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Author's Choice Reviews |
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Teens and Young Adult |
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EVER PRESENT
DANGER Phantom Hollow
Series #1 By Kathy Herman ISBN 10: 1-59052-921-9
ISBN 13: 978-1-59052-921-8 Multnomah $12.99 US Reviewer Kay
Tira When she returns
to her small hometown of Jacob’s Ear, Ivy’s high
school boyfriend doesn’t recognize her at first, but realizes the risk she poses for him. Would she keep her part of
the pact, and not tell about the murder? A gripping story
of tragedy, consequences, forgiveness, and hope, Kathy Herman’s novel EVER PRESENT DANGER is an excellent read. A breath of fresh air, this book holds strong moral values, presents the gospel, and
tells a story that offers warnings, hope, and restoration. Recommended for teens,
young adults and reading discussion groups. Great book!
HALLIES’ HEART By Shelley Beach ISBN 13: 978-0-8254-2436-6 Kregel Publications Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies Mona ached for the separation
from her sister and her niece because of a disaster that happened when Hallie and her sister were in her care. What she didn’t
expect was to have Hallie run away from home to the beach house Mona owned where the disaster happened or that in helping
her niece deal with her pain, Mona must learn to deal with her own issues of faith and forgiveness. A story with deep hurting
characters who find the way back to wholeness, though the journey isn’t easy and the way is rough. Add in to this story
of faith and forgiveness, interesting as well as eccentric characters and a hint of romance and you have a story that brings
both laughter and tears.
ANDREA CARTER AND THE DANGEROUS DECISION By Susan K. Marlow ISBN 10: 0-8254-3357-6 ISBN 13: 978-0-8254-3357-3 Kregel $7.99 When Andrea races through town on her swift
horse only to almost run down the new teacher, the rather persnickety man takes a distinct dislike for the girl he sees as
disrespectful and a mischief maker. Andrea tries to be good, but things just seem to happen to her that keeps her on the outs
not only with the teacher, but also with his less-than-honest daughter. But when a convicted murderer shows up at school,
Andrea must decide whether or not to stand in the gap for those who look down on her the most. I read this book from cover to cover in
one sitting, enjoying every moment. The book transported me back to when I was a young woman who loved to ride and race and
who seemed to find trouble. This is the sort of book I would have loved reading as much then as I did now. This Andrea Carter
book, as well as others in the series, pull together the ingredients of a page turner for those from elementary on up, early
American west, horses, mystery, and lots of trouble mixed in with faith, family and fun. A good read with memorable characters and
a page-turner story.
HEIR OF THE FORGOTTEN REALM By Michael J Svigal ISBN 10: 0-9787316-3-8 ISBN 13: 978-09787316-3-2 Baker Tritton Press $10.95 Lord Lukas fought his fear of flames, but
to no avail. So strong was his fear that he cowered when his bride-to-be was snatched up at their betrothal ceremony by an
evil dragon. There was only one way to save Lilia and that was to defeat the dragon. He could only do that with a combination
of weapons and protection gained by tests of commitment, courage, justice and sacrifice. Along his journey, Lukas discovers
his greatest fears, the depth of his heart and the truth of whom he is and whom he’s destined to become---if he chooses
the right path. Faith is not really an element of
the story though fate does raise a hesitant head. Nevertheless, this is an adventure of struggle and swords, of both inner
and outer courage with an ending that ties up all the loose ends.
A BULLY’S DOOM By Robert Hansen ISBN 10: 0-9787316-1-1 ISBN 13: 978-09787316-1-8 Baker Tritton Press $10.95 Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies Thinking he must get rid of the dragon-like monster in order to be taken seriously, Griffith seeks to do just that
only to get a lesson in what it means to be the one hunted, tricked, picked on and terrorized. But will he get the message
of the story before the monster takes the ultimate revenge? Writing the bully as the main character adds a different twist to the hero/villain scenario, while the fantasy elements
tend to draw in tweeners, especially those who are also gamers. However, unlike many video games, this is also a moral tale
with a positive conclusion. While I felt a bit fuller conclusion would have left me more satisfied, the story did tie up loose ends. An interesting
change of pace for the tweener looking for something different.
MANNERS MATTER for STUDENTS By Fred Hartley & Andrea Hartley Smith ISBN 978-1-59789-306-0 Barbour Publishing $9.97 I can see the eyes rolling when the word MANNERS comes up, but manners are simply a way of showing others you care
about and respect them—and they, you. I certainly don’t want someone belching in my face. What about those moments
when you are introducing someone or being introduced and your mind freezes because you don’t know what to say or do?
