Channing O'Banning and the Turquoise Trail

Channing O'Banning and the Turquoise Trail by Angela Spady is the second of the Channing O'Banning books.

Channing is a precocious 4th grader who becomes interested in dinosaur bones and rocks after being given an assignment from her history teacher. She gets to learn more than she bargained for when her family takes a trip out West to New Mexico.

Throughout the story, Channing learns that true friends never abandon you when you embarrass yourself, that it is always important to make restitution when you lose something that has been lent to you, and that God has created a lot of different but amazing people with their own traditions.

What I Like: As with the first book, I love the relationship Channing shares with her grandmother. Nana is her sounding board when, in her mind,  her nine year old world gets turned upside down.

What I Dislike: As with the first book, I don't particularly care for the relationship Channing and her sister Katie have. They are constantly picking on each other, saying things that are not kind, and always looking for ways to verbally cut each other. As a mother with two children, I realize that sibling relationships are not always sunny, but I prefer to surround my children with examples of how siblings are to treat each other well. As I read this book with my eight year old, we talked about the attitudes the sisters had towards each other.

Overall Rating: Very good.

Age Appeal: 6-10-year-olds.

Publisher Info: Thomas Nelson, 2015; ISBN: 978-0718032364; paperback, 128 pps., $6.99.

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Channing O'Banning and the Rainforest Rescue

Channing O'Banning and the Rainforest Rescue by Angela Spady is a great chapter book for young readers who are looking for wholesome adventures.

Channing O'Banning is a 4th grader who learns about the value of friendship and offering others a chance at friendship. Channing and her best friends' worlds are rocked when Marco moves into town.  She decides that she doesn't like Marco when he befriends her best friend Maddy. Yet a family summer vacation and a chance to get to know Marco help Channing realize that it is important to give others a chance at friendship.

What I Like: I really liked the relationship that Channing had with her grandmother. I am a firm believer in the importance of cross-generational family bonds, so seeing Channing consider her grandma as a person she could confide in and trust and someone she truly wanted to spend time with was refreshing.

My daughter really enjoyed this book. We read it together and every night she would always ask for one more chapter. I love books that my children cannot wait to read.

What I Dislike: I did not like the relationship Channing and her sister had. I know that siblings do not always get along perfectly (I have two children of my own), but children need to be shown good examples of siblings relationships, not ones that are hostile and passive aggressive. These two girls were always antagonizing each other and verbally cutting of each other. I had to constantly remind my daughter that this was not how we expected her to treat her brother.

Overall Rating: Recommended.

Age Appeal: 6-12-year-olds.

Publisher Info: Thomas Nelson, 2015; ISBN: 978-0718032623; paperback, 112 pps., $6.99.

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Trouble at Silver Pines Inn

Trouble at Silver Pines Inn, written by Gloria Repp is a Christian mystery novel for children ages 9-12.  The main character, Nick encounters mystery and adventure while working with his mother and brother at his aunt's beach side inn.  Nick meets a variety of interesting guests at the inn and also needs to take care of his grouchy grandfather.

Readers will love that the story is told from Nick's point of view.  They get to join him as he shares his faith and belief in Jesus Christ with others.   It is fun to travel with Nick as he solves mysteries in the inn, learns about the Jersey shore, makes new friends and encounters disaster!

What I Like: As a 5th grade teacher in a Christian school, I am always on the lookout for quality Christian literature for this age level. I truly loved this book!  It was exciting and suspenseful.  The characters were truly realistic and will remind the children of people in their own lives.

The author also truly did her research!  She wrote detailed descriptions of the setting and animals of the region. There was also scientific information included within the story line about why kites fly.  Best of all the author includes scripture and Biblical principles.
 
What I Dislike: There was nothing about the story or the writing that I disliked. However, I didn't think that the illustrations did the story justice.  The drawings are black and white and not as beautiful as the descriptions in the story.

Overall Rating: Very Good


Age Appeal: 9-12
 
Publisher Info: JourneyForth BJU Press 1998; ISBN:978-1-57924-000-4;  Paperback chapter book, 149 pages, $8.99

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Special Info: Teachers and Homeschooling Moms should be aware that a Trouble at Silver Pines Inn Teacher's Guide is available for $23.89.  I use this guide when I read this novel with my students.  I find it extremely helpful.  It provides a verse to apply to each chapter and worksheets, activities and science experiments.

101 Things Every Girl Should Know: Expert Advice on Stuff Big and Small

The editors of Faithgirlz and Girls’ Life magazine do it again with another installment in the hit Faithgirlz series. 101 Things Every Girl Should Know is chock full of advice for girls in their tweens. It offers a collection of suggestions on everything from success in the classroom (how to write an essay, ace a test, handle stress, remember anything, read aloud in class) to relationships (how to keep a secret, talk to any guy, be the star at the party) to health issues (busting a bad habit, curing acne, tasty recipes, boosting energy) and more!

