A Heart Full Of Hope

So this is what it feels like to have a boyfriend who adores you. I love it. I never knew it could feel this wonderful. Don't ever end, sweet night. Don't stop driving. Don't stop the music. Don't stop being my boyfriend.

Book: A Heart Full Of Hope by Robin Jones Gunn, Focus on the Family Publishing, 1992

 

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Target Audience: Girls 14-18

Subjects: Dating relationships, relationships with parents

Summary: Todd or Rick? That's the choice. Or is there a choice at all? Rick wants to be her boyfriend, has waited until she turned 16, has a whole bunch of dates planned out for the two of them. Todd wants to run off to Hawaii. Her friends assure her that dating Rick is the right choice, but Christy's heart isn't completely sure. Rick makes me feel good, she likes the attention, but she's just not sure.

Notes: Christy learns some valuable lessons about dating and about growing up in general in this book. Now that she's old enough to date she wants to take advantage of it and Rick is ready and waiting. But sometimes there is value in turning down an opportunity. Christy has to keep her heart open to God and let Him fill it with hope.

Recommendation Scale: 5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Romans 5:5 - And hope does not disappoint us because God has poured out His love into our hearts.

New Life

"I don't know what the it is you're talking about." "Why, I asked Jesus to be my Savior. That's what the guy was talking about the whole time. Didn't you hear Peggy?" "But- what does that mean?"

Book: New Life by Dorothy Martin, Moody Publishers, 1957

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Target Audience: Girls 12-15

Subjects: Relationships with family, Non-Christians, Salvation, Divorce

Summary: Peggy knows a couple of religious people. The next door neighbor who takes advantage of her by under paying her for babysitting and accuses her of being bad just because she doesn't attend Church. Then there's that strange family of immigrants her dad invited over once. And there's a girl from school, but if Peggy talks to her, then her best friend will be mad at her because of jealousy. So when her brother goes and gets religious she isn't interested. But she needs something. Her family life seems to be spiraling out of control. Her mom is mad about everything and her dad is out of a job. Then there's her snobby little sister that she never sees who is going to come visit for the holidays. Where can Peggy turn for answers?

Notes: Ouch! This book is painful! Peggy is a character you can definitely sympathize with. The neighbor is so incredibly rude to her, it really does make Christians look pretty bad. The author does an excellent job making it real though. Some Christians are hypocrites. We can't base a decision as big as where to spend eternity on what others do though. It's about Christ rather than His followers. The book shows it's age, especially in talking about whether or not the kids know anyone who has been divorced - it's alot more common than it was in 1957. But it's message is still strong. It could do a better job explaining the Gospel. The characters are a bit confused by it but just accept it. This is the first in the series The Peggy Books. It was originally titled A New Life For Peggy in the 1957 printing.

Recommendation Scale: 3

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Matthew 5:16 - Let your light shine before all men that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

Island Dreamer

What a dream! What did he call me? Kilikina! What does that mean? Oh, Todd! I wish I could say all the things I'm feeling right now!

Book: Island Dreamer by Robin Jones Gunn, Focus On The Family Publishing, 1992

 

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Target Audience: Girls 13-17

Subjects: Dating relationships, friendships, non-Christian friends

Summary: A 16th birthday spent in Hawaii with the guy of her dreams and her best friend that she hasn't seen in a year - it should be a dream come true. But Paula has changed and so has Christy. Christy wants to reach Paula for Christ but Paula is busy trying to reach Todd with flirtations. Christy has learned that jealousy gets you nowhere, but it's awfully hard with her best friend trying hard to steal her boyfriend.
Notes: Dreams are nice, but sometimes following God's plan can lead to greater joy. It's not easy to step back and trust Him to make things right, but as Christy learns, He's alot better at it than we are! Teen girls can relate to Christy and her struggles throughout the series, but also see a character who learns, sometimes the hard way, what the Biblical perspective should be. This is the 5th book in the Christy Miller series. This series has been republished multiple times and is available in multiple forms.

Recommendation Scale: 5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Ephesians 3:20-21 -Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power at work within us, to Him be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!

Surprise Endings

"You're not good enough Miller. You're not good enough to be a cheerleader, and you're definitely not good enough for Rick Doyle!"

