Chosen

“You are chosen to save the humans, lad.” Michal continued. “A chosen child marked by Elyon will prove his worth and destroy the Dark One.’ This was the second prophecy given to Thomas Hunter.

Book: Chosen by Ted Dekker, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2007

Genre: Fantasy

Target Audience: Boys 15+

Subjects: Destiny, Leadership, Faithfulness

Summary: Chosen? Little Jonas, a leader? A leader chosen to save his people? He doubts, but the very fact that he can see this furry little white creatures seems to confirm it. And when he does rescue the other three it seems as though it is true. But the danger is great. He has been asked to find all seven of the lost books of history, books that hold great power and terror, books that are either lost or in the hands of the evil one, books that could give the evil one the greatest power he desires, books he will stop at nothing to get a hold of. Compared to this, the danger in fighting the horde is nothing!

Notes: This is the first in the companion series to the Circle series. These books take place within a certain part of the Circle series with some of the same characters and settings but with different main characters and their story and adventures. The series has beautiful allegorical elements, but also a lot of violence. In some places it gets perhaps a bit too descriptive for younger readers. In this book Jonas begins to learn that he has been called by Elyon and has to begin to make the choice of whether or not to follow him. He could stay relatively safe and live a simpler life, but Elyon asks him to not only follow Him, but to lead other in following Him, to lead those who don’t want to be led, especially by one younger than them.

Recommendation Scale: 4.5/5

Revewier: J:-)mi

Ephesians 1:11 – In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will,

The Choice

 Her eyes were so full of worry, he couldn’t tell if she was mad at him or not. How could she not be? He thought miserably as he shoved his hands into the pockets of his dungarees and walked away from them kicking at the dirt. I messed this all up. She wouldn’t believe me now if I told her I was just trying to protect Bud. Nobody would. And maybe he couldn’t blame them. What if Abe does die? Will thought. It’s my fault. How did I make the wrong choice? I tried so hard to guess what Jesus would want me to do –

Book: The Choice by Nancy Rue, Bethany House Publishers/Focus On The Family, 2002

Genre: Historical Fiction

Target Audience: Boys 10-14

Subjects: World War II, Friendship, Relationship with family, faith, hope, prayer

Summary: The war is at it’s end. Hitler is dead and some soldiers are on their way home – including Fawn’s dad. But not Will’s yet. And there’s still some battles to be fought. When Will, Miguel and the others discover a military site in the hills above their town and when Will pieces together parts of overheard conversations, he realizes that once again, someone he cares about could be in serious trouble. He also soon realizes that he has no desire to involve some of the others in trying to help. He doesn’t want them in trouble. But when they get involved anyway, Abe winds up in the hospital with severe injuries. Now Will really has no idea what to do. How can he help? How can he do what Jesus wants when he has no idea anymore what that is? He has many mentors in his life, but the things that are going on seem too big to share with anyone.

Notes: This is the fifth 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 is growing up during World War II while his father is off fighting in the battles. In this book, Will is still trying to take matters into his own hands when troubles come. He has learned to listen to and try to follow Jesus, but he still feels he has to DO something about all the troubles. He isn’t perfect at the end of this book, but he takes another major step in trusting God to take control of the troubles and concerns that come his way.

Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Joshua 24:15 – But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”

The Struggle

It seemed hopeless, and yet as he and Miguel rode their bikes back to town and parted ways at Canyon Road, a plan was already forming in his mind." God, I sure hope this is You", he prayed. "I have to help Olive out of this mess she doesn’t even know she’s in. I gotta fight for her."

Book: The Struggle by Nancy Rue, Bethany House Publishers/Focus On The Family, 2002

Genre: Historical Fiction

Target Audience: Boys 10-14

Subjects: World War II, Friendship, Relationship with family, faith, hope, prayer

Summary: A chance to hang out at a ranch and ride horses and just be kids again sounds perfect to Will, Fawn and their friends. But when Will tries again to take matters into his own hands and attempts to stop cattle rustlers, they find themselves under some very strict rules. Still, there’s chances for some fun and adventure. But when a secret friend of Will’s finds herself in trouble, Will knows he has to help her, even if it means putting himself in danger again and going against the rules.

