Fault Lines

“This youth forum thing has to be for REAL,” I said “I want it to stop al this stupid – STUPIDNESS! I don’t mean just impress peoppe. I want it to make a DIFFERENCE. I want it to make people stop acting like morons.”

“What’s going on?” Joy Beth was now in the doorway, face taut between panels of hair. “What’s wrong Duffy?”

“I’m hacked off,” I said. “I HATE what’s happening around here. It was bad enough when the Dayans were being harassed, but now somebody’s trying to make it look like they’re attacking back, and they are NOT! Can’t anybody see that?”

Book: Fault Lines ('Nama Beach High, Book 3) by Nancy Rue, Zondervan Publishers, 2004

 

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Target Audience: Girls 13-19

Subjects: Prejudice, Jewish Religion, Violence, Bullying

Summary: There are new kids at school. And they’re not welcome. The Dayan family is Israeli and that singles them out quick. The “Redneck Militia” as Laura Duffy calls it ignorantly lumps them in with Muslim terrorists and is doing everything they can to get rid of them. Bullying in the lunch room, graffiti threats on the school walls, terrorizing the youngest of them – these are all horrid and Laura knows it. She determines to do whatever it takes to stand up and fight for them. Little does she know how far some will go to get rid of them though and how high the cost will be for her personally.

Notes: This story is about love – for friends, for the innocent hurting and even for enemies. The note she receives from her “Secret Admirer”, someone that seems to be an angel – appearing and disappearing at random, leaving messages that seem to be from God, etc, says she must wipe the sneer off her face before she is ready to offer her life. And offering her very life to an enemy is exactly what she is asked to do. She is continuing, in this 3^rd book in the ‘Nama Beach High series to search for keys of power. In this book, she discovers the key of love. As before, the cost is high, but Duffy longs most of all to be walking closely with God, making the key definitely worth the cost.

Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Matthew 5:43-44 – "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you

                       

Friends Don’t Let Friends Date Jason

“What are you doing?” I said.

He didn’t answer but slipped something onto my finger. It was a tiny flower bud, still attached to its stem that he had worked into a circle. He snuggled it onto my finger like a ring.

“I’d have bought you a real one for tonight if I’d know this was going to happen,” he said. “But maybe we don’t need a real ring. Maybe we don’t need a ceremony or a license or anything. Maybe we just need God’s blessing.”

“For what?” I said.

He sat on the bench and put both arms around me. “To be one,” he said. Pulling me tight up against him, he kissed me – long and hard. One hand slid down the V in the back of my dress. I could hear the party sparkling and tinkling beyond us. I could smell Jason’s Polo Sport. I could feel him pressing insistently against me.

But I couldn’t feel me.

Book: Friends Don't Let Friends Date Jason (Raise the Flag) by Nancy Rue, Waterbrook Press, 1999

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Target Audience: Girls 14+

Subjects: Premarital Sex, Dating Relationships, Identity in Christ, Family Relationships, Friendship, Prayer, Anorexia

Summary: Confidence. Marissa has none of it. So when a cute guy at the conference takes an interest in her, she soaks up the attention like a sponge. But Jason doesn’t just want to date her. He wants to possess her, control her. He believes himself to be superior to her and show that in all he says and does. It’s going to take something extreme for Marissa to see through him and recognize his ulterior motives.

Notes: Fifth in the Raise The Flag series, this book tells the story of Marissa. In the first book six girls show up for See You At The Pole and begin to form a friendship and prayer group. Each book in the series tells the story of one of the girls as well as continuing the overall story of each of the characters. In this book Marissa has to find confidence in her own relationship with God. Between her family, her boyfriend and her own personality, she suffers from major doubts, assuming there is nothing good about her to the point where when a mentor tells her to write down all of her strengths, Marissa can’t think of anything. This is the big issue. It’s just played out through a boyfriend trying to get her to have sex with him by attempting to persuade her that it’s not only ok, it’s what she’s supposed to do. The issue of Anorexia is also touched on, hinting at the 6^th book in the series. The spiritual elements are woven throughout the entire story. I highly recommend this book as well as the others in the series.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

James 5:13 – Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise.

Do I Have To Paint You A Picture

“Be afraid,” he said. “Be very afraid. Dillon took the risk and I’ll take it too. Whatever it takes to get your stink’ kind out of here.” He used filthier words I’ve tired to block out, without much success. They burned right down through my ears and branded themselves inside me. Dillon took the risk. He plowed his vehicle head-on into Ira on purpose. That was how much he despised us. For being black.

