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Volume VI No.2<br />

<strong>Christian</strong><br />

SPRING 2001<br />

<strong>Library</strong><br />

J O U R N A L<br />

This issue Features:<br />

■<br />

■<br />

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■<br />

■<br />

■<br />

■<br />

■<br />

■<br />

■<br />

■<br />

■<br />

CLJ on the Oregon Coast, and more...<br />

Click Through to Continued<br />

Adventures<br />

Fish, Fog, and Faith:<br />

The Life and Writings of a<br />

Modern Saint<br />

Equipping the Saints<br />

Celebrate the Triumph of Easter<br />

with Books<br />

Children’s Crown Gallery Award<br />

Turning on Their “Wanter”<br />

A Fishing Contest of Another<br />

Kind<br />

Locating Quality Fiction<br />

Great Books for Grieving Parent<br />

<strong>Christian</strong> Bestsellers<br />

Resources for the School<br />

Librarian


A Letter from the Editor<br />

Dear Readers,<br />

Rain thunders down here on the coast interspersed by periods of<br />

lovely sunshine and mild temperatures. Paperwhites (narcissus) clumps<br />

bloomed in my garden winter. What a picture it was, to bask in the joy of<br />

the Christmas lights on my roofline, and see the paperwhites waving with<br />

the breeze just below! And now many of the remaining 500 bulbs and the<br />

wild rhododendrons are finished and the colorful summer wildflowers are<br />

in bloom.<br />

I pray the choices you make for your library bring life-giving rain to<br />

the lives of your readers, sunshine to brighten their days, and joy to lighten<br />

their hearts.<br />

In this issue you will find many titles which will broaden the scope of<br />

your collection. I especially recommend Imperial Legions, wonderful<br />

historical fiction by our own editor Andrew Seddon. Andrew, born in<br />

England, returns there as he is able, this last time to continue his studies and<br />

to research English history for the writing of this book. Thinking of<br />

moving back, he kept track of the weather, and finding rain on each of his<br />

days there, he determined, at least for now, to remain in sunny Montana.<br />

We salute his choice, as we would miss him.<br />

Another title, Come What May, by our own reviewer Betty Hockett,<br />

inspired me greatly in reading of the lives and choices of a young American<br />

farm family determined to show young Hondurans a way to improve their<br />

lives and to bring them to Christ. Betty and her husband Gene returned to<br />

Honduras this winter to visit the work, now in its third generation.<br />

In Christ’s love,<br />

Nancy L. Hesch<br />

Editor and Publisher


The <strong>Christian</strong> <strong>Library</strong> <strong>Journal</strong><br />

invites prospective reviewers and<br />

writers to write for information. The<br />

<strong>Christian</strong> <strong>Library</strong> <strong>Journal</strong> is<br />

published quarterly January through<br />

December by <strong>Christian</strong> <strong>Library</strong><br />

Services. Subscriptions $20 per year<br />

online. Back issues included.<br />

Indexed in <strong>Christian</strong> Periodical<br />

Index. Address correspondence to<br />

<strong>Christian</strong> <strong>Library</strong> Services, P.O. Box<br />

215, Westlake, OR 97493-0215.<br />

Copyright 2001 by <strong>Christian</strong> <strong>Library</strong><br />

Services.<br />

Volume VI No.2<br />

SPRING 2001<br />

ISSN 1097-1262<br />

<strong>Christian</strong><br />

<strong>Library</strong><br />

J O U R N A L<br />

Phone (541) 997-4430<br />

Fax (541) 997-4434<br />

heschclj@harborside.com<br />

www.christianlibraryj.org<br />

T A B L E O F<br />

C O N T E N T S<br />

The purpose of the <strong>Christian</strong> <strong>Library</strong><br />

<strong>Journal</strong> is to provide readers with<br />

reviews of both <strong>Christian</strong> and secular<br />

library materials from a <strong>Christian</strong><br />

point of view. About 300 titles from<br />

both <strong>Christian</strong> and secular publishers<br />

are reviewed each issue. Materials<br />

reviewed may reflect a broad range<br />

of <strong>Christian</strong> doctrinal positions and<br />

do not necessarily reflect the views<br />

of the staff of the <strong>Christian</strong> <strong>Library</strong><br />

<strong>Journal</strong>.<br />

Nancy Hesch<br />

Andrew Seddon<br />

Raymond Legg<br />

Mary McKinney<br />

Sylvia Stopforth<br />

Kitty Lindstrom<br />

Publisher & Editor<br />

Editor: Articles<br />

Editor: Adult Nonfiction<br />

Editor: Adult Fiction,<br />

Young Adult Nonfiction<br />

Editor: YA Fiction<br />

Design and Graphics<br />

Cover illustrations from Imperial Legions,<br />

by Andrew Seddon, © 2000, and Come<br />

What May, by Betty Hockett, © 1998.<br />

Reprinted by permission of Broadman &<br />

Holman and Barclay Press.<br />

Letter from the Editor<br />

Inside Front Cover<br />

C O L U M N S a n d A R T I C L E S<br />

Fish, Fog, and Faith Andrew Seddon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2<br />

A Few Clicks Away to Fun Lisa Wroble . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4<br />

Children’s Crown Gallery Award Sandra Morrow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5<br />

School Librarian’s Corner Leslie Greaves Radloff . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6<br />

Celebrate the Triumph of Easter with Books Lydia Harris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7<br />

Locating Quality Fiction Sylvia Stopforth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32<br />

Equipping the Saints Mary McKinney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58<br />

Turning on Their “Wanter” Raymond Legg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70<br />

R E V I E W S<br />

Picture Books . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10<br />

Children’s Fiction : Gr. 2 - 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16<br />

Children’s Nonfiction : Gr. 2 - 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22<br />

Middle School Fiction : Gr. 6 - 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31<br />

Middle School Nonfiction : Gr. 6 - 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41<br />

High School Fiction : Gr. 9 - 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47<br />

High School Nonfiction : Gr. 9 - 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54<br />

Adult Fiction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58<br />

Adult Nonfiction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70<br />

Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80<br />

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84<br />

Printed in the U.S.A.<br />

C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 1 S P R I N G 2 0 0 1


AWord from the Editor: Andrew M. Seddon<br />

Fish, Fog,<br />

and Faith<br />

The Life<br />

and Writings<br />

of A Modern<br />

Saint<br />

“What Christ demands is a<br />

reasonable faith, as he demands the<br />

service of our reason... We cannot<br />

drift to Heaven like dead fish down<br />

a stream.”<br />

Wilfred Grenfell, M.D.<br />

I was seventeen and living in New<br />

Brunswick when a friend invited<br />

me to go fishing in Newfoundland.<br />

I was no fisherman, but I’d never<br />

been to Newfoundland, so I<br />

agreed. At St. Anthony, on the<br />

Newfoundland’s northern tip, we<br />

hiked, enjoyed the scenery, and<br />

caught only a few trout. But more<br />

importantly, I encountered the<br />

living legacy of a man whose<br />

writings still influence me.<br />

Wilfred Grenfell was twenty-seven<br />

when, in 1892, he arrived on the<br />

bleak, forbidding Labrador coast.<br />

The scattered fishing hamlets were<br />

physically and spiritually miles<br />

apart from the English resort town<br />

of Parkgate where Grenfell was<br />

born. As the son of an Anglican<br />

clergyman, Grenfell could have<br />

enjoyed a life of relative ease. But<br />

he became a physician and chose<br />

to labor in a backwater of the<br />

British Empire, a place of poverty,<br />

malnutrition, and disease.<br />

Even though he was raised in a<br />

<strong>Christian</strong> family, it wasn’t until he<br />

attended a meeting held in London<br />

by D.L. Moody, that he realized<br />

that <strong>Christian</strong>ity was more than a<br />

social convention. Added to his<br />

innate sense of adventure, this<br />

realization resulted in his<br />

commitment to make “a real effort<br />

to do as I thought Christ would do<br />

in my place as a doctor.”<br />

Grenfell’s new-found faith<br />

propelled him to forsake English<br />

society for the company of<br />

illiterate ‘liveyeres.’<br />

For forty years he cruised the<br />

rugged, uncharted Labrador<br />

coastline in a series of small<br />

hospital steamers, taking health<br />

care and the Gospel places they<br />

had never been. He braved<br />

submerged rocks, fogs, icebergs,<br />

and treacherous shores. In the<br />

winter, he made rounds by<br />

dogsled, daring blizzards, trackless<br />

wastes, and dangerous ice floes.<br />

He operated in makeshift<br />

conditions on injuries and illnesses<br />

for which no medical training<br />

available in that era could have<br />

prepared him. And many<br />

occasions he did the only thing he<br />

could—offered comfort to the<br />

dying.<br />

In time, others caught Grenfell’s<br />

vision. Additional doctors and<br />

nurses volunteered to join in the<br />

work, and small hospitals were<br />

constructed. Somehow, he found<br />

the time to write—some thirty-five<br />

books and many articles. Grenfell<br />

literally worked himself to death;<br />

the entire coast mourned his<br />

passing in 1940.<br />

Over the past twenty years I have<br />

managed to collect the majority of<br />

Grenfell’s books, most of which<br />

are long out of print. But with the<br />

changes in medicine and society<br />

over the past one hundred years,<br />

how can somebody like Wilfred<br />

Grenfell speak to us today?<br />

Grenfell emphasized the need for a<br />

life where faith is made real by<br />

works. Medical school taught him<br />

“how infinitely more needed<br />

[were] unselfish deeds than<br />

orthodox words”—a sentiment<br />

first stated by the apostle James<br />

who said, “Show me your faith<br />

without deeds, and I will show you<br />

my faith by what I do.” (Jas.<br />

2:18).<br />

What mattered to Grenfell was not<br />

the finer points of theology, but<br />

human suffering—both physical<br />

and spiritual—and what he could<br />

do to ameliorate it. “Our life is a<br />

field for experimenting in faith,”<br />

he wrote. “It is not a museum<br />

where we are on show or a bargain<br />

counter where we get all we can<br />

for the money.”<br />

The <strong>Christian</strong> life should be one of<br />

sacrificial love, for “only unselfish<br />

love can win in the end.” Grenfell<br />

lived a life of sacrifice freely—<br />

almost unconsciously—embraced,<br />

that he accepted as something<br />

natural for the <strong>Christian</strong>. Sacrifice<br />

was a privilege. “The conviction<br />

that [the fishermen] needed what I<br />

had to give and that it would not<br />

be given if I refused the challenge,<br />

was as plain as daylight,” he<br />

wrote. “I have always believed<br />

that the Good Samaritan went<br />

across the road just because he<br />

wanted to. I do not believe he felt<br />

any sacrifice or fear in the matter.”<br />

Grenfell believed that the<br />

<strong>Christian</strong> message and life<br />

incorporated not only preaching,<br />

but outward expression and<br />

practical involvement in the lives<br />

of the needy. “Not even the most<br />

humble ‘working man’ can live to<br />

himself. Only a clam can do that.”<br />

Christ involved himself in life, and<br />

so should we. “Our Lord did not<br />

spend much time speculating or<br />

S P R I N G 2 0 0 1 2 C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L


talking or writing books. He<br />

worked at the carpenter’s bench.<br />

He fought temptation in the<br />

wilderness and put prayer into<br />

action. He healed the sick. He<br />

cast out devils. He wept with His<br />

friends. He treated women on an<br />

equality. Girt with a towel, He<br />

washed the feet of fishermen. He<br />

personally went and mixed and ate<br />

with outcasts. He began His<br />

preaching at home. He<br />

transformed weak, ignorant,<br />

selfish, and cowardly men into<br />

heroes. He Himself brought<br />

Heaven to earth wherever He<br />

was.”<br />

Grenfell envisioned life as an<br />

adventure, to be lived wholly for<br />

God. “Jesus Christ challenges us<br />

to be his knights, to go forth into<br />

the world to make it better. We<br />

are not here to be ‘safe.’ We must<br />

have faith and take risks.<br />

Life is not meant to be easy and<br />

humdrum. Life is a challenge.”<br />

He adopted Paul’s metaphor of a<br />

race; a race which every <strong>Christian</strong><br />

could win. “Think then of a race<br />

in which it is never too late to be a<br />

winner, of a battle in which we<br />

have always left a chance of being<br />

victor. Think of a prize which<br />

grows greater, and only grows<br />

greater as we possess it.”<br />

<strong>Christian</strong>s need to listen for the<br />

call of God, and be ready to<br />

answer the call. “It is my habit<br />

constantly to ask God to teach me<br />

each day how to rightly use my<br />

faith,” Grenfell wrote. Grenfell<br />

dreaded the thought that he could<br />

have missed his opportunity for<br />

service: “There is the terrible fact<br />

that if I had not heard the call of<br />

Christ in the tent that day, I might<br />

possibly have been a physician in<br />

Harley Street, being driven about<br />

in my Rolls Royce! I would not<br />

have lost the opportunity of going<br />

to Labrador for anything.”<br />

Today, Grenfell’s approach to<br />

life—with its vocabulary of<br />

‘prize,’ ‘battle,’ ‘fight,’ and<br />

‘adventure’ might be labeled<br />

‘macho.’ He had no patience with<br />

passivity in the face of illness,<br />

injustice, and sin. “We must love<br />

what [Christ] loved and fought for<br />

what He fought.”<br />

Not everyone is called to service<br />

in a setting such as Labrador. The<br />

affluent suburbs need committed<br />

<strong>Christian</strong>s just as much as the<br />

inner cities. The principles that<br />

Grenfell lived by are worthy for<br />

any <strong>Christian</strong>, not only physicians.<br />

We cannot, as Grenfell pungently<br />

expressed, “drift to heaven like<br />

dead fish down a stream.” Christ<br />

calls us to much more than this.<br />

Quotations are from The Prize of Life<br />

(1914), The Fisherman’s Saint (1930), A<br />

Man’s Faith (1908), A Labrador Logbook<br />

(1938), Forty Years for Labrador (1932)<br />

As mentioned, most of Grenfell’s books are<br />

long out of print. But several titles<br />

frequently turn up in both second-hand<br />

book stores and in church libraries, and can<br />

often be obtained by book search services.<br />

These include:<br />

Grenfell’s autobiography Forty Years for<br />

Labrador (and its earlier version, A<br />

Labrador Doctor).<br />

A book of devotions, A Labrador Logbook.<br />

An account of travels, Labrador Looks at<br />

the Orient.<br />

Three of Grenfell’s books of Labrador tales<br />

(worth reading for their descriptions of life<br />

among the common people in Labrador),<br />

Down North on the Labrador, Labrador<br />

Days, and Off the Rocks are in print from<br />

Ayer. Northern Neighbors and Tales of the<br />

Labrador are not difficult to find.<br />

William Pope compiled an anthology of<br />

Grenfell’s writing, The Best of Wilfred<br />

Grenfell (Lancelot Press, 1990).<br />

Many biographies of Grenfell were written<br />

in the first half of this century (I count at<br />

least fifteen). Two biographies are currently<br />

available, James Kerr’s Wilfred Grenfell,<br />

His Life and Work (Greenwood) for many<br />

years the definitive biography, and more<br />

recently Ronald Rompkey’s Grenfell of<br />

Labrador (University of Toronto Press,<br />

1991). Try also Tom Moore’s Wilfred<br />

Grenfell (Fitzhenry and Whiteside, 1980),<br />

and J.T. Richards Snapshots of Grenfell,<br />

(Creative Press, 1989).<br />

Editor’s note: Andrew Seddon is himself a medical<br />

doctor, as well as a published writer and a CLJ editor.<br />

C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 3 S P R I N G 2 0 0 1


A Few Clicks Away<br />

to Fun!<br />

CLICK THROUGH TO CONTINUED ADVENTURES<br />

by Lisa A. Wroble<br />

When I was a child I<br />

didn’t want my<br />

favorite books to<br />

come to an end, so I wrote continuing<br />

chapters. I was delighted when I was old<br />

enough to delve into Nancy Drew<br />

mysteries because I could pick up the<br />

next book and the adventures continued.<br />

I soon discovered other series books and<br />

read anything with sequels because I<br />

could continue visiting with my favorite<br />

characters. If your elementary-aged<br />

patrons are eager for the next installment<br />

in the storyline of their favorite<br />

characters, these websites offer betweenbook<br />

fun.<br />

Fans of the American Girls Collection<br />

will enjoy www.americangirl.com for<br />

additional information on each of their<br />

favorite characters. Click on the Fun for<br />

Girls star on the homepage to head to<br />

activities, games, trivia, and stories<br />

starring Felicity, Kirsten, Addy,<br />

Samantha, Molly, Josephina, and Kit. Of<br />

course, the site also contains wise advice<br />

from that contemporary American girl,<br />

Amelia!<br />

If your readers like mysteries, they’ll love<br />

super-sleuth Meg Mackintosh’s site at<br />

www.megmackintosh.com. They can<br />

learn more about Meg Mackintosh, read<br />

Meg’s Mysteries or click on Match Wits<br />

with Meg as well as learn the latest about<br />

this spunky character created by Lucinda<br />

Landon.<br />

site is maintained by PBS for fans of<br />

Arthur and the other characters created by<br />

Marc Brown. The site features games<br />

and children’s artwork.<br />

Children who like the adventures Ms.<br />

Frizzle and her class go on will love the<br />

Magic School Bus page at<br />

scholastic.com/MagicSchoolBus. Find<br />

out what’s new with Ms. Frizzle’s class<br />

and look at children’s artwork. Also visit<br />

the Activity Lab for nine different games<br />

and activities related to the Magic School<br />

Bus adventures.<br />

Readers of any age will enjoy Seussville<br />

at www.randomhouse.com/seussville,<br />

especially with the holiday hype and<br />

controversy surrounding the latest version<br />

of the Grinch. Fans of Dr. Seuss will<br />

enjoy playing games, asking the Cat in<br />

the Hat questions, learning about the<br />

many Dr. Seuss books and characters in<br />

this cyberspace playground. And, of<br />

course, the Grinch is a main feature.<br />

But, if you’re looking for a good book to<br />

share with a child, or to connect with<br />

your own inner child, you must visit the<br />

Reading Rainbow site at<br />

gpn.unl.edu/rainbow. This searchable site<br />

has a section for kids, parents, teachers,<br />

and librarians. The kids’ section is<br />

updated daily with a game and activity.<br />

Parents and librarians can explore<br />

segments of past episodes or visit the<br />

weekly schedule.<br />

Younger readers will love The Arthur<br />

Page at www.pbs.org/wgbh/arthur. This<br />

S P R I N G 2 0 0 1 4 C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L


Children's Crown Award Reading Programs<br />

Children's Crown Gallery Award<br />

2001-2002 Nominee List<br />

Kindergarten - Grade Two<br />

A. Lincoln and Me, by Louise Borden, 0-590-<br />

45714-4, Scholastic '99, $15.99.<br />

Baby Whale's Journey, by Jonathan London, 0-<br />

8118-2496-9, Chronicle '99, $14.95.<br />

Daughter's Day Blues, by Laura Pegram, 0-8037-<br />

1557-9, Dial '00, $15.99.<br />

Exodus, by Brian Wildsmith, 0-8028-5175-4,<br />

Eerdmans '98, $16.00.<br />

Ian's Walk, by Laurie Lears, 0-8075-3480-3, A.<br />

Whitman '98, $15.00.<br />

Morning, Noon, and Night, by Jean George, 0-<br />

06-023628-0, HarperCollins '99, $15.99.<br />

On the Same Day in March, by Marilyn Singer,<br />

0-06-028187-1, HarperCollins '00, $15.95.<br />

Prairie Willow, by Maxine Trottier, 0-7737-3067-<br />

2, Stoddart Kids '98, $15.95.<br />

Sebastian, by Jeanette Winter, 0-15-200629-X,<br />

Harcourt '99, $16.00.<br />

Something Beautiful, by Dennis Wyeth, 0-385-<br />

32239-9, Doubleday '98, $16.95.<br />

Children's Crown Award<br />

2001-2002 Nominee List<br />

Grades Three - Six<br />

Bird Boy, by Elizabeth Hill, 0-374-30723-7, FSG<br />

'99, $14.99.<br />

Black Nell, by Shirley Woods, 0-88899-318-8,<br />

Groundwood '98, $14.95.<br />

Century Farm, by Cris Peterson, 1-56397-710-9,<br />

Boyds Mills '98, $16.95.<br />

David's Search, by Joan L. Nixon, 0-385-32296-<br />

8, Delacorte '98, $9.95.<br />

Grandfather's Christmas Tree, by Keith Strand, 0-<br />

15-201821-2, Harcourt '99, $16.00.<br />

Lewis and Papa, by Barbara Joosse, 0-8118-<br />

1959-0, Chronicle '98, $15.95.<br />

Marguerite Makes a Book, by Bruce Robertson,<br />

0-89236-372-X, Getty Museum '99, $18.95.<br />

The Mary Celeste, by Jane Yolen et al, 0-689-<br />

81079-2, Simon & Schuster '99, $16.00.<br />

Mister and Me, by Kimberly Holt, 0-339-23215-<br />

X, Putnam '98, $13.99.<br />

The Mouse of Amherst, by Elizabeth Spires, 0-<br />

374-35083-3, FSG '99, $15.00.<br />

The Peddler's Dream, by Janice Shefelman, 1-<br />

57168-294-5, Eakin '99, $14.95.<br />

Ramona's World, by Beverly Cleary, 0-688-<br />

16816-7, Morrow '99, $15.00.<br />

The Riches of Oseola McCarty, by Evelyn<br />

Coleman, 0-8075-6961-5, A. Whitman '99,<br />

$15.00.<br />

Rushmore, by Lynn Curlee, 0-590-22573-1,<br />

Scholastic '99, $17.99.<br />

Shelter Dogs, by Peg Kehret, 0-8075-7334-5, A.<br />

Whitman '99, $15.00.<br />

Sky Memories, by Pat Brisson, 0-385-32606-8,<br />

Delacorte '99, $15.00.<br />

Spirit Horse, by Ed Ackerman, 0-590-39650-1,<br />

Scholastic '98, $15.00.<br />

Tornadoes, by Seymour Simon, 0-688-14646-5,<br />

Morrow '99, $16.00.<br />

William Shakespeare and the Globe, by Aliki,<br />

006-027820-X, HarperCollins '99, $15.95.<br />

You're a Brave Man, Julius Zimmerman, by<br />

Claudia Mills, 0-374-38708-7, FSG '99, $16.00.<br />

Lamplighter Award<br />

2001-2002 Nominee List<br />

Grades Six - Eight<br />

Bright Freedom's Song, by Gloria Houston, 0-15-<br />

201812-3, Harcourt '98, $16.00.<br />

Chinese Cinderella, by Adeline Yen Mah, 0-385-<br />

32707-2, Delacorte '99, $16.00.<br />

Devil's Den, by Susan Pfeffer, 0-8027-8650-2,<br />

Walker '98, $15.95.<br />

Frightful's Mountain, by Jean George, 0-525-<br />

46166-3, Dutton '99, $15.99.<br />

The Longest Ride, by Denise Patrick, 0-8050-<br />

4715-8, Holt '99, $15.95.<br />

Moon Over Tennessee, by Craig Crist-Evans, 0-<br />

395-91208-3, Houghton '99, $15.00.<br />

Paperboy, by Isabelle Holland, 0-8234-1422-1,<br />

Holiday House '99, $15.95.<br />

The Song of the Molimo, by Jane Cutler, 0-374-<br />

37141-5, FSG '98, $ 16.00.<br />

Standing in the Light, by Mary Osborne, 0-590-<br />

13462-0, Scholastic '98, $9.95.<br />

The Storyteller's Beads, by Jane Kurtz, 0-15-<br />

201074-2, Harcourt '98, $15.00.<br />

Want to participate in the reading and voting?<br />

Nominate titles for the next year? Go to<br />

Children's Crown Book Award at<br />

www.childrenscrownaward.org and register.<br />

C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 5 S P R I N G 2 0 0 1


School Librarian’s s Corner<br />

Welcome back to the School <strong>Library</strong> Corner of<br />

<strong>Christian</strong> <strong>Library</strong> <strong>Journal</strong>.<br />

by Leslie Greaves Radloff<br />

This column is a<br />

first for me.<br />

Although I have talked about children’s<br />

books and library issues for years, I have<br />

never before written about them on a<br />

regular basis. When Nancy asked me to<br />

take over the column, I thought, “Wow! Big<br />

shoes to fill.” This column was one of the<br />

first parts I read in CLJ after its arrival. So,<br />

with Nancy’s input I began thinking about<br />

topics and materials that I had recently read<br />

and used which might prove helpful to<br />

other school librarians or media specialists.<br />

Two resource books crossed my desk as<br />

I was thinking about the column. One was<br />

Selecting Books for the Elementary School<br />

<strong>Library</strong> Media Center: A Complete Guide<br />

by Phyllis Van Orden, and the other was<br />

Coretta Scott King Award Books: Using<br />

Great Literature with Children and Young<br />

Adults by Claire Gatrell Stephens. Since I<br />

am always looking for resource books to<br />

help me with selection and for materials<br />

that my teachers can use with novels, I’d<br />

like to share them with you.<br />

The first is a very useful, practical<br />

guide for both beginning and experienced<br />

librarians. The thirteen areas covered<br />

include a discussion of the selection process<br />

for collections which will support<br />

curriculum and information literacy for all<br />

students and library users. The general<br />

guidelines may be applied to a variety of<br />

circumstances. All book buyers know that<br />

the price of books has risen in the past few<br />

years and that budgets or gift moneys do<br />

not cover the needs of school libraries. The<br />

author has included tables and criteria to<br />

help understand pre-selection and selection<br />

as well as calling attention to the need for a<br />

selection policy, a subject which I discussed<br />

in an article for <strong>Christian</strong> <strong>Library</strong> <strong>Journal</strong><br />

several years ago. Each library needs one,<br />

in print, clearly written, and available for<br />

people to see. If you don’t have one,<br />

borrow a few from other libraries and tailor<br />

one to fit your own, keeping in mind the<br />

purpose of your school, its special mission,<br />

and philosophy of education.<br />

Van Orden’s book is logically arranged<br />

and moves from general selection<br />

information to the specifics of selection of<br />

materials to reflect diversity; picture books,<br />

the different genres of fiction, non-fiction,<br />

folk-tales, rhymes and poetry; and reference<br />

aids (an area where many of us have trouble<br />

choosing for our unique circumstances) and<br />

professional books. Since many of us use<br />

our money for items other than professional<br />

books, this title could be recommended to<br />

teachers building their own professional<br />

libraries, although if the budget would<br />

allow, I’d say buy it for the media center.<br />

All this information comes with a hefty<br />

price—$49.95. If the cost is prohibitive,<br />

check the public library or<br />

college/university libraries, especially if<br />

there is a library school attached.<br />

The second volume, Coretta Scott King<br />

Award Books, fills a need and a niche.<br />

With so many teachers wanting to teach<br />

with Newbery and Caldecott award books,<br />

many find like the author, that the media<br />

center cannot supply enough titles. The<br />

lists of winners for the Coretta Scott King<br />

Award should help that crunch. Most of us<br />

have the titles on our shelves already.<br />

Some of the titles listed include: In<br />

Daddy’s Arms I Am Tall: African<br />

Americans Celebrating Fathers by John<br />

Steptoe; Taylor’s Let the Circle be<br />

Unbroken and other titles; Walter Dean<br />

Myers The Young Landlords, and many<br />

other titles.<br />

While I was not a teacher who used<br />

worksheet after worksheet when I was in<br />

the classroom, the ideas here could be<br />

adapted to use with students and include<br />

higher level thinking skills. Stephens has<br />

also included a bibliography and suggested<br />

Internet sites, which may or may not be<br />

useful, depending on grade level,<br />

maintenance of the site itself, and suitability<br />

for use with a particular grade.<br />

These books came to me from a special<br />

collection lending library in Minnesota<br />

where teachers, school librarians, and those<br />

interested in the area can check out<br />

materials without having to buy them. See<br />

what your own states have to offer. Even if<br />

there is a small fee attached for borrowing<br />

privileges I have found it to be well worth<br />

it for the amount of materials that I can<br />

borrow. If they seem like titles that I will<br />

use again and again, I often purchase them;<br />

if not, I am not out any money.<br />

Titles discussed:<br />

Stephens, Claire Gatrell. Coretta Scot King<br />

Award Books: Using Great Literature with<br />

Children and Young Adults. Libraries<br />

Unlimited, 2000. 1-56308-685-9.<br />

Van Orden, Phyllis. Selecting Books for the<br />

Elementary School <strong>Library</strong> Media Center.<br />

Neal-Shuman, 2000. $49.95. 1-55570-<br />

368-2.<br />

S P R I N G 2 0 0 1 6 C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L


Celebrate the Triumph of Easter<br />

...with Books<br />

by Lydia E. Harris<br />

˘Hope! Triumph!<br />

Victory! Celebration!<br />

These joyous words describe Easter.<br />

Although Christ’s resurrection is the<br />

pivotal event of history, Easter is often<br />

overshadowed by Christmas. Refocus on<br />

the true significance of Easter by adding<br />

some of these titles for children and<br />

adults to your library collection.<br />

Hallelujah! Christ arose!<br />

Children’s Books<br />

1. BENJAMIN’S BOX by Melody Carlson<br />

(Zonderkidz, 1997, ISBN 1-57673-139-1.<br />

HB, 31 pages, $10.99)<br />

Benjamin, a young boy who lives during the<br />

days of Christ, wants to know who Jesus is.<br />

As he follows Jesus during his last week on<br />

earth, Benjamin gathers special reminders of<br />

events for his treasure box. For example, a<br />

bit of donkey fur reminds him of Jesus’ entry<br />

on a colt. After Jesus’ death and resurrection,<br />

Benjamin tells friends the Easter story using<br />

his special treasures. But he realizes Jesus is<br />

the real treasure. Use it in homes, churches,<br />

and neighborhoods to share the true meaning<br />

of Easter with children ages five to ten. Tips<br />

for leading children to Christ are included.<br />

FamilyLife’s collection of Resurrection Eggs<br />

are available to accompany the story.<br />

2. THE DAY JESUS DIED by Bryan Davis<br />

(Concordia, 1998, ISBN 0-570-07543-2. PB,<br />

16 pages, $1.99)<br />

Although the story of Jesus’ death is often<br />

difficult for young children to understand, this<br />

Arch Book emphasizes it was part of God’s<br />

plan. Written in poetry, it retells the events of<br />

Jesus’ last day on earth and includes the<br />

resurrection. Parents are encouraged to<br />

explain to their children that Jesus’ death<br />

shows his great love for us.<br />

3. EASTER ABCs by Isabel Anders (Concordia,<br />

2000, ISBN 0-570-07020-1. HB, 32 pages,<br />

$7.99)<br />

This cheerful book, with cut-out cover and<br />

bright illustrations, shares the wonderful<br />

events of Easter alphabetically. Children<br />

ages four to seven will enjoy rhyming verses<br />

that tell the Good News and reinforce the<br />

alphabet.<br />

4. EASTER BUNNY, ARE YOU FOR REAL?<br />

by Harold Myra (Tommy Nelson, 1979, 1998,<br />

ISBN 0-8499-1493-0. HB, 24 pages, $7.99)<br />

In this story, a father explains the difference<br />

between the commercial and biblical<br />

meanings of Easter to his family. His<br />

children learn the history behind the holiday<br />

and that it’s all right to celebrate spring<br />

festivities if they don’t overshadow the real<br />

meaning of Easter-Jesus’ resurrection.<br />

Written for children ages three to seven, this<br />

book helps parents and children discover the<br />

Easter that is central to our <strong>Christian</strong> faith.<br />

5. AN EASTER HUNT: A Hide-and-Seek Story<br />

by Sarah Reid Chisholm (Augsburg, 1994,<br />

ISBN 0-8066-2740-9. PB, 32 pages, $6.99)<br />

A mother tells her children why Easter is<br />

special by hiding items that teach about<br />

Jesus’ last week on earth. For example, a<br />

shoe reminds them how Jesus washed his<br />

disciples’ feet and taught them to serve one<br />

another. Children three to eight will enjoy this<br />

family Easter hunt with objects hidden amidst<br />

detailed illustrations.<br />

6. THE EASTER PROMISE by Brian Cochran<br />

with text adapted by Lila Empson (Tommy<br />

Nelson, 1998, ISBN 0-8499-5827-X. HB, 32<br />

pages, $7.99)<br />

Adapted from THE EASTER PROMISE<br />

VIDEO, the story tells of three children who<br />

witness Jesus’ triumphal entry, betrayal,<br />

death, and resurrection. Although they<br />

expected a mighty earthly king, seeing the<br />

empty tomb and Jesus’ ascension into heaven<br />

convince them he is the King above all kings.<br />

7. JESUS by Rick Osborne and K. Christie<br />

Bowler (Zondervan, 1998, ISBN 0-310-<br />

22087-4. HB, 32 pages, $9.99)<br />

Bible stories, facts, activities, and puzzles<br />

provide creative tools to learn about Jesus’<br />

life, love, and example. Part of the “I Want<br />

to Know” series for children eight to twelve,<br />

the first section tells of Jesus’ incarnation and<br />

life on earth including his teachings and<br />

miracles. The remainder covers the Last<br />

Supper, crucifixion, and resurrection.<br />

Preteens will enjoy the youth-friendly writing<br />

style plus full-color photos, graphics, and<br />

cartoons. Included are a few practical<br />

questions and answers plus how to become a<br />

<strong>Christian</strong> and follow Jesus.<br />

8. THE LEGEND OF THE EASTER EGG by<br />

Lori Walburg (Zonderkidz, 1999, ISBN 0-<br />

310-22447-0. HB, 32 pages, $14.99)<br />

A young boy named Thomas must temporarily<br />

live with another family when his sister<br />

contracts scarlet fever. While there he learns<br />

the legend behind the Easter egg and how it<br />

relates to Christ’s resurrection. Just as chicks<br />

break out of eggs, so Jesus broke free from<br />

the tomb of death. Helpful background<br />

information about traditions and symbols of<br />

Lent and Easter are included. Suitable for<br />

children four to eight, this beautiful book<br />

should stimulate further adult-child<br />

discussion about Easter.<br />

9. MARY AND THE EMPTY TOMB by Alice<br />

Joyce Davidson (Zondervan, 1998, ISBN 0-<br />

310-97455-0. HB,12 pages, $3.99)<br />

Colorful illustrations and rhyming verse make<br />

this die-cut board book appealing for children<br />

four and under. It tells the resurrection story<br />

from Mary’s viewpoint, who found the tomb<br />

empty. It concludes with the reassuring<br />

words, “And Jesus loves YOU also and will<br />

always be with YOU!”<br />

10. THE PARABLE OF THE LILY by Liz Curtis<br />

Higgs (Tommy Nelson, 1997, ISBN 0-7852-<br />

7231-3. HB, 32 pages, $7.99)<br />

A farmer secretly mails his daughter Maggie<br />

a surprise present. Young Maggie is<br />

disappointed with her gift of a bulb and dirt.<br />

She waters the bulb for a while, then throws it<br />

out the window. Easter morning she finds a<br />

beautiful, fragrant lily blooming in her yard.<br />

“The gift is alive!” she exclaims. When<br />

Maggie learns the bulb was from her father,<br />

she realizes her ungrateful attitude hurt him.<br />

Her father’s response teaches her that Easter<br />

C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 7 S P R I N G 2 0 0 1


is about forgiveness. Scripture relevant to<br />

the story is included throughout.<br />

11. I’VE JUST SEEN JESUS by Sandi Patty and<br />

Larnelle Harris (J. Countryman, 2000, ISBN<br />

0-8499-5560-2. HB, 64 pages, $12.99)<br />

This 6-1/4-inch-square gift book tells over<br />

twenty uplifting stories of individuals from<br />

around the world whose lives were changed<br />

because they encountered Jesus in a fresh<br />

way. Healings, miracles, answers to prayer,<br />

and transformed lives of young and old are<br />

shared. A beautiful book to enjoy at Easter<br />

and all year, it includes a CD of Sandi Patty<br />

and Larnelle Harris singing, “I’ve Just Seen<br />

Jesus.”<br />

12. PETER’S FIRST EASTER by Walter<br />

Wangerin Jr. (Zonderkidz, 2000, ISBN 0-<br />

310-22217-6. HB, 48 pages, $14.99)<br />

Written from disciple Peter’s perspective, this<br />

fictionalized story is biblically based and<br />

tells of Jesus’ death and resurrection,<br />

including Peter’s denial of him. Wangerin, a<br />

master storyteller, shows what Peter saw,<br />

heard, and felt as he witnessed events from<br />

the Last Supper to fishing with Jesus after his<br />

resurrection. Children ages four to eight will<br />

learn of God’s forgiveness through Jesus’<br />

forgiveness of Peter.<br />

13. THE STORY OF THE EMPTY TOMB by<br />

Bryan Davis (Concordia, 1998, ISBN 0-570-<br />

07544-0. PB, 16 pages, $1.99)<br />

This Arch Book with rhyming verse tells the<br />

story of Jesus’ resurrection for children ages<br />

five to nine. It includes the biblical account<br />

of Jesus’ appearance to Mary, the disciples,<br />

and later to Thomas. Family activities to<br />

celebrate Easter are included.<br />

14. A SURPRISE IN DISGUISE by Jeffrey E.<br />

Burkhart (Concordia, 1999, ISBN 0-570-<br />

07564-5. PB. 18 pages, $1.99)<br />

Written in poetry, this Arch Book reveals the<br />

story of Jesus’ resurrection through his<br />

conversation with the two men on the road to<br />

Emmaus. An ending note encourages<br />

parents to explain the promise of salvation to<br />

their children.<br />

15. THE TALE OF THREE TREES: A<br />

Traditional Folktale by Angela Elwell Hunt<br />

(Lion, 1989, ISBN 0-7459-1743-7. HB, 26<br />

pages, $14.99)<br />

Three trees on a mountain top dream of what<br />

they’ll become when they grow up. Instead<br />

of becoming a treasure chest, a strong ship,<br />

and the tallest tree, they become a manger, a<br />

humble fishing boat, and a cross—all used by<br />

Jesus. Readers of all ages will appreciate<br />

this beloved story at Easter and year round.<br />

16. THE VERY FIRST EASTER by Paul L.<br />

Maier (Concordia, 1999, ISBN 0-570-07053-<br />

8. HB, 32 pages, $14.99)<br />

Ten-year-old Christopher is not interested in<br />

fairy tales and wants to hear the biblical<br />

Easter story. He learns about the ministry,<br />

trial, death, and resurrection of Jesus as he<br />

and his parents read from Scripture.<br />

Christopher asks searching questions, and<br />

his parents provide clear answers. Children<br />

ages five to ten will enjoy this outstanding<br />

sequel to the award-winning, THE VERY<br />

FIRST CHRISTMAS.<br />

Family and Adult Books<br />

1. AND THE ANGELS WERE SILENT by<br />

Max Lucado (Multnomah, 1992, ISBN 0-<br />

88070-727-5. PB, 264 pages, $12.99)<br />

Lucado gives readers a fresh look at the final<br />

week of Jesus’ life by sharing numerous<br />

stories and personal experiences to illustrate<br />

scriptural truths. Combining gentleness and<br />

boldness, he challenges readers that they,<br />

like Pilate, must cast a verdict on Jesus. An<br />

extensive study guide and notes are included<br />

in this inspiring read.<br />

2. BEFORE AND AFTER EASTER: Activities<br />

and Ideas for Lent to Pentecost by Debbie<br />

Trafton O’Neal (Augsburg, 1992, ISBN 0-<br />

8066-2604-6. PB, 64 pages, $10.99)<br />

Just as Advent is a time to prepare for Jesus’<br />

birth, Lent is a season to prepare for his<br />

resurrection. O’Neal includes creative ideas<br />

and activities to celebrate forty days of Lent<br />

plus weekly activities for seven weeks<br />

between Easter and Pentecost. She shares<br />

enough ideas for several seasons along with<br />

the history and traditions of Lent, Easter, and<br />

Pentecost. Although intended for families,<br />

children’s workers will also find it useful.<br />

3. BREATHING NEW LIFE INTO LENT: A<br />

Collection of Creative Worship Resources by<br />

Robert E. Stowe, Donna E. Schaper, Anne<br />

McKinstry, and Janet E. Powers (Judson<br />

Press, 1999, ISBN 0-8170-1319-9. PB, 85<br />

pages, $12.00)<br />

Nine worship services from Ash Wednesday<br />

to Easter are included in this resource. Each<br />

service includes prayers and Scripture plus<br />

sermons for children and adults. Also<br />

featured are antiphonal prayers and hymns,<br />

Lenten reflections, and new songs for Lent.<br />

The innovative ideas are designed to make<br />

Lenten services fulfilling, whether used as<br />

presented or adapted.<br />

4. THE CARPENTER’S CLOTH: Christ’s<br />

Journey to the Cross and Beyond by<br />

Sigmund Brouwer (Word, 1997, ISBN 0-<br />

8499-5366-9. HB, 128 pages, $12.99)<br />

Although a novelist, Brouwer presents<br />

historically accurate facts in these Easter<br />

vignettes and essays. Based on Scripture,<br />

they trace the last days of Jesus’ life through<br />

the eyes of Peter, John, Mary, Martha, and<br />

others. Full-color illustrations, Scripture<br />

passages, and song lyrics by his wife, Cindy<br />

Morgan, enhance the text. In the last<br />

vignette, he explains that a folded carpenter’s<br />

cloth means the work is finished. Similarly,<br />

the folded face cloth in the tomb signified<br />

Jesus had finished his work.<br />

5. CHRIST IN EASTER: A Family Celebration<br />

of Holy Week by Charles Colson, Billy<br />

Graham, Max Lucado, and Joni Eareckson<br />

Tada (NavPress, 1990, ISBN 0-89109-309-5.<br />

PB, 69 pages, $9.00)<br />

Eight devotionals help families prepare for<br />

Easter with worship and fun. Designed for<br />

the week before Easter, they cover Palm<br />

Sunday through Easter. Well-known authors<br />

guide readers through the Last Supper, Good<br />

Friday, and other events of Holy Week.<br />

Hymns, poems, prayers, Scripture, and<br />

varied activities are included. A valuable<br />

resource that adds joy and meaning to<br />

Easter.<br />

6. FAMILY CELEBRATIONS AT EASTER by<br />

Ann Hibbard (Baker, 1994, ISBN 0-8010-<br />

4390-5. PB, 197 pages, $10.99)<br />

This family guide for celebrating Easter<br />

includes brief devotions for six-and-one-half<br />

weeks preceding Easter plus ideas to inspire<br />

children to appreciate Jesus’ death and<br />

resurrection. Projects, activities, hymns, and<br />

the Passover celebration for <strong>Christian</strong>s are<br />

included. An excellent volume that focuses<br />

on the true message of Easter.<br />

7. FAMILY COUNTDOWN TO EASTER: A<br />

Day-by-Day Celebration by Debbie Trafton<br />

O’Neal (Augsburg, 1998, ISBN 0-8066-<br />

3827-3. PB, 48 pages, $10.99)<br />

Families can count down the days from the<br />

day before Lent to Easter Sunday with<br />

suggested daily (except Sundays) activities,<br />

recipes, and crafts. Stickers are included for<br />

the one-page calendar. A useful tool to<br />

celebrate the season and create family<br />

memories.<br />

8. THE FINAL WEEK OF JESUS by Max<br />

S P R I N G 2 0 0 1 8 C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L


Lucado (Multnomah, 1994, ISBN 0-88070-<br />

630-9. HB, 128 pages, $19.99)<br />

This attractive volume includes highlights<br />

from Lucado’s best-seller, AND THE<br />

ANGELS WERE SILENT, along with fullcolor<br />

artwork. Readers discover what<br />

matters to God by learning how Jesus spent<br />

his last week on earth. Jesus’ passion, power,<br />

and promise are evident in this moving book.<br />

9. FROM SACRIFICE TO CELEBRATION: A<br />

Lenten Journey by Evan Drake Howard<br />

(Judson Press, 1993, ISBN 0-8170-1197-8.<br />

PB, 96 pages, $12.00)<br />

Howard beckons readers on a journey of<br />

spiritual growth during the Lenten season.<br />

Each of seven chapters is based on a Gospel<br />

text about biblical characters such as<br />

Nicodemus, the prodigal son, and the<br />

Samaritan woman. Suitable for personal or<br />

group study, chapters end with a prayer and<br />

questions for reflection.<br />

10. GLORIOUS MORNING!: An Invitation to<br />

Resurrection Praise by Jack Hayford<br />

(Multnomah, 1996, ISBN 0-88070-862-X.<br />

HB, 136 pages, $11.99)<br />

Pastor Hayford offers a fresh perspective of<br />

resurrection power through these brief<br />

reflections. Meditations, songs, and poems<br />

help readers prepare their hearts to celebrate<br />

the empty tomb. A joy-filled book, it teaches<br />

that the triumph which changed history<br />

brings personal victory to individuals today.<br />

11. YESTERDAY, TODAY, FOREVER by<br />

Bruce Marchiano (Harvest House, 1999,<br />

ISBN 0-7369-0048-9. HB, 112 pages,<br />

$24.99).<br />

Readers step back in time and experience<br />

events during Jesus’ days through the eyes of<br />

Marchiano, who played Jesus in the movie,<br />

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO<br />

MATTHEW. This captivating book depicts<br />

Jesus’ life and teachings not only through<br />

words but also through spectacular<br />

photography. It emphasizes God’s love-the<br />

same yesterday, today, forever, and<br />

encourages readers to accept the gift of<br />

salvation.<br />

12. MARTIN LUTHER’S EASTER BOOK<br />

edited by Roland H. Bainton (Augsburg,<br />

1962, ISBN 0-8066-3578-9. PB, 106 pages,<br />

$10.99)<br />

Excerpts from Martin Luther’s Easter<br />

sermons on the Gospels are collected in this<br />

unique volume. Sermon passages cover the<br />

journey to Jerusalem, Holy Week, the Lord’s<br />

Supper, Jesus’ arrest, trial, crucifixion, and<br />

resurrection. The messages reveal Luther’s<br />

thoughts on God’s love, salvation by grace,<br />

forgiveness of sin, and more.<br />

13. THE MATTHEW PASSION: A Lenten<br />

Journey to the Cross and Resurrection by<br />

John Fenton (Augsburg, 1996, ISBN 0-8066-<br />

2986-X. PB, 158 pages, $13.99)<br />

Fenton, a Bible scholar from Oxford,<br />

England, offers daily readings from Ash<br />

Wednesday through Easter on Jesus’ life,<br />

passion, and resurrection. He illuminates<br />

passages from Matthew’s Gospel with<br />

thought-provoking reflections and includes<br />

prayer suggestions. Appendices about<br />

Matthew and notes for group discussion are<br />

included. Although intended for Lent, it’s<br />

useful any time of year for personal or group<br />

study.<br />

14. ON THE CROSS ROAD: A Daily<br />

Devotional for Lent by Joan Trusty Moore<br />

(Judson Press, 1999, ISBN 0-8170-1316-4.<br />

PB, 177 pages, $12.00)<br />

This volume is comprised of over forty<br />

devotionals for the Lenten season. Each<br />

contains Gospel passages, thoughts on the<br />

Scripture, and a short prayer. Meditations<br />

focus on those whose lives were changed by<br />

encountering Jesus during his last weeks on<br />

earth. Included are familiar people like<br />

Zacchaeus and Lazarus plus lesser-known<br />

individuals like Malchus and Annas. As<br />

Easter approaches, the devotionals center on<br />

those witnessing the crucifixion—the thieves,<br />

Jesus’ mother, Joseph of Arimathea, and<br />

others. It contains reflections to ponder year<br />

after year.<br />

15. SIX HOURS ONE FRIDAY: Anchoring to<br />

the Power of the Cross by Max Lucado<br />

(Multnomah, 1989, ISBN 0-88070-827-1.<br />

PB, 237 pages, $12.99)<br />

Lucado weaves stories and scriptural<br />

insights around three solid anchor points<br />

believers can count on: Our lives are not<br />

futile, our failures are not fatal, and our<br />

deaths are not final. Because of “six hours<br />

one Friday,” these anchors are sturdy<br />

enough to withstand any storms of life.<br />

Consequently, futility is replaced with<br />

purpose; failure holds forgiveness; and death<br />

is exchanged for deliverance. An uplifting<br />

read with an extensive study guide.<br />

16. SUDDENLY ONE MORNING: The<br />

Shopkeeper’s Story by Charles R. Swindoll<br />

(Word, 1998, ISBN 0-8499-1356-X. HB, 96<br />

pages, $14.99)<br />

Readers experience the last week of Jesus’<br />

life through the narrative of a Jewish<br />

shopkeeper in Jerusalem. As the shopkeeper<br />

is drawn into the happenings, he realizes<br />

Jesus is the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy.<br />

The man he knew as a carpenter becomes his<br />

Savior, and his life is transformed. Although<br />

a fictional account, this short, compelling<br />

read includes biblically accurate details.<br />

17. THE WEEPING CHAMBER by Sigmund<br />

Brouwer (Word, 1998, ISBN 0-8499-3703-5.<br />

PB, 310 pages, $12.99)<br />

The week before Jesus’ crucifixion, Simeon<br />

arrives in Bethany to visit a relative who is<br />

his business partner. Struggling with guilt<br />

and broken relationships back home, Simeon<br />

is ready to end his life. But things change<br />

when he meets Jesus and is asked to carry<br />

his cross to Golgotha. A real page-turner,<br />

this historical fiction novel weaves the last<br />

days of Jesus’ life together with the life of<br />

troubled Simeon and offers the miracle of life<br />

and hope.<br />

18. WHO MOVED THE STONE? by Frank<br />

Morison (Zondervan, 1958, 1987, ISBN 0-<br />

310-29561-0. PB, 193 pages, $10.99)<br />

Morison, an English journalist, sets out to<br />

write a book that disproves the resurrection.<br />

But after detailed examination of the<br />

historical account, he ends up defending<br />

Christ’s resurrection. First written in 1930,<br />

the book is a classic apologetic on the<br />

resurrection.<br />

Lydia E. Harris, freelance writer in<br />

Seattle, WA, writes book reviews,<br />

devotionals, and articles for numerous<br />

publications. Her syndicated column on<br />

tea appears in twenty states and three<br />

provinces. She enjoys celebrating Easter<br />

with her husband, two married children,<br />

and one adorable grandson.<br />

C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 9 S P R I N G 2 0 0 1


BOOK REVIEWS<br />

PICTURE BOOKS<br />

A. Lincoln and me, by Louise Borden;<br />

illustrated by Ted Lewin. LCCN<br />

95001921. New York: Scholastic Press,<br />

Scholastic, Inc., 1999. ISBN 0590457144,<br />

HBB, $15.95.<br />

E. Lincoln, Abraham--Fiction. unp. Small children.<br />

Sometimes it’s hard to be a kid, especially when<br />

you stand a foot taller than your class and your<br />

hands and feet are as big as a baboon’s, but what<br />

our hero in A. Lincoln and Me finds out is that<br />

sometimes being different isn’t as bad as it<br />

seems. In this sweet tale of growing up by<br />

Louise Borden, one little boy discovers that the<br />

things that make him stand out are the same<br />

things that made President Abraham Lincoln<br />

stand out. They even share the same February<br />

12th birthday.<br />

Ted Lewin’s illustrations combine sketches of<br />

Abraham Lincoln with realistic water color<br />

images of the boy and those important to his life,<br />

weaving a tapestry of black and white to<br />

represent the past, and bright colors to represent<br />

the present. The book is clean and crisp and<br />

doesn’t even hint at any real hurt in the boy’s<br />

heart for being laughed at and ridiculed; however<br />

it does give the teacher the important role of<br />

mediator and shows how one person’s<br />

encouragement can make up for another’s<br />

cruelty.<br />

Virginia Schnabel, Freelance Writer, Shelton, Washington<br />

Bear on the train, written by Julie Lawson;<br />

illustrated by Brian Deines. Toronto, Ont.:<br />

Kids Can Press, 1999. ISBN 1550745603,<br />

HBB, $14.95.<br />

E. Bears--Fiction. 30 p. Small children.<br />

Bear smells food and gets on the grain train,<br />

where he eats his fill and settles down to<br />

hibernate. Only young Jeffrey has seen Bear.<br />

The train continues to crisscross Canada, passing<br />

through Jeffrey’s town each trip and only Jeffrey<br />

sees Bear as the train passes through. Crossing<br />

Canada the train passes through the many<br />

terrains of Canada and experiences the passages<br />

of the seasons. Finally spring arrives and Bear’s<br />

hibernation ends as he leaves the train and goes<br />

back to his home in the woods.<br />

Julie Lawson uses repetition and refrain to<br />

emphasize the on-going trip. The words are<br />

lyrical. Brian Deines’ oil on canvas illustrations<br />

beautifully convey the vastness of Canada and<br />

the changing of the seasons. Both the author and<br />

illustrator are Canadian. Children will<br />

appreciate Bear and his search for food. Julie<br />

Lawson and Brian Deines have combined their<br />

talents to create a lovely pictorial story.<br />

Barbara Wall, School <strong>Library</strong> System Director, Oswego County<br />

