Channing O'Banning and the Turquoise Trail

Channing O'Banning and the Turquoise Trail by Angela Spady is the second of the Channing O'Banning books.

Channing is a precocious 4th grader who becomes interested in dinosaur bones and rocks after being given an assignment from her history teacher. She gets to learn more than she bargained for when her family takes a trip out West to New Mexico.

Throughout the story, Channing learns that true friends never abandon you when you embarrass yourself, that it is always important to make restitution when you lose something that has been lent to you, and that God has created a lot of different but amazing people with their own traditions.

What I Like: As with the first book, I love the relationship Channing shares with her grandmother. Nana is her sounding board when, in her mind,  her nine year old world gets turned upside down.

What I Dislike: As with the first book, I don't particularly care for the relationship Channing and her sister Katie have. They are constantly picking on each other, saying things that are not kind, and always looking for ways to verbally cut each other. As a mother with two children, I realize that sibling relationships are not always sunny, but I prefer to surround my children with examples of how siblings are to treat each other well. As I read this book with my eight year old, we talked about the attitudes the sisters had towards each other.

Overall Rating: Very good.

Age Appeal: 6-10-year-olds.

Publisher Info: Thomas Nelson, 2015; ISBN: 978-0718032364; paperback, 128 pps., $6.99.

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Channing O'Banning and the Rainforest Rescue

Channing O'Banning and the Rainforest Rescue by Angela Spady is a great chapter book for young readers who are looking for wholesome adventures.

Channing O'Banning is a 4th grader who learns about the value of friendship and offering others a chance at friendship. Channing and her best friends' worlds are rocked when Marco moves into town.  She decides that she doesn't like Marco when he befriends her best friend Maddy. Yet a family summer vacation and a chance to get to know Marco help Channing realize that it is important to give others a chance at friendship.

What I Like: I really liked the relationship that Channing had with her grandmother. I am a firm believer in the importance of cross-generational family bonds, so seeing Channing consider her grandma as a person she could confide in and trust and someone she truly wanted to spend time with was refreshing.

My daughter really enjoyed this book. We read it together and every night she would always ask for one more chapter. I love books that my children cannot wait to read.

What I Dislike: I did not like the relationship Channing and her sister had. I know that siblings do not always get along perfectly (I have two children of my own), but children need to be shown good examples of siblings relationships, not ones that are hostile and passive aggressive. These two girls were always antagonizing each other and verbally cutting of each other. I had to constantly remind my daughter that this was not how we expected her to treat her brother.

Overall Rating: Recommended.

Age Appeal: 6-12-year-olds.

Publisher Info: Thomas Nelson, 2015; ISBN: 978-0718032623; paperback, 112 pps., $6.99.

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Trouble at Silver Pines Inn

Trouble at Silver Pines Inn, written by Gloria Repp is a Christian mystery novel for children ages 9-12.  The main character, Nick encounters mystery and adventure while working with his mother and brother at his aunt's beach side inn.  Nick meets a variety of interesting guests at the inn and also needs to take care of his grouchy grandfather.

Readers will love that the story is told from Nick's point of view.  They get to join him as he shares his faith and belief in Jesus Christ with others.   It is fun to travel with Nick as he solves mysteries in the inn, learns about the Jersey shore, makes new friends and encounters disaster!

What I Like: As a 5th grade teacher in a Christian school, I am always on the lookout for quality Christian literature for this age level. I truly loved this book!  It was exciting and suspenseful.  The characters were truly realistic and will remind the children of people in their own lives.

The author also truly did her research!  She wrote detailed descriptions of the setting and animals of the region. There was also scientific information included within the story line about why kites fly.  Best of all the author includes scripture and Biblical principles.
 
What I Dislike: There was nothing about the story or the writing that I disliked. However, I didn't think that the illustrations did the story justice.  The drawings are black and white and not as beautiful as the descriptions in the story.

Overall Rating: Very Good


Age Appeal: 9-12
 
Publisher Info: JourneyForth BJU Press 1998; ISBN:978-1-57924-000-4;  Paperback chapter book, 149 pages, $8.99

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Special Info: Teachers and Homeschooling Moms should be aware that a Trouble at Silver Pines Inn Teacher's Guide is available for $23.89.  I use this guide when I read this novel with my students.  I find it extremely helpful.  It provides a verse to apply to each chapter and worksheets, activities and science experiments.

