Cliques, Hicks and Ugly Sticks

Remember, Pastor,” Daddy said, “Isabel will have the assistance of our girls, and they’ll be a big help to her.” “Yes! Yes, that’s right! They will!” The relief in his voice rose from downstairs like the good smell of bread baking in the oven. But I’ll tell you one thing: I hoped I had not cooked up a recipe for disaster.

Book: Cliques, Hicks and Ugly Sticks by KD McCrite, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2011

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Target Audience: Girls 10-14

Subjects: Friendship, Relationship with family, Change, Respect, Popularity

Summary: Kids know when something’s wrong – whether the adults believe them or not! So when April Grace’s mom starts looking and acting like something’s wrong, April Grace isn’t fooled for a minute by all the reassurances that everything is fine. Finally the truth is revealed: her mom is pregnant! April Grace and Myra Sue are going to have another sibling. Neither girl is pleased about it though. And when their mom turns out to be having a difficult pregnancy, April is more worried than ever that this was a bad idea. Why didn’t her parents consult her before doing something like this? She could have told them that having another baby was not a good plan. She’ll do all she can to help her mom though – including help with - and even be in - the Christmas pageant so that her mom doesn’t have to run it. Meanwhile, she’s got to figure out how to deal with the new clique at school. An old friend has turned into a snob and is putting down everyone not in her clique – something April Grace can’t stand! Then there’s the love triangle her Grandma is in. Only one of the men showing up is on April’s “approved suitor” list, but she isn’t entirely sure about either of them. Sometimes life can just be complicated!

Notes: This is second in the Confessions of April Grace series. It’s a story about a young girl and her opinions about life, told from her perspective. She seeks to follow God and be the kind of person she knows He wants her to be, but has a tendency to let her own fears or opinions get in the way. There isn’t much spiritual content, mostly just April’s opinions on life. There is definitely religious content though. April’s family attends Church and is very involved there. And the Church reaches out and shows kindness to a couple who has been staying with April’s family.

Recommendation Scale: 3/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Colossians 3:17 – And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

The Battle Of Lookout Mountain

“I don’t know what he’s going to do. I don’t think he does either. It’s just like all the strength has been drained out of him. All the purpose. He was always so excited about everything, Tom was. Now it’s almost like he’s – like he’s dead inside.”

Book: The Battle Of Lookout Mountain by Gilbert Morris, Moody Publishers. 1996

Genre: Historical Fiction

Target Audience: Boys and Girls 16-20

Subjects: Civil War, Dating Relationships, Disability, Friendship, Salvation

Summary: Ever since Tom lost his leg, it has seemed like he has lost his very life. He just acts like nothing matters. He seems to have no hope any longer. Sarah still loves him but has no idea how to help him. Royal’s unit of the army is back for a time and he and Drake begin heavily pursuing a young woman visiting relatives in town. Drake is being sought after by God but is doing his best to not turn his life over to Him. Meanwhile, the war continues taking the lives of loved ones from both the north and the south and causing young boys to grow into men in a moment’s time.

Notes: This is the seventh in a series about two families and their friends during the Civil War. The two families were neighbors and are still best friends, but one is fighting for the north, the other for the south. Both perspectives are shown in this series, but primarily those favoring the north. In this book, two young men realize their need to surrender to God. One has been a Christian but has turned away. The other has resisted anything having to do with God and due to his attraction to a young lady, finds himself willingly listening to sermons.

Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Romans 8:28 –And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.

The Pursuit

“So what do I do, Aunt Gussie? I tried just having fun so I wouldn’t feel like I was going to explode, but that didn’t work. I tried to work hard and do everything right, and half the time that doesn’t work either. I can’t even do anything right with Hildy Helen and she’s my twin sister! Everything’s awful! I can’t be in the Argosy Club, I have to pay for the window, Maury Worthington is after me, I think Little Al’s going bad again, maybe, and Dad doesn’t seem to be doing anything about it – and I’m so scared!”