The book has a magazine layout and appeal—tons of brightly colored photographs, concise “articles” ranging in length from a single paragraph to two pages, and relevant topics.  There is variety in the entries too. Some are quizzes, recipes, or even directions for how to do something. It is completely readable in small chunks or huge blocks of time! This book would make a great gift for any young teen/tween in your life.

If you like this book, you might want to check out other books in the Faithgirlz series, including Faithgirlz Handbook, Updated and Expanded: How to Let Your Faith Shine Through, Best Hair Book Ever!: Cute Cuts, Sweet Styles and Tons of Tress Tips (Faithgirlz), and Big Book of Quizzes: Fun, Quirky Questions for You and Your Friends (Faithgirlz).

What I Like: Everything. I wish I had a book like this when I was growing up. The tips are helpful and easy to use. I can see how reading this would help boost a girl’s confidence about handling the challenges they face daily. This book would even be appreciated by mainstream readers.

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: 8-12 (Although I think it could go a bit older).

Publisher Info: Zonderkidz, 2015; ISBN: 978-0310746195; Paperback, 128 pgs., $14.99.

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The Fight for Kidsboro (Adventures in Odyssey)

If your family loves Adventures in Odyssey's radio dramas, your kids are sure to find The Fight for Kidsboro exciting. Because if there's anything better than an Adventures in Odyssey show, it's an Adventures in Odyssey book!

Based on the radio drama of the same name, Kidsboro is written by Marshal Younger and follows the original script closely, though it's not exactly the same: In the woods behind Whit's End, there's a whole little town where no one over 14 years old is allowed. But this means the kids have a lot of struggles to experience: Who's in charge? What to do about the lawsuit against them? And what about the alternate town some other kids created? There's a huge learning curve for the kids - and a way to make Kidsboro a ghost town - or a united kids' town.

What I Like: My children love the audio drama version of Kidsboro and were thrilled when they learned there was a book version they could read. I love the story - because I think it has so much to teach about real life situations, especially conflict and relying upon God. It's also got plenty of action to satisfy young readers.

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: The publisher says 8 - 12, but I think kids as young as 6 will enjoy this book as a read aloud.

Publishing Info: Focus on the Family, 2012; ISBN 978-1-58997-675-7 paperback, 321 pgs., $14.99

Buy at Amazon for $13.43; or buy the Kindle version for $10.49.

Or buy it from ChristianBook.com for  $11.99

FaithGirlz Samantha Sanderson: Off the Record

FaithGirlz! Samantha Sanderson Off the Record, by Robin Caroll, is the third book in the publisher’s Samantha Sanderson series. Samantha, Sam as she is known by her friends, aspires to be a professional journalist when she grows up. Right now, she is on her middle school’s newspaper staff. She is working hard to be recognized for her talents.

In previous books, she has solved the mystery of who phoned in a bomb threat to a local movie theater as well as figuring out who the bully was in her school. In this episode, she enlists the help of her best friend, Mackenzie (Mac) to figure out who hacked into the school’s computer system and changed the grades on report cards.

Sam always strives for journalistic honesty and integrity, but sometimes she cuts the corners a bit when she feels she is hot on the trail of a particularly juicy story.

What I Like: This is a good story that illustrates how easy it is to jump to the wrong conclusions. It also teaches a lesson about loving your neighbor.

What I Dislike: There were several typos sprinkled throughout the text. Also, at one point in the narrative, the power goes out, but somehow the people are still able to use their dryer. Hmmm.

Overall Rating: Very good.

Age Appeal: 8-12.

Publisher Info: Zonderkidz, 2015; ISBN: 9780310742494; paperback, 224 pages, $8.99.

Buy now at ChristianBook $7.19!

 

Or buy at Amazon $8.89.

 

Special Info: This is the third book in the Samantha Sanderson series. Visit the author’s website. Read our reviews of other books in the series.

Leon's Share

In Leon’s Share, by Mabel Elizabeth Singletary, Leon lives with big brother, Derrick, and his grandparents. Derrick is a star student and athlete who gets lots of attention. Leon wants his share of attention, too.

Leon likes to crack jokes, and he decides the “best” way to get attention is to be the class clown. That works well some of the time, but when he tells a joke about his new friend, Autumn, not knowing she has a disability, Autumn’s feelings get hurt and Leon comes off looking like a bad guy.

What can Leon do to make things right with his new friend?

What I Like: This is a good story about the true meaning of friendship.

What I Dislike: The story is told from Leon’s point-of-view. Leon is in the fifth grade but the language used to tell the story is not appropriate for that age group, as fifth-graders don’t generally talk that way. I think using a third person point of view would have worked much better.

Overall Rating: Good.

Age Appeal: 8-12.

Publisher Info: MabelSingletary.com, 2012; ISBN: 9780988655300; paperback, 132 pages, $9.99.