Book: Do I have to Paint You a Picture (Raise the Flag Series, No 4) by Nancy Rue, Waterbrook Press, 1998

 

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Target Audience: Girls 14+

Subjects: Racism, Dating Relationships, Friendship, Trust in God, Prayer

Summary: Racism is ugly and Brianna knows that well. She’s always known it, since the day her dad was killed in a racism fight and since the day her little brother was killed for simply being black in a place the white kids didn’t want him to be. And the day she and her boyfriend got pulled over by the police for simply being black in a rich neighborhood. But it’s happening again and it’s not centered around her dad or her brother and it’s not a one time event. Now it’s centered around her and it’s everywhere. She can’t go to school, she can’t visit her boyfriend in the hospital, she can’t go out to eat, she can’t even drive down the road without being threatened or attacked. Her boyfriend, Ira, has a broken neck and the one who challenged him is now dead. And no one understands. Her friends can’t understand – they’re not black. And Mrs. Race just wants her to tattle to the principal every time something happens. And the other black kids from school? They’re hiding, cowering in fear, afraid to even let their face be shown. Where is the help she needs?

Notes: Fourth in the Raise The Flag series, this book tells the story of Brianna. In the first book six girls show up for See You At The Pole and begin to form a friendship and prayer group. Each book in the series tells the story of one of the girls as well as continuing the overall story of each of the characters. In this book Brianna has to find out how to draw close to God when it feels like no one understands her. Brianna’s skin is black and that sets her apart from most of the other kids in the school she attends. When the racism gets more violent and threatening her boyfriend tries to stop it but only succeeds in getting himself in the hospital and the other kid dead. Brianna is convinced that because her skin is a different color, none of her friends can understand or help her. But when she faces her own near-death situation and survives only because of her friends she recognizes that their challenge to take everything to the Lord is the answer she has been looking for all along.  The spiritual elements are woven throughout the entire story. I highly recommend this book as well as the others in the series.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

James 5:13 – Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise.

B Is For Bad At Getting Into Harvard

I closed my eyes. He guffawed.

“That isn’t going to hide it,” he said. “It’s etched in my brain.”

“What is?”

“How much you’re hurting.”

He said it softly, huskily. So much I could feel myself blushing again. This was nothing something I was accustomed to. I dug full bore into the fried rice.

“If you can’t admit it, then you’re not following my rules,” he said.

“I admit it,” I said into the container. Everything that used to be important to me is starting to melt down into whole different vision for the future. It’s scary, it’s confusing, it’s definitely against my father’s rules.”

Book: "B" Is for Bad at Getting into Harvard (Raise the Flag) by Nancy Rue, Waterbrook Press, 1998

 

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Target Audience: Girls 13+

Subjects: Cheating, Honesty, Stress, Family Relationships, Dating Relationships, Friendship

Summary: Cheating. Is it really that big of a deal? When you take into consideration the fact that everyone is doing it and the teachers aren’t really doing anything about it, the fact that parents expect academic success, or rather academic perfection in Norrie’s case, and the fact that the teachers are crazy hard on them, it seems like maybe cheating shouldn’t be such a big deal. Yet, it feels like a very big deal to Norrie. She’s not the same person she once was. Her relationship with God compels her to act honestly. There’s a price for not participating in the cheating ring though. Norrie’s refusal to do so is getting her into a world of trouble. She longs for some peace, some relief from the pressure but it seems there is none to be found. And if her grades drop, lack of peace at home is a guarantee.

Notes: Second in the Raise The Flag series, this book tells the story of Norrie. In the first book six girls show up for See You At The Pole and begin to form a friendship and prayer group. Each book in the series tells the story of one of the girls as well as continuing the overall story of each of the characters. In this book Norrie, who became a Christian at camp last summer, has to learn what it means to walk with God. Her conscience has started to get to her enough for her to know what NOT to do, but finding out what to do instead is hard. She struggles to find what a devotional time looks like for her as opposed to other friends. And she struggles to figure out how to follow God when her actions upset everyone around her, particularly her dad who has extremely high expectations for her. The spiritual elements are woven throughout the entire story. I highly recommend this book as well as the others in the series.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Romans 12:1-2 – Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. 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.

Glendale

He felt as if God has been just as honest with him, and he felt a warning deep down in his spirit. Yet it was a warning laced with grace, as if it was right to continue moving forward but necessary to walk very carefully as danger lurked around every bend.

