The Wishing Pearl

After an eternal pause, Mom cleared her throat, “Oliva, I had wanted to talk to you about going somewhere, just the two of us today-” Her voice sounded stern. Her hands frozen on the half peeled banana, Olive tried to smile. “That s-sounds nice.” She still didn’t look at Mom. “-But I can clearly see that last night was a repeat of a few weeks ago. In fact, you’re still drunk, aren’t you? You’re slurring and stumbling. You reek to high heaven of who knows what.” Mom cleared her throat. “You leave me with no choice.” Oliva put down the fruit. That didn’t sound good.

Book: The Wishing Pearl (Diamond Estates) by Nicole O’Dell, Barbour Publishing, 2011

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Target Audience: Girls 15-19

Subjects: Alcohol, drugs, death, family relationships, sexual abuse, salvation

Summary: Locking her door doesn’t work. He takes removes it from the hinges and takes it away entirely. Telling the police certainly wouldn’t work. No one knows better than he does how to fool people. They’d definitely believe him over her. No, the only answer is escape. So escape is what Oliva does. Escape to parties. She learns to drink and smoke pot. This plan works great, even after the police catch them once. It’s not until someone suffers the extreme consequences of their choices that Oliva commits to Diamond Estates, a place of healing for teen girls. If Oliva will open up and let them in, she could find healing herself. But does her past have too strong of a hold on her to do so?

Notes: This is the first book in the Diamond Estates series, a series about a kind of rehab and healing center for teen girls. Each book takes a young girl with a serious problem and shows how only through finding Jesus and getting support and making changes in their life, can they find the healing they so desperately need. In this one, a girl has dealt with a stepfather sexually abusing her from the time she was twelve. She’s turned to alcohol and drugs and partying as an escape. When a friend is killed due to these choices she agrees to go to Diamond Estates, partly just to escape her stepfather but partly ready to seek healing. It’s a very realistic portrayal of how tough it truly is for a girl in this situation. They aren’t automatically cured as soon as they show up. They still battle addictions and relationships. Even after becoming a Christian, they still struggle. It shows not only the main character, but the side character’s struggles as well. It’s a good series for someone who needs to see a realistic portrayal of the struggles a teen girl faces and where hope can come from.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale:  5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Psalm 42:11 –Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

The New Recruit

I was speechless and streamed that this loafer-wearing, braces sucking, four-eyed mama’s boy had the nerve to get all up in my business. What had I done that was so bad? It was going to be a looooooooong eight weeks.

Book: The New Recruit: Mission 1: Moscow (The Mission League)by Jill Williamson, Marcher Lord Press, 2012

 

Genre: Adventure

Target Audience: Boys 13-18

Subjects: Missions, Salvation, Crime, Friendship, Spiritual Gifts

Summary:  Spencer is one of the kids least likely to be chosen for a mission trip. He’s not even a Christian for goodness sakes! But when God sends a message to one of His followers in the Mission League Organization Spencer finds himself in Russia hanging out with Christians. Hey, it was a better option than military school at least – his grandma’s other choice for him. Now it’s time to see just what this club of Bible geeks is all about. A couple of near-death experiences later he’s ready to take it a bit more seriously! A discovery of prophetic gifts and a few pretty girls also help change his impression of course. What Spencer discover though, could change his whole life, not just his summer.

Notes: The first in a new series, New Recruit tells of an unsaved boy living with a grandmother who is tired of his fighting and getting into trouble. He goes on the missions trip just to keep out of military school. While on the trip, one girl tries multiple times to witness to him with words, some just show kindness, one of the kids tries to bully him, etc. It is their words that keep coming back to him when he’s in danger and finally ready to talk to God. He learns about spiritual gifts when he discovers that some of his dreams are warnings of specific events. This book is an interesting mix. There are good and bad examples set by all of the characters, it’s just that it’s pointed out clearly which are which most of the time so the teenage reader isn’t left confused. The strongest theme running through it is how to deal with unbelievers as we see the main character’s response to the things the other characters say and do. The book is clearly just the beginning of a series though. Spencer’s spiritual journey is far from over. The spiritual elements are certainly present in this book, but it’s building up to something.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Colossians 3:4-6 – Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Thank you to the author and publisher for the free book in exchange for my review.