BOCES, Mexico, New York<br />

Big Truck and Little Truck, by Jan Carr;<br />

illustrated by Ivan Bates. LCCN<br />

99047323. New York: Scholastic Press,<br />

2000. ISBN 0439071771, HBB, $15.95.<br />

E. Trucks--Fiction. unp. Small children.<br />

A working mother, Carr lives in New York City<br />

with husband and preschool son, and was<br />

inspired to write this book, as her son adores<br />

trucks. She offers a story in which children will<br />

feel reassurance and warmth. The story centers<br />

on Big Truck who teaches Little Truck<br />

everything. But one day Big Truck’s engine<br />

won’t start, and while it’s at the repair garage,<br />

Little Truck needs to manage.<br />

The story about separation, independence, and<br />

love includes delightful illustrations by Bates<br />

who makes the trucks into animated characters.<br />

One can see Little Truck’s growing confidence,<br />

and also challenges.<br />

Carr has previously written Frozen Noses<br />

(Holiday House, 1999) and You’re Invited to<br />

Mary-Kate and Ashley’s Ballet Party<br />

(Scholastic, 1998), among others. Bates has<br />

illustrated other children’s books like The Dark<br />

at the Top of the Stairs (Candlewick, 1998) and<br />

Just You & Me (Candlewick, 1998), both by Sam<br />

McBratney. He lives in England with wife<br />

Rachel.<br />

Leroy Hommerding, Director, Fort Myers Beach P.L. District, Fort<br />

Myers, Florida<br />

Boomer’s big surprise, by Constance W.<br />

McGeorge; illustrated by Mary Whyte.<br />

LCCN 98008434. San Francisco:<br />

Chronicle Books, 1999. ISBN 0811819779,<br />

HBB, $14.95.<br />

E. Dogs--Fiction; Dogs--Infancy--Fiction; Animals--<br />

Infancy--Fiction; Babies--Fiction. 24 p. Small<br />

children.<br />

Family dog Boomer has a very big surprise<br />

waiting for him. His owners have a new baby to<br />

add to the family. The baby is a new puppy<br />

named Baby Boomer. Baby is so cute and<br />

lovable that the family wants to play with him<br />

and not Boomer. Boomer is very sad that his<br />

family no longer wants to play fetch or pet him.<br />

Baby Boomer saves the story by wanting to play<br />

with and be loved by Boomer. So Boomer and<br />

Baby Boomer become wonderful friends and<br />

learn that they can both be loved by the family.<br />

Mary Whyte has fantastic illustrations that really<br />

help the reader feel Boomer’s sadness. Also<br />

from the illustrations, the reader will want to<br />

pick up and cuddle Baby Boomer. Boomer<br />

appears in other stories, but the reader does not<br />

need to have read those previous books in order<br />

to love Boomer’s Big Surprise.<br />

Connie Weaver, Church Librarian, Newville, Pennsylvania<br />

Brave Martha, written and illustrated by<br />

Margot Apple. LCCN 97042616. Boston:<br />

Houghton Mifflin, 1999. ISBN<br />

0395594227, HBB, $15.00.<br />

E. Cats--Fiction; Fear of the dark--Fiction; Bedtime--<br />

Fiction. 30 p. Small children.<br />

"Scritcha, scritcha, scritch." Martha hears the<br />

unusual noise as she peeks timidly from her bed.<br />

Usually, Sophie, her cat, would check all the<br />

dark corners and creepy places before Martha<br />

went to sleep. But tonight, Sophie isn’t around,<br />

and her father hasn’t checked under her bed, a<br />

favorite hiding place for something scary.<br />

As the story progresses, Brave Martha searches<br />

out all the potential places as her imagination<br />

builds great, scary monsters. But nothing turns<br />

out as it seems. At last Sophie her cat reappears,<br />

having been the noisemaker all along.<br />

This is Margot Apple’s second book as<br />

author/illustrator. The pictures are big and<br />

expressive, the text short and to the point. The<br />

story line of Brave Martha is quite simple and<br />

would allow for good discussion with children<br />

about those imaginary fears many have. A<br />

comforting point to make is the final picture<br />

where Martha has settled down for the night, and<br />

her father is checking on her to be sure she is all<br />

right. This gives assurance that parents care and<br />

do their best to keep their children safe and<br />

secure.<br />

Mary McKinney, Former Teacher, Freelance Writer, Editor, Port<br />

Orchard, Washington<br />

Bright 'n beautiful. (Jay Jay the jet plane.)<br />

Nashville: Tommy Nelson, Thomas Nelson.<br />

Vid, 0849975484, $12.97.<br />

E. Primary (Elementary).<br />

Bright ‘n Beautiful is comprised of three tenminute<br />

adventures from the "Jay Jay the Jet<br />

Plane" series from Focus on the Family.<br />

In "Snuffy’s Rainbow" little Snuffy the Airplane<br />

sees his first rainbow and is determined to fly to<br />

the rainbow to meet it personally. But what he<br />

seeks always fades before him. Oscar the<br />

Airplane tells him that the rainbow has a secret.<br />

Resting in his hangar because of rain, Snuffy<br />

falls asleep and dreams that he has caught up to<br />

the rainbow and she tells him that her secret is<br />

that some things—like his skywriting—look<br />

better from far away. Snuffy awakens realizing<br />

that the truth of what she has told him and<br />

skywrites a rainbow for everybody.<br />

In the second installment, "Snuffy Discovers the<br />

Ocean," upon seeing a fish in an aquarium<br />

Snuffy wonders asks Tracy and Jay Jay about the<br />

ocean which they are about to go fly over. As he<br />

is thinking over what they say, he falls asleep and<br />

soon hears the fish calling his name. The fish<br />

S P R I N G 2 0 0 1 1 0 C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L


PICTURE BOOKS<br />

tells him to catch up with the others so that he<br />

can see the ocean. He does and is astounded at<br />

its beauty. While the others continue on, he<br />

stays to explore with the understanding that they<br />

will pick him up later. He actually dives into the<br />

ocean and is amazed with God’s creation. He<br />

wants to stay in the ocean but when he begins to<br />

show the fish his skywriting, he pollutes the<br />

ocean and loses his way in the smoky waters.<br />

He is about to panic when—he wakes up! It was<br />

all a dream. Now Tracy and Jay Jay really do<br />

take him to see the ocean, but he stays above the<br />

water.<br />

The last story is "The Upside Down Waterfall."<br />

Snuffy tells his friends that he has seen an<br />

upside down waterfall in the park. They go with<br />

him but find nothing at all and don’t believe him<br />

even though they cannot argue him out of his<br />

idea. Brenda Blue suggests to Jay Jay that<br />

perhaps he would be a better friend if he<br />

believed in Snuffy and tried to find out how he<br />

might be right instead of spending time trying to<br />

prove him wrong. Jay Jay goes back to the park<br />

and he sees the upside down waterfall and goes<br />

to bring everyone else. When Brenda Blue sees<br />

what it is, she realizes that they are really<br />

viewing a geyser and explains it to the three<br />

friends.<br />

This is an very sweet video for younger<br />

children. The computer animations are colorful<br />

and appealing. Each story has a simple song<br />

that suits the theme of the story and is easy to<br />

sing. A gentle way to present scriptural ideas<br />

about God’s love and creation to small children<br />

who will probably want to watch them over and<br />

over.<br />

Teresa O’Donley, <strong>Library</strong> Media Specialist, Baymonte <strong>Christian</strong><br />

School, Scotts Valley, California<br />

Bumblebee at Apple Tree Lane, by Laura<br />

Gates Galvin; illustrated by Kristin Kest.<br />

(Smithsonian’s backyard.) LCCN<br />

99043774. Norwalk, Ct.: Soundprints,<br />

2000. ISBN 1568998201, HBB, $15.95.<br />

E. Bumblebees--Fiction. 32 p. Small children.<br />

Bumblebee has much to do and not very much<br />

time to do it in. She must find a home, stock up<br />

the pantry, prepare the nursery, lay her eggs, and<br />

train her children. All of this within a few short<br />

months. Fortunately, Bumblebee is successful<br />

in finding an abandoned nest, which she cleans<br />

out, and begins preparation for the things she<br />

must do next. For anyone who has ever<br />

wondered about the activities of a queen<br />

bumblebee, this is the book for you. Bumblebee<br />

at Apple Tree Lane by Laura Gates Galvin is a<br />

treat. Part of the Smithsonian Backyard<br />

Soundprints series, this book delivers<br />

information on not only the life cycle of the<br />

queen bumblebee, but also provides general<br />

information on the bumblebee, a glossary of<br />

terms, and other points of interest. Kristin<br />

Kest’s illustrations bring Ms. Galvin’s story to<br />

life, and educate while they entertain. Ms. Kest<br />

has included excellent detail in her illustrations,<br />

and provides the reader with a close-up view of<br />

the bumblebee and her environment. This book<br />

would make an excellent addition to any library,<br />

<strong>Christian</strong> school, or public.<br />

Debby Willett, Freelance Writer, Canyon, Texas<br />

Butterfly house, by Eve Bunting;<br />

illustrated by Greg Shed. LCCN<br />

98016349. New York: Scholastic, 1999.<br />

ISBN 0590848844, HBB, $15.95.<br />

E. Butterflies--Fiction; Metamorphosis--Fiction;<br />

Grandfathers--Fiction; Stories in rhyme. unp. Small<br />

children.<br />

A little girl saves a caterpillar from a hungry<br />

blue jay and with her grandpa’s help makes a<br />

special butterfly house. Her grandpa knows the<br />

flowers that a butterfly likes the best.<br />

Enthusiastically, the little girl paints all the<br />

colorful flowers inside her box. She adds a stick<br />

and carefully puts the caterpillar inside. She<br />

watches expectantly as the caterpillar turns into<br />

a chrysalis and then a butterfly. All too soon,<br />

however, it is time to set the butterfly free. It is<br />

a sad moment but she knows that it is the right<br />

thing to do. The butterfly is now gone and the<br />

little girl is grown; but every year the Painted<br />

Ladies come and fill her flower garden.<br />

Sometimes she wonders if it is their way of<br />

thanking her for saving the life of that first<br />

caterpillar.<br />

Butterfly House demonstrates a shared<br />

experience between a granddaughter and her<br />

grandpa. Eve Bunting has captured an<br />

experience that all of us have at one time<br />

enjoyed or are looking expectantly for the day<br />

when it will happen to us. The bond that builds<br />

between the two adds extra dimension to the<br />

story. The illustrations are bold and bright.<br />

Greg Shed has created brilliant, muted colors<br />

that cover the entire page, while the text is<br />

presented in an almost poetic form. This book is<br />

comparable to their combined efforts on the<br />

book Dandelion. The book ends with an<br />

informative page, which explains how to raise a<br />

butterfly.<br />

The story is easy to relate to and the illustrations<br />

consume you. The story slows down and lacks<br />

a captivating ending, however. Children would<br />

enjoy this story. The thought that their kindness<br />

to an animal may be someday reciprocated is<br />

intriguing.<br />

Marcia Snyder, Librarian, Missoula, Montana<br />

The can-do Thanksgiving, by Marion Hess<br />

Pomeranc; pictures by Nancy Cote.<br />

LCCN 98011264. Morton Grove, Ill.:<br />

Albert Whitman, 1998. ISBN 0807510548,<br />

HBB, $14.95.<br />

E. Thanksgiving Day--Fiction. 30 p. Small children.<br />

Dee and her mother shop for food to donate to<br />

the food campaign in Dee’s classroom. Dee is<br />

careful to pick things that she likes so that<br />

children like herself will have food they enjoy<br />

for Thanksgiving. Dee picks a can of peas and<br />

asks her mother and her teacher where the peas<br />

will go. Since no one can be sure exactly where<br />

the peas will end up, Dee takes matters into her<br />

own hands by putting a little note on the can<br />

with the name of the school and her class. One<br />

week later Dee’s teacher gets a phone call from<br />

the food kitchen inviting the class to come and<br />

help serve food on Thanksgiving. Dee’s note<br />

was found!<br />

Dee and her mother join the rest of the class at<br />

the food kitchen. When a disaster happens with<br />

the vegetables, Dee and another child who also<br />

wears glasses make a veggie medley just like<br />

Dee and her dad make at home. The first thing<br />

in is Dee’s peas. Everyone sits down to a lovely<br />

dinner and gives thanks for the warm friendship<br />

and food.<br />

The Can-do Thanksgiving is a simple story with<br />

an underlying wealth of meaning. Giving of our<br />

time and our resources result in a special feeling<br />

that is shared by all. Children will appreciate the<br />

simple story and the way Dee learns where "her"<br />

peas went. Nancy Cole has painted simple, yet<br />

interesting pictures that children will appreciate.<br />

Barbara Wall, School <strong>Library</strong> System Director, Oswego County<br />

BOCES, Mexico, New York<br />

Coyote at Pinon Place, written by<br />

Deborah Dennard; illustrated by John<br />

Paul Genzo. (Smithsonian’s backyard.)<br />

LCCN 99019242. Norwalk, Ct.:<br />

Soundprints, 1999. ISBN 1568997671,<br />

HBB, $15.95.<br />

E. Coyote--Fiction; Animals--Fiction. 32 p. Small<br />

children.<br />

This wildlife storybook, authenticated by the<br />

Smithsonian Institution, fosters an appreciation<br />

and understanding of natural habitats, the<br />

wildlife therein, and respect for the<br />

environment.<br />

The young coyote on a daytime trek interacts<br />

with birds, a rattlesnake, and a woodrat before<br />

returning to the forest. The illustrations enable<br />

children to create a story of their own, and the<br />

words let parents and grandparents add spice to<br />

the story. <strong>Christian</strong> schools can add this title,<br />

assured both of a biblical worldview and an<br />

interesting, informative storyline. A one-page<br />

fact sheet at the end of the book highlights facts<br />

about the coyote. This title is part of the<br />

Soundprints Series, which has been awarded the<br />

Parents’ Choice Honors.<br />

Dennard lives in Texas and is the author and<br />

photographer of several award-winning books<br />

for children. John Paul Genzo lives in New<br />

Jersey and has designed several postage stamps<br />

featuring wildlife and has illustrated several<br />

children’s books.<br />

Leroy Hommerding, Director, Fort Myers Beach P.L. District, Fort<br />

Myers, Florida<br />

The day the circus came to town, by<br />

Melody Carlson; illustrations by Ned<br />

Butterfield. LCCN 99086595. Wheaton,<br />

Ill.: Crossway Books, Good News<br />

Publishers, 2000. ISBN 158134158X,<br />

HBB, $14.99.<br />

E. Circus--Fiction; Peer pressure--Fiction. 32 p.<br />

Small children (Elementary).<br />

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PICTURE BOOKS<br />

In The Day the Circus Came to Town, by<br />

Melody Carlson, Billy’s family has tickets to see<br />

the circus. This is a special event because he<br />

and his sister Emma have never been to the<br />

circus. Later in the day he and his friends are<br />

playing when they meet Zino the Clown from<br />

the circus. Zino offers the boys tickets, but Seth,<br />

Samuel, and Jack give Zino a hard time. They<br />

decide circuses are for babies, so Billy agrees<br />

with the other boys and refuses the ticket. That<br />

evening Billy refuses to go with his family to the<br />

circus. While his family is gone he decides to<br />

play with his friends but none of them is at<br />

home. Then Billy decides it would not hurt to<br />

go and check out the circus. He peers into the<br />

tent and sees his friends inside with their<br />

families. Billy decides he really wants to be<br />

with his family, but the man at the door will not<br />

let him in without a ticket. Billy is ready to go<br />

home when Zino the Clown appears with a<br />

ticket. Zino offers Billy another chance to see<br />

the circus and Billy is happy to accept the<br />

invitation.<br />

The message to "follow your heart and not your<br />

friends" is clear in this story. While some<br />

children will find this story "old-fashioned," it<br />

will be good for discussions about how<br />

decisions have consequences. The illustrations<br />

truly compliment the style of the author’s story.<br />

Susan K. Brown, Teacher, Noblesville, Indiana<br />

Elliot bakes a cake, written and illustrated<br />

by Andrea Beck. (An Elliot Moose story.)<br />

Toronto, Ont.: Kids Can Press, 1999.<br />

ISBN 1550744437, HBB, $12.95.<br />

E. Animals--Fiction. 32 p. Small children.<br />

It’s Lionel’s birthday and Elliot wants to make<br />

him a cake. Elliot recruits Socks, Amy, and<br />

Paisley to help. They run to tell Beaverton their<br />

plan. After digging around in his cupboard<br />

Beaverton finds a good cake recipe. Finding<br />

everything they need, the friends work together<br />

to make the cake. Problems begin when they<br />

don’t understand what it means to separate eggs.<br />

Do you put them in separate bowls? And does<br />

cream the butter mean you pour cream on the<br />

butter? However, their biggest problem is<br />

deciding when the cake is done. The recipe says<br />

when they touch the cake it will spring up. But<br />

no matter how close they watch it, the cake<br />

doesn’t spring up. First it wobbles, then it<br />

doesn’t do anything, and while they waiting for<br />

it to spring up it burns. Disappointed, but<br />

resourceful, they cut off the burned part,<br />

decorate the cake, and surprise Lionel with "the<br />

best cake they had ever tasted."<br />

A story of co-operation and resourcefulness,<br />

Elliot Bakes A Cake will delight young readers.<br />

Often faced with complex situations or<br />

instructions they don’t understand, young<br />

children will empathize with the animals as they<br />

stumble through the directions. And they will be<br />

thrilled with the inventive solution to the<br />

problem. Andrea Beck encourages the reader to<br />

persevere in spite of problems. Beck’s<br />

delightful, brightly colored animals crowd the<br />

pages with happy expressive faces.<br />

The recipe for the cake is on the last page of the<br />

book. It is worded just like the recipe the<br />

animals used. Children, or even adults who are<br />

not in the habit of baking, could find the recipe<br />

a bit confusing.<br />

Barbara A. Bryden, Freelance Writer, Olympia, Washington<br />

Enemy pie, by Derek Munson; illustrated<br />

by Tara Calahan King. LCCN 99050821.<br />

San Francisco: Chronicle Books, 2000.<br />

ISBN 081182778X, HBB, $14.95.<br />

E. Friendship--Fiction; Fathers and sons--Fiction;<br />

Pies--Fiction. unp. Small children.<br />

In Derek Munson’s Enemy Pie, the author<br />

shows how one boy learned to accept<br />

differences in people and make a new friend.<br />

This charming story chronicles the stages of<br />

friendship. The problem begins when Jeremy<br />

Ross moves into the neighborhood and does<br />

things that really upset the main character in the<br />

story. The main character seeks advice from his<br />

dad, who understands stuff like enemies. Dad<br />

even knows a way to get rid of enemies. His<br />

secret weapon is enemy pie. It is guaranteed to<br />

get rid of enemies. The main character brings<br />

his dad all sorts of things to put in the pie like<br />

worms, rocks, already chewed gum, but dad<br />

gives it all back. Then Dad says the hardest part<br />

of making enemy pie work is up to you. You<br />

have to spend a whole day with your enemy.<br />

The main character is not sure about this idea<br />

but he follows his dad’s advice. In just a short<br />

time the boys were having a great time together.<br />

Now it is time to have some enemy pie. The<br />

boys sit down with Dad to eat their pie and ice<br />

cream. Then panic sets in. The main character<br />

does not want Jeremy Ross to eat the pie. He<br />

tries to stop Jeremy, but Jeremy asks, "If it is bad<br />

then why has your dad already eaten half of it?"<br />

The enemy pie is delicious and the boys became<br />

friends. This story will lend itself to discussions<br />

about friends and enemies. Most children will<br />

be able to relate to at least one of the characters<br />

in the story. Tara Calahan King uses color<br />

pencil and pastel illustrations to add to this great<br />

story.<br />

Susan K. Brown, Teacher, Noblesville, Indiana<br />

The everything book, by Denise Fleming.<br />

LCCN 99053626. New York: Henry Holt,<br />

2000. ISBN 0805062920, HBB, $18.95.<br />

E. Children’s literature; Literature--Collections. 64 p.<br />

Small children.<br />

From the sunshine yellow end papers to the<br />

bright colorful paper pulp paintings of children<br />

and common everyday objects, Denise<br />

Fleming’s The Everything Book is a joy.<br />

Fleming calls this book her ‘diaper bag book,’<br />

while the book jacket says ‘something for<br />

everyone.’ They are both right! Whether in a<br />

diaper bag or on a library shelf, this cornucopia<br />

of rhymes, poems, labeled pictures, and<br />

wonderful pictures of a small child’s daily life<br />

would entertain a small child for a long time.<br />

The title page has seventeen ladybugs trailing<br />

across it, which sets up a treasure hunt for the<br />

rest of the book: How many ladybugs are on<br />

each page? Page 62 includes a list of the<br />

number of bugs found on each page (although<br />

the ladybugs on the book jacket are not<br />

mentioned) and the ladybug parade continues<br />

right onto the last page, where the final ladybug<br />

flies across a starry sky filled with a huge<br />

crescent moon and the words, ‘Bye-Bye.’<br />

On the way to ‘Bye-Bye,’ little lapsitters can<br />

learn the names of common kitchen items,<br />

fruits, colors, animals, and even body parts<br />

(including an overalled rear labeled ‘bottom’),<br />

as well as listen to poems about subjects as<br />

diverse as chickens, fireflies, and traffic lights.<br />

Fleming likes to put personal touches in her<br />

books from time to time; in this one, the faces on<br />

pages 50-51 include Fleming’s great-niece-inlaw,<br />

Lexie, and a little girl that represents what<br />

Fleming thinks her Henry Holt editor, Laura<br />

Godwin, looked like as a child. The final<br />

personal touch is a poignant one. Children, no<br />

matter how old they grow, are always children in<br />

their mothers’ hearts, and although Fleming’s<br />

daughter Indigo is now grown up, The<br />

Everything Book is dedicated to her.<br />

Betty Winslow, Bowling Green <strong>Christian</strong> Academy, Bowling Green,<br />

Ohio<br />

Fantastic faith. (Jay Jay the jet plane.)<br />

Nashville: Tommy Nelson, Thomas<br />

Nelson, . ISBN 849975468, VID, $12.97.<br />

E. Children--Conduct of life; Children--Religious life;<br />

<strong>Christian</strong> life. 1 videocassette, col., 30 min. Small<br />

children.<br />

How can children face their fears and talk about<br />

them? How do they deal with fear of the dark,<br />

or the jitters of the first day of school?<br />

Computer animation is used to create a story for<br />

each of these three areas. Fantastic Faith<br />

centers around Jay Jay, the Jet Plane, an inviting<br />

animated character with a human face. Jay Jay<br />

is ashamed to share his bad dream with friends<br />

but via song and talk about his fears, comes to<br />

face them. On his first day of school he learns<br />

he’s not the only plane who has ever struggled<br />

with first-day jitters. On a camping trip, Snuffy<br />

overcomes his fear of the dark with help from<br />

Jay Jay.<br />

Each of the short stories brings God into the<br />

picture, e.g., God helps us through our friends in<br />

the first story, and we are never really lost to<br />

God in the third story where stars are the focal<br />

point for dealing with the dark. Children will<br />

like the quick moving pace of the stories, the<br />

delightful animation, and the original songs.<br />

Parents can utilize the stories with confidence,<br />

even retelling portions, as kids will likely<br />

remember the stories. Recommended for all<br />

children’s libraries.<br />

Leroy Hommerding, Director, Fort Myers Beach P.L. District, Fort<br />

Myers, Florida<br />

Farmer Brown’s field trip, written by<br />

Melody Carlson; illustrations by Steve<br />

Bjorkman. LCCN 99053086. Wheaton,<br />

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Ill.: Crossway Books, Good News<br />

Publishers, 2000. ISBN 1581341423,<br />

HBB, $9.99.<br />

E. Parables; Stories in rhyme. unp. Small children.<br />

Spring is in the air, and chores need to be done.<br />

One of those chores is plowing the fields.<br />

Farmer Brown gets his equipment ready and<br />

accidentally drops his glasses. Molly, his<br />

faithful mule, steps on his glasses and now<br />

Farmer Brown has a problem. Without these<br />

glasses, he is unable to see where he is plowing.<br />

He blindly plows the fields, without realizing<br />

the haphazard pattern he is creating. Finally, he<br />

buys another pair of glasses, surveys his work,<br />

and discovers the fruit of his labors.<br />

Melody Carlson has creatively woven a<br />

children’s story from the parable of the sower.<br />

Her rhyme is easy to read, easy to understand,<br />

and moves along at a quick tempo. Ms. Carlson<br />

has taken a parable that could be difficult to<br />

teach children and made it easy to understand.<br />

Steve Bjorkman’s illustrations in Farmer<br />

Brown’s Field Trip are colorful and fun and<br />

nicely convey the message of Ms. Carlson’s<br />

rhyme. This book is an excellent choice for<br />

children at any library.<br />

Debby Willett, Freelance Writer, Canyon, Texas<br />

★<br />

Forever friends, by Joni Eareckson Tada<br />

and Melody Carlson; illustrated by<br />

Douglas Klauba. LCCN 00010098.<br />

Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books, 2000.<br />

ISBN 1581342160, HBB, $14.00.<br />

E. Dolls--Fiction; Toys--Fiction; Friendship--Fiction.<br />

28 p. Small children.<br />

Mr. Giovanni’s toys come alive when he leaves<br />

for the day. His newest creation is Jenny, a doll<br />

named after his own daughter. Jenny has clear<br />

eyes, taffy-colored hair, and a red gingham<br />

dress. As soon as Mr. Giovanni leaves, Jenny<br />

begins her search for a friend. There are shelves<br />

and shelves of toys and Jenny almost doesn’t<br />

know where to start. She approaches other dolls<br />

next to her, but learns they are not eager to be<br />

friends. Their idea of fun is sitting and talking.<br />

Jenny has other ideas. She approaches toy<br />

soldiers, a stuffed dog, and other toys before<br />

finally visiting with a stuffed rabbit named<br />

Rabbie. Rabbie is old and worn—not what<br />

Jenny is looking for in a friend. But Rabbie is<br />

also well-loved, and has wisdom for Jenny,<br />

wisdom that helps Jenny to be a better friend.<br />

Forever Friends, by Joni Eareckson Tada with<br />

Melody Carson, is a shining story of what true<br />

friendship is all about. Sometimes we pick our<br />

friends for the wrong reasons. Rabbie reminds<br />

us that our hearts make the best choices. The<br />

colorful illustrations of Douglas Klauba are<br />

detailed and charming, giving life to the words.<br />

Forever Friends is a wonderful reminder that<br />

physical differences should not be our ruler of<br />

people’s value.<br />

Debby Willett, Freelance Writer, Canyon, Texas<br />

Franklin’s class trip, written by Paulette<br />

Bourgeois; illustrated by Brenda Clark.<br />

Toronto, Ont.: Kids Can Press, 1999.<br />

ISBN 1550744704, HBB, $10.95.<br />

E. Schools--Fiction. unp. Small children.<br />

Filled with excitement about his first field trip to<br />

the museum, Franklin, a young turtle, can barely<br />

eat breakfast. At the museum, classmate Beaver<br />

tells Franklin the reason the museum is so big is<br />

because of the dinosaurs inside. Unaware these<br />

are not live dinosaurs, Franklin and his friend<br />

Snail worry that they will be the dinosaur’s<br />

lunch. Exploring the bat cave, rain forest,<br />

medieval room, and archaeology dig distract<br />

Franklin and Snail and they forget their fear<br />

until lunchtime. Apprehensively, Franklin and<br />

Snail approach the dinosaur area with their<br />

classmates. Upon discovering that the dinosaurs<br />

are only skeletons, Franklin and Snail can<br />

finally relax and enjoy their field trip.<br />

While being frightened about dinosaurs may<br />

seem silly to some readers, every child can<br />

relate to being scared about something. In<br />

Franklin’s Class Trip, the characters confront<br />

their fears and then move beyond them. Authors<br />

Paulette Bourgeois and Sharon Jennings tell a<br />

reassuring story that will ring true to many<br />

children and also make them giggle. Brenda<br />

Clark’s detailed illustrations match perfectly<br />

with this innocent tale, truly completing the<br />

book. Excitement, fear, and relief are all clearly<br />

seen through the colorful drawings. Children<br />

familiar with Franklin through his television<br />

show, or just now introduced to this preschool<br />

turtle, will enjoy hearing this story.<br />

Elizabeth Coleman, Freelance Writer, Tumwater, Washington<br />

Franklin’s neighborhood, written by<br />

Sharon Jennings; illustrated by Brenda<br />

Clark. Toronto, Ont.: Kids Can Press,<br />

1999. ISBN 1550747290, HBB, $10.95.<br />

E. Neighbors--Fiction. unp. Small children.<br />

Franklin, a young turtle eager to learn, is ready<br />

for the first project of the new school year. Mr.<br />

Owl gives the class their assignment. Students<br />

are to draw a picture of what they like best about<br />

their neighborhood. Racing home, Franklin<br />

skips his snack and sits down with crayon and<br />

paper. Trying to narrow down his very favorite<br />

thing is harder than he thought. To get some<br />

ideas, Franklin goes for a walk. Traveling his<br />

neighborhood, Franklin meets with friends<br />

Beaver, Fox, Moose, and Bear who share their<br />

favorite things. Each of their ideas sound good,<br />

but how can he pick just one? Finally, Franklin<br />

realizes his neighbors are what he likes best<br />

about his neighborhood. His unique drawing<br />

includes them all.<br />

Written by Sharon Jennings, Franklin’s<br />

Neighborhood has a simple, but engaging plot.<br />

Valuable lessons could be gleaned from several<br />

themes found in the book. Franklin perseveres<br />

even when he is having difficulty thinking of<br />

what to draw. Although he talks to his friends<br />

and his parents, Franklin still thinks of an idea<br />

that is all his own. Brenda Clark’s detailed color<br />

illustrations capture the sweetness of the story.<br />

Although the animals have been slightly<br />

embellished with hats, glasses, or backpacks,<br />

they still have a fairly realistic look. Whether<br />

Franklin is a familiar face or not, children will<br />

enjoy hearing this story again and again.<br />

Elizabeth Coleman, Freelance Writer, Tumwater, Washington<br />

Gabriel, God, and the fuzzy blanket, text<br />

by Annette Griessman; illustrations by<br />

David L. Erickson. LCCN 99053212.<br />

Harrisburg, Pa.: Morehouse Publishing,<br />

2000. ISBN 0819218057, HBB, $16.95.<br />

E. Blankets--Fiction; Fear--Fiction; <strong>Christian</strong> life--<br />

Fiction. unp. Small children.<br />

Dealing with fear is the focus in Annette<br />

Griessman’s Gabriel, God, and the Fuzzy<br />

Blanket. When Jacob forgets his security<br />

blanket as he and his parents are visiting<br />

relatives, his fears are magnified. His great aunt<br />

and uncle, the dark, unfamiliar room, and<br />

especially the big dog Gabriel all scare him.<br />

After his parents pray with him about the fears,<br />

Jacob reminds himself that God is near to help<br />

him. Things become less scary and even<br />

Gabriel turns out to be friendly.<br />

Griessman’s book is nicely done and addresses a<br />

subject with which many parents may be<br />

familiar. The ending is predictable, but the<br />

lesson is clear and helpful. The book would<br />

make a good read-aloud and discussion-starter<br />

for children facing this problem.<br />

David Erickson’s color paintings are across the<br />

page spreads that well accompany the text.<br />

Betsy Ruffin, Teacher/Librarian, Cleburne, Texas<br />

Good ol’ Noah had an ark, E-I-E-I-O,<br />

written by Martha Bolton; illustrated by<br />

Lyn Boyer Nelles. Grand Rapids:<br />

Zonderkidz, Zondervan, 2000. ISBN<br />

0310231981, HBB, $12.99.<br />

E. Noah (Biblical leader). unp. Small children.<br />

Small children will enjoy this amusing version<br />

of Noah and the ark written by Martha Bolton.<br />

Set to the song, "Old MacDonald," it can be read<br />

or sung. The first verse of Good Ol’ Noah Had<br />

an Ark begins, "Good ol’ Noah obeyed God. E-<br />

I-E-I-O. The neighbors thought ol’ Noah odd.<br />

E-I-E-I-O. With a snicker, snicker here, and a<br />

snicker, snicker there. Here a snicker, there a<br />

laugh! Yes, they should’ve built a raft! Good<br />

ol’ Noah obeyed God. E-I-E-I-O." Humorous<br />

verses continue with repetition, rhythm, and<br />

rhyme, telling about building the ark and the<br />

animals aboard. "With a neigh neigh here and a<br />

quack quack there." Then the flood comes "with<br />

a splish, splash here, and a splish, splash there."<br />

But Noah is saved because he obeyed.Although<br />

based on a Bible story, Bolton includes<br />

imaginative and fictional details. For example,<br />

when she describes Noah building the ark, she<br />

writes: "With an Ouch! Ouch! here and an<br />

Ouch! Ouch! there. Here an Ouch! there an<br />

Ouch! No wonder he was such a grouch!"<br />

Bolton, who has been writing humor for years,<br />

served as a staff writer for Bob Hope and wrote<br />

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for Phyllis Diller. Currently she pens a column<br />

for Brio magazine.<br />

The artwork is an appealing part of the story.<br />

Mark Lowry, singer, storyteller, and author, is<br />

pictured dressed as Noah. Photographs of<br />

Lowry are integrated with colorful cartoon<br />

illustrations of animals and the ark drawn by<br />

Lyn Boyer Nelles.<br />

Parents will appreciate the emphasis on Noah’s<br />

obedience and God’s protection from the flood<br />

as a result. Children will enjoy the animal<br />

sounds and repetitious phrases. They’ll<br />

probably learn the lines and sing along. For<br />

chuckles and smiles, consider this book as a fun<br />

way to experience the familiar story.<br />

Lydia E. Harris, Freelance Writer, Former Teacher, Seattle,<br />

Washington<br />

Molly Bannaky, written by Alice McGill;<br />

pictures by Chris K. Soentpiet. LCCN<br />

96003000. Boston: Houghton Mifflin,<br />

1999. ISBN 039572287X, HBB, $16.00.<br />

E. Banneker, Benjamin, 1731-1806--Family--Fiction;<br />

Farm life--Fiction. 29 p. Small children.<br />

Molly Walsh while milking a cow in 1683 spills<br />

the milk. Since the cow that Molly was milking<br />

is owned by her Lordship, she is sent to court for<br />

stealing. The punishment for this crime is death.<br />

But Molly can read the Bible; therefore her<br />

sentence is to be sent to America as an<br />

indentured servant. Molly works very hard and<br />

eventually is set free. She purchases land, but<br />

needs help to raise her crops. She purchases a<br />

slave named Bannaky. Molly and Bannaky<br />

learn to love each other and are married. Molly<br />

has four daughters and the eldest daughter,<br />

Mary, has a son whom they name Benjamin<br />

Banneker. Benjamin later becomes a very<br />

educated and important man in history.<br />

The story seems almost romantic in its retelling<br />

because none of the hardships are really<br />

mentioned. However, the account is accurate in<br />

that Molly Walsh did marry a slave and was the<br />

grandmother to the famous Benjamin Banneker.<br />

A simple story that depicts early American life<br />

with a different historical slant.<br />

Author Alice McGill and illustrator Chris<br />

Soentpiet certainly did their homework to<br />

produce Molly Banaky.<br />

Connie Weaver, Church Librarian, Newville, Pennsylvania<br />

Mrs. Mack, by Patricia Polacco. LCCN<br />

97052946. New York: Philomel Books,<br />

Putnam & Grosset, 1998. ISBN<br />

0399231676, HBB, $16.99.<br />

E. Horses--Fiction; Michigan--Fiction. 40 p. Small<br />

children.<br />

In the summer of her tenth year while she is<br />

visiting her father in Michigan young Patricia<br />

Polacco is about to have her dream of learning<br />

to ride horses come true. Her excitement fades<br />

when Da drives her to rundown looking stables<br />

where she meets Donnie and Nancy, two<br />

teenage workers and sees a "mean-looking man"<br />

staring at her. Her fears dissipate when she<br />

meets the colorful and friendly owner of the<br />

stables, Mrs. Mack, who calls everyone<br />

"shugah."<br />

Patricia’s not sure if she is going to be happy<br />

here until she sees Penny, the most beautiful<br />

horse she has ever seen. Patricia soon not only<br />

learns to ride but to appreciate Donny and<br />

Nancy and to reach out to the "mean-looking<br />

man," Hap, a trapeze artist who has been bitter<br />

since his brother’s death. Finally Patricia is<br />

allowed to ride the lovely Penny. The<br />

approaching end of summer brings not only<br />

Patricia’s reluctance to return to California, but<br />

also a deadly viral infection to Penny. The<br />

doctor says she will not survive and that she has<br />

no chance unless they can stand her up.<br />

Patricia’s kindness to Hap is now returned as he<br />

intervenes to save Penny.<br />

Once again Patricia Polacco has taken an<br />

autobiographical experience and written an<br />

illustrated and engaging story. Girls will<br />

especially identify with her desire to ride horses<br />

and her love for Penny. In addition to the<br />

appealing storyline, the lessons the young<br />

Patricia learns are wonderful jumping off places<br />

for discussions with children—the long-lasting<br />

value of her friendship with Mrs. Mack, her<br />

friendship with Donnie and Nancy once they get<br />

past first appearances and begin know each<br />

other, and her willingness to reach out to "the<br />

unlovely and unloved" which results in a life<br />

change for her and for Hap.<br />

Teresa O’Donley, <strong>Library</strong> Media Teacher, Scotts Valley, California<br />

My rows and piles of coins, by Tololwa M.<br />

Mollel; illustrated by E. B. Lewis. LCCN<br />

98021586. New York: Clarion Books,<br />

Houghton Mifflin, 1999. ISBN<br />

0395751861, HBB, $15.00.<br />

E. Money--Fiction; Bicycles and bicycling--Fiction;<br />

Tanzania--Fiction. 32 p. Small children.<br />

My Rows and Piles of Coins is a charming story<br />

of unselfishness and love. Little Saruni goes to<br />

market with his mother, Yeyo, and is paid a<br />

small amount of coins for helping. As he<br />

wanders through the colorful market place, he<br />

sees many things he could buy, but no. He must<br />

save his coins in rows and piles until he has<br />

enough to purchase a beautiful bike that can<br />

carry the heavy load of produce to the market for<br />

his mother. Saruni’s determined efforts to help,<br />

take an unusual twist, and his willingness to give<br />

to others is rewarded in a most interesting way.<br />

The beautiful water colors by E.B. Lewis carry<br />

the reader to the center of the lively market in<br />

Tanzania. The storyline is written simply,<br />

mixing some native words within the context of<br />

the story. At the back is short section by the<br />

author, Tololwa M. Mollel, that gives a<br />

definition of the foreign words used. This is a<br />

wonderful story of love that will encourage the<br />

reader’s heart and provides a beautiful story for<br />

parent and/or teacher to discuss.<br />

Mary McKinney, Former Teacher, Freelance Writer, Editor, Port<br />

Orchard, Washington<br />

Never trust a squirrel! by Patrick Cooper;<br />

illustrated by Catherine Walters. LCCN<br />

98023251. New York: Dutton Children’s<br />

Books, Penguin Putnam, 1999. ISBN<br />

0525460098, HBB, $15.99.<br />

E. Trust (Psychology)--Fiction; Guinea pigs--Fiction;<br />

Squirrels--Fiction. 24 p. Small children.<br />

Bored with playing games in his hutch, William,<br />

a young guinea pig, dreams of climbing trees<br />

and exploring the woods. However, he’s not old<br />

enough to leave the hutch without his mother.<br />

When Stella, a playful squirrel, tempts William<br />

to play in the woods with her, William disobeys<br />

his mother and runs out of his hutch. At first,<br />

playing chase and hide-and-seek are fun for<br />

William. When blackbird squawks a warning<br />

that fox is coming, Stella leaves William alone.<br />

Frightened, William tries to hide from fox, but is<br />

quickly discovered. Fortunately, William’s wise<br />

mother comes to his rescue and together they<br />

outwit fox.<br />

Never Trust a Squirrel! gently deals with themes<br />

of peer pressure and temptation in an<br />

entertaining way that young children will<br />

understand. Parents and teachers will also find<br />

this book helpful in illustrating the importance<br />

of obedience. The consequences of<br />

disobedience may not just be punishment, but<br />

could be life threatening. Author Patrick Cooper<br />

has created a character that readers who are also<br />

too young to leave their hutch will easily<br />

identify with. Each character’s personality is<br />

accurately reflected in the colorful illustrations<br />

by Catherine Walters. As William’s mother<br />

watches Stella and William run away, Stella is<br />

seen turning toward her and sticking out her<br />

tongue. The detailed scenery and realistic<br />

looking animals are a wonderful complement to<br />

a fine story.<br />

Elizabeth Coleman, Freelance Writer, Tumwater, Washington<br />

The night of Las Posadas, written and<br />

illustrated by Tomie dePaola. LCCN<br />

98036405. New York: Putnam’s, Penguin<br />

Putnam, 1999. ISBN 0399234004, HBB,<br />

$15.99.<br />

E. Mary, Blessed Virgin, Saint--Fiction; Joseph,<br />

Saint--Fiction; Posadas (Social custom)--Fiction;<br />

Santa Fe (N.M.)--Fiction. unp. Small children.<br />

The Night of Las Posadas is a charming story<br />

based on a custom that began in Spain and came<br />

to Mexico and southwestern America. Posada is<br />

the Spanish word for "inn," and Las Posadas<br />

celebrates Mary and Joseph seeking lodging on<br />

Christmas Eve.<br />

Tomie dePaola writes and illustrates this fiction<br />

story set in old Santa Fe, New Mexico. Sister<br />

Angie arranges the reenactment of Las Posadas<br />

for a nearby mountain village. Lupe and<br />

Roberto are chosen to portray Maria and José—<br />

Mary and Joseph—in the traditional procession.<br />

After weeks of preparation, all is ready. But at<br />

the last minute, Sister Angie becomes ill, and<br />

Lupe and Roberto get stuck in a snowstorm. A<br />

mysterious couple arrive to play Maria and José.<br />

The procession starts, and they knock on door<br />

after door. Often a costumed devil appears, and<br />

they are denied entrance. Finally they are<br />

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welcomed at a courtyard where a bonfire blazes<br />

and the empty manger awaits them. But the<br />

couple who portrayed Maria and José disappear.<br />

Just then Lupe and Roberto arrive to sit by the<br />

empty manger. They wonder who took their<br />

place in the procession.<br />

Meanwhile, Sister Angie awakens and walks to<br />

church. She sees fresh footprints in the snow<br />

leading to the door. Inside, she kneels and prays<br />

by the wooden carvings of Maria and José. She<br />

notices their cloaks are covered with fresh snow.<br />

Unknown to her, a miracle had saved Las<br />

Posadas.<br />

The artwork is done in acrylic on handmade<br />

watercolor paper. The paintings are simple but<br />

capture the spirit of the story. A short glossary<br />

of Spanish words is included. Children will<br />

enjoy this unique tale with surprise ending.<br />

Lydia E. Harris, Freelance Writer, Former Teacher, Seattle,<br />

Washington<br />

One more time, Mama, by Sue Alexander;<br />

illustrated by David Soman. LCCN<br />

98047937. Tarrytown, N.Y.: Cavendish<br />

Children’s Books, Marshall Cavendish,<br />

1999. ISBN 0761450513, HBB, $15.95.<br />

E. Nature--Fiction; Mother and child--Fiction. 32 p.<br />

Small children.<br />

Mama begins waiting during winter when the<br />

winds swirl the snow and the bears begin their<br />

long sleep. She continues to wait as the ice on<br />

the pond thaws and the daffodils begin to bloom.<br />

Goslings and ducklings hatch, wild roses grow,<br />

and summer thunder booms, but Mama still<br />

must wait. It is only when the fall winds blow<br />

and the apples ripen on the trees that Mama’s<br />

wait comes to an end, for it is then that her<br />

daughter is finally born.<br />

One More Time, Mama, by Sue Alexander is a<br />

mother’s loving account of the wait for her<br />

daughter’s birth. Prompted by her daughter’s<br />

request that she tell the story "one more time,"<br />

the mother beautifully describes the seasons that<br />

pass by during her pregnancy. Although<br />

beautiful, at times the abundant imagery used to<br />

describe the plant and animal life of each season<br />

seems too advanced and detailed for the young<br />

audience to whom this type of book generally<br />

appeals. However, David Soman’s watercolor<br />

illustrations are lovely and do a wonderful job of<br />

depicting both nature and the love that exists<br />

between the mother and daughter. Like Jamie<br />

Lee Curtis’ Tell Me Again About the Night I Was<br />

Born, this is a book for parents and children to<br />

share together to remember the uniqueness of<br />

their child’s birth and, as a result, the uniqueness<br />

of the child herself.<br />

Kerri Cunningham, Librarian, Camano Island, Washington<br />

Pillow of dreams, by Peter Jan<br />

Honigsberg; illustrated by Tony Morse.<br />

LCCN 99093454. Oakland, Calif.: RDR<br />

Books, 1999. ISBN 1571430768, HBB,<br />

$17.95.<br />

E. Dreams--Fiction; Pillows--Fiction. unp. Small<br />

children.<br />

Margaret Bunny’s pillow allows her to have<br />

wonderful, exciting dreams. Newberry Mole is<br />

jealous and steals the pillow from Margaret<br />

Bunny so that he can have dreams that will<br />

make him money. Newberry discovers that his<br />

dreams from the stolen pillow do not give him<br />

wealth and pleasure because he feels so guilty<br />

about the way he acquired the pillow. After<br />

returning the pillow to Margaret Bunny,<br />

Newberry Mole is invited to stay for cake and<br />

ice cream and is even sent home with an extra<br />

piece! That night Newberry Mole decides to try<br />

his own worn out pillow and discovers<br />

wonderful dreams full of rainbows and other<br />

good things. Newberry learns that it is better to<br />

have your own dreams that to steal someone<br />

else’s dreams.<br />

Peter Jan Honigsberg has written a story that<br />

works well for very young children. The issue<br />

of theft is clear and the moral intentional.<br />

Rewards derive from your own work and<br />

belongings, not from things stolen. Tony Morse<br />

has drawn pictures that are filled with soft colors<br />

and just enough detail to be interesting and to<br />

avoid being overwhelming for young children.<br />

Barbara Wall, School <strong>Library</strong> System Director, Oswego County<br />

