Surprise at Yorktown

“Look at the cannons,” Patrick said. “They’re all aimed at Yorktown. That’s where the Americans are!”

“They’re that close?” Beth asked. “How do we get to the other side without being shot by a stray bullet?”

Book:Surprise at Yorktown (AIO Imagination Station Books)by Marianne Hering and Nancy L. Sanders, Focus on the Family and Tyndale House Publishing, 2012

Genre: Adventure

Target Audience: Boys and girls 8-13

Subjects: Prayer, God’s Will, The Scriptures

Summary: Skunks, laundry and cannonballs. The latest trip in the Imagination Station is a bit intense! Patrick and Beth show up right between the British and the American troops towards the very end of the Revolutionary War. They meet a young man who does laundry for the British but it turns out he’s a double-agent working both sides! As they follow him, they learn that the British have a plan that could possibly mean the difference between their winning or losing the war. Patrick and Beth want to escape to warn the Americans – but how?  

Notes: This is the 15^th in the Imagination Station Adventures series. The series is much like the secular Magic Tree House books but instead of wizards and magic it’s imagination and inventions giving them the different place/different time experiences. The radio show the concept is taken from is very solid – full of great spiritual elements and lessons and challenges as well as fun and excitement. This book did a much better job than some of the other in the series at focusing on spiritual elements. The spiritual elements in this story are prayer (the kids pray for God’s help when seeing no hope for the Americans) and the importance of studying the Bible. At the end of their adventure, Mr. Whittaker helps them see that multiple people on both sides thought they were right. And even those who turned out to do good things for the Americans were not always correct. He tells the kids that it is very important to put their trust in the Bible and read it for themselves rather than just trusting those around you.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

2 Timothy 3:16-17 – All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,  so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Turn Up For Real

“Are you going through some sort of crisis? Ansli just went through one. Maybe you need to talk to Mom.” Huffing I grunted, “I don’t need to talk to anybody, and you don’t need to say anything either, okay? Is life ending? Am I going to hell?” “Maybe!” Sloan yelled out. “Ughh! You first, chick,” I retorted.

Book: Turn Up For Real by Stephanie Perry Moore, Darby Creek, 2014

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Target Audience: Girls 16+

Subjects: Sex, Homosexuality, Rape, Pornography, Dating Relationships, Friendship

Summary: What IS wrong with Slade? All of a sudden she’s just dissatisfied with her life and is ready to pursue some other interests outside of her family. She starts with a singing competition, and moves on from there to pursuit of a record label. But those pursuits will take her into some scary places. Before long she’s at a sleepover with a group of girls watching a homosexual pornography video and hanging out with a boy who leads her into a house with some guys doing drugs that just about succeed in raping her before he intervenes. It’s time to count the cost of her dreams.

Notes: This is the third in the Sharp Sisters series. And it is trash. In this book the character watches a sex scene on tv that is described for the reader, she nearly gets raped and the details of that are described. She watches a pornography video which is described. And she gets herself so aroused talking to her boyfriend that her mom offers her birth control pills. She professes to have a little bit of faith at the beginning and sings hymns her grandmother taught her but she does not live according to the Bible, nor does any other character in the story. There is no truly Christian influence in the book. The author professes to be a Christian and has published multiple series that contain Christian elements. This book however should be avoided by anyone who does not want multiple detailed descriptions of characters having sex.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 0/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Ephesians 5:3 – But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people.

Mark 7:21 – For from within, out of men's hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery,

Romans 13:13 – Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy.

Maggie’s Dare

It made little sense. By strange twist of fate, her stepgrandfather had deeded this fine house to her father and also left him a tidy sum of money. In reality, Maggie was the daughter of an Irish immigrant mother and a hardworking doctor father. her family was no different than the Pierce family, but they were invited to the ball and the Pierces were not. The more she thought about it, the more like an imposter Maggie felt. How confusing life could be.