Notes: This is the fifth 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 is growing up during World War II while his father is off fighting in the battles. In this book, Will hears a sermon about turning the other cheek and is quite furious at it. He is determined to NOT turn the other cheek, but make sure himself that things happen the way he thinks they should. He has been learning more and more to put his trust in God, but is still struggling because of the war and his dad being a prisoner of war. He learns the power of surrendering the outcome of battles to God rather than himself in this book.

 Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Matthew 5:39 – But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.

Deuteronomy 3:22 – Do not be afraid of them; the LORD your God himself will fight for you.”

Addison Blakely: Confessions Of A PK

It’s not like I have a problem with God or anything. He’s been there through a lot – like the death of my mother when I was five. It’s just that lately my prayers don’t seem to be getting father than my bedroom ceiling. And I can’t help but wonder what living outside of the fishbowl labeled “PK” would look like.

Book: Addison Blakely: Confessions Of A PK by Betsy St. Amant, Barbour Books, 2012

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Target Audience: Girls 13-20

Subjects: Dating relationships, friendship, loss, relationship with parents, salvation, hypocrisy

Summary: Addison has been a PK all her life. That’s her identity. She’s been in the pew every time the doors were opened, volunteered for all sorts of things, attended Bible studies and even fed the homeless. And yet, she really has no idea what a relationship with God is all about. She knows all the “answers” but when temptation comes calling in the form of an attractive boy, when her dad starts dating her teacher, when her best friend turns against her, when her drama teacher gives her more responsibility than she can handle and when all the other kids start to spread nasty rumors about her, she has no idea where God is or how to respond. Drowning her sorrows in mocha isn’t helping. There must be some answers out there, but if being at Church every time the doors opened hasn’t provided them, then what will?

Notes: This is a very spiritually focused book. The main character has been a preacher’s kid all of her life and based her identity around it. But when a friend and the boy she likes starts challenging her, she realizes that she was basing her view of God on her view of her earthly father – with whom she has a very strained relationship. Her friend points out that her faith needs to become her own, not just her dad’s. The boy she likes has rejected Church because of hypocrisy, primarily the things his Church going parents did. The primary lesson comes at the end when, with the help of her friend, Addison begins to realize that her faith must be her own and starts to listen for God’s voice and follow His leading. It’s a picture of growing up, of struggling, of doubting, and then of coming out on top, stronger for the struggle.

Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

2 Timothy 1:5-7 – I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

The Mission

“I didn’t know then what I know now – not really,” Will said. Mom’s lips twitched. “And what, pray tell, is that?” “That Dad really has been rescued and he’s coming home.” “Well, we certainly like to think – “ No, Mom, I know. You’re the one who’s always telling me you pray for the things you want and if you have enough faith, they’ll come true.”

Book: The Mission by Nancy Rue, Bethany House Publishers/Focus On The Family, 2001

Genre: Historical Fiction

Target Audience: Boys 10-14

Subjects: World War II, Friendship, Relationship with family, faith, hope, prayer

Summary: His dad IS coming home. Will’s sure of it. Some American prisoners of war were rescued and surely Will’s father will be among them. In the meantime, Will and Fawn want to do all they can to help the war effort. So when they get asked during a concert how much they will raise in war bonds, Fawn boldly proclaims $500! At first Will has no idea how

they’re going to raise that much, but then he comes up with a great plan and enlists a new friend’s help in it. But their plans get messed up when, on his way to meet his friend, Will gets caught by the bullies from school who hate him so much.  

Notes: This is the fifth 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 is growing up during World War II while his father is off fighting in the battles. In this book, Will has to learn a bit of the same lesson as in book two. Bad news from war makes Will believe he has to take action himself because God isn’t going to. He shifts his faith from God to himself – and promptly starts to make quite a mess of things! He has to learn how to trust in God and keep praying even when God doesn’t immediately give him the answers he wants.

 Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Colossians 4:2 –  Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

The Mirage

The man shouted, so loudly that strings of Indian beads jiggled nervously on their rack. “You tried to steal my jewelry – and my dolls!” “No I didn’t!” Fawn’s lower lip was quivering. “Will – tell him I didn’t.”

Book: The Mirage by Nancy Rue, Bethany House Publishers/Focus On The Family, 2001

Genre: Historical Fiction

Target Audience: Boys 10-14

Subjects: World War II, Friendship, Relationship with family, racism, miracles, hope

Summary: A simple errand for Will’s mom lands Will and Fawn in serious trouble as a shop owner accuses them of thievery and they meet a young man who thinks Will’s house is his house. The bullies from school are more determined than ever to get them and Will’s uncle brings bad news from the war that sends Will’s mom into a depression, along with Will himself. Before this adventure is over, Will and Fawn will come face to face with prejudice and cruelty as a judge has to decide what consequences to give them for things beyond their control.

Notes: This is the fifth 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 is growing up during World War II while his father is off fighting in the battles. In this book, when bad news comes from the war Will starts to doubt God’s power and concern for them. It seems there is no reason to believe in miracles. Getting involved with a man who assumes everyone is convinced everyone is anti-Semitic gives Will and Fawn a chance to see just how powerful and concerned for them God really is. Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Romans 5:2-5 – And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

The Discovery

It didn’t take him past lunchtime, which he ate alone in the corner of the cafeteria, to figure out that if he was going to be stop being invisible before the end of the school year, he was going to have to win this contest, and win it all on his own. Then they’d be impressed. Then they’d want him included in everything.

Book: The Discovery by Nancy Rue, Bethany House Publishers/Focus On The Family, 2001

Genre: Historical Fiction

Target Audience: Boys 10-14

Subjects: World War II, Friendship, Relationship with family, identity and heritage

Summary: With his dad off fighting in the war, Will is starting a new school no matter how much he tries to convince his mom otherwise. And it’s just as he expected: he doesn’t know anyone and no one cares to get to know him. Although it doesn’t take too long to find some kids who don’t like him. After school is particularly a problem as his mom works there and he is supposed to stay and hang out until she can go home. This is the time the other kids keep finding him. Finally Will works out a compromise with his mom. He doesn’t have to hang out there if he’s willing to hang out at the home of their landlady. He doesn’t care much for this option either though, especially when he meets Fawn, a young Native American girl struggling with her heritage. When Will discovers an old photograph with a confusing date written on it things get even more difficult for him. Will anything ever make sense again?

Notes: This is the fifth 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 is growing up during World War II while his father is off fighting in the battles. In this book Will and his friend Fawn both are struggling with their heritage. Will discovers his mom was married to someone else who died before she married the man she is married to now and that he was the son of her first husband rather than her second. Fawn is desperately trying to avoid being Native American because she sees the difference in lifestyles between her poor relatives living on the reservation and the more wealthy Caucasians her mom works for. Will is surrounded by strong Christians who point him toward his Heavenly Father and the identity that can be found in belonging to Him.

Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Hebrews 12:1 – Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

Invasion

“Sleep is overrated. Besides, if I don’t save the world from the zombie infestation, who will?”

Book: Invasion by Jon Lewis, Thomas Nelson Inc., 2010

Genre: Science Fiction

Target Audience: Boys 13-20

Subjects: Aliens, Loss of parents, friendship, dating relationships, courage

Summary: It’s a very little known fact that aliens truly are invading our world. They’ve gained political power and have assisted historic bad guys. Now they’re working on mind control. A chip installed in people with various medical problems allows them to overrule the person’s mind and control their actions. Colt becomes very aware of this fact when one of these mind controlled people causes a car accident which successfully kills his parents – who were working against the aliens. Soon his courage is tested to the fullest as he makes plans to stop these aliens with only the help of two other teenagers.