Buy now at Amazon $9.99! 
 

Special Info: This is the first book in the Young Conqueror’s Series. Visit the author’s website.

Catie Conrad: Faith, Friendship and Fashion Disasters (Desperate Diva Diaries Series)

Fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid or The Dork Diaries series will likely enjoy Angie Spady’s Christian version, The Desperate Diva Diaries. This first book, Catie Conrad: Faith, Friendship, and Fashion Disasters, introduces the reader to middle school student Catie Conrad. Catie is not terribly athletic (she hates P.E.) and a bit socially awkward (especially when she smiles with broccoli stuck in her teeth), but she does have a creative streak (art is her forte) and a sharp eye for fashion.

In the pages of her diary, Catie gives the reader the details of her life: daily struggles with her annoying little brother and his pet skunk, numerous run-ins with a popular but mean girl, and the regular teenage drama—like boys and zits. Catie also shares her prayer list and various verses of the Bible that inspire her to be a better person. Things foremost in Catie’s mind are the upcoming school dance, boy crushes, the art contest she hopes to win, and a family mission trip.

Visually, the pages of the book are lined like a real diary and filled with concise entries. Because each day is a new adventure, the story moves along at a fast pace. There are also frequent (and sometimes funny) cartoonish sketches of people or situations in her life, the skunk, and fashion designs. Since Catie dreams of becoming a fashion designer, she focuses in on brands and clothing styles she enjoys.

What I Like: Because of its style (short entries, fun pictures, fast pace) I think this book will appeal to tweens who are both avid and reluctant readers. The content is clean and the chapters often swing back to focus on God with a short thought about adding things to a prayer list or a helpful verse. These books may even encourage teens to keep their own diaries. My favorite character was her best friend Sophie, who was loyal, encouraging, and down-to-earth.

What I Dislike: Catie’s character was fun but lacked depth for me, which made her “struggles” seem superficial. She began to emerge a little (I thought) as a more complex and believable character when she finally started thinking about others and the larger world in general rather than herself. However, that third dimension came fleetingly and later in the book. Maybe the next book will dive into that aspect a little bit more. But it's a clean, light hearted book, which holds its own merit. Some kids will love it, some will prefer Diary of a Wimpy Kid or The Dork Diaries, but it's definitely worth checking out!

Overall Rating: Very Good.
Age Appeal: 8-12 years
Publisher Info: B&H Kids, 2014; ISBN:  978-1433684609; Hardback/Kindle, 304 pgs., $12.99

Buy it Now at Christianbook.com for $9.99 or buy the ebook for $5.99
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OR Buy the Kindle version for $5.99.

Special Info: Readers might enjoy the second book in the series, Catie Conrad: How to Become the Most (un)Popular Girl in Middle School. Younger readers might enjoy this author's popular $5.99 Channing O'Banning series for ages 7-9, which include Channing O'Banning and the Turquoise Trail , Channing O'Banning and the Tickled Pink Pencil Problem , Channing O'Banning and the Rainforest Rescue or their $3.99 Kindle versions at Channing O'Banning and the Turquoise Trail and Channing O’Banning and the Rainforest Rescue.

God Talks With Me About Friendship

Casey’s family relocated and she’s insecure about making new friends. She talks with God about her feelings and he reminds her of Bible verses that trigger ideas on how to gain a new friend.
 
What I Like: The illustrations in, God Talks With Me About Friendship, are fantastic. There is such detail and such scenery that children will be drawn much more into the story. The illustrations help add another layer to help kids understand what the author, Agnes de Bezenac, is truly trying to say.

There are several verses used throughout the story. The verses resonate one with another creating a basis of faith for children to easily grasp and remember. In the story the little girl reads and remembers her scripture.

There are questions at the end of the book to ask young readers to help create conversation regarding God's role in friendships.

What I Dislike: Some of the language used is better suited for older children and not the intended age group of 7 and under.

Overall Rating: Very Good

Age Appeal: 7 and under.

Publisher Info: iCHARACTER, 2012; ISBN: 978-1623872083; Paperback, 32 pgs., $8.99

Buy it at Amazon.com for $6.86
Be sure to visit the author and illustrator's web page, www.iCharacter.org

A Horse For Kate

A horse of her own would be awesome. But Kate figures that might be a long way away, especially since she had to give up riding lessons and move to her late grandfather's farm. Besides, it would be a lot more fun to have a best friend to ride with. When Kate discovers a barn on their new farm that's perfect for a horse, and a dusty bridle too, she starts to think that her dream might come true. Then she meets Tori at school, who is totally the best. So when they discover a thoroughbred that appears to be all alone, could it be the answer to her prayers? Maybe. If she can convince her dad ... and figure out what's going on with that horse.