Book: Glendale (The Glendale Series) (Volume 1) by Ann Goering, Covered Porch Publishing, 2011

 

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Target Audience: Girls 16+

Subjects: Dating Relationships, Salvation, Relationships with family, divorce, Premarital Sex

Summary: Jessi knows one way and only one way of interacting with boys. And she knows that it works. But it isn’t working so well with Joe. In fact, it seems to push him away. But Jessi is hurting from her parents’ divorce and Joe has answers. Soon Joe finds himself facing a challenge as he becomes genuinely attracted to this girl who is so far from what he dreamed he would pursue someday. But neither of them are letting their previous ideas stop their emotions from running away and soon they have fallen so in love that they are willing to do anything for the other one – anything.

Notes: A story of young romance, Glendale is the first in a trilogy about a godly young man with dreams of being a pastor and a hurt, angry young woman who faces a bigger threat to Joe’s relationship with God than he believed possible. Joe tries the “missionary dating” hoping that his love will lead Jessi to the Lord but he just gets pulled down instead. This story does an excellent job of portraying someone genuinely walking with the Lord and the real temptations and hurts they can face. It does a good job showing the importance of being even more in love with Jesus than with a significant other. It’s clearly a self-published work – not because the story isn’t great but because of the layout of the book itself. It will have a line with Joe saying something and then at the end of it have a comment about Jessi, making you think it was what Jessi said rather than Joe. But as far as the story and the spiritual content go, I highly recommend it.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Revelations 2:3-4 – You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love.

Thank you to the author for providing me with a free review copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. 

Fortress Of Mist

“The knowledge you already have is worth the world, Thomas. Use it wisely to you’re your own men from the Scots. That is all I can say in that regard.”

“No,” Thomas pleaded. “Who belongs to the strange symbol of conspiracy? Is the Earl of York friend or enemy?”

The old man shook his head. “Thomas, I pray there will come a day when we can trust you and reveal your destiny.”

“We? At least tell me who you are!”

“Thomas, give us a reason to trust. Very soon, you will be offered a prize that will seem far greater than the kingdom of Magnus.”

The torch flared once before dying, and Thomas read deep concern in the old man’s eyes. From the sudden darkness came his final whispered words.

“It is worth your soul to refuse.”

Book: Fortress of Mist: Book 2 in the Merlin's Immortals series by Sigmund Brouwer, Waterbrook Press, 2013

 

Genre: Historical Fiction/Adventure

Target Audience: Boys and Girls 11-18

Subjects: Faith in God, trust in others, determining who to trust, truth

Summary: “Delivered on the wings of an angel, he shall set us free from oppression” But now that, on wings of an angel, Thomas has set the people free and gained the kingdom of Magnus, his hold is slipping. A strange symbol, a late judgment and a false accusation are all it takes to lose a kingdom like Magnus. Just as it was conquered from within, so shall it fall from within. More is at stake than just his kingdom though. A strange old man and two young ladies continue to appear at random with strange messages for Thomas. Horrid symbols are left as warnings and friends suddenly appear to be enemies. Nothing is sure and Thomas has no clue who to trust.

Notes: Set in England in the dark ages, this series tells of the power those with knowledge have over those with none. It tells of the Druids and Merlins, one with a quest to keep people in darkness, one with a quest to bring the light of knowledge into the world, especially knowledge of God. This series tells of a young boy who was raised by a Merlin who died before revealing all to him. Now he’s alone in the world with no idea who to trust. Both sides want him to join them and neither side knows if they can trust him or not. Both sides are determined to end his life if he chooses to follow the enemy. This is a re-making of the original Winds of Light series. The first 6 books were also compiled into a volume called Magnus, then again into a volume called Wings of Dawn. Unlike the older re-makings, this one changes a lot. The basic story line is the same but the characterization is different. Thomas is made to seem a lot more foolish and immature in this version than in the past. The author adds in extra scenes and explains things more so that the reader is not left in mystery as in the original. My personal opinion is that the original is more well-written and more entertaining. It’s hard to have the main character seem more foolish after reading the originals where he was so well trained that he amazed Sir William. But that’s only my personal opinion. I do overall highly recommend this series. In this, the second book, Thomas has begun ruling the kingdom and continues his spiritual quest. He still does not have many answers, but he continues to seek truth. He likens it to being in a fortress of mist where nothing is seen clearly. His spiritual quest is tied up in the deceptions of those who he trusts. He does get closer towards the end of this book after a conversation with a godly priest who challenges him to put his trust in God.