Book: Surprise Endings by Robin Jones Gunn, Focus On The Family Publishing, 1991

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Target Audience: Girls 13-17

Subjects: Dating relationships, friendships, showing love to others

Summary: Not good enough. Christy doesn't find it all that hard to believe those stinging words, especially when it comes to Todd. Her jealousy over his taking someone else to prom just proves it. And as for Rick, they're just friends... right? Cheerleading however, that she knows she can do if just given a chance. Renee has no intention of giving such a chance though.
Notes: "I'm too jealous". With those simple words that accidentally burst out of her Christy realizes the root of her problem. She learns to turn to God for wisdom to make the right choices. Teen girls can relate to Christy and her struggles throughout the series, but also see a character who learns, sometimes the hard way, what the Biblical perspective should be. This is the 4th book in the Christy Miller series. This series has been republished multiple times and is available in multiple forms.

Recommendation Scale: 5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Philippians 2:3 - Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility, consider others better than yourselves.

Yours Forever

"Get Todd jealous. Flirt your face off with Doug, and Toss will see that he's going to lose you if he doesn't act quick."

Book: Yours Forever by Robin Jones Gunn, Focus On The Family Publishing, 1990

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Target Audience: Girls 13-16

Subjects: Dating Relationships, Friendships, Family Relationships

Summary: Jealousy. It always works right? Or maybe it just causes more hurt and pain. Christy desperately wants to be in a relationship with Todd, but between strict parents, meddling little brothers and well meaning friends, she seems to be getting farther away instead of closer.

Notes: In this book Christy is, as she always is, wanting to be Todd's girlfriend, wanting things defined. When things don't work out the way she had hoped she gets her first chance to learn to be content with what she has, a forever friend who wants to do right by her and wants to encourage her to grow in her faith. It's a good reminder for young girls eager to experience what older girls have: committed dating relationships.

Recommendation Scale: 5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

1 Corinthians 13:4 - Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

The Secret of Lizard Island

"Our multimillion dollar computer picked you out of all the boys in the eastern part of the U.S. Our computer never makes a mistake."

Book: The Secret of Lizard Island by Ernest Herndon, Zondervan Publishing, 1994
 

Genre: Adventure

Target Audience: Boys 10-13

Subjects: Friendship, teamwork, believing in yourself

Summary: The problem is that the multimillion dollar computer did make a mistake. They were supposed to pick Erik Sterling, not Eric Sterling. But Eric can't convince the CSI of that. They have decided he is the one to be sent on the mission to stop the criminals who are making mutant lizards. So the next thing he knows, he, an ordinary kid who gets bad grades and is bad at sports and excels and getting into trouble, is dropped onto an island with the goal of stopping criminals.

Notes: This book has very little to recommend it as "Christian". Half of a page references enjoying an outdoor Church service and wanting to pursue such a thing at home. That's it. The rest of the book is about relying on each other or yourself rather than on God.

Recommendation Scale: 1

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Psalm 139:14 - I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful, I know that full well!

Mystery At The Old Stamp Mill

"Hmmph. Amazing. I didn't think you girls were that interested in history." I blinked and stared as he shuffled down the path. Interested in history? Teachers could be so... so confusing. I turned and watched the rescue. Now that was something interesting: action, excitement, adventure!

Book: Mystery At The Old Stamp Mill by Janet Holm McHenry, Chariot Victor Publishing (A division of Cook Communications), 1997

Genre: Mystery

Target Audience: Girls 10-13

Subjects: Family relationships, greed, history

Summary: Annie just got her report card and her parents aren't gonna be happy. A D in history means bad news in a family where both parents majored in history at college. Soon though she has bigger problems than a bad grade. Her grandma's friend has disappeared and may be in danger. The only way to find out what happened to him is to dig through history though. Reading old letters, diaries and exploring museums are the only hope of finding John Cornwell again. 

Notes: There isn't much that makes this a "Christian" book. One reference to Someone being with them, and one reference to prayer when the girls are in danger are the only hints that this is a Christian book. Otherwise it's just a clean appropriate book for younger readers.

Recommendation Scale: 1

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Romans 15:4 - For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us.

The Secret

“Don’t worry boy. I’ll see that your father has justice. You leave it to me.” Josiah watched him melt back into the muttering villagers, none of whom realized that a battle had threatened to break loose in the midst of them. As he watched, Josiah shuddered. It didn’t look like peace at all. It looked like war. 

Book: The Secret by Nancy Rue, Focus on the Family Publishing, 1996

 

Genre: Historical Fiction

Target Audience: Boys and Girls 11-15

Subjects: Love for one another, accepting differences in people

Summary: It is official. The Reverend is so afraid and so in the hands on the Putnams that he seems to be loosing his grasp on reality. And the Putnams have had enough of Josiah's family. The Merry Band is still attempting to bring good. Hope has even found an ally with one of the Putnam boys. But the others are worse than ever and they've got a plan of their own now - a plan to rid the world of Josiah and Hope... permanently.

