuclear weapons within days In recent days, Iran developed a plan with Hezbollah and Hamas and other proxies to destroy the State of Israel, potentially including attempts to attack via all borders, including Egypt and Jordan. This was the point of no return according to the IDF. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has entered the security cabinet.

The IDF targets also include commanders, bases as well as nuclear sites, though the main goal is nuclear sites. Further, the IDF said in the last 20 minutes, Iran was taken by surprise and they were attacked in places they didn’t expect.

Israel has had strong coordination with the US, but Israeli military officials refused to say whether America was pre-updated or fully coordinated into the current attack, coming hours after Washington seemed to suggest it might not be in the loop or approve. There was also a possibility that Israel having its navy in the area of Yemen and Iran could have military implications, though the IDF did not fully specify.  This is a developing story.

Now The End Begins is your front line defense against the rising tide of darkness in the last Days before the Rapture of the Church

When you contribute to this fundraising effort, you are helping us to do what the Lord called us to do. The money you send in goes primarily to the overall daily operations of this site. When people ask for Bibles, we send them out at no charge. When people write in and say how much they would like gospel tracts but cannot afford them, we send them a box at no cost to them for either the tracts or the shipping, no matter where they are in the world. We have a Gospel Billboard program. We are now broadcasting Bible studies, Podcasts and a Sunday Service 5 times a week, thanks to your generous donations. All this is possible because YOU pray for us, YOU support us, and YOU give so we can continue growing.

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But whatever you do, don’t do nothing. Time is short and we need your help right now. The Lord has given us an open door with a tremendous ‘course’ for us to fulfill that will create an excellent experience at the Judgement Seat of Christ. Please pray for our efforts, and if the Lord leads you to donate, be as generous as possible. The war is REAL, the battle HOT and the time is SHORT…TO THE FIGHT!!!

“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;” Titus 2:13 (KJB)

“Thank you very much!” – Geoffrey, editor-in-chief, NTEB

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RIOT SEASON: As Spring Draws To A Close, Shocking Simultaneous And Overlapping Events Tell Us That It’s Going To Be A Long, Hot And Bloody Summer

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24 hours ago

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June 12, 2025

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Riot season has returned as multiple end times events are all firing at the same time, all we need now is the sacrifice to get things started

Christian, it might be a good time to buckle up because end times events are mere moments away from ‘hitting the fan’ and spraying the pieces into every direction. As you read this, the following events are locked and in place. President Trump is using the military to stop the anti-ICE protests, the No Kings anti-Trump event will take place in a minimum of 1,800 cities across the country on Saturday, the Bilderberg Group is conducting their annual meeting this whole weekend, and on Tuesday Emmanuel Macron and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will take over the United Nations to create a Palestinian State. The cup is full, and it’s about to run over. That’s the memo.

“For in the hand of the LORD there is a cup, and the wine is red; it is full of mixture; and he poureth out of the same: but the dregs thereof, all the wicked of the earth shall wring them out, and drink them.” Psalm 75:8 (KJB)

Riot season has returned, something we haven’t seen since Donald Trump was president the first time. Hmm, what a coincidence, I wonder if there’s a connection, probably nothing to it. The No Kings event on Saturday s billed by the Leftist media as a ‘peaceful event’, which means you can set your watch for how fast it will turn violent and the first sacrifice will be offered. Remember the George Floyd riots? David Dorn was the sacrifice. Remember January 6th? Ashli Babbitt was the sacrifice. Remember when Trump got the warning shot to his ear? Corey Comperatory was the sacrifice. When you see the sacrifice this time around, you will know riot season has officially begun. The Deep State is predictable if nothing else.

In the midst of all this chaos, there is one more event we haven’t mentioned that will also be taking place on Saturday June 14th at the same time the No Kings event starts. In Washington, DC, President Donald Trump will celebrate his birthday with one of the largest and most-expensive military parades this country has ever seen. Think about that for a moment. While violent protests are happening in 1,800 cities across the country, the president salutes himself with an over-the-top display of military firepower. Think of what your reaction might be if this was Obama doing it, or Biden doing it. Imagine what you would say about that. If you’re intellectually honest, you’ll say it about Trump.

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The last time we did a Saturday Podcast was on October 7th, 2023, and Lord willing we will do one this Saturday, June 14th. Am I putting current events in that same class? You better believe it.

“For those people that want to protest, they’re going to be met with very big force,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, making no distinction between violent and peaceful demonstrators. “And I haven’t even heard about a protest, but you know, this is people that hate our country. But they will be met with very heavy force.”

Now The End Begins is your front line defense against the rising tide of darkness in the last Days before the Rapture of the Church

When you contribute to this fundraising effort, you are helping us to do what the Lord called us to do. The money you send in goes primarily to the overall daily operations of this site. When people ask for Bibles, we send them out at no charge. When people write in and say how much they would like gospel tracts but cannot afford them, we send them a box at no cost to them for either the tracts or the shipping, no matter where they are in the world. We have a Gospel Billboard program. We are now broadcasting Bible studies, Podcasts and a Sunday Service 5 times a week, thanks to your generous donations. All this is possible because YOU pray for us, YOU support us, and YOU give so we can continue growing.

nteb-free-king-james-bible-program-750-550

But whatever you do, don’t do nothing. Time is short and we need your help right now. The Lord has given us an open door with a tremendous ‘course’ for us to fulfill that will create an excellent experience at the Judgement Seat of Christ. Please pray for our efforts, and if the Lord leads you to donate, be as generous as possible. The war is REAL, the battle HOT and the time is SHORT…TO THE FIGHT!!!

“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;” Titus 2:13 (KJB)

“Thank you very much!” – Geoffrey, editor-in-chief, NTEB

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