Spiritual Recommendation Scale: 4/5

Entertainment Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Psalm 9:10 – Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.

Thank you to Waterbrook Press for providing me with a free review copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Discovery at Denny’s Deli

I felt more hopeful. If Doug was going to spend tomorrow with Tim, maybe he’d spend other days with him too. Maybe he would never spend another day with that terrible guy. Maybe I was worrying about nothing. Maybe I wouldn’t have to say anything to anybody. Maybe.

Book: Discovery at Denny's Deli (The East Edge Mysteries, #2) by Gayle Roper, Chariot Books, 1992

 

Genre: Mystery

Target Audience: Girls 11-13

Subjects: Family Relationships, Friendship, Lying, Showing Love To Others

Summary: Cammi really loves her older brother. She can think of so many instances where he came through for her, protected her, defended her and cared for her. So the idea of being a tattletale makes her about sick. But what her brother is doing makes her about sick too! He is hanging around with someone Cammi knows to be a thief, going places Cammi knows are bad and then lying to their parents about it. She wants desperately to help him, but how can she help him without hurting him?

Notes: There are a couple of stories in the midst of this book. The first is Cammi’s relationship with her brother and her attempts to figure out what to do. The second story is Cammi and her friends’ desire to help others. They have formed a club for the sole purpose of serving other people. In the midst of their helping a lady move, Cammi discovers another mystery that leads to the real suspense scene in the story. The last focus is the challenge Cammi faces in friendship. She is supposed to hang out with a girl who is very rude to her. This one isn’t developed at all, there’s potential for some good lessons in there though. The only spiritual emphasis comes when Cammi finds herself in danger and throws up a “help me” prayer. There are good lessons taught, but not from a spiritual perspective.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 2/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Romans 14:15 – If your brother is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy your brother for whom Christ died.

That Sinking Feeling

I’d gotten Max hurt and was standing in the dive shop in my dripping wet suit, a testimony to the fact that I’d liked, disobeyed my parents, and put Max in serious danger. 
The right thing. You’d think I could stumble on it once in a while.

Book: That Sinking Feeling (Blue Water Mysteries) by Janyre Tromp, Kregal Publications, 2006

 

Genre: Adventure, Mystery

Target Audience: Girls 12-15

Subjects: Lying, Relationship with parents, Forgiveness, Friendship

Summary: Sometimes it’s hard not knowing what the right thing to do is. Her mom wants her to be a girly girl, a little doll she can dress up. But that’s not who she is. She wants to be strong. She wants to be loyal. She wants to help. So when she and her best friend, Max, stumble across evidence that implies his own family could be involved in a crime, she decides to take matters into her own hands and investigate, even though it means lying, disobeying and putting both her and Max in danger. Then the unthinkable happens. The possible danger becomes a reality and she and Max are alone under the water.

Notes: A stand alone story rather than a part of a series, That Sinking Feeling is the story of a thirteen year old girl struggling to do “the right thing”, whether it means not sticking her tongue out at a younger sister who just pinched her, wearing a dress to Church, or turning over crime scene evidence to the police. When she messes up, she realizes it and after hearing a sermon at church on how the Lord detests lying lips, she concludes God must be as mad at her as her mom is. Her pastor encourages her to read Romans 5:8 and realize that everyone has sinned and that God loves us anyway. This book is a mystery story, but not too intense. You never truly suspect a character is going to die. It’s very good for younger readers. The spiritual content doesn’t come until the crisis but it’s very well done when it does come.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 4/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Romans 5:8 – But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Paige Torn

I hang up, walk into the kitchen, and pull out a cheese stick. And look at it. How often has this been my dinner over the past month? I shake my head as I walk to my bedroom. I change into my pajamas, pull back the covers, and see my Bible sitting on my bedside table. I pick it up, but the words all run together. I am too tired to read. I can’t even remember the last time I read anything. But I am serving. Surely that counts for something. Then I fall asleep.