BOCES, Mexico, New York<br />

Red berry wool, by Robyn Eversole;<br />

paintings by Tim Coffey. LCCN<br />

99010696. Morton Grove, Ill.: Albert<br />

Whitman, 1999. ISBN 0807506540, HBB,<br />

$15.95.<br />

E. Sheep--Fiction; Wool--Fiction; Shepherds--Fiction.<br />

30 p. Small children.<br />

When Lalo, the smartest lamb in the flock, tries<br />

to make his wool look like Boy’s red berry wool<br />

sweater he encounters all kinds of problems.<br />

Lalo’s mother tells him wool must be washed,<br />

spun, dyed, and knitted to become a sweater like<br />

the Boy’s.<br />

First Lalo tries to wash his wool, but falls in the<br />

drinking pond and gets his nose full of water.<br />

The Boy rescues him and dries him off. When<br />

Lalo tries to spin his wool he gets dizzy and falls<br />

into a thorn bush. Again the Boy rescues him.<br />

Gently he pulls the thorns out of Lalo’s wool.<br />

Not at all discouraged, Lalo goes off to find a<br />

red berry bush to dye his wool. But, when he<br />

rolls in the berry bush to dye his wool, a snake<br />

bites him and he can’t get up. Boy hears him<br />

calling for help and carries him home. Lalo<br />

discovers knitting is the best part of making a<br />

sweater, because it means to bring together. He<br />

sits at the pond with the Boy and together the<br />

friends watch the sunset turn everything berry<br />

red.<br />

Robyn Eversole’s story of an adventurous little<br />

lamb and the gentle little boy who cares for him<br />

is a delightful story of friendship. Because the<br />

book is designed with only a few well-chosen<br />

sentences on each page, there are many bright<br />

happy pictures to keep young readers interested.<br />

Tim Coffey’s expressive paintings, of the little<br />

lamb and the Boy in the red wool sweater, add<br />

wonderful detail and color. Painted swirls in the<br />

grass show where Lalo was spinning.<br />

Patchwork colored fields and hills dotted with<br />

sheep and villages bring visual interest to the<br />

story.<br />

Barbara Bryden, Freelance Writer, Olympia, Washington<br />

When Addie was scared, by Linda and<br />

Wendy Bailey. Toronto, Ont.: Kids Can<br />

Press, 1999. ISBN 1550744313, HBB,<br />

$14.95.<br />

E. Fear--Fiction; Grandmothers--Fiction. 24 p. Small<br />

children.<br />

Fear is an awful, controlling thing, and Addie<br />

was controlled by it. There were many real<br />

dangers for Addie, but she often trembled at<br />

things that couldn’t really harm her, like the<br />

lonely cry of the wolf at night, or a distant<br />

thunder storm. She would walk an extra mile to<br />

get to her beloved grandmother’s farm, just so<br />

she could skirt around the big bull in a<br />

neighbor’s field. Life was very hard for Addie<br />

and her fears.<br />

One important day when she was feeding her<br />

grandmother’s chickens, an attacking chicken<br />

hawk gave her an extreme fright. But just as she<br />

was about to run and hide, something wonderful<br />

happened inside of her. Addie found a special<br />

courage tucked way down deep that allowed her<br />

to pick up a branch and scare the hawk away.<br />

This was a turning point for Addie. She still had<br />

some fears, fears of real dangers, but she also<br />

knew that she carried around inside of her a<br />

courage that would be there whenever she really<br />

needed it.<br />

This true-life tale, When Addie was Scared, is<br />

written as quick, exciting prose. The tale<br />

unfolds the importance of love and<br />

encouragement as Linda Bailey relates this tale<br />

about her mother when she was growing up in<br />

the 1930’s on a northern prairie farm. The<br />

homespun tale portrays a common struggle with<br />

fear that many children may face. It will<br />

encourage children to discover that you have<br />

what it takes to face these fears right inside of<br />

you. The realistic illustrations by Wendy Bailey<br />

are appealing and intriguing with their detail and<br />

warmth. The situations presented allow for<br />

good discussion about different types of fears<br />

and how to deal with them.<br />

Mary McKinney, Former Teacher, Freelance Writer, Editor, Port<br />

Orchard, Washington<br />

C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 1 5 S P R I N G 2 0 0 1


BOOK REVIEWS<br />

CHILDREN’S FICTION<br />

Ahmek, by Patrick Watson. Toronto:<br />

Stoddart Kids, Stoddart Publishing, 1999.<br />

ISBN 0773731458, HBB, $14.95.<br />

F. Thomson, Tom, 1877-1917--Fiction; Beavers--<br />

Fiction. 167 p. Elementary (Middle school).<br />

Ahmek is a young badger who lives with his<br />

father and grandmother on a quiet pond. One<br />

day a human appears at the pond. Ahmek is a<br />

very curious young badger and soon discovers<br />

that this human, an artist named Tom Thomson,<br />

is not to be feared. Soon Tom is chased away by<br />

hunters who break up Ahmek’s home,<br />

separating him from the rest of the family.<br />

Heading south, Ahmek hopes to locate his father<br />

and grandmother. Instead he meets new groups<br />

of badgers, has many adventures, and eventually<br />

forms his own family unit with Kwezenhs.<br />

After their kits One and Two are born, Ahmek<br />

and Kwezenhs travel North in hope of finding<br />

some evidence of the rest of Ahmeks’s family.<br />

When the new young family reaches the pond, it<br />

is to discover that not only are Ahmek’s father<br />

and grandmother there, but also his mother, long<br />

thought to have been killed by humans.<br />

Author Patrick Watson tells a tale of beavers<br />

living in their natural environment with enough<br />

detail to put the reader into the story. Place<br />

names and the beaver’s names are from the<br />

Ojibway language. An excellent glossary is<br />

provided. Tracy Thomson, great grand niece of<br />

the real-life artist, Tom Thomson, illustrates<br />

each chapter with line drawings. Children and<br />

adults alike will appreciate the detail in both the<br />

environment of the story and in the artwork.<br />

There are several excellent books of animal<br />

survival away from the native environment.<br />

Ahmek fits well into this genre.<br />

Barbara Wall, School <strong>Library</strong> System Director, Oswego County<br />

BOCES, Mexico, New York<br />

All you ever need, by Max Lucado;<br />

illustrations by Douglas Klauba. LCCN<br />

99045155. Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books,<br />

Good News Publishers, 2000. ISBN<br />

1581341342, HBB, $15.99.<br />

F. Generosity--Fiction; Conduct of life--Fiction;<br />

Parables. unp. Elementary.<br />

Once again, Max Lucado expresses a biblical<br />

truth in a simple, yet beautiful way. All You Ever<br />

Need is a story about Tobias, the Watermaster,<br />

who distributes fresh water to the desert people.<br />

He and his Son, Julian, never limit the amount of<br />

water, or set standards of who may receive.<br />

When the Watermaster and his Son leave their<br />

servant Elzevir in charge, Elzevir changes the<br />

method of distribution. Eventually, no one in<br />

the desert is “good enough” to receive the water.<br />

Julian returns and explains that the water is<br />

freely given to all, thus demonstrating the grace<br />

Jesus so freely offers everyone.<br />

All You Ever Need is an excellent story to teach<br />

younger children about the grace Jesus gives to<br />

us all, no matter where we are or what we do.<br />

The illustrations are colorful and detailed. The<br />

story is short enough to hold the interest of<br />

younger children and uncomplicated enough to<br />

deliver the intended message.<br />

Tammy Williams, Freelance Writer, Social Worker, Port Orchard,<br />

Washington<br />

Armadillo tattletale, by Helen Ketteman;<br />

illustrated by Keith Graves. LCCN<br />

99014722. New York: Scholastic Press,<br />

2000. ISBN 0590997238, HBB, $15.95.<br />

F. Armadillos--Fiction; Animals--Fiction; Gossip--<br />

Fiction. unp. Elementary (Small children).<br />

Following in the tradition of the Just So stories,<br />

Armadillo Tattletale by Helen Ketteman tells<br />

how the armadillo got his small ears. Its main<br />

theme, however, is the problems caused by<br />

gossip.<br />

Armadillo’s big ears allow him to overhear the<br />

other animals’ conversations. He then<br />

misreports them, causing trouble between the<br />

animals and leading them to dislike him.<br />

Finally, alligator clips Armadillo’s ears by biting<br />

them until they are tiny, and he can no longer<br />

overhear conversations he’s not supposed to.<br />

This is much like the traditional how and why<br />

tales which use an incident of the animal’s<br />

behavior to explain certain physical<br />

characteristics. Armadillo Tattletale is a fun<br />

story. It presents a good lesson in a humorous<br />

and non-didactic way. Keith Graves’s<br />

wonderfully exaggerated drawings are well<br />

done in acrylic paint, ink, and colored pencil.<br />

They should delight readers almost as much as<br />

the delightful tale itself.<br />

Betsy Ruffin, Teacher/Librarian, Cleburne, Texas<br />

Baseball for breakfast : the story of a boy<br />

who hated to wait, by Bill Myers;<br />

illustrated by Frank Riccio. LCCN<br />

99012182. Nashville: Tommy Nelson,<br />

1999. ISBN 0849958717, HBB, $14.99.<br />

F. Time--Fiction; <strong>Christian</strong> life--Fiction; Patience--<br />

Fiction. 32 p. Elementary.<br />

Jimmy complains to his mother as he is getting<br />

ready for bed that he wants all the good times to<br />

happen now and skip all the in-between times.<br />

He mother explains to him that the in-between<br />

times are important, too, and that Jimmy can’t<br />

spend all his time just playing baseball or eating<br />

desserts. The next morning on his way to<br />

school, Jimmy finds a pocket watch that allows<br />

him to skip time. By turning the knob on the<br />

watch, Jimmy can fast-forward his day at any<br />

time he chooses. Because he skips baths and<br />

haircuts and other necessary things, Jimmy<br />

starts to smell bad, his clothes are ragged, his<br />

hair is a mess, and he is growing weaker because<br />

he only eats desserts.<br />

One night a group of people gather outside his<br />

bedroom window complaining. Jimmy causes<br />

them to skip rainy days, which leads to a<br />

drought, he skips school and is failing, and he<br />

won’t let others go to bat so the team is losing all<br />

its games. His mother explains why the inbetween<br />

time is important, and Jimmy makes<br />

the decision to throw the watch out his bedroom<br />

window. The loud crash awakens Jimmy, who<br />

realizes he was just dreaming about skipping<br />

time. He looks outside his bedroom window at<br />

the rain falling and realizes he is glad to have a<br />

rainy day, even if he does miss baseball practice,<br />

because now he’ll have puddles to play in.<br />

Bill Myers hits a homerun in Baseball for<br />

Breakfast, The Story of a Boy Who Hated to<br />

Wait. Young children will learn how important<br />

the in-between times are and the consequences<br />

for living only in the good times. The colorful<br />

illustrations by Frank Riccio bring life and<br />

realism to the text. The two create a guaranteed<br />

favorite for young readers.<br />

Eileen Zygarlicke, Freelance Writer/Editor, Grand Forks, North<br />

Dakota<br />

Big bad beans, by Beverly Lewis. (The<br />

cul-de-sac kids; 22.) LCCN 99006753.<br />

Minneapolis: Bethany House, 2000. ISBN<br />

0754221272, PAP, $3.99.<br />

F. Bicycles and bicycling--Fiction; <strong>Christian</strong> life--<br />

Fiction. 76 p. Elementary.<br />

Jason Birchall has two problems: his mother<br />

has the family on a new ‘healthy diet,’ and he<br />

dreams of saving enough money to buy his<br />

friend Eric’s royal blue/gold, flashy, mountain<br />

bike. With only ten dollars to go Jason can<br />

almost feel the bike beneath him as he races<br />

down the street. For some time he has been<br />

caching his money in his top dresser drawer<br />

quite near his stash of bubble gum, which is<br />

hidden from his vegetable wielding mother.<br />

The Cul-de-sac Kids pitch in and help Jason<br />

earn the rest of his money by taking part in a<br />

recycling project. Money in hand, Jason heads<br />

for Eric’s to buy the bike, only to find out that<br />

Eric has sold it to someone else for more money.<br />

That is bad enough but Jason’s troubles multiply<br />

when he first offers to help his friend, Abby, by<br />

hiding her Mother’s Day gift money in his<br />

drawer separated from his by his baseball cards.<br />

All this time Jason has been secreting his<br />

vegetable snacks in pockets, under his mattress,<br />

feeding them to his dog, anywhere he can to<br />

S P R I N G 2 0 0 1 1 6 C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L


CHILDREN’S FICTION<br />

avoid eating them, so when he finds a few<br />

leftover garbanzo beans, his absolute worst<br />

vegetable, in his pocket, he decides to toss them<br />

in the quickly filling drawer. What happens<br />

when the money in the drawer turns up missing,<br />

and Jason helps a friend win a Sunday School<br />

contest, comprise the climax to this entertaining<br />

story.<br />

Beverly Lewis has once again entertained her<br />

readers without being overly preachy. It is<br />

hoped that her editor will correct the spelling of<br />

Galatians on page 44 in future editions. Other<br />

than that it is a good read.<br />

Judy Driscoll, Retired Teacher, Poulsbo, Washington<br />

The captain’s hat, by Anita Williams;<br />

illustrated by Timothy Banks. LCCN<br />

99052817. Greenville, S.C.: Journey<br />

Books, Bob Jones Univ. Press, 2000. ISBN<br />

1579243304, PAP, $6.95.<br />

F. Ships--Fiction; Rivers--Fiction; Jungles--Fiction;<br />

Brazil--Fiction. 104 p. Elementary.<br />

Set in Brazil, The Captain’s Hat is filled with<br />

imagination-sparking details about life along<br />

“the big river.” As a former missionary to<br />

Brazil, author Anita Williams is well able to lend<br />

authenticity to this story of two boys and their<br />

adventures. Pedro and Spud befriend an older<br />

couple, the man a retired sailor, living aboard a<br />

ship scuttled on a beach. They meet a captain,<br />

pick fruit and nuts in the jungle, explore the<br />

countryside, and more. All the while, Pedro<br />

dreams of one day being a captain with a<br />

sparkling hat. A special deed earns him a hat of<br />

his own.<br />

Told in semi-poetic form, the book has rich<br />

language and cadence to it. Though it is a<br />

chapter book, it would still make a good readaloud<br />

for younger ages. The characters are<br />

likeable and the adventures are fun to read<br />

about. Subtle lessons on problem-solving and<br />

friendship are also woven into the tales.<br />

Betsy Ruffin, Teacher/Librarian, Cleburne, Texas<br />

The case of the missing minds, by Bill<br />

Myers. (Bloodhounds, Inc.; 6.) LCCN<br />

99006474. Minneapolis: Bethany House,<br />

1999. ISBN 155661490X, PAP, $5.99.<br />

F. Hypnotism--Fiction; Brothers and sisters--Fiction;<br />

<strong>Christian</strong> life--Fiction; Mystery and detective stories.<br />

127 p. Elementary (Middle school).<br />

Brother and sister Sean and Melissa, owners of<br />

the Bloodhounds, Inc. Detective Agency, are<br />

asked by the owner of the local Comedy Club to<br />

investigate the mysterious disappearance of<br />

money from his cash register. The duo takes in<br />

a show at the club and watch in amazement as<br />

the hypnotists work their wonders on the local<br />

townspeople. The next day, Sean and Melissa<br />

notice those who were hypnotized the previous<br />

day are still subject to its influences. Along with<br />

the bizarre behavior of the local folks, the<br />

brother and sister notice a crime spree of<br />

robberies as well. They think the two events are<br />

connected and begin to investigate the<br />

hypnotists, who have set up shop in the town<br />

and offer to take clients back to previous lives<br />

they have lived. Through a series of events, the<br />

two discover the hypnotists are behind the<br />

robberies by having their hypnotized clients<br />

perform the illegal deeds. The plot is<br />

uncovered, the hypnotists arrested, and the<br />

townspeople return to normal.<br />

Bill Myers in The Case of the Missing Minds<br />

takes the subject of hypnosis and reveals the<br />

danger in it. Through a conversation with their<br />

dad, Sean and Melissa realize that even though<br />

the Bible doesn’t blatantly say hypnotism is bad,<br />

it is pretty explicit about letting our thoughts be<br />

under God’s control. Myers combines slapstick<br />

humor, moral teaching, and lively writing in his<br />

book, which make it a winner for the 8-13 yearold<br />

reader.<br />

This is the sixth book in his Bloodhounds, Inc.<br />

series. All of the books entice the reader with<br />

believable characters, funny happenings, and a<br />

biblical principle. Myers is a favorite of this age<br />

range and this book continues his tradition.<br />

Eileen Zygarlicke, Freelance Writer/Editor, Grand Forks, North<br />

Dakota<br />

Cassie, you’re a winner, by Reneé Kent.<br />

(Adventures in Misty Falls; 1.) LCCN<br />

99050658. Birmingham, Ala.: New Hope<br />

Publishers, 2000. ISBN 1563097354, PAP,<br />

$4.99.<br />

F. <strong>Christian</strong> life--Fiction; Competition (Psychology)--<br />

Fiction; Fairs--Fiction. 100 p. Elementary (Middle<br />

school).<br />

Cassie, You’re a Winner is the story of a pre-teen<br />

girl who wants to be “the best” at something.<br />

When she looks around her, it seems that<br />

everyone has a particular gift or talent, and she<br />

has none. Cassie compares herself to her two<br />

best friends, J. J. and Iggy—both are skilled at<br />

something, better looking, etc. So, Cassie<br />

decides to enter two contests in the county<br />

fair—cookie baking and horseback riding.<br />

Cassie is sure she should be able to get a “blue<br />

ribbon” for at least one of these events. Then,<br />

she is convinced, she will feel special and be a<br />

winner. The day of the fair arrives, and nothing<br />

turns out quite like she has planned.<br />

Renee Kent writes about common feelings of<br />

inadequacy and insecurity in pre-teen girls and<br />

boys. Readers can relate to the characters and<br />

their struggles. The story teaches valuable<br />

lessons on friendship and what it really means to<br />

be a winner.<br />

Tammy Williams, Freelance Writer, Social Worker, Port Orchard,<br />

Washington<br />

★<br />

The Christmas doll, by Elvira Woodruff.<br />

LCCN 96045314. New York: Scholastic,<br />

2000. ISBN 0590318721, HBB, $15.95.<br />

F. Dolls--Fiction; Orphans--Fiction; Christmas--<br />

Fiction; London (England)--Fiction. 151 p.<br />

Elementary.<br />

The Christmas Doll is a beautiful story that will<br />

touch the hearts of any reader, although intended<br />

for children. It is the story of two sisters, Lucy<br />

and Glory, orphans that live in a workhouse in<br />

London. Lucy, the elder sister, protects and<br />

cares for her sister and often comforts her with<br />

stories about their life before the death of their<br />

parents. One of these stories is of a doll called<br />

“Morning Glory” that Lucy tells Glory she had<br />

as an infant. She also tells of how their mother<br />

sewed a blue morning glory flower on each of<br />

Glory’s dresses. When a deadly fever epidemic<br />

comes to the workhouse, Lucy decides it would<br />

be safer to live on the streets of London than risk<br />

exposing Glory to the fever. So Lucy and Glory<br />

make a daring escape and find themselves<br />

starving and cold on the streets. It is while<br />

searching the “mud flats” for treasure to sell,<br />

that Glory finds a doll that she is certain is<br />

“Morning Glory.” Lucy, sick at heart, realizes<br />

that selling the doll is their only hope. Neither<br />

girl could ever imagine the events that follow,<br />

all because of a doll named “Morning Glory.”<br />

Elvira Woodruff paints a wonderful picture of<br />

life in nineteenth century London for two<br />

orphan girls. The story is imaginative and<br />

sweet. The story teaches of loyalty, friendship,<br />

and love. It is destined to be a classic in the lines<br />

of The Little Princess.<br />

Tammy Williams, Freelance Writer, Social Worker, Port Orchard,<br />

Washington<br />

Close call, by Todd Strasser. LCCN<br />

98036947. New York: G. P. Putnam’s<br />

Sons, Penguin Putnam, 1999. ISBN<br />

039923134X, HBB, $15.99.<br />

F. Friendship--Fiction; Baseball--Fiction. 118 p.<br />

Elementary.<br />

Jenny argues over calls during their after-school<br />

baseball games, and Jenny never argued before.<br />

Some of her friends don’t want to see what’s<br />

wrong with her; they just want to keep playing<br />

baseball. But Ian and Krishnan try talking to<br />

Jenny and Ian even invites her and her two<br />

brothers over to his house for supper. Jenny tells<br />

Ian’s mom, Mrs. Piccolo, that her step-dad is in<br />

drug treatment and Jenny has to babysit her twoyear-old<br />

brother. Her older step-brother, Billy,<br />

hangs out with his high school friends in the<br />

parking lot after school and throws rocks at<br />

Jenny and her friends who are playing baseball<br />

in the high school field. Jenny doesn’t like<br />

having to babysit all the time. She wants to play<br />

baseball with her friends.<br />

Mrs. Piccolo explains that things might be<br />

tough now, but times change and things will get<br />

better. Jenny seems to feel better after her talk<br />

with Ian’s mom. Billy talks to Ian, who is<br />

surprised at how nice Billy is, telling him how<br />

much he likes baseball. They all have a good<br />

time at supper that night.<br />

Despite seeing a different side of Billy, Ian is<br />

still afraid of him and his friends. He doesn’t<br />

understand why the older boys throw rocks at<br />

the baseball players. Then Ian’s mom gives him<br />

the idea to challenge the older boys to a baseball<br />

game. The high school guys go for it and so do<br />

the younger kids. After the game, the older kids<br />

leave the younger kids alone.<br />

C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 1 7 S P R I N G 2 0 0 1


CHILDREN’S FICTION<br />

Todd Strasser does a good job of bringing out<br />

the diversity of people and the problems<br />

families can have in his book Close Call. Using<br />

an ethnic variety of well developed characters<br />

and a realistic plot, Strasser teaches tolerance,<br />

understanding, and compassion to young<br />

readers.<br />

Eileen Zygarlicke, Freelance Writer/Editor, Grand Forks, North<br />

Dakota<br />

Cody unplugged, by Betsy Duffey;<br />

illustrated by Ellen Thompson. LCCN<br />

98053756. New York: Viking, Penguin<br />

Putnam, 1999. ISBN 0670885924, HBB,<br />

$14.99.<br />

F. Camping--Fiction. 87 p. Elementary.<br />

When nine-year-old Cody Michael’s folks send<br />

him off to Camp Bear, he wonders how he can<br />

enjoy his summer vacation. Camp Bear, he<br />

understands, has no TVs, no computers, no<br />

video games. In fact, Camp Bear has no<br />

electricity! Cody takes along a book on<br />

wilderness survival. Throughout the weeks at<br />

camp, Cody learns how to deal with bears, the<br />

camp bully, a “haunted hamster,” and girls.<br />

While the other boys pack M&Ms, Skittles, and<br />

Reeses Pieces for their hiking trip, Cody packs<br />

his wilderness survival guide. It’s a good thing<br />

he does, because the camp bully needs rescuing.<br />

Cody Unplugged by Betsy Duffey is illustrated<br />

by Ellen Thompson. Her black and white<br />

drawings depict thoroughly modern kids in<br />

realistic settings. The drawings, and the<br />

humorous, brightly colored dust jacket will<br />

appeal to adults as well as children.<br />

The book is divided into twelve short, easy<br />

reading, chapters. Each chapter is followed by<br />

lists for every possibility called, “Cody’s Camp<br />

Survival Guide.” Children will enjoy a chuckle<br />

as they read Cody’s lists.<br />

Dell Smith Klein, Freelance Writer, Teacher, Yarnell, Arizona<br />

Eva’s summer vacation : a story of the<br />

Czech Republic, by Jan Machalek. LCCN<br />

99019243. Norwalk, Ct.: Soundprints,<br />

1999. ISBN 1568998023, HBB, $15.95.<br />

F. Czech Republic--Fiction; Cousins--Fiction. 30 p.<br />

Elementary.<br />

Eva’s Summer Vacation, written and illustrated<br />

by Jan Machalek, introduces us to young Eva<br />

and her father as they begin their trip to attend a<br />

family wedding. As they take a taxi to the<br />

airport, Eva quietly says good bye to many of<br />

the beautiful and historical areas and buildings<br />

in downtown Prague. When they arrive at Aunt<br />

Lida’s home in the small city of Hluk, the scene<br />

is much different. Aunt Lida lives on a farm in<br />

the Carpathian Mountains. She has farm<br />

animals in her backyard. The hilly countryside<br />

gives Eva the opportunity to play and run with<br />

cousins, pick wild strawberries, and swim every<br />

day. She has brought a traditional folk costume<br />

for the wedding and is delighted with the music<br />

and dancing of the ceremony. After the<br />

wedding, she tells her father goodbye as she<br />

looks forward to spending the summer with her<br />

cousin exploring the countryside.<br />

Jan Machalek has succeeded in writing a<br />

balance of fiction and information about his<br />

native Czech Republic. Instead of lists, maps,<br />

and dates that usually go along with this type of<br />

subject, he has used a fiction story in<br />

picturebook form to paint a simple picture of<br />

some basic differences in this country. He<br />

shows a simple contrast between the capital city<br />

and the country. These contrasts, while obvious<br />

to adults, are explained very appropriately in his<br />

story. The description of the wedding is very<br />

simple, addressing the important issues a child<br />

would want to know, such as clothing and food.<br />

To add to the description of the different topics<br />

are Mr. Machalek’s lovely double spread<br />

illustrations. Even though a written description<br />

of the city of Prague is not provided, the<br />

illustrations demonstrate the busyness and<br />

beauty of the architecture and landscape.<br />

A small informational section at the end of the<br />

story includes a map, a very brief paragraph on<br />

Czech history, population, topography, and<br />

traditions. The Czech words used in the story<br />

are defined in this section as well.<br />

Patricia Youmans, Homeschool Parent, Siloam Springs, Arkansas<br />

Fangs for the memories, by Bill Myers;<br />

with David Winbish. (Bloodhounds, Inc.;<br />

5.) LCCN 99006408. Minneapolis:<br />

Bethany House, 1999. ISBN 1556614896,<br />

PAP, $5.99.<br />

F. Vampires--Fiction; Brothers and sisters--Fiction;<br />

<strong>Christian</strong> life--Fiction; Mystery and detective stories.<br />

125 p. Elementary.<br />

The fifth book in the Bloodhound, Inc. series by<br />

Bill Myers, Fangs for the Memories finds Sean<br />

and Melissa Hunter on the trail of a vampire.<br />

When the Hunter’s neighbor Mrs. Tubbs finds<br />

herself face-to-face with a vampire, her screams<br />

alert the neighborhood and set the Hunter kids<br />

on a search for the villain. Facing their fears and<br />

remembering what the Bible says about God<br />

being greater in us than anything else, Sean and<br />

Melissa track down the real vampire while<br />

leaving their usual path of destruction in their<br />

wake. The two uncover the real identity of the<br />

vampire and spoil his burglary ring. In the<br />

process they come to realize that with God there<br />

is nothing to fear.<br />

Once again Myers scores a hit with readers<br />

weaving humor, antics, and action into an easyto-read<br />

tale. As he has done with his other<br />

books, the author uses a verse to maintain his<br />

theme throughout the book, effectively showing<br />

how kids can put their faith into action. For<br />

laugh-out-loud enjoyment, Fangs for the<br />

Memories is a hit.<br />

Eileen Zygarlicke, Freelance Writer/Editor, Grand Forks, North<br />

Dakota<br />

The great galaxy goof, by Robert Elmer.<br />

(AstroKids; 1.) LCCN 00009928.<br />

Minneapolis: Bethany Backyard, Bethany<br />

House, 2000. ISBN 0764223569, PAP,<br />

$5.99.<br />

F. Space stations--Fiction; <strong>Christian</strong> life--Fiction;<br />

Science fiction. 105 p. Elementary.<br />

Set in the 22nd century, author Robert Elmer<br />

spins a science fiction tale about living on a<br />

space station in The Great Galaxy Goof. With<br />

life colonies on other planets and the moon, and<br />

space travel the norm, the AstroKids find<br />

adventure in outer space. Newly arrived to the<br />

space station, Buzz discovers a castaway on the<br />

space shuttle. Miko, an orphan from the moon<br />

station, pleads with Buzz to keep her secret.<br />

Buzz, via his wrist interface, also meets Mir,<br />

another AstroKid whose father is commander of<br />

the space station. However, as Buzz finds out,<br />

Mir isn’t too excited about Buzz “spying” on<br />

him through Buzz’s wrist interface. The two<br />

eventually meet face-to-face and find<br />

themselves on the brink of disaster when Mir<br />

accidentally launches the space shuttle the two<br />

are on. Poised to crash into the moon within<br />

seconds, Buzz saves the day by donning a zip<br />

suit and propelling the shuttle back to the<br />

station.<br />

Robert Elmer creates a humorous environment<br />

for children to expand their minds and dream of<br />

life in outer space. He produces believable<br />

space gizmos to add credibility and humor to his<br />

writing. The author writes the book from the<br />

point of view of Buzz, adding explanations<br />

throughout the text of questions young readers<br />

may have. For example, if he mentions a gizmo,<br />

he will insert in question/answer style a query as<br />

to what the gizmo is or does and then responds<br />

to the query.<br />

Black and white illustrations by Paul Turnbaugh<br />

bring the characters to life and help the young<br />

reader visualize each person. Elmer uses an<br />

ethnically diverse cast who bond together as<br />

friends. Although not an overtly <strong>Christian</strong><br />

message, he does sprinkle the text with<br />

references to God.<br />

Eileen Zygarlicke, Freelance Writer/Editor, Grand Forks, North<br />

Dakota<br />

Holiday hero, by Sandra Byrd. (Secret<br />

sisters; 7.) LCCN 00266539. Colorado<br />

Springs: Waterbrook Press, 1999. ISBN<br />

1578561140, PAP, $5.95.<br />

F. Friendship--Fiction; Vacations--Fiction; Accidents--<br />

Fiction. 107 p. Elementary.<br />

Holiday Hero is book seven in the series of<br />

Secret Sisters by Sandra Byre. The two friends,<br />

Erin and Tess, have a wonderful time together<br />

with their moms on their “girls’ holiday” to San<br />

Diego. However, Tess keeps having little<br />

twinges of guilt about her brother’s accident that<br />

kept him from accompanying them. She knew<br />

that she wasn’t responsible, yet she could have<br />

responded faster to Tyler’s desire to go home<br />

immediately. Amidst the exciting world of sun<br />

and fun, Tess finds several challenges to stay<br />

honest and obedient. In fact, her insistence on<br />

S P R I N G 2 0 0 1 1 8 C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L


CHILDREN’S FICTION<br />

doing things her way get both her and Erin in big<br />

trouble!<br />

The storyline is realistic and fun to read for<br />

young girls. They will enjoy the adventures and<br />

dilemmas the two girls face. Humor and<br />

teasing, challenges to obey and keep God’s<br />

Word sacred, make for an entertaining and<br />

worthwhile read. Book seven can stand alone,<br />

but the reader will certainly want to pick up the<br />

rest of the series to keep track of these likeable,<br />

fun characters.<br />

Mary McKinney, Former Teacher, Freelance Writer, Editor, Port<br />

Orchard, Washington<br />

I want my mummy, by Bill Myers; with<br />

David Winbish. (Bloodhounds, Inc.; 8.)<br />

LCCN 00010527. Minneapolis: Bethany<br />

House, 2000. ISBN 1556614926, PAP,<br />

$5.99.<br />

F. Mummies--Fiction; Brothers and sisters--Fiction;<br />

<strong>Christian</strong> life--Fiction; Mystery and detective stories.<br />

126 p. Elementary.<br />

Bill Myers continues his series Bloodhounds,<br />

Inc. with I Want My Mummy. Sean and his sister<br />

Melissa are hired to find a missing mummy<br />

from a museum exhibit. While looking for clues<br />

for the elusive Egyptian artifact, the two are<br />

confronted with bigotry. The townspeople,<br />

fueled by outrageous and incorrect media<br />

accounts, believe foreigners brought about the<br />

weird happenings taking place in their town by<br />

unleashing a mummy amongst them; so they set<br />

out to run the foreigners out of town. Eventually<br />

Sean and Melissa find the “mummy,” nothing<br />

more than a robot in rags, that was rampaging<br />

through town. They also discover that the two<br />

men who delivered the ancient relic allowed the<br />

real mummy to be destroyed through<br />

carelessness. They dressed up the robot to cover<br />

their mistake.<br />

Myers tackles the relevant issue of bigotry and<br />

handles it with delicacy and forthrightness.<br />

Instead of being led by the crowd and talked into<br />

accusing others who are different from you, he<br />

teaches the reader to accept people for who they<br />

are—creations of God. Using humor and action,<br />

Myers effectively captures and keeps the<br />

reader’s attention while driving home a practical<br />

biblical truth.<br />

Eileen Zygarlicke, Freelance Writer/Editor, Grand Forks, North<br />

Dakota<br />

Louise goes wild, by Stephen Krensky;<br />

pictures by Susanna Natti. LCCN<br />

98024824. New York: Dial Books for<br />

Young Readers, Penguin Putnam, 1999.<br />

ISBN 0803723075, HBB, $13.99.<br />

F. Identity--Fiction; Self-perception--Fiction. 80 p.<br />

Elementary.<br />

Louise feels like she is too predictable.<br />

Everyone seems to know what she will say, or<br />

do, or even eat. It’s too much for Louise, so she<br />

decides to make some changes. Unfortunately,<br />

everything she tries seems to backfire. Her<br />

change of hairstyles and clothes only bring<br />

snickers and lots of whispers from her<br />

classmates. When she steps forward to feed the<br />

penguins at the aquarium, she not only slips and<br />

falls into the penguin’s pool, she has to go home<br />

smelling like a fish. Something is not working<br />

right, and her mom and two best friends finally<br />

come up with the answer. Change comes from<br />

within, and doesn’t have to be drastic. The old<br />

Louise still has good to offer others, but it is also<br />

good to work on growing up and maturing.<br />

Louise Goes Wild gives a clear lesson on<br />

appreciating who you are, yet finding ways to<br />

make changes where changes are needed. There<br />

are some humor and corny jokes that second and<br />

third graders should enjoy. Stephen Krensky<br />

gives a pretty realistic picture of how kids that<br />

age react to others, i.e. teasing and sometimes<br />

even some rather rude remarks. The<br />

illustrations by Susanna Natti are simple black<br />

and white sketches that portray some of the<br />

action in the story.<br />

Mary McKinney, Former Teacher, Freelance Writer, Editor, Port<br />

Orchard, Washington<br />

★<br />

Mei Fuh : memories from China, by Edith<br />

Schaeffer; illustrations by Lesley Liu.<br />

LCCN 97010126. Boston: Houghton<br />

Mifflin, 1998. ISBN 039572290X, HBB,<br />

$16.00.<br />

F. China--Fiction; Family life--China--Fiction. 90 p.<br />

Elementary (Young children).<br />

Born to American missionary teachers, adopted<br />

gleefully by the <strong>Christian</strong> Chinese, Mei Fuh<br />

delightedly twirls her way through her first five<br />

years. What if the cook eats her pet goldfish,<br />

and her baby goat grows horns, joy imbues it all.<br />

In Mei Fuh: Memories from China, Edith<br />

Schaeffer uses her wonderful old woman’s<br />

memory to bring to bursting life her<br />

extraordinarily happy Chinese childhood. Liu’s<br />

illustrations vividly add to the fun. Parades with<br />

fireworks; the loving Chinese friends who,<br />

unbeknown to her parents, feed Mei Fuh<br />

luscious food; even scalded legs accompanied<br />

by tender care and wondrous presents; all is<br />

remembered in a little girl’s cheery, captivating<br />

words. But then they must go back to a very<br />

strange United States. An unsure Mei Fuh,<br />

suddenly known as Edith, finds that here also<br />

happiness abounds. Once again she twirls her<br />

jubilant way through life.<br />

The famous Edith Schaeffer, cofounder of<br />

L’Abri, with her husband, the late Dr. Francis<br />

Schaeffer, presents the foundation for her very<br />

deep joy in life. Having found that her children,<br />

grandchildren, and great-grandchildren love<br />

Mei Fuh, Schaeffer gives her to the world. With<br />

black and white sketches, prize winning artist<br />

Lesley Liu, a Taiwanese native, gently,<br />

humorously portrays the delight of being Mei<br />

Fuh. Written at primary school level, Mei Fuh:<br />

Memories of China, will also be read by all who<br />

remain childlike in heart. Preschoolers will<br />

listen with delight, so will the rest of the family.<br />

Listening or reading, the whole family will revel<br />

in this celebration.<br />

Is it wonderful to be a <strong>Christian</strong>? Just ask Mei<br />

Fuh/Edith Schaeffer. From her heart, the answer<br />

compellingly twirls—YES!<br />

Donna Eggett, Freelance Writer, Radford, Virginia<br />

The mystery of the attic lion, by Elspeth<br />

Campbell; illustrated by Joe Nordstrom.<br />

(Three cousins detective club; 27.) LCCN<br />

99050973. Minneapolis: Bethany House,<br />

2000. ISBN 0764221353, PAP, $3.99.<br />

F. Statues--Fiction; Cousins--Fiction; Mystery and<br />

detective stories. 62 p.<br />

The mystery of the backdoor bundle, by<br />

Elspeth Campbell; illustrated by Joe<br />

Nordstrom. (Three cousins detective club;<br />

28.) LCCN 99050982. Minneapolis:<br />

Bethany House, 2000. ISBN 0764221361,<br />

PAP, $3.99.<br />

F. Dolls--Fiction; Cousins--Fiction; Mystery and<br />

detective stories. 62 p. Elementary (Small children).<br />

At the center of The Mystery of the Attic Lion is<br />

a lion statue that has been tucked away in an<br />

attic corner. Titus, one of the three cousins,<br />

finds this statue and calls him Alexander.<br />

Someone breaks into Titus’ grandaunt’s home,<br />

and Alexander disappears. Titus, along with his<br />

cousins Timothy, and Sarah-Jane, have a new<br />

mystery to solve! They discover that the lion<br />

statue is part of another statue, and that they<br />

have both been missing for many years. The<br />

three cousins put their heads together and<br />

examine the few available clues. It isn’t long<br />

before the TCDC (Three Cousins Detective<br />

Club) searches for and finds the lion statue and<br />

its long-missing partner.<br />

Sarah-Jane and her two cousins, Titus and<br />

Timothy, answer a loud knock at her back door.<br />

The Mystery of the Backdoor Bundle begins.<br />

When the door is opened, no-one is there;<br />

however, they discover a small basket on the<br />

backstep. Inside, is an old doll with a note<br />

attached. The cryptic words, “Please help me.”<br />

lead the three cousins on a new mystery that<br />

results in diamonds being found inside the doll’s<br />

stuffing. The mystery is solved and the<br />

diamonds and the doll are returned to the<br />

rightful owners.<br />

Elspeth Campbell writes engaging stories that<br />

move along quickly. The problems are<br />

identified, the three cousins get involved, and<br />

the mysteries are solved. Joe Nordstrom’s<br />

illustrations are simple pencil drawings that add<br />

charm to the books. The suggested age level is<br />

seven to ten, but the stories move along so fast,<br />

I think some six year olds would enjoy them. I<br />

recommend these as tradebooks for any library<br />

and classroom as read alouds.<br />

Debby Willett, Freelance Writer, Canyon, Texas<br />

The mystery of the golden reindeer, by<br />

Elspeth Campbell; illustrated by Joe<br />

Nordstrom. (Three cousins detective club;<br />

30.) LCCN 00010530. Minneapolis:<br />

Bethany House, 2000. ISBN 0764221388,<br />

PAP, $3.99.<br />

F. Christmas--Fiction; Cousins--Fiction; Mystery and<br />

detective stories. 64 p. Elementary (Small children).<br />

C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 1 9 S P R I N G 2 0 0 1


CHILDREN’S FICTION<br />

Timothy and Sarah-Jane are spending Christmas<br />

with their cousin Titus, who lives in the big city.<br />

Against Titus’ wishes, they decide to go<br />

Christmas shopping at Hill’s Department Store.<br />

While they are there they run into their cousin<br />

Patience. She tells them that a boy who looks<br />

just like Titus is in the mall as well. Titus feels<br />

odd knowing he has an identical twin, and even<br />

stranger when a mysterious message for the<br />

other boy is delivered to him by mistake. The<br />

cousins realize they must find the rightful<br />

recipient of what seems to be a very important<br />

message. They are also very curious, and hope<br />

to find out what the message means.<br />

Elspeth Campbell Murphy does a delightful job<br />

of writing a mystery for young children that is<br />

refreshingly free of ghosts, murders, or villains<br />

that you normally find in mystery novels. The<br />

Mystery of the Golden Reindeer is just long<br />

enough to keep early readers in suspense, and<br />

short enough to keep them from becoming<br />

frustrated. Older readers may find the book a<br />

little short, and the mystery a little simple, but<br />

they should still enjoy it. The illustrations done<br />

by Joe Nordstrom capture the mood of the story<br />

perfectly, and clarify for young minds the<br />

images the author is trying to create.<br />

Robyn Wyatt, Freelance Writer, Port Orchard, Washington<br />

Petal power, by Sandra Byrd. (Secret<br />

Sisters; 8.) LCCN 00266445. Colorado<br />

Springs: Waterbrook Press, 1999. ISBN<br />

1578561159, PAP, $5.95.<br />

F. Friendship--Fiction; Weddings--Fiction. 104 p.<br />

Elementary.<br />

Their teacher, Miss Martinez, is planning a<br />

beautiful wedding. Everyone from their sixth<br />

grade class is invited. When Tess Thomas and<br />

her Secret Sister, Erin Janssen, find their teacher<br />

crying, they comfort her. They learn that the<br />

niece of Miss Martinez’ fiancé who has been<br />

waiting for a transplant for a long time, will get<br />

a new kidney just days before the wedding.<br />

Therefore, the niece won’t be able to be Miss<br />

Martinez’ junior bridesmaid. And, because the<br />

family is chipping in to help pay for the surgery,<br />

there will be no flowers for the wedding and no<br />

honeymoon.<br />

The Secret Sisters set out to change that. Tess<br />

thinks of a way they might raise money for the<br />

flowers, but problems crop up when Tess, in her<br />

eagerness to help, stretches the truth. The girls<br />

discover there is nothing noble about a lie.<br />

They work in a flower shop to earn money for<br />

their teacher’s wedding flowers. Tess has to<br />

deal with her lies, her jealousy, and the<br />

consequences. The girls learn the language of<br />

flowers. Baby’s breath means ‘ours is an<br />

everlasting love,’ and a pink rose means ‘to my<br />

friend.’ A happy ending will please young<br />

readers.<br />

Petal Power by Sandra Byrd can be enjoyed<br />

without having read the others in the series.<br />

Byrd’s well-defined sixth grade characters are<br />

believable. Young readers will easily identify<br />

with the girls’ dilemma. Tess’s parents react as<br />

loving and caring. The flower shop owner,<br />

however, seems too mean with no redeeming<br />

qualities.<br />

Dell Smith Klein, Freelance Writer, Teacher, Yarnell, Arizona<br />

Rachel, a Hutterite girl, by Rachel<br />

Maendel; illustrated by Hannah Marsden.<br />

LCCN 99299022. Scottdale, Pa.: Herald<br />

Press, 1999. ISBN 0836191196, PAP,<br />

$12.99.<br />

E. Hutterite Brethren--Fiction; Farm life--Fiction. 48<br />

p. Elementary.<br />

Rachel lives on a community farm that includes<br />

all her relatives. The community farm life<br />

revolves around everyone doing chores so that<br />

the entire family will have food to eat, clothes to<br />

wear, and warm buildings to live in. Rachel and<br />

her cousins have many exciting things to do<br />

such as: find goose eggs and get a “broody” hen<br />

to hatch them, make ice-cream, escape from a<br />

very angry bull, pluck feathers from geese to<br />

make pillows, and go swimming.<br />

The story is reminiscent of Little House on the<br />

Prairie books due to the illustrations by Hutterite<br />

artist Hannah Marsden. Both the illustrator and<br />

the author (Rachel Maendel) live as Hutterites in<br />

Canada. The Hutterites’ concept of life is quite<br />

interesting to read and through Rachel’s eyes,<br />

the reader can glimpse what this may be like.<br />

There is an episode where geese are pronounced<br />

dead due to a weasel sucking the blood from<br />

them. Some Hutterite terms can be defined from<br />

the story; unfortunately there are a few terms<br />

that are somewhat unclear as to their meaning.<br />

Connie Weaver, Church Librarian, Newville, Pennsylvania<br />

The secret room, by Cynthia Mercati.<br />

Logan, Ia.: Perfection Learning, 2000.<br />

ISBN 0789151081, PAP, $5.99.<br />

F. Jewish Holocaust (1933-1945)--Fiction;<br />

Friendship--Fiction. 72 p. Elementary.<br />

As the daughter of a minister in 1940, Annie is<br />

expected to be quiet, smart, and well behaved.<br />

None of those things describe this rambunctious<br />

seventh grader. Fortunately, Annie’s best friend<br />

Leah understands her. When Germany conquers<br />

Holland, Annie’s life is completely changed.<br />

Leah must go into hiding, and two years pass<br />

with life getting progressively harder. Food is<br />

becoming scarce, electricity can only be used a<br />

few hours a day, and there are a lot of new rules.<br />

People who disobey the rules are sometimes<br />

beaten or taken away. One night while<br />

searching the church for her father, Annie finds<br />

a secret room with a Jewish family, the Sterns,<br />

living inside. Discovering her father is part of<br />

the Resistance is exciting. Even better, Annie’s<br />

father trusts her to care for the Sterns. Each day<br />

Annie visits the Sterns, marveling how they<br />

must live so quietly, never going outside, and yet<br />

they seem happy. Describing the trees and birds<br />

to young Ruth Stern, Annie learns how to draw<br />

and use her imagination, and gradually slows<br />

down. When Annie’s father is arrested, she<br />

resolves to continue hiding the Sterns and take<br />

care of her own family.<br />

The Secret Room by Cynthia Mercati is an<br />

historically accurate chapter book that could<br />

provide a starting point for a larger discussion of<br />

the Holocaust. The focus of the story is Annie’s<br />

struggle with self-control and her eventual<br />

maturing. While the war with Germany and the<br />

plight of the Jews are important sub-plots,<br />

children reading this book will not gain a strong<br />

sense of the reality of war and the horror of the<br />

Holocaust. These themes have been painted<br />

with a very broad brush. Although Annie’s life<br />

surely would have been in danger for aiding<br />

Jews, these facts are downplayed. Black and<br />

white drawings by Deb Bovy add interest to the<br />

beginning of each of the seven chapters.<br />

Elizabeth Coleman, Freelance Writer, Tumwater, Washington<br />

Tell me why : eternal answers to life’s<br />

timeless questions, by Michael Card;<br />

illustrations by Ron DiCianni. LCCN<br />

99021448. Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books,<br />

1999. ISBN 1581340311, HBB, $16.99.<br />

F. Angels--Fiction; <strong>Christian</strong> life--Fiction. 48 p.<br />

Elementary.<br />

As one of the many angels who write music for<br />

the King, Theodas loves his job. Unexpectedly,<br />

he is called before the King one day and sent to<br />

earth to listen for a new song. Upon arriving,<br />

Theodas meets William, a young boy. William<br />

has just witnessed another boy kill a singing bird<br />

and is crying. After comforting William,<br />

Theodas meets his parents and stays with them.<br />

William is drawn to the angel’s quiet spirit,<br />

joining with him to pray each morning. William<br />

is allowed to see some of what Theodas sees, the<br />

multitude of angels surrounding them and at one<br />

point, Jesus. Through his interaction with<br />

William, Theodas is able to hear a new song and<br />

William’s eyes are opened to the world of<br />

miracles and angels.<br />

Although the cover states, “Eternal Answers to<br />

Life’s Timeless Questions,” no concrete answers<br />

are given. Author Michael Card states at the<br />

beginning that there are often no easy answers<br />

for questions like why we pray or why we die.<br />

Instead, each of the seven chapters illustrates the<br />

faith and trust required even when we don’t<br />

know why. Each chapter contains the ongoing<br />

story of Theodas and William and is<br />

accompanied by lyrics from songs the author<br />

has written. A rich illustration by Ron DiCianni<br />

accompanies each chapter. DiCianni includes<br />

artist’s notes in the back, giving more<br />

information about the origin of each drawing.<br />

Tell Me Why will inspire discussion and raise<br />

questions about the role of angels in our lives.<br />

Elizabeth Coleman, Freelance Writer, Tumwater, Washington<br />

★<br />

Thanksgiving wish, by Michael J. Rosen;<br />

paintings by John Thompson. LCCN<br />

97042208. New York: The Blue Sky Press,<br />

Scholastic, 1999. ISBN 0590255630, HBB,<br />

$16.95.<br />

F. Grandmothers--Fiction; Thanksgiving Day--<br />

Fiction; Neighbors--Fiction. unp. Elementary.<br />

S P R I N G 2 0 0 1 2 0 C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L


CHILDREN’S FICTION<br />

Michael J. Rosen has written a captivating story<br />

of how grandmothers make holidays<br />

unforgettable in Thanksgiving Wish.<br />

Thanksgiving was “Bubbe’s” special holiday.<br />

Amanda looked forward to each part of the<br />

sumptuous feast. Bubbe worked for weeks,<br />

making one dish each day. There was her<br />

famous maple applesauce, the tom turkey,<br />

stuffing, chicken soup with matzo balls so light<br />

they float, two kinds of potatoes, gelatin molds,<br />

honey cakes, and enough pumpkin pies for each<br />

family to take one home. Yet the best part of the<br />

day came right before bed, when her<br />

grandmother let her choose a wishbone for the<br />

Thanksgiving wish. Whoever held the biggest<br />

piece would have their wish granted as long as<br />

they never told anyone what it was. When<br />

Bubbe passes away, the pain seems the sharpest<br />

at Thanksgiving. The family struggles to hold<br />

up the family tradition, yet nothing is the same.<br />

Bubbe is not there to share the Thanksgiving<br />

wish.<br />

John Thompson has dynamically illustrated this<br />

story with brilliant paintings. The details and<br />

expressions help to make the story jump right<br />

off the page and into your heart. It is almost as<br />

if you can smell dinner cooking. The story<br />

builds until you can feel the struggles and<br />

disappointments of each member of the family.<br />

Especially when the youngest, Amanda, realizes<br />

no one has saved the wishbones all year. They<br />

won’t have their Thanksgiving Wish. There is<br />

even a bit of a surprise ending when the secret of<br />

Bubbe’s wish is revealed.<br />

Stories this captivating about the Thanksgiving<br />

holiday are few. It is a beautiful expression of<br />

family love and traditions, all of those things for<br />

which we are most thankful. The fact that this is<br />

a Jewish family adds a sense of multiculturalism<br />

to the story. This book is a must for any library.<br />

Marcia Snyder, Librarian, Missoula, Montana<br />

You’ve got a friend, written by Joni<br />

Eareckson Tada; illustrations by Jeff<br />

Meyer. LCCN 99020931. Wheaton, Ill.:<br />

Crossway Books, 1999. ISBN 1581340605,<br />

HBB, $14.99.<br />

F. Friendship--Fiction; Angels--Fiction; Wheelchairs--<br />

Fiction; Physically handicapped--Fiction; Bicycles and<br />

bicycling--Fiction. 32 p. Elementary.<br />

Benjamin Brewer sits in his wheelchair<br />

watching the neighborhood kids play, and<br />

remembers the days when his legs worked like<br />

theirs. Rather than make an effort to join in the<br />

fun, Ben remains lonely. Tony, Ben’s neighbor,<br />

is also lonely. He rides his bike alone,<br />

remembering the days when he and Ben were<br />

best friends. Ever since Ben got hit by the car,<br />

Tony doesn’t feel like a very good friend<br />

because he isn’t sure how to act around Ben in<br />

his wheelchair, so Tony remains lonely. Two<br />

angels are sent to help both boys realize<br />

friendship takes many forms, and to help both<br />

boys feel they have worth to each other still.<br />

When Tony decides to enter the neighborhood<br />

bike race, a hole in his tire dashes his plans. But<br />

Ben has gotten good at fixing holes in tires—<br />

since keeping his wheelchair in good repair is<br />

now an important skill. Ben offers to fix Tony’s<br />

tire, and completes the job just in time for Tony<br />

to enter the race.<br />

Lively pastel illustrations by Jeff Meyer portray<br />

Joni Eareckson Tada’s touching story You’ve<br />

Got a Friend. Young readers will learn that God<br />

gives us each special gifts in addition to the gift<br />

of friendship. Friendship is an unusual gift<br />

because it works two ways—we each have a<br />

need to feel wanted and to have friends, but<br />

most importantly, God wants us to share our<br />

ability to be a friend of others. By bringing<br />

sunshine to someone else’s day, our own paths<br />

are showered with sunshine, and this is the<br />

message that Tada’s story tells and Meyer’s<br />

illustrations show. Not only do Ben and Tony<br />

learn a lesson in You’ve Got a Friend, but the<br />

angels sent to help guide the boys together learn<br />

something too—all things, even small things<br />

like a porch railing nail, are part of God’s<br />

blueprint for our lives. This is a great book to<br />

begin discussion on faith, friendship, handicaps,<br />

and reaching out to those in need.<br />

Lisa Wroble, Freelance Writer/<strong>Library</strong> Aide, Plymouth, Michigan<br />