The Kingdom

Ana peered over Teo’s shoulder as he examined the caravel. “Do we really need to know? Isn’t it enough that we escaped?” Teo turned around, resting his hand on the pommel of his sword. “He’s our enemy, Ana. He stands opposed to everything we believe. I can’t back down out of fear. If I don’t confront him, who will?” Teo glanced down at his waist. “This is the sword of Arman. Your grandfather believed in fighting injustice with courage and honor. I’m a solider of his regiment. Those are the principles I live by as well.” Ana stared at the sword for a moment, then lifted her eyes to Teo’s. “Alright. Whatever you face, I’ll stand by your side.”

Book: The Kingdom by Bryan Litfin, Crossway Books, 2012

 

Genre: Fantasy/Futuristic

Target Audience: Boys and Girls 13-19 but honestly, enjoyable for anyone older than 13

Subjects: Power of God’s Word, Good vs. Evil, Love, Sacrifice, Trials

Summary: The Word of Deu needs to come to Chiveis. And Theo and Ana are the ones to bring it. But they have a great enemy who will stop at nothing to be certain that does not happen. A kidnapping, an attempted human sacrifice, a volcano, political struggles, shipwrecks, war, and multiple chases from those bent on taking their lives all must be faced before they can make it home and safely present Deu’s Word to the people they love.

Notes: The third in the Chiveis Trilogy, this story takes place in a future time under the concept that God’s Word has been lost for centuries and an accidental discovery of it changes the lives of those who hear it. It’s been primarily the story of a young man and young woman as they face banishment from their country due to their following of Deu and many trials as those who follow and worship evil do all they can to prevent the truth from being heard. In this story Theo and Ana face not only the continuing battle to destroy them and the truth, but also trials in their relationship as temptation to go too far grows stronger and strong wills clash. In the first book Theo faced great temptation. In the second, it was Ana who faced it. This book is more focused on their adventures together and the war against evil than specific temptations for them, but a few short ones occur. It’s also a look at the power of truth as those back in Chiveis face another opportunity to stand up for the truth or deny it.  

Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

1 John 4:4 – You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

Thank you to the publishers for sending me a free review copy!

Tyrant Of The Badlands

“Although I don’t get to spend much time around your family, it doesn’t mean I don’t care. From conversations with your parents, I know plenty about you and your brother. I got to thinking that it might be handy to have someone like you spend time in the trailer park. You watch for things and remember. 
“I’d be a spy,” I said. 
“Think of it more as an undercover agent. You already know your disguise.” 
“A rotten teenager.” 
“Badly rotten.”

Book: Tyrant of the Badlands (The Accidental Detectives Series #4) by Sigmund Brouwer, Chariot Victor Books, 1996

Genre: Adventure/Mystery

Target Audience: Boys 10-14

Subjects: Crime, Loss, Faith

Summary: Ricky has turned bad. Not just a little bad, but extremely bad. As in a disrespectful brat who throws a rock through is aunt’s window as soon as he first arrives to visit her. But it’s not real. He’s playing a role in hopes of finding some evidence to present to the police on the real bad guys. Convincing the bad guys you’re on their side is dangerous though. You show kindness to one person and they’ll be suspicious. So Ricky has to be extremely mean and rude to everyone he comes into contact with. And when the bad guys accept him, their first assignment for him is to burn down a trailer in his aunt’s trailer park. When his friends and brother show up things get even worse! It’s up to Ricky to fool the bad guys without actually doing anything illegal or dangerous.

Notes: This book is pure action. There is some discussion about faith between Ricky and his grandfather who is hurting at the loss of his wife. But most of the book is fast paced action. This is the 7^th in the Accidental Detectives series, a series of books about Ricky Kidd, a young boy who often stumbles into mysteries and has to deal with a younger brother that drives him nuts.