What about eating out and the unexpected happens? How do you deal with the situation? Manners are the key. Learning and practicing
some basic manners keeps us from looking like complete dorks in front of others. Manners aren’t just for your parents or other adults. Manners are fundamental to positive social interactions.
Unfortunately, we don’t emphasize manners much, leaving our young people twisting in the wind in social situations.
(Sometimes this is because mom and dad haven’t learned them either.) This book in a larger print, lots of white space, easy to read format hits the teen where they live—those social
situations that terrify and petrify. From hygiene to dating, this book helps the student confidently deal with personal and
social situations with confidence. I’d like to see parents and youth groups go through this book with their kids. A real must for today’s
teens—and their parents.
BAD CONNECTION By Melody Carlson ISBN 1-59052-692-9 Multnomah Publishers $11.99 Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies Samantha isn’t really overly worried when her on-off friend Kayla goes missing. She knows Kayla is in full-scale
rebellion against rules, parents, etc. But when Samantha begins having dreams and visions of Kayla in serious trouble, she
begins a reluctant journey that leaves her vulnerable to those, like her mom, who thinks she needs counseling, leaves her
questioning her faith as well as her visions, and shoves her into more danger than she ever imagined. Will Samantha’s visions be taken seriously by the investigators in time to save a life? This story has nothing to do with psychics or hocus-pocus, but on the Biblical gifts God gives his children, exploring
faith, actions and the consequences of decisions. This is suspense and faith rolled into one. A good, solid read. FOR YOUNG WOMEN ONLY By Shaunti Feldhahn ISBN 1-59052-650-3 Multnomah Publishers $13.99 Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies Girls watch parents, movies, TV, friends
and read magazine articles that impact how they view and interact with the guys in their lives. Often, they believe that love
is all there is and if they give enough “love” the guy in their life will make a long-term commitment. We women
tend to see all our relationships from our point of view and we teach, often by our example, our teens to do the same. Only
guys don’t view the world the same as we do. Shocking as it may seem, guys aren’t
all about love. In fact, from Feldhahn’s extensive research, she discovered guys value respect more than love. They
need to be respected and putting them down or telling jokes at their expense quells their feelings—and their self-confidence.
On top of that, though they may “play” with girls who will do anything for attention, they respect girls who value
themselves enough to wait for a ring and an “I do.” Like FOR WOMEN ONLY does for adult women,
this book is a real eye-opener for the teen/young adult. What do those teen guys really think, like and look for? This book
clues us in and helps us value the guys in our lives, not from our point of view, but from theirs. I highly recommend moms and daughters read
these books together.
THE FINAL STORM #3 The Door Within Trilogy By Wayne Thomas Batson ISBN 1-4003-0783-x Tommy Nelson $16.99 In this third and last book of the trilogy, Aidan must try to get through to Robby only to discover why his friend
has been turned away from the right path. Will Robby listen to his friend and read the truth in the scrolls? His decision
in this world has serious consequences for Antoinette in the other world where she's being held captive by the forces of evil.
With the ancient legends of evil proving true, will deliverance from The Three Witnesses also prove more than a legend? In this final story, the forces of
good and evil are joined in epic battle for supremacy of not only territory, but also of heart and mind. This book and its
characters so captured my attention, I had to keep turning the pages until that final "ah" moment where good wins out and
all is right with a new world order. Though the story of book two and three is continuous and I highly suggest reading these
books together, this finale of the series is dynamic and intense fully engaging the reader. This series could well become
a classic.
LUPE VARGAS AND HER BEST FRIEND LUPE VARGA Y SU SUPER MEJOR AMIGA Text: A Costalas Illustrations: Alexandra Artigas
ISBN 13: 978-0-87358-888-1 ISBN 10: 0-87358-888-6 Luna Rising Northland Pub. Lupe and Maritza were best buds. Each day
they came up with something new to do. On Monday they were pirates. Tuesday they were private detectives. Wednesday was something
new and fun that drove their neighbor crazy. But one day they had a fight and the good times stopped until they learned to
forgive. This bi-lingual English/Spanish story is
just plain fun with illustrations that make you smile. The lesson learned is subtle, but definitely a starter point for discussion.