Book: Paige Torn: A Paige Alder Novel (Paige Alder Series) by Erynn Mangum, Think, Nav Press Publishers, 2013

 

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Target Audience: Girls 18+

Subjects: Serving, Stress, Dating Relationships

Summary: Cheese sticks do not make the best dinner. But they’re quick. And more often than not these days, quick is essential to Paige’s meals. She has no major responsibilities, right? Work and paying the rent on her apartment. But there’s church – she teaches the 2 year olds class twice a month, she leads the teen girls Sunday School during the other service, she helps on the other Sundays with the teen worship service. Oh and there’s friends. She is helping her best friend plan her wedding as well as her parents’ anniversary party – down to making the decorations and invitations and…. Then there’s those small things that pop up – people needing favors – babysitting, bulletin folding, moving, meals made and delivered. So when a cute, godly guy starts showing interest in her and asks her out she tells him no. Again and again. She has no time to get groceries! How on earth is she supposed to make time for dating? But she’s doing what God wants her to, right?

Notes: Written with the main character being 23, this book seems sort of like it’s an adult book, but it is marketed towards youth. It’s the story of a young woman learning the difference between serving God and truly having a relationship with Him. Paige feels obligated to say “yes” to every single thing any one asks of her and so people ask her for a lot. She’s so weighed down with tasks that she has no time to even do a personal devotion before bed. It takes multiple people speaking truth into her life before she realizes she should and could change things. Even though this book is written from the perspective of an adult, it is a concept teens can very much relate to. It is very focused on the spiritual elements, recognizing that the biggest negative factor to her over commitment is the toll it is taking on her relationship with God. I can definitely recommend this book.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Luke 10:41-42 – "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."

The Meanest Teacher

“It’s like teachers and kids are lined up against each other on opposing sides. I feel like the whole school is a battleground. We get marched around to different rooms at the sound of a bell. We’re lined up like British soldiers during the Revolutionary War, and then the teachers shoot at us. They can’t miss. We have no place to hide. The trick to surviving is to duck the bullets – bullets made out of words. Some of us get taken prisoner by staying after school. Others go home with red marks on our test papers – like bloodstains.”

Book: The Meanest Teacher (Darcy (Crossway Books) by Joni Eareckson Tada and Steve Jensen, Crossway Books, 1993 and 2001

 

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Target Audience: Girls 11-14

Subjects: Truth, Showing Love To Others, Disabilities, Prejudice, Gossip, Judging

Summary: Middle School is not for the faint of heart! Tons of homework, crazy fashion standards to adhere to in hopes of gaining popularity, and worst of all: teachers who aren’t afraid to tear you to shreds in front of the whole class. When an announcement for elections of class officers comes over the loudspeaker, Darcy determines to become president. No one will look down on her because she’s in a wheelchair if she’s president! When a classmate suggests she do an expose on the mean teachers, Darcy decides to go for it. It seems like a great idea! After all, she herself has been targeted for attack by teachers multiple times already this year. But before she can even finish the article, word has spread about it and it’s taken on a life of its own. The next thing she knows, kids are even holding a rally for it! This has gotten out of control and only Darcy can stop it. But should she? And how could she?

Notes: This is 3^rd in the Darcy and Friends series, a story about a young girl in a wheelchair. It’s written by an author who has been paralyzed herself, for more than 30 years as a part of her ministry. It really shows how normal disabled children are. Darcy faces the same struggles and temptations as all other young teens do, the same desire to fit in, the same concern that her clothes aren’t good enough, the same uncertainty about how her faith plays into her decision making. In this story, she learns how important it is to not judge someone when you don’t know what they’re going through. The teacher she is condemning is someone she should be sympathizing with and helping, not attacking. And it’s when she shows maturity that she gains respect and an easier time of it from her teachers, not when she complains and argues. She also learns that God is a friend who’s always with her and can come along side her to help her. This book definitely has good lessons for teen girls! The spiritual content isn’t as much of a focus as some, but it is there.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 4/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Luke 6:37 – "Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

Tersias the Oracle

“The gods will speak to you today and all for the price of a shilling,” Malachi looked intently at the gathering, “I will give you one free consultation to prove to you all that what I say is the truth and that Tersias of London is the first true oracle this town has seen since the days of Saint Tara.”

Book: Tersias the Oracle by G.P. Taylor, Penguin Group, 2005

Genre: Suspense/Supernatural

Target Audience: Boys 16+

Subjects: Fortune Telling, Crime, Power, Supernatural beings, Showing love to others

Summary: First there was the comet that rained down destruction from the skies. Terias had foretold this to his master. Now his master has decided to use him as a fortune-telling machine. He’ll charge the crowds money and Terias will answer any question they ask. That plan is interrupted when he catches the eye of a powerful ruler, a group of young criminals, and another man who is into the supernatural – all of whom desire Terias for themselves. None have pure motives. All have some form of power or skill. The fate of this young boy lies in all their hands. Who will prove the most powerful? Who will possess this oracle child for themselves?