Recommendation Scale: 3/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Romans 5:1-5 – Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. 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 Disappearing Jewel of Madagascar

Wonderful. A nicked left ear, a scalped head, a kid brother who followed me everywhere, and a curse put on me by a long-dead African queen. Who could ask for more on a warm spring day?

Book: The Disappearing Jewel of Madagascar (The Accidental Detectives Series #2) by Sigmund Brouwer, Victor Books, 1959

Genre: Adventure/Mystery

Target Audience: Boys 10-14

Subjects: Friendship

Summary: A jewel with a curse on it for anyone who touches it. Unfortunately, Mrs. McEwan failed to tell him that until after Ricky touched it.  This particular curse seems to come true, despite Ricky’s doubts. It guarantees to turn friends into strangers and strangers into friends. Pretty soon Mike and Ralphy are ignoring him. Then the jewel disappears and it’s up to Ricky to find out who stole it, and more complicated – to find proof!

Notes: This book is a focus on friendship. Ricky believes the worst about his friends, trusting more in the curse than in his long time friendships. This is the 7^th in the Accidental Detectives series, a series of books about Ricky Kidd, a young boy who often stumbles into mysteries and has to deal with a younger brother that drives him nuts.

Recommendation Scale: 3/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Proverbs 17:17 – A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

The Missing Map Of Pirate’s Haven

I was ready to be vacant myself. We run into a grouchy cat lady on the side of a cliff burying twenty pounds of used cat litter and she threatens to six a dog named Hezekiah on us. This, of course, is after a theological debate with a man old enough to be my grandfather who may be a drug dealer and who also has a ponytail to his waist. So much for my dreams about Southern California.

Book: The Missing Map of Pirate's Haven (Accidental Detectives, Book 5) by Sigmund Brouwer, Victory Books, 1959

 

Genre: Adventure/Mystery

Target Audience: Boys 10-14

Subjects: Greed, friendship

Summary: Unfortunately, this trip to the Pacific Ocean may not be the enjoyable vacation the kids thought. To begin with, Lisa’s dad decides to send Joel with them. Then by the end of the first day, Ricky and Mike find reasons to suspect Lisa’s uncle is a drug dealer. Before long they are fighting wild animals, searching for kidnappers and trying to find ways out of being tied to dynamite!

Notes: This book takes a look at first impressions and judging on external appearances. From the beginning, Lisa’s uncle encourages them to think more carefully about what they say. Is what they see on the outside really tell what is on the inside? Ricky and the others continue to assume they know things without looking deeper to find out what’s really going on. That gets them into some dangerous situations. This story also includes an interesting discussion on apologetics between Ricky and Lisa’s uncle. And by the end of the story he finds reason to put his faith back in God. This is the 7^th in the Accidental Detectives series, a series of books about Ricky Kidd, a young boy who often stumbles into mysteries and has to deal with a younger brother that drives him nuts.

Recommendation Scale: 4/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

1 Samuel 16:7 – The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

The Monster In The Hollows

Oskar shook his head and stared at the floor. Kalmar was free, but at the cost of Nia’s own life, should his recklessness or foolishness or even some deeper, uncontrollable impulse get him into trouble. And trouble, Janner thought with a feeling of dread, was something Kalmar never managed to avoid. Besides all that, Uncle Artham, their fiercest protector, was gone.

Book: The Monster in the Hollows (Wingfeather Saga) by Andrew Peterson

 

Genre: Fantasy
Target Audience: Boys and Girls 12+
Subjects: Forgiveness, Love, Judgement, Fear
Summary: His brother looks like a fang, the other children of Green Hollow are out to get them, the people fear his brother so much his mother had to swear to take full responsibility – as in forfeit her very life – for anything Tink does wrong. Janner knows trouble is coming. It’s just a matter of when and how. Besides, it’s not like their enemies across the sea will stay away for long. They want the Jewels of Anniera – the Wingfeather children. Being a Throne Warden is not easy work with a mischievous king to protect and enemies that want you dead.
Notes: This is the 3^rd book in the Wingfeather Saga, a highly imaginative, almost playful fantasy story about three children who are heirs to a throne of a country that’s been destroyed by an enemy that even now is after them, wanting them dead. There is surprisingly not a lot of spiritual emphasis in this story considering that the author is almost a song writer who very much focuses his music on spiritual elements. There are references to an Ultimate Being and ultimate standards to live by, but it’s not an active, ever present help. The children have to rely on themselves and others around them to help with problems. They have to find something within themselves to resist evil, not find help from an ultimate being.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 2/5

Entertainment Content Recommendation Scale: 5/5
Reviewer: J:-)mi

Psalm 133:1-3 –How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!  It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down upon the collar of his robes. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.