Notes: Nancy Rue writes a powerful story. Set in the time of the Puritans, Josiah's family is not accepted as members of the Church as it is run by some corrupt men filled with hate. Yet when Josiah's family attempts to attend a different Church, they run into even more trouble. Josiah is struggling with how to become a dependable young man and wrestling with all these questions. There are alot of lessons in these stories of a young boy's growing up years, everything from religious differences to racial differences. This is the last book in the Christian Heritage Series, the Salem Years.

Recommendation Scale: 5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Isaiah 41:10 - So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

The Samaritan

“You don’t understand!” she cried. “They are much more dangerous than we ever dreamed, Josiah!”

Book: The Samaritan by Nancy Rue, Focus on the Family Publishing, 1996

Genre: Historical Fiction

Target Audience: Boys and Girls 11-15

Subjects: Love for one another, accepting differences in people

Summary: Something has Hope running not just scared, but terrified. No more meetings of the Merry Band, no mischief, no twinkle in her eye, just plain fear. Soon Josiah understands. The Putnams have upped the war. It’s no longer just empty threats and a war with words. Suddenly guns and knives are being pulled and everyone is truly in danger, especially anyone who dares to be a good Samaritan and show love to outcasts.

Notes: Nancy Rue writes a powerful story. Set in the time of the Puritans, Josiah's family is not accepted as members of the Church as it is run by some corrupt men filled with hate. Yet when Josiah's family attempts to attend a different Church, they run into even more trouble. Josiah is struggling with how to become a dependable young man and wrestling with all these questions. There are alot of lessons in these stories of a young boy's growing up years, everything from religious differences to racial differences. This is the 5th book in the Christian Heritage Series, the Salem Years.

Recommendation Scale: 5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Isaiah 41:10 - So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

The Accused

Wildly Josiah looked around the court. But there was no one there to save him. There was nothing. Only the voice of Magistrate Jonathon Corwin saying sharply, “Answer me, boy!”

Book: The Accused by Nancy Rue, Focus on the Family Publishing, 1995

 

Genre: Historical Fiction

Target Audience: Boys and Girls 11-15

Subjects: Love for one another, accepting differences in people

Summary: The Merry Band strikes again. They were determined to undo some of the harm being caused, even though their parents don’t want them mixed up in the wars between families. But then something goes wrong and the next thing Josiah knows he is standing alone in court trying to take full responsibility for what the Merry Band did and trying to figure out how to prove he didn’t set fire to a shed while Nathaniel Putnam angrily accuses him.

Notes: Nancy Rue writes a powerful story. Set in the time of the Puritans, Josiah's family is not accepted as members of the Church as it is run by some corrupt men filled with hate. Yet when Josiah's family attempts to attend a different Church, they run into even more trouble. Josiah is struggling with how to become a dependable young man and wrestling with all these questions, but all everyone sees is a foolish boy who never thinks. There are alot of lessons in these stories of a young boy's growing up years, everything from religious differences to racial differences. This is the 4th book in the Christian Heritage Series, the Salem Years.

Recommendation Scale: 5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

The Guardian

We have to do something that doesn't hurt anyone, 

but that shows them what our side stands for.

Book: The Guardian by Nancy Rue, Focus On The Family Publishing, 1995

 

Genre: Historical Fiction

Target Audience: Boys and Girls 11-15

Subjects: Love for one another, accepting differences in people

Summary: Hate is filling the village all the more as time goes on. And it is spreading more and more to the children. Josiah, Hope and their friends decide it's time to take a stand that shows just what they believe in. They form a merry band and with the help or their young cousin Rebecca and someone they thought was an enemy, they set out with a plan to do something good that stops some of the evil going on.

Notes: Nancy Rue writes a powerful story. Set in the time of the Puritans, Josiah's family is not accepted as members of the Church as it is run by some corrupt men filled with hate. Yet when Josiah's family attempts to attend a different Church, they run into even more trouble. Josiah is struggling with how to become a dependable young man and wrestling with all these questions, but all everyone sees is a foolish boy who never thinks. There are alot of lessons in these stories of a young boy's growing up years, everything from religious differences to racial differences. This is the 3rd book in the Christian Heritage Series, the Salem Years.