Notes: This is the first in the C.H.A.O.S. novels, a series that explores the question of “What if aliens were real and were determined to take over our world?”. In this book, Colt is first exposed to this. The story begins with him visiting the C.H.A.O.S. headquarters where they train young men to battle against the aliens. But they wipe your memory when you leave your visit so it isn’t until his parents are killed that he starts doing anything about the problems. As soon as he knows though, he finds himself in life-threatening situations multiple times. There is a hint of an idea that he is chosen for something special, that he’s “the one”, but nothing is explained or followed up on. As for spiritual content there is next to nothing. We assume that he and his grandpa are Christians because they go to Church and mention prayer once or twice, but there is certainly nothing of the Bible, no mention of God, no looking for ultimate truth, etc. There really isn’t anything particularly Christian about it. It portrays a battle between good and evil, but there isn’t even a lot of discussion or concern for how that is determined.

Recommendation Scale: 2/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

1 Peter 2:11 –  Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.

The Land Of Darkness

Why, my dear Jadiel, if you do not show up in this house by the next full moon with those leaves, your dear, sweet papa will die the following morning. And that would be such a shame, wouldn’t it?

Book: The Land Of Darkness by C. S. Lakin, Living Ink Books, 2011

Genre: Fantasy

Target Audience: Boys and Girls 12-16

Subjects: Faith

Summary: A Snow White story, Jadiel deeply loves her father but since her stepmother entered her life, nothing has been the same. Now her stepmother is desperate to reverse the effects aging is having on her and threatens Jadiel with the death of her father if she does not leave to seek out leaves from the Eternal Tree. Callen’s story is a bit different. He’s not suffering, but he’s older and more hardened. He is on his own mission though; a mission to find an amazing piece of architecture and carpentry that he has only seen a blueprint of. When they meet on the road, they realize their journeys are leading them to the same place: The Land of Darkness. Along the way there is much for them to learn, for only those with faith can survive the Land of Darkness, let alone find that which they seek.

Notes: Third it the Gates of Heaven series, this story constantly reminds us that Heaven exists. It is personified, almost takes on the role of God Himself. “Heaven favors the honest and valiant” is an example of one of these.  The biggest lesson in this book is faith. Faith changes the nature of the things around them. The bridge becomes visible only when faith is present. The irritating old man who joined them on their journey is the very one who saves Cullen’s life but because of his lack of faith Cullen can not see that. This series is designed to be fairy tales that teach Scriptural truths in fantasy settings.

Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Hebrews 11:1 – Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

The Final Hour

“It might kill him. It might destroy his brain. Put him in a vegetative state for the rest of his life.” 
I drew a deep breath. "A million people" I thought.

Book: The Final Hour (The Homelanders Book 4) by Andrew Klavan, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2011

Genre: Adventure/Thriller

Target Audience: Boys 16+

Subjects: Patriotism, Terrorism, Character/Identity, Sacrifice

Summary: It’s not over. Well, as far as the government is concerned it is. They’re done with this particular battle. But Charlie and the others with him know full well that the master of the terrorist ring is still out there. And Charlie remembers that right before he was caught, this master was detailing plans for what he called “The Great Death”, a way to take out a million people all at once. And only the information still hidden deep within Charlie’s memory can prevent it. But to access that information he would need to once again risk his life. And there’s no guarantee he can access it. And even if he did have the information, the government doesn’t want to risk involvement any more so it’s just the few of them against the leader of a very powerful organization with many followers and powerful weapons.  

Notes: This is the last book in the Homelanders Series. This one deals with much the same issue as the last one – how far will you go to save your country? It seems that there are at least three more sacrifices required of Charlie before he can be done. And each one of them is life threatening. This series focused more on trust in “truth” in general and patriotism and democracy, but at the crisis point of this one, the author brings in the issue of trusting God. Still not a lot of Biblical focus, but an acknowledgement.