Paul, Tarsus to Redemption

For kids who love manga, check out the book Paul, Tarsus to Redemption. This visually entertaining book by Matthew Salisbury and Gabrielle Gniewek follows the life of Saul in his early persecution of the church, his blinding encounter with Christ on the road to the Damascus (and name change), and all the way to his death in Rome. 

Classic manga illustrations by Sean Lam help the reader visualize every step of Paul’s journey. With the binding on the right instead of the left and panels read from right to left in Japanese style, readers can fully immerse themselves in the comic-style experience. The book helpfully provides directions on how to read the text. Ironically, this information is located at the end of the book, making it the first page readers unfamiliar with the genre see! The author also provides an annotated map of Paul’s excursions.

The book is divided into three chapters. Each chapter quotes a verse of Scripture.

What I Like:This is a book that would appeal to my son and kids who enjoy comic books. The artwork is visually spectacular. It’s a thick book, but a fast read, making it particularly appealing to reluctant readers.

What I Dislike: I felt like the text left a few gaps in the story that the pictures were not able to fully clarify. Therefore, I think kids must have a good grasp on Paul’s life from Scripture prior to reading the book. Without that background knowledge I think the tale would be hard to follow. There were also a few places where the writer/artist took some creative liberties which surprised me, but, in general, those served to make the story come to life.

Overall Rating: Very Good, though the artwork is Excellent. So VG with a nod toward EXCELLENT.

Age Appeal: None is suggested. I think it works for ages 8 and older.

Publisher Info: Magna Hero, 2012; ISBN: 978-0983639749 ; Paperback, 312 pgs., $9.99
This book is not currently available at Christianbook.com.
Buy it at Amazon.com for $9.99.

Special Info: This author or illustrator has other books that might interest your manga reader, including: Pope Francis: I Believe in Mercy, Many Are Called, and Judith: Captive to Conqueror.

Riley Mae and the Sole Fire Safari

Riley Mae and the Sole Fire Safari is the third book in the Good News Shoes series written by Jill Osborne. Geared toward pre-teen girls. The story follows shoe model Riley Mae on an African trip. Besides posing for photo-shoots, Riley learns a lot about life and her faith. For life, she discovers some of the challenges faced by people in Africa, including clean water issues, safety in the face of wild animals, orphans, education, and hardship. For faith, Riley learns she can pray for others, listen to God’s voice, and share the gospel. Though at the beginning of the story, Riley is very reluctant to be in Africa away from her dad, brother, friends, and comforts of home, she comes to appreciate the strong sense of faith and community she discovers in the African village. More importantly, she realizes she can be a missionary right now, no matter where she lives.

What I Like: This book is a good, clean read for pre-teen girls. Riley is spunky and athletic, which I love. She also often turns to God in prayer, which is a great behavior model for this particular age group. I also appreciated seeing the change in attitude Riley underwent.  In addition, there was a wonderful scene where Riley reaches out to an orphan and helps her accept Christ into her heart. Reading this may help kids realize that they too can plant seeds of faith.

Finally, I enjoyed the glimpse into African life. From the strange-sounding food to running miles to get to school to avoiding elephants, the accurate details helped paint a picture of the village.

What I Dislike: There were numerous references to events and characters in the previous two books. I strongly recommend readers read the previous two books in order to understand the relationship between the characters (or who are even some of the people they are hiding from) and ultimate dangers they face. Without that background knowledge, I don’t think I would have enjoyed the book as much as I did.

There was also a point early in the book that bothered me a little, where Riley lies to and tricks her mom in order to run in a race. In the midst of her scheming, she tries to witness to another person about her Christian faith. While I understand that’s part of the adventure and excitement, I would have preferred a different approach.

Overall Rating: Very Good (as a stand alone-- Excellent as a series)

Age Appeal: 8-12 years.

Publisher Info: Zonderkidz, 2014; ISBN: 978-0310742838; Paperback and Kindle, 256 pgs., $7.99.

There was also a point early in the book that bothered me a little, where Riley lies to and tricks her mom in order to run in a race. In the midst of her scheming, she tries to witness to another about her Christian faith. While I understand that’s part of the adventure and excitement, I would have preferred a different approach.
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Special Info: Click here to read other CCBR reviews of Riley Mae books. Purchase the first two books in the series too: Riley Mae and the Rock Shocker Trek and Riley Mae and the Ready Eddy Rapids.