Book: The Pursuit by Nancy Rue, Focus On The Family/Bethany House Publishers, 2000

Genre: Historical Fiction

Target Audience: Boys 10-14

Subjects: Friendship, Crime, Relationship with parents and siblings, fear, growing up

Summary: When his aunt suffers another stroke, this time worse than the last, Rudy is specifically told to not take on too much responsibility. But his dad also gives all three of the kids more responsibility for things at home since his aunt is ill. When high school activity period club require money, Rudy is forced to get a job. But then an accident occurs forcing him to use his money for that instead! And this at a time when the economy is on the verge of a total collapse.  And as it turns out, the chore he is responsible for at home seems to be beyond his ability to succeed at. High school is much harder than elementary school and he is once more stuck with a teacher who doesn’t seem to like him. Hildy Helen seems to be crying all the time and Rudy can’t figure out why. Little Al keeps disappearing. A boy at school is out to get him. And if all that stress isn’t enough, the mob has decided to do away with Rudy’s dad once and for all and only Rudy stands a chance of stopping them.

Notes: This is the fourth set of books in the Christian Heritage Series. Each set focuses on a particular time period and tells the story of a young boy growing up in that time. This set is about a young boy and his twin sister who have been raised by their busy father since the death of their mother when they were babies. They and their father move in with their aunt in Chicago where they become personally acquainted with members of the mob, become more cultured, grow spiritually and learn about passions and the outpouring of them. In this book, Rudy continues to struggle with how much responsibility to take on as a child. He has to learn to trust Jesus with his fears.

Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Psalm 56:3 – When I am afraid, I will trust in You.

The Caper

“I’m worse than the Kelly brothers. And if I’m a fake, then Uncle Jefferson is too. How, Rudy wondered as he crawled into the back seat to wait for the rest, how could he ever have thought he could be the responsible one for Dad? Or the protector for Aunt Gussie? Or the big brother for Marjorie? How could he even have thought he was a Christian?

Book: The Caper (Christian Heritage Series: The Chicago Years #5) by Nancy Rue, Focus On The Family/Bethany House Publishers, 2000

Genre: Historical Fiction

Target Audience: Boys 10-14

Subjects: Friendship, Identity, Crime, Relationship with parents and siblings

Summary: “I’m depending on you to make sure there is no foolishness while I’m away. It’s up to you, son. No Aunt Gussie, You know she hasn’t been the same since her stoke. Dr. Kennedy says she cannot be upset in any way or it’s liable to happen again, and she may not bounce back this time.” And so begins Rudy’s summer. His dad expects him to be the responsible one. So Rudy takes on responsibility to, as someone says at the end “control your aunt’s health, keep three other children on the straight and narrow, solve a crime, discern phonies from the real thing” and more. It’s not easy being a kid sometimes!

Notes: This is the fourth set of books in the Christian Heritage Series. Each set focuses on a particular time period and tells the story of a young boy growing up in that time. This set is about a young boy and his twin sister who have been raised by their busy father since the death of their mother when they were babies. They and their father move in with their aunt in Chicago where they become personally acquainted with members of the mob, become more cultured, grow spiritually and learn about passions and the outpouring of them. In this book, Rudy learns about hypocrites. He gets involved in a revival tent meeting where people show their faith by dancing and shouting. He’s torn between believing they are being “phonies” and believing that if this is what a Christian is, then he isn’t one. With his dad gone and his aunt facing the possibility of a stroke if she’s upset again, Rudy feels he has no one to talk to. He has to start learning to balance between being a kid and being responsible, especially when faced with a possible crime.

Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

1 John 3:18 – Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.

The Stunt

“But that’s not what I meant!” Rudy said. “Why doesn’t anybody believe me anymore? I pray, I try to help, I try to do what’s right – and everybody still acts like I’m just… rotten! I’m sick of it! I’m really sick of it!”

Book: The Stunt (Christian Heritage Series: The Chicago Years #3) by Nancy Rue, Focus On The Family/Bethany House Publishers, 1999

Genre: Historical Fiction

Target Audience: Boys 10-14

Subjects: Friendship, Identity, Crime, Relationship with parents and siblings

Summary: This family reunion sounds quite boring – a bunch of people sitting around talking about the past. But the trip there should be incredible! They’re riding in a Junker G24 with a 310 horsepower engine that travels 113 miles an hour! Rudy is ecstatic about the chance to ride in this. But when they arrive at the airport, the pilot refuses to fly a “colored” person, which makes Aunt Gussie, of course, refuse his business. Rudy is embarrassed and wishes she wouldn’t make a scene about this, but Aunt Gussie will stand for what’s right – no matter what.  When an opportunity to ride in a crop duster comes up, Rudy takes it – even against his dad’s wishes. Pretty soon no one is his family will trust him and his sister and brother won’t even talk to him anymore! Yet, he is the one who has the opportunity to make a difference when trouble with the mob strikes again and illness hits a family member. Can the answers he seeks possibly be found in the past?