Book: Maggie's Dare: The Great Awakening (1744) (Sisters in Time #3) by Norma Jean Lutz, Barbour Publishing, 2005

Genre: Historical Fiction

Target Audience: Girls 9-15

Subjects: Salvation, slavery, friendship, family relationships growing up/coming of age, popularity

Summary: Well on her way to becoming a proper young lady, Maggie is thrilled when she starts receiving offers from most well-off family in town! Invitations to a tea party, to attend dance lessons with two other young girls, to attend a ball, to take a trip to the city – they’re all so wonderful! Of course her dad and brothers don’t seem to agree, but they’re going along with her desires at least and trying hard to not ruin everything for her. Her dad even agrees to let her get some new dresses! It’s Christmas when things suddenly start taking a turn. A simple sledding outing with her brothers and friends is frowned on by her new connections. It’s the trip to the city that really opens her eyes though. When she gets to know the new slave bought to serve Maggie’s friend and sees how this slave is treated Maggie starts doubting all the things her new friends have taught her. If they are wrong about slavery, is it possible they are wrong about other things too?

Notes: Maggie’s Dare is the third in the Sisters-In-Time series. This series features young girls living at various key points in American history, particularly around the wars. It always places the girls right at the edge of the teen years, coming of age.  The concept of the series it to not only show a glimpse of history, but to help young girls feel that the people back then weren’t that different than the people today.

Maggie’s Dare is set in 1744, around the time of the Great Awakening. Maggie’s new popular friends ridicule and greatly criticize Jonathan Edwards and other revivalists, claiming they are sinning by not doing things properly and with decency and not showing respect for God by worshipping outside instead of in a church. When Maggie risks her status with the popular girls to show kindness to the slave girl and with the help of her dad, rescues her when sick, she has a chance to meet Jonathan Edwards for herself and eventually to attend a revival meeting. There she sees the truth for herself and recognizes her own need to become a Christian.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Ephesians 2:8-9 – For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- not by works, so that no one can boast.

1 Corinthians 14:40 – But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.

Lizzie and the Redcoat

Sometimes Lizzie wanted to be grown-up. She could choose her own clothes and perhaps drive her own carriage. But most of the time growing up frightened Lizzie. Life in the colonies was changing, and if she were a grown-up, Lizzie would have to decide what she thought about everything. When it came to King George and the English Parliament, she was far too confused to know what she thought was right and what she thought was wrong.

Book: Lizzie and the Redcoat: Stirrings of Revolution in the American Colonies (Sisters in Time Book 4) by Susan Martins Miller, Barbour Publishers, 2006

Genre: Historical Fiction

Target Audience: Girls 9-15

Subjects: Fear, Family Relationships, Growing up/Coming of Age, Politics, Patriotism

Summary: She just has this sense of fear, this feeling that it’s not safe to be out in the streets anymore. The sight of those soldiers walking around scares Lizzie. And things aren’t getting better, they’re getting worse. When the Stamp Act comes out tensions increase to the point of violence and Maggie’s brother is right in the middle of it all!

Notes: Lizzie And The Redcoat is the fourth in the Sisters-In-Time series. This series features young girls living at various key points in American history, particularly around the wars. It always places the girls right at the edge of the teen years, coming of age.  The concept of the series it to not only show a glimpse of history, but to help young girls feel that the people back then weren’t that different than the people today.

Lizzie and the Redcoat is set in 1765. It’s focus is all the tensions leading up to the Revolutionary War. It shows how hard it was to live in a place where many were furious at anyone who believed differently than them or simply would not believe as strongly as them or would not support their violence. It shows mobs stirring up trouble, families being divided making even a simple family dinner a place of tension. The spiritual element is the issue of fear. Lizzie is terrified of all that is going on. When she admits this to her aunt, her aunt challenges her to look at who is in control. She asks if the king of England is in control. Lizzie figures he’s not quite in control, at least many don’t want him to be and aren’t listening to what he says. She asks if Samuel Adams is in charge. Lizzie recognizes that he’d like to be, but isn’t. So her aunt says “Think about who is in charge, Lizzie, and find your peace there.” At the end of the story, a simple accident, not connected to any of the political tensions shows Lizzie that she needs to put her trust in God because even if all the political issues go away, there are still challenges in the world and she needs to look to the One who can control everything, not just a political movement.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Psalm 46:1-11 – God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. "Selah" 4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. 5 God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. 6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. 7 The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. "Selah" 8 Come and see the works of the LORD, the desolations he has brought on the earth. 9 He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields with fire. 10 "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." 11 The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. "Selah"

Lydia The Patriot

“No matter what any of us thinks, we all have to face that question. If a deadly deed is done in the name of patriotism or loyalty is it noble? If a good deed is done out of fear, does it lack all virtue?

“I’m not sure I understand, Uncle Cuyler.”