The Zero-G headache, by Robert Elmer.<br />

(AstroKids; 2.) LCCN 00009972.<br />

Minneapolis: Bethany Backyard, Bethany<br />

House, 2000. ISBN 0764223577, PAP,<br />

$5.99.<br />

F. Space stations--Fiction; <strong>Christian</strong> life--Fiction;<br />

Science fiction. 103 p. Elementary.<br />

The second in the AstroKids series by author<br />

Robert Elmer, The Zero-G Headache is written<br />

from the point of view of DeeBee. She is a tech<br />

wizard and is working on creating her own<br />

drone. However, complications occur and her<br />

drone experiences a major meltdown. DeeBee<br />

worries about how she will complete the drone,<br />

as it is a project for school, and she knows her<br />

teacher will never give her an extension to fix<br />

the problem. Not that she would have time for<br />

it anyway. DeeBee finds out her cousin Phil is<br />

coming for a visit. She considers him a music<br />

geek since he is gifted in music. The whole<br />

space station is in an uproar when a famous teen<br />

band decides to land on the station for repairs to<br />

their ship. Mir announces that Zero-G will<br />

perform, but that is not true. DeeBee comes to<br />

the rescue when she helps the band and they<br />

agree to do a concert. However, before they can<br />

fulfill their commitment, a power surge destroys<br />

their equipment. Phil saves the day when he<br />

accompanies the group, former classmates of his<br />

from the music colony, on an antiquated violin<br />

while they sing their latest hits.<br />

Occasional illustrations by Paul Turnbaugh add<br />

visual effect to the story. A unique feature of the<br />

series is the historical background author Robert<br />

Elmer gives the reader at the end of the books<br />

about space travel. He also includes useful<br />

websites for those interested in finding out more<br />

about the solar system, planets, and space<br />

missions. Finally, he concludes the book with a<br />

coded message the reader has to search for<br />

throughout the book. The added information at<br />

the back of the book will whet the appetite of<br />

most readers for finding out more about space<br />

travel.<br />

Eileen Zygarlicke, Freelance Writer/Editor, Grand Forks, North<br />

Dakota<br />

C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 2 1 S P R I N G 2 0 0 1


BOOK REVIEWS<br />

CHILDREN’S NONFICTION<br />

000’s—Generalities<br />

Free stuff for crafty kids on the Internet,<br />

by Judy Heim and Gloria Hansen. LCCN<br />

99006530. Lafayette, Calif.: C&T<br />

Publishing, 1999. ISBN 1571200800, PAP,<br />

$16.95.<br />

025.06’7455. Handicraft--Computer--Network<br />

resources--Directories; Children’s web sites--<br />

Directories; Free materials--Computer--Network<br />

resources--Directories. 176 p. Elementary.<br />

Judy Heim and Gloria Hansen have co-authored<br />

a whole series of books that show you where to<br />

go to find free stuff on the Internet. This one,<br />

Free Stuff for Crafty Kids on the Internet, may<br />

be the best buy of the year for anyone who has<br />

to deal with craft-loving children and a slim<br />

budget. Its pages are filled with places to go on<br />

the Internet for all kinds of crafts: printable<br />

coloring pages and paper doll patterns, painting,<br />

rubber stamping and scrapbooking tips, craft<br />

instruction sheets, inspiration, and just plain fun.<br />

It includes URLs (net addresses) for the on-line<br />

version of such family magazines as Parents and<br />

FamilyFun, as well as for big craft stores such as<br />

Michael’s, Jo-Ann Fabrics, and Ben Franklin. It<br />

even includes web sites that give instructions for<br />

balloon-twisting, juggling, puppet and kite<br />

making, and magic tricks!<br />

Best of all, Chapter 1, Kids, Crafts, and Family<br />

Fun, includes information on tapping into web<br />

pages, dealing with common error messages,<br />

finding your way around the web without<br />

getting lost, using bookmarks, saving web pages<br />

and images to your hard drive, and Internet<br />

safety for children (including a list of child-safe<br />

search engines). This chapter alone may be<br />

worth the cost of the book!<br />

I have only two reservations about this book<br />

(and indeed, the whole series). Some of the<br />

URLs include typos, making them useless for<br />

web navigation. Also, as is the case for web<br />

surfing in general, even the correctly typed<br />

addresses aren’t always current. However, after<br />

reading the first chapter, you should be able to<br />

get around both of those problems and find what<br />

you are looking for (or a satisfactory substitute.)<br />

All in all, there is plenty in here to keep even the<br />

craftiest child busy for months!<br />

Betty Winslow, Bowling Green <strong>Christian</strong> Academy, Bowling Green,<br />

Ohio<br />

Scholastic treasury of quotations for<br />

children, [compiled and written by]<br />

Adrienne Betz. LCCN 97034153. New<br />

York: Scholastic, 1998. ISBN 0590271466,<br />

HBB, $16.95.<br />

082. Quotations. 254 p. Elementary (Middle school).<br />

Michel De Montaigne once wrote “I quote<br />

others to better express myself.” Who was<br />

Montaigne? When did he live? In the<br />

Scholastic Treasury of Quotations for Children,<br />

author Adrienne Betz compiles and references<br />

more than a thousand quotations. Not only does<br />

the author divide the quotes by subject matter<br />

but she supplies biographical information on her<br />

sources.<br />

The introduction is an important part of this<br />

book. Betz discusses the history of the famous<br />

book of quotations, Bartlett’s Familiar<br />

Quotations, and the reason for her diverse<br />

selection. In addition, the author provides uses<br />

for quotations such as introducing an idea,<br />

adding authority to your opinions, or finding<br />

titles for literary work.<br />

There are no illustrations in the book, but the<br />

larger print and white spaces make the book<br />

attractive to young readers. The book is divided<br />

alphabetically into categories such as anger,<br />

history, humor, and work, with a table of<br />

contents at the front and a biographical index at<br />

the end of the book. Throughout the book, indepth<br />

paragraphs explain subjects such as Ways<br />

to Say: Don’t Just Talk About It, Take Action! or<br />

Artists Explain Their Own Work.<br />

The sources for this book are extensive. From<br />

the Bible to Buddha, Shakespeare to Seuss,<br />

Mother Goose to Mother Teresa, these<br />

selections give the reader insights into the<br />

thought processes of people through the<br />

centuries.<br />

Joanne M. Haffly, Homeschool Parent/Writer, Gig Harbor,<br />

Washington<br />

200’s—Religion<br />

Boys life adventure Bible storybook, by<br />

David Horton; illustrated by Dennis<br />

Edwards. LCCN 00265111. Grand<br />

Rapids: New Kids Media, Baker Book<br />

House, 1999. ISBN 0801044251, HBB,<br />

$16.99.<br />

220. Bible stories. 356 p. Elementary.<br />

Within the pages of Boys Life Adventure Bible<br />

Storybook, Adam looks like Tarzan. Illustrator<br />

Dennis Edwards uses his comic book style to<br />

draw the young readers into the text. The book<br />

is directed toward ages six to nine, but boys as<br />

old as twelve may enjoy this highly visual<br />

storybook, especially beginning readers.<br />

Author David Horton divides the readings into<br />

four areas. There are fifty stories sections. Each<br />

story ends with a ‘Making a Man of God’<br />

element. The story is clarified and questions are<br />

asked such as, “Has anyone ever done<br />

something mean to you? Did you want to hurt<br />

that person back? What do you think might<br />

have happened if you had said, ‘I forgive you’<br />

instead?”<br />

The third section, Coaching Tips, gives the adult<br />

advice on how to apply the lesson to daily life.<br />

“The Verse to Remember” is a simple biblical<br />

verse with application to the lesson.<br />

Joanne M. Haffly, Homeschool Parent/Writer, Gig Harbor,<br />

Washington<br />

Hey, that’s not what the Bible says!<br />

written and illustrated by Bill Ross.<br />

LCCN 98051088. Nashville: Tommy<br />

Nelson, 1999. ISBN 0849959225, HBB,<br />

$9.99.<br />

220.9. Bible stories. 80 p. Elementary.<br />

Bill Ross’ Hey, That’s Not What the Bible Says!<br />

is a collection of Bible stories from the Old and<br />

New Testament that humorously challenges<br />

your child’s knowledge. Ten stories, from<br />

Adam and Eve to Noah and the ark, to David<br />

and Goliath and Jonah and the whale, to Jesus’<br />

birth, death and resurrection are included. First<br />

Mr. Ross tells an incorrect story, and then<br />

follows with the correct story from the<br />

International Children’s Bible, New Century<br />

Version. Did Adam and Eve go willingly? Just<br />

how many people were included on the ark?<br />

Was Goliath more interested in being David’s<br />

friend? Did Jonah successfully run away from<br />

God and His mission? Just where was Jesus<br />

born, in a stable or a techno-hospital? Was a<br />

stone really rolled across Jesus’ tomb, or was it<br />

a head stone? In one illustration Jesus is<br />

wearing a bracelet. I wonder what WWID could<br />

stand for. Mr. Ross, who also illustrated this<br />

book, has included comical sketches of the<br />

characters that most children will be amused by.<br />

The book is colorful and lively, and creatively<br />

presents Bible stories.<br />

Debby Willett, Freelance Writer, Canyon, Texas<br />

Words of gold : a treasury of the Bible’s<br />

poetry and wisdom, selected and<br />

introduced by Lois Rock; illustrations by<br />

Sarah Young. LCCN 99037903. Grand<br />

Rapids: Eerdmans Books for Young<br />

Readers, Wm. B. Eerdmans, 2000. ISBN<br />

0802851991, HBB, $18.00.<br />

220.9’505. Bible stories. 48 p. Elementary.<br />

The title, Words of Gold, A Treasury of Bible’s<br />

Poetry and Wisdom, would lead one to believe<br />

that this was a book about the Psalms and<br />

Proverbs, or even the Old Testament. Instead, it<br />

is a selection of the author, Lois Rock’s, favorite<br />

Bible passages, covering the entire gamut of the<br />

scriptures. This is really a version of an<br />

interpreted Bible storybook, in biblical order.<br />

After each title is given is a brief synopses of the<br />

general story or theme, followed by subtitles,<br />

further summaries, and then scripture. Some of<br />

the summaries are in the form of a question that<br />

S P R I N G 2 0 0 1 2 2 C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L


CHILDREN’S NONFICTION<br />

the passage answers. The passages are<br />

presented from the Good News Bible, King<br />

James Version, or the New Revised Standard<br />

Version, with no pattern as to which text is used.<br />

An index completes the work, with references to<br />

biblical themes.<br />

The illustrations and artwork are highly<br />

significant factors in this book. The style is<br />

stylized and eclectic. Highly intricate borders<br />

line the outside of every page: throughout the<br />

Old Testament section the pattern is a detailed,<br />

leafy, patterned border; the Gospel section has<br />

page borders that are in a vine and grape motif;<br />

from Acts onward the pattern suggest flames.<br />

The pictures of people are somewhat simplified<br />

and pre-Renaissance in appearance. Other<br />

pictures appear quilt-like. The same rich,<br />

vibrant colors are used consistently from<br />

beginning to end, with lots of gold.<br />

Debby Willett, Freelance Writer, Canyon, Texas<br />

Hidden treasures : amazing stories from<br />

the Old Testament, by Mary Manz Simon;<br />

illustrated by Jeff Preston. LCCN<br />

00037910. Nashville: Broadman &<br />

Holman, 2000. ISBN 0805423281, HBB,<br />

$9.99.<br />

221.9’505. Bible stories--O.T. 40 p. Elementary.<br />

Hidden treasures : amazing stories from<br />

the New Testament, by Mary Manz<br />

Simon; illustrated by Jeff Preston. LCCN<br />

00037911. Nashville: Broadman &<br />

Holman, 2000. ISBN 80542329X, HBB,<br />

$9.99.<br />

225.9’505. Bible stories--N.T. 40 p. Elementary.<br />

Mary Manz Simon has adapted little known<br />

stories from the Old and New Testaments,<br />

creating Hidden Treasures: Amazing Stories<br />

from the Old Testament and Hidden Treasures:<br />

Amazing Stories from the New Testament. For<br />

an example, the story of Rahab and how she<br />

helps Joshua’s men escape from the soldiers of<br />

Jericho. Most children are taught the story of<br />

Moses as a baby and how he was adopted by the<br />

Pharoah’s daughter, but how many have heard<br />

how Moses defended young women at a well?<br />

During Pharoah’s reign of terror against Hebrew<br />

baby boys were two midwives who defied the<br />

command to kill. These women were<br />

responsible for safely guiding the birth of<br />

newborn boys, despite the threats of the<br />

Egyptian soldiers. These nurses were blessed of<br />

God and soon had babies of their own. Elijah,<br />

exhausted from running from Queen Jezebel,<br />

awoke to the smell of fresh bread. Maybe not so<br />

unusual; however, Elijah had been in the<br />

wilderness and there was no oven close by. God<br />

had provided for Elijah because of his<br />

faithfulness and obedience.<br />

These stories are excellent for children to read<br />

by themselves, or for reading aloud as a family,<br />

and questions are included at the conclusion of<br />

each story. What’s important is that Ms. Simon<br />

doesn’t simply tell stories of little-known<br />

people, but through the questions she<br />

encourages children to find the part of the story<br />

that relates to their lives. Her desire is to create<br />

“a heart connection” through the retelling of<br />

these stories about ordinary people that God<br />

used in extraordinary ways. Jeff Preston, the<br />

illustrator, has managed to capture the drama<br />

and emotion of these stories in vibrant colors.<br />

The illustrations add depth to the characters, and<br />

enjoyment of the stories. The series would<br />

make a wonderful addition to family libraries<br />

and would appeal to even small children. The<br />

questions allow children to consider what they<br />

learned and serves to reinforce bible truths.<br />

Parents would find these series to be a great way<br />

to spend quality time with their children.<br />

Debby Willett, Freelance Writer, Canyon, Texas<br />

Exodus, by Brian Wildsmith. LCCN<br />

98018066. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans<br />

Books for Young Readers, Wm. B.<br />

Eerdmans, 1998. ISBN 0802851754, HBB,<br />

$20.00.<br />

222’.120505. Moses (Biblical leader); Exodus, The;<br />

Bible stories--O.T. unp. Elementary.<br />

The words “wonderful” and “awesome” have<br />

never been more aptly applied than when<br />

describing the story of God’s work in the<br />

salvation of His people from Egypt. Beginning<br />

with the birth of Moses and ending with the rise<br />

of Joshua to the leadership of God’s people,<br />

Wildsmith’s book offers an artistically rich,<br />

colorful, and respectful depiction of the events.<br />

The detail of the watercolor-tinted line drawings<br />

is as intriguing as the accuracy with which the<br />

time and locale are drawn. In addition, the<br />

perspective is always maintained in a way that<br />

emphasizes the greatness of the mighty acts of<br />

God rather than the actions of men. Particularly<br />

telling is Wildsmith’s depiction of the Ark of the<br />

Covenant and the Ten Commandments on both<br />

the front and back endpapers of his book. So<br />

often the Exodus story is reduced to a paean to<br />

the human desire for freedom, but Wildsmith’s<br />

book does not fall into that trap nor ignore the<br />

compelling, covenantal reason for the<br />

deliverance of the Hebrews from Egypt or the<br />

Law of Freedom they were soon to embrace. In<br />

summary, Brian Wildsmith’s Exodus brings the<br />

biblical account down to the verbal and visual<br />

level of a child without sacrificing the integrity<br />

or majesty of the event.<br />

Pamela A. Todd, Librarian/English Teacher, Chalcedon <strong>Christian</strong><br />

School, Cumming, Georgia<br />

A faith to grow on : important things you<br />

should know now that you believe, by<br />

John MacArthur. LCCN 00032913.<br />

Nashville: Tommy Nelson, Thomas<br />

Nelson, 2000. ISBN 0849975123, HBB,<br />

$15.99.<br />

230. <strong>Christian</strong> children--Religious life--Miscellanea;<br />

<strong>Christian</strong> life. 192 p. Elementary.<br />

This visually appealing book offers both “food<br />

and exercise” for spiritual growth. Author John<br />

MacArthur creates a devotional to help kids<br />

understand their faith and grow as <strong>Christian</strong>s.<br />

The book is broken down into twelve chapters,<br />

each focusing on a separate <strong>Christian</strong> doctrine<br />

(God, sin, worship, prayer, forgiveness).<br />

Chapters include from four to twelve questions<br />

such as: What does God want from us? Must we<br />

obey God all the time? and Why doesn’t God<br />

answer my prayers right away? A single spread<br />

is devoted to each question. MacArthur offers<br />

concise answers and activities to reinforce the<br />

concept and encourage children to grow closer<br />

to God.<br />

Each chapter is color-coded, creating bright<br />

spreads that follow the same layout. Answers to<br />

common questions children—and new<br />

believers—have about God, faith, and the<br />

church, dominate the left side of the spread.<br />

These explanations are written in kid-friendly<br />

language. A word scramble and a prayer starter<br />

below the narrative completes the left side of the<br />

spread. An activity and a sidebar helping<br />

children relate the concept to everyday life<br />

dominates the right side of the spread. Relevant<br />

Bible passages (God’s Word) cover the right<br />

margin of each spread. A honeycomb<br />

background is sprinkled with tiny photos of<br />

children, along with two to three larger photos<br />

on each spread.<br />

Not only is the layout visually appealing, it<br />

attracts young readers to this fine devotional<br />

because it makes it easier to use. Color-coding<br />

makes locating a specific category easier than<br />

using the table of contents. Children may also<br />

flip through and stop at spreads with headings<br />

matching their own questions: What if I tell<br />

someone about Jesus and nothing happens?<br />

(from the chapter on Evangelism); What is<br />

heaven like? (from the chapter on Heaven);<br />

Does God see everything we do? (from the<br />

chapter on Worship); and Who wrote the Bible?<br />

(from the chapter on the Bible). The<br />

information and activities on each spread work<br />

together to help the reader not only better<br />

understand his faith, but apply what he’s<br />

learning so he will truly build up his spiritual<br />

muscle. For instance, in “How should we<br />

pray?” the spread provides a step-by-step for<br />

praying: Praise God, ask for his will, offer trust<br />

in him, and ask for what we need, for<br />

forgiveness, and for his help. The activity<br />

suggests finding a private place to “talk” quietly<br />

with God while the sidebar discusses easing fear<br />

by praying silently. “God Word” includes five<br />

scripture passages.<br />

A Faith to Grow on: Important Things You<br />

Should Know Now That You Believe is a book<br />

parents will enjoy sharing with their children.<br />

Its visual appeal and non-doctrinal approach<br />

makes it suitable to general libraries as well.<br />

The kid-friendly narrative makes it a nonthreatening<br />

addition for all libraries as well.<br />

MacArthur suggests, in the introduction, to read<br />

a section every day to “grow strong in the<br />

Lord!”<br />

Lisa Wroble, Freelance Writer/<strong>Library</strong> Aide, Plymouth, Michigan<br />

C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 2 3 S P R I N G 2 0 0 1


CHILDREN’S NONFICTION<br />

Creation, written by Helen Haidle;<br />

illustrated by David Haidle and Elizabeth<br />

Haidle. LCCN 00033385. Grand Rapids:<br />

Zonderkidz, Zondervan, 2000. ISBN<br />

0310700183, HBB, $12.99.<br />

231.7’65. Creation--Biblical teaching; Bible stories--<br />

O.T. unp. Elementary (Small children).<br />

This beautifully illustrated book is a retelling of<br />

the story of Creation based on excerpts from<br />

Genesis and the Psalms. A two-page spread is<br />

devoted to each day. Helen Haidle paraphrases<br />

the text from Genesis in simple language. In<br />

addition, an appropriate selection from the<br />

Psalms is given in verse form. The last third of<br />

the book focuses on some animals which have<br />

unique features, hyperdeveloped senses, or<br />

peculiar shapes, e.g., the octopus (8 arms), the<br />

eagle (keen eyesight), and the zebra (striped<br />

skin).<br />

This is a delighful and uplifting book. The<br />

illustrations are realistic without intensive<br />

details, and there is an abundance of color. The<br />

use of parallel texts makes this an excellent<br />

teaching tool: the Psalm selections praise the<br />

things that are created on the specific day. For<br />

example, on the fourth day, God creates the<br />

lights in the sky to separate day from night. The<br />

Psalm selection is 19:1-4 “The heavens tell<br />

about the glory of God. / The skies show that /<br />

his hands created them. / No sound is heard<br />

from them / At the same time, their voice goes<br />

out / into the whole earth.” The juxtaposition of<br />

these texts and the accompanying illustration<br />

reflects the majesty and wonder of the Creation<br />

story.<br />

The last six pages contain text and illustrations<br />

of some of God’s “amazing” creatures. Each<br />

animal’s unique feature is described and a<br />

simple rationale is given for the feature. For<br />

example, the squid can quickly change its color<br />

to confuse its enemies. While the content of this<br />

section is more appropriate for school-age<br />

children, preschoolers will enjoy looking at the<br />

pictures and learning the names of these<br />

fantastic animals.<br />

The Haidles have produced a wonderful yet<br />

simple book about the beginning of the world.<br />

Nadia J. Martin, MLIS, Librarian, First Presbyterian Church,<br />

Plymouth, Michigan<br />

The Christmas story : from the Gospels of<br />

Matthew and Luke, illustrated by Cathy<br />

Ann Johnson. LCCN 99023700.<br />

Nashville: Tommy Nelson, Thomas<br />

Nelson, 1999. ISBN 084997528X, HBB,<br />

$5.99.<br />

232.92. Jesus Christ--Nativity; Bible stories--N.T.<br />

unp. Elementary.<br />

The Christmas Story: From the Gospels of<br />

Matthew and Luke is a simple, straightforward<br />

retelling of the Nativity story. Pulling Scripture<br />

from the first and second chapters of both<br />

Matthew and Luke, the story includes Gabriel’s<br />

announcement, Joseph’s disbelief, the trip to<br />

Bethlehem, and Jesus’ birth, along with the story<br />

of the shepherds, wise men, and King Herod.<br />

Scripture is quoted from the International<br />

Children’s Bible, New Century Version, and<br />

Scripture references are printed beneath the text<br />

on each page. The last page of the book shows<br />

a picture of the night sky and the Star of the East<br />

with the words of John 3:16 printed below.<br />

Illustrator Cathy Ann Johnson tells the Nativity<br />

story effectively through her illustrations. She<br />

uses bold, bright colors and her depictions of the<br />

characters and their surroundings are simple and<br />

clear enough to appeal to even very young<br />

children. Especially well done are the<br />

expressions of emotion on the character’s faces,<br />

such as Mary and Joseph’s fear at learning Mary<br />

is pregnant and the wise men’s awe and worship<br />

of baby Jesus. Small details in the portrayals of<br />

clothing and architecture help to lend an<br />

authentic flavor to the illustrations. A useful tool<br />

for sharing the Christmas story with young<br />

children.<br />

Kerri Cunningham, Librarian, Camano Island, Washington<br />

The Easter story, by Brian Wildsmith.<br />

LCCN 98056534. Grand Rapids:<br />

Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, Wm.<br />

B. Eerdmans, 2000. ISBN 0802851894,<br />

HBB, $18.00.<br />

232.96. Jesus Christ--Resurrection; Jesus Christ--<br />

Passion; Easter; Bible stories--N.T. unp. Elementary.<br />

The Easter Story by Brian Wildsmith simply and<br />

clearly retells the Passion story as seen through<br />

the eyes of the small donkey that Jesus rode into<br />

Jerusalem. Beginning with the Triumphant<br />

Ride, Wildsmith continues to recount the<br />

Clearing of the Temple, the Last Supper, Peter’s<br />

betrayal of Christ, and Jesus’ Crucifixion and<br />

Resurrection. The story ends with the<br />

Ascension and the donkey being taken to the<br />

home of one of Jesus’ friends where the reader is<br />

told he will stay for the rest of his life.<br />

Author and illustrator Brian Wildsmith has<br />

created a companion to his earlier book, A<br />

Christmas Story. By telling the story through<br />

the eyes of the donkey Jesus rode, Wildsmith<br />

makes the story accessible and interesting to<br />

even young readers. However, it is the<br />

illustrations that truly set this book apart. The<br />

pages are large and Wildsmith’s images fill<br />

every inch of them. Depictions include the<br />

remarkable buildings of Jerusalem, the<br />

countryside of Israel, and Jesus and his<br />

disciples, among many others. As in A<br />

Christmas Story, the use of gold-toned paints<br />

creates shining illustrations, and many are<br />

reminiscent of stained-glass windows. In an<br />

Author’s Note, Wildsmith states that he wanted<br />

to capture the symbolism of Jesus’ last days on<br />

earth, as well as his death and resurrection, in<br />

“color, shape and form.” He succeeds by<br />

creating beautiful yet accurate illustrations of<br />

Jerusalem in Jesus’ time. Although the story has<br />

been written for children, the gorgeous, almost<br />

theatrical, illustrations make it a pleasure for<br />

anyone to read and view.<br />

Kerri Cunningham, Librarian, Camano Island, Washington<br />

The very first Easter, by Paul L. Maier;<br />

illustrated by Francisco Ordaz. LCCN<br />

00701286. St. Louis, Mo.: Concordia,<br />

1999. ISBN 0570070538, HBB, $14.00.<br />

232.96. Jesus Christ--Resurrection; Jesus Christ--<br />

Passion; Easter; Bible stories--N.T. 32 p. Elementary.<br />

This book follows the same format as Paul<br />

Maier’s companion book, The Very First<br />

Christmas. Meier embeds the story of the first<br />

Easter inside the story of a ten-year-old boy<br />

named Christopher, who lives with his mother<br />

and father, a forest ranger, in a remote area of<br />

America’s western mountains. As Christopher<br />

and his parents are sitting around the table dying<br />

Easter eggs, Christopher wonders aloud what<br />

the true story of Easter is. His Dad picks up the<br />

Bible and the two of them begin to read aloud<br />

from the book of Luke.<br />

The narrative follows their discussion as they<br />

read, with Christopher asking questions that any<br />

child might typically ask—“How do we know<br />

Jesus was really God?” “Why did they hang<br />

people on crosses, Dad?” “But if Jesus had a<br />

solid body and wasn’t a ghost, how did he get<br />

through the walls?” Maier’s format works well<br />

in this setting. Quotations from Luke tell the<br />

story, but the discussion between Christopher<br />

and his Dad explain the Easter story in a way<br />

that seems natural and easy to understand.<br />

While the text of this book is quite good, what<br />

makes this book an excellent addition to the<br />

Easter collection is the outstanding artwork of<br />

Francisco Ordaz. Beautiful, full page pictures<br />

take up the right hand side of each spread.<br />

These realistic and detailed illustrations do a<br />

superb job of furthering the viewer’s<br />

understanding of the Easter story. Especially<br />

well done is a portrayal of Jesus praying in the<br />

garden of Gethsemane and an illustration<br />

showing the women standing in amazement<br />

before the empty tomb. The Very First Easter is<br />

a wonderful book to share with a child, or<br />

anyone, who wonders what more there is to<br />

Easter than bunnies and painted eggs.<br />

Lillian Heytvelt, Librarian, Pomeroy, Washington<br />

Little girls devotional storybook for<br />

mothers and daughters, by Carolyn<br />

Larsen; illustrated by Caron Turk. Grand<br />

Rapids: Baker Books, 2000. ISBN<br />

0801044464, HBB, $16.99.<br />

242. Prayer books and devotions. 187 p. Elementary.<br />

The Little Girls Devotional Storybook for<br />

Mothers and Daughters contains eighteen short<br />

stories that will capture the attention of young<br />

girls while teaching them important lessons.<br />

Each story is followed by questions for mothers<br />

and daughters to answer together, a brief<br />

devotional, and a scripture related to the story.<br />

The stories deal with such hard topics as anger,<br />

selfishness, and disobedience. Positive topics<br />

such as thankfulness and God’s loving care are<br />

also included. As an added feature, the<br />

illustrator, Caron Turk, has included a little<br />

angel with pink wings in each picture. Little<br />

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girls will enjoy searching for her throughout the<br />

book.<br />

Carolyn Larson has written a charming<br />

devotional that young girls and their mothers<br />

will love reading together. The bright and<br />

colorful pictures add to the stories and keep<br />

children interested. Young girls will identify<br />

with the emotions of the characters in the<br />

stories. They will see that although their actions<br />

are sometimes bad, they are not bad. Mothers<br />

will be reminded of how a child thinks, which<br />

will help them identify with their own little girls.<br />

The questions at the end of each story are<br />

thought provoking, but simple enough for young<br />

children to understand and answer. Many<br />

stories even provide ideas for activities that<br />

mothers and daughters can do together. The<br />

Little Girls Devotional Book is something every<br />

mother and daughter should have on their<br />

bookshelf.<br />

Robyn Wyatt, Freelance Writer, Port Orchard, Washington<br />

A child’s garden of prayers : a collection of<br />

classic prayers and timeless blessings,<br />

compiled by Tama Fortner; featuring the<br />

artwork of Thomas Kinkade. LCCN<br />

00041819. Nashville: Tommy Nelson,<br />

Thomas Nelson, 2000. ISBN 0849976030,<br />

HBB, $17.99.<br />

242’.8. Children--Prayer-books and devotions--<br />

English. 60 p. Elementary.<br />

A Child’s Garden of Prayers entwines Thomas<br />

Kinkade’s paintings with a collection of prayers<br />

and blessings. Fans of Kinkade’s light-infused<br />

artwork will treasure this padded gift book<br />

which introduces children to praying. Prayers of<br />

gratitude and petition are included, plus prayers<br />

for morning, noon, and night. Topics cover<br />

parents, holidays, friends, animals, home, the<br />

world, and more.<br />

Some prayers are familiar like St. Francis of<br />

Assisi’s: “Lord, make me an instrument of your<br />

peace/ Where there is hatred, let me sow love/<br />

Where there is injury, pardon/ Where there is<br />

despair, hope/ Where there is darkness, light/<br />

Where there is sadness, joy.” Other classic<br />

prayers were penned by Martin Luther, John and<br />

Charles Wesley, and Robert Louis Stevenson.<br />

Numerous prayers are sweet poetic verses. For<br />

example: “Heavenly Father, hear my prayer.<br />

Night and day I’m in Your care. Look upon me<br />

from above. Bless the home I dearly love. Bless<br />

the friends with whom I play. Make us kinder<br />

day by day (Unknown).” Also included are<br />

traditional prayers: “God is great, and God is<br />

good. Let us thank Him for our food. By His<br />

hand we all are fed; Thank you, Lord, for our<br />

daily bread.” The book concludes with The<br />

Lord’s Prayer and blank pages to record little<br />

one’s prayers.<br />

Parents will appreciate the variety of prayers<br />

found for different individuals and daily events<br />

of life. Families will enjoy the inspiring<br />

paintings of houses, people, gardens, and<br />

streams. An index of Kinkade’s thirty-one<br />

paintings is included. Although the prayers are<br />

dear and meaningful, probably Kinkade’s<br />

popular paintings will sell the book.<br />

Lydia E. Harris, Freelance Writer, Former Teacher, Seattle,<br />

Washington<br />

Big truths for little kids : teaching your<br />

children to live for God, by Susan Hunt<br />

and Richie Hunt. LCCN 99030536.<br />

Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books, 1999.<br />

ISBN 1581341067, HBB, $12.99.<br />

248.8’45. Catechisms, English; Children--Religious<br />

life. 160 p. Elementary.<br />

Big Truths for Little Kids : Teaching Your<br />

Children to Live for God, by Susan Hunt and<br />

Richie Hunt, is a series of thirty-four stories<br />

designed “to teach children that they are created<br />

for God’s glory.” Each section contains<br />

catechisms, stories, let’s talk, and let’s pray<br />

suggestions. The catechisms range from “Who<br />

made you?” “God;” to “What is God?” “God is<br />

Spirit and has no body as we do;” to “What<br />

covenant did God make with Adam?” “The<br />

covenant of life.” It is suggested that the<br />

child(ren) being read to memorize the<br />

catechisms prior to reading each story section.<br />

The stories are short, usually two and one-half<br />

pages, and the let’s talk questions deal<br />

specifically with the story and how the story<br />

relates to the Bible and it’s relevance to life<br />

today. The Let’s Pray section includes a Bible<br />

verse from the NIV, and a simple prayer<br />

suggestion, designed to teach children to pray<br />

biblically.<br />

Susan Hunt and her son Richie have compiled<br />

different stories that are simple and short.<br />

Young children will enjoy the stories while they<br />

are learning catechism. These stories are also<br />

appropriate for devotions. Doctrine is not<br />

discussed so this book would be useful across<br />

different belief systems. The catechisms are<br />

pointed and clearly based on biblical truths.<br />

This would be useful book for teaching children<br />

to life for God. The illustrations are simple<br />

pencil drawings reflecting children and adults<br />

who are smiling, interacting, and friendly.<br />

Debby Willett, Freelance Writer, Canyon, Texas<br />

300’s—Social Sciences<br />

The lion and the mouse : an Aesop fable,<br />

retold and illustrated by Bernadette<br />

Watts. LCCN 99056634. New York:<br />

North-South Books, 2000. ISBN<br />

0735812209, HBB, $15.95.<br />

398.2. Fables; Folklore. unp. Elementary.<br />

It’s sunny and hot in the jungle, and most of the<br />

citizens are resting. All but one little lion cub<br />

who still wants to play. Finally, though, he nods<br />

off to sleep. His nap was short lived when a<br />

mouse scampers across his paw. The mouse<br />

pleads for his life, and lion cub spares his life.<br />

Grateful, the mouse promises to reward the<br />

cub’s kindness. Not sure how a small mouse<br />

could ever help him, the lion cub grows and<br />

grows, becoming the king of the jungle. On<br />

another sunny, hot day in the jungle, the lion<br />

manages to get caught in a net. Every way he<br />

turns, every struggle he makes, the mighty king<br />

of the jungle becomes even more entangled.<br />

The mouse hears the lion’s cries for help and<br />

offers his promise of help from years ago. Lion<br />

considers the mouse’s size and doubts his ability<br />

to help anyone, especially himself. Mouse sets<br />

to work, and eventually the lion is free. The<br />

lesson the lion learns is to “never again laugh at<br />

someone weaker or smaller than myself.”<br />

Bernadette Watts’ retelling of this Aesop fable is<br />

simple, and her illustrations are colorful, and<br />

sweet. A wonderful picture book for small<br />

children.<br />

Debby Willett, Freelance Writer, Canyon, Texas<br />

Luba and the wren, by Patricia Polacco.<br />

LCCN 98016353. New York: Philomel,<br />

Penguin Putnam, 1999. ISBN<br />

0399231684, HBB, $16.99.<br />

398.2’0947’02. Fairy tales; Folklore--Russia. unp.<br />

Elementary.<br />

Luba and the Wren, Patricia Polacco’s retelling<br />

of the classic folk tale, “The Fisherman and His<br />

Wife,” is told with Russian flavor and the<br />

charming addition of a faithful and loving<br />

daughter, Luba. Polacco starts out with a Bible<br />

verse on the title page: “For where your treasure<br />

is, there will your heart be also. Matt. 6:21.”<br />

She then goes on to demonstrate through her<br />

story one possible outcome of having your heart<br />

in things, not people.<br />

Luba helps a wren trapped in a fowler’s net and,<br />

in gratitude, the wren tells her, “Ask for<br />

anything you wish.” Satisfied with her family’s<br />

simple lifestyle, Luba doesn’t want anything,<br />

but when she tells her parents, they trot out a<br />

long list of wants, from a rich estate to the power<br />

of ruling over the world. In fear and trembling,<br />

Luba obediently makes each wish until the wren<br />

finally returns everything to the way it was and<br />

her parents learn to be content.<br />

Polacco’s artwork, done in colored pencils and<br />

marking pens, gives the story much of its<br />

Russian flavor as well as demonstrating<br />

Polacco’s familiarity with the Russian lifestyle<br />

through her Russian and Ukrainian heritage, her<br />

extensive travels in the former Soviet Union,<br />

and her studies in Russian art and iconography.<br />

Although Polacco’s more recent works have<br />

tended to be a bit serious and message-driven,<br />

Luba and the Wren is vintage Polacco, a story<br />

told for the joy of telling it, and even libraries<br />

with a large selection of folk tales might want to<br />

add this one to their collection.<br />

Betty Winslow, Bowling Green <strong>Christian</strong> Academy, Bowling Green,<br />

Ohio<br />

Sanji’s seed, by B.J. Reinhard; illustrated<br />

by Shelly Hehenberger. LCCN 00011570.<br />

Minneapolis: Bethany Backyard, Bethany<br />

House, 2000. ISBN 0764222104, HBB,<br />

$12.99.<br />

398.2’0951’02. Folklore--China. unp. Elementary.<br />

Inspired by an East Indian folktale, Sanji’s Seed<br />

by B.J. Reinhard tells of a peasant boy who<br />

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longs to become king. He learns that elderly<br />

King Akbar is looking for a successor. The next<br />

ruler must prove himself worthy by caring for a<br />

seed for one month and returning with the plant.<br />

Sanji nurtures his seed, but it doesn’t sprout.<br />

His mother reassures him that he did his best,<br />

and she will always be proud of him.<br />

When Sanji returns to the king’s palace with his<br />

pot of dirt, other young men are there with large,<br />

beautiful plants. Sanji hangs his head in shame.<br />

But King Akbar laughs at the other young men,<br />

saying he boiled the seeds in oil so they couldn’t<br />

grow. The king’s test proves Sanji has the<br />

integrity needed to become the next ruler. Sanji<br />

and his mother move into the palace, and he<br />

becomes a kind and honest king.<br />

Detailed illustrations by Shelly Hehenberger<br />

complement the story and are painted in rich,<br />

deep tones. Facial expressions show<br />

anticipation, disappointment, and pleasure.<br />

Parents and teachers will appreciate the<br />

emphasis on honesty and the lesson from Luke<br />

16:10, Whoever can be trusted with small<br />

things can also be trusted with large things.<br />

Adult-child discussion questions are also<br />

included. This endearing story makes a<br />

worthwhile addition to homes and libraries.<br />

Lydia E. Harris, Freelance Writer, Former Teacher, Seattle,<br />

Washington<br />

500’s—Natural Sciences & Mathematics<br />

Earth’s fiery fury, by Sandra Downs.<br />

(Exploring planet earth.) LCCN<br />

00024956. Brookfield, Ct.: Twenty-First<br />

Century Books, Millbrook Press, 2000.<br />

ISBN 076131413X, HBB, $23.40.<br />

551.21. Volcanoes; Geothermal resources. 64 p.<br />

Elementary.<br />

Volcanoes, geysers, mudpots and fire fountains<br />

form the center around which Earth’s Fiery<br />

Fury revolves. Many photos accompany the<br />

text and offer a visual journey that makes it easy<br />

to stay interested. Boxed sidebars add variety<br />

and highlight important features about the<br />

various topics A glossary, recommended<br />

resources (both print and www sites), and an<br />

index enable one to concentrate on individual<br />

aspects. It also attests to the careful research<br />

done in this work.<br />

Different sized pictures, varying headlines, and<br />

attractive layout enable the student to probe and<br />

enjoy the journey in this slim volume. Many<br />

facts are included and give teachers further<br />

subject for study.<br />

Downs is an avid mineral collector and has been<br />

interested in scenic geologic features since<br />

childhood. She lives in northern New Jersey.<br />

One sees her genuine interest and devotion<br />

underlying many of the points made as she has<br />

visited most of the sites discussed, and gotten so<br />

close to volcanoes and mudpots that one can<br />

almost feel the effect.<br />

Leroy Hommerding, Director, Fort Myers Beach P.L. District, Fort<br />

Myers, Florida<br />

Butternut Hollow Pond, by Brian J.<br />

Heinz; illustrated by Bob Marstall.<br />

LCCN 99044813. Brookfield, Ct.:<br />

Millbrook Press, 2000. ISBN 0761302689,<br />

HBB, $22.90.<br />

591.763. Pond animals; Predation (Biology); Pond<br />

ecology; Ecology. unp. Elementary.<br />

The text and illustrations of Butternut Hollow<br />

Pond showcase a typical temperate pond in the<br />

eastern United States. Through five timeframes,<br />

from dawn to darkness, readers can experience<br />

the interdependence of food chains, food webs,<br />

and the ecological riches each organism brings.<br />

There is no fantasy storyline—nature is shown<br />

with its survival instincts.<br />

Heinz, an elementary school teacher for twentythree<br />

years, is the author of previous picture<br />

books, The Wolves (Dial Books, 1996), Nanuk:<br />

Lord of the Ice (Dial Books, 1998), and The<br />

Monsters’ Test (Cooper Beech Books, 1996).<br />

He and wife Judy live in New York.<br />

Bob Marstall is a landscape painter and awardwinning<br />

illustrator of nature oriented children’s<br />

books, such as An Extraordinary Life by<br />

Laurence Pringle (Orchard Books, 2000). He<br />

lives in Massachusetts.<br />

Teachers and parents can use the detailed story<br />

in words and watercolor to illustrate the<br />

ecological world in motion. Water striders,<br />

beetles, dragonflies, tree swallows, mallard<br />

ducklings, turtle, pumpkinseed, heron,<br />

woodchuck, cottontail, marsh hawk, deer,<br />

pickerel frog, and brass give life and interest to<br />

the story. <strong>Christian</strong> librarians can add this title<br />

with confidence.<br />

Leroy Hommerding, Director, Fort Myers Beach P.L. District, Fort<br />

Myers, Florida<br />

Magnificent monarchs, by Linda Glaser;<br />

illustrated by Gay Holland. LCCN<br />

99086640. Brookfield, Ct.: Millbrook<br />

Press, 2000. ISBN 0761317007, HBB,<br />

$21.40.<br />

595.78’9. Monarch butterfly; Butterflies. 32 p.<br />

Elementary.<br />

Magnificent Monarchs offers a colorful journey<br />

in the life of a monarch butterfly. It begins with<br />

a tiny caterpillar pushing from a leaf, and ends<br />

with the migration of monarchs. The<br />

illustrations are inviting, both in the light color<br />

hues created, and in the gentle feeling they offer.<br />

Four pages of Monarch facts at the end of the<br />

book help answer questions that might be raised,<br />

e.g. How many eggs does a monarch lay? Are<br />

caterpillars worms? Do all monarchs migrate?<br />

How do migrating monarchs find their way?<br />

Web sites of organizations supporting the<br />

monarch are given and enable parents and<br />

teachers to get much more information.<br />

Glaser has written other outstanding science<br />

books such as Wonderful Worms (Millbrook,<br />

1994), and Spectacular Spiders (Millbrook,<br />

1998), and continues that quality here. Overall,<br />

her writing makes science easily understandable<br />

and inviting.<br />

Leroy Hommerding, Director, Fort Myers Beach P.L. District, Fort<br />

Myers, Florida<br />

All about turtles, written and illustrated<br />

by Jim Arnosky. LCCN 99029657. New<br />

York: Scholastic Press, 2000. ISBN<br />

0590481495, HBB, $15.95.<br />

597.92. Turtles. 26 p. Elementary.<br />

All About Turtles answers: How many kinds of<br />

turtles are there? Why do turtles have shells?<br />

What do turtles eat? How old can they live to<br />

be?<br />

This is an important and informative title for all<br />

children. The story is told in such an easy<br />

moving vein, that each page offers a new aspect.<br />

Drawings are bold, adventurous, and colorful,<br />

e.g., two pages illustrate how big a turtle can be,<br />

and another two show the top and bottom view<br />

of a typical turtle shell. He describes salt water,<br />

freshwater, and land-dwelling turtles, showing<br />

the differences in anatomy, habitat, and diet.<br />

Arnosky is the award-winning author and<br />

illustrator of some fifty books for children. As<br />

an avid naturist, his first-hand observations add<br />

interest and depth to his depictions and<br />

descriptions.<br />

Leroy Hommerding, Director, Fort Myers Beach P.L. District, Fort<br />

Myers, Florida<br />

600’s—Technology (Applied Sciences)<br />

How you are changing : for discussion or<br />

individual use, by Jane Graver. (Learning<br />

about sex series; 3.) LCCN 98225633. St.<br />

Louis, Mo.: Concordia, 1998. ISBN<br />

0570035643, PAP, $9.99.<br />

613.907. Sex instruction for children; Sex instruction-<br />

-Religious aspects--<strong>Christian</strong>ity. 63 p. Elementary.<br />

How You Are Changing explains to eight to<br />

eleven year olds the physical, emotional, and<br />

spiritual changes that are normal as they grow<br />

and mature. This is one in a series of seven<br />

books dedicated to giving honest answers to<br />

sensitive questions. Jane Graver has used ageappropriate<br />

language to discuss God’s plan in<br />

creating new life, the changes that take place<br />

during adolescence, and how this affects your<br />

sexuality. She helps to discover the purpose<br />

behind each change-taking place while always<br />

directing the reader back to God’s plan. She has<br />

also included a question and answer section that<br />

address common questions asked and promotes<br />

respect for your own body and for others.<br />

This is a very versatile series. It is designed for<br />

the parent to read first and then to share with<br />

their child. The book can be given to the child<br />

to read on their own, as they are interested; or<br />

read along with their parent. The illustrations<br />

demonstrate the needed information without<br />

being graphic or explicit. Sensitive material is<br />

handled in a way that emphasizes God’s<br />

wonderful plan for creating new life. This series<br />

would build confidence in parents who aren’t<br />

sure how to approach the subject. It brings back<br />

the respect and beauty God intended but our<br />

society has perverted.<br />

Marcia Snyder, Librarian, Missoula, Montana<br />

S P R I N G 2 0 0 1 2 6 C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L


CHILDREN’S NONFICTION<br />

Emergency! by Joy Masoff. LCCN<br />

97026995. New York: Scholastic, 1999.<br />

ISBN 0590978985, HBB, $16.95.<br />

616.02’5. Emergency medicine. 48 p. Elementary.<br />

In an 8 1/2 x 11 size format, Emergency invites<br />

children to appreciate the role of emergency<br />

medical workers. Open Emergency and see an<br />

active scene—from vehicles, ambulances and<br />

helicopters, protective clothing and scrub pants,<br />

suture kits and portable X-ray machines, to the<br />

doctors, nurses, paramedics, technicians and<br />

others who devote their shifts to making people<br />

well.<br />

Color action pictures, attractively placed<br />

headings and subheadings, and real life<br />

application make Masoff’s work a drama of<br />

interest. While written for children as an aid to<br />

lessening fear of the unknown, Emergency could<br />

be read by youth and adults and capture a lot of<br />

information and understanding. Clearly this is<br />

an outstanding title with lots of input in fortyeight<br />

pages. An index enables one to find<br />

specific points.<br />

Masoff, a Scout leader for the past seven years,<br />

came into contact with their sponsor, The Fire<br />

Department, and learned that rescue work and<br />

emergency medical care were a high percentage<br />

of their calls. That prompted her to share the<br />

story of these caring people. The first-hand<br />

observations add to the care with which details<br />

are shared and make the graphics compelling<br />

without being sensationalized.<br />

Leroy Hommerding, Director, Fort Myers Beach P.L. District, Fort<br />

Myers, Florida<br />

The Kids Can Press jumbo book of<br />

gardening, written by Karyn Morris;<br />

illustrated by Jane Kurisu. Toronto, Ont.:<br />

Kids Can Press, 2000. ISBN 1550746901,<br />

PAP, $14.95.<br />

635. Gardening. 240 p. Elementary (Middle school).<br />

Juvenile gardening books often make the<br />

mistake of condescending to young readers.<br />

Author Karyn Morris treats her readers with<br />

respect. Within the pages of her book, The Kids<br />

Can Press Jumbo Book of Gardening, Morris<br />

explains basic plant requirements for optimum<br />

growth. She addresses how to plot out a garden,<br />

prepare the soil, and perform garden<br />

maintenance.<br />

From Victory, Teepee, and Herb gardens to<br />

Miniature, Native, and Hanging gardens, Morris<br />

presents a large assortment of gardening styles<br />

and shapes to fit the interests of any child. She<br />

covers wildlife and native gardens, school and<br />

community gardens. There is even a section on<br />

attracting various wildlife and eliminating pests<br />

in the garden. Illustrations by Jane Kurisu<br />

abound on each page, complimenting the simple<br />

yet informative text with black and white<br />

drawings accented with green.<br />

Minor concerns may include the use of an old<br />

Iroquois tale called the Three Sisters, which<br />

speaks of the Sky woman who created the world<br />

as the basis for a garden design using fish heads.<br />

Other mystical references include a page for<br />

creating a fairy garden and the wives’ tale that<br />

basil keeps witches away. Overall, this book is<br />

an excellent resource for anyone interested in<br />

nurturing a love for nature and earth sciences<br />

through gardening.<br />

Joanne M. Haffly, Homeschool Parent/Writer, Gig Harbor,<br />

Washington<br />

Where once there was a wood, by Denise<br />

Fleming. LCCN 95018906. New York:<br />

Henry Holt, 1996. ISBN 0805037616,<br />

HBB, $6.95.<br />

639.9’20. Wildlife attracting; Wildlife conservation.<br />

unp. Elementary.<br />

Denise Fleming’s book, Where Once There Was<br />

a Wood, contains not only a wonderful parade of<br />

woodland, meadow, and creek wildlife done in<br />

paper pulp paintings, but also a subtle message:<br />

Wild creatures need space, shelter, water, and<br />

food to survive. The habitats represented in the<br />

book were once near Fleming’s home in Ohio<br />

and were part of the inspiration for her first<br />

book, In the Tall, Tall Grass; these habitats were<br />

destroyed during the making of a neighboring<br />

housing development. Before they disappeared,<br />

she collected and dried bits of the plants that<br />

were there. These bits were then incorporated<br />

into the pulp of the painting that wraps around<br />

the book’s front and back covers and in the<br />

white borders of each painting inside—except<br />

for one, the double spread painting at the story’s<br />

end that shows what stands there now “…houses<br />

side by side twenty houses deep.”<br />

Fleming dedicates her book to “.Indigo, Sam,<br />

Emily, Molly, and Rachel—The Future”—the<br />

children of two of her friends and her own<br />

daughter, since her desire, in writing the story,<br />

was to motivate children (and the grownups who<br />

care about them) to notice and perhaps save the<br />

habitats around them before it becomes too late,<br />

as it was in Fleming’s own neighborhood.<br />

To help readers inspired by her story, Fleming<br />

included in the back of the book several pages of<br />

information on building wildlife refuges in<br />

backyards or other areas and a page of addresses<br />

that readers can use to send off for more<br />

information on wildlife attraction and<br />

preservation. The combination of lovely nature<br />

paintings done in Fleming’s unique style (her<br />

most detailed efforts to date), the slow poetic<br />

story and gentle ending warning, and the<br />

information provided to help interested readers<br />

go further with the subject make Where Once<br />

There Was a Wood a valuable addition to any<br />

library used by children.<br />

Betty Winslow, Bowling Green <strong>Christian</strong> Academy, Bowling Green,<br />