What I Like: In the span of a short chapter book, the story covered many issues that kids ages 8-12 would surely face at school and at a home like being the new kid in a new school, making friends, mean kids, doing chores and parental rules. I think middle grade readers can truly relate to the language and character traits of both Kate and Tori.

The author skillfully blended in the dynamics of a household with an autistic child into the plot while not making it overpower her main storyline. Both of the girls in the story already have a faith based background and occasionally turn to prayer without being prompted to do so. They are good realistic role models for young readers.

What I Dislike: Non-horse enthusiasts may find some of the jargon a little confusing.

Overall Rating: Good

Age Appeal: 8-12 years old

Publisher Info: David C. Cook; 2015; ISBN: 9780781411141; ePub & Paperback, $7.99

Buy it Now at Christianbook.com for $7.99, eBook for $7.99

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Special Info: The book includes a scene where a character encounters racism.

Tuck-Me-In Talks with Your Little Ones

As a reviewer for Christian Children's Book Review, I have the opportunity to read many wonderful books with my children. Some have even become personal favorites. Tuck-Me-In Talks with Your Little Ones by Grace Fox is one that I will cherish for a long time to come.

It is a pocket sized book filled with hours of wonderful conversations for you and your little ones. Many times mothers will talk to each other about this conversation they had with their child or how they had just talked about that with their munchkin and some moms are left wondering, "Where do I even begin? I don't know how to talk to my little one or how to start a conversation with them."

This book is definitely the answer for that.

In the evening, after we have read from our children's Bible, we read one page, which has a mix of three to four questions and conversation starter statements, and I let my children (2.5 and 6 years old) talk. Questions like "What is your favorite ice cream flavor?" and "What's the best part about Christmas?" let you know what your child's opinion is about simple things that can get overlooked as we are running around keeping up with our schedules.

Other questions like "How is ice cream made?" and "Why are fire engines red?" can lead into a time of exploration. We have pulled out our tablet many times to find out the hows or whys.

Some statements such as "Tell me about a time you were not patient," cause children to think about their own interaction with others and creates a perfect teaching time for parents to address certain behaviors before they an issue.

What I Like: I absolutely love that my children ask for this book as we are getting ready for bed. They enjoy the just-us time it creates, and I love the interactions we have because of this book.

What I Dislike: I wish the cover were harder. With as much as we as a family use this book, the cover is beginning to show wear.

Overall Rating: Excellent

Age Appeal: Toddler- early elementary aged children

Publisher Info: Harvest House Publishers, 2014; ISBN: 978-0-7369-5640-6 ; paperback, 112 pgs., $5.99


Buy it Now at Christianbook.com for $5.49


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Mr. Blue Butterfly

Mr. Blue Butterfly by Kirk Kennedy is a wonderful book teaching children the beauty of friendship, diversity, and accepting those who appear different from us.

Recently, my daughter has become aware that we all (in general) look different- hair color and type, skin color, eye color, and the like. This was a great book to reference her to.

Mr. Butterfly was born with blue wings. No one wanted to play with him because he was "different and strange." One day, while being laughed at, Mr. Blue Butterfly noticed a rainbow and asked his mocker to look at all of the colors. He explained that the rainbow was made up of different colors, and although his wings were blue and another butterfly's wings were green, they were all insects.

What I Like: As Mr. Blue Butterfly's story is told, we see that God brings a Miss Blue Butterfly into his life designed perfectly for him. What a wonderful way to show our children that regardless of how anyone else feels about us, God has designed a special someone to love us anyway.

I also like that by the end of the story, all of the insects have learned the lesson of friendship and acceptance and share in the Blue Butterfly's wedding.

What I Dislike: I like the illustrations that Rafael Nazario did for the book in general. However, I had a hard time with the eyes of the butterflies. They are hard to "connect" with because their eyes have been given a solid greenish color and no pupil (probably to emulate the eyes of a real butterfly). The Green Moth and a random fish in a pond have "eyes," but the main characters and the other butterflies do not.

Overall Rating: Very good

Age Appeal: 6-8 year old

Publisher Info: Mascot Books, 2013; ISBN: 978-1-62086-256-8 ; hardcover, 38 pgs., $14.95

Buy it at Amazon.com for $13.45 

Rush Revere and the Brave Pilgrims

It is pretty hard to imagine what those before us went through. Imagine: crossing the ocean on a small boat, in filthy conditions, with people who hate you. In Rush Revere and the Brave Pilgrims by Rush Limbaugh, history comes to life as you experience what it was like in the New World alongside William Bradford and Myles Standish, including their trip across the Atlantic aboard the Mayflower.

Rush Revere isn't your ordinary, boring substitute history teacher. With his talking horse, Liberty, he has the ability to actually show his pupils history. Liberty has some special powers, namely the ability to time travel anywhere in American history. And, when Rush Revere jumps on his back and Liberty calls out the special words, they can jump through time and walk and talk with anyone in American history.