“I’m not sure I do either, Stephen. But this is my point: You can listen to me, you can listen to William, and you can even listen to Lydia. But in the end, you must find your own answers. And only God can give you the answers.”

“But you and William both believe in God. You both go to church; you both pray. Why doesn’t God tell you the same thing?”

Cuyler nodded. “That is one of the great mysteries of our time, Stephen. And I struggle with that question ever day.”

Book: Lydia the Patriot: The Boston Massacre (Sisters in Time Book 5) by by Susan Martins Miller, Barbour Publishers, 2004

Genre: Historical Fiction

Target Audience: Girls 9-15

Subjects: Fear, Family Relationships, Growing up/Coming of Age, Politics, Patriotism, Bullying, Showing Love, God’s Will

Summary: WHAM! The snowball hit the solider right on the forehead! Stephen is horrified by his older sister yet again. It seems she is determined to follow in the footsteps of the most worked up of any of the patriots. She acts angry and defiant. Stephen himself isn’t sure who is right and who is wrong. He understands the arguments of the Sons of Liberty and he understands the arguments of those loyal to King George. What he doesn’t understand is the need for all the violence and anger. Thankfully his uncle always allows him to come seek refuge at his medical clinic when he’s upset and confused. His place of refuge won’t be a calm place for long though. When tensions get high and angry men demand their rights, weapons are raised and people are hurt. Each side says the other one is to blame and the victim lies right here in his uncle’s clinic!

Notes: Lydia the Patriot is the fifth in the Sisters-In-Time series. This series features young girls living at various key points in American history, particularly around the wars. It always places the girls right at the edge of the teen years, coming of age.  The concept of the series it to not only show a glimpse of history, but to help young girls feel that the people back then weren’t that different than the people today.

Lydia the Patriot is quite different from the other books in the series in that the main character is not the girl, but her brother. This book takes place in 1770 and the historical event featured is the Boston Massacre as well as continuing tensions leading to the Revolutionary War. This book focuses a lot on how someone can figure out which side of the debate to be on. Stephen has people he likes and greatly respects on both sides of the issue and isn’t sure who to listen to and agree with. His uncle encourages him to turn to God for his answers. Stephen also realizes and helps his family realize, the importance of continuing to love and care for one another even when they don’t share the same political views.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Romans 12:2 – Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Betsy’s River Adventure

“We’re home,” Mother said, “at last.”

“Home?” Betsy echoed. Not home. Boston was home. They were in Cincinnati.

“Yes, home,” Mother said in a voice that brooked no argument. “This is our new home.”

Book: Betsy's River Adventure: The Journey Westward (1808) (Sisters in Time #7)by Veda Boyd Jones, Barbour Publishers, 2004

Genre: Historical Fiction

Target Audience: Girls 9-15

Subjects: Jealousy, Revenge, Family Relationships, Personality Differences, Change/Moving

Summary: That George drives her nuts! Betsy can’t stand the way he is always teasing her about her height and drawing attention to her! Moving to a new home is bad enough, taking a long journey to get there is worse, but undergoing the whole trip with her cousin George and his dog? That’s simply intolerable! Times are getting tough in Boston with the ports being closed and her cousin being forced to work on a British warship. Their family decides it’s time for a new start and everyone packs up for the long trip west. The plan is to take a schooner to Philadelphia, then take freight wagons and a stagecoach to the Ohio River where they will float the rest of the way to Cincinnati. Betsy doesn’t know how she will survive moving away from her best friend and spending that much time with cousin George the pest!

Notes: Betsy’s River Adventure is the seventh in the Sisters-In-Time series. This series features young girls living at various key points in American history, particularly around the wars. It always places the girls right at the edge of the teen years, coming of age.  The concept of the series it to not only show a glimpse of history, but to help young girls feel that the people back then weren’t that different than the people today.

Betsy’s River Adventure takes place in 1808 and focuses on what sort of experiences people moving westward might face. The tension comes in the dangers they face while traveling rather than political events of the time. More than the river adventure though, the main focus of this book is simply how hard Betsy finds it to put up with her cousin. She is a shy, quiet girl who wants to fade into the background. George is an energetic outgoing boy who teases her and therefore draws everyone’s attention to her, causing her no end of embarrassment, time and time again. She has to learn how to reach out beyond herself and think of others. She also has to learn to find ways to show love to her cousin even when he upsets her. 