Harsh Pink: Color Me Burned

I’m fully aware that was pretty heartless on my part. But when you’re the new girl in town, you have to fend for yourself. And I’m smart enough to know that friends like that are not an asset. Does that make me a mean girl? No, I reassure myself as I walk into my lit class, taking a seat in the front row. It simply means I’m a survivor.

Book: Harsh Pink: Color Me Burned (TrueColors Series #12)by Melody Carlson, NavPress, 2007

 

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Target Audience: Girls 13-19

Subjects: Popularity, Friendship, Bullying, Alcohol

Summary: It doesn’t take Reagan long to squeeze her way into the popular crowd. Being a cheerleader at her former school certainly didn’t hurt matters. Now she’s on the squad with the most popular girls in the school. So is another new girl. The trouble is that the ring leader of the popular crowd did NOT make it. So someone’s got to go. Reagan’s determined to do what it takes to keep her place. The trouble is that keeping her place in the popular crowd means pushing someone else out. How far will someone truly go to maintain status?

Notes: This is one the books in the True Colors series, a set of books showing major issues teens today have to face. The character is thrown into the situation and someone in the story shows them how God would have someone respond to the situation. In this story, a new girl in town moves onto the cheerleading squad and straight into the popular crowd. But keeping her status with the popular girls means she has to be a part of the bullying of someone else. It’s not until someone truly gets hurt through a drinking party that Reagan starts to see what really matters and what truly makes a “Class A” friend.  A neighbor girl next door shares the Gospel with her and demonstrates true friendship, both to Reagan and to Reagan’s grandma.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 4/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Proverbs 18:24 – A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Bright Purple: Color Me Confused

How could we have been just sitting there, happily eating our lunch, and then Jess announces that she’s gay? Like who does that anyway? And how is it possible that I never even saw this coming? I mean if your best friend has no clue that you’re gay, then who does? And how can you be sure that really are gay? Furthermore, what does that suggest about me? I mean we’ve been best friends for years. Is it possible that Jess thinks maybe I’m gay too? That she can I can be lovers now? Ugh! I think I’m going to barf! Then a worse thought hits me. What if I actually am gay and don’t even know it. Is that even possible? And what will our friends at school say when they find out about this? Or our friends at Church for that matter? And how can Jess still be a Christian is she’s a lesbian. I’m trapped in this bright purple cubicle that’s whirling around and around as my entire life spins totally out of control. Help me!

Book:Bright Purple: Color Me Confused (TrueColors Series #10) by Melody Carlson, NavPress, 2006

 

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Target Audience: Girls 13-19

Subjects: Homosexuality, Friendship, Christianity, Bullying

Summary: Ramie’s best friend just announced she’s gay. Right here in the food court at the mall. And now she expects Ramie to be ok with it. But Ramie is absolutely NOT ok! She’s freaked out! Jess was her best friend! What in the world happened? And how is Ramie supposed to act now? How can she keep this a secret? But how can she tell on her friend? And when everyone else finds out and the bullying begins, how can Ramie stand up for Jess without looking like she supports homosexuality? But how can she just let someone she has cared about be constantly made fun of and picked on? And is Jess truly wrong? Jess, Ramie’s new boyfriend – the pastor’s kid, and especially Ramie’s non-Christian mom all try to tell her it’s not Jess’s fault. God made her that way. Ramie didn’t think that was what the Bible says, but she’s totally confused now and has no idea what or who to believe!