For this lesson, Rush wants to teach the kids in Manchester Middle School's honors history class about the Puritans. Using Liberty's abilities and the help of his one-of-a-kind iPhone adapter, Rush jumps back to the time of the launching of the Mayflower from Holland, and broadcasts his experiences with William Bradford back to his class. But one pupil, Freedom, is suspicious, and sees Rush and Liberty make the jump. When they return, Freedom confronts her teacher, along with Tommy, who is the class troublemaker.

Rush Revere comes clean with Tommy and Freedom about Liberty's abilities, and asks the two middle schoolers if they'd like to experience history for themselves. They agree, and soon, they're taking part in the Puritans journey to the first Thanksgiving.

What I Like: I really love EVERYTHING about this book! I will admit: I have been a listener of Limbaugh's radio show for 20 years, and when he announced he was releasing this book, I was excited, but a little trepidatious. Could he write fiction? Other than a few minor fumbles in craft, I found the writing wonderful, and the story engaging. But, with a horse named Liberty, it has to be good!

The book is a treasure in and of itself. The cover is beautiful and the pages are works of art. Inside are multiple illustrations and photographs, some for the purposes of story-telling by Chris Hiers (website published December 2013), but others which come from sources like Getty Images or the Library of Congress to show the lives of the Puritans who landed at Plimouth (as they spelled it.)

Tommy and Freedom are both enjoyable characters to get to know through the story, and are believable kids of an indeterminate middle school age. When they go back to 1620-1621, it's very authentic, especially when they make faux pas, referencing present day things like salsa and county fairs (which the Puritans wouldn't have been able to experience.)

And, while Mr. Limbaugh is no theologian, it is evident throughout the pages he wanted to make sure God was included in the story of Thanksgiving. William Bradford frequently references God and their desires to escape religious persecution, as well as God's hand on their journey. Even facing great difficulties, his belief that God's blessing would be on their journey strengthened not only the Puritans but the others who traveled with him aboard the Mayflower to the New World.

Also, at the end, there's a quiz from Liberty the horse. Answers are found at the TwoIfByTea.com website. 

What I Dislike: All of the very minor issues I have are with craft, as well as one issue towards the end of the book with a layout problem. William Bradford "writes" a letter to Rush Revere to invite him, Tommy, and Freedom to what would be the first Thanksgiving, and the placement of said letter is a couple of pages later than it's referenced, so you have to jump a couple pages up, then back, after reading it or the story doesn't make much sense. However, and it does not detract from the overall quality of the book.

Overall Rating: Excellent

Age Appeal: Marketed for 10 - 15, but kids younger and older would also enjoy this.

Publisher Info: Simon & Schuster, 2013; ISBN: 978-1-4767-5586-1; Hardback, 212 pgs., $19.99

Special Info:  While not foul-mouthed, Liberty the talking/time-travelling horse is a bit of a smart-mouth and can be a trouble-maker. Depending on the age of your children, you may want to discuss the fact that speaking to adults in the way Liberty does is not appropriate.

Also, Freedom is a Native American/Indian girl who "has the ability to communicate with animals." This does not play a major role in the story, although there is a scene where she communicates with a deer.

Buy it as a hardback at Amazon.com for $11.99. Also available in a Kindle format for $5.99, Unabridged audiobook on CD for $11.69, or an Audible.com download for $11.95.

A Young Man After God's Own Heart: Turn Your Life into an Extreme Adventure

"On many occasions (and I know this won't sound very spiritual), I pray while I'm running. I take my prayer list in hand, or in my heart, and start running. As I begin pounding the pavement and praying, I seem to lose myself in prayer (and, as an added benefit the pain of the jog is forgotten!)" (p.60).

This is just one of the words of wisdom Jim George offers in A Young Man After God's Own Heart. George understands boys and young men, and provides a distinctly "male" version of what faith looks like. George's book for junior high and high school guys explains what it means to be a Christian, how to develop your faith and how to handle family, friends and temptation.  He also covers setting goals and gives practical tips on studying the Bible.

George draws heavily on his own life experiences in high school, and in his careers in pharmacy and the military. He challenges young men to "Go for the Gold," by making Christ their focus, choosing to learn from family and reaching out to friends and non-Christians. He also challenges young men to enjoy group activities instead of dating one-on-one while in high school, and to read the Bible in a year. George includes an "Extreme Spiritual Workout Schedule" in the back of the book, with a day-by-day plan to read the Bible in one year.

Each chapter includes personal questions in a section called "Tough Decisions for Today," and Bible study questions in "The Cutting Edge." These questions would be helpful for personal use, but would work even better with an older mentor or in a group setting.

What I Like:  I like how well George captures the heart of boys. He shows them what it looks like to love God, but still be manly. He recognizes boys' need for adventure, challenge and risk, and inspires them to develop their faith while being the best they can be at school, home and with their friends. The book was helpful for me, as a mom, to see what faith may look like for my son, and understand differences in our natures. Sitting on the couch with tea and a Bible is no more spiritual than running with prayer list in hand!