The Copper Map: A Skye Belle Adventure

The Copper Map, by H.A. Jones, is a well-written, fast-paced adventure story. This second book in the Skye Belle series brings twelve-year-old Skye and her ten-year-old brother Brandon right into the heart of Egypt on a treasure hunt. Together with Doctor Peter Niven, the trio follows the scantest of clues on a copper map discovered with the Dead Sea Scrolls.

The only problem is, Skye and her crew aren’t the only ones looking for the treasure… and Peter, being somewhat out of his comfort zone, unwittingly leads them into danger. Only through sharp thinking and determination can Skye hope to escape not only with the treasure, but with her life.

In the story, Peter is an agnostic, interested only in fortune and glory. This fact gives Skye opportunity to point out the historical accuracy of the Bible. It also gives the tale a gentle Christian perspective.Jones’ descriptions of this area of the world paints a clear image of the landscape for readers, which adds depth and credibility to the story. Through Skye’s eyes, readers see and hear the modern day culture and experience a few important holy land sites.

What I Like:I reviewed the first book in the series too. I gave it an excellent rating… and I like this story even better than the first. I felt the author made the adventure more believable by having Peter along to supervise the youngsters while they explored while at the same time giving the power and creative thinking to the children to solve the problems that ensued.

And, this is neither a like or dislike, but a note. I felt like the vocabulary was a step up from book one. For instance, I thought The Lost Treasure of Persia ($2.99 Kindle link) ($4.49 Paperback link) would be well suited for a first and second grade audience. However, I feel like this book would appeal best to a second through fourth grade audience because to me it had more depth in story, plot, vocabulary, and description. Click here to read the CCBR review of The Lost Treasure of Persia.

What I Dislike: Nothing. I found the idea of the Copper Map fascinating though, and immediately looked up information about it on the internet. I would have loved if Jones had included some of the reference material he used when researching for this book. He could probably publish a non-fiction companion book with such information included.


Overall Rating: Excellent

Age Appeal: None is listed. I recommend second grade on up.

Publisher Info: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2015; ISBN: 978-1508468080; Paperback or Kindle, 160 pgs., $6.99

This book is not available at Christianbooks.com
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The Lost Treasure of Persia

In Australian author Heath Jones’ book The Lost Treasure of Persia: A Skye Belle Adventure, twelve-year old Skye Bell and her younger brother Brandon go on an adventure in Paris that turns into a danger-fraught mystery.

Their mission starts out simple enough: visit the Louvre museum to see some recently uncovered ancient Persian artifacts the kids think might be linked to Queen Esther. They hope that examining these items first-hand will help them discover the secret to the Biblical queen’s courage to come before her husband, the King of Persia. However, on their first meeting with their museum contact, the kids discover the jewelry has been stolen. From there on out, the children try to find clues, capture the thief, and restore the treasure to the museum. As the story unfolds, Skye discovers it’s not just the secret of Queen Esther’s courage she is trying to find; it is her own.

What I Like: The story brings in Christian elements and lessons in a way that feels natural, kids can relate to, and works with the personalities of the characters. Also, in many ways, The Lost Treasure of Persia reminds me of the simplicity of adventure found in the popular Magic Tree House stories, only without the time travel. In both, you have a brother and sister on a mission where they learn history, solve a mystery, and confront danger. In much the same way, the story also moves quickly from plot point to plot point—steady action but without the more complex character development found in books geared toward an older audience. The cover art also appeals to that 1st-2nd grade age group. The main character looks much like Kim in the cartoon Kim Possible. That’s why I believe that if your child likes the Magic Tree House books, he will likely enjoy this series as well.

What I Dislike: Kids might not have an issue with this, but I was bothered by the fact that, all on their own, the young characters simply fly off to Paris, travel around the country, and stay in a hotel. When they need to relocate to another part of Europe, they simply purchase tickets and take off… again, on their own. Nowhere in the story does it indicate the family is wealthy enough to have such a large travel income at their disposal. Neither is it believable kids this age would travel without any adult supervision. A family vacation, a visit to a distant relative, a special international camp, a friend who works at the museum in Paris, rich parents who send kids on a trip with a butler, or even a magic tree house... any of these ideas would solve that issue and make the story feel a little more authentic.