Notes: This is the fourth set of books in the Christian Heritage Series. Each set focuses on a particular time period and tells the story of a young boy growing up in that time. This set is about a young boy and his twin sister who have been raised by their busy father since the death of their mother when they were babies. They and their father move in with their aunt in Chicago where they become personally acquainted with members of the mob, become more cultured, grow spiritually and learn about passions and the outpouring of them. In this book, Rudy fights learning about the past, but eventually recognizes what his aunt means when she says “Those who do not remember the past are doomed to repeat it”. Rudy learns to follow the examples of his ancestors and be a person of prayer who stands up for what is right.

Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Romans 15:4 – For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

The Capture

“Rudy” his father was saying in a voice purple with rage. “Rudy, where is Little Al?” Rudy sat up, heart pounding. “He didn’t come in here with me. He’s in our room,” he said. “No, he isn’t.” Dad said. “Little Al is gone.”

Book: The Capture (Christian Heritage Series: The Chicago Years #3) by Nancy Rue, Focus On The Family/Bethany House Publishers, 1999

Genre: Historical Fiction

Target Audience: Boys 10-14

Subjects: Friendship, Identity, Crime, Relationship with parents and siblings, Judaism, God’s love, Different religions

Summary: Christmas just isn’t worth celebrating this year. Nothing is going right. Everything is getting too scary. Rudy’s dad is being threatened because of his refusal to give in to the mob. In fact, he’s defending someone the mob doesn’t want defended. Rudy can’t figure out why either. The kid is a Jew. Aren’t they the bad guys who killed Jesus? Soon the danger isn’t just to Rudy’s dad, but to him, Hildy Helen and Little Al as well. The mob won’t stop at anything to get what they want.

Notes: This is the fourth set of books in the Christian Heritage Series. Each set focuses on a particular time period and tells the story of a young boy growing up in that time. This set is about a young boy and his twin sister who have been raised by their busy father since the death of their mother when they were babies. They and their father move in with their aunt in Chicago where they become personally acquainted with members of the mob, become more cultured, grow spiritually and learn about passions and the outpouring of them. In this book, Rudy learns how to show love to those different than himself. He has to learn respect for a Jewish family and recognize that God’s love isn’t limited to people like him, but is for anyone who seeks it.

Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Romans 3:22 - This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference

The Chase

Jesus help us! We’re being kidnapped! They must want Aunt Gussie’s money! This fella’s gonna tie us up someplace and make her pay to get us back!

Book:The Chase (Christian Heritage Series: The Chicago Years #2) by Nancy Rue, Focus On The Family/Bethany House Publishers, 1999

Genre: Historical Fiction

Target Audience: Boys 10-14

Subjects: Friendship, Identity, Crime, Relationship with parents and siblings

Summary: School sure is a lot different in Chicago than in Indiana! On the very first day, the kids get declared truant and hauled into the principal’s office by someone who seems suspiciously like a member of the mob. And Rudy’s new teacher doesn’t seem to like him very much. Problems aren’t just at school though. Their neighbor seems to be in danger as well and when Aunt Gussie takes her and her brother in, it brings the trouble on their own household.

Notes: This is the fourth set of books in the Christian Heritage Series. Each set focuses on a particular time period and tells the story of a young boy growing up in that time. This set is about a young boy and his twin sister who have been raised by their busy father since the death of their mother when they were babies. They and their father move in with their aunt in Chicago where they become personally acquainted with members of the mob, become more cultured, grow spiritually and learn about passions and the outpouring of them. In this book, Rudy learns to seek the peace that comes only from fellowship with Jesus and how to keep in fellowship with Him all the time.

Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Isaiah 26:3 – You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.

Crystal's Rodeo Debut

“Crystal do you know what that means? Shawn said he thought his grandfather had a copy of Bonneville’s Adventures. He’s going to find the part about his burying the cache. Crystal, it’s right out there somewhere!” “What’s right out there somewhere?” Mr. Blake asked. “Crystal’s mind had already begun organizing the expedition. “Why, Dad, it just might be a … an undiscovered page out of history!”