Ohio<br />

The wonderful way babies are made, by<br />

Larry Christenson; illustrated by Cheri<br />

Bladholm. LCCN 00008940.<br />

Minneapolis: Bethany Backyard, Bethany<br />

House, 2000. ISBN 0764223410, HBB,<br />

$10.99.<br />

649’.65. Sex--Religious aspects--<strong>Christian</strong>ity; Sex<br />

instruction for children. 48 p. Elementary (Small<br />

children).<br />

Using creation as a starting point and ending<br />

with Jesus’ virgin birth, The Wonderful Way<br />

Babies Are Made, covers human reproduction<br />

from a completely biblical perspective.<br />

Focusing on God’s plan for reproduction, basic<br />

biological information covers only a few pages.<br />

On each page, information is presented two<br />

different ways. There is a simplified rhyming<br />

verse with larger print for younger children. For<br />

older children smaller print inside a box<br />

provides more detailed information. For<br />

younger children, intercourse is only referred to<br />

as making love and not all details are divulged<br />

or body parts named. For older readers more<br />

information is imparted. Body parts are named<br />

and the terms intercourse and making love are<br />

used interchangeably. By basing the entire book<br />

on God’s plan, the author is able to naturally<br />

instill that reproduction is reserved for mothers<br />

and fathers who are married. A brief mention is<br />

made that making love is very pleasant and<br />

people want to do it outside of marriage, but that<br />

isn’t part of God’s plan.<br />

Author Larry Christenson, recommends parents<br />

read this with their children, no matter what<br />

their age. Beautiful watercolor illustrations by<br />

Cheri Bladholm complement the gentle text<br />

nicely. On the page where making love is<br />

discussed, there is a drawing of a woman on top<br />

of a man in bed. Mostly covered with blankets,<br />

bare shoulders are shown. Other pictures are of<br />

human and animal families with their young or<br />

are biblical illustrations. This would be a great<br />

resource for parents wanting to give their<br />

children the whole picture, not just the clinical<br />

facts.<br />

Elizabeth Coleman, Freelance Writer, Tumwater, Washington<br />

700’s—The Arts and Recreation<br />

★<br />

Crafts for all seasons, by Kathy Ross;<br />

illustrated by Vicky Enright. LCCN<br />

99052760. Brookfield, Ct.: The Millbrook<br />

Press, 2000. ISBN 076131346X, HBB,<br />

$19.95.<br />

745.5. Handicraft; Seasons. 176 p. Elementary.<br />

Kathy Ross has assembled a collection of crafts<br />

that will inspire a child’s imagination in her<br />

book Crafts For All Seasons. She begins with<br />

fall and has twenty crafts for each season. Each<br />

craft has a pictorial list of supplies needed. She<br />

also provides numbered and illustrated<br />

instructions. The crafts apply not only to the<br />

holidays that occur during a particular season,<br />

such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, St.<br />

Patrick’s Day, and Father’s Day, but she also<br />

includes events or characteristics of that<br />

particular season, such as the first day of school,<br />

snowmen, spring flowers, and weddings.<br />

Halloween is not included.<br />

This craft book has a wonderful balance of<br />

crafts that need a little parental help, and those<br />

C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 2 7 S P R I N G 2 0 0 1


CHILDREN’S NONFICTION<br />

that a child could complete on his own. Another<br />

plus is that the majority of supplies needed<br />

really can be found in most homes. The<br />

illustrations do an excellent job of<br />

complementing the written instructions and<br />

showing the final result. The background<br />

illustrations on each page are fun scenes that<br />

show children enjoying the season.<br />

The book itself is easy to use with each craft’s<br />

instructions on a double page lay-out. No pages<br />

to turn back and forth. Very young children will<br />

need help, but those older should be able to<br />

complete several of the crafts by themselves.<br />

Even those with problems reading would be able<br />

to follow the picture instruction for several of<br />

the crafts.<br />

Patricia Youmans, Homeschool Parent, Siloam Springs, Arkansas<br />

Silent night, holy night : a Christmas<br />

carol, by Joseph Mohr; illustrated by<br />

Mája DusÎková. LCCN 99021121. New<br />

York: North-South Books, 1999. ISBN<br />

0732811520, HBB, $15.95.<br />

782.28’1723. Carols, German--Texts; Christmas<br />

music--Texts; Carols; Christmas music. unp.<br />

Elementary.<br />

“Silent Night” is one of our most loved<br />

Christmas carols. It was written by Joseph<br />

Mohr in Austria almost two centuries ago as he<br />

was preparing for midnight mass. Mája<br />

DusÎková has captured the beauty and simplicity<br />

of this carol. The illustrations bring a soft<br />

warmth to the familiar text and leave the reader<br />

with a sense of calm. The complete text of the<br />

song is illustrated from the silence of the night,<br />

to the brightness of our Saviour.<br />

The book, Silent night, Holy Night : A Christmas<br />

Carol, begins with the story behind the famous<br />

carol. Mája DusÎková has written a synopsis of<br />

the events that led to the writing of the text and<br />

music, the efforts of two men. Although the<br />

text is very familiar, the addition of pictures<br />

brings a new dimension to an old carol. It would<br />

be especially nice for younger children who may<br />

already be familiar with the words to the song.<br />

A delightful addition to a Christmas collection.<br />

Marcia Snyder, Librarian, Missoula, Montana<br />

100 best games, by Eulalia Perez;<br />

illustrated by Maria Rius. LCCN<br />

99069412. Hauppauge, N.Y.: Barron’s,<br />

2000. ISBN 0764113437, PAP, $12.95.<br />

790.1’922. Games; Amusements. 127 p. Elementary.<br />

100 Best Games by Eulalia Perez is an easy to<br />

use reference book. Nicely presented, games<br />

are divided by indoor or outdoor activities and<br />

logically arranged by sub-category. There are<br />

introduction games, games to separate and<br />

choose, expression games, games for two,<br />

running games, games played with a ball, travel<br />

games and games for infants and toddlers.<br />

Rules and play are very clearly presented.<br />

Colorful illustrations by Maria Rius help to<br />

interpret directions. Many standard games like<br />

Hopscotch, Follow the Leader and Freeze Tag<br />

are included. The Parson’s Cat or Planted may<br />

not be as familiar. There are also many<br />

variations of popular games, providing players<br />

with a new challenge. Each game is clearly<br />

labeled with appropriate age group and the<br />

number of players required.<br />

This book would be a great resource for school<br />

teachers, Sunday school teachers and parents<br />

who need a quick game idea that requires no setup<br />

or props. While games presented in this book<br />

are clearly intended for children, adults could<br />

also play adaptations of them. The introduction<br />

games would be fun for any age. Directions are<br />

provided at the back of the book for a few<br />

simple crafts. These can be used with some of<br />

the games, but are meant to be optional.<br />

Elizabeth Coleman, Freelance Writer, Tumwater, Washington<br />

Yippee ti-yay happy birthday, by Phil<br />

Lollar; illustrated by John Jordan. (Little<br />

dogs on the prairie.) LCCN 00032459.<br />

Nashville: Tommy Nelson, Thomas<br />

Nelson, 2000. ISBN 0849976480, PAP,<br />

$9.99.<br />

793.2’1. Children’s parties; Birthdays; Games;<br />

Parties; Cookery; Prairie dogs. 32 p. Elementary<br />

(Small children).<br />

In Yippee Ti-Yay Happy Birthday, the Little<br />

Dogs on the Prairie are invited to a birthday<br />

party, but they don’t know who it’s for. The fun<br />

celebration includes stories, songs, recipes,<br />

riddles, jokes, and games planned with a<br />

Western and prairie-dog theme. Familiar<br />

children’s games like “Simon Says” and “Duck,<br />

Duck Goose” become “Sheriff Says” and “Dog,<br />

Dog, Snake.” Yummy recipes include Dirt<br />

Pudding (chocolate pudding with gummy candy<br />

worms), Little Dog Cupcakes, Prairie Punch,<br />

and Tumbleweed Popcorn Balls. Silly songs are<br />

among the party ideas, but musical scores are<br />

not included. There’s also a birthday prayer<br />

thanking God for His blessings and asking Him<br />

for help to give and not just get. The author, Phil<br />

Lollar, ends the story with a surprise—the party<br />

is for you, the reader!<br />

Illustrated by John Jordan, this light-hearted<br />

book contains the same whimsical cartoon<br />

characters found in Little Dogs on the Prairie<br />

videos. The colorful drawings are detailed and<br />

add to the fun of the story. However,<br />

illustrations on the recipe page do not show clear<br />

pictures of finished treats.<br />

Since children love birthdays, they will enjoy<br />

this interactive book geared for youngsters four<br />

to eight. It may be the perfect birthday gift for a<br />

child you know.<br />

Lydia E. Harris, Freelance Writer, Former Teacher, Seattle,<br />

Washington<br />

Look-alikes, by Joan Steiner;<br />

photography by Thomas Lindley. LCCN<br />

97032795. Boston: Little, Brown, 1998.<br />

ISBN 0316812552, HBB, $13.95.<br />

793.73. Picture puzzles. unp. Elementary.<br />

Look-alikes, jr., by Joan Steiner;<br />

photography by Thomas Lindley. LCCN<br />

99011683. Boston: Little, Brown, 1999.<br />

ISBN 0316813079, HBB, $13.95.<br />

793.73. Picture puzzles. unp. Elementary.<br />

They say a picture is worth a thousand words.<br />

Joan Steiner must believe that, since her books<br />

Look-Alikes and Look-Alikes Jr. use few words,<br />

but many pictures, worth their weight in gold for<br />

their ability to make you look at the objects that<br />

surround you in a whole new way. Each book is<br />

its own little world, with houses, outdoor scenes,<br />

and businesses made up of common ordinary<br />

items that could be found in the bottom of the<br />

average purse or junk drawer.<br />

Look-Alikes, written for “..puzzlers of all ages”<br />

is a challenging look at such common locations<br />

as a train and train station, a movie theater<br />

lobby, a city harbor, a circus, and a playground,<br />

all put together from over 1,000 hidden<br />

everyday objects such as pencils, oil paint tubes,<br />

peanuts, scissors, batteries, food items, coins<br />

and dollar bills. From a ferry made of scrub<br />

brushes and vacuum cleaners made of a razor<br />

and a nail clipper to a couch made of a pair of<br />

leather gloves and a ferris wheel made from<br />

safety scissors, the pages of this book can keep<br />

readers enthralled and busy for hours.<br />

In Look-Alikes Jr. (meant for younger children<br />

and shorter attention spans and including over<br />

700 hidden objects), you can find hundreds of<br />

delightful surprises such as a plug-in nightlight<br />

looking like a blender, a yellow cassette player<br />

making an amazing appearance as the body of a<br />

school bus, a tape dispenser and a claw hair<br />

barrette plowing a field of dark brown corduroy,<br />

a clear plastic change purse masquerading as a<br />

classroom aquarium, and a handful of unshelled<br />

peanuts looking just like a child’s teddy bear.<br />

At the end of each book, Steiner posts lists of the<br />

items that make up each picture, with the hard to<br />

find items marked with asterisks. She also poses<br />

a question in each: What’s found in every scene?<br />

More fun than searching for Waldo and more<br />

imagination-stretching than any fiction book<br />

I’ve ever read, these books are must-haves!<br />

Betty Winslow, Bowling Green <strong>Christian</strong> Academy, Bowling Green,<br />

Ohio<br />

800’s—Literature & Rhetoric<br />

Good night, sleep tight : a poem for every<br />

night of the year! : 366 poems to bring you<br />

the sweetest of dreams, compiled by Ivan<br />

and Mal Jones. New York: Scholastic,<br />

2000. ISBN 043918813X, HBB, $22.95.<br />

811. Children’s poetry. 256 p. Elementary (Small<br />

children).<br />

There are three hundred and sixty five days in a<br />

year, sixty-six if you count leap year. This is<br />

exactly what the editors of Good Night, Sleep<br />

Tight did when compiling their book of poetry.<br />

From classics authors from Shakespeare,<br />

Kipling, and Robert Louis Stevenson to more<br />

contemporary authors like Ogden Nash, Tony<br />

Mitton, and Michael Rosen, this book<br />

delightfully entertains young and old alike.<br />

S P R I N G 2 0 0 1 2 8 C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L


CHILDREN’S NONFICTION<br />

Editors Ivan and Mel Jones selected twelve<br />

artists to each illustrate a different month of the<br />

year. Throughout the book, the styles of art fit<br />

together smoothly, lending diversity while still<br />

giving the book continuity with their bright<br />

colors and simple designs.<br />

The poems tug at the imagination of children,<br />

thus playful images of unicorns, fairies, and<br />

monsters contrast with kittens, snowmen, and<br />

bedtimes. Two days describe Jewish<br />

celebrations. December has reference to Father<br />

Christmas and Santa Claws (a poem about cats.)<br />

Several poems may be controversial. April 8th<br />

has a lighthearted poem called “The Laughing<br />

Buddha.” A poem “Before the Beginning”<br />

wonders about evolution, and Krishna’s<br />

Birthday has the poem, “Krishna’s Friends.”<br />

October 31st talks about the witch’s black cat<br />

who had kittens. But there is nothing sinister in<br />

the writings; most are whimsical or traditional<br />

pieces of poetry.<br />

Joanne M. Haffly, Homeschool Parent/Writer, Gig Harbor,<br />

Washington<br />

Barnyard prayers, by Laura Godwin;<br />

illustrated by Brian Selznick. New York:<br />

Hyperion Books for Children, 2000. HBB,<br />

$14.99.<br />

811’.54. Domestic animals--Poetry; Children’s poetry,<br />

American; American poetry; Prayers. 32 p.<br />

Elementary.<br />

Laura Godwin has seen the publishing world<br />

from both sides of the fence, both as an editor at<br />

Henry Holt and as an author whose works on<br />

bookstore and library shelves can be found not<br />

only under her name, but also under the name<br />

“Nola Buck” (the combining of her mother’s<br />

and father’s names), and her work shows a sure<br />

grasp of what will work for kids. Barnyard<br />

Prayers, her first book of poems, is a collection<br />

of short and simple poem prayers said by<br />

various barnyard animals. In Godwin’s case,<br />

though, simple does not mean childish. Her<br />

poems have a lot going on in them and some<br />

remind me of French poet Carmen B. De<br />

Gasztold’s work in her book, Prayers from the<br />

Ark, translated into English by Rumer Godden<br />

in 1962 and now sadly out of print. My favorite<br />

of Godwin’s, “The Sheep’s Prayer,” is only two<br />

lines long:<br />

I am just a woolly sheep.<br />

Please help me count myself to sleep.<br />

Brian Selznick’s illustrations add another<br />

dimension to the book. He chose to make the<br />

farm animals part of an urban child’s toy farm<br />

set and, in the first few pages, the little boy is<br />

playing with the toys in his room, beneath a<br />

window that looks out over a city landscape. As<br />

the book progresses, the toys become life size<br />

animals—or does the boy shrink to become toy<br />

size? It’s up to the reader to decide, as one<br />

illustration after another shows the boy and his<br />

animals romping on green grass fields, in hay<br />

lofts, and around and in a big red barn. Then,<br />

with the last poem, “The Farmer’s Benediction,”<br />

the boy is in his bed under a layer of abandoned<br />

farm toys, drifting off to sleep as his father peeks<br />

in to check on him.<br />

Betty Winslow, Bowling Green <strong>Christian</strong> Academy, Bowling Green,<br />

Ohio<br />

★<br />

My dear Noel : the story of a letter from<br />

Beatrix Potter, by Jane Johnson. LCCN<br />

96011074. New York: Dial Books for<br />

Young Readers, Penguin Putnam, 1999.<br />

ISBN 0803720513, HBB, $15.99.<br />

823’.912. Potter, Beatrix, 1866-1943--<br />

Correspondence; Moore, Noel--Correspondence;<br />

Authors, English--20th century--Correspondence;<br />

Artists--Great Britain--Correspondence; Letters. unp.<br />

Elementary.<br />

Young Noel, the oldest of the four Moore<br />

children jumps excitedly out of bed. This is the<br />

day that his mother’s friend, Miss Potter is<br />

coming for one of her visits. She arrives with<br />

gifts for all, even Mother’s unborn baby, and<br />

Noel gives her his gift of a freshly picked<br />

flower. As she generally does, she entertains the<br />

children with stories, jokes, and pictures. She<br />

has also brought her pet bunny and mice to play<br />

with the children. After lunch, she tells Noel<br />

that she is going away to Scotland for a long<br />

time but promises to write.<br />

The morning after she is gone, the doctor is<br />

called to tend to Noel, who is often ill.<br />

Confinement to his bed makes Noel increasingly<br />

bored and depressed. But one day a letter with<br />

drawings arrives from his friend in which she<br />

tells a fanciful tale about a rabbit named Peter.<br />

Noel realizes that he is the model for Peter and<br />

that his sisters and mother are the models for<br />

Peter’s family. Noel’s spirits are lifted and he<br />

begins to recover. He is well enough to be out<br />

of bed by the time Miss Potter arrives in person<br />

to visit him.<br />

This is the true story of Noel, the little boy for<br />

whom Beatrix Potter wrote her marvelous<br />

stories. The author, Jane Johnson has not only<br />

done a fine job of relating this appealing<br />

footnote to the Peter Rabbit books but her<br />

exquisite illustrations are skillfully done in the<br />

style of Beatrix Potter. The endpapers are<br />

copies of the actual illustrated letter that<br />

contained the original Peter Rabbit story, which<br />

Beatrix Potter later expanded upon and<br />

published. Truly a lovely book.<br />

Teresa O’Donley, <strong>Library</strong> Media Teacher, Scotts Valley, California<br />

900’s—Geography, History, &<br />

Biography<br />

Scholastic atlas of the United States, by<br />

David Rubel. LCCN 99026960. New<br />

York: Scholastic Reference, Scholastic,<br />

2000. ISBN 0590725629, HBB, $19.95.<br />

912.73. United States--Maps for children; Children’s<br />

atlases. 144 p. Elementary.<br />

The Scholastic Atlas of the United States by<br />

David Rubel provides a color map of each state.<br />

Major interstates, rivers, and cities are<br />

highlighted. Included on the page are facts<br />

about the state such as population, motto, size,<br />

highest and lowest points, state bird, animal, and<br />

flower. Each state has several paragraphs about<br />

the terrain, ethnic diversity, and major<br />

industries. Color photographs are accompanied<br />

by text, adding insight into each state. For<br />

example on Washington’s page, there are<br />

photographs of commuter ferries on Puget<br />

Sound, Mount St. Helens, and the Grand Coulee<br />

Dam.<br />

Instead of being arranged alphabetically, the<br />

states are presented by region: New England,<br />

Mid-Atlantic, South, Midwest, Great Plains,<br />

Mountain, Southwest, and Pacific. Each region<br />

is color coded, both on the content page and the<br />

edge of the page within the atlas. A legend is<br />

included on each page, making this easy for<br />

children to use. Appendices are provided in the<br />

back of the atlas illustrating U.S. possessions,<br />

population density, major river systems,<br />

geographic regions, and territorial expansions.<br />

A glossary of important terms follows the<br />

appendix. Statistics in the book are based on<br />

information available from 1998 and 1999.<br />

While not exhaustive, this atlas would be an<br />

excellent resource for researching basic state<br />

information.<br />

Elizabeth Coleman, Freelance Writer, Tumwater, Washington<br />

The amazing life of Benjamin Franklin, by<br />

James Cross Giblin; illustrated by<br />

Michael Dooling. LCCN 98044738. New<br />

York: Scholastic, 2000. ISBN 0590485342,<br />

HBB, $17.95.<br />

921 (973.3’092). Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790;<br />

Statesmen--United States--Biography; Scientists--<br />

United States--Biography; Printers--United States--<br />

Biography; Inventors--United States--Biography. 48<br />

p. Elementary.<br />

Born into a family of seventeen children in<br />

1706, Benjamin Franklin only attended school<br />

for two years before his father needed him to<br />

work in his candle and soap making shop.<br />

Benjamin did not like the work, and after two<br />

years his father allowed him work in his<br />

brother’s print shop. Even with little formal<br />

education, Benjamin enjoyed reading and was<br />

eager to learn new things. After his brother was<br />

told he could no longer publish a newspaper, he<br />

allowed Benjamin to be the editor. At eighteen,<br />

Benjamin decided to leave Boston. Although he<br />

arrived in Philadelphia with nothing, through<br />

hard work Benjamin prospered. This would be<br />

true many times in his life. The American<br />

colonies were still under British rule at the time<br />

and Benjamin was proud of this fact. He<br />

worked hard to improve living conditions in<br />

Philadelphia. A strong interest in science led to<br />

many inventions still in use today. Becoming<br />

unhappy with British rule, Benjamin began to<br />

work for the independence of the American<br />

colonies. He continued this work the rest of his<br />

life.<br />

The Amazing Life of Benjamin Franklin by<br />

James Cross Giblin covers eighty-four<br />

interesting years of an American founding<br />

father. There is enough information to<br />

C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 2 9 S P R I N G 2 0 0 1


CHILDREN’S NONFICTION<br />

understand the historical aspects, without<br />

overwhelming the reader with details. The oil<br />

and canvas illustrations by Michael Dooling are<br />

excellent. Included is a brief list of Benjamin<br />

Franklin’s inventions and sayings from Poor<br />

Richard’s Almanack. Historic sites of interest to<br />

those studying the life Benjamin are included, as<br />

well as a bibliography and index. His life is an<br />

example of hard work, a desire to learn, and<br />

integrity.<br />

Elizabeth Coleman, Freelance Writer, Tumwater, Washington<br />

★<br />

The last safe house : a story of the<br />

underground railroad, written by<br />

Barbara Greenwood; illustrated by<br />

Heather Collins. Toronto, Ont.: Kids Can<br />

Press, 1998. ISBN 1550745077, HBB,<br />

$16.95.<br />

973.7’115. Underground railroad; Fugitive slaves--<br />

United States; Fugitive slaves--Canada; Underground<br />

railroad--Fiction; Fugitive slaves--United States--<br />

Fiction; Fugitive slaves--Canada--Fiction. 119 p.<br />

Elementary (Middle school).<br />

An incredible amount of information is given<br />

about the Underground Railroad in The Last<br />

Safe House by Barbara Greenwood. The story<br />

line is of a black girl who is delivered to a white<br />

family with a girl about her own age, Johanna<br />

Reid, in St. Catharines, Canada West (now<br />

Ontario). During her escape from slavery, Eliza,<br />

her mother, and her brother separate to avoid<br />

being captured. The relationship between the<br />

two girls helps to document the unjust treatment<br />

of slaves in the south and the realities of the life<br />

that they led. Between each chapter of the story<br />

are inserted articles with teaching about<br />

numerous aspects of slavery. Some concepts<br />

talked about are Harriet Tubman, a cotton<br />

plantation and how it worked, the abolitionists,<br />

and the swamp ghost. Information is given<br />

about so many related subjects that this book is<br />

incredibly valuable for integrating with other<br />

subjects. For example, a recipe for gingerbread<br />

cookies is given, instructions on how to make a<br />

corn husk doll, how to find the North Star and<br />

instruments that were used, storytelling<br />

examples and how-to’s, and the role of music<br />

and songs. Maps and diagrams are added<br />

throughout to further illustrate the concepts.<br />

The book ends with a simple glossary, a<br />

bibliography, and an index.<br />

The drawings of Heather Collins very<br />

effectively complete the message of this book.<br />

Her depictions of the girls and their family life<br />

capture wonderfully the feelings of the story line<br />

and the historic times. Some pictures are full<br />

pages and many others are small oval<br />

illustrations. They are done in black and white,<br />

with varying amounts of detail. The diagrams<br />

and maps bring even more understanding to the<br />

text.<br />

Judy Belcher, Teacher, Sylvan Way <strong>Christian</strong> School, Bremerton,<br />

Washington<br />

Blizzard, by Jim Murphy. LCCN<br />

99024894. New York: Scholastic, 2000.<br />

ISBN 0590673092, HBB, $18.95.<br />

974.7’1041. Blizzards--New York (State)--New York;<br />

New York (N.Y.)--History--1865-1898. 136 p.<br />

Elementary (Middle school).<br />

In March of 1888 a killer blizzard struck the<br />

Northeast. Author Jim Murphy chronicles the<br />

events leading up to the blizzard and describes<br />

vividly the raging natural monster in his book<br />

Blizzard! He isolates certain people within his<br />

book and tells their story, from the successful<br />

politician to the office worker, farmer, and<br />

factory worker. Murphy uses art from museums<br />

and his own collection that depict the<br />

viciousness of the snowstorm.<br />

Although interesting, this book may become a<br />

bit dull for some young readers. The story<br />

becomes somewhat repetitive and dry, forcing<br />

the reader to put it down and come back to it at<br />

another time. The events are interesting and<br />

adding personal accounts and tragedies liven the<br />

text, it may still need to be read in segments to<br />

younger readers. Some of the wording and<br />

word choices may be difficult for younger<br />

readers to understand without guidance.<br />

Eileen Zygarlicke, Freelance Writer/Editor, Grand Forks, North<br />

Dakota<br />

S P R I N G 2 0 0 1 3 0 C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L


BOOK REVIEWS<br />

MIDDLE SCHOOL FICTION<br />

The amazing secret, by Joni Eareckson<br />

Tada and Steve Jensen. (Darcy and<br />

friends; 1.) LCCN 00008985. Wheaton,<br />

Ill.: Crossway Books, 2000. ISBN<br />

1581341970, PAP, $5.99.<br />

F. Physically handicapped--Fiction; Forgiveness--<br />

Fiction; <strong>Christian</strong> life--Fiction. 127 p. Middle school<br />

(High school).<br />

The unforgettable summer, by Joni<br />

Eareckson Tada and Steve Jensen. (Darcy<br />

and friends; 2.) Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway<br />

Books, 2000. ISBN 1581341962, PAP,<br />

$5.99<br />

F. Physically handicapped--Fiction; Prayer--Fiction;<br />

<strong>Christian</strong> life--Fiction. 125 p. Middle school (High<br />

school).<br />

Sixth grader, Darcy, has been in a wheelchair for<br />

four years, ever since a car hit her while she was<br />

riding her bicycle. Her story begins in the<br />

hospital where she is being treated for a pressure<br />

sore. Darcy is frustrated and very unhappy until<br />

a boy walks into her hospital room to cheer her<br />

up. Eric is a unique individual in that he is a<br />

burn victim. Joni Eareckson Tada (famed author<br />

who is also paralyzed) describes Eric’s physical<br />

deformities so accurately that some readers may<br />

be emotionally affected. However, Eric’s<br />

<strong>Christian</strong> attitude is what propels him to<br />

befriend all children in the hospital.<br />

Eric encourages Darcy to forgive the driver who<br />

hit her just like he forgave his father for setting<br />

the fire that caused his burns. Unfortunately,<br />

Eric dies before the end of The Amazing Secret,<br />

so Darcy must rely on her friends to help her<br />

locate the driver of the red Corvette who hit her.<br />

The second book, The Unforgettable Summer,<br />

describes the exciting adventures Darcy and her<br />

friends have during the summer. The church<br />

family goes on an annual camp-out and Darcy is<br />

anticipating the outing with some trepidation.<br />

This is the last vacation before she is to enter<br />

Junior High and the summer is an emotional<br />

roller coaster. Darcy does not want things to<br />

change and she is terrified that the junior high<br />

school will not be handicap accessible, or that<br />

she will not be able to overcome the other<br />

students’ hurtful comments concerning her<br />

physical disability. Prayers are answered in the<br />

form of butterflies and a bear.<br />

Joni Eareckson Tada creates a series that is<br />

enlightening to those who are not disabled as<br />

well as to those who are. Readers do not need to<br />

read the series in numerical order, however,<br />

students will want to know the beginning of<br />

Darcy’s story. The author provides a very<br />

realistic portrayal that should be a positive<br />

influence to all who read these books. Glossaries<br />

in both books define terms that students may not<br />

recognize.<br />

Connie Weaver, Church Librarian, Newville, Pennsylvania<br />

Anastasia : the last Grand Duchess, by<br />

Carolyn Meyer. (The royal diaries.)<br />

LCCN 00020399. New York: Scholastic,<br />

2000. ISBN 0439129087, HBB, $10.95.<br />

F. Anastasia Nicholaievna, Grand Duchess, daughter<br />

of Nicholas II, Emperor of Russia, 1901-1918--<br />

Fiction; Russia--History--Nicholas II, 1894-1917--<br />

Fiction; Diaries--Fiction. 220 p. Middle school.<br />

Author Carolyn Meyer gives the reader an<br />

insightful look at Anastasia, daughter of<br />

Nicholas II, the last czar of Russia. Using a<br />

diary format, Meyer brings life to the grand<br />

duchess, offering personal glimpses into the life<br />

of the royal family. The story spans only three<br />

years in Anastasia’s life and is penned primarily<br />

by her, as she journals her thoughts and her<br />

everyday doings. The reader sees a young girl<br />

experiencing the same joys and disappointments<br />

as other children. Anastasia shares her feelings<br />

about those around her, including the eerie<br />

spiritualist Rasputin, and the uncanny power<br />

and influence he has over Anastasia’s mother.<br />

The reader takes part in the arrest, exile, and<br />

house imprisonment of the czar and his family.<br />

Near the end of the book, Anastasia decides to<br />

destroy her journal, the keeper of her thoughts;<br />

Meyer picks up the story with a narrative of<br />

what occurred that fateful day in July of 1918.<br />

This book brings to life one of the most<br />

discussed and theorized-about girls of history,<br />

Anastasia. At the end of the book, Meyer notes<br />

the various rumors surrounding the supposed<br />

disappearance of the grand duchess and her<br />

reported resurfacing; she does not disclaim the<br />

rumors, but mentions that the remains of the<br />

royals were recovered. DNA testing has proven<br />

that the remains are those of Nicholas and his<br />

family; however, Meyer explains that not all of<br />

the family remains are accounted for—those of<br />

the youngest child, a boy, and one of his sisters<br />

is missing.<br />

Actual photographs of the royal family help add<br />

substance and dimension to these historical<br />

people. This is an accurate account of the grand<br />

duchess and will spark the interest, curiosity,<br />

and imagination of most readers.<br />

Eileen Zygarlicke, Freelance Writer/Editor, Grand Forks, North<br />

Dakota<br />

Batty Hattie, by Virginia Nielsen. LCCN<br />

98047667. Tarrytown, N.Y.: Marshall<br />

Cavendish, 1999. ISBN 0761450475,<br />

HBB, $14.95.<br />

F. Bats--Fiction; Schools--Fiction; Mothers and<br />

daughters--Fiction; Uncles--Fiction. 144 p. Middle<br />

school (Elementary).<br />

Henrietta is so upset! Her mother is taking her<br />

to live with her Uncle Mike while her mom<br />

tours the country playing the clarinet. Henrietta<br />

feels abandoned and unwanted. She has to live<br />

in a small mining town away from her friends,<br />

and to top it all off, her uncle is a scientist who<br />

studies bats! Working through the teasing from<br />

new classmates—and her loneliness—is a<br />

challenge that leaves her hurt and angry. The<br />

boys at school even give her the name “Batty<br />

Hattie.” When Henrietta is at last allowed to<br />

accompany her uncle to the bat caves she<br />

commits the number one offence, touching a bat<br />

with her bare hands. Not only that, but she<br />

actually takes the baby bat home with her and<br />

hides it in her bedroom.<br />

Suddenly Henrietta has a purpose in her life:<br />

keeping the baby bat, Smokey, alive. She has to<br />

feed it every two hours all through the night,<br />

becoming so tired she keeps falling asleep in<br />

school. Without ever telling her uncle, she even<br />

decides to take the bat to school as part of her<br />

nature project. Unfortunately, the bat escapes<br />

and creates chaos. Now what will her uncle do<br />

about her disobedience? Will her mother be<br />

disappointed in her and quit her life-long dream<br />

of touring with a musical band?<br />

All these questions and more are answered as<br />

the author, Virginia Neilsen, shares a tale about<br />

the joy and love a pet can bring, and the true<br />

love of a parent, even in circumstances that<br />

don’t always seem agreeable. She also provides<br />

fascinating information about bats that should<br />

hold the interest of the reader. There are several<br />

typographical errors in the book and the main<br />

character uses a swear word once in anger.<br />

There are also allusions to evolutionary ideas<br />

concerning the origin of bats.<br />

Mary McKinney, Former Teacher, Freelance Writer, Editor, Port<br />

Orchard, Washington<br />

Chat freak, written by Kristi Holt; created<br />

by Terry K. Brown. (Todaysgirls.com; 6.)<br />

LCCN 00056053. Nashville: Tommy<br />

Nelson, Thomas Nelson, 2000. ISBN<br />

0849975832, PAP, $5.99.<br />

F. Online chat groups--Fiction; Computers--Fiction;<br />

Interpersonal relations--Fiction; <strong>Christian</strong> life--Fiction.<br />

140 p. Middle school.<br />

According to her family and friends, Morgan<br />

Cross spends too much time online. Her<br />

schoolwork, social life, and home life suffer, as<br />

she becomes addicted to email. Morgan tells<br />

herself that spring break is coming soon, so she<br />

will have time to play catch up then. Besides,<br />

Morgan’s online friends really need and<br />

appreciate her help, unlike everyone else around<br />

her. Anna, whose mother is paranoid about her<br />

eating habits, depends on their email<br />

communications. And “last_wish,” who is<br />

dying of cancer, is worried about leaving his<br />

poor mom with an enormous hospital bill.<br />

C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 3 1 S P R I N G 2 0 0 1


A Note from the Editor: SYLVIA STOPFORTH<br />

Locating<br />

Quality<br />

Fiction<br />

For a few years now, headlines have<br />

trumpeted the news that <strong>Christian</strong> fiction<br />

is “finally coming into its own.”<br />

Numerous articles have described the<br />

great surge in the publication of this<br />

brand of fiction. Even public librarians<br />

are sitting up and taking notice as<br />

patrons demand fiction titles at all levels<br />

that clearly demonstrate a <strong>Christian</strong><br />

worldview.<br />

All these high-quality materials flooding<br />

the market should make collection<br />

development a snap, right? All across<br />

North America, YA librarians are<br />

rejoicing as they file their well-thumbed<br />

review journals in the nearest recycling<br />

bins.<br />

But hold on. Did someone say<br />

“quality?”<br />

Unfortunately, right on the heels of<br />

pieces expounding the boom in<br />

<strong>Christian</strong> fiction, are articles calling into<br />

question the literary merit of some of<br />

these materials. Yes, <strong>Christian</strong> fiction<br />

offers solid values, moral standards, and<br />

a redemptive, faith-centered<br />

perspective—a welcome change from<br />

the dark and despondent “problem“<br />

novel often aimed at our youth—but<br />

“the consensus is that despite the moral<br />

message of most YA <strong>Christian</strong> Fiction,<br />

the books are often poorly written and<br />

overly preachy..” 1 It appears that not<br />

everyone can be a C.S. Lewis or a<br />

Catherine Marshall.<br />

The challenge is, as always, to separate<br />

the wheat from the chaff, to discover<br />

and acquire the best and the brightest,<br />

and then to make these titles accessible<br />

to our users. But where do we start?<br />

In the recycling bin, I fear. For while<br />

it’s sometimes hard to find time in our<br />

busy schedules to peruse all those<br />

review journals, these publications are<br />

still among the best selection tools<br />

available to us. Here are a few that<br />

deserve a closer look:<br />

• Church Libraries, a quarterly<br />

publication of the Evangelical<br />

Church <strong>Library</strong> Association,<br />

provides short, signed reviews,<br />

articles and a bestsellers list.<br />

• Make Way for Books, an independent<br />

bimonthly, provides annotated<br />

reviews in the area of childrens’<br />

literature.<br />

• The <strong>Library</strong> <strong>Journal</strong> now publishes a<br />

column on <strong>Christian</strong> fiction on a<br />

regular basis. It deals primarily with<br />

adult fiction, but many of these<br />

would also interest our YA readers.<br />

• And let’s not forget the <strong>Christian</strong><br />

<strong>Library</strong> <strong>Journal</strong>! Nancy Hesch,<br />

with her troupe of dedicated<br />

volunteer reviewers, does her best to<br />

make your job easier! See their<br />

website at www.christianlibraryj.org.<br />

For a comprehensive, annotated list of<br />

these and other relevant selection tools,<br />

as well as subscription and contact<br />

information, see the following website:<br />

www.redeemermclean.org/libres.html<br />

This website also provides links to<br />

associations such as the Association of<br />

<strong>Christian</strong> Librarians and the Evangelical<br />

Church <strong>Library</strong> Association.<br />

Involvement in these organizations<br />

offers many benefits, including<br />

collection development information for<br />

librarians serving in a variety of settings.<br />

The formal—and informal—sharing of<br />

ideas that takes place at conferences,<br />

regional meetings, or on list-servs, is<br />

often an excellent resource, particularly<br />

for those who work in isolated<br />

circumstances.<br />

The following two titles might also<br />

prove useful:<br />

Developing <strong>Christian</strong> Fiction<br />

Collections for Children and Adults:<br />

Selection Criteria and a Core<br />

Collection, by Barbara J. Walker, offers<br />

an overview and history of <strong>Christian</strong><br />

fiction, practical advice on the<br />

development of a core collection, and<br />

annotated bibliographies of<br />

recommended titles. (Neal-Schuman<br />

Publishers, 1998)<br />

For an introduction to some of the best<br />

that contemporary <strong>Christian</strong> fiction has<br />

to offer, check out The Storyteller’s<br />

Collection, edited by Melody Carlson.<br />

This sampling of short stories by gifted<br />

<strong>Christian</strong> fiction writers is geared for<br />

adult readers, but will also be enjoyed<br />

by YA’s interested in something new.<br />

(Multnomah, 2000)<br />

Finally—don’t underestimate the readers<br />

themselves. Start a book club, or ask<br />

young library users to recommend books<br />

for library reading lists, or to write brief<br />

reviews to be posted in the library.<br />

Some of the wonderful people we serve<br />

are also our best resource.<br />

1<br />

Beall, Carol, “Beyond Christy: New<br />

Demands for YA <strong>Christian</strong> Fiction,” School<br />

<strong>Library</strong> <strong>Journal</strong> (September 1995) v. 41, n. 9,<br />

p 130.<br />

S P R I N G 2 0 0 1 3 2 C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L


MIDDLE SCHOOL<br />

FICTION<br />

Off-line life begins to crumble when<br />

Dad and Mom need Morgan to help<br />

run the family restaurant during<br />

spring break, instead of<br />

accompanying them to New York City. Morgan<br />

causes her mother and sister to miss important<br />

phone calls, upsets co-workers, and finds herself<br />

the cause of a friend’s injury. Online, Anna<br />

becomes seriously ill after following Morgan’s<br />

advice. And last_wish turns out to be a phony, a<br />

cancerless classmate, who has conned her into<br />

raising money for him.<br />

When Morgan’s parents return from NYC, she<br />

begins to see the difference between real friends<br />

and family, and those online, who may or may<br />

not be what they seem.<br />

Chat Freak, by Kristi Holl and Terry K. Brown,<br />

is part of the TodaysGirls.com series. A<br />

“Character Reference” section includes a short<br />

biography for each character. The book also<br />

includes lists of web abbreviations and<br />

definitions. The style is similar to Scholastic’s<br />

Ann M. Martin Baby-sitters Club series.<br />

Message and language are both accessible, and<br />

help to promote a light, familiar story of a young<br />

teen finding her place.<br />

Kim Harris, Librarian, Newman Riga <strong>Library</strong>, Churchville, New<br />

York<br />

Drawn by a China moon : Lottie Moon, by<br />

Dave & Neta Jackson; story illustrations<br />

by Anne Gavitt. (Trailblazer books.)<br />

LCCN 00010471. Minneapolis: Bethany<br />

House, 2000. ISBN 0764222678, PAP,<br />

$5.99.<br />

F. Moon, Lottie, 1840-1912--Fiction; Pen pals--<br />

Fiction; Best friends--Fiction; Friendship--Fiction;<br />

Missionaries--Fiction; China--History--1862-1912--<br />

Fiction. 158 p. Middle school.<br />

Separated by an ocean, best friends Ida and<br />

Mollie attempt to stay in touch through letters—<br />

letters that often take months for each of them to<br />

receive. Never in their wildest dreams, as they<br />

saved money to purchase look-alike dresses in<br />

their native Virginia, did either of them imagine<br />

that Ida and her family would make the decision<br />

to go off to China, “that pagan nation,” and<br />

become missionaries. As the years go by, Ida’s<br />

letters are not only filled with exciting tales like<br />

sea worms for supper and wearing men’s<br />

trousers, but also of war, disease, and rebellion.<br />

Molly knows her friend’s health is fragile and<br />

she becomes more and more concerned for her.<br />

But how can she help her, and what will be the<br />

cost to Molly?<br />

This well-written story for eight-to-twelve-yearolds<br />

follows the events of missionary Lottie<br />

Moon’s life through the fictional eyes of two<br />

young friends at the turn of the century.<br />

Although their lives are conceived in the minds<br />

of the authors, Dave and Neta Jackson, the<br />

sacrifices and work of missionaries are very real<br />

indeed and this book demonstrates that in a clear<br />

manner to its readers. Drawn by a China Moon<br />

is part of the Trailblazers Series, adventure<br />

stories that introduce young readers to <strong>Christian</strong><br />

heroes of the past.<br />

Ceil Carey, Young Adult Librarian, Plano, Illinois<br />

The girl who chased away sorrow : the<br />

diary of Sarah Nita, a Navajo girl, by Ann<br />

Turner. (Dear America.) LCCN<br />

98048826. New York: Scholastic, 1999.<br />

ISBN 0590972162, HBB, $10.95.<br />

F. Navajo girls--Social conditions--Fiction. 200 p.<br />

Middle school.<br />

Sarah Nita and Kaibah are members of the<br />

Navajo tribe. They are on the mesa herding<br />

their family’s sheep when their family is taken<br />

by the men in blue. The girls walk for eight days<br />

north to Tseyi to find their relatives. The Navajo<br />

tribe has a clan system. Navajo are born to their<br />

mother’s clan for their father’s clan. Sarah Nita<br />

and Kaibah are fortunate to find members of<br />

their father’s clan who take them in.<br />

Life continues in Tseyi, however the soldiers<br />

eventually come and take the family to the fort.<br />

While at the fort, the family, along with other<br />

Navajo families, struggles to learn how to eat<br />

the strange food given them by the soldiers. The<br />

Navajo soon start on their long walk to Fort<br />

Sumner. Many die along the trail—some<br />

because they are weak and ill, others because the<br />

soldiers shoot them when they don’t keep up.<br />

Most of the soldiers are hateful toward the<br />

Navajo. While at Fort Sumner, Sarah Nita and<br />

Kaibah are reunited with their family.<br />

In The Girl Who Chased Away Sorrow, Ann<br />

Turner has written a story of a girl who lived<br />

during one of the saddest times in Navajo<br />

history. The time of the Long Walk was a time<br />

when the white man terribly mistreated the<br />

Navajo. Not much fiction has been written<br />

about the Navajo, so this book fills a definite<br />

gap. However, there are a few minor problems<br />

with the book that do not affect the plot but may<br />

offend Navajo readers. First, in a picture<br />

caption, Chinle is said to be in New Mexico; it<br />

is actually in Arizona. Second, Sarah Nita is<br />

married to a member of her father’s clan.<br />

Traditionally, Navajo do not marry members of<br />

either their mother’s or father’s clans.<br />

Jane Mouttet, Librarian, Hilltop <strong>Christian</strong> School, Window Rock,<br />

Arizona (capital of the Navajo Nation)<br />

The great railroad race : the diary of<br />

Libby West, by Kristiana Gregory. (Dear<br />

America.) LCCN 98021816. New York:<br />

Scholastic, 1999. ISBN 059010991X,<br />

HBB, $10.95.<br />

F. Frontier and pioneer life--West (U.S.)--Fiction; West (U.S.)--<br />

Fiction; Diaries--Fiction. 203 p. Middle school.<br />

Libby West receives a diary from her parents for<br />

her 14th birthday and begins recording events of<br />

life in Denver, Colorado, in 1868. She has her<br />

father’s skill for “gathering news,” but her<br />

mother hopes the diary will encourage her to<br />

curb her tongue, as a young lady should.<br />

When Libby’s father buys a hand press and<br />

decides to follow the progress of the race to lay<br />

track across the continental United States, her<br />

diary gets exciting. Libby’s mother insists the<br />

family stay together so Libby, her younger<br />

brother Joe, and her mother join Mr. West and<br />

his business partner, Pete, in Utah Territory. The<br />

family befriends others, and the group travels<br />

from camps to tent towns along the route of the<br />

transcontinental railroad. Libby is exposed to<br />

new words and unsavory characters, and sees<br />

Indians and Chinese immigrants for the first<br />

time. She also witnesses the danger and<br />

excitement of the unsettled west.<br />

The language is realistic for the time period, and<br />

as the voice of a candid and inquisitive girl of<br />

fourteen. The reader learns much about life in<br />

1868 as author Kristiana Gregory eases facts<br />

into the entries spanning just over one year. For<br />

instance, Libby and her mother sew rocks into<br />

the hems of their dresses so the prairie winds<br />

won’t expose their bloomers; Libby and her<br />

friend, Ellie, practice manners at afternoon teas<br />

in which sand fouls both the butter and the<br />

sugar.<br />

Historic notes follow the story and add to the<br />

facts slipped into Libby’s “diary.” I especially<br />

like the “About the Author” section in this and<br />

other current Dear America books because it<br />

helps drive home the point that these books are<br />

fictionalized accounts of life in different time<br />

periods. Readers who enjoyed the American<br />

Girls collection and Little House on the Prairie<br />

series will appreciate The Great Railroad Race’s<br />

portrayal of this exciting time in history.<br />

Lisa Wroble, Freelance Writer/<strong>Library</strong> Aide, Plymouth, Michigan<br />

Hogsty Reef, by John Dowd. (A<br />

Caribbean Island adventure.) LCCN<br />

98036411. Atlanta, Ga.: Peachtree<br />

Publishers, 1999. ISBN 1561451878, PAP,<br />

$5.95.<br />

F. Islands--Fiction; Coral reef ecology--Fiction;<br />

Refugees--Fiction; Drug traffic--Fiction. 188 p.<br />

Middle school (High school).<br />

A teenaged Harrison Ford, Hogsty Reef’s main<br />

character, Jim, lives the life every young man<br />

would dream of. Coming from British<br />

Columbia to the Caribbean Islands of Turks and<br />

Caicos is enough of an adventure, but this young<br />

man deals with shipwreck, Haitian refugees,<br />

drug runners, as he learns the ropes from a<br />

young female adventurer, Julia. All the best<br />

comes to those who conquer in the name of<br />

good and right.<br />

John Dowd is an Arthur Ellis Award winning<br />

novelist for his book, Abalone Summer. It’s not<br />

clear in Hogsty Reef if the Caribbean book is a<br />

sequel, but if the Turks and Caicos literary world<br />

offers an award for juvenile adventure novels<br />

this one could win; it is exciting and well<br />

written. There is one occurence of profanity<br />

when the young adventurer gets trapped. The<br />

book also refers to voodoo through the voice of<br />

a young Haitian boat person named Marcel, but<br />

this in no way dominates or detracts from the<br />

story. Teens and almost-teens will zoom through<br />

every exciting page. All the loose ends are tied<br />

up well by Dowd, who awakened the young<br />

boy in the heart of this fifty-two-year-old<br />

reader/reviewer from the northwest!<br />

Rev. Jim McKinney, Teacher, Port Orchard, Washington<br />

C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 3 3 S P R I N G 2 0 0 1


MIDDLE SCHOOL<br />

FICTION<br />

The hollow tree, by Janet Lunn. LCCN<br />

99076483. New York: Viking, Penguin<br />

Putnam, 2000. ISBN 0670889490, HBB,<br />

$15.99.<br />

F. United States--History--Revolution, 1776-1783--<br />

Fiction. 208 p. Middle school.<br />

Phoebe Olcott, the fifteen-year-old protagonist<br />

of The Hollow Tree by Janet Lunn, is one of that<br />

unenvied company that find themselves neither<br />

fish nor fowl. Resident of a small New<br />

Hampshire village in 1777, she has no political<br />

opinions and is extremely uncomfortable with<br />

the passions that rage around her. All she wants<br />

is that the would war stop so her family could<br />

return home. But it isn’t long before her father<br />

dies in the patriot cause; and then her beloved<br />

cousin, Gideon, is hanged as a Tory spy.<br />

Blinded by grief and reeling from accusations<br />

levelled at her by both sides of the conflict,<br />

Phoebe runs to the hollow tree which she and<br />

her cousins had used to exchange letters, only to<br />

find Gideon’s last request that someone take his<br />

dearly-bought information to the British at Fort<br />

Ticonderoga. The Hollow Tree is the story of<br />

Phoebe’s journey through the wilderness to<br />

fulfil her cousin’s request, in the course of which<br />

she overcomes her own fears and self-doubts to<br />

emerge a strong, determined young woman.<br />

Janet Lunn’s book is an unusual one, depicting a<br />

heroine who has no convictions other than<br />

hatred of war in a time period that is fraught<br />

with the conflict of great ideas. No doubt, there<br />

were people who shared Phoebe’s feelings and<br />

who have a story to be told, but the author does<br />

not delineate her character’s convictions or<br />

personality in such a way as to give adequate<br />

impetus for Phoebe’s drastic action of setting<br />

out alone into the wilderness. Although the<br />

account of Phoebe’s journey is exciting, it is too<br />

full of improbabilities and coincidences, and the<br />

climax is too contrived to be taken as a possible<br />

event. Few of the characters are convincingly<br />

drawn, including Phoebe’s cousin, Anne, who<br />

swings from benign self-absorption to irrational<br />

hatred and back again, and many are caricatures<br />

who serve merely to make their own beliefs look<br />

petty and self-serving or, by contrast, to ennoble<br />

Phoebe’s position, which is never clearly<br />

defined.<br />

Pamela A. Todd, Librarian/English Teacher, Chalcedon <strong>Christian</strong><br />