Overall Rating: I debated between excellent and very good, and when that happens, I usually go with the benefit of the doubt. So... EXCELLENT.

Age Appeal: The publisher does not list an age group, but I believe it fits kids in grades 1,2, and 3--- about, as I said, the level of a Magic Tree House adventure.

Publisher Info: Amazon Digital Services, 2014; ISBN: 978-1501061899; kindle or paperback, 116 pgs., $4.99

This book is NOT available at Christianbook.com.
Buy the kindle version at Amazon.com for a discounted price of $1.99.
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More than a Mouse

Taking care of a classroom pet is a big thrill AND a big responsibility...especially when it's a mouse named Pepperoni. In Penny Reeve's story, More Than a Mouse, ten year old Tania Abbey practically bursts with excitement when it's finally her turn to bring Pepperoni home for the weekend. The only problem is, Tania's grandma is visiting at that same time, and Grandma HATES mice.

Tania is ready for the challenge though. When the big day comes, it seems being charge of Pepperoni is all Tania can think about... that is, until tragedy strikes her younger brother Daniel. On the siblings' way home from school, Daniel is slammed into by a hit-and-run driver, destroying his bike and sending him flying. The unconscious boy is rushed to the emergency room at the hospital, while Tania relives the horrifying images embedded in her head over and over again.

The mouse, now all but forgotten, takes backstage to the drama surrounding Daniel. Tania prays for him with all her might, and struggles when it doesn't seem like God hears her prayers. Tania's parents try to put on a brave face, but Tania can tell it's hard for them to surrender their fears for his life.

As the story continues, Tania's preoccupation with Daniel leads to another problem. She discovers that the neglected pet escaped just minutes before Grandma is due to arrive at the front door. After a frantic search and somewhat comic recapture, things are set right again.

Through all this, Tania learns that there are bigger, more important things to life than a mouse. She also realizes that in some cases, there is little she can do except trust in God and pray. Not only that, but she comes to appreciate the community of prayer warriors. In an epilogue, we see a girl named Shanti looking at a photograph of Tania and Daniel. When she notices the cast on Daniel's leg, she asks if he is the one they had been praying for. It serves as a good reminder that as we pray for others, we are likewise blessed when they pray for us.

We also understand another lesson: God is able to bring good out of any situation, even when we don't understand or have trouble grasping the bigger picture... the things that are more than a mouse.


What I Like: The story is gentle and simple in plot, but well written. I also appreciate how we see a practical application of faith in everyday situations. Tania often prays, which is a good role model for readers.

What I Dislike: There were some references to characters from an earlier book in the series. I was confused at first until I figured out that was the case. I wish either a book summary or more details were provided about them.

Also, this is not a dislike, just something I noted. Little mention is made about the hit-and-run driver. The person turns himself in to the police, and that's all we know about it. I half expected to see this person show up at the hospital or something along those lines, followed with an opportunity for the family to show God's grace toward him. I didn't feel like I got closure on that aspect of the story.

Overall Rating: Very Good

Age Appeal: None is suggested, but I recommend 8-12 years.

Publisher Info: HyalineHouse, 2013; ISBN: 978-0987300300; Paperback, 79 pgs., $12.95
This book is not available at Christianbook.com.
Buy it at Amazon.com for $12.95

Special Info: Read other CCBR reviews of books by Penny Reeve. Check out other books in the Tania Abbey Adventure series:  The Back Leg of a Goat and Water or Goo. Here is a CCBR review of her book Himalayan Adventure. See picture books for younger kids by Penny Reeve, including God Made Something Strong, God Made Something Beautiful, God Made Something Enormous, and God Made Something Clever.

The God Squad in an Episode of Mission Him-Possible: The Distorted Mirror

The book The God Squad in an Episode of Mission Him-Possible the Distorted Mirror by Darlene Laney features six teenage girls (ages 12-15) of varying ethnic backgrounds that all attend  Carver Preparatory School. These once rough-edged girls have all bonded together as friends through their faith and desire to share their faith with others. They even came up with a name for their group: the God Squad. (The God Squad gives a nod to the inspiration for its name, The Mod Squad, a 1960-70s iconic counter culture television series about hippie undercover cops.)