I like the way George reminds young men throughout the book to think about their future. Although he recognizes not all people have to go on to higher education, he does ask them to work hard in order to leave their options open. He also recommends young men cultivate a love of reading, and explains ways reading can help their education and faith.

George makes excellent use of personal examples. He makes the book interesting and relevant by sharing stories from his life. Also, it is rare to find devotional books not written by pastors. Although George is a pastor now, he references experiences in pharmacy and the military. This makes it easier to relate to George, especially for guys who aren't thinking about going into ministry right now.

Finally, at last, a book cover with great action shots (football, skating, running, snowboarding) that doesn't show faces! Although photos are used, they use bright colors or black and white, and they use midsection shots, which make them appealing to guys of any ethnic background.

What I Dislike: Nothing

Overall Rating: Excellent

Age Appeal: 12 and up, but would work equally well for junior high or high school students

Publisher Info: Harvest House Publishers, 2005; ISBN: 978-0-7369-1478-9; Paperback, 206 pages, $10.99

Buy it Now at Christianbook.com for $8.49
 
OR Buy it at Amazon.com for $8.79.

Check out CCBR reviews of other books by Jim and his wife Elizabeth here.

Lucy Out of Bounds

The second book in the Lucy series, Lucy Out of Bounds, follows the same precocious tomboy readers meet in Lucy Doesn’t Wear Pink. Even though it’s a sequel, this middle grade novel offers a great stand-alone story. I’m sure reading them in order would flesh out the background story, but the author does a great job filling in all the gaps and keeping readers in the know without being repetitive.

A terrible accident killed her mother, blinded her father, and left Lucy with more than a few questions about God and life. She tries to sort them out in her “book of lists”, which is her own way of praying, but all the things most important to her still seem in jeopardy. Her only link to her mom, her aunt, insists on making her more "girlie" -- that includes buying her bras! Lucy wants nothing to do with that. She loves soccer and is dying for a chance to join a real Olympic training team, but her teammates don't take the game seriously enough. The harder she pushes them, the less they like her and the more they goof off. J.J. is her best friend. His big troubles start with an abusive dad, an annoying tag-along sis, and social workers who only seem to make things worse. Lucy wants to help, but every time she does, she gets in trouble herself. Mora used to be her friend but since going boy-crazy, she wants nothing to do with Lucy ... that is, unless it involves stealing J.J. from her. To top it all off, a mountain lion prowls the town and Lucy's dad is losing trust in her.

A gentle, wise housekeeper (who is also Mora's abuela) provides a calm stability for Lucy. She insists on weekly Bible study with Mora and Lucy. Together the three explore the stories of Rachel, Leah and Jacob and individually discover secrets to getting along and becoming the women God created them to be.

What I Like: Just about everything! Nancy Rue consistently creates great stories with diverse multi-faceted characters. I loved the realistic struggles that the characters face in this book. I like that, by the characters' examples, readers are encouraged to weigh their actions and the resulting implications objectively and accurately. The emphasis on being a team player echoes loudly in contrast to our egocentric culture. I also really like the application pulled from the biblical story of Rachel and Leah. So often we look at that story from Jacob's perspective or that of the twelve sons. Rue offers a fresh angle that applies to anyone struggling to find peace with others.

What I Dislike: The main characters (Lucy and J.J.) often criticize others. I realize this is normal for kids and it plays into the story and their character evolution, but it still bothered me. They dance in stereotypes – not racial or economic, but rather social – and regularly mock J.J.’s little sister, a third-grader who characteristically acts far more immature than most 8-year-olds. The word “moron” appears more than once. As the mother of a current third-grader, it felt unnecessarily condescending.

Overall Rating: Very Good

Age Appeal: 9-12

Publisher Info: ZonderKidz, 2008; ISBN: 0310714516; FORMAT, 208 pages; $7.99

Buy it Now at Christianbook.com for $6.29!
OR Buy it at Amazon.com for $7.99.

This title is also available as an ebook for $4.99 from Christianbook.com (several available formats) or direct to Kindle.

Special Info: This book includes references to domestic violence, child abuse and the intervention of social services. Parents should also be aware that some bullying (mostly raw teasing or name-calling) takes place within the story. All situations are handled from positively and from a biblical perspective by surrounding adults.

Also of note: The story positively features key characters of Hispanic and Native American backgrounds, something uncommon in children's literature.

See more reviews of books by Nancy Rue or visit the author's website at www.NancyRue.com

Silent Sally

For a lesson about helping others and being a DOER (not just hearing/talking about what God wants us to do but actually DOING it), check out Eric Wall’s book Silent Sally.