School, Cumming, Georgia<br />

The journal of August Pelletier : the Lewis<br />

and Clark Expedition, by Kathryn Lasky.<br />

(My name is America.) LCCN 00020201.<br />

New York: Scholastic, 2000. ISBN<br />

0590684892, HBB, $10.95.<br />

F. Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804-1806)--Fiction;<br />

West (U.S.)--Discovery and exploration--Fiction;<br />

Explorers--Fiction; Diaries--Fiction. 171 p. Middle<br />

school (Elementary).<br />

Fourteen-year-old Gus Pelletier runs away from<br />

his abusive stepfather to join the Corps of<br />

Discovery, the Lewis and Clark Expedition.<br />

Knowing he is too young to be accepted as a<br />

member of the expedition, he “shadows” it on<br />

land until he is sure he won’t be sent back. His<br />

ability to read and write, and his artistic talent,<br />

prompt Captain Lewis to make Gus his<br />

assistant. In this position, Gus helps Lewis with<br />

his scientific explorations, and transcribes his<br />

journals.<br />

The <strong>Journal</strong> of Augustus Pelletier presents an<br />

accurate picture of the daily life of the members<br />

of the Corps of Discovery. It portrays both the<br />

hardships and triumphs experienced by the<br />

members of the expedition. The rank-in-file<br />

members of the expedition, along with<br />

Sacajawea, York, Clark’s slave, and even Lewis’<br />

Newfoundland dog, come alive through its<br />

pages.<br />

Although Kathryn Lasky’s book only covers the<br />

trip to the Pacific Ocean, it offers an excellent<br />

introduction for young readers to the Lewis and<br />

Clark Expedition. Librarians and teachers<br />

might even need to remind their readers that<br />

both the book and the character of Augustus<br />

Pelletier are historical fiction, not actual history.<br />

The story is followed by a brief history of the<br />

Corps of Discovery’s journey. It also includes<br />

illustrations depicting important events during<br />

the journey and items used by members of the<br />

expedition.<br />

Virginia Brown, <strong>Library</strong> Assistant, Freelance Writer, Former<br />

Teacher, Sheridan, Wyoming<br />

The journal of Joshua Loper : a black<br />

cowboy, by Walter Dean Myers. (My<br />

name is America.) LCCN 98018661. New<br />

York: Scholastic, 1999. ISBN 0590026917,<br />

HBB, $10.95.<br />

F. Cattle drives--Fiction; Cowboys--Fiction; West<br />

(U.S.)--Fiction; Afro-Americans--Fiction; Diaries--<br />

Fiction. 158 p. Middle school (Elementary).<br />

It is 1871, the era of the cowboy in Texas.<br />

Walter Myers’ The <strong>Journal</strong> of Joshua Loper<br />

gives us a ringside saddle on the Chisholm Trail,<br />

as Joshua, the teenage son of former slaves, goes<br />

on his first dirty, toilsome, dangerous, and<br />

exciting cattle drive. With the help of his<br />

parents’ teaching and his belief in the Lord,<br />

Joshua learns to cope with the trail boss’ bigotry,<br />

bone-wracking work, stampedes, rustlers, foul<br />

weather, and having to shoot his beloved,<br />

suffering horse. When the herd arrives in<br />

Abilene, Kansas, Joshua receives his pay and<br />

faces the blandishments of this wild town. He<br />

also receives the respect of his trail boss and the<br />

companionship of a new horse.<br />

Part of the My Name is America series, The<br />

<strong>Journal</strong> of Joshua Loper is firmly based on<br />

historical events. Using basic language, and<br />

often reproducing the speech patterns of his<br />

characters, Myers manages to make us forget<br />

this is fiction. He embellishes the story with<br />

many interesting facts about the Chisholm Trail<br />

and the cowboy era, describing aspects such as<br />

the handling of cattle and horses, cowboy lingo<br />

and food, bigotry, trail drive hierarchy, and<br />

more. Myers tells it like it is, and includes some<br />

rough talk and coarse jests, gory depictions of<br />

death, and the temptations faced by cowboys on<br />

the trail and in Abilene. Along the way, he<br />

illustrates how cheaply some held life.<br />

The story ends with an epilogue about Joshua’s<br />

adult life and death, and notes about some of the<br />

other characters. An appendix providing actual<br />

photographs of black cowboys, cattle drives,<br />

and notable people adds interest and flavor. A<br />

map of the Chisholm Trail area concludes this<br />

book. Author Walter Dean Myers has received<br />

several awards, including the Coretta Scott King<br />

Award and ALA Notable Children’s Book<br />

Award.<br />

Donna Eggett, Freelance Writer, Radford, Virginia<br />

The journal of Otto Peltonen : a Finnish<br />

immigrant, by William Durbin. (My<br />

name is America.) LCCN 00021919. New<br />

York: Scholastic, 2000. ISBN<br />

043909254X, HBB, $10.95.<br />

F. Emigration and immigartion--Fiction; Finnish-<br />

Americans--Fiction; Iron mines and mining--Fiction;<br />

Strikes and lockouts--Fiction; Minnesota--Fiction;<br />

Diaries--Fcition. 171 p. Middle school (Elementary).<br />

The <strong>Journal</strong> of Otto Peltonen chronicles the<br />

emigration of a Finnish boy to northern<br />

Minnesota in the early 1900’s. His father came<br />

to America earlier, and worked in the mines to<br />

earn money for the passage of his family, and to<br />

buy his own farm. Otto, his two younger sisters,<br />

and his mother join him in the town of Hibbing.<br />

<strong>Journal</strong> entries are filled with descriptions of the<br />

area and the mine, and again and again the many<br />

gruesome accidents that take place in the mines.<br />

There is also a sense of disillusionment with the<br />

difficulty and ugliness of life. Otto relates his<br />

progress in school and reading, and the interrelationships<br />

within the family.<br />

Social issues of the day are dealt with from a<br />

common person’s viewpoint. Otto’s father<br />

wants the union to help provide safety, security,<br />

and equality for the workers; his mother is<br />

appalled that women have the right to vote in<br />

Finland before they do in America. When Otto is<br />

about sixteen, he works in the mine for a time,<br />

until the family finally saves enough money to<br />

buy a farm.<br />

The author, William Durbin, is obviously very<br />

familiar with the life that he has detailed, as the<br />

reader sees and feels what it was like. Otto<br />

speaks Finnish and is learning English at the<br />

beginning of the story. The text is written in<br />

well-developed English, with a few Finnish<br />

words interspersed. The reader is somewhat<br />

struck by the incongruity between the text and<br />

the boy’s reported limited knowledge of<br />

English.<br />

The cover shows a photo of a typical boy of the<br />

time, with a faded blue and white photograph of<br />

a mine. Following the body of the journal<br />

readers will find an epilogue, a historical note as<br />

to the reasons for emigration, a section of period<br />

photos, a map, brief information about the<br />

author, and a fold-out map showing a vertical<br />

cross-section of an iron mine.<br />

Judy Belcher, Teacher, Sylvan Way <strong>Christian</strong> School, Bremerton,<br />

Washington<br />

S P R I N G 2 0 0 1 3 4 C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L


MIDDLE SCHOOL<br />

FICTION<br />

Journey to the end of the earth : William<br />

Seymour, by Dave & Neta Jackson; story<br />

illustrations by Anne Gavitt. (Trailblazer<br />

books.) LCCN 00010470. Minneapolis:<br />

Bethany House, 2000. ISBN 076422266X,<br />

PAP, $5.99.<br />

F. Earthquakes--California--San Francisco--Fiction;<br />

Seymour, William Joseph, 1870-1922--Fiction; San<br />

Francisco (Calif.)--Fiction; <strong>Journal</strong>ism--Fiction; Afro-<br />

Americans--Fiction; Uncles--Fiction. 159 p. Middle<br />

school.<br />

Jerry Newman is a black boy being raised by his<br />

widowed Mom in East Texas in the early 1900’s.<br />

He is not a bad kid, he just seems to get into<br />

situations that cause problems. He accidentally<br />

sets a church on fire, so his Mom sends him out<br />

to Los Angeles to stay with his uncle, a freelance<br />

news photographer. He feels like he is<br />

going far, far away; hence the title of the book,<br />

Journey to the End of the Earth. Jerry and his<br />

uncle travel to San Francisco immediately after<br />

the big earthquake of 1906 to take pictures.<br />

Jerry also visits the pentecostal revival on Azusa<br />

Street and listens to the prophecies and<br />

preaching of William Seymour.<br />

Dave and Neta Jackson depict Jerry as a typical<br />

black adolescent of his time. The story is<br />

written in a straightforward and simple manner,<br />

as seen through Jerry’s eyes. He struggles with<br />

his feelings, and his impressions regarding what<br />

he sees. The difficult role of blacks in society in<br />

those times, both in East Texas and in<br />

California, is presented clearly, but not<br />

moralistically. The genuine historical message<br />

of the early pentecostal movement, including<br />

the equality of all people before God, is<br />

presented plainly. Following the story is a<br />

section providing additional information about<br />

William Seymore, and a brief bibliography for<br />

further reading.<br />

Judy Belcher, Teacher, Sylvan Way <strong>Christian</strong> School, Bremerton,<br />

Washington<br />

Koala Beach outbreak, by Robert Elmer.<br />

(Adventures down under; 7.) LCCN<br />

99006414. Minneapolis: Bethany House,<br />

1999. ISBN 0764221051, PAP, $5.99.<br />

F. Immigrants--Fiction; Chinese--Australia--Fiction;<br />

Prejudices--Fiction; Australia--Fiction. 176 p. Middle<br />

school (Elementary).<br />

Koala Beach Outbreak, the seventh in Robert<br />

Elmer’s Adventures Down Under series,<br />

explores the problems faced by nineteenthcentury<br />

Chinese immigrants to Australia.<br />

Thirteen-year-old Patrick, accompanied by his<br />

dog Firestorm, siblings Becky and Michael, and<br />

friend Jefferson, witnesses the sinking of a ship<br />

filled with Chinese immigrants headed for the<br />

goldfield. Patrick rescues Jasper, a most<br />

unusual boy, and the Irish-born McWaid family<br />

is plunged into another of their dangerous,<br />

enjoyable Australian adventures.<br />

Jasper, who was impacted by the first <strong>Christian</strong><br />

missionaries into China, presents several<br />

riddles. Contending with what might be yellow<br />

fever, the evil Mr. Li, and the unreasoned<br />

prejudices of the Australian community, Patrick<br />

solves those riddles while helping Jasper to<br />

search for “his” father. The denouement<br />

involves a recalcitrant donkey, all the Chinese<br />

immigrants, the full cast of no-gooders, the<br />

McWaid family, and an exploding steam boat<br />

engine.<br />

Robert Elmer ensures historical accuracy via e-<br />

mail contact with Australian museums, history<br />

experts, and newspaper editors. His Australian<br />

readers favorably comment on the Adventures<br />

Down Under series. Incidents in Koala Beach<br />

Outbreak grew from actual events written in<br />

nineteenth century Australian journals.<br />

The basic language and grammar enable weak<br />

readers to enjoy this book, while the intriguing<br />

plot will involve all levels of middle school<br />

readers. The series gradually builds up realistic<br />

characters. Hence characterization is somewhat<br />

lacking in Koala Beach Outbreak. However, the<br />

action and interesting storyline will intrigue the<br />

reader new to this series. Although <strong>Christian</strong><br />

behavior and morals successfully form the<br />

bedrock and infiltrate the plot, this book does<br />

not moralize. Australian maps and a short<br />

introduction to the author precede the story. As<br />

an afterward Robert Elmer includes a brief<br />

chapter on the Chinese in Australia during the<br />

nineteenth century and an invitation to fans to<br />

contact him via his e-mail address.<br />

Donna Eggett, Freelance Writer, Radford, Virginia<br />

★<br />

The legend of Luke : a tale from Redwall,<br />

by Brian Jacques; illustrated by Fangorn.<br />

LCCN 99033891. New York: Philomel,<br />

Penguin Putnam, 2000. ISBN<br />

039923490X, HBB, $22.95.<br />

F. Mice--Fiction; Animals--Fiction; Fantasy. 374 p.<br />

Middle school (High school).<br />

Brian Jacques’ The Legend of Luke, illustrated<br />

by Fangorn, plunges the reader into exciting<br />

adventure. In part one, Martin the Mouse<br />

Warrior, Gonff the Mousethief, Dinny<br />

Foremole, and Trimp the roving lady hedgehog<br />

set off to discover the history of Martin’s father,<br />

Luke. The friends gained, enemies overcome<br />

and adventures enjoyed breathlessly lead the<br />

reader to the second section: the history of<br />

Luke’s vengeance upon Vilu Daskar, the pirate<br />

who murdered his wife and friends. Once again<br />

the reader hangs on for dear life as Luke and his<br />

friends sweep the seas clean. And then, just in<br />

case the reader thinks he can relax, in the third<br />

section Martin, his original companions, and all<br />

the friends they’ve gathered on the way share in<br />

more thrilling exploits as they roll triumphantly<br />

home.<br />

The 12th story in the Redwall series, The<br />

Legend of Luke presents a very human, all<br />

animal cast that remains true to each animal<br />

type. Because this series originated for blind<br />

students, it projects strong word pictures for the<br />

mind, much like Disney’s two Fantasias and<br />

Tolkien’s Hobbit series.<br />

Brian Jacques’ primary message is that courage<br />

and decency win respect. Two of the main<br />

themes are: deep love and responsibility for<br />

family and friends, and food and fellowship,<br />

with many mouth-watering menus. Sometimes<br />

naughty, the children generally demonstrate<br />

acceptable behavior such as respect to elders.<br />

While enjoying equality, the women are<br />

thoroughly protected. The bad characters are<br />

undeniably bad. With loving humor, the good<br />

characters display Judeo/<strong>Christian</strong> morals, and<br />

actions such as grace for meals are<br />

demonstrated.<br />

Fangorn’s black and white illustrations add to<br />

the classic quality of the story. Jacques includes<br />

many poems and several riddles, and several<br />

English dialects are characterized in fairly clear<br />

form. A pertinent map of Martin’s Journey<br />

prefaces the story. Capable middle school<br />

readers enjoy this story, as do high school and<br />

adult readers. It is an excellent story to read<br />

aloud to younger children.<br />

Donna Eggett, Freelance Writer, Radford, Virginia<br />

Living on Nothing Atoll, by Theresa Kelly.<br />

(Aloha Cove; 1.) LCCN 99021167. St.<br />

Louis, Mo.: Concordia, 1999. ISBN<br />

0570054834, PAP, $5.99.<br />

F. Stepfamilies--Fiction; Remarriage--Fiction;<br />

Islands--Fiction; Kwajalein Island (Marshall Islands)--<br />

Fiction; <strong>Christian</strong> life--Fiction. 255 p.<br />

Seaside High, by Theresa Kelly. (Aloha<br />

Cove; 2.) LCCN 99021169. St. Louis,<br />

Mo.: Concordia, 1999. ISBN 0570054842,<br />

PAP, $5.99.<br />

F. Stepfamilies--Fiction; High schools--Fiction;<br />

Islands--Fiction; Kwajalein Island (Marshall Islands)--<br />

Fiction; <strong>Christian</strong> life--Fiction. 271 p.<br />

Tomorrow I’ll miss you, by Theresa Kelly.<br />

(Aloha Cove; 3.) LCCN 99021168. St.<br />

Louis, Mo.: Concordia, 1999. ISBN<br />

0570054840, PAP, $5.99.<br />

F. Stepfamilies--Fiction; Mothers and daughters--<br />

Fiction; Islands--Fiction; Kwajalein Island (Marshall<br />

Islands)--Fiction; <strong>Christian</strong> life--Fiction. 271 p.<br />

Stand by me, by Theresa Kelly. (Aloha<br />

Cove; 4.) LCCN 99031986. St. Louis,<br />

Mo.: Concordia, 1999. ISBN 0570054869,<br />

PAP, $5.99.<br />

F. Stepfamilies--Fiction; High schools--Fiction;<br />

Islands--Fiction; Kwajalein Island (Marshall Islands)--<br />

Fiction; <strong>Christian</strong> life--Fiction. 271 p.<br />

Forget me not, by Theresa Kelly. (Aloha<br />

Cove; 5.) LCCN 99053127. St. Louis,<br />

Mo.: Concordia, 2000. ISBN 0570070333,<br />

PAP, $5.99.<br />

F. Stepfamilies--Fiction; Mothers and daughters--<br />

Fiction; Islands--Fiction; Kwajalein Island (Marshall<br />

Islands)--Fiction; <strong>Christian</strong> life--Fiction. 271 p.<br />

A place in the heart, by Theresa Kelly.<br />

(Aloha Cove; 6.) St. Louis, Mo.:<br />

Concordia, 2000. PAP, $5.99.<br />

F. Stepfamilies--Fiction; Mothers and daughters--<br />

Fiction; Islands--Fiction; Kwajalein Island (Marshall<br />

Islands)--Fiction; <strong>Christian</strong> life--Fiction. 271 p.<br />

Dream a little dream, by Theresa Kelly.<br />

(Aloha Cove; 7.) LCCN 00010071. St.<br />

Louis, Mo.: Concordia, 2000. ISBN<br />

0570070724, PAP, $5.99.<br />

C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 3 5 S P R I N G 2 0 0 1


MIDDLE SCHOOL<br />

FICTION<br />

F. Stepfamilies--Fiction; Anorexia nervosa--Fiction;<br />

Friendship--Fiction; <strong>Christian</strong> life--Fiction; Kwajalein<br />

Island (Marshall Islands)--Fiction. 254 p.<br />

Middle school (High school).<br />

When sixteen-year-old Cass has to make the<br />

move from Tennessee to the small tropical<br />

island of Kwajelein, she does not embrace her<br />

new life very well. For one thing she has<br />

difficulty going from a family of two to a family<br />

of four practically overnight. Although she likes<br />

her new stepfather for the most part, Cass has a<br />

tough time with her new stepsister Tabitha, who<br />

is as opposite as can be of Cass, except in age.<br />

As the year progresses Cass and Tabitha realize<br />

they have more in common than they originally<br />

thought—great parents being the prime shared<br />

factor. Together the girls grow closer as they<br />

share the joys and frustrations of friendships,<br />

dating, and realizing God is greater than the<br />

situations they find themselves up against<br />

throughout all the joys and adjustments of a<br />

blended family.<br />

The Aloha Cove series by Theresa Kelly will<br />

appeal to readers who are drawn into<br />

relationships, especially those concerning<br />

blended marriages. The setting is paradise, quite<br />

literally. Yet paradise is far from perfect.<br />

Struggling with who a person is, what his or her<br />

beliefs are, and feelings surrounding family and<br />

friends are key plot motivators. The books<br />

cover quite a variety of subjects including<br />

interracial dating, alcoholic parents, the<br />

pressures of dating, and sibling relationships.<br />

These are all dealt with appropriately, and with<br />

sensitivity. One of the main appeals of the book<br />

is how the principal characters, Cass and<br />

Tabitha, are able to realize through the guidance<br />

of their wise, yet pretty cool parents that God<br />

has it under control. The author effectively<br />

handles some very sensitive issues, particularly<br />

premarital sex and abortion from a boy’s<br />

perspective.<br />

There is plenty of dialogue in the books—<br />

perhaps too much, in fact, which stifles the<br />

potential for character development through<br />

narrative passages. There is also a concern<br />

regarding the other characters’ parents. It seems<br />

surprising that parents wouldn’t be more<br />

involved if their child was thought to be<br />

anorexic, or in an abusive dating relationship.<br />

As it is, the only parents who are developed<br />

beyond simple background characters are Cass’<br />

and Tabitha’s. Nevertheless, this series offers<br />

some solid <strong>Christian</strong> advice for adolescent girls<br />

who are seeking advice and answers for tough<br />

situations they are facing.<br />

Pam Webb, <strong>Library</strong> Technician, Sandpoint, Idaho<br />

Mandie and the buried stranger, by Lois<br />

Gladys Leppard. (A Mandie book; 31.)<br />

LCCN 99006446. Minneapolis: Bethany<br />

House, 1999. ISBN 1556613849, PAP,<br />

$4.99.<br />

F. Mystery and detective stories; North Carolina--<br />

Fiction. 173 p. Middle school.<br />

Mandie and the seaside rendezvous, by<br />

Lois Gladys Leppard. (A Mandie book;<br />

32.) LCCN 99050798. Minneapolis:<br />

Bethany House, 2000. ISBN 1556616732,<br />

PAP, $4.99.<br />

F. Mystery and detective stories. 170 p. Middle<br />

school.<br />

Mandie and the dark alley, by Lois Gladys<br />

Leppard. (A Mandie book; 33.)<br />

Minneapolis: Bethany House, 2000. ISBN<br />

1556616740, PAP, $4.99.<br />

F. Mystery and detective stories. 159 p. Middle<br />

school.<br />

Amanda Shaw, Mandie, and her friend, Celia,<br />

always immerse themselves in a mystery no<br />

matter where they go. Snowball, Mandie’s cat,<br />

goes with them, and sometimes he helps solve<br />

the mystery. Books 31 and 32 take place while<br />

the girls, young teens, have time away from<br />

classes at the Misses Heathwood’s School for<br />

Girls, a proper place whose administrator does<br />

not appreciate wayward behavior. Adventures<br />

in Book 33 happen during school term.<br />

In these books, Mandie has an insatiable desire<br />

to find out about a huge pile of mica, why three<br />

wagons disappeared, and where Mr. Jacob<br />

Smith has gone. Then, when she and Celia go<br />

with Mandie’s grandmother to visit Senator<br />

Morton at his Florida home, they encounter<br />

more puzzles. Who is continually rearranging<br />

their clothes in the closet, and why does Juan act<br />

as though he can’t hear or speak; do ghosts<br />

really come out in the park? Back at school<br />

again, Mandie can’t resist returning to the dark<br />

alley, though she’s warned not to go there. From<br />

a whining puppy, to a lost locket, to a stolen<br />

silver tea set, she and Celia find plenty of<br />

activity in the fearsome alley.<br />

Lois Gladys Leppard draws upon her mother’s<br />

childhood in North Carolina for many Mandie<br />

incidents. The stories, which at times move<br />

slowly, usually make up for the lack of literary<br />

writing and sound editing. With regard to the<br />

title references, the Dark Alley plays an<br />

important part in Book 33, but the significance<br />

of the Buried Stranger and the Seaside<br />

Rendezvous do not become evident until close<br />

to the ends of Books 31 and 32.<br />

Leppard fills these stories with dialogue—<br />

sometimes stilted and more advanced than<br />

would be common to most young teens. She has<br />

created likeable characters with Mandie, Celia,<br />

and their friends, as well as Snowball.<br />

Betty M. Hockett, Freelance Writer, Teacher, Speaker, Newberg,<br />

Oregon<br />

My heart is on the ground : the diary of<br />

Nannie Little Rose, a Sioux girl, by Ann<br />

Rinaldi. (Dear America.) LCCN<br />

98026767. New York: Scholastic, 1999.<br />

ISBN 0590149226, HBB, $10.95.<br />

F. Dakota Indians--Fiction; Indians of North America;<br />

Boarding schools--Fiction; Schools--Fiction; Diaries--<br />

Fiction. 205 p. Middle school (Elementary).<br />

It was hard enough for Little Rose to leave<br />

behind her family, pony, beautifully decorated<br />

deerskin dress and moccasins, and her best<br />

friend Pretty Eagle, but to board an iron horse<br />

and travel across country from the Rosebud<br />

Indian Reservation to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania,<br />

was truly terrifying. Her terror only increased<br />

when she arrived at Carlisle Indian School, was<br />

lined up against the wall with the other girls,<br />

unceremoniously stripped of her clothing,<br />

bathed, dressed in white girls’ dress and underclothing,<br />

and worst of all, shorn of her long<br />

black braids. For a Sioux, that last act was an<br />

act of mourning, perhaps a more significant<br />

ordeal than the white man realized, for truly<br />

Little Rose entered not only a white man’s<br />

world, but a time of mourning the loss of her<br />

Indian culture. Her heart was truly on the<br />

ground. The final stripping was that of her<br />

Indian name. From this time forward she would<br />

be known as Nannie..a simple white girl’s name.<br />

It was 1879, and Nannie Little Rose was in the<br />

first class of Sioux Indian children to be forcibly<br />

sent to the Carlisle Indian School. Within a few<br />

weeks of her arrival her English teacher, Miss<br />

Camp Bell, would give her a di-a-ree and<br />

encourage her to tell her story. Author Ann<br />

Rinaldi has masterfully woven her research of<br />

the people, practices, and conditions of the<br />

Carlisle Indian School into a moving and<br />

exciting tale which also paints a thoughtprovoking<br />

portrait of the tension a young Indian<br />

student had to face in trying to live in the white<br />

man’s world without losing her identity as a<br />

Sioux. As with other books in this series, My<br />

Heart Is on the Ground ends with a section<br />

presenting the historical setting of the story,<br />

accompanied by photographs taken from the<br />

archives of the Carlisle Indian School.<br />

Judy Driscoll, Retired Teacher, Poulsbo, Washington<br />

My secret war : the World War II diary of<br />

Madeline Beck, by Mary Pope Osborne.<br />

(Dear America.) LCCN 00021918. New<br />

York: Scholastic, 2000. ISBN 0590687158,<br />

HBB, $10.95.<br />

F. World War, 1939-1945--United States--Fiction;<br />

New York (State)--Fiction; Diaries--Fiction. 186 p.<br />

Middle school.<br />

Sabotage, secrets, and surprises await Madeline<br />

Beck on Long Island, New York as World War II<br />

begins to unfold around the globe. This young<br />

girl is pulled into the American war effort<br />

following the announcement that Japan has<br />

bombed Pearl Harbor. After learning that her<br />

own father was one of the American soldiers<br />

injured in the attack, Madeline sneaks to the<br />

beach after curfew each night to be alone. One<br />

night she comes face-to-face with an unknown<br />

enemy, a frightening encounter that puts her<br />

family in danger. Sworn to secrecy, Madeline<br />

greets each new day in fear that someone will<br />

come to take her away. Now Madeline must<br />

find a way to face and conquer her fears.<br />

My Secret War, The World War II Diary of<br />

Madeline Beck, by Mary Pope Osborne,<br />

captures some of the significant incidents that<br />

happened on American soil during WWII. The<br />

story begins slowly, then builds and<br />

S P R I N G 2 0 0 1 3 6 C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L


MIDDLE SCHOOL<br />

FICTION<br />

concentrates on the intriguing details of wartime<br />

life in America. Sentences are short and<br />

choppy, in true diary fashion, but Osborne’s text<br />

manages to capture the mood and emotion of a<br />

time when American citizens were more united<br />

than ever before.<br />

This diary is part of the Dear America series,<br />

and true to the series mission, My Secret War<br />

teaches history while at the same time<br />

entertaining it’s young readers. Real events are<br />

fictionalized to include the main character,<br />

however, the genuineness of the historical<br />

context is maintained and reveals much about a<br />

time when family, faith in God, and loyalty to<br />

country were cherished American values.<br />

The book includes a fictional epilogue that is a<br />

bit unrealistic, but which will satisfiy the<br />

romantic inclinations of pre-teen age girls. Other<br />

interesting inclusions are a historical note with<br />

details about America’s entrance into WWII,<br />

historical photographs, newspaper clippings,<br />

and a recipe for war cake, all of which further<br />

the educational value of My Secret War.<br />

Virginia Schnabel, Freelance Writer, Shelton, Washington<br />

Nzingha : warrior queen of Matamba, by<br />

Patricia McKissack. (The royal diaries.)<br />

LCCN 00024216. New York: Scholastic,<br />

2000. ISBN 0439112109, HBB, $10.95.<br />

F. Nzingha, Queen of Matamba, d. 1663--Fiction;<br />

Angola--History--1482-1648--Fiction; Princesses--<br />

Fiction; Blacks--Angola--Fiction; Mbundu (African<br />

people)--Fiction; Slave trade--Fiction. 136 p. Middle<br />

school.<br />

Nzingha, Warrior Queen of Matamba, by<br />

Patricia McKissack, is set in Angola in 1595 and<br />

purports to be the diary of Princess Nzingha,<br />

First Daughter of Kiluanji, Ngola of the<br />

Mbundu. Through her entries, the reader gets a<br />

clear and interesting picture of life in Angola at<br />

a time when the Mbundu are fighting to keep the<br />

Portuguese from overrunning their country and<br />

their people. Nzingha and her siblings are right<br />

in the middle of the action, and by the end of the<br />

book, Nzingha has come of age, been<br />

recognized by her father as the future leader of<br />

her country—contrary to tradition—and has had<br />

a suitor ask for her hand in marriage.<br />

Along the way, McKissack weaves in many<br />

details of life in Angola, including traditional<br />

ceremonies, foods, clothing, and social<br />

practices. She also includes some aspects of the<br />

country’s religion that may raise a few questions<br />

in the minds of readers, especially Nzingha’s<br />

relationship with Father Giovanni, a captured<br />

Portuguese Catholic priest who teaches her and<br />

her siblings and provides guidance regarding her<br />

possible conversion in later life. He also serves<br />

as advisor to Kiluanji in his dealings with the<br />

Portuguese.<br />

In the epilogue, McKissack adds information<br />

about the rest of Nzingha’s life, a family tree,<br />

and some fascinating photos, drawings and<br />

maps. There is also a glossary and a<br />

pronunciation guide, which could be helpful for<br />

read-aloud times. This is a story that will appeal<br />

to young girls of any race, and will be a valuable<br />

addition to any library’s middle school<br />

collection.<br />

Betty Winslow, Bowling Green <strong>Christian</strong> Academy, Bowling Green,<br />

Ohio<br />

One eye laughing, the other weeping : the<br />

diary of Julie Weiss, by Barry Denenberg.<br />

(Dear America.) LCCN 00021920. New<br />

York: Scholastic, 2000. ISBN 0439095182,<br />

HBB, $12.95.<br />

F. Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945)--Austria--Fiction;<br />

Jews--Austria--Fiction; Austria--History--1938-1945--<br />

Fiction; Emigration and immigration--Fiction; Diaries-<br />

-Fiction. 250 p. Middle school.<br />

As may be deduced from its title, One Eye<br />

Laughing, the Other Weeping is a story of strong<br />

contrasts. The first half of the novel is set in<br />

Austria, 1938, just as Hitler’s army is taking<br />

over the Austrian people. Twelve-year-old Julie<br />

Weiss is the daughter of a well-to-do Jewish<br />

doctor. She struggles with the insanity which<br />

seems to have gripped every thread of her life as<br />

she sees friends turn against her family, and<br />

persecutions of the Jewish community tear her<br />

own family to shreds. She likens her world to<br />

the tale of Alice in Wonderland with its topsy<br />

turvy twists and turns where nothing is as it<br />

seems. Finally, after the suicide of her mother,<br />

Julie’s father manages to arrange to have her<br />

leave the country and travel to New York where<br />

she will live with her Aunt and Uncle.<br />

The second half of the book is Julie’s diary of<br />

her life in New York, seemingly a fairyland in<br />

contrast to the war she has left behind in Austria.<br />

She struggles with the guilt of not being with her<br />

father, and with the strangeness of living as an<br />

alien in a new land. But in time she becomes<br />

caught up in the actress life of her aunt and<br />

eventually becomes an actress herself, finding<br />

there the outlet for the emotions she has pent up<br />

due to her war-time experiences.<br />

Barry Denenberg has portrayed this period in<br />

history so vividly, and developed his characters<br />

so well, that it is hard to believe they are<br />

fictional. It is not an easy story to read, due to<br />

the atrocities that are represented, but it is<br />

certainly a gripping glimpse into the<br />

repercussions of anti-Semitism, teaching lessons<br />

which the reader can’t afford to ignore. A<br />

closing chapter provides context, depicting life<br />

in war-torn Vienna in word and picture. Also<br />

included are photos of New York during the<br />

same time period.<br />

Judy Driscoll, Retired Teacher, Poulsbo, Washington<br />

Our strange new land : Elizabeth’s diary,<br />

by Patricia Hermes. (My America.)<br />

LCCN 99056356. New York: Scholastic,<br />

2000. ISBN 0439112087, HBB, $8.95.<br />

F. Jamestown (Va.)--History--Fiction; Virginia--<br />

History--Colonial period, ca. 1600-1775--Fiction;<br />

Diaries--Fiction. 109 p. Middle school.<br />

It is August 11, 1609, and young Lizzie Barker<br />

arrives in Jamestown with her parents after a<br />

long and arduous storm-plagued sail from<br />

England. She is especially sorry that her twin<br />

brother, Caleb, had to be left in England because<br />

of ill health, and decides to write a diary of her<br />

experiences for him on a drawing pad stolen<br />

from him before leaving England. Her struggle<br />

of conscience over the theft, while large in her<br />

Puritan mind, becomes nothing compared to the<br />

struggles her family must face as they try to<br />

forge a new home in this wilderness. Together<br />

they face the death of friends, failure of crops,<br />

and the threat of attack by savages living in the<br />

wilderness.<br />

In time, Lizzie is befriended by young<br />

Pocahontas on her frequent visits to the village,<br />

and is invited by Captain John Smith to<br />

accompany him as an assistant ambassador<br />

when he visits Powhatan’s village.<br />

Our Strange New Land ends on October 9,<br />

1609 as Lizzie frantically writes her final entry<br />

in order to send her journal back to England with<br />

Captain Smith; he is to give it to her brother,<br />

who she hopes will be strong enough to join the<br />

family the following spring.<br />

Author Patricia Hermes includes a short<br />

historical account of the settlement at<br />

Jamestown to further acquaint her young readers<br />

with this historical period.<br />

Judy Driscoll, Retired Teacher, Poulsbo, Washington<br />

Portrait of lies, written by Dandi Daley<br />

Mackall; created by Terry K. Brown.<br />

(Todaysgirls.com; 2.) LCCN 00020021.<br />

Nashville: Tommy Nelson, Thomas<br />

Nelson, 2000. ISBN 0849975611, PAP,<br />

$5.99.<br />

F. Artists--Fiction; Friendship--Fiction; <strong>Christian</strong> life-<br />

-Fiction. 140 p. Middle school (High school).<br />

Jamie Chandler is one of six girls who’ve started<br />

a private on-line chat group associated with a<br />

<strong>Christian</strong> website, TodaysGirls.com. Jamie is<br />

the artist of the group. When she finds a<br />

summer art camp through an on-line search, her<br />

best friend, Bren, encourages her to go. In order<br />

to get enough money together for tuition, she<br />

needs to submit a portrait to apply for the<br />

scholarship offered. But she doesn’t feel any of<br />

her previous work is good enough, and the<br />

deadline is only a few weeks away. A friend<br />

from cyberspace (“van_gogh”) encourages her<br />

to believe in her God-given artistic gift.<br />

But long hours working at the Gnosh Pit (the<br />

local hangout), and perfectionism cause her<br />

creativity to fade. Despite these odds she does<br />

her best and makes the deadline just in time.<br />

When Jamie learns she’s won the scholarship,<br />

she’s thrilled—until she realizes it’s not for the<br />

piece she submitted; a friend has submitted a<br />

portrait drawn by Jamie’s father. Will Jamie tell<br />

the truth, despite the consequences? Whatever<br />

decision she makes will be based on faith, and<br />

on learning who “van_gogh” really is.<br />

Dandi Daley Mackall captures a teen’s hopes<br />

and dreams through realistic dialogue and<br />

action. The story moves quickly with plenty of<br />

turmoil conveyed through Jamie’s inner<br />

thoughts and her struggle to believe in herself,<br />

C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 3 7 S P R I N G 2 0 0 1


MIDDLE SCHOOL<br />

FICTION<br />

her talent, and God. The text is a mix of<br />

traditional fiction and bolded cyberspeak; the<br />

latter is used to represent on-line chats. A “Net<br />

Acronyms” list at the beginning of the book<br />

defines terms the girls use during their chats.<br />

Each book in the series is about a different girl<br />

and, though each book stands alone, it’s helpful<br />

to know the characters as they’re shown in<br />

Portrait of Lies. Readers will find the final<br />

spread, providing background details (age,<br />

screen name, interests) and photos of each girl,<br />

a plus. The book concludes with an afterword<br />

about Internet safety and wise use of chat rooms,<br />

complete with scripture references. A great<br />

addition to series book sections and a welcome<br />

alternative to popular “cyber-related” series<br />

such as Cyber.Kdz, Danger.com, and Internet<br />

detectives.<br />

Lisa Wroble, Freelance Writer/<strong>Library</strong> Aide, Plymouth, Michigan<br />

★<br />

Promise breaker, by Robert Elmer.<br />

(Promise of Zion; 1.) LCCN 99051014.<br />

Minneapolis: Bethany House, 2000. ISBN<br />

0764222961, PAP, $5.99.<br />

F. Refugees, Jewish--Fiction; Palestine--History--<br />

1917-1948--Fiction. 171 p.<br />

Peace rebel, by Robert Elmer. (Promise of<br />

Zion; 2.) LCCN 99051015. Minneapolis:<br />

Bethany House, 2000. ISBN 76422297X,<br />

PAP, $5.99.<br />

F. Palestine--History--1917-1948--FictionJews--<br />

Palestine--Fiction. 158 p.<br />

Middle school (Elementary).<br />

Following the lives of two very different<br />

thirteen-year-olds, Promise Breaker sets the<br />

stage for the series by giving the reader a<br />

glimpse of them in 1940, at age five. Dov<br />

Zalinski, a Polish Jew, is being left at an<br />

orphanage by his mother. Emily Parkinson, the<br />

pampered only child of a British officer, moves<br />

to Israel that same year. Seven years after the<br />

close of World War II, Dov begins looking for<br />

his family. Uri, a member of the Jewish<br />

Mossad, helps Dov board a boat bound for<br />

Israel. Dov and Emily cross paths when the boat<br />

is boarded by British officials. Emily has<br />

accompanied her father to help translate. When<br />

a riot begins, Emily and Dov fall overboard.<br />

Emily saves Dov’s life by helping him ashore.<br />

Peace Rebel picks up the story immediately<br />

with Emily and Dov reaching the shore.<br />

Grabbed by the Jewish underground and<br />

transported to a Kibbutz, Emily and Dov find<br />

themselves in a place they don’t want to be.<br />

Emily wants to get home to her parents, who<br />

think she is dead. Dov wants to leave the<br />

Kibbutz to try and locate his family in<br />

Jerusalem. When members of the violent<br />

Jewish group, Irgun, discover who Emily is,<br />

they kidnap her. Dov unwittingly discovers the<br />

plot and rescues her before travelling to<br />

Jerusalem.<br />

Author Robert Elmer has written a fast-paced<br />

series that even adults would enjoy reading.<br />

Many difficult vocabulary words are introduced.<br />

The author, however, does a great job of<br />

explaining them or sounding them out through<br />

the character of Dov, who doesn’t speak English<br />

or Hebrew well. At the end of each book, Elmer<br />

explains which parts of the story are true and<br />

which parts are fiction. He also includes a brief<br />

list of books and websites for further research.<br />

This is an exciting series that will get even<br />

reluctant readers reading.<br />

Elizabeth Coleman, Freelance Writer, Tumwater, Washington<br />

Rare and endangered, by John Dowd. (A<br />

Caribbean Island adventure.) LCCN<br />

99086976. Atlanta, Ga.: Peachtree<br />

Publishers, 2000. ISBN 1561452173, PAP,<br />

$5.95.<br />

F. Turks and Caicos Islands--Fiction; Poaching--<br />

Fiction; Hurricanes--Fiction; Drug traffic--Fiction.<br />

170 p. Middle school.<br />

Author John Dowd takes the reader on a<br />

Caribbean adventure with poachers in Rare and<br />

Endangered. He spins the tale of an<br />

environmental and animal preservation research<br />

group on Caicos Island that unearths an illegal<br />

poaching operation.<br />

Fifteen-year-old Jim returns to the research<br />

center, Bottle Creek Station, for the summer,<br />

and soon finds himself and his friend, Julia,<br />

kidnapped by poachers and taken to the<br />

Dominican Republic. With the help of a fellow<br />

researcher, Miles, who’s also been kidnapped,<br />

they gather evidence to expose the operation<br />

while trying to survive during a hurricane.<br />

Eventually they escape their captors and flee to<br />

safety with enough evidence against the<br />

poachers to break-up the operation and send the<br />

culprits to jail.<br />

Although he provides an interesting plot, Dowd<br />

fails to fill the reader in adequately as to the<br />

previous exploits of Jim and Julia from an<br />

earlier book. This leaves the reader wondering<br />

exactly what went on since he references that<br />

book heavily in the initial pages of Rare and<br />

Endangered. His views on the environment and<br />

animal protection are made quite clear as the<br />

book progresses. Dowd also uses profanity in<br />

about a quarter of the dialogue.<br />

Eileen Zygarlicke, Freelance Writer/Editor, Grand Forks, North<br />

Dakota<br />

★<br />

The savage damsel and the dwarf, by<br />

Gerald Morris. LCCN 99016457. Boston:<br />

Houghton Mifflin, 2000. ISBN<br />

0395971268, HBB, $15.00.<br />

F. Gareth (Legendary character)--Fiction; Knights and<br />

knighthood--Fiction; Magic--Fiction; England--<br />

Fiction; Humorous stories. 213 p. Middle school.<br />

The Lady Lynet , the damsel of The Savage<br />

Damsel and the Dwarf, has two problems. The<br />

most pressing difficulty is a knight who has<br />

sworn to besiege their castle, kill all would-be<br />

rescuers, and take possession of Lady and lands.<br />

Lynet’s second problem is that her vainly<br />

beautiful older sister, Lyonesse, is the Lady in<br />

question; and she is rather intrigued with the<br />

whole scenario. Before they find themselves<br />

completely at their attacker’s mercy, Lynet takes<br />

their future into her hands and sneaks out of the<br />

castle, destined for the Court of King Arthur.<br />

But, instead of a knight in shining armor, Lynet<br />

is granted a kitchen knave nicknamed “Pretty<br />

Hands” and a mysterious dwarf called Robert,<br />

whose only weapon is his wry humor. This very<br />

unlikely trio soon finds that none of them are<br />

who they seem, surprising even themselves. As<br />

Lynet leads them home, her disenchantment<br />

with her “heroes” ebbs, flows, and finally takes<br />

its proper course as she learns to see past<br />

appearances and tradition and into the realm of<br />

the heart.<br />

The Savage Damsel and the Dwarf is Gerald<br />

Morris’s third foray into retelling tales from Sir<br />

Thomas Malory’s Le Morte D’Arthur. In the<br />

process, he expands upon Malory’s sketchy<br />

characterizations, providing background and<br />

motivation for the oft strange behavior of the<br />

principals involved in the original story. But the<br />

reader must not expect a tale that echoes<br />

Malory’s High Romance. Rather it is told with<br />

a satirical eye bent upon the conventions of the<br />

Romance and with a distinctly modern,<br />

skeptical attitude. Although this may be jarring<br />

to some aficionados of the genre, it will capture<br />

the attention of readers who have long had no<br />

use for “fairytales,” and provides a humorous<br />

commentary on the exaggerated civilities of<br />

High Romance.<br />

Morris’s characters are sharply drawn and<br />

unfailingly amusing. Turning the tale of a<br />

damsel in distress on its head (The Savage<br />

Damsel..)is not new, but the transformation of<br />

Lynet from a sarcastic (ie. savage), observer of<br />

life into a young woman who chooses obscurity<br />

and service over glory is a welcome innovation.<br />

Unfortunately, a significant factor in this change<br />

is her discovery near the end of the book that she<br />

is an “enchantress.” It is this “otherness” which<br />

inclines her to quiet service rather than showy<br />

fame. Incredible in a story of High Romance,<br />

references to Christ or the things of faith are<br />

glaringly absent.<br />

Pamela A. Todd, Librarian/English Teacher, Chalcedon <strong>Christian</strong><br />

School, Cumming, Georgia<br />

The $66 summer, by John Armistead;<br />

illustrated by Fran Gregory. LCCN<br />

99045464. Minneapolis: Milkweed<br />

Editions, 2000. ISBN 1571316256, PAP,<br />

$6.95.<br />

F. Prejudices--Fiction; Friendship--Fiction; Afro-<br />

Americans--Fiction; Race relations--Fiction;<br />

Grandmothers--Fiction. 213 p. Middle school.<br />

John Armistead portrays racism in the 1950’s<br />

South in this novel of relationships. In The $66<br />

Summer, George comes to Obadiah, Alabama,<br />

to work for his grandmother, hoping to earn<br />

enough to buy a used Harley-Davidson<br />

motorcycle. He and friends Esther and Bennett,<br />

children of Elizabeth, Grandmother Tilly’s black<br />

employee, fish, seek to earn extra money to<br />

meet their dreams, and discover evidence that<br />

S P R I N G 2 0 0 1 3 8 C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L


MIDDLE SCHOOL<br />

FICTION<br />

Staple Garrison, Esther and Bennett’s father, did<br />

not run away, as was thought, but was murdered.<br />

Armistead has created an engrossing story filled<br />

with well-rounded characters. The relationships<br />

are honest; the events well plotted and<br />

portrayed, the ending thought-provoking. The<br />

book won a Milkweed Prize for Children’s<br />

Literature. Alcohol and tobacco use are<br />

portrayed and “hexing” is discussed, but these<br />

are not major elements. Fran Gregory nicely<br />

does the few illustrations in black and white.<br />

Betsy Ruffin, Teacher/Librarian, Cleburne, Texas<br />

Spider Storch’s Desperate Deal, by Gina<br />

Willner-Pardo; illustrated by Nick<br />

Sharratt. LCCN 99020140. Morton<br />

Grove, Ill.: Albert Whitman, 1999. ISBN<br />

0807575887, HBB, $11.95.<br />

F. Weddings--Fiction. p. Middle school (Elementary).<br />

Spiders on the brain, spiders on the underwear:<br />

Spider Storch loves spiders. Girls are another<br />

story. Spider is trapped in the middle-school<br />

web of hatred for the opposite sex. His nemesis,<br />

Mary Grace, is a gangly gal with a long ponytail.<br />

To her disgust, Spider calls her “Smelly Face”<br />

and “Sasquatch.” When she is chosen to be a<br />

flower girl in a wedding, she is thrilled. Spider<br />

is volunteered to be ring bearer for the same<br />

wedding.<br />

Mary Grace decides to blackmail Spider. She’ll<br />

blab to the entire school that he’s going to have<br />

to wear a tuxedo, unless Spider agrees to stop<br />

calling her names—and perform a few other<br />

favors as well. Spider Storch’s desperate deal is<br />

sealed. But soon Mary Grace’s demands go too<br />

far. Spider finally comes to his senses and stops<br />

worrying about what other people will say or<br />

think about him. Mary Grace loses her power<br />

over Spider, and the wedding goes ahead with<br />

Reverend Carleton saying “a lot of disgusting<br />

stuff about loving each other.” Taking a tiny<br />

step toward maturity, Spider calls a truce with<br />

Mary Grace and even brings himself to<br />

compliment her hair. And then he lets her know<br />

he still thinks she’s a “dumb old Sturgeon<br />

Breath.”<br />

Although full of the attitudes parents love to<br />

hate, Gina Willner-Pardo’s Spider Storch’s<br />

Desperate Deal will appeal to the inherent<br />

desire of middle-school boys to “gross out”<br />

girls. The small, exaggerated line drawings by<br />

Nick Sharratt will keep the easily distracted<br />

reader fully engaged.<br />

John T. Perrodin, Attorney, Editor, Homeschool Father, Colorado<br />

Springs, Colorado<br />

Stuart’s run to faith, by Sharon<br />

Hambrick. LCCN 99011896. Greenville,<br />

S.C.: Journey Books, Bob Jones<br />

University Press, 1999. ISBN 1579242448,<br />

PAP, $6.49.<br />

F. <strong>Christian</strong> life--Fiction; Schools--Fiction. 123 p.<br />

Middle school.<br />

If you’re working at a <strong>Christian</strong> school or are<br />

looking for that perfect book to get into the mind<br />

and soul of an unsaved teen or almost-teen boy,<br />

then this is the book. If you want a book that<br />

doesn’t skirt the issues, but goes directly to the<br />

salvation message, this is it. Sharon Hambrick<br />

does a good job of writing through the eyes of a<br />

twelve-year-old in a tight spot, although some of<br />

her expressions don’t really fit his age level.<br />

Stuart’s Run to Faith is a no-holds-barred<br />

gauntlet event for the main character. He has to<br />

deal with having to attend a <strong>Christian</strong> academy<br />

because his widowed mother has had to move<br />

into a single wide trailer with Grandma, and that<br />

is Grandma’s bargaining tool for her unsaved<br />

grandson. Friends, teachers, coaches, and<br />

neighbors are all intent on converting Stuart.<br />

Mom is neutral as she deals with trying to get<br />

enough money to get a place of their own.<br />

Lively situations, real-life conversations, and<br />

Stuart’s gift of speed as a runner make this an<br />

honest, believable read. Surely God works this<br />

way on a daily basis as He puts people to work<br />

carrying His message of the Gospel. This book<br />

should be in every <strong>Christian</strong> school library and<br />

should be sent as a gift to every public school<br />

library. This novel is a true outreach to the<br />

unsaved and a tune-up for the believer.<br />

Rev. Jim McKinney, Teacher, Port Orchard, Washington<br />

★<br />

Terror from the Gulf : a hurricane in<br />

Galveston, written by Martha Tannery<br />

Jones. LCCN 99014579. Dallas:<br />

Hendrick-Long Publishing, 1999. ISBN<br />

1885777213, HBB, $15.95.<br />

F. Hurricanes--Texas--Galveston--Fiction; Galveston<br />

(Tex.)--Fiction; Fear--Fiction. 128 p. Middle school.<br />

In the year 1900, Charlie, twelve and<br />

rambunctious, has already been in trouble<br />

several times for fighting. His mother warns<br />

him about his temper, but what can he do when<br />

others keep egging him on? He lives seven<br />

blocks from the warm gulf waters in Galveston,<br />

yet this presents another problem, because ever<br />

since his father was lost at sea, Charlie has been<br />

afraid to go in the water. This brings incessant<br />

teasing from his classmates and even his<br />

supposed friends; thus the temper flare-ups. At<br />

the moment, however, there are other things to<br />

be concerned about. A mysterious man<br />

continues to spy on their house, always staring,<br />

always disappearing before Charlie can get<br />

anyone else to see him, and now a hurricane is<br />

making its way toward the town.<br />

Charlie’s suspicion about the strange man is<br />

quickly forgotten as the hurricane-force winds<br />

and rapidly rising water threaten the lives of<br />

everyone in Galveston. When the water reaches<br />

the family on the second floor of their home,<br />

they have to jump into the swirling, debris-filled<br />

waters before their home collapses around them.<br />

Charlie is forced to face his worst fears as he<br />

must choose between clinging to the floating<br />

roof parts, or letting go and attempting to rescue<br />

a baby floating in a precarious wooden cradle.<br />

A definite page-turner, Terror from the Gulf<br />

brings the fear and tension of fighting the fury of<br />

nature into one’s own home. Written simply yet<br />

with power, Martha Tannery Jones’ narrative<br />

uses the historical account to give strength to the<br />

storyline. The issues of facing one’s fears and<br />

dealing with anger are resolved, as Charlie<br />

discovers what is really important in life. The<br />

book includes photographs showing the<br />

destruction the town suffered, as well as the<br />

rebuilding of the destroyed Galveston. These<br />

images help the reader to visualise the scale of<br />

the horror and devastation suffered.<br />

Mary McKinney, Former Teacher, Freelance Writer, Editor, Port<br />

Orchard, Washington<br />

Trapped between the lash and the gun : a<br />

boy’s journey, by Arvella Whitmore.<br />

LCCN 98014564. New York: Dial Books,<br />

Penguin Putnam, 1999. ISBN<br />

0803723849, HBB, $16.99.<br />

F. Slavery--Fiction; Afro-Americans--Fiction; Time<br />

travel--Fiction. 185 p. Middle school.<br />

Jordan Henning Scott does not want to move<br />

with his mother and sister to Springdale. After<br />

all, at twelve years of age, he should be able to<br />

make a decision as important as this on his own.<br />

Jordan wants to live with his father, though his<br />

mother has refused to reveal his father’s<br />

location. Angry about the events in his life,<br />

Jordan joins the Cobras, a neighborhood gang.<br />

Jordan plans to stay with the Cobras until he can<br />

get enough money to fly out to be with his<br />

father.<br />

Gang members must have a gun, so Jordan visits<br />

his grandfather and steals the gold watch that<br />

has been passed down in the family from slave<br />

ancestors. Suddenly Jordan is no longer in the<br />

city. Instead Jordan is in a wooded area with a<br />

strange young black boy named Uriah Henning,<br />

his great, great, great, great grandfather and a<br />

slave on the Henning’s plantation.<br />

Because Jordan cannot prove he is free, he ends<br />

up picking cotton and is eventually sold, with<br />

other members of Uriah’s family. Jordan is<br />

purchased by a member of the underground<br />

railway and put into hiding with other runaway<br />

slaves including Uriah. Suddenly, Jordan is<br />

back in his own time. Finally realizing the true<br />

value of the watch, he returns it to his<br />

grandfather and decides to quit the gang; this<br />

action results in a shooting, cementing the<br />

changes in Jordan’s life.<br />

Arvella Whitmore has an engaging style that<br />

allows her writing to pull the reader into the<br />

story. Jordan seems very much a real person.<br />

However, Trapped Between the Lash and the<br />

Gun deals too neatly with the gang issue and<br />

with slavery. This would be a good addition to<br />

the time travel genre of fiction were it not so<br />

neatly wrapped up.<br />

Barbara Wall, School <strong>Library</strong> System Director, Oswego County<br />