As the girls' mentor, Ms. Foster not only counsels and guides them, she also gives them missions. In this book, the mission is to befriend a new student named Kelsey who has two issues to deal with. First, she is obsessively focused on looks and struggling with her self image. Second, she is making poor choices in order to fit in with the "popular" crowd. The girls aim to help her accept who she is in Christ.

The book begins with a short introduction from one of the characters, a girl named Mia, who says she will be the narrator for this episode. (Note: In actuality, she only narrates between chapters of the books, and not the actual story itself, which is told in third person.) In between chapters, Mia "converses" with you, the reader. On the about three-quarter length page, Mia invites you to reflect on times you have faced a similar situation, how you felt about it, and encourages you to visit the website and post your thoughts. These short interludes are very much like the commentary from a character following an Adventures in Odyssey program.

After that brief introduction, the reader meets all the six main characters-- seven if you count Ms. Foster-- and is given a glimpse at their meeting place (called the sanctuary) and their mission. We then meet Kelsey and see some of her inner struggle. From then on, the story follows the girls attempts to welcome Kelsey. Kelsey finds herself drawn to the friendship they offer, but at the same time not wanting to associate with them because she wants to hang with the "popular" crowd.

Things come to a crisis in the middle of the night, with Kelsey feeling cornered at a drunken Frat party and wanting a way out. In desperation, she calls Mia.

Mia and her friends come to the rescue, putting on their armor to go to battle for their lost pal. Each God Squad member goes into action. Mia uses the Sword of the Spirit to cut through the darkness (the frat halls) to get to Kelsey. Eve puts on the Shield of Faith to put out fiery darts of doubt and despair. Jade puts on the Hemet of Salvation to block their minds from fear and lies. Angel, Chris, and Sadie wear the Shoes of Peace, the Belt of Truth, and the Breastplate of Righteousness to go with Mia into the frat house to retrieve Kelsey.

After that incident, Kelsey realizes the follies of her choices and finally takes her life in the right direction.

What I Like: I appreciate how this book is supported by outside perks. First, readers are encouraged to become members of the God Squad. They can write via snail mail (an address is provided in the book). It also has a website. Finally, readers can visit the Facebook page to get daily G.E.M.S (God's Empowering Moments). I think that's a great way to connect with the reader and encourage them in their faith.

I also thought some of the questions Mia asked at the end of each chapter would make great talking points for a small group of readers or thinking points for a single reader to reflect on. The author seemed to have a good understanding of some of the conflicts and issues teen girls face. Plus, the overall idea of finding our worth in God and accepting ourselves for the way He made us is clear.

Finally, I appreciated how often the girls cooperated, supported each other, encouraged each other, and turned to the power of prayer. What great messages for teens!

What I Dislike: For me, there are a few minor dislikes I feel I should mention. First, the pictures are cute, but cartoonish, and a bit like a clean version of the Bratz dolls. I feel like they are a little immature for the teen target audience.

It's a little pricey for a paperback.

There are also at least Four catch-phrases in the book. Mission Impossible. SGF (Special God Force). God Squad. Prayer Power. I would have preferred the author pick one and stick with it.

Technically, I found several punctuation errors in the second half of the book.

UPDATE: Since publishing this review, CCBR heard from the author, who stated that the punctuation errors had been corrected in the latest version of the book. Yay!

Finally, much of the story structure is spent in a tedious cycle:  An event would happen that involved one or a few of the main six girls... and then all the girls would get together, and the event would be retold again. So you get a little bit of action and then a rehashing of all the action you just read about. Sometimes during these discussion sessions, a verbal response was given from each character. Here is a sample of what I am talking about from the epilogue (in response to a question from Ms. Foster asking how the girls were doing):
"Great," Mia chirped. /"Good," Eva added. /"Fine," Sadie supplied. /"Fantastic," Angel replied./ "Okay," Chris supplied. /"So-so," Jade replied.)

For me, that made the story stagnate.

Overall Rating: Good.  However, to be fair, I can envision some readers giving it a "very good" rating because of the opportunity to interact with the characters and the author online. That's a big bonus!

Age Appeal: None listed, but I recommend ages 8-12.

Publisher Info: Halo Publishing International, 2014; ISBN: 978-1612442976; Paperback and Kindle, 134 pgs., $13.95

This book is not available at Christianbook.com.
Buy the paperback from Amazon.com for $12.56 or the Kindle version for $6.95.