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Colossians 3:13 - Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Emma’s Secret

“What’s cholera?” Emma asked.

“It’s a disease that can kill people in hours. Dr. Drake says someone can get it in the morning and be dead by night. Rob’s voice sounded even more scared than it had when he saw the snakes. “And Dr. Drake says it’s coming here. He doesn’t know when, but it’s coming here.”

Book: Emma's Secret: The Cincinnati Epidemic (Sisters in Time Book 9) by Veda Boyd Jones, Barbour Publishers, 2005

Genre: Historical Fiction

Target Audience: Girls 9-15

Subjects: Jealousy, Women’s Rights, Fear, Dreams, Prayer

Summary: It’s all so fascinating! The skeleton, the medical books, the science experiments, the discussions! The only problem is that it doesn’t seem to occur to Dr. Drake or anyone else that maybe Emma might be as interested in the medical field as her cousin Rob. Soon though, bigger worries come when first, a flood comes, then clean-up after the flood, then news of cholera and eventually, the dreaded disease itself makes it’s way to Cincinnati. Emma and Rob are not the only ones scared. Their families send them out to the country where they are away from exposure, but some loved ones stay in the city to keep working. Every day the children fear receiving word that someone they know is sick!

Notes: Emma’s Secret is the ninth in the Sisters-In-Time series. This series features young girls living at various key points in American history, particularly around the wars. It always places the girls right at the edge of the teen years, coming of age.  The concept of the series it to not only show a glimpse of history, but to help young girls feel that the people back then weren’t that different than the people today.

Emma’s Secret takes place in 1832 and focuses on the historical event of the Cincinnati Cholera Epidemic. It shows a young girl wanting to pursue education, specifically, medical training, just like her cousin, Rob. In this time most young women did not have careers outside of being a wife and mother though. The other focus is how she then applies what she has been learning about the medical field to the cholera epidemic. She and her cousin read and study all they can find on the disease and are able to help a loved one by giving warning of what symptoms to expect and what to do when the first of the symptoms come.  

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Psalm 103:1-6 – Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits-- who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,  who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. The LORD works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.

Daria Solves A Mystery

“Tell me, Daria, what would you have us do while Papa is away?”

Daria took a deep breath. “I was…” she hadn’t planned to tell anyone her own idea, but Jenny had asked. “I sorta thought about quitting school and going to work.”

Jenny put her arm around Daria’s shoulders. “Mama is being strong and courageous. Can we do any less?”

Unable to speak Daria stood and quickly left the room. Jenny was right. But how Daria hated this terrible war!

Book: Daria Solves a Mystery: The Civil War in Ohio (1862) (Sisters in Time #12) by Norma Jean Lutz, Barbour Publishers, 2004

Genre: Historical Fiction

Target Audience: Girls 9-15

Subjects: Civil War, Trust, Friendship, Betray, Family Relationships, Hope

Summary: This horrid war is messing up everything! First it took Jenny’s husband, then it took Daria’s friend and now even her dad is off working as a physician! And in the meantime, those at home have to work extra hard since their men are no longer providing an income for their families. Daria’s mother decides to turn their home into a boarding house to bring in the money they need. All the extra chores this means for Daria would be bad enough, but having boarders that are cranky and complain about everything makes it even worse. She thinks things are getting better when Corporal Harnden comes to board at their home. He helps Andrew with his reading, he encourages and helps the family and he keeps the other boarders from complaining too much. But then Daria catches him in a lie and discovers a terrible secret. Maybe things are worse than she thought!

Notes: Daria Solves A Mystery is the twelfth in the Sisters-In-Time series. This series features young girls living at various key points in American history, particularly around the wars. It always places the girls right at the edge of the teen years, coming of age.  The concept of the series it to not only show a glimpse of history, but to help young girls feel that the people back then weren’t that different than the people today.

Daria Solves A Mystery takes place in 1862 and focuses on the historical event of the Civil War. Daria is an adventurous young girl, keeping up with her twin brother and friend as they play baseball or spy on the soldiers. When her loved ones start going off to fight in the war her life moves from simple childhood adventures to truly working to help support her family. She also deals with the issue of not knowing who to trust when someone who seemed to be a very good friend turns out to be a spy for the enemy. She has to learn how to not let hate fill her heart as she gets upset at the betrayal.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Ephesians 4:31 – Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.