Book: Crystal’s Rodeo Debut by Stephen Bly, Chariot Books, 1986

Genre: Adventure

Target Audience: Girls 12-15

Subjects: Sharing your faith, boldness, courage, friendships, dating relationships

Summary: The treasure could be right here, in the dried up lake by Crystal’s own home! It seems like since she first arrived in this town, Crystal has had adventure after adventure. The latest is discovering clues in an old book that may lead to gold! In between getting moved in to a new home, enrolling and starting in a new school, trying out for the rodeo group at school, and participating in a new friend’s wedding, Crystal and Shawn and some of the other friends she’s made in the past couple of weeks go treasure hunting.

Notes: This is the third book of a semi-western adventure series for girls about a fifteen year old girl and her friend as they travel around with her dad and start to enter the horses, rodeo and western scene. In this book, Crystal’s family has decided to move to this town and Crystal is settling in, making plenty of new friends. One of those friends starts to ask some very deep questions about Crystal’s faith. Once again, Crystal struggles to find the right words to share what she believes. Her sister encourages her to write a letter to her friend and tell her that way – which winds up answering exactly what her friend was asking. Crystal is still working at figuring out who she is, who she wants to be and what God wants her to be.

Recommendation Scale: 4/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

1 Peter 3:15 - But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.

City Of The Cyborgs

“But what’s wrong with these people?” he cried. “They look like they’re dead!”

Josh said, “Right now, all I can tell you is that somehow these people are no more than mechanical robots.”

Book: City Of The Cyborgs by Gilbert Morris, Moody Publishers, 2000

Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Adventure/Futuristic

Target Audience: Boys and Girls 13-17

Subject: Freedom, Ability to feel, Technology

Summary: It’s a tough decision to begin with. Goel did not actually send them to this city to help Rainor rescue his beloved, they just made the best decision they could without having input from Him. Then they arrive at the city and realize it’s a city of cyborgs! The people have all been turned into robots! Each person has had a device installed in their heads and been taught to do whatever the Peacemaker tells them to do. He tells them when to sleep, when to eat, where to go – every action they make. Feelings are removed. They are merely mechanically acting upon the word that comes into their headsets. And any who do not have the headsets are an obvious target for the Peacemaker to capture. How are they going to get Rainor’s beloved out of this city without getting captured? And if they get her away, will she ever be able to think for herself again? Can they even remove the headset without killing her?

Notes: This story touches on the issue of feelings. A character says she wants to remain hooked up to the headsets because then she will feel no fear or pain. Freedom to think includes freedom to fear and hurt. The sleepers have to not just tell her, but show her, that the feelings of joy and love and freedom are worth the cost.  The Seven Sleepers series is Science Fiction in that it is futuristic. It is not meant to be fantasy. It is meant to be realistic fiction set in the future, but it seems like fantasy most of the time! The story takes place after the earth has been almost destroyed by nuclear warfare. What's left has been genetically changed and messed up. All sorts of strange creatures and people exist now that didn't before. Whether it be giants, dinosaurs or something else, most of "Nuworld" is strange and seems like something that could only exist in fantasy. The sleepers are 7 children who were placed in sleep capsules right before the war began, then the capsules opened 50 years later to this genetically altered world. This particular book focuses much more on sci-fi elements than the fantasy elements the series often does.

Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Ecclesiastes 3:10-14 – I have seen the burden God has laid on men. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God. I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him.

The Trick

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Rudy couldn’t hold his eyes any more. He looked casually out the window and watched Chicago slip off into its summer twilight. He needed to find his passion so he wouldn’t have to show off or hide things. The way Jesus did.

Book: The Trick (Christian Heritage Series: The Chicago Years #1) by Nancy Rue, Focus On The Family Publishing/Bethany House Publishers, 1999

Genre: Historical Fiction

Target Audience: Boys 10-14

Subjects: Friendship, Identity, Crime, Relationship with parents and siblings

Summary: Chicago is going to be absolutely awesome! Well, at first, when Rudy sees all the crowded buildings and streets he is a bit worried, but in no time at all he is finding plenty of excitement and mischief to get into. A large part of that is due to his new friend Little Al, a wanta-be mobster. He is working his way up the crime scales in hopes of working with Al Capone. When Rudy isn’t hanging out with Little Al, he is, to his horror, being educated in proper social skills by his aunt. When his new friend’s connections lead him to trouble, Rudy longs to help him somehow, but can not find any way to do so. But if someone doesn’t intervene, Little Al will be locked away in jail.