Special Info:  Laney also offers a book called God's Special Forces: A Manuel for Becoming a Young Woman of Quality.

Canyon of Danger

When 12-year-old Jem Coulter’s father, pa is a sheriff, has to leave his ranch to escort a prisoner to Sacramento, Jem is excited because his dad left him in charge. He will stay there with his Aunt Rose and his sister Ellie. They, along with his cousin Nathan should be able to keep things in line until Pa returns.

Of course, if something can go wrong, it will. While his dad is away, Jem tries to kill a wolf that has killed one of the family’s sheep. In doing so, he accidentally shoots and injures a stranger who got in the way. That sets up a whole series of complications. Then, Jem’s horse is stolen – along with his pa’s rifle. If that weren’t enough, the deputies his father left in charge aren’t any help. They’re too busy trying to keep law and order in Goldtown, a place known for rowdies and no-gooders, many of whom are prospectors looking for gold and looking for trouble.

Despite all his setback and worries, Jem is determined to not let his dad down. He wants to get his horse and rifle back before his father returns, even if he has to travel into the dangerous canyon to track down the horse thieves.

Author Susan K. Marlow packs a lot of action into the story, Canyon of Danger. She also sprinkles the text with lessons about having faith in God when things look bleak and out of control.

What I Like: This is a well-written story that should interest middle-grade readers. Even though the main character is a boy, the younger sister figures rather prominently into the narrative, so girls should like the story, too.

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Very good.

Age Appeal: 8-12.

Publisher Info: Kregel Publications, 2013; ISBN: 9780825442964; Paperback, 150 pages, $7.99

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Amazon Kindle Edition - $6.15

 

Special Info: This is Book #3 in the publisher’s Goldtown Adventures Series. Read our reviews of other books by Susan K. Marlow. Visit the author’s website.

Riley Mae and the Ready Eddy Rapids (Faithgirlz! / The Good News Shoes)

"Running for your life is not as exciting as it looks in the movies."

With that opening line, author Jill Osborne's second book in The Good News Shoes series entitled Riley Mae and the Ready Eddy Rapids launches into a new adventure starring twelve year old Riley Mae. The story starts on a private jet ride with Riley Mae trying to digest all the shocking information she discovered on her last adventure (in book one). Little does she know, but there are still some lingering issues she must deal with.

But, issues aside, there's a reason for the private jet. Riley Mae isn't your typical tweenager; she's a shoe model! And in order to get just the right photo in just the right setting, she and her photography team fly out to Montana in style. Once there, Riley must learn how to ride the rapids like a pro... while pausing between plunges for a smile at the camera.

Sounds simple enough, but it's a bit more complicated. When someone sabotages a photo-shoot, throwing Riley out of the raft and into the churning waters of the river, she discovers there is still another mystery to solve. Add in a young boy battling cancer, a new friend searching for her birth mother, and an angry bear, and you'll see Riley's got a surprise waiting for her around every bend!

The story entertains with a balance of tension and humor, but still carries a few gentle spiritual treasures for the reader. For example, the cancer victim (named Sunday) has such an amazing, uplifting, and inspiring attitude, and such a pure love of Jesus, that you can't help but be drawn to and want to embrace that kind of faith. Plus the story references sponsoring needy children, a great life lesson as well. In many places, our main character turns to God in prayer when struggling to understand what is happening in her life.

On a side note, be aware that some of the story deals with death threats and abandonment by a parent.

What I Like: I appreciate how the story shares the Christian faith without being preachy. The moral lessons are so well woven into the story, they don't feel artificial. The characters are likable too, especially Sunday, who melts your heart. It's a good, clean adventure. I also love the artwork on the cover. It's very visually appealing.

What I Dislike: This book makes a TON of references to events that transpired in book one. Therefore,  if you haven't read book one (as I didn't),  parts of the story will be confusing. A short prologue summarizing the first book would have been tremendously helpful. I'd go so far as you warn you not to read this book until you've read the first one, so I included a link for it as well. It's called Riley Mae and the Rocker Shocker Trek, and it rings in at Christianbooks.com for $6.29 for paperback, Amazon.com at $7.19 for paperback or the kindle version for $4.27.

Second, there were also a few events in the book that I felt were unnecessary. For example, one entire chapter was devoted to Riley playing a tough game of ping-pong with her photographer. It was pleasant enough, but did not advance the story. (It actually could have been removed from the book without making any impact on the plot.) However, that is a minor annoyance, and it's very likely that young readers will take great delight in such scenes just because it gives them more time to hang out with the storybook characters.