Recommendation Scale: 5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Matthew 5:43 - You have heard that it was said "love you neighbor and hate your enemy". But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you that you may be sons of your Father in Heaven.

The Stowaway

 What did that prove? It was all so jumbled in his mind - as it always seemed to be. Only now, he knew he could got to God with anything.

Book: The Stowaway by Nancy Rue, Focus On The Family Publishing, 1995

 

Genre: Historical Fiction

Target Audience: Boys and Girls 11-15

Subjects: Love for one another, accepting differences in people

Summary:Salem town! Josiah is being sent there to be educated, but what excites him is the thought of being near the ships. He dreads the thought of learning, especially when he learns the instructor is the “impatient overstuffed assistant minister who seldom smiled and never waited to hear the whole story before he placed blame – usually on the children”. Yet his experience is nothing like he expected. Meeting a mean orphan boy on the ship, running into trouble with the other boys in the school, and making friends with a Putman of all people, gives Josiah a unique opportunity to show love to others and show just how much he has grown and matured. 

Notes: Nancy Rue writes a powerful story. Set in the time of the Puritans, Josiah's family is not accepted as members of the Church as it is run by some corrupt men filled with hate. Yet when Josiah's family attempts to attend a different Church, they run into even more trouble. Josiah is struggling with how to become a dependable young man and wrestling with all these questions, but all everyone sees is a foolish boy who never thinks. Only a couple of people can see the real Josiah and trust him. There are alot of lessons in these stories of a young boy's growing up years, everything from religious differences to racial differences. This is the 2nd book in the Christian Heritage Series, the Salem Years.

Recommendation Scale: 5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Matthew 5:43 - You have heard that it was said "love you neighbor and hate your enemy". But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you that you may be sons of your Father in Heaven.

Through Thick and Thin

Time and time again I was dawn to one passage: John 8:31-32. I knew this was the one I had to use. My heart was heavy. “Lord this isn’t for the column is it? I mean, it’s for the column. But it’s also for me isn’t it?”

Book: Through Thick and Thin by Sandra Byrd, Tyndale House Publishers, 2010

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Target Audience: Girls 14-17
Subject: Honesty, fashion, friendship, sibling and parent relationships
Summary: Savvy has to admit, God keeps using the advice column she secretly writes for, to teach her lessons, even when she is reluctant to learn them. She knows full well that the inside of a person is what matters. Yet, since the “aristocats” don’t know that and Savvy’s newspaper career may depend upon their acceptance, she goes to great lengths to improve her outside appearance, even going so far as deceiving her parents and not giving her little sister the time and attention she deserves.
Notes: Savvy, a young American girl trying to fit into a new English school is very fun to read about. She desires to do what’s right, but like everyone else, can get so caught up in a goal she rationalizes away her bad choices until the guilt starts eating away at her. This is definitely a character teen girls can relate to.
Recommendation Scale: 4
Reviewer: J:-)mi

John 8:32 – The truth will set you free!

The Heart Reader Of Franklin High

"Why would anyone want to keep that to themselves? I mean, when I see a good movie, I tell everybody I know because I want them to see it too. Why wouldn’t I want to tell them about Jesus?"

Book: The Heart Reader of Franklin High by Anonymous, Alive Communications, Word Publishing, Thomas Nelson, 2000

Genre: Realistic/Supernatural Fiction
Target Audience: Boys and Girls 13-18
Subjects: Sharing your faith
Summary: Why indeed would anyone want to keep good news to themselves? Yet, that’s exactly what Jake and his friends do. They know the good news, but are more concerned with fitting in and being cool than in sharing that good news with others. Until one day Jake wakes up with the ability to hear people’s hearts, their spiritual cries. With strong direction and encouragement from his youth pastor he begins to take what he knows and share it with others. The more people respond to the truth of the Gospel the more passionate Jake gets and the more contagious his excitement becomes. Soon many in Franklin High are stepping out and sharing the good news. But this gift doesn’t last forever and Jake has no idea what to do without it.
Notes: This book is one of those that really makes you think. It’s not the most high quality book in the world, and the youth pastor is almost irritating with his willingness to take advantage of Jake’s gift. But it’s true. We do have good news and most often keep it to ourselves. Yet the Holy Spirit is there, wanting to guide us into sharing our faith boldly with those around us, just waiting for a willing heart. I highly recommend this book.
Recommendation Scale: 5
Reviewer: J:-)mi

Acts 1:8 - But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you and you will be My witnesses.