A book the kids will read over and over,
but be watchful. It may just give your kids wonderful, fun ideas. A winner. THAT SINKING FEELING By Janye Tromp ISBN 0-8254-3887-X Kregel Publications $5.99 Audrey really tries, but things seldom work out the way she
intends. It doesn't help that in investigating a series of burglaries, the tween gets her best buddy Max injured in a diving
accident, especially since she disobeyed her parents (and the ruled of diving) to do so. She begins to feel even God must hate her as she continues
to find trouble. But not everything is her fault, but that doesn't stop the dangerous criminals from going after Audrey and
her family. Audrey learns God loves, forgives even in the worst circumstances
as we come to Him. With a message of forgiveness and hope when we goof up, the
book is one that will appeal to tweens with its strong male and female leads and a mystery that draws in the reader. THE BLAZING CENTER By John Piper ISBN 1-59052-684-8 (DVD) $29.9 ISBN 1-59052-685-6 (Study Guide) $9.99 Multnomah Publishers Piper takes faith, joy and love to a new dimension in this
DVD/study guide teaching series geared for teens to adults. Over and over he makes the point that love is an overflow of
the joy and satisfaction we know in Christ, that salvation is not just making Jesus Lord & Savior, but our most valued
Treasure as well. The more we know Him, the more we glorify Him in thought word and action, the more joy we will know. Such
joy will spill over into love not only for God, but also love, unselfish love, for others. While this is not as entertaining as many DVD series I've seen
(no overheads, props etc.), it has a solid ring of truth that, along with the study guide, draws the audience into not only
a relationship with Christ, but one not of duty, but of joy.
HEAVEN QUEST By Kristen Halter Kevin Scott Collier Illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier Official Heaven Quest Universe web site:
www.heavenquest.iwarp.com (For collector cards, puzzles and coloring book.) Tangerine Sky Productions, Inc. www.tangerinesky.faithweb.com Published by Tangerine Sky Publications,
July 2006 Alien teen
Izzy and his mutt Bubbles find themselves on an adventure to discover Heaven when Izzy’s father presents him with is
own Astro Speedchaser 5000 for his birthday. They time-shift to earth and find themselves chased by bullies and taken in by
an elderly lady who seeks to answer Izzy’s questions about Heaven. But will he get the answers before he is captured
or escapes?
PLAYSTATION NATION By Olivia & Kurt Bruner ISBN 1-931722-74-9 Center Street $11.99 Gaming has become the “in”
thing. Everyone talks about the latest release with the fervency of a sports fan. Our kids “hook up” and give
us free time while they are interacting with a game. Better than vegging in front of the TV, right? Maybe not. The authors wrote this book out of their
own experience, incorporating experiences from other parents and kids as well as studies and statistics. The revelation? Way
too many kids are actually addicted to video games with an addiction every bit as deadly serious as alcohol or drugs and with
the similar results—dysfunction, inability to interact in the real world, or taking the negatively learned behavior
into the real world. Does your child get glossy-eyed from game
playing? Find it difficult to limit time spent? Does your child lie about how long or when he/she plays? Has your child become
less interested in other activities, growing morose or aggressive? These are all signs of addiction. Time wasted can never be retrieved.
Yet, games are geared to suck in the player, offering rewards of levels or points or lives, allowing the player to be the
hero, the mastermind, the person who is somebody. The high is similar to that received from other addictions, actually making
changes in brain function. A child focused on these artificial highs may never know what normal is, may never understand the
simple joys of living in the real world or interacting with real people. Gamers have become so entrenched in their games they’ve
taken it to the real world focusing inward, suicide, or outward, such as in the Columbine-style murders. The basic message is clear. Parents must
exercise their role of parents and call the shots when it comes to playing video games. Parents must either get rid of the
game machines or severely limit them, while not using them as rewards. Parents must take care any games played are appropriate
and check out even those rated for the age of their child. Parents must not give in or give up. Your child’s life and
well-being may be at stake. This is a must read for every parent—and
child old enough to read it.
THE LIFE OF TEENAGERS AIN'T NO JOKE Living A Courageous Childhood, In
An Unforgiving World By Keith G Wright ISBN 0-977-88342-0-4 ANJ Books $19.95 Reviewer: Kay Tira Keith G. Wright offers good, sound
and even Biblical advice to teens. However his commendable straight-forward approach is tinged with some uncouth presentation,
even in his introduction: “I’m not going to blow smoke up your butts and
repeat the same ‘rah rah’ cliché’s that many adults throw your way.” (page 2). While his advice is embraceable, like No
Joke Teen Truth #235: “Wise teenagers know that there’s a time and place
for everything,” (page 35), his coarse presentation and his continual reference to teens as “children”
are likely to distance his audience from his message.