Overall Rating: Bear with me on this. As a stand alone book, I give it a VERY GOOD because the references to the first book left too many unanswered questions in the plot. However, as a series book read IN ORDER, I give it an EXCELLENT rating. In other words, fill in the holes, and I'd "rapidly" be caught up in Riley Mae's world.

Age Appeal: 8-12 years

Publisher Info: Zonderkidz , 2014; ISBN: 978-0310742999; Paperback/Kindle/MP3/Audible book, 251 pgs., $7.99

Buy the paperback NOW at Christianbook.com for $6.29, the ebook for $4.99, the MP3 CD version for $8.99
OR Buy the paperback at Amazon.com for $7.19, the Kindle version for $4.27, the MP3 CD version for $10.07, or the Audible audio version for $13.12.

Special Info: The third book in the series is also available. Find the paperback Riley Mae and the Sole Fire Safari at Christianbook.com for $6.29 or at Amazon.com for $7.19.

Brother Hugo and the Bear

"It befell that on the first day of Lent, Brother Hugo could not return his library book."

So opens Brother Hugo and the Bear, by Katy Beebe... the rather humorous tale of a young monk whose borrowed book-- the precious letters of St. Augustine-- were devoured by a bear (who found the words of the saint to be far sweeter than honey).

To rectify the loss, Brother Hugo is charged with the rather overwhelming task of traveling to a neighboring monastery, retrieving another copy of the letters,  and then making a new manuscript. The process of creating a replacement includes stretching and scraping sheepskin for a cover, gathering and preparing parchment, making a quill and ink, and then painstakingly copying the manuscript by hand, line by line, letter by letter! Luckily, Brother Hugo is aided in his endeavor by other friendly monks. Unluckily, while he works, Brother Hugo can hear the bear, who perpetrated the whole thing, snuffling outside the window... hungry for more!

Although some of the telling holds very modern language ("Your library book is due today"), the book is peppered with enough archaic-sounding phrases, such as " return the book thither" and "he sorely sighed and sorrowed in his heart"and "he walked very quickly indeed", to give it a medieval feel. This impression is further supported by the full-page ink and water-color illustrations, beautifully done by S. D. Schindler. These pictures accompany the text perfectly with rich (yet whimsical) detail and soft earthy hues.

At the end of the tale, the illustrator describes his artistic process and the author provides more information, including the fact that the story is loosely based on an actual historical event! In addition there's one page with historical notes that relay a similar bear encounter by Peter the Venerable. It also contains a one page glossary to help the reader better understand words associated with a monastery, like "cloister". These added bonuses are sure to please young readers whose curiosity is pricked by the amusing adventure.

What I Like: I thought the pictures were delightful. That was one of my favorite aspects of the book. I also appreciated the underlying humor in the story, some of which was almost tongue-and-cheek. The book accurately highlighted the painstaking process of creating a manuscript (who knew so much work went into it?), which I found interesting. The information that followed the story seemed especially enlightening, and was a very welcomed addition.

What I Dislike: I don't dislike the story, but it's not a story that has a lot of Christian take-away value per se. It's amusing and fun, and, I think, meant to be taken as such and little more. However, if a Christian message is a must on your list, astute readers can pick out some good moral ideas if they are so inclined: Cooperation and helping others (as shown by the monks), accepting responsibility (by Brother Hugo), and honest speaking.

Overall Rating: Excellent

Age Appeal: 5-9

Publisher Info: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2014; ISBN: 9780802854070; Hardback, 34 pgs., $17.00

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Mrs. Rosey Posey and the Hidden Treasure

Mrs. Rosey Posey is a woman every child in the neighborhood loves, in Robin Jones Gunn's Level 2 "I Can Read" book Mrs. Rosey Posey and the Hidden Treasure. The kids often come over to play; one day, Mrs. Rosey Posey, dressed like a pirate, brings them a treasure map. The children have been playing pirates in her tree house and are thrilled to add a treasure hunt to their game. They follow the map and various clues until they find a treasure chest - filled with Bibles and candy.