BOCES, Mexico, New York<br />

Uprising at dawn, by Lee Roddy.<br />

(Between two flags; 5.) LCCN 99051012.<br />

Minneapolis: Bethany House, 2000. ISBN<br />

0764220292, PAP, $5.99.<br />

C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 3 9 S P R I N G 2 0 0 1


MIDDLE SCHOOL<br />

FICTION<br />

F. Slavery--Fiction; United States--History--Civil<br />

War, 1861-1865--Fiction. 159 p. Middle school.<br />

Hunting in a Virginia swamp for an escaped<br />

hog, Gideon Tugwell overhears men planning to<br />

burn down both Briarstone Plantation and<br />

Gideon’s home. Gideon runs to Briarstone to<br />

tell William, the owner’s son, about the<br />

impending uprising.<br />

Emily, a relative of William’s from the North, is<br />

living at Briarstone. She wants to ask him not to<br />

sell Nat to the slave trader. Earlier, Emily and<br />

Gideon had tried to help Nat escape, and now he<br />

must wear a collar with a bell. Angry and bitter,<br />

Nat fears for his life when he learns he will be<br />

sold to a slave trader.<br />

Before Emily can appeal to William, however,<br />

Gideon comes in with the news of the rebellion.<br />

Emily and Gideon fear they’ll be murdered in<br />

their beds at dawn on Sunday. Now they need<br />

Nat’s help to find the leader of the uprising. Nat<br />

had decided to run, but gives up his bid for<br />

freedom in order to help Emily and Gideon.<br />

Uprising At Dawn is a fast-paced and exciting<br />

account of an attempted slave rebellion. The<br />

Civil War and the issues that prompted it<br />

become real as Lee Roddy describes life in<br />

Virginia in 1862. Roddy skilfully weaves<br />

together numerous sub-plots. The characters are<br />

well-developed and show the diversity of<br />

opinion that existed in the North and South on<br />

slavery. Many young people will be surprised at<br />

the amount of responsibility young teens<br />

assumed at that period in history. The cover<br />

illustration by Chris Ellison is well done and<br />

adds to the excitement of the story.<br />

Barbara A. Bryden, Freelance Writer, Olympia, Washington<br />

articles and poetry substantiate the strength of<br />

this story, a certain tragedy turned into a real<br />

canine hero’s opportunity. Everything about this<br />

story is enjoyable and satisfying.<br />

Rev. Jim McKinney, Teacher, Port Orchard, Washington<br />

The wreck of the Ethie, by Hilary Hyland.<br />

LCCN 99024706. Atlanta: Peachtree,<br />

1999. ISBN 1561451983, PAP, $7.95.<br />

F. Ethie (Steamship)--Fiction; Shipwrecks--Fiction;<br />

Dogs--Fiction; Survival--Fiction; Newfoundland--<br />

Ficiton. 115 p. Elementary.<br />

Proof that real life has everything that fiction has<br />

to offer, and more, The Wreck of the Ethie is<br />

based on a real shipwreck on the coast of<br />

Newfoundland. Colleen and Skipper, her huge<br />

canine protector and friend, enjoy life on this<br />

island province and are thrilled by all that their<br />

coastal cliffside cottage has to offer. Storms<br />

bring many things in to the shore, but the fateful<br />

day that the S.S. Effie crashed over the “whale’s<br />

back” brings meaning and purpose to all that the<br />

dog and girl have shared before. The shipside<br />

sequences are told through Patrick, the ship’s<br />

boy, who works hard to help deliver passengers<br />

and crew safely to a cove he has worked before<br />

as a fisherman.<br />

Hilary Hyland’s first book is brisk and full as<br />

she covers the terrible challenges the people<br />

face, here on the North American homeland of<br />

the Vikings. Coastal storms that rival<br />

Hollywood’s “Perfect Storm” threaten to tear<br />

life apart on the rocks as each season passes.<br />

Skilled research and lively writing make this<br />

true tale an interesting read. Accompanying<br />

S P R I N G 2 0 0 1 4 0 C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L


BOOK REVIEWS<br />

MIDDLE SCHOOL NONFICTION<br />

200’s—Religion<br />

Thanks for being my friend, by Lois<br />

Walfred Johnson. (Let’s talk about it<br />

stories for kids.) LCCN 00008381.<br />

Minneapolis: Bethany House, 2000. ISBN<br />

1556616538, PAP, $7.99.<br />

241’.6762. Friendship; <strong>Christian</strong> life; Prayer books<br />

and devotions. 167 p. Middle school.<br />

Thanks for Being My Friend, by Lois Walfred<br />

Johnson, is designed for family devotions,<br />

Sunday School, a child’s own “quiet time,” and<br />

much more. The stories are short and timely,<br />

averaging about 500 words each. Following<br />

each story is a “TO TALK ABOUT” section that<br />

encourages the reader to relate the story and<br />

Bible truths to their own lives. The questions<br />

are thought provoking and open-ended, and<br />

encourage the child to think beyond yes and no.<br />

For example, one of the sections has a question<br />

regarding finding free time and making time for<br />

being together. Children should know that<br />

making time to be together is more important<br />

than finding free time.<br />

Family is stressed, and questions show how<br />

relationships are important. Readers are shown<br />

how to invite Jesus into their lives, and a<br />

sinner’s prayer is given. Encouragement is<br />

given to use the book as a type of journal, and<br />

space is provided for just that. For a family who<br />

wants to have devotions but is unsure how or<br />

where to begin, this book is excellent. Also, for<br />

the reader who has already established the habit,<br />

this book would be a refreshing opportunity.<br />

Every chapter includes a Bible verse and a<br />

prayer to reinforce the lessons.<br />

Ms. Johnson has written an excellent devotional<br />

book, and is worthy of the Gold Medallion Book<br />

Award it has been given. I highly recommend<br />

this book for every family library.<br />

Debby Willett, Freelance Writer, Canyon, Texas<br />

The young warriors : arise, shout, pursue,<br />

by Wesley E. Smith. LCCN 00551157.<br />

Shippensburg, Pa.: Treasure House,<br />

Destiny Image Publishers, 1998. ISBN<br />

1560432969, PAP, $8.99.<br />

248. <strong>Christian</strong> life. 169 p. Middle school.<br />

Recognizing the great decay of American<br />

morality, the author recognizes the need for<br />

“young warriors.” Using the lives of Saul,<br />

David, and Jonathan, the reader is admonished<br />

to follow God’s principles rather than yielding<br />

to the cultural pulls of our society. Giving<br />

scriptural references as well as modern day<br />

examples, a person is pointed toward the right<br />

choices to make when faced with dilemnas. The<br />

author works among gang members in the innercity,<br />

so he is very aware of the societal<br />

breakdown. This book personally gave my<br />

husband extra courage to stand up for what he<br />

believed in during a very difficult situation. By<br />

faith, he followed the principles set out in God’s<br />

Word that the author presented, and wasn’t<br />

swayed by feelings, emotions, and what seemed<br />

right. The author concludes the book with a<br />

statement of faith as well as the Apostle’s Creed<br />

explained.<br />

Mary Jo Cassner, Teacher, Norfolk, Nebraska<br />

300’s—Social Sciences<br />

Amy Carmichael : the hidden jewel :<br />

curriculum guide, by Julia Pferdehirt;<br />

with Dave & Neta Jackson. (A trailblazer<br />

curriculum guide.) Minneapolis: Bethany<br />

House, 2000. ISBN 0764223461, PAP,<br />

$4.99.<br />

372.64. Literature--Study guide. 24 p. Middle<br />

school.<br />

David Livingstone : escape from the slave<br />

traders : curriculum guide, by Julia<br />

Pferdehirt; with Dave & Neta Jackson. (A<br />

trailblazer curriculum guide.)<br />

Minneapolis: Bethany House, 2000. ISBN<br />

0764223453, PAP, $4.99.<br />

372.64. Literature--Study guide. 24 p. Middle<br />

school.<br />

Martin Luther : spy for the night riders :<br />

curriculum guide, by Julia Pferdehirt;<br />

with Dave & Neta Jackson. (A trailblazer<br />

curriculum guide.) Minneapolis: Bethany<br />

House, 2000. ISBN 076422347X, PAP,<br />

$4.99.<br />

372.64. Literature--Study guide. 23 p. Middle<br />

school.<br />

Hudson Taylor : shanghaied to China : a<br />

trailblazer curriculum guide, by Julia<br />

Pferdehirt; with Dave & Neta Jackson. (A<br />

trailblazer curriculum guide.)<br />

Minneapolis: Bethany House, 2000. ISBN<br />

0764223445, PAP, $4.99.<br />

372.64. Literature--Study guide. 24 p. Middle<br />

school.<br />

At first glance, the curriculum materials by Julia<br />

Pferdehirt with Dave and Neta Jackson, using<br />

their books about Amy Carmichael, David<br />

Livingstone, Martin Luther, and Hudson Taylor,<br />

appear to be geared for solely the homeschool<br />

audience. Further examination reveals a<br />

profusion of creative ideas that integrate<br />

subjects in a most refreshing way. The guides<br />

are relatively short at 24 pages, with no<br />

worksheets or other traditional activities to copy<br />

for classroom use. Background information and<br />

questions need to be read to or by the individual<br />

student.<br />

Each guide begins with Notes to the Teacher;<br />

which include instruction on how to use the<br />

guide, the scope and sequence, planning helps,<br />

an overview of the guide, and an historical<br />

summary of the particular book. Each guide has<br />

seven lessons; the first and last lessons each<br />

cover one chapter, and the others cover two<br />

chapters of the text. The authors consider this a<br />

two-week unit, when combined with the other<br />

materials given. Each lesson is one page and<br />

includes a prayer and praise section, tying the<br />

chapter into scripture; a background section;<br />

vocabulary and concepts; a discussion segment;<br />

and an encoded list of corresponding activities<br />

which are presented in the last part of the guide.<br />

The scripture passages and the discussion<br />

questions bring relevant and healthy thinking<br />

about God’s view on the issues of major world<br />

problems of the time; like world trade, opium,<br />

colonialism, slavery, and the caste system. On<br />

each lesson page is a pencil sketch and a onesentence<br />

quote from the particular chapter.<br />

After the lessons is an excellent map, that may<br />

be copied for geography work. Multitudinous<br />

activities are then listed in geography; history;<br />

social studies and folkways; literature and<br />

language arts; and the church today, which is<br />

missions involvement. Each correlates to a<br />

particular chapter in the book, and are driven by<br />

the particular person and area of the world<br />

studied, so each guide is different. Many<br />

activities deal with further research and realistic,<br />

interesting learning for the students; for<br />

example, instructions are given on how to put on<br />

a sari in the story of Amy Carmichael, and how<br />

to make fried rice in the story of Hudson Taylor.<br />

Each guide has a couple of “mega-projects” for<br />

further work, which are keyed for older or<br />

younger students.<br />

The guide ends with a list of resources. Many of<br />

the activities refer to sites on the World Wide<br />

Web, including the Jackson’s own site at<br />

trailblazers. com. At this site are additional<br />

helps and a list of links to other sites, which are<br />

actually internal to that site. A few of the other<br />

web addresses listed have changed, a notuncommon<br />

happening in working with the web.<br />

All in all, the teacher is given a wealth of options<br />

for working with the stories of famous <strong>Christian</strong><br />

leaders in a way that brings focus and support<br />

for the individual student or for the entire class.<br />

Judy Belcher, Teacher, Sylvan Way <strong>Christian</strong> School, Bremerton,<br />

Washington<br />

C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 4 1 S P R I N G 2 0 0 1


MIDDLE SCHOOL<br />

NONFICTION<br />

500’s—Natural Sciences & Mathematics<br />

The science factory, by Jon Richards;<br />

[illustrators, Ian Moores, Ian Thompson].<br />

LCCN 99461964. Brookfield, Ct.: Copper<br />

Beach Books, The Millbrook Press, 2000.<br />

ISBN 0761308326, PAP, $16.95.<br />

508. Science--Experiments; Experiments. 224 p.<br />

Middle school (High school).<br />

The Science Factory by John Richards is a<br />

collection of science experiments that cover ten<br />

topics: air and flight, water and boats, electricity<br />

and batteries, magnetism and magnets, light and<br />

sight, sound and music, measurements, work<br />

and simple machines, shapes and structures, and<br />

finally, chemicals and reactions. Each chapter<br />

contains a brief introduction about the chapter<br />

topic and then nine to eleven experiments. Each<br />

experiment includes an informational<br />

paragraph, materials needed, numbered<br />

instructions, an extra tidbit of science<br />

information, and an explanation of “Why It<br />

Works,” referring to a successful experiment.<br />

The illustrations are mostly photographs. An<br />

equipment checklist is included at the beginning<br />

of the book that lists over 70 items needed to<br />

complete the experiments. A glossary of science<br />

words and an index is also included.<br />

The subtitle of this book is Easy-To-Make<br />

Science Experiments. However, the<br />

experiments included are far from easy. There<br />

are several reasons this collection of<br />

experiments would cause frustration among<br />

children or those with little science background<br />

who may attempt these experiments without<br />

adult instruction. The list of materials needed<br />

for each experiment is woefully incomplete.<br />

There are many items lacking necessary details.<br />

Some examples of these materials are thin<br />

cardboard, sticks, wire, adhesive vinyl, and foil.<br />

While these are not unusual materials, there is<br />

no indication of amount, size, type, or kind.<br />

Another shortcoming is the numbered<br />

instructions. The author assumes on several<br />

occasions that the reader has some<br />

understanding about the topic. While this isn’t<br />

usually a problem for science teachers, most will<br />

need help understanding the directions. They<br />

are over simplified and lack necessary details.<br />

For example, for the experiment on<br />

electromagnets, the reader is told to “Make a<br />

crane out of two boxes. Make the arm of the<br />

crane from cardboard.” This is all the direction<br />

provided. The picture offers a little help, but no<br />

details. Another criticism is the illustrations.<br />

They are not clear enough to offer any detailed<br />

assistance as the reader attempts to follow the<br />

steps. They are somewhat small and difficult to<br />

see, especially when involving small pieces or<br />

wires.<br />

If the reader has prior science experience, then<br />

these experiments may not be difficult for<br />

him/her. If however, there is no previous<br />

knowledge, these experiments would be<br />

frustrating for both children and adults. The<br />

interest level for this book would be middle<br />

school age, but they would certainly need adult<br />

help.<br />

Patricia Youmans, Homeschool Parent, Siloam Springs, Arkansas<br />

DK guide to space, by Peter Bond. LCCN<br />

98042054. New York: Dorling Kindersley,<br />

1999. ISBN 0789439468, HBB, $19.95.<br />

520. Astronomy; Austronoics in astronomy; Solar<br />

system. 64 p. Middle school (Elementary - Adult).<br />

In DK Guide to Space, author Peter Bond uses<br />

astronomical photography to provide an<br />

excellent resource to those seeking a general<br />

information book about space and related topics.<br />

Each double page spread covers a different<br />

topic, including the nine planets, the sun, the<br />

moon, space exploration and travel, stars, space<br />

stations, the extraterrestrial, and several others.<br />

Most illustrations are photographs, including<br />

many from the Hubble telescope. Mr. Bond<br />

provides seven or eight easy to read paragraphs<br />

that correspond to the many pictures for each<br />

topic. Several space data charts are provided, as<br />

well as a list of space web sites, a list of<br />

landmarks in space exploration, and an index.<br />

Peter Bond has provided another opportunity for<br />

readers to enjoy learning about space. For those<br />

to young too read, the pictures will keep them<br />

occupied and increase curiosity. For the older<br />

reader, there are sure to be several pieces of<br />

information that will be new and interesting.<br />

Even though older readers may have a general<br />

understanding of the topics presented, looking at<br />

beautiful pictures and reading about the<br />

mysteries of space never seems to grow old.<br />

DK Guide to Space would not be appropriate as<br />

the only resource for astronomical or space<br />

study; this book is recommended to complement<br />

a teacher’s space theme or a librarian’s<br />

collection of books about astronomy or outer<br />

space. It is easy reading and enjoyable viewing.<br />

Patricia Youmans, Homeschool Parent, Siloam Springs, Arkansas<br />

Nature’s fury : eyewitness reports of<br />

natural disasters, by Carol Garbuny<br />

Vogel. LCCN 99046103. New York:<br />

Scholastic, 2000. ISBN 0590115022, HBB,<br />

$16.95.<br />

551’.5. Natural disasters. 127 p. Middle school.<br />

This picture-book-sized volume presents natural<br />

disasters with a different slant. The author,<br />

Carole G. Vogel, fires up the reader’s interest in<br />

this topic by describing how she became<br />

interested in natural disasters. While studying<br />

about the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius during her<br />

sixth-grade year, she imagined the drama of that<br />

disaster. Investigating more about the fury of our<br />

restless planet led to her lifelong interest in<br />

natural disasters. She shares with the reader<br />

how her research turned her into an “amateur<br />

detective.” First-hand accounts, gleaned from<br />

interviews or original news clippings, of what it<br />

was like to experience and live through the<br />

disasters makes Nature’s Fury an inviting read.<br />

The book is divided into three parts which serve<br />

to “classify” the type of disaster: “On Shaky<br />

Ground”, “Monster Storms”, and “Water.” A<br />

map shows the site for each disaster mentioned<br />

as well as the location areas for types of<br />

disasters, i.e. Mount St. Helen’s ash fall out.<br />

The opening chapter of each part explains about<br />

the disasters. The chapters, covering thirteen<br />

specific disasters that took place in the United<br />

States, are not presented chronologically but<br />

rather logically. For example, “Water” moves<br />

from the Dust Bowl (too little water), to the<br />

Great Peshtigo Fire (water to put out a fire), to<br />

the Flash Flood in Big Thompson Canyon (too<br />

much water). Each chapter reads like a<br />

magazine article complete with quotations from<br />

survivors and experts on the subject. Captions<br />

for photos and illustrations, used generously<br />

throughout each chapter, add to the content of<br />

the text. For example, in “Alaska’s Good Friday<br />

Earthquake,” photos show the black fissure lines<br />

running through a portion of the town, a<br />

devastated neighborhood, and an eight-year-old<br />

survivor with her mother and brother after the<br />

earthquake.<br />

Though this volume is slim, don’t let this fool<br />

you. It’s brimming with information. In<br />

addition to giving the reader a glimpse into the<br />

fury of blizzards, tornadoes, floods, droughts,<br />

and earthquakes, the book includes end notes,<br />

sources (including websites) for additional<br />

information, and a helpful index.<br />

Lisa Wroble, Freelance Writer/<strong>Library</strong> Aide, Plymouth, Michigan<br />

El Nino and La Nino : weather in the<br />

headlines, by April Pulley Sayre. LCCN<br />

00025605. Brookfield, Ct.: Twenty-First<br />

Century Books, The Millbrook Press,<br />

2000. ISBN 0761314059, HBB, $24.90.<br />

551.6. El Nino Current--Environmental aspects; La<br />

Nina Current--Environmental aspects; Global<br />

environmental change. 80 p. Middle school (High<br />

school).<br />

April Sayre has loaded this book with many<br />

color illustrations and photographs that will help<br />

the readers to understand this weather<br />

phenomena a little better. Definitions of El Nino<br />

can be found at the very beginning of the first<br />

chapter. El Nino was named for the Christ Child<br />

by Peruvian fishermen because they noticed this<br />

weather pattern near Christmas. La Nina is<br />

basically the opposite weather conditions of El<br />

Nino. The chapters discuss the effects of this<br />

weather phenomena in South America, North<br />

America and other countries around the world.<br />

Animal and plant life are also portrayed as being<br />

greatly affected anytime El Nino or La Nina<br />

happens.<br />

The author has included a table of contents, a<br />

bibliography, an index, and websites. Satellite<br />

images, photos of the destruction caused by<br />

floods, and diagrams of wind patterns are<br />

extremely well done. The effects of El Nino and<br />

La Nina are not always bad and Sayre has text<br />

discussing how plant life has grown in deserts<br />

due to rainfall that fell when it would not<br />

normally. The text is somewhat technical and<br />

sometimes difficult for a layperson to grasp, but<br />

the information is timely.<br />

S P R I N G 2 0 0 1 4 2 C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L


MIDDLE SCHOOL<br />

NONFICTION<br />

Connie Weaver, Church Librarian, Newville, Pennsylvania<br />

600’s—Technology (Applied Sciences)<br />

Space station science : life in free fall, by<br />

Marianne J. Dyson; foreword by Buzz<br />

Aldrin. LCCN 98045994. New York:<br />

Scholastic, 1999. ISBN 0590058894, HBB,<br />

$16.95.<br />

629.45. Space stations; Astronauts. 128 p. Middle<br />

school (High school).<br />

Space Station Science is organized into five<br />

parts: Getting There, Space Basics, Living in<br />

Space, Working in Space, and Coming Home.<br />

Each part explains the appropriate aspects of<br />

space travel or station living. Throughout the<br />

book, there are informative and relatively<br />

inexpensive home experiments that illustrate the<br />

complex science and technology associated with<br />

the space station.<br />

The text covers a lot of material: the effects of<br />

space travel on humans and animals, conducting<br />

experiments in zero gravity, the possible<br />

commercial uses of the developed technology,<br />

and reasons for expanded space exploration.<br />

Space Station Science does not ignore the risks<br />

and difficulties of space travel. It does point out<br />

how scientists and engineers have addressed<br />

these issues in the past, present, or future. The<br />

book also emphasizes why astronauts undergo<br />

rigorous training and development to overcome<br />

those issues that science can not address.<br />

Author Marianne J. Dyson was one of the first<br />

ten women to work in NASA’s Mission Control,<br />

and it shows. She writes with an insider’s<br />

knowledge, an enthusiast’s passion and a<br />

veteran’s realism. She clearly supports<br />

continued development and exploration of “the<br />

final frontier,” yet does not ignore the<br />

technological and economic hurdles that remain<br />

to be overcome.<br />

Still, she eagerly and convincingly writes about<br />

subjects she loves and knows. If NASA has a<br />

youth recruitment program, this book should be<br />

heavily considered as the primary text. Ms.<br />

Dyson managed to find a wonderful balance of<br />

content and understandability. This book<br />

engages the reader with wonder and wow, yet<br />

never sugarcoats any of the risks and realities of<br />

space travel.<br />

This highly readable book is an excellent choice<br />

for students who want an introduction to the<br />

current space program, but aren’t ready for<br />

college level physics textbooks. It balances<br />

content, interest, and accuracy in a delightful<br />

way. The author does not directly address God<br />

or Scripture, but her sense of wonder and<br />

fascination points to an appreciation of His<br />

Creation.<br />

Kirk Hunt, Instructor, Pima County Community College, Business<br />

& Industry Division, Tucson, Arizona<br />

Black hands, white sails : the story of<br />

African-American whalers, by Patricia C.<br />

McKissack and Fredrick L. McKissack.<br />

LCCN 99011439. New York: Scholastic,<br />

1999. ISBN 0590483137, HBB, $15.95.<br />

639.2’8’0896073. Whaling--History; Afro-American<br />

whalers--Biography; Whalers. 152 p. Middle school.<br />

Patricia C. and Frederick L. McKissack present<br />

a fascinating story of the role African Americans<br />

played in the whaling industry. Black Hands,<br />

White Sails is a history of whalers showing their<br />

contribution both to whaling and to the abolition<br />

movement. The McKissacks’ poignant picture<br />

of black whalers begins with the first African<br />

captives brought as “indentured servants” to<br />

Jamestown, Virginia, in 1619 and ends with the<br />

Viola, the last wooden whaling ship built in<br />

America in 1917.<br />

Captain Paul Cuffe, a famous black whaleman,<br />

was instrumental in a movement to return<br />

former black slaves to Africa. Not every African<br />

American appreciated his efforts however, and<br />

with his death, his dream of recolonization of<br />

freed blacks evaporated. Another man,<br />

Frederick Douglass, helped raise the esteem of<br />

African Americans. Douglass, an educated and<br />

articulate former slave, spoke out against<br />

prejudice and discrimination. Other famous<br />

whalemen, including Absalom Boston, Captain<br />

Daniel Drayton, and Lewis Temple are<br />

mentioned.<br />

One movement among the abolitionists was the<br />

Underground Railroad, a secret group that<br />

helped runaway slaves make their way to<br />

freedom. Numerous whalers, both black and<br />

white, used ships to transport runaways to<br />

safety. Like their white counterparts, black<br />

whalers carved scrimshaw, sang whaling<br />

shanties (also spelled chanties), and lost their<br />

lives attempting to capture the great whales of<br />

the Atlantic Ocean. Only one story—that of the<br />

Essex of Nantucket—left this reader<br />

uncomfortable. That story, set in 1821 describes<br />

a shipwreck and cannibalism.<br />

The McKissacks give us a list of common sea<br />

expressions and their original meanings. These<br />

expressions, like “hand over fist,” “hard and<br />

fast,” “over a barrel,” and “groggy,” continue to<br />

be used in America. An Appendix describes the<br />

various whales and compares their shapes and<br />

sizes. Four pages of Important Dates are<br />

followed by a four page Bibliography and a<br />

comprehensive Index.<br />

Both students and teachers will find the reading<br />

of Black Hands, White Sails easy reading.<br />

People who enjoy discovering little known<br />

historical facts will delight in the McKissacks’<br />

presentation.<br />

Dell Smith Klein, Freelance Writer, Teacher, Yarnell, Arizona<br />

700’s—The Arts and Recreation<br />

Building the book Cathedral, by David<br />

Macaulay. LCCN 99017975. Boston:<br />

Houghton Mifflin, 1999. ISBN<br />

0395921473, HBB, $29.95.<br />

726.6. Macaulay, David. Cathedral.; Cathedrals;<br />

Architecture, Gothic. 112 p. Middle school<br />

(Elementary - Adult).<br />

How does an award-winning author<br />

commemorate a twenty five year best seller?<br />

Caldecott Medalist David Macauley celebrates<br />

with yet another one of his popular how-it-wasmade<br />

books, Building the Book Cathedral.<br />

What Macauley really wanted to do twenty-five<br />

years ago was write a book about gargoyles. His<br />

publishers liked the picture of the cathedral<br />

better than the picture of the gargoyle; so, even<br />

though Macaulay was unsure about how to do it,<br />

he wrote Cathedral, explaining the construction<br />

of a medieval cathedral. How does an author<br />

who knows nothing about gothic construction<br />

and only a little about book making produce a<br />

masterpiece? Building the Book Cathedral<br />

explains it all, mistakes, corrections, misplaced<br />

perspectives, exhaustive study, deadlines, and<br />

the fun. David Macauley learned with that first<br />

book. Now he teaches us what he learned, while<br />

also giving us an engaging glimpse of who he is.<br />

Building the Book Cathedral contains the full<br />

text and drawings of Cathedral enhanced by<br />

many of the original sketches and editing notes,<br />

with humorous, instructive asides and<br />

explanations from the the now older, wiser<br />

author. What can the artist do when linear<br />

perspective does not provide our eyes with the<br />

true picture? How can the artist make a drawing<br />

evoke emotion? What does he do if his<br />

sketching makes the carver and the block of<br />

wood look the same? Macauley explains all this<br />

and more with both text and the juxtaposition of<br />

subtly changed illustrations and original<br />

illustrations. The author’s black and white pen<br />

and ink drawings present the story; his words<br />

illustrate the pictures. Written at middle school<br />

level, Building the Book Cathedral, like it’s<br />

forerunner Cathedral, will delight all inquisitive<br />

readers.<br />

Donna Eggett, Freelance Writer, Radford, Virginia<br />

Draw 3-D : a step-by-step guide to<br />

perspective drawing, by Doug DuBosque.<br />

LCCN 98042174. Columbus, N.C.: Peel<br />

Productions, 1998. ISBN 0939217147,<br />

PAP, $8.95.<br />

742. Perspective; Drawing--Technique. 64 p. Middle<br />

school (Elementary - Adult).<br />

A how-to book, Draw 3-D by Doug DuBosque<br />

teaches interested artists how to add a sense of<br />

depth to their drawings. Following illustrationenhanced<br />

steps, the tyro begins with circles,<br />

boxes, or his name, adds a vanishing point, rules<br />

in some lines, and it all pops into perspective.<br />

Further lessons explain such concepts as<br />

horizon, two and three vanishing points, the<br />

relationship between perspective and eye level,<br />

drawing curved objects, the perspective of<br />

shadows, and the four vanishing point paradox.<br />

With panache and wit, DuBosque dynamically<br />

teaches three dimensional drawing. Armed with<br />

the tools listed in the introduction the artist can<br />

participate in the clearly understandable step by<br />

simple step directions for producing linear<br />

C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 4 3 S P R I N G 2 0 0 1


MIDDLE SCHOOL<br />

NONFICTION<br />

perspective. Pencil illustrations fully amplify<br />

each step. Black and white photographic<br />

examples of perspective help explain some of<br />

the more difficult ideas. The first lesson<br />

produces rushing cylinders, and converts them<br />

into outer space poles. Further lessons introduce<br />

new or enlarged concepts, turn them into fun,<br />

then give ample directions for self directed<br />

projects. Early lessons allow the beginning<br />

student to feel the flush of achievement at his<br />

own level of understanding, yet lead the more<br />

experienced student on to further 3-D<br />

intricacies. DuBosque treats his readers with<br />

friendship, respect and sympathy, encouraging<br />

further experimentation. Written at middle<br />

school level, Draw 3-D will be welcomed by<br />

any age reader with interest, time, and a large<br />

stack of scrap paper.<br />

Donna Eggett, Freelance Writer, Radford, Virginia<br />

Music of the American colonies, by Anne<br />

Enslow and Ridley Enslow. Berkeley<br />

Heights, N.J.: Enslow Publishers, 2000.<br />

ISBN 0766016145, CDR, $24.95.<br />

782.42’0973. United States--History--Colonial period,<br />

ca. 1600-1775--Songs and music; Songs--United<br />

States--History--Colonial period, ca. 1600-1775--<br />

History and criticism; United States--History--<br />

Colonial period, ca. 1600-1775. 1 CD-ROM, 61 min.;<br />

booklet, guide. Middle school (High school).<br />

Anne Enslow and Ridley Enslow have compiled<br />

a well-rounded selection of authentic colonial<br />

period music in this CD, Music of the American<br />

Colonies. Music and songs from Dutch,<br />

Spanish, French, and English are played on<br />

period instruments. Readings and music<br />

introduce the African and Native American<br />

experiences also.<br />

The music is well done and the vocals are clear<br />

and nice. The selections cover many cultures<br />

and events in colonial life. Accompanying<br />

literature introduces each piece and gives<br />

background information. Lyrics are given and a<br />

glossary defines words and terms. The booklet<br />

also includes chapter notes, sources for the<br />

music, a music bibliography, and index. Internet<br />

addresses are also listed. The addresses all work<br />

and are well chosen to provide further<br />

information on the colonial period. Another<br />

pamphlet gives ideas for classroom activities<br />

and curriculum connections.<br />

Betsy Ruffin, Teacher/Librarian, Cleburne, Texas<br />

800’s—Literature and Rhetoric<br />

Speaking of journals : children’s book<br />

writers talk about their diaries, notebooks<br />

and sketchbooks, by Paula W. Graham.<br />

LCCN 98088261. Honesdale, Pa.: Boyds<br />

Mills Press, 1999. ISBN 1563977419, PAP,<br />

$14.95.<br />

818’.540308 20. Authors, American--Diaries--<br />

Authorship; Creative writing; Authorship. 226 p.<br />

Middle school.<br />

<strong>Journal</strong> writing is something many language arts<br />

teachers expect or require of their students.<br />

Paula Graham interviewed twenty-seven<br />

children’s authors for the book Speaking of<br />

<strong>Journal</strong>s. Each author shares his or her views<br />

on journal keeping. Styles of journal keeping<br />

vary from collecting memorabilia and<br />

newspaper clippings to keeping copies of letters<br />

and e-mails to writing and sketching in a<br />

notebook. Each author entry includes a listing<br />

of the author’s books, a description of the<br />

author’s journal keeping style and a record of<br />

the interview. Jack Gantos describes journal<br />

keeping in this way. It is “the single most<br />

important book that [kids] will write. Whether<br />

they become poets or novelists, or better<br />

business letter writers.. It’s a good writing habit<br />

and it’s a way to discover important truths about<br />

yourself..”<br />

Speaking of <strong>Journal</strong>s by Paula Graham is an<br />

encouragement to aspiring writers in junior high<br />

and above. The book is a useful resource for<br />

language arts teachers of all ages. Several of the<br />

authors interviewed started their journal at the<br />

urging of a teacher. While not all authors keep<br />

on, Ms. Graham presents an excellent argument<br />

for the use of journals.<br />

Jane Mouttet, Librarian, Hilltop <strong>Christian</strong> School, Window Rock,<br />

Arizona<br />

900’s—Geography, History, &<br />

Biography<br />

Myth maker : J.R.R. Tolkien, by Anne E.<br />

Neimark; illustrated by Brad Weinman.<br />

LCCN 97050380. New York: Beech Tree,<br />

Morrow, 1998 c1996. ISBN 0688157416,<br />

PAP, $4.95.<br />

921 (828). Tolkien, J.R.R. (John Ronald Reuel),<br />

1892-1973; Authors, English--20th century--<br />

Biography; Fantasy literature--Authorship; Middle<br />

Earth (Imaginary place). 128 p. Middle school.<br />

This biography of the life of Tolkien takes the<br />

reader on a fascinating trip from South Africa to<br />

England, to the outermost parts of the imaginary<br />

world—the world of J.R.R. Tolkien. Without<br />

reading the introduction, the reader may believe<br />

he is induging in a fascinating fiction, because<br />

Tolkien’s life was so interesting. It would be<br />

very helpful to have read The Hobbit and/or The<br />

Lord of the Rings previous to this reading,<br />

because there are many allusions that can be<br />

better understood having that background.<br />

Tokien led a very moral and respectable life. He<br />

waited many years to finally marry the woman<br />

he loved. Raised as an orphan by a priest,<br />

Tolkien highly valued the advice of his<br />

authorities and elders. His educational<br />

standards and committment to do what was right<br />

made him successful, happy, and legendary.<br />

Teachers would benefit from this book, as it<br />

would expand their knowledge of and<br />

appreciation for the man if they teach any of his<br />

books. Junior high students will enjoy the easyto-read<br />

style and will be fascinated with the<br />

content. All readers could benefit from the true<br />

inspiration of this man, J.R.R. Tolkien.<br />

Mary Jo Cassner, Teacher, Norfolk, Nebraska<br />

Forging freedom : a true story of heroism<br />

during the Holocaust, by Hudson Talbott.<br />

LCCN 99052551. New York: G.P.<br />

Putnam’s Sons, Penguin Putnam, 2000.<br />

ISBN 0399234349, HBB, $15.99.<br />

921 (940.53’18’09492352). Penraat, Jaap; Righteous<br />

Gentiles in the Holocaust--Netherlands--Amsterdam--<br />

Biography; World War, 1939-1945--Jews--Rescue--<br />

Netherlands--Amersterdam; Holocaust, Jewish (1939-<br />

1945)--Netherlands--Amsterdam; Amsterdam<br />

(Netherlands)--Biography. 64 p. Middle school<br />

(Elementary).<br />

Forging Freedom tells the true story of Jaap<br />

Penraat, a young boy growing up in Amsterdam<br />

in the 1930’s. When German forces arrive in<br />

Holland at the onset of World War II, Jaap<br />

immediately begins to protects his Jewish<br />

friends and neighbors from the Nazis. By<br />

making fake ID cards he is able to save many<br />

Jews from arrest, but as Nazi persecution<br />

increases Jaap realizes he must do and risk even<br />

more. Although he has already been imprisoned<br />

for his resistance activities, Jaap begins<br />

counterfeiting documents from a German<br />

construction company to create a ‘letter’<br />

requesting that Dutch workers be transferred to<br />

France to work on the Atlantic Wall. Risking his<br />

life, Jaap repeatedly poses as a foreman and<br />

travel leader and, over several trips, is able to<br />

lead 406 Jewish men to France where they are<br />

transported by the French Underground to<br />

Gibraltar and then to England and freedom.<br />

Hudson Talbott has written and illustrated a<br />

wonderful story of compassion and courage.<br />

Talbott takes Jaap Penraat’s complicated<br />

resistance activities and, without losing<br />

important details, simplifies them in a way that<br />

will make sense to even younger readers. The<br />

horrors of the Nazi regime and the awful<br />

dangers resistant workers faced are clearly<br />

depicted, yet the book is able to remain gentle<br />

and the message is clearly one of hope. Talbott’s<br />

illustrations show everything from a Dutch<br />

market to war scenes and Hitler himself, and<br />

help bring to life the world of 1940’s Europe.<br />

Maps and authentic forged documents are also<br />

included.<br />

The book ends with an interesting Author’s Note<br />

where Talbott explains that although he had<br />

been friends and neighbors with Jaap Penraat for<br />

over twelve years, it was only after hearing Jaap<br />

being interviewed on the radio that he learned of<br />

his bravery and compassion during World War<br />

II. In 1998, Jaap Penraat was awarded the<br />

medal of the Righteous Among the Nations.<br />

Kerri Cunningham, Librarian, Camano Island, Washington<br />

Alexander Hamilton : America’s bold lion,<br />

by John Rosenburg. LCCN 99057292.<br />

Brookfield, Ct.: Twenty-First Century<br />

Books, The Millbrook Press, 2000. ISBN<br />

0761316175, HBB, $23.90.<br />

921 (973.4’092). Hamilton, Alexander, 1757-1804;<br />

Statesman--United States--Biography; United States--<br />

Politics and government--1783-1809. 192 p. Middle<br />

school.<br />

If it were not for his portrait on the ten-dollar<br />

bill, Alexander Hamilton might have become<br />

S P R I N G 2 0 0 1 4 4 C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L


MIDDLE SCHOOL<br />

NONFICTION<br />

another “Forgotten Founding Father” of the<br />

United States of America, remembered only by<br />

historians. As it is, few school children could<br />

say why Hamilton was placed there or what had<br />

been his various roles in the infancy of our<br />

country. Alexander Hamilton: America’s Bold<br />

Lion by John Rosenburg redresses this oversight<br />

in a respectful, yet honest account of his life.<br />

Born out of wedlock, Hamilton had only his<br />

quick intelligence and forceful personality to<br />

commend him in a world which was concerned<br />

primarily with family connections and wealth.<br />

He put these to immediate use and, by the age of<br />

twenty-one, found himself aide-de-camp to<br />

General George Washington and privy to the<br />

momentous events of the American Revolution.<br />

After independence was won, Hamilton was<br />

called upon to serve as Secretary of the Treasury<br />

under Washington, where he had great influence<br />

on the forming and defining of the new entity<br />

called the United States. His life cut short in a<br />

duel at forty-one, Hamilton never attained high<br />

elected office, but did profoundly influence the<br />

direction the country took with his tireless<br />

writing, best illustrated by his contributions to<br />

The Federalist Papers.<br />

Rosenburg’s biography of Alexander Hamilton<br />

is a good, serviceable introduction to the man<br />

for the middle school reader or researcher. The<br />

text is somewhat dry, but it is perfectly adequate<br />

for transmitting the facts of Hamilton’s life if not<br />

the spirit. The author does this honestly, with a<br />

warmness for his subject that does not gloss<br />

over his frailties, such as his affair with Maria<br />

Reynolds, or gush with admiration. In addition,<br />

the work is well indexed, and a very helpful<br />

bibliography and list of important dates in<br />

Hamilton’s life can be found at the end. The<br />

researcher also will appreciate the author’s own<br />

list of sources and acknowledgments in which<br />

he ranks the helpfulness of the titles in his<br />

bibliography.<br />

Pamela A. Todd, Librarian/English Teacher, Chalcedon <strong>Christian</strong><br />

School, Cumming, Georgia<br />

Masada, written and illustrated by Neil<br />

Waldman. LCCN 97032912. New York:<br />

Morrow Junior Books, Morrow, 1998.<br />

ISBN 0688144810, HBB, $16.00.<br />

933. Masada Site (Israel); Jews--History--Rebellion,<br />

66-73; Excavations (Archaeology)--Israel--Masada<br />

Site. 64 p. Middle school.<br />

Masada was a fortress built deep into the rock<br />

and high upon a cliff to protect Nebuchadnezzer.<br />

It was his finest fortress, and few dared to<br />

overcome it. However, when Nero tried to<br />

anhialate the Jews, he had some difficulty with<br />

the zealots. An historical narrative written about<br />

the famous fortress Masada, this book delves<br />

into the Jewish zealots’ valiant efforts to defeat<br />

Rome.<br />

Although this appears to be a children’s book<br />

(with pencil drawings, short content, and large<br />

pages), the style, vocabulary, and content is<br />

high-school to college level. Adults will be<br />

fascinated by some of the history including the<br />

psychotic King Nebuchadnezzer, who built it,<br />

the Jewish Zealots who defended it with their<br />

very lives, the determined Romans who<br />

attempted to destroy it, and the modern<br />

archaeologists who have dug up its treasures.<br />

Mary Jo Cassner, Teacher, Norfolk, Nebraska<br />

Martyrs to madness : the victims of the<br />

Holocaust, by Ted Gottfried; illustrations<br />

by Stephen Alcorn. (The Holocaust.)<br />

LCCN 99057587. Brookfield, Ct.:<br />

Twenty-First Century Books, The<br />

Millbrook Press, 2000. ISBN 0761317155,<br />

HBB, $29.90.<br />

940.53’18. Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945); World<br />

War, 1939-1945--Atrocities; Germany--History--1933-<br />

1945; Antisemitism--Europe. 126 p. Middle school<br />

(High school).<br />

Ted Gottfried has done an outstanding job of<br />

relating the horrors of the Holocaust for the YA<br />

audience. His easy to follow narrative leads the<br />

reader from the early days of the Nazi party’s<br />

assension to power through the atrocities of the<br />

“Final Solution.” Gottfried’s chronicle is firstrate.<br />

He unflinchingly relates the facts without<br />

dwelling unnecessarily on the gruesome details.<br />

There are separate chapters on each of the<br />

groups that Hitler persecuted. His brief<br />

afterword is a solemn warning that if we do not<br />

learn from the past and if we believe we are<br />

superior to others, we could find ourselves<br />

where the Germans, both aggressors and<br />

victims, found themselves in WWII.<br />

The fine illustrations by Stephen Alcorn<br />

introduce each chapter and are supplemented by<br />

photographs, which are a nice addition but not<br />

for younger, more squeamish readers. The book<br />

also contains a chronology, glossary, chapter<br />

notes, index, and a list of other books to read and<br />

Internet sites to visit if the reader would like<br />

more information.<br />

The <strong>Christian</strong> reader should be advised that the<br />

topic is not appropriate for younger children and<br />

that even for some older children this book may<br />

be somewhat frightening and/or graphic both in<br />

terms of violence and some sexuality (example:<br />

castrations, rapes). Also, while Gottfried makes<br />

no judgments about the homosexual lifestyle,<br />

there is a chapter devoted to Hitler’s persecution<br />

of homosexuals. Parents will perhaps want to<br />

read this with their older children to discuss the<br />

many issues that are covered and exchange<br />

views on what a <strong>Christian</strong>’s response to such<br />

horrors should be.<br />

Teresa O’Donley, <strong>Library</strong> Media Teacher, Scotts Valley, California<br />

Nazi Germany : the face of tyranny, by<br />

Ted Gottfried; illustrations by Stephen<br />

Alcorn. (The Holocaust.) LCCN<br />

99057589. Brookfield, Ct.: Twenty-First<br />

Century Books, The Millbrook Press,<br />

2000. ISBN 0761317147, HBB, $29.90.<br />

940.53’18. Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945); National<br />

socialism; Hitler, Adolf, 1889-1945; Antisemitism--<br />

Europe. 128 p. Middle school (High school).<br />

“How can such a monstrous crime as the<br />

Holocaust occur? It begins when people start<br />

thinking of themselves as ‘us’ and of others as<br />

‘them.’ But there is no ‘us’ and ‘them.’ There is<br />

only ‘we.’”<br />

Nazi Germany: The Face of Tyranny describes<br />

the beginning, middle, and end of a systemic<br />

attempt to rid Germany and other European<br />

states of the Jewish population. Author Ted<br />

Gottfried introduces a young Adolph Hitler who<br />

soon becomes the leader of the Nazi party and<br />

then the leader of Germany. Through Hitler’s<br />

command the “The Final Solution” was<br />

undertaken. Two thirds of European Jews were<br />

massacred.<br />

With well footnoted chapters, the author traces<br />

the evolution of the Nazi movement,<br />

summarizes key events leading up to and<br />

through World War II, and describes the final<br />

attempts to round up and murder millions of<br />

Jews and other estranged groups such as<br />

Gypsies, Polish citizens, mentally and<br />

physically ill people, and homosexual<br />

individuals.<br />

Toward the end of the book, the author tells the<br />

fate of the more infamous Nazis discussed in the<br />

book. He lists the major events chronologically<br />

and supplies source notes. He provides a<br />

glossary of German terms and others and gives<br />

additional resources for reading, including<br />

Internet sites.<br />

The illustrations by Stephen Alcorn are bold<br />

black and white ink drawings accented with<br />

beige. The pictures reflect the bleak nature of<br />

the information within the pages. Several black<br />

and white photographs of Jews, Nazi soldiers,<br />

and children in a concentration camp lend<br />

additional sobriety to the reading.<br />

Homosexuality is mentioned several times. In<br />

recounting of the murder of a Nazi, Ernest<br />

Rohm, the author tells that two men who shared<br />

the same bed were dragged from their bed and<br />

shot.<br />

Joanne M. Haffly, Homeschool Parent/Writer, Gig Harbor,<br />

Washington<br />

A special fate : Chiune Sugihara : hero of<br />

the Holocaust, by Alison Leslie Gold.<br />

LCCN 99024298. New York: Scholastic,<br />

2000. ISBN 0590395254, HBB, $15.95.<br />

940.53’18’092. Sugihara, Chiune, 1900-1986;<br />

Righteous Gentiles in the Holocaust--Biography;<br />

Diplomats--Japan--Biography; Jews--Persecution--<br />

Lithuania--Kaunas; World War, 1939-1945--Jews--<br />

Rescue--Lithuania--Kaunas. 176 p. Middle school<br />

(Elementary).<br />

It is a time of terror and fear as World War II<br />

rages around the globe, and for one man, Chiune<br />

Sugihara, a diplomat from Japan, it is a time to<br />

determine destiny.<br />

Sugihara began life simply enough, willingly<br />

following his family’s traditions and values, but<br />

now he is a man and must choose for himself<br />

either to become a doctor as his father wishes, or<br />

to follow his own dream and become a teacher.<br />

Chiune’s decision will lead him down a far<br />

different path than he could ever have imagined<br />

and will give him the power to choose life or<br />

death for thousands of WWII refugee Jews.<br />

C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 4 5 S P R I N G 2 0 0 1


MIDDLE SCHOOL<br />

FICTION<br />

Will he follow his conscience or the dictates of<br />

his government?<br />

In A Special Fate, by Alison Leslie Gold, the<br />

little known story of Japanese diplomat Chiune<br />

Sugihara is played out. Gold writes about a man<br />

of compassion and intelligence, who in spite of<br />

the danger to himself and his family, willingly<br />

becomes God’s instrument. Just as God placed<br />

Esther in a position of power in time to rescue<br />

his people from death, A Special Fate reveals<br />

how God used Sugihara in the same way. Gold<br />

uses short, simple sentences to reach her young<br />

audience, which sometimes interrupts the flow<br />

of the book, but Gold also wraps her narrative<br />

around the stories of some of the Jewish families<br />

Sugihara helped to save, making her writing<br />

seem more credible and alive.<br />

Included in the book are some photographs and<br />

images of actual documents signed by Sugihara<br />

on behalf of Jewish refugees. These images<br />

provide a glimpse into Sugihara’s personal life<br />

and reveal the faces of one young man and a<br />

little girl his actions helped to rescue.<br />

Virginia Schnabel, Freelance Writer, Shelton, Washington<br />

S P R I N G 2 0 0 1 4 6 C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L


BOOK REVIEWS<br />

HIGH SCHOOL FICTION<br />

★<br />

Backwater, by Joan Bauer. LCCN<br />

98050729. New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons,<br />

Penguin Putnam, 1999. ISBN<br />

0399231412, HBB, $16.99.<br />

F. Genealogy--Fiction; Aunts--Fiction; Lawyers--<br />

Fiction; Birds--Fiction; Survival--Fiction; Hermits--<br />

Fiction. 185 p. High school (Middle school).<br />

Sixteen-year-old Ivy is determined to be an<br />

historian, contrary to her dad’s promptings that<br />

she follow in his legal tracks. To relatives who<br />

take pride in producing consecutive generations<br />

of lawyers, Ivy’s quiet, methodical ways appear<br />

rebellious. Yet, she is encouraged by the<br />

memory of her mother, who died of cancer when<br />

she was very young, leaving Ivy with an<br />

appreciation of people and their roots.<br />

At the annual holiday reunion, a competition<br />

ensues between Ivy and her aggressive Aunt<br />

Fiona over recording the Breedlove family<br />

history. Ivy is convinced that true character only<br />

appears through taking time to listen and record<br />

individual personalities. Aunt Fiona, widely<br />

known for her time management successes,<br />

prefers video clips of rehearsed speeches and<br />

views Ivy as unreasonable. Many of her<br />

relatives liken Ivy to her eccentric Aunt<br />

Josephine, who cut family ties and ran off<br />

several years before.<br />

One day, Ivy encounters a crazy neighbor who<br />

informs her that her Aunt Jo lives deep in the<br />

nearby Adirondack Mountains. With the<br />

encouragement of a motherly aunt, the help of<br />

an eccentric tracker named Mountain Mama,<br />

and a handsome student ranger, Ivy locates her<br />

estranged aunt and her birds. Aunt Jo reveals a<br />

side of the Breedloves Ivy had never known. As<br />

the quiet beauty of the place begins to grow on<br />

her, disaster strikes, and Ivy must rescue her<br />

injured aunt from the icy jaws of death.<br />

Backwater, by Joan Bauer, is a coming of age<br />

portrait of a young girl who, through adversity,<br />

finds value in herself and others. Ivy’s<br />

approachable characteristics draw the reader<br />

into her adventures. Though not specifically<br />

<strong>Christian</strong> fiction, this story exudes solid morals<br />

and values. Main characters are well sketched.<br />

Writing style and point of view are consistent<br />

and exquisitely crafted.<br />

Kim Harris, Librarian, Newman Riga <strong>Library</strong>, Churchville, New<br />