DREAMCHASER By Kristen Halter with Kevin Scott
Collier Cover illustrated by Kevin Scott
Collier Tangerine Sky Productions, Ltd. www.tangerinesky.faithweb.com At fourteen, Jamaal is already getting
a look from NBA scouts and begins to see his future as a great basketball player. His plans do not include school. Why bother?
When his grandmother discovers his failing grades, she takes action to turn the situation around by getting him involved with
Ken Blackwell’s political campaign, showing him how life is not just about getting, it’s about giving as well.
It’s about expanding dreams beyond selfish ambition and how important learning and growing really are. We have few enough heroes today.
Ken Blackwell sounds like one of the good guys, someone we can point to and say, “follow.”
THE RISE OF THE WYRM LORD The door with #2 © 2006 Wayne Thomas Batson ISBN 1-4003-0737-6 Tommy Nelson $16.99 Youth Aiden had already made his mark in
the mirror realm. Now he wanted to reach his friend with the truth in this world, before his Glimpse in the other realm destroyed
them both. Only this time, the future of the other realm rests in the hands of his friend Antoinette. But can even she make
a difference when an evil greater than Paragor arises? This second in the trilogy draws
the reader into the world-shattering, cataclysmic battle, leaving us taking a breath and waiting for the conclusion of the
war in the last of the series. Those who enjoy reading about the battle
of good and evil, and who like the Narnia book: The Last Battle book will want to check out this inventive series. Also gives
a more positive spin on our world than Harry Potter, and without the magic.
CAN YOU HANDLE
THE TRUTH??? 50 In-Your Face
Devotions for Teens © 2005 by Phil Chalmers ISBN 1-59310-489-8 Barbour Publishing, Inc. Reviewer: Kay Tira A compilation of 50 devotional
topics ranging from peer pressure to murder and every hot topic in between, CAN YOU HANDLE THE TRUTH??? is an excellent resource
for youth workers or for personal use by teens. Topics include video games, violence, abuse, fear, and more. For each devotional, a situational
summary of a specific topic is presented, followed by a “What does the Bible say?” section including several related
scripture verses. This is followed by a “How Does this Affect me?”
section, bringing strong application to Biblical counsel. Highly recommended, this
book would be a great gift for teens, youth workers, Sunday school teachers, or anyone who has concern for young people. Excellent
content and format. Heroes of the
Faith: ERIC LIDDELL Gold Medal Missonary © 2000 by Ellen
Caughey ISBN 1-59789-115-0 Barbour Publishing
Inc. Reviewer: Kay
Tira This intriguing
story of Eric Liddell, Scottish Olympic gold medal winner and missionary to China, provides the reader with not only a biography,
but with Olympic history, and an inspiring look at missions. Caughey covers Liddell’s lifespan – including childhood,
collegiate, courtship, marriage, parenting and missions aspects. Eric Liddell’s speed and skill won the hearts of the
public, and helped open doors for him to share the gospel. Liddell was known
for his “windmill” flailing of arms as he raced and for his refusal to race on the Sabbath (or Sunday???), holding
true to his convictions. Additionally, his positive relations with competitors as he shook their hands and wished them success
in their running, made an impact on the public. Consistent in
his verbal and lifestyle testimony, Liddell was a person of integrity and passion. His years on the mission field were marked
with times of war and struggle, and eventual death due to illness. His testimony lives on, and his passion for sharing God’s
love continues through others in his wake. Recommended reading for youth
and adult alike. ROSA TAKES A
CHANCE: MEXICAN IMMIGRANTS IN THE
DUST BOWL YEARS Copyright 2006-Susan Martins
Miller ISBN 1-59789-065-0 Barbour Publishing, Inc.
$4.97 Reviewer Sandra Thayer In this slice of American
History we meet Rosa and her family, who have immigrated to Texas to find work and a better life. The trials that plague this
family as they face loss of crops, income and health from the severe drought and the horrendous dust storms, is truly heart-rending.