"You found the greatest treasure," Mrs. Rosey Posey says. "Did you know that God's Word is worth more than gold and is sweeter than honey?" She explains the Bible is full of adventure: "There are stories about giants and king and talking donkeys...Every word is true." The children beg her to read her a story from the Bible - and she does.

What I Like: If your child likes playing pirates or enjoys treasure hunts, this is a perfect book for him or her. I love how the author makes the Bible seem so fun while teaching a deep truth - that there is no treasure greater than God's word.

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: about 5 - 8

Publishing Info: Zondervan, 2009; ISBN:  9780310868903; ebook, 32 pgs., $1.99

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Time Crashers: Fire on the Mountain

When I was in junior high, one of my favorite types of books to read was the "pick your own adventure" books. In these types of stories, when the main character would come to a crossroad and was forced to make a choice, I got to decide what that choice would be.  Time Crashers; Fire on the Mountain is exactly that type of book.

This is the second book in what I hope is going to become a successful series by H. Michael Brewer. In the series, Dr. Benton Conway has created a time machine which has taken him back in time. His son Ethan learns to use the time machine and discovers the machine has been programmed to only make 33 time travels. Ethan gets his two friends, Jake and Spencer, to travel with him as they look to find Ethan's father somewhere in time.

In Fire on the Mountain, Ethan's time travel takes him and his friends back to the day before Mount Vesuvius explodes, destroying the city of Pompeii. The three boys become separated and begin a series of adventures that introduce them to some shady characters, men who show true bravery, and Christians who must meet in secret or pay the penalty of being a believer in those days.

Do they find Ethan's father? Do they escape Pompeii before Mount Vesuvius erupts? I'll let you choose your own adventure to find out.

What I Like: I loved being able to determine the direction the story would take me. Some of the story lines ended in surprising ways. As someone who loves history and seeing it accurately used in fiction, I loved that the different references to Pompeii and things the boys were seeing were given historical backing at the end of the book in a section entitled "The Real Deal."

I also liked the activities this book had throughout that reinforced what had just been read. Some activities were Scriptural and asked for the reader to use a code to discover a verse dealing with an attitude we should have as Christians. Other activities were historically based. For example, after discussing some of the graffiti found on the walls of Pompeii, the reader is asked to write a message about Jesus on a page in the book made to look like a wall.

What I Dislike: The book is written in the present tense which would occasionally throw me off.

Also, at one point in the story, Ethan is asked a question about the God he prefers to worship. Knowing that claiming to be a Christian could result in death, he answers, "The Son." The hearer responds, "The sun god Apollo. Always a good choice." The conversation is left at that. I understand that Ethan technically answered honestly, and he allowed the hearer to imply her own meaning. In that situation, who knows what any of us would actually answer, but it left me wondering. 

Overall Rating: Excellent

Age Appeal: 8-12

Publisher Info: Legacy Press, 2013; ISBN 10: 1-58411-145-3 ISBN 13: 978-1-58411-145-0; paperback, 200 pgs.

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Time Crasher's: Viking Attack

Ethan Conway’s father has disappeared. Ethan has a pretty good idea of what has happened to him, but he needs the help of his two friends, Jake and Spencer, to search for him. Ethan’s father is a scientist who has invented a time travel machine. He had tested it several times by sending objects and animals back into time and retrieving them. Now that his father is no where to be found, Ethan suspects he has traveled back in time on his own and might need help coming back.

Time Crasher’s: Viking Attack, written by H. Michael Brewer, is one of those stories where the reader gets to determine the ending. At the end of each section in the story, the reader must make a choice as to what should happen. The first choice that must be made is whether or not Ethan will use the time machine to try to find his dad. If you choose no, the story ends right there. The other choice allows Ethan to follow his dad and the reader gets to determine what happens next. Ethan, Jake and Spencer use their faith to guide them through their adventures. 

Black-and-white cartoon-like pencil sketches are scattered throughout the text, some full-page, most not.

What I Like: This is a fun book, well-written with lots of action and lots of choices for the reader to make. As one reviewer wrote, their son had read the book 15 times and still enjoyed it. 

I also like the riddles and tidbits the author has inserted at the ends of some of the chapters. They provide food for thought as well as Bible-based activities related to the story.

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: 8-12.

Publisher Info: Legacy Press Kids, 2012; ISBN: 9781584111351; Paperback, 199 pages, $9.99.

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Special Info: This is the first book in the publisher's Time Crasher's series.