The rhyming book follows Sally as she spots classmates and neighbors in need and then steps up to assist them. Her peers think she is odd until they start to realize that her actions make a positive impact on the world. Yet even though they note her kindness, they still they continue to goof off in class, break the rules in the lunchroom, and trash the playground. Meanwhile Sally, ever vigilant, quietly stands alone as a model student.

Eventually, the teaching staff notices Sally’s efforts and the school decides to hold a celebration in her honor. Everyone is surprised when Sally doesn’t turn up to claim her award, and are amazed to find out she didn’t show up because she was out helping yet another person in need.

“Now they all were amazed/ Silenced as they heard the way/ Sally had missed the party to help yet another./ They were finally understanding/ The example Sally was setting,/ As they all began to discuss it with each other.”

So inspired is he by Sally’s selfless example, the principal declares a holiday, and the whole school goes out to do kind deeds in their community.

Special Note: Eric wall has contributed his artistic talents to several feature films, including Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, Bolt, and more. Silent Sally is his second children’s book; his first is an adorable-looking book called The Harbor Light

What I Like: The story has a good lesson about being sensitive to those in need around us, and about how even the very smallest acts of kindness can make a very big difference. Through Sally, readers are provided with several simple ideas to help others—picking up trash, putting away toys, sharing a snack, caring for the class pet, and more. Even young readers will get that AHA moment when they realize that Sally does things that they can easily do as well. The artwork was cute and cartoonish, which will make it appeal to younger readers.

What I Dislike: The poetic meter was awkward at best, making the story very difficult to read out loud. Some of the rhyming matches were a stretch as well. I think it would have been much more palatable (and crisper) story if it were written in prose instead. Also, I thought it unrealistic to portray every other kid breaking rules or goofing off, for the school to throw a party because Sally helps a teacher to her feet and walks her to the office to rest, and for the principal to call a holiday.

Overall Rating: Good

Age Appeal: None is given. I think it's best suited for the K-1 crowd. The text is too long for preschoolers.

Publisher Info: Horizon Light Media, 2012; ISBN:978-0984683307; Hardcover, 32 pgs., $14.99
This book is not yet available at Christianbook.com.
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Otter and Owl and the Big Ah-choo! (I Can Read!)

For beginning readers, Crystal Bowman provides a cute, easy-to-read story about friendship in her book Otter and Owl and the Big Ah-choo!

The theme is inspired by Proverbs 17:17, which says, “A friend loves at all times. He is there to help when trouble comes.” NIrV. (This verse is provided before the title page.)

The story opens with Otter visiting his friend Owl, who is sporting a new green cap. The duo play in the meadow, play with trains, and watch cartoons, but each activity ends abruptly when Otter sneezes. Each time, Otter apologizes and speculates that he must somehow be allergic to various play items. However, Owl concludes that Otter must be allergic to him and decides that they can no longer play together. Feeling mighty blue, the two decide to part from each other’s company. Before leaving, as a final token of his friendship, Owl gives Otter his hat because, “It will make you think about me.”

As rain falls from the sky, a dejected-looking Owl returns home and prays for his good friend Otter. Soon after, there’s a knock on the door. It’s Otter with some surprising news about his allergies. Will Otter’s discovery be enough to save their friendship?

Kevin Zimmer illustrates the story. The cartoon-style pictures are bright, whimsical, and very kid-friendly.

What I Like: The Owl and Otter characters are adorable; I think they would visually appeal to most kids. I like how the book maintains a traditional “I Can Read” format with a larger font size, interesting illustrations, and short sentences made with familiar or easy-to-decode words. In keeping with the format, the book itself is smaller in size.

What I Dislike:Nothing

Overall Rating: Excellent

Age Appeal: Ages 4-7
Publisher Info: ZonderKidz, 2008; ISBN:978-0310717058; Paperback, 32 pgs., $3.99

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Special Info: You can read CCBR reviews of other books by Crystal Bowman. Other books in the Otter and Owl series include Otter and Owl Set Sail, Otter and Owl Say I'm Sorry, and Otter and Owl's Helpful Hike.

You Can Be a Friend

Being a good friend takes thought...it’s not automatic. In Tony and Lauren Dungy’s book You Can Be a Friend, a young girl learns that friendships are as varied as the people you meet.

The story opens on a hot day—“The kind of day when you’ve got to eat your ice-cream cone fast before it melts down onto your fingers.” Three siblings are playing Freeze Tag in their yard when they spy a moving truck stop at a nearby house. One of the siblings (Jade, who appears to be around 9 years old) wonders if the new family has a girl just her age that she can play with. And sure enough, they do!

Jade and her family bake a batch of cookies and rush over to greet the new arrivals, including just-her-age Hannah. Jade is thrilled to meet Hannah… until she learns that Hannah is in a wheelchair. After bidding the family goodbye, Jade is quiet. She tells her parents she doesn’t want to be Hannah’s friend because (she assumes that) Hannah “can’t do any of the things that my friends and I do.”