Notes: A suspense story, this story just goes from bad to worse for Terias. He’s a pawn in the hands of evil men. There is no mention of God or the Bible in this story. There is mention of demons – it’s made clear that the way Terias reveals the future is through an evil spirit that is growing in power and will do away with Terias as soon as it becomes powerful enough. There are a couple of hints that there might be another power out there that is good, but nothing is revealed about it. (SPOILER ALERT) At the end, after they’ve killed two characters, the person who seems to maybe follow the good power helps them bring the two dead people back to life so it seems that the good power triumphs in the end, but it’s still just a vague, unknown, distant power, not a loving Creator who gave His life for His creation. And there is definitely no source of ultimate authority. Right and wrong are relative in this story. One character might be good because they are a little less violent than the last one.  One character is not good, not because his actions are wrong so much as because he’s not that good at his crimes yet. I would not recommend this story. 

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 1/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Romans 8:31– What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?

The Follies Of Haven Island

“This town is destined for destruction. Fire will come from the sky and judge us for what we have done. There will be destruction for the unrighteous”

Book: Duncan Ross Book One: The Follies of Haven Island (Volume 1) by Brady L. Hardin, Haven New Heart Publishing, 2013

Genre: Fantasy/Apocalyptic/Allegory

Target Audience: Boys 14+

Subjects: Salvation, God’s Judgment, Truth, Loss, Missions

Summary: It started with a simple piece of paper. A note left on the door of a hermit in the woods. But after that note nothing was the same. He was never the same. A burning desire to know more led the hermit down the mountain in search of answers. A restlessness within his own soul pushed him until he found the truth. But it doesn’t end there. He’s only one man. Their whole island is destined for destruction and he is one of the few who know the truth. The follies aren’t just a legend. They’re real and they’re coming. But will the people believe the truth when they hear it or are they truly all destined for destruction?

Notes: A Pilgrim’s Progress kind of story, The Follies Of Haven Island tells how a young man, Duncan, comes to know Christ, finds others who mentor him or learn and grow alongside him, then set out on a mission to warn the people of the danger coming to them. They face a variety of responses and challenges along the way. Some offer a form of the truth watered down just enough to keep them from salvation. Some know the truth and willingly reject it. Some prefer to make friends with the enemy. Some seem to be with Duncan and the other believers, then turn around and betray them. The quote on the front cover probably does a better job describing it than I can “Part allegory, part pop culture, all Gospel”. It does a great job communicating the Gospel message, the need for salvation and showing the different responses people take to the Gospel. A big part of the story is just living out the parable of the farmer sowing the seeds. It does contain some scary and tragic scenes so I don’t recommend it for younger than 14. But for older teens and adults both, I highly recommend it.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Matthew 13:19-23 –When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path. The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away. The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful. But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown."

Lydia Barnes and the Blood Diamond Treasure

“Lydia, listen.” Ben said. “We have a problem.” “What is it?” “ Someone else is after the treasure,” he said.”

Book: Lydia Barnes &; The Blood Diamond Treasure (Global Warning Series) by Heather Gemmen Wilson, Weslyan Publishing House, 2007

Genre: Mystery

Target Audience: Girls 13-16

Subject: Loss, Friendship, Faith, Family Relationships, AIDS, Missions

Summary: She may not be into following God the way her dad is, but she has no objection whatsoever to the adventure his following of God leads her on. He went to Liberia Africa to help a medical mission. She’s going to Liberia Africa to join a son of one of the missionaries on a treasure hunt for the blood diamond! The trouble is that they’re not the only ones in search of this treasure. The first night they are there, someone goes into Ben’s room and steals one of the clues! One clue leads to another, to another and soon Lydia and Ben find themselves trapped in a room with a gun aimed at them!

Notes: This is the first in a series about a young girl and the adventures she has. In this story, she is still struggling with the loss of her mom years earlier and as a result, is rejecting God and the faith her dad models for her. It’s not until she’s faced with someone who is also in the midst of an extremely difficult time that she finally turns to God for help and puts her faith in Him. This book does a very good job showing a realistic young girl struggling with faith in God. It also portrays some of the difficulties the land of Africa faces with poverty and AIDS and war. Then it shows where the hope is found in the midst of the trials and tragedies. The story reads somewhat like a story that would appeal to younger readers but due to some of the subjects covered, I don’t recommend it for younger than 13.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Proverbs 2:1-5 – My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.