Notes: This is the fourth set of books in the Christian Heritage Series. Each set focuses on a particular time period and tells the story of a young boy growing up in that time. This set is about a young boy and his twin sister who have been raised by their busy father since the death of their mother when they were babies. They and their father move in with their aunt in Chicago where they become personally acquainted with members of the mob and learn about passions and the outpouring of them. In this book, Rudy learns for the first time, that he has a passion for people and it’s output takes it’s form in artwork. He has to make a choice about whether to follow Little Al deeper into his criminal lifestyle or reject that in order to do what he believes is right.There isn't a ton of spiritual content in this one, but you can tell it's setting the stage for more. Rudy is just learning that he actually wants to follow Jesus.

Recommendation Scale: 5//5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

1 Peter 1:22 – Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart.

Crystal’s Solid Gold Discovery

 Caleb reared on his hind legs and Crystal threw her hands around his neck to hold on. It was then she saw the gun Devenport held. She went into hysterics. “No! Not Caleb! Don’t shoot Caleb!”

Book: Crystal’s Solid Gold Discovery, Chariot Books, 1986

Genre: Western

Target Audience: Girls 12-15

Subjects: Crushes, Identity, witnessing

Summary: One week is all Crystal has left in Idaho. Before she goes home, she wants to make significant progress on her riding skills and relationship with Shawn. A few things start messing up her plans: primarily a criminal with a plan to trick local businessmen into “investing” in what turns out to be fake gold. Crystal is getting into a habit of being in the midst of dangerous action and once more, she and her horse find themselves in a life-threatening situation.

Notes: This is the second in a semi-western adventure series for girls about a fifteen year old girl and her friend as they travel around with her dad and start to enter the horses, rodeo and western scene. In this book, Crystal takes a few steps towards growing up and developing her own personality. She also has the opportunity to witness a little bit towards another girl.

Recommendation Scale: 3/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

1 Peter 3:15 - But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.

Horse Dreams

“I believe you think you saw a horse.” Colt says. “And I believe you’re going to be in a mess of trouble if your dad has to go to school again because you were daydreaming.”

Book: Horse Dreams (Backyard Horses) by Dandi Daley Mackall, Tyndale House Publishers, 2011

Genre: Horse Stories/Realistic Fiction

Target Audience: Girls 10-13

Subjects: Relationship with parents, Prayer, Dreams

Summary: Horses. Beautiful, gorgeous show shores. Hamilton Royal Champion Showhorses. That’s what’s on Ellie’s mind – ALL THE TIME! She’s constantly in trouble for daydreaming about horses, especially at school. Her parents have been called into the office before about this problem. So when she interrupts the class to announce that she just saw a horse trotting down the street, right in front of the school, no one believes her, even though this is an ugly, scrawny paint. At least not until the horse is discovered by someone else! The horse is caught – by Ellie of course, but it can only remain at the local shelter for a short time before it needs to move on. In other words, it’s in desperate need of a good home. Too bad there’s no one around who wants a scrawny, ugly, paint.

Notes: The message in this story is about recognizing when your prayers get answered and realizing that God’s plans may not be the same as yours and may, in fact, be better. Ellie thinks she knows exactly what she wants, but what God decides to give her is a bit different, but just as special. There’s also hints of lessons about honoring your parents.

Recommendation Scale: 4/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi with help from Tracey

Ephesians 3:20-21 – Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

The Enemy Closes In

“Those aren’t dead spirits.” “What makes you the expert? If they’re not dead spirits, what are they?” Zach swallowed, took a breath and answered. “Demons.” Zach’s heart pounded in his chest. He knew what he should do, but with Ashley there, with all the kids standing around staring at him…

Book: The Enemy Closes In by Bill Myers with James Riordan, Zondervan, 2009

Genre: Adventure

Target Audience: Boys and Girls 12-16

Subjects: Occult, Family Relationships, Miracles

Summary: Still on the run, still searching for their imprisoned parents, Zach, Piper and Elijah pause for vehicle repairs in a small town where Zach meets a pretty girl who could very easily distract him from his purpose. There’s more danger than what they know though. Someone out there will do anything to stop them.