Notes: This is one the books in the True Colors series, a set of books showing major issues teens today have to face. The character is thrown into the situation and someone in the story shows them how God would have someone respond to the situation. In this story, a girl’s best friend announces she is gay and Ramie has to wrestle hard with it. In some ways this story is very well done and has some great spiritual emphasis. But it does leave the overall question of homosexuality unanswered. Ramie keeps claiming that the Bible says it’s wrong when people say it’s just natural and how God made some people. But the verses are never quoted. So Ramie has no back up for her argument. The focus really isn’t on homosexuality as much as it is on showing love to those who are either different from you or who are living a sinful lifestyle. That aspect is dealt with quite well and a couple verses are referred to dealing with that issue. It just needed a bit more answers for teens wrestling with the question of homosexuality.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 4/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

1 Corinthians 6: 9-11, 18-20 – Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders ^nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.

Leviticus 19:18 –“‘Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.

A website for those struggling with the issue of homosexuality: http://exodusinternational.org/exodus-student-ministries/

Liberator

“A Starlighter will rise from the dead who will be able to destroy the schemes of all the wicked. The sacrifice presented to her will cause her to suffer more than both of us combined, and if she chooses that path, she will gain nothing for herself, only pain.”

“It will never happen. You prophecy impossibilities to appease my anger. No human would acquiesce.”

“Perhaps you are right. In any case, we will soon learn if a Starlighter will pass the test.”

Book: Liberator (Dragons of Starlight) by Bryan Davis, Zondervan Publishers, 2012

 

Genre: Fantasy

Target Audience: Boys and Girls 14 and up

Subjects: Faith and Doubt, Sacrifice, Love, Loss

Summary: The climax has come. The disease is spreading to all the humans and the dragons are killing those infected in hopes of preventing its spread to the last of those not infected yet. Cassabrie and Koren, the Starlights, know it is time for them to make choices about who to trust and what actions to take. Both girls know of Alaph’s prophecy and since both have risen from the dead, they know a sacrifice is required of them, but what does that sacrifice look like? What will it truly take to save the slaves?

Notes: As with the others in this series, it’s a very confusing plot line to wrestle through. It’s hard to keep track of who everyone is and what all is happening. But also as with the others, there is an honest wrestling with truth. Koren and Cassabrie have very different ideas of what this sacrifice might look like. Both are willing to suffer, but when possible opportunities are presented to them they find it hard to know what to trust. All of the good guys in the story are truly good guys, longing for what’s right, longing to serve the Creator, longing to heal the hurt. But what that means is very difficult to figure out. It means questioning, doubting, checking and double checking their hearts, their motives, even whether or not they’re even in control of their own thoughts or perhaps could have fallen under enchantment. It’s easy to relate to the characters as they struggle to not let doubt gain the upper hand. This is the fourth in the Dragons of Starlight series – I highly recommend not reading this until you have read the first three and perhaps the first in the Master’s and Slayers series as well – the companion series focused on the same situation, but from a different character’s point of view.

Recommendation Scale: 5/5

James 1:2-6 – Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.

Thank you to Zondervan for providing me with a free review copy of this book.

Blade Silver: Color Me Scarred

For a moment, this cut absorbs all my attention and emotional energy. It blocks out what I am unable to deal with. And for a while I am convinced that I will actually survive my life. Am I proud of my behavior? Of course not. But for the time being, it’s all I have to keep me from falling. So don’t judge me.

Book: Blade Silver: Color Me Scarred (TrueColors Series #7) by Melody Carlson, NavPress 2005

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Target Audience: Girls 14-18

Subjects: Abuse, Cutting, Family relationships, Dating Relationships, Salvation

Summary: There’s only so much pressure a person can take without breaking. Ruth isn’t trying to kill herself. She’s just trying to find a way to survive, trying to find a relief for the pressure. Her dad is emotionally abusive and her mom has totally checked out since her failed suicide attempt a year ago. Her brother’s had enough and has run away from home. So it’s pretty much all up to her now. All her dad’s wrath comes solely on her. Her friend doesn’t understand and her grandparents don’t believe her. Why should they? Her dad’s pretty good at maintaining appearances. No one is going to believe what she goes through. If it takes cutting to survive, she’ll do it.