Dad tells Jade, “You should be friends with someone because of the kind of person they are.” Mom adds, “God made everyone, and we are all special in His eyes. Sometimes we might have to look a little harder to see that.”

Jade still worries, but her family encourages her to at least give Hannah a chance. With their support, Jade decides to invite Hannah to go bowling. Much to Jade’s surprise, she has a great time. After that, the girls spend loads of time together giggling and playing. However, a tough test on their relationship soon surfaces. Jade’s birthday is coming up, and she had her heart set on going to the water park for her party… an activity that would leave Hannah on the sidelines. Knowing Hannah’s limitations, Jade wonders if she should even invite Hannah to the party.

While she’s deciding, Jade’s brother gives her something to think about: Would she rather have fun (implying with a few friends) or be with her friends (implying ALL her friends, Hannah too.) I won’t tell you what Jade does, but in the end she does learn a valuable life lesson.

The book ends with a note from Tony and Lauren, which encourages the reader to “be friendly to everyone”. They remind readers that people may look different from you on the outside, but God loves them just the same.

Ron Mazellan created the illustrations for the book. The realistic acrylic pictures are absolutely beautiful. They contain a lot of detail and capture facial expressions quite well. The book features an African American family—I suspect modeled after Tony and Lauren Dungy’s own family.

What I Like: This book has a great stated message for kids (be friendly to everyone) and a great unstated message (don’t judge others by their appearances, judge them by their hearts). I loved the artwork.

What I Dislike: There are large chunks of text on each spread, making this a lengthy picture book. And, while the story was sweet and well written, it was fairly predictable.

Overall Rating: Very Good

Age Appeal: Ages 4 and up (although I believe it might be a little long for age 4)

Publisher Info: Little Simon Inspirations, 2011; ISBN: 978-1416997719; Hardcover, 32 pgs., $16.99

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Special Info: Tony Dungy is the former football coach of NFL Champions Indianapolis Colts. You can read a CCBR review of another book by Dungy called You Can Do It!

Girl on a Mission

Teens interested in going on a church mission trip may enjoy reading Girl on a Mission by Cindy Ellis. In the story, thirteen-year-old Emery heads to Cawley, West Virginia on a summer mission trip with Christian Teens Service Corps. Once there, her local group joins a number of other teens. They are divided into smaller working teams that offer manual labor service to needy families. Emery is placed in a group with a boy she finds both inspiring and attractive.

The story follows Emery’s group as they interact with a family (a grandfather and his granddaughter) touched by tragedy. When Emery sprains her wrist, she can no longer work on the outdoor projects. Instead, she takes the opportunity to visit with the family. She learns more about their painful past and develops a strong relationship with them. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, Emery must deal with a misunderstanding that leads to heartache and a broken friendship.

Toward the end of the mission trip, disaster strikes Emery’s adopted family once again, leaving her frantic with worry. She must grapple with tough life questions and come to understand her own faith on a whole new level. And, because of her special connection with the grandfather, she alone is in a unique position to change his life. I don’t want to give away this story’s ending… so that’s all I’ll reveal on the matter.

Through Emery’s eyes, the author zeroes in on key experiences common to many teen missions, such as the anxiety of meeting new people, the kinship developed with fellow teammates, new insights into faith, fun ice-breaker activities and games, and group dynamics.

After the story’s conclusion, the copy I had contained a bonus excerpt from a new (unrelated) book by this author called Rising Shadows. For those readers who like the first four chapters, Ellis also included a link to download the full story.

What I Like: Since my own children recently went on mission trips, the powerful impact such ventures produce on teens was fresh in my mind. To me, Ellis seemed spot on about the emotions and activities that take place during such trips. I then learned that Ellis—a teacher of twenty years—drew on her own real life youth mission trip experiences when writing the story. I guess that explains why she captured it so well! Overall, the story was somewhat predictable, but I thoroughly enjoyed reading it anyway. In fact, I read it in one sitting because even though I thought I knew what would happen next, I still couldn’t wait for the next day to find out. Finally, through Emery’s thoughts and actions I felt like Ellis provided great insights on how to deal with “drama” problems a typical teen might deal with.

What I Dislike: Even though I enjoyed the main character, I felt like Emery seemed more mature than thirteen. By the way she spoke and carried herself, I kept thinking she was sixteen or seventeen. Plus I couldn’t help thinking that if she actually was older, I would have felt more comfortable about her romantic inclinations toward the aforementioned inspiring and attractive boy.

Overall Rating: Excellent

Age Appeal: None given, but I'd say ages 12 through 15, possibly 16.

Publisher Info: Kirkdale Press, 2012; ASIN:B008P4LRHI; Kindle version, 224 pgs., $7.99.

This book is not available at Christianbook.com.
Buy the kindle version at Amazon.com for $7.99.