Recommendation Scale: 3/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

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

The Truth Of The Matter

They can find someone else to frame for murder. They can send someone else to prison to have his throat cut. Someone else’s mother can sit on the other side of the prison glass, sobbing. Let someone else leave his life and his friends and his girlfriend behind forever. It’s probably all baloney anyway. I mean, Sherman – a terrorist murder? No way. Maybe this Waterman is just some nutcase who goes around pretending to work for the government…But at the same time I was thinking about my friend Alex. Stabbed in the chest, dying in the park, whispering my name with his final breaths.

Book: The Truth of the Matter (The Homelanders Book 3) by Andrew Klavan, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2010

Genre: Adventure/Thriller

Target Audience: Boys 16+

Subjects: Patriotism, Terrorism, Character/Identity, Sacrifice

Summary: The truth comes out. Charlie did choose this life. He did join the terrorist organization. And he did make a choice that led him to jail. And he made the choice himself to lose his memory. But Charlie isn’t a bad guy after all, he’s one of the good guys! He was offered an opportunity to help catch the bad guys, the whole terrorist ring. And knowing that that choice would lead to all of this, he still chose it. So now he knows who he is. But the sacrifice isn’t over. He still has to try to escape both the terrorists and the police and he still has to try to figure out who the last few people involved in this are. If he can’t figure it out, he will be a fugitive for the rest of his life – for however long that may be.

Notes: This, the 3^rd in the Homelanders series, explores patriotism to the extreme. Charlie literally has to lay down his life for his country. It’s not just going off to fight in a known war. Instead it’s a quiet infiltration into the terrorist community which comes by allowing himself to be framed for murder – to the point that when he “escapes” from jail, people who see him are terrified of him. It’s a willingness to be thrown in jail and abandoned by the very government he was helping. It’s a willingness to do a job so risky, it guarantees his death if he fails. As with the others in the series though, he is doing this for his country – not for God. Charlie’s identify and reasons for being a good guy are not based as much on Scripture as belief in the American system of democracy.  It’s more of a political cry than spiritual. Charlie’s beliefs are deeply rooted in patriotism, but loosely rooted in the Bible. When looking to find out what’s right and what’s wrong, it’s not the Bible he turns to; it’s the ideals of the government instead.

Recommendation Scale: 3/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

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

The Last Thing I Remember

West. That was me. Charlie West. What were they talking about? What bridge? I didn’t know about any bridge. “Don’t worry. Prince understandings. He doesn’t hold you responsible. But whatever the truth is, the West boy is useless to us now. Then in the same smooth, cool, ironic voice, Waylon said softly “Kill him.”

Book: The Last Thing I Remember by Andrew Klavan, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2009

Genre: Adventure/Thriller

Target Audience: Boys 16+

Subjects: Patriotism, Terrorism, Character/Identity

Summary: When you wake up in a torture chamber, the last thing you want is to realize you’ve lost an entire year of your memory and have no idea why you are there or what’s going to happen to you. Charlie manages to escape for the moment, but those people are still after him. And so are the police. The police think he killed his friend. The terrorists think he was one of them and betrayed them. Charlie has no idea which – if either – is true. Is he a good guy or a bad guy? He knows he WAS a good guy, but if he was falsely accused of killing his friend, then maybe he became a bad guy. But surely he wouldn’t? Would he?

Notes: This is an interesting look at the character of a person. Charlie’s friends and family don’t believe he could have killed his friend. They have no doubt of this. It wasn’t him. But Charlie wonders still. What kind of person would he have to become to do this? Could he really have thrown off all the patriotic and Christian ideals he once held to and joined a group of terrorists? This book and the second deeply explore that concept. So it’s a look at the identity of a person and what makes them do the things they do. Unfortunately, as good of a concept as that is, Charlie’s identify and reasons for being a good guy are not based as much on Scripture as belief in the American system of democracy.  It’s more of a political cry than spiritual. Charlie’s beliefs are deeply rooted in patriotism, but loosely rooted in the Bible. When looking to find out what’s right and what’s wrong, it’s not the Bible he turns to, it’s the ideals of the government instead. He clings to a quote from Winston Churchill rather than a verse.