Notes: This is one the books in the True Colors series, a set of books showing major issues teens today have to face. The character is thrown into the situation and someone in the story shows them how God would have someone respond to the situation. In this story, a girl who suffers from abuse at home turns to cutting for relief. The trouble is that it requires more and more. The more pressure, the more she needs to cut. When a boyfriend forces her to see a counselor, she finally get the help she needs. She is taken to a shelter and enrolled in a 12-step program specifically for cutters. The people running it are Christians and share about how Christ already paid the price for our sin. It’s by His wounds that we are healed.  

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

1 Peter 2:24 – He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.

Bitter Rose Color Me Crushed

“But seriously, why did she have to go and ruin everything? Why is she so horrible and mean and selfish?” And now the tears are flooding down my cheeks again, and all I can think is that I hate my mom. She makes me sick! And I know I will never, never forgive her for this!

Book: Bitter Rose: Color Me Crushed (TrueColors Series #8) by Melody Carlson, Nav Press 2006

  Genre: Realistic Fiction

Target Audience: Girls 13-19

Subjects: Divorce, Family relationships, Dating Relationships, Adultery

Summary: Doesn’t anyone stay married anymore? Maggie thought her parents, out of all people, would be the ones to stay committed to their marriage! All their talk about being born again and wedding vows being kept “till death do us part” and such. And yet her dad is gone. Maggie goes back and forth between being furious at her mom and being furious at her dad. Together, they are making choices that are destroying Maggie’s life!

Notes: This is one the books in the True Colors series, a set of books showing major issues teens today have to face. The character is thrown into the situation and someone in the story shows them how God would have someone respond to the situation. In this story, a girl whose parents are divorcing is caught in the middle of the battles. Adultery and unforgiveness are ruling the lives of both of her parents and consequently, Maggie’s life as well. Maggie has to learn what it means to forgive, something that can only be done with the strength of God. An aunt encourages her to turn back to God, to start praying again and Maggie finds herself in Church, hearing a sermon on forgiveness and realizes she needs to forgive both of her parents for the pain they’ve caused her. Divorce is certainly condemned in this story, but more than focusing on divorce, the focus is on forgiveness and choosing to love those who have wronged you.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 5/5

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.

Moon White: Color Me Enchanted

I need more power, a stronger magic. Obviously I’m just a beginner in the craft. I need to be more disciplined. I need to learn more about the elements, the moon, the stars, the planets. I need more control.

Book: Moon White: Color Me Enchanted (TrueColors Series #11) by Melody Carlson, Nav Press, 2007

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Target Audience: Girls 13-19

Subjects: Witchcraft/Wicca, Family Relationships, Loss, Dating Relationships, legalism

Summary: When everything goes wrong, you seek more control over your life. It’s natural. And Heather has a lot going wrong! Her best friend rejects her because she’s exploring something different than what her friend believes. Her mom died a few years ago and Heather is really needing her right now. Her new friend goes behind her back to steal her new boyfriend. And she’s taking over the role of star pupil in ballet class. If all that isn’t enough trouble, she catches her stepmother betraying their family! Heather has to get some control back before her whole life falls apart! She’s just hoping that Wicca provides the answers.

Notes: This is one the books in the True Colors series, a set of books showing major issues teens today have to face. The character is thrown into the situation and someone in the story shows them how God would have someone respond to the situation. In this story, a girl who is facing a lot of the common things teenagers face today responds to it by exploring witchcraft. She participates in spells, séances, potions, and meditations. The more she gets into it though, the more she has to work to find the power and control she wants. One thing leads to another and soon she has to deal with evil spirits pursuing her and thoughts of suicide tempting her. An old journal of her mom’s leads her to a Christian who tells her it’s not about controlling your own life, but surrendering control to Christ. Another interesting issue lightly displayed in this book is legalism. Heather’s Christian friend is told by her pastor that she has to ditch Heather completely because Heather is pursuing Wicca. It actually makes Christians look pretty bad. Thankfully at the end, the character is told by someone else that she’s sinning and not doing what Christ says to do.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Romans 8:6-9 – The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God. You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.