Notes: This is the 2^nd in a series about a family where the youngest boy has some kind of supernatural abilities. He has been known to heal people who were injured. This has drawn the attention of evil who wish to possess him. The parents are kidnapped in hopes that they will release the boy to them. The three kids are on the run from these men, while trying to find their parents at the same time they escape the very ones holding their parents prisoner.

In this book, Zach gets mixed up in the occult when he meets an attractive girl who is involved in it. He has to make a decision – go along with what he knows is wrong in order to attract the girl, or take a stand and lose any hope of getting her.

Recommendation Scale: 4/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms

The Chinese Puzzle Box

The walls of Rick’s bedroom were covered with posters of baseball players and surfers. The room was decorated very much like Dan’s own. What made one person choose one path and someone else choose another? Friends? Circumstances? Parents? Maybe I keep seeing Rick when he’s not there because I’m worried I’m going to be just like him, Dan thought.

Book: The Chinese Puzzle Box by Chris Auer, Zondervan Publishers, 2005

Genre: Mystery

Target Audience: Boys 11-14

Subjects: Fear, temptation

Summary: Everywhere he turns, Rick seems to be there. But he’s only imagining him right? Rick wouldn’t come back to a town where everyone knows he is in trouble with the law… would he? When the power goes out, the security guards are poisoned and things keep moving around in places no one was at, Dan fears it wasn’t just his imagination after all. And if that is true, his very life is in danger!

Notes: Dan wrestles with a tough issue throughout this book: what makes a person turn out the way they do? He liked Rick at first, had a lot in common with him. But then Rick turned out to be evil. Well, Dan has made some pretty poor choices himself. Does that mean he is going to turn out like Rick? What can he do to avoid it? Is he strong enough to fight the temptations he faces?

Recommendation Scale: 3/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

1 Corinthians 10:13 – No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

Hidden In Plain Sight

Something was wrong. He looked down into the hole he was digging. He got down on his knees and pushed away the dirt with his bare hands. His hands touched something smooth and curved and there, staring at him from the moist earth was a human skull. Dan had been digging up a skeleton.

Book: Hidden In Plain Sight by Chris Auer, Zondervan Publishers, 2004

Genre: Mystery

Target Audience: Boys 11-14

Subjects: Fear, lying

Summary: A skateboard accident lands Dan in trouble with old Miss Alma Loise Stockton LeMay and he finds him working in her old museum house as a result. While doing a job for her, he digs up an old skeleton leading to instant fame – which isn’t necessarily a good thing. Soon he and his friends begin receiving threats. Dan has to figure out who the culprit is before someone else gets hurt.

Notes: Dan is dealing with a few issues in this book. The first one is fear. His father is overseas in the military and he fears his father never coming home again. The second issue is lying. Rather than face consequences of his choices, he either lies or hides the truth. He also has to learn respect for Miss Alma, as his original attitude is one of disrespect due to her age, position and role of authority figure in his life. It covers the issue of lying and hiding the truth very well. This is the first book in the Mysteries Of The Eckert House series.

Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Ephesians 4:14-15 – Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.

The Escape

Please, Lord, please just this one more thing. I know this has to be. Please, no matter who I have to be or how much they hate me. Please-

Book: The Escape (Christian Heritage Series: The Charleston Years #6) by Nancy Rue, Focus On The Family Publishing, 1998

Genre: Historical Fiction

Target Audience: Boys 10-14

Subjects: Slavery, Friendship, Trust in God, Underground Railroad

Summary: The war has begun. It’s no longer a matter of “if”. And Uncle Dayton has no choice but to side with the south, even if he doesn’t support succession. Multiple attempts are made to get Austin and his family back to the north but every attempt fails, much to Austin’s relief. He has determined to see Henry-James escape to freedom before he leaves and his attempts are failing.

Notes: This is the third set of books in the Christian Heritage Series. Each set focuses on a particular time period and tells the story of a young boy growing up in that time. This set is about a young boy who has been raised as an abolitionist but is living with his uncle’s family on a plantation in the south where they don’t believe slavery is wrong. In this book, Austin has to make some difficult choices, as do most of the other characters. All three of his cousins have to take a stand for what they believe, even when it hurts and means separation from those they love. Charlotte, especially, is portrayed as being hurt that Henry-James is going to escape, but has to do what’s best for him rather than her need for his friendship. It’s a story of letting go.

Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

John 15:13 –Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.