Recommendation Scale: 3/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

John 8:31-32 – To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. ³² Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

The Exorsistah: X Returns

The demon opened all of its three mouths as wide as they could go and they were each big enough to consume my entire body in two bites.It got darker and darker, and when I couldn’t see anything at all, it clamped down right on my chest and I could feel its teeth breaking through my skin. The monster yelled one word: “Mine!”

Book: The Exorsistah: X Returns by Claudia Mair Burney, Simon and Schuster, Inc, 2010

Genre: Supernatural/Realistic Fiction

Target Audience: Girls 17-30

Warning: This book is truly best for mature readers – those who have studied and can distinguish Scriptural truth from things other religions have made up.

Subjects: Spiritual warfare, Catholicism, Sexual temptation, Prayer

Summary: X is gone. She’s determined to find and save her mom and she’s determined to free Francis to pursue the priesthood. So she leaves. And immediately reaches a dead end. Her mom isn’t where she thought and in fact no one knows where her mom is! So Emme goes where the last known person connected with her mom was last known to be connected and begins a spiritual battle, not just for her mother, not just for the freedom from sexual attraction to Francis, but for her very life! It seems the demons have a personal interest in her and will do whatever it takes to destroy her and those she loves. Will her time in the monastery teach her what she needs to know to survive?

Notes: I’m honestly not sure how to categorize this book. It’s kind of Christian fiction, but kind of not. It is more Catholic than anything else. The reason I say that is the major focus on the saints, praying to them, keeping statues of them around, and interacting with them almost more than God. They also put an extremely large emphasis at the end on the importance of Emme reading a book that’s not a part of the Bible, but is one of the books Catholics add to the Bible. There is also an interesting element I did not know to be a part of Catholicism beliefs as well – ghosts. Two characters who are dead do not go to Heaven or Hell but rather stay around as ghosts and talk with Emme.

Now, all of that said, the book does have some very good spiritual elements. Emme is afraid to trust in anything good and because of her own fears, she justifies leaving the place and person God wanted her to be with. There is strong encouragement to pray continually, to put your trust in Christ rather than in your own strength, to forgive those who have hurt you, to welcome and show love to the hurting.

So if Christians can set aside the incorrect theology, there is much good in this book, many challenging scriptural lessons.

Recommendation Scale: 5/5 and 0/5 depending on who is reading it

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Titus 1:9 – He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.

Glamour (On the Runway)

Something about this conversation feels whacked to me And once again, I feel like the odd woman out.

Book: Glamour (On the Runway) by Melody Carlson, Zondervan Publishers, 2011

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Target Audience: Girls 16-20

Subjects: Fashion, Dating Relationships, Sex, Cancer, Friendship, Teen pregnancy

Summary: A trip to the Bahamas for a fashion show should be a great opportunity but things aren’t going so well. Their director is battling leukemia and trying to continue working without anyone knowing what’s wrong. A hurricane is headed their way. Old friends seem to be dumping them. Jealous competitors will do anything to get what the girls have. And even Paige’s engagement to Dylan is at stake. Can anything good come out of this trip?

Notes: Just like the other books in the On The Runway series, much more is taught about fashion than faith. The issues covered are looked at from a moral or logical negative consequences aspect, not spiritual. The big issue in this book is whether or not someone should have sex before marriage. Not once is the Bible considered as a reason for someone having those standards. Rather it is discussed in terms of culture – it’s popular, everyone is doing it, therefore Erin’s views on it must be wrong. Even Erin’s mom gives in and while it is implied that Erin will continue to believe that sex should be saved for marriage, she really isn’t shown as having any good reason. There are some discussions about faith and prayer in chapter 6. When Erin feels upset she prays and is reminded of God’s faithfulness to her. Then in chapters 15 and 16, another character challenges Erin to look at others through God’s eyes and reminds her of the power of prayer.

Recommendation Scale: 2/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

1 Corinthians 6:18 – Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body.

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.