JANIE'S FREEDOM - AFRICAN
AMERICANS IN THE AFTERMATH OF THE CIVIL WAR Copyright 2006 Callie Smith
Grant ISBN 1-59789-086-3 Barbour Publishing, Inc.
$3.97 Reviewer Sandra Thayer History comes alive in this
well researched and entertaining story of Janie, a newly freed slave girl, who is caught up in the whirlwind of post Civil
War change. When freedom comes to Rubyhill Plantation, Janie and the other ex-slaves find themselves in uncharted waters.
Uneducated, hungry, and fearful, they face an uncertain future. Five of the young people,
including Janie, find the courage to head north in search of employment opportunities and a new life. Outfitted with only
their few earthly possessions and faith in God and each other, they must make adult decisions and face unknown hardships along
the way. Can they learn to trust God's
provision for them and the unexpected kindness of strangers? Together the 'Rubyhill five' experience the triumphs and tragedies
of their newly found freedom and clearly demonstrate the resiliency of the human spirit. This is a palatable
way to serve up a slice of American History with characters so believable that readers, both young and old, will easily get
caught up in the story. Heroes of the
Faith: SAMUEL MORRIS Missionary to
America © 1996 by W.
Terry Whalin ISBN 1-59789-117-7 Barbour Publishing
Inc. $2.97 Reviewer: Kay
Tira Samuel Morris,
once known as Prince Kaboo in Africa, received his new name when he received his new life in Christ. Once a child captive,
beaten, whipped and close to death, Prince Kaboo experienced something similar to the biblical Saul, when he saw a bright
light and heard a voice. The voice told him to “flee, flee,” and he did. Eventually learning about Jesus, and
receiving a new name, Samuel Morris traveled to America to seek out one to teach him about the Holy Ghost. A story of faith
and miracles, Samuel Morris’s biography continues to touch lives, as his own life brought changes to those with whom
he came in contact. Morris was a
humble young man who believed in God and his power, and lived it out well, influencing lives and making an impact on a university
as well. W. Terry Whalin does a great
job of telling the story of Samuel Morris. Highly recommended reading for young and old, this missionary story challenges
the reader to a deeper walk with God. Heroes of the
Faith: MARY SLESSOR Light for the
Dark Continent © 1998 by Sam
Wellman ISBN 1-59789-118-5 Barbour Publishing
Inc. $2.97 Reviewer: Kay
Tira Mary Slessor’s
biography is an amazing story of selflessness, commitment, and determined progress. Following the lead of her hero David Livingstone,
Mary served Christ in uncivilized areas of Africa, enduring hardships far beyond our cultured experience. Author Sam Wellman
captures Slessor’s life story in an understandable and enjoyable story format, covering early days through death, and
years of hard work and loyal servant hood in between. Mary’s
experiences caused her to rely on the power of God to lead, communicate, train and even judge in tribal settings. Her efforts
battled superstitions, alcohol, killings, and tribal traditions. Even when her health became poor, Mary battled on and was
challenged to “real life” as she saw opportunities to further the cause of Christ. Inspiring, challenging,
and humbling, the story of Mary Slessor is recommended reading for youth and adults. Heroes of the
Faith: SOME GAVE ALL Four Stories
of Missionary Martyrs By Ellen Caughey ISBN 1-59789-119-3 Barbour Publishing Inc. $2.97 Reviewer: Kay Tira Ellen Caughey’s collection
of missionary stories includes those of John Birch, Betty Olsen, Lottie Moon, and Nate Saint. Caughey captures their common
desire to spread God’s Word to the world. Providing snippets of diary
entries, comments, or written communication, Caughey tells the stories of these missionaries, including some childhood experiences,
processes of entering the mission field, and eventual cost of lives. While some of the reading is entertaining, other parts
are educational and encouraging, with the overall work being a testimony of great faith, commitment, and sacrifice.
Heroes of the
Faith: KEN TAYLOR Bringing the
Bible to Life By Jim Kraus ISBN 1-59310-702-1 Barbour Publishing Inc. $1.99 Reviewer: Kay Tira From young adulthood through
college, courtship, marriage and career, Ken Taylor’s life is documented and described in an easy-to-read and enjoyable
format in HEROES OF THE FAITH: KEN TAYLOR. Taylor’s struggle with
decision-making, his vision for spreading God’s Word, and his successes and failures are included in this book. The
green, hard-backed Living Bible has been part of my own spiritual journey, and the story of Ken Taylor’s life and involvement
in bringing h |