York<br />

Cabs, cameras, and catastrophes, by<br />

Wendy Lee Nentwig. (Unmistakably<br />

Cooper Ellis; 4.) LCCN 00008334.<br />

Minneapolis: Bethany House, 2000. ISBN<br />

0764220683, PAP, $5.99.<br />

F. High schools--Fiction; Schools--Fiction; Models<br />

(Persons)--Fiction; New York (N.Y.)--Fiction;<br />

<strong>Christian</strong> life--Fiction. 143 p. High school.<br />

In author Wendy Lee Nentwig’s fourth book in<br />

the Cooper Ellis series, Cabs, Cameras, and<br />

Catastrophes, Cooper still has feelings for her<br />

former boyfriend, Josh, and embarks on a<br />

campaign to re-establish a relationship with him.<br />

Encouraged by her friends, Claire and Alex,<br />

Cooper makes attempts to restore a connection<br />

with Josh. This plan becomes muddled when<br />

she agrees to go out with another fellow. When<br />

he sees Cooper dating other people, Josh<br />

eventually begins seeing another girl.<br />

Cooper comes to realize she must trust God in<br />

the situation with Josh. This same trust in God<br />

is tested in her modelling jobs, when Cooper is<br />

confronted with skimpy clothing that she must<br />

model. During all this mayhem, Cooper also<br />

discovers that her best friend Claire is forced to<br />

deal with the painful issues of divorce. Once<br />

again, Cooper turns to God for comfort, support,<br />

and the wisdom to know how to support Claire<br />

during the difficult time of divorce.<br />

Throughout the book, Nentwig weaves<br />

<strong>Christian</strong> ideals and morals into her plot. This<br />

book will catch the eye and hold the interest of<br />

most young girls, since it deals with relevant<br />

topics that pertain to them, such as break-ups,<br />

boyfriends, and botched relationships. The<br />

main character shows a strong dependence and<br />

faith in God, which can only help reinforce the<br />

importance of personal relationships with God<br />

among the readers.<br />

Eileen Zygarlicke, Freelance Writer/Editor, Grand Forks, North<br />

Dakota<br />

★<br />

Diary of a teenage girl, by Melody<br />

Carlson. LCCN 00009655. Sisters, Ore.:<br />

Multnomah Publishers, 2000. ISBN<br />

1576737357, PAP, $12.99.<br />

F. Diaries--Fiction; Self-perception--Fiction;<br />

Interpersonal relations--Fiction; <strong>Christian</strong> life--Fiction;<br />

High schools--Fiction; Schools--Fiction. 248 p. High<br />

school.<br />

Diary of a Teenage Girl, by Melody Carlson,<br />

provides a candid look at a sixteen-year-old’s<br />

life as she begins to question who she is and<br />

what she believes. The comfortable friendship<br />

she has with her longtime friend, Beanie, is put<br />

on the shelf when Caitlin finds herself accepted<br />

into the popular crowd at high school. Suddenly<br />

what Caitlin had only dreamed about becomes a<br />

reality; yet the popularity she experiences<br />

doesn’t fill her emptiness, and in fact increases<br />

her anxieties. Raised in the church, Caitlin<br />

begins to question her beliefs, particularly her<br />

parents’ beliefs, especially when she discovers<br />

her father is possibly having an affair.<br />

Another first-person account, Someone Like<br />

You, by Sarah Dessen—an ALA Best Book for<br />

Young Adults—covers much of the same<br />

territory as Carlson’s Diary does. However,<br />

even though Halley, the main character in<br />

Someone, comes to much the same conclusions<br />

as Caitlin, there is not the same heartfelt hope as<br />

is felt by Diary’s end. The difference? Jesus.<br />

Without being pretentious, Carlson shows how<br />

Jesus fills the empty places in our lives.<br />

Difficult subjects like infidelity, dating,<br />

abstinence, partying, and teen pregnancy are<br />

addressed from a point of view within the<br />

<strong>Christian</strong> circle of standards. Nonetheless,<br />

Carlson still addresses the roller-coaster life of a<br />

teen girl with down-to-earth authenticity and<br />

satisfaction. She makes it clear that even good<br />

<strong>Christian</strong> kids can take a tumble off the path at<br />

times. Her point is: are they willing to get back<br />

on it when God stretches out His hand in gentle<br />

correction and forgiveness?<br />

Pam Webb, <strong>Library</strong> Technician, Sandpoint, Idaho<br />

Elephant tears : mask of the elephant, by<br />

Richard Trout. (MacGregor family<br />

adventures; 2.) LCCN 00036223. San<br />

Antonio, Tex.: , LangMarc Publishing,<br />

2000. ISBN 1880292726, PAP, $9.95.<br />

F. Elephants--Fiction; Poaching--Fiction; Wildlife<br />

rescue--Fiction; Adventure and adventurers--Fiction;<br />

Kenya--Fiction. 241 p. High school.<br />

The MacGregor family consists of Dr. Jack, Dr.<br />

Mavis, seventeen-year-oldChris, fourteen-yearold<br />

Heather, and twelve-year-old R.O. The<br />

teens are reminiscent of Nancy Drew and the<br />

Hardy Boys, in that they are constantly<br />

happening upon exciting adventures that<br />

ultimately lead to their solving a crime. In this<br />

particular situation, the crime is that of poaching<br />

elephants, lions, and various other African<br />

animals.<br />

Chris, Heather, and their Kukuyu friend,<br />

fourteen-year-old Rebecca, find themselves<br />

stranded in the wilds of Africa where baboons<br />

infiltrate their camp. They must also confront<br />

the beginning of the rainy season, which entails<br />

several severe thunderstorms, charging lions,<br />

and being imprisoned by poachers. And these<br />

are only a few of the mishaps that occur during<br />

this fascinating tale.<br />

The details that are included in this story are so<br />

appalling that the reader becomes very aware of<br />

the plight of animals that are in danger of being<br />

killed by poachers just for their tusks, skins, and<br />

feet. Author Richard Trout is an environmental<br />

biologist and a college professor, and has done<br />

C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 4 7 S P R I N G 2 0 0 1


HIGH SCHOOL<br />

FICTION<br />

an admirable job of making this adventure story<br />

true-to-life. Although Elephant Tears is book<br />

two in the series, it can be read without reading<br />

Cayman Gold. However, the ending would<br />

make a little more sense if Cayman Gold had<br />

been read first.<br />

Connie Weaver, Church Librarian, Newville, Pennsylvania<br />

Forgotten, by Patricia H. Rushford.<br />

(Jenny McGrady mystery; 13.) LCCN<br />

99050486. Minneapolis: Bethany House,<br />

2000. ISBN 0764221213, PAP, $4.99.<br />

F. Kidnapping--Fiction; Robbers and outlaws--<br />

Fiction; Amnesia--Fiction; Mystery and detective<br />

stories. 192 p. High school (Middle school).<br />

Forgotten almost starts off with a bang, but the<br />

bank robber doesn’t pull the trigger of the gun<br />

he is pointing at Jennie McGrady on page nine.<br />

The gun does not goes off until page thirty-five,<br />

when the same criminal, Jon, forces his way into<br />

Jennie’s car the next day. Jon and his cohorts,<br />

Maude and Junior, kidnap her and hold her at an<br />

isolated summer home.<br />

Jennie’s escape attempts fail. When she hears<br />

Maude say, “We’ll have to kill her,” she knows<br />

that only a miracle can save her. Before they<br />

leave, Jon makes Jennie walk ahead of him into<br />

the woods. She bolts, and he shoots.<br />

A miracle rescue preserves Jennie’s life, but she<br />

suffers a complete loss of memory. She doesn’t<br />

remember her family and friends, who promise<br />

protection when she wonders fearfully, “what if<br />

the man who shot me comes back to finish the<br />

job?” Later, intuition warns again, but Jennie<br />

pays no attention. Another shot aimed at her and<br />

a car accident send her back to the hospital. An<br />

alert orderly on a hijacked elevator, along with<br />

Jennie’s quick action, end the trauma. Jennie<br />

has her memory again and authorities take the<br />

culprits into custody.<br />

With Forgotton, Patricia Rushford again<br />

maintains her high standards for good mysteries<br />

aimed at younger readers. She ably weaves<br />

Jennie’s <strong>Christian</strong> witness throughout the<br />

enthralling twists and turns of plot. Jennie<br />

models her faith as she recalls Bible verses and<br />

prays during her ordeal.<br />

Jennie and her family have starred in twelve<br />

other books. Nonetheless readers who discover<br />

the series for the first time with Forgotten will<br />

enjoy it. Rushford includes enough details<br />

about Jennie’s background to help readers feel<br />

acquainted.<br />

Betty M. Hockett, Freelance Writer, Teacher, Speaker, Newberg,<br />

Oregon<br />

Horse whispers in the air, by Dandi Daley<br />

Mackall. (Horsefeathers; 3.) LCCN<br />

99050884. St. Louis, Mo.: Concordia,<br />

2000. ISBN 0570070082, PAP, $5.99.<br />

F. Grandfathers--Fiction; Alzheimer’s disease--<br />

Fiction; Horses--Fiction; <strong>Christian</strong> life--Fiction. 192<br />

p. High school (Middle school).<br />

Aunt Dotty tells Sarah “Scope” Coop, “life is a<br />

package deal.” Scope realizes you have to take<br />

the good with the bad. But it seems to Scope<br />

that there’s a whole lot more bad than good.<br />

Although she loves Grandad, his Alzheimer’s is<br />

an embarrassing disruption in her life as she is<br />

called out of school to go hunt for him when he<br />

wanders off. Her little brother’s manic<br />

depression creates stress for everyone. Scoop<br />

never knows whether to expect him to be hyper,<br />

or on a crying jag. Just when Scoop gets a<br />

chance to go to the school mixer with Jake, she<br />

falls and cracks a bone in her forearm.<br />

But one thing makes up for all the bad in<br />

Scoop’s life: her horse, Orphan. At<br />

Horsefeathers Stables she can forget about the<br />

wrongs in life, as she flies through the pasture<br />

with Orphan. She doesn’t even mind mucking<br />

out stalls, picking hooves or brushing horses.<br />

Horsefeathers Stables boards horses, and in this<br />

book Scoop gets a new boarder, Little Sugar<br />

General, to train. She has to figure out why<br />

Sugar chews on the boards of her crib and<br />

mopes around instead of running with the other<br />

horses. Horse fanciers will enjoy this series.<br />

The author shares her knowledge of horses in an<br />

entertaining manner. Faith in God is a natural<br />

part of the household, and shows up in everyday<br />

situations. Religion is nicely incorporated into<br />

the story without being preachy.<br />

Written in the first person, Horse Whispers in<br />

the Air shows how a ninth grader copes with<br />

problems. Good descriptions, well-crafted<br />

characterization, and moving plot line make<br />

Dandi Daley Mackall’s book a good read. It is a<br />

well-told tale about coping with disease and<br />

death. Horse Whispers is third in the<br />

Horsefeathers series, but readers will have no<br />

trouble following the plot even if they haven’t<br />

read one and two. A glossary of horse breeds at<br />

the end of the book is a helpful tool.<br />

Myrtlemay Pittman Crane, Freelance Writer, Editor, Alderwood<br />

Manor, Washington<br />

Kit, by Jane Peart. (Orphan train west for<br />

young adults.) LCCN 99042060. Grand<br />

Rapids: Fleming H. Revell, Baker Book<br />

House, 2000. ISBN 0800757157, PAP,<br />

$6.00.<br />

F. Orphans--Fiction; Adoption--Fiction; <strong>Christian</strong> life-<br />

-Fiction. 128 p.<br />

Laurel, by Jane Peart. (Orphan train west<br />

for young adults.) LCCN 99044201.<br />

Grand Rapids: Fleming H. Revell, Baker<br />

Book House, 2000. ISBN 0800757130,<br />

PAP, $6.00.<br />

F. Orphans--Fiction; Family life--Fiction; <strong>Christian</strong><br />

life--Fiction. 153 p.<br />

Toddy, by Jane Peart. (Orphan train west<br />

for young adults.) LCCN 99031962.<br />

Grand Rapids: Fleming H. Revell, Baker<br />

Book House, 2000. ISBN 0800757165,<br />

PAP, $6.00.<br />

F. Orphans--Fiction; Adoption--Fiction; <strong>Christian</strong> life-<br />

-Fiction; Secrets--Fiction. 150 p.<br />

Ivy and Allison, by Jane Peart. (Orphan<br />

train west for young adults.) LCCN<br />

99048425. Grand Rapids: Fleming H.<br />

Revell, Baker Book House, 2000. ISBN<br />

0800757149, PAP, $6.00.<br />

F. Orphans--Fiction; Adoption--Fiction; <strong>Christian</strong> life-<br />

-Fiction; Secrets--Fiction. 147 p.<br />

April and May, by Jane Peart. (Orphan<br />

train west for young adults.) LCCN<br />

00040288. Grand Rapids: Fleming H.<br />

Revell, Baker Book House, 2000. ISBN<br />

0800757246, PAP, $6.00.<br />

F. Orphans--Fiction; Adoption--Fiction; <strong>Christian</strong> life-<br />

-Fiction; Sisters--Fiction. 136 p.<br />

High school.<br />

The Orphan Train West series is a collection of<br />

stories that Jane Peart has based on the historical<br />

orphan train migration and placement of<br />

abandoned children during the late nineteenth<br />

century. The large print ensconced between the<br />

covers of each book renders these stories easy to<br />

read. At the same time, the span of time<br />

covered, as we trace each character’s history<br />

from early childhood to young adulthood,<br />

makes for simple tales, somewhat lacking in<br />

depth. Ms. Peart describes different aspects of<br />

the orphan train experience and endeavors to<br />

show the pain of rejection and hardships<br />

endured by orphans and how they rise above<br />

difficulties to become accepted and industrious<br />

adults. The <strong>Christian</strong> life plays a minor role,<br />

with an occasional Scripture verse interspersed<br />

throughout, but the moral tone is strong.<br />

Romance just slightly flavors each story at the<br />

appropriate time.<br />

Kit, Laurel, and Toddy are separate but distantly<br />

related stories. Considered the three musketeers<br />

of the orphanage, they slyly act crippled to<br />

prevent being adopted until the orphan train’s<br />

last stop, in order to stay in touch.<br />

Shortly after the death of their mother, Kit, along<br />

with her younger brother and sister, is placed in<br />

the orphanage by their own father. Adopted by<br />

a struggling family with five boys and a surly<br />

father, Kit helps the mother manage the busy<br />

household. Kit dreams of becoming a teacher,<br />

and of finding her brother and sister.<br />

Laurel, her father dead from an accident and her<br />

beloved mother from sickness, is adopted by a<br />

doctor and his wife who have a void in their<br />

hearts. Laurel fills their need but after<br />

graduation is torn between staying or pursuing<br />

her music and locating her maternal<br />

grandparents in Boston.<br />

Toddy is the daughter of a dance hall floozy. An<br />

inconvenience, she is deposited at the<br />

orphanage. Energetic and mischievous<br />

nonetheless, Toddy is chosen to be a companion<br />

to Mrs. Hale’s invalid granddaughter, whose<br />

parents are deceased. This relationship steers<br />

Toddy to pursue a nursing career.<br />

Ivy and Allison trade dresses at their train stop.<br />

Ivy is sent with the couple that Allison is<br />

intended for. The opulent lifestyle of the mayor<br />

allows Ivy everything she could ever hope to<br />

have. Allison, on the other hand, is now with a<br />

single handicapped lady. But a black cloud boils<br />

on the horizon of Ivy’s fairytale life when her<br />

fiance dumps her after the explosion of an<br />

embezzlement scandal involving her adoptive<br />

father. Ivy’s life, burdened with guilt from the<br />

S P R I N G 2 0 0 1 4 8 C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L


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dress switch and now scandal, pales in<br />

comparison to Allison’s simple but fulfilled one.<br />

April and May are sisters. Torn apart during the<br />

adoption process, they each adapt to their<br />

respective loving families. But by age ten harsh<br />

circumstances propel April to return to the<br />

orphanage. May is brought up without the<br />

knowledge of having been adopted. The secret<br />

unfolds after a trunk’s lid is lifted. There is a<br />

sister out there somewhere and she is<br />

determined to find her!<br />

Following the conclusion of April & May<br />

readers will find an endorsement of the books by<br />

the founder and director of the Orphan Train<br />

Heritage Society, an organization made up<br />

mostly of the descendants of the actual Orphan<br />

Train Riders.<br />

Debbie Lindsay, Homeschool Parent, Eatonville, Washington<br />

Lord Brocktree : a tale from Redwall, by<br />

Brian Jacques; illustrated by Fangorn.<br />

LCCN 00025140. New York: Philomel,<br />

Penguin Putnam, 2000. ISBN<br />

0399235906, HBB, $22.95.<br />

F. Badgers--Fiction; Animals--Fiction; Fantasy. 370<br />

p. High school (Middle school).<br />

Lord Brocktree is a delightful tale of good and<br />

evil. The mountain of Salamandastron, home of<br />

the Badger Lord Stonepaw, is invaded by a<br />

horde of vermin. When blue rats by the<br />

hundreds, led by wildcat Ungatt Trunn, take<br />

over the mountain, Stonepaw sends Fleetscut<br />

hare for help. In visions Lord Stonepaw has<br />

seen a mighty badger. Ungatt Trunn has visions<br />

of the great badger too, but his response has<br />

been fear.<br />

Unknown to them, the mighty Badger Lord,<br />

Brocktree, has seen a vision of the mountain and<br />

is looking for it. As Brocktree journeys toward<br />

Salamandastron, Dorothea hare joins him. Soon<br />

their company includes an assortment of hares,<br />

moles, otters, squirrels, and other animals.<br />

Fleetscut finds Brocktree and his friends and<br />

leads them to Salamandastron where, after a<br />

great battle, Lord Brocktree takes command of<br />

the mountain.<br />

Brian Jacques never leaves any doubt in the<br />

mind of the reader as to which side is good and<br />

which is evil. Ungatt Trunn deals with<br />

everyone, including his own troops, cruelly.<br />

Brocktree deals fairly and kindly and believes<br />

you should never kill another animal<br />

unnecessarily. All shades of the human<br />

personality are seen in the various animals. It is<br />

easy to laugh at the antics of Brocktree’s troops.<br />

They may not always be kind as they scold and<br />

scrap among themselves, but they learn from<br />

Brocktree to work together and care about each<br />

other. In Ungatt Trunn the dark side of man is<br />

displayed. The animals’ dialogue is written as<br />

they pronounce it. Each group has delightful<br />

differences in language.<br />

Fangorn drew the map at the beginning of the<br />

book and also provided chapter illustrations.<br />

The small sketches at the beginning of each<br />

chapter faithfully depict the personalities of the<br />

characters. The cover picture of Brocktree is<br />

excellent.<br />

Barbara A. Bryden, Freelance Writer, Olympia, Washington<br />

Out of hiding, by Catherine Farnes.<br />

LCCN 99088171. Greenville, S.C.:<br />

Journey Books, Bob Jones University<br />

Press, 2000. ISBN 1579243290, PAP,<br />

$6.49.<br />

F. Missionaries--Fiction; <strong>Christian</strong> life--Fiction;<br />

Death--Fiction; Mexico--Fiction. 174 p. High school.<br />

When Ashton volunteered to help build a church<br />

in the Mexican jungle, she never dreamed the<br />

team would be up against a drug smuggling ring.<br />

As the team gathers in El Paso, Ashton is<br />

horrified to discover that Judah Ewen and his<br />

girlfriend, Rebekah, will be part of the group.<br />

Judah, the son of Ashton’s former pastor, was<br />

blamed for the drowning death of Ashton’s<br />

brother. Although Ashton has tried to forget<br />

what happened, she has not forgiven Judah.<br />

As the group heads into the Mexican jungle,<br />

many unresolved personal problems threaten the<br />

success of the mission and the safety of the<br />

team. Arriving at the village, they discover that<br />

Dane Meyer, the pastor they came to help, is<br />

missing. Ashton finds Meyer hiding from the<br />

drug smugglers in the jungle. Hunger, rain, and<br />

illness plague the group. As Ashton helps to<br />

build the church and prays for Judah’s healing,<br />

she learns how to forgive.<br />

There are many ways to hide. Meyer hides in<br />

the jungle to escape danger. Ashton tries to hide<br />

from the pain of her brother’s death by refusing<br />

to deal honestly with it. Others on the team are<br />

hiding from other problems. Catherine Farnes<br />

reveals what happens when we attempt to hide,<br />

and shows how we can come out of hiding.<br />

Fast-moving and exciting, Out of Hiding<br />

illustrates the need for forgiveness without<br />

lecturing. The author’s descriptions of hiking<br />

uphill in the heat, of the team’s ministry to<br />

people in the small Mexican villages, and of the<br />

problems of being ill in a foreign country are<br />

quite realistic. When they visit a tiny Catholic<br />

Church, Judah refuses to stay in it, and Shane<br />

says the statues are not “meant to just be art.”<br />

The cover picture of the jungle village by Mary<br />

Ann Lumm adds visual interest to this adventure<br />

story.<br />

Barbara A. Bryden, Freelance Writer, Olympia, Washington<br />

Passage to Little Bighorn, by Terry<br />

Kretzer Malvehy. LCCN 98049481.<br />

Flagstaff, Ariz.: Rising Moon, Northland<br />

Publishing, 1999. ISBN 0873587138, PAP,<br />

$6.95.<br />

F. Little Bighorn, Battle of the, Mont., 1876--Fiction;<br />

Time travel--Fiction; Sitting Bull, 1834?-1890--<br />

Fiction; Dakota Indians--Fiction; Indians of North<br />

America--Plains--Fiction. 217 p. High school.<br />

Passage To Little Bighorn tells the story of<br />

Dakota, a modern Native American boy, swept<br />

backwards through time to the Battle of the<br />

Little Bighorn. Living for weeks among his<br />

Lakota ancestors, Dakota learns of his proud<br />

heritage directly from those ancestors, and from<br />

the great Hunkpapa leader, Sitting Bull.<br />

Passage tells the Native Americans’ side of the<br />

famous battle, and of life during the 1870’s.<br />

Intermixed with his reflections on life in the<br />

past, Dakota has thoughts and visions of the<br />

present and his troubled mother.<br />

Dakota’s passage through time lands him near a<br />

Hunkpapa camp, a few weeks before Little<br />

Bighorn. Initially wounded and held captive,<br />

Dakota eventually grows to be accepted and<br />

valued by the Lakota. Along the way, he learns<br />

of the history and culture of his people through<br />

first-hand experience. After witnessing the<br />

Battle of Little Bighorn, Dakota returns to the<br />

present with a better understanding of himself<br />

and his modern-day situation.<br />

Author Terry Kretzer-Malvehy’s attempt to<br />

blend history and fiction is not entirely<br />

successful. Like Dakota, this book doesn’t quite<br />

fit in. Passage includes several scenes of<br />

graphic violence and at least one profane use of<br />

God’s name. The text describes some of the<br />

animist beliefs and practices of the Native<br />

American people of the time, without any<br />

comparison, or reference, to <strong>Christian</strong>ity.<br />

Although more readable than a history textbook,<br />

Passage is less than an enjoyable novel. The<br />

story simply does not recover from the rushed<br />

and jarring way Dakota is hustled through one<br />

hundred and fifty years of history. The reader<br />

simply doesn’t have a chance to know or care<br />

about Dakota. The book would have been<br />

stronger had a more relevant and engaging<br />

mechanism, or reasoning, for moving Dakota<br />

been found or developed.<br />

This book delivers the culture, history and<br />

sensibilities of the Lakota People in a unique<br />

way. The book’s substantial bibliography<br />

proves the author did her homework. That said,<br />

Passage fails to measure up to the readability of<br />

books like Centennial or The Court Martial of<br />

George Armstrong Custer. These books do a<br />

much better job of delivering history and a good<br />

story.<br />

Kirk Hunt, Instructor, Pima County Community College, Business<br />

& Industry Division, Tucson, Arizona<br />

Queen’s own fool : a novel of Mary Queen<br />

of Scots, by Jane Yolen and Robert J.<br />

Harris. LCCN 99055070. New York:<br />

Philomel Books, Penguin Putnam, 2000.<br />

ISBN 0399233806, HBB, $19.99.<br />

F. Mary, Queen of Scots, 1542-1587--Fiction;<br />

Scotland--History--Mary Stuart, 1542-1567--Fiction;<br />

Fools and jesters--Fiction; Kings, queens, rulers, etc.--<br />

Fiction. 390 p. High school.<br />

When young Nicola Ambruzzi, a traveling<br />

troubadour, is saved from the cruelties of her<br />

uncle by Queen Mary, wife of French King<br />

Francis, her life takes a turn many young girls<br />

would only dream of in fairytales. She becomes<br />

Nicola, La Jardiniere, the Queen’s Own Fool,<br />

whose job it is to be not only the queen’s<br />

entertainer, but also her listening ear, and in a<br />

sense her conscience. This fast-paced story<br />

C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 4 9 S P R I N G 2 0 0 1


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FICTION<br />

moves from Huguenot persecution in France<br />

where the untimely death of King Francis leaves<br />

the young Queen stripped of her title, to<br />

Scotland, where the famous Mary, Queen of<br />

Scots, restores herself as Queen of her<br />

homeland. Nicola becomes an integral force in<br />

her Queen’s life as the Catholic royal battles her<br />

Protestant detractors (namely John Knox) and<br />

enemies who would usurp her power for their<br />

own greedy gains. This is a story of mystery,<br />

intrigue, war, and love.<br />

In Queen’s Own Fool, authors Jane Yolen and<br />

Robert J. Harris have crafted a Reformation tale<br />

which keeps the reader intensely involved from<br />

first to last. Vivid descriptions, such as, “He is<br />

like a serpent when he smiles—all lips, no<br />

teeth,” interspersed with short parables, afford<br />

humor and provoke thought. This novel, written<br />

from the point-of-view of the fool, is a great<br />

enticement to further explore the life and times<br />

of Mary, Queen of Scots.<br />

Judy Driscoll, Retired Teacher, Poulsbo, Washington<br />

Second choices, by Shirley Brinkerhoff.<br />

(The Nikki Sheridan series; 6.) LCCN<br />

00041373. Minneapolis: A Focus on the<br />

Family Book, Bethany House, 2000. ISBN<br />

1561798800, PAP, $5.99.<br />

F. High schools--Fiction; Schools--Fiction; Adoption-<br />

-Fiction; Abortion--Fiction; Vandalism--Fiction;<br />

<strong>Christian</strong> life--Fiction. 156 p. High school.<br />

Nikki Sheridan’s life seems to be falling apart.<br />

At seventeen, Nikki doesn’t live with her<br />

parents anymore. Instead, she has moved<br />

several hours away from Millbrook, to live with<br />

her grandparents while she heals from a teenpregnancy.<br />

Her own parents have separated as<br />

they deal with their own difficulties. Living<br />

with her grandparents gives Nikki the<br />

opportunity to get her life back in order. She is<br />

making new friends, is establishing herself<br />

academically, and best of all, she is getting a<br />

second chance at love. Things are going well.<br />

One weekend Nikki decides to drive back to<br />

Millbrook to visit her mom. While there she<br />

bumps into TJ at the local 7-11. Emotions and<br />

memories flood over Nikki, and she blurts out<br />

something about her pregnancy to TJ. He is<br />

stunned, but determined to understand what<br />

Nikki means. It is at this point in her life that<br />

she begins to learn the life-healing lesson of<br />

forgiveness.<br />

Through a variety of events, Nikki’s faith grows<br />

and her <strong>Christian</strong> walk matures. She learns to<br />

listen to the Father’s voice, and witnesses<br />

relational miracles in the process.<br />

Shirley Brinkerhoff has written a compelling<br />

story of teenage perspective, problems,<br />

relationships, and resolutions. Her characters<br />

are well-developed and realistic. The <strong>Christian</strong><br />

perspective is written with realism, relevance,<br />

and life-impacting power. Doctrine is left out,<br />

which leaves Ms. Brinkerhoff’s message a<br />

simple one of faith in God and the power of<br />

prayer. Second Choices would be a wonderful<br />

addition to any library.<br />

Debby Willett, Freelance Writer, Canyon, Texas<br />

The secret of the Mezuzah, by Mary<br />

Reeves Bell. (Passport to danger; 1.)<br />

LCCN 99006470. Minneapolis: Bethany<br />

House, 1999. ISBN 1556615493, PAP,<br />

$5.99.<br />

F. Americans--Austria--Fiction; Spies--Fiction;<br />

Antisemitism--Fiction; Prejudices--Fiction; Jews--<br />

Austria--Fiction; Austria--Fiction. 201 p. High<br />

school.<br />

Bored with life in Vienna, fifteen-year-old<br />

American, Con Rea is ready for some<br />

excitement. When Branko, owner of the<br />

neighborhood bakery, tells him that one out of<br />

every ten people in Vienna is a spy, Con starts a<br />

list of everyone he knows. If he knows ten<br />

people, one could be a spy. High on the list of<br />

suspects are Branko, and Con’s stepfather,<br />

Nigel, but Con would never suspect his mother,<br />

Roberta. However, Roberta is indeed the spy<br />

and Con becomes involved in The Secret of the<br />

Mezuzah.<br />

Before Con and his best friend, Hannah, can<br />

narrow their list of suspects, Con and his family<br />

leave for a weekend in Grossgmain. Herr<br />

Donner, their old landlord there, gives Con a<br />

gold mezuzah. Unbeknownst to Donner, the<br />

mezuzah contains a hidden message that will<br />

identify Donner as a former SS officer in charge<br />

of the “Jewish problem” in Romania during<br />

WWII.<br />

While Con’s mother works with Simon<br />

Wiesenthal to find those guilty of war crimes,<br />

Con and Hannah find themselves fighting for<br />

their lives. Con is faced with the reality of anti-<br />

Semitism when Hannah, who is Jewish, is<br />

nearly killed.<br />

Mary Reeves Bell uses mystery and intrigue to<br />

teach the reality of the Holocaust, its lingering<br />

effects, and the necessity of choosing friends<br />

carefully. The author effectively contrasts the<br />

apparent quietness of a Vienna neighborhood<br />

with the seething hatred for all Jews that lies<br />

beneath the surface. Although Bell’s main<br />

characters and story are fictitious, the historical<br />

background and some of the minor characters<br />

are real.<br />

The background figures in Cheri Bladholm’s<br />

cover illustration seem to be waiting for Con<br />

and Hannah to solve The Secret of The Mezuzah.<br />

The illustration is an excellent visual bridge<br />

between past and present.<br />

Barbara Bryden, Freelance Writer, Olympia, Washington<br />

Shakespeare’s scribe, by Gary Blackwood.<br />

LCCN 00034603. New York: Dutton<br />

Children’s Books, Penguin Putnam, 2000.<br />

ISBN 0525464441, HBB, $15.99.<br />

F. Theater--Fiction; Orphans--Fiction; Actors and<br />

actresses--Fiction; Plague--England--Fiction;<br />

Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616--Fiction; Great<br />

Britain--History--Elizabeth, 1558-1603--Fiction. 265<br />

p. High school.<br />

As an apprentice in the Chamberlain’s Men,<br />

William Shakespeare’s acting company, Widge<br />

plays the female parts, helps with the sets, spies<br />

on other acting companies, and serves as<br />

Shakespeare’s scribe. Despite the long hours<br />

and strict rules, Widge would do anything to<br />

stay with the acting company. The<br />

Chamberlain’s Men is the closest thing to family<br />

the orphaned Widge has ever known.<br />

Previously apprenticed to Dr. Bright, Widge has<br />

some knowledge of medicine and charactery, a<br />

system of “swift writing” which makes him<br />

valuable to Shakespeare as a scribe.<br />

When the plague strikes London, Queen<br />

Elizabeth orders all of the theaters closed. After<br />

loading two wagons with props and costumes<br />

the troupe goes on the road. During their travels<br />

a rival company tries to burn their wagons and<br />

thieves steal their money. Longing for<br />

information about his parents, Widge visits the<br />

orphanage where he lived as a child.<br />

Sal, a new apprentice, tries to take Widge’s<br />

roles, and Jamie Redshaw, the man claiming to<br />

be his father, proves to be dishonest. Desperate,<br />

Widge challenges Sal to an acting competition<br />

and wins. Redshaw admits he’s not Widge’s<br />

father and leaves. Widge learns that Mr. Armin,<br />

an older actor, is right: “..what you’re made of is<br />

not as important as what you do with it.”<br />

Gary Blackwood’s story of Elizabethan England<br />

is a delightful mix of history and fiction.<br />

Widge and Redshaw are fictitious, but most of<br />

the other characters in the Chamberlain’s Men<br />

are based on historical fact. The language of the<br />

characters and Blackwood’s descriptions of<br />

conditions of the times add a sense of<br />

authenticity. The story moves rapidly, yet deals<br />

with many of the problems faced by people in<br />

1602. Shakespeare’s Scribe is the sequel to The<br />

Shakespeare Stealer.<br />

Barbara Bryden, Freelance Writer, Olympia, Washington<br />

★<br />

Snow, by Catherine Farnes. LCCN<br />

98040785. Greenville, S.C.: Journey<br />

Books, Bob Jones University Press, 1999.<br />

ISBN 1579241999, PAP, $6.49.<br />

F. Albinos and albinism--Fiction; Visually<br />

handicapped--Fiction; Physically handicapped--<br />

Fiction; High schools--Fiction; Schools--Fiction;<br />

<strong>Christian</strong> life--Fiction. 146 p. High school (Middle<br />

school).<br />

As a junior venturing mid-term through the<br />

crowded halls of Canyon Street High, Stephanie<br />

braces herself for the gawks that have shadowed<br />

her since birth. Frosty, Snow White, Casper, and<br />

Albo Annie are among the hurled taunts she<br />

continuously dodges. She is a one-in-fifteenthousand<br />

genetically anomalous albino with a<br />

visual impairment.<br />

Turning out for track, Stephanie determines to<br />

prove this is an area where she sparkles. But at<br />

practice she finishes dead even with the school<br />

snob. As Stephanie leaves, the sun’s glare blinds<br />

her already weak eyesight and she collides with<br />

one of the guys. She is surprised as a hand helps<br />

her to her feet and defends her against another<br />

jeer. The name attached to the hand is Nathan.<br />

Despite Nathan’s attempts to be a genuine<br />

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friend, Stephanie is quite sure he is only<br />

interested in her scientifically since he is<br />

planning to train as a paramedic.<br />

Catherine Farnes sprinkles Snow with a mixture<br />

of humor and poignancy. Written in the first<br />

person, this is a very believable piece of work<br />

that confers the impression of having been<br />

experienced or well-researched. The reader is<br />

thrust into the depths of the character’s anguish,<br />

conflict resolutions, and the vexations that<br />

accompany all humanity, but is magnified for a<br />

person who is physically challenged.<br />

The insights illustrated include the following:<br />

that self worth does not come from outperforming<br />

others but only through the Spirit’s<br />

tender caress upon the heart strings, which<br />

reveal God’s love and approval; that cynicism<br />

builds walls and prevents the foundation of true<br />

friendship; that the dating process can be a tool<br />

for finding a marriage partner at the appropriate<br />

time; that it is possible to become a <strong>Christian</strong> for<br />

the wrong reason. In the end, Stephanie learns<br />

that God can use her handicap to actually help<br />

others, and that he can also help her to gain final<br />

acceptance that God can work through, past, and<br />

in spite of it.<br />

Debbie Lindsay, Homeschool Parent, Eatonville, Washington<br />

Stranger online, written by Carol Smith;<br />

created by Terry K. Brown. (Todays<br />

girls.com; 1.) LCCN 00025812. Nashville:<br />

Tommy Nelson, Thomas Nelson, 2000.<br />

ISBN 0849975549, PAP, $5.99.<br />

F. Web sites--Fiction; Swimming--Fiction; High<br />

schools--Fiction; Schools--Fiction; <strong>Christian</strong> life--<br />

Fiction. 140 p. High school (Middle school).<br />

Luv@first site, written by Tess Eileen<br />

Kindig; created by Terry K. Brown.<br />

(Todays girls.com; 5.) LCCN 00032876.<br />

Nashville: Tommy Nelson, Thomas<br />

Nelson, 2000. ISBN 0849975824, PAP,<br />

$5.99.<br />

F. Dining (Social customs)--Fiction; Computers--<br />

Fiction; High schools--Fiction; Schools--Fiction;<br />

<strong>Christian</strong> life--Fiction. 134 p. High school (Middle<br />

school).<br />

In Stranger Online, Amber Thomas is a member<br />

of Edgewood High School’s swim team, and of<br />

Todaysgirls Club. Her life consists of getting up<br />

early in the morning for practice, and of being<br />

the best student she can be, as well as<br />

webmistress of the todaysgirls.com website.<br />

This is supposed to be a “password access” only<br />

site, but someone gains access to Amber’s email<br />

and leaves cryptic messages, causing Amber to<br />

doubt her own programming abilities, and to<br />

fear for her personal safety.<br />

When she returns to school the following<br />

Monday, Amber can’t help but wonder if the<br />

stranger is a student passing her in the hallway,<br />

sitting next to her in class, or someone else<br />

entirely. Adding to her stress level is a new girl<br />

on the swim team, and a fellow student who<br />

insists on availing himself of her answers on<br />

chemistry quizzes. Amber feels like she’s<br />

tackling these things alone, until she<br />

incorporates Proverbs 3:5-6 into her Todaysgirls<br />

verse for the week. As she considers the verses,<br />

she begins to realize that she isn’t alone and<br />

reaches out to her friends and family for advice<br />

and support.<br />

Bren Mickler has fallen in love in Luv@first<br />

site. If only the boy knew who she was. It’s<br />

tough when the one who makes your heart<br />

thump doesn’t even know your name. Bren tries<br />

to make a good impression on this boy, only to<br />

repeatedly fall on her face. Her friends from<br />

Todaysgirls Club try to talk her out of her<br />

attraction, but to no avail. She finds herself<br />

obsessed with the object of her affections, and<br />

finds herself reduced to manipulating her<br />

friends.<br />

Bren comes up with what she thinks is the<br />

perfect solution to her problem: computerized<br />

dating for her high school. Feelings of betrayal,<br />

and broken friendships, are left in the wake of<br />

her efforts. How will she make the wrongs<br />

right?<br />

These books by Carol Smith and Tess Eileen<br />

Kindig are excellent readers for middle school<br />

and high school girls. They are written with a<br />

strong <strong>Christian</strong> view, and encourage faith in<br />

God and reading the Word. Doctrine does not<br />

become a part of the stories, so readers will not<br />

feel conflicted. The characters are believable<br />

and well-developed, and the language is current.<br />

These authors have created stories that teens<br />

will identify with. An excellent addition to any<br />

library.<br />

Debby Willett, Freelance Writer, Canyon, Texas<br />

Subway tokens in the sand, by Wendy Lee<br />

Nentwig. (Unmistakably Cooper Ellis; 3.)<br />

Minneapolis: Bethany House, 1999. ISBN<br />

0764220675, PAP, $5.99.<br />

F. Boyfriends--Fiction; Friendship--Fiction; <strong>Christian</strong><br />

life--Fiction. 157 p. High school.<br />

At sixteen, Cooper Ellis is allowed to travel the<br />

subways of New York by herself, going to<br />

modelling auditions or special photography<br />

sessions. She is doing well in school and<br />

everything seems to be running smoothly. That<br />

is, until she starts dating Josh, one of the most<br />

likeable and cutest boys in school. Suddenly,<br />

everything gets complicated. As much as<br />

Cooper enjoys being with Josh, she feels like<br />

she doesn’t have a life of her own anymore.<br />

Everyone said that things would change, and<br />

Cooper is beginning to realize that she doesn’t<br />

like the kind of changes necessary to have a<br />

fulltime boyfriend.<br />

Wendy Lee Nentwig writes a realistic story of<br />

the complications that can occur when young<br />

people enter the dating scene. Her third book in<br />

the Unmistakably Cooper Ellis series takes its<br />

readers on a journey through the ups and downs<br />

of relationships. Cooper discovers in her<br />

adventures that not only does she feel smothered<br />

by Josh and his constant attention, but more<br />

importantly, her all-important relationship with<br />

the Lord suffers. She is still young, and there is<br />

a lot of life to live. Subway Tokens in the Sand<br />

helps the reader to consider the importance of<br />

friendships and the fact that perhaps a serious<br />

personal commitment to another should wait.<br />

Mary McKinney, Former Teacher, Freelance Writer, Editor, Port<br />

Orchard, Washington<br />

Take my hand, by Robin Jones Gunn.<br />

(Sierra Jensen series; 12.) LCCN<br />

98055512. Minneapolis: Bethany House,<br />

1999. ISBN 1561797367, PAP, $5.99.<br />

F. Interpersonal relations--Fiction; <strong>Christian</strong> life--<br />

Fiction; California, Southern--Fiction. 138 p. High<br />

school.<br />

In Take My Hand, the twelfth book in Robin<br />

Jones Gunn’s Sierra Jensen series, Sierra<br />

prepares with anticipation for a new chapter in<br />

her life. She bids her good friends in Portland,<br />

Oregon, a tearful good-bye, then drives to<br />

California with her family, where she will attend<br />

her sister’s engagement party and also begin her<br />

first year at college. What has Sierra totally<br />

beside herself with excitement is that at Tawni’s<br />

engagement party she will finally, after months<br />

of correspondence, be reunited with Paul. She<br />

daydreams of running into his open arms and of<br />

his putting to rest her questions about where<br />

their relationship with one another stands.<br />

After a long drive, during which the air<br />

conditioner quits working in the car, and her<br />

brother accidentally gives her a black eye with a<br />

pop can, Sierra and her family arrive at their<br />

destination. One misunderstanding after<br />

another complicate her reunion with Paul. She<br />

settles into her new dorm room despairing of<br />

things ever being straightened out between<br />

them. Her good friend Christy Miller gives her<br />

some much needed wisdom, and Sierra and Paul<br />

prayerfully begin their acquaintance anew under<br />

God’s auspices.<br />

In this book Gunn focuses on the different<br />

expectations teenage boys and girls bring to<br />

relationships with the opposite sex. While<br />

Sierra interpreted their romantic walk on the<br />

beach and Paul’s poetry in one manner, Paul’s<br />

take on what occurs between them is completely<br />

different. Robin Jones Gunn does a fine job of<br />

storytelling while also conveying an important<br />

message about the role physical intimacy should<br />

play in a <strong>Christian</strong> dating relationship.<br />

Lillian Heytvelt, Librarian, Pomeroy, Washington<br />

The theft, by Betty Gaard. LCCN<br />

00038458. Greenville, S.C.: Journey<br />

Books, Bob Jones University Press, 2000.<br />

ISBN 1579243754, PAP, $6.49.<br />

F. Cheating--Fiction; Honesty--Fiction; High schools-<br />

-Fiction; Schools--Fiction; <strong>Christian</strong> life--Fiction. 190<br />

p. High school.<br />

Mike Prickett and his two friends, Scott and<br />

Carlos, are all on the high school tennis team in<br />

Atlanta. You might say that they are the stars of<br />

the team. There is one problem though—<br />

history. With final exams coming soon, poor<br />

history grades threaten to cut all three of them<br />

from the tennis team. In an impulsive act, Scott<br />

ends up with the original of the history exam. In<br />

an attempt to cover up the act, Carlos and Mike<br />

also land themselves in serious trouble. Mike<br />

C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 5 1 S P R I N G 2 0 0 1


HIGH SCHOOL<br />

FICTION<br />

wants to confess, but what about the big tennis<br />

tournament, and what about his reputation.<br />

They haven’t actually looked at the test; is it<br />

really cheating if you don’t look at the exam?<br />

Betty Gaard has created a situation that many<br />

young people will find themselves in some day.<br />

Is it really dishonest to not tell the whole truth?<br />

Mike finds himself in a situation where he<br />

knows what he should do. He can hear his mom<br />

telling him that two wrongs don’t make a right.<br />

He can feel God’s prompting in his heart to tell<br />

the truth and confess. Yet he struggles with all<br />

the other circumstances that surround him.<br />

Instead of making a decision he just puts it off<br />

for another day. To make matters worse, his dad<br />

announces they are going to move. Mike is<br />

struggling with all his circumstances, but<br />

discovers that what he really needs is to get right<br />

with God. The Theft offers realistic characters<br />

and a challenge for today’s youth.<br />

Marcia Snyder, Librarian, Missoula, Montana<br />

Torn thread, by Anne Issacs. LCCN<br />

95031655. New York: Scholastic, 2000.<br />

ISBN 0590603639, HBB, $15.95.<br />

F. World War, 1939-1945--Jews--Fiction; Holocaust,<br />

Jewish (1939-1945)--Fiction; Concentration camps--<br />

Czechoslovakia--Fiction; Jews--Europe--Fiction. 188<br />

p. High school.<br />

It is June 1943, and for two years the Nazi<br />

armies have controlled the Polish town of<br />

Bedzin. Eva and Rachel, along with their father,<br />

have been forced to leave their home and live in<br />

an attic room in the Jewish ghetto. Rachel is<br />

often sick and weak. Eva spends most of her<br />

time caring for Rachel, knitting, and playing<br />

chess.<br />

One terrifying day, however, the girls are taken<br />

from their father to a Nazi work camp. They are<br />

forced to work in a factory, making uniforms<br />

and blankets for the armies. The girls struggle<br />

against sickness, fatigue, and starvation to hang<br />

on to love and family amidst the chaos.<br />

In this novel, Anne Isaacs depicts the<br />

experiences of her mother-in-law, Eva<br />

Buchbinder. The title Torn Thread symbolizes<br />

the threads of the spinning machine that<br />

continue to tear, just like the girls’ lives that are<br />

threatening to tear apart. Throughout the story<br />

each of the girls grows in strength and<br />

determination. Although Rachel is the weaker,<br />

there comes a time when she is the one who is<br />

instrumental in saving the life of her sister.<br />

Their sacrificial love and commitment is<br />

inspiring.<br />

Isaacs has done a superb job of bringing this<br />

story to life. There have been many books<br />

written about this subject, and this is one worth<br />

reading. You will feel as if Eva and Rachel are<br />

sitting beside you telling you the story<br />

themselves. You will feel their suffering and<br />

wish you could do something to stop it. You will<br />

see their commitment to God and their resolve<br />

to honor him despite extraordinary<br />

circumstances. A captivating story.<br />

Marcia Snyder, Librarian, Missoula, Montana<br />

Until tomorrow, by Robin Jones Gunn.<br />

(Christy and Todd; 1.) LCCN 00008271.<br />

Minneapolis: Bethany House, 2000. ISBN<br />

0764222724, PAP, $9.99.<br />

F. Americans--Switzerland--Fiction; College students-<br />

-Fiction; Switzerland--Fiction; Romance fiction. 286<br />

p. High school.<br />

As you wish, by Robin Jones Gunn.<br />

(Christy and Todd; 2.) Minneapolis:<br />

Bethany House, 2000. ISBN 0764222732,<br />

PAP, $9.99.<br />

F. College students--Fiction; Romance--Fiction. 313<br />

p. High school.<br />

Until Tomorrow and As You Wish continue the<br />

story of Christy Miller. Robin Jones Gunn has<br />

labelled this series “Christy & Todd: The<br />

College Years.” Until Tomorrow takes the<br />

reader on an unbelievable trip. Christy, Todd,<br />

and friend Katie all meet in Switzerland for a<br />

fantastic vacation in Europe. Christy has been<br />

going to college in Switzerland as well as<br />

working in an orphanage. After Christy<br />

convinces Todd and Katie of the need for an<br />

itinerary that is supplemented by a tour book,<br />

the group travels to Venice, Rome, Paris,<br />

Salzburg, Oslo, and Amsterdam. Most of the<br />

journey is by train. The trip is not without<br />

mishaps as Christy and Todd temporarily breakup,<br />

Katie gets lost, Todd goes on a side trip alone<br />

to the Arctic Circle; also, Christy discovers that<br />

she is not interested in teaching.<br />

As You Wish picks up the story with the trio<br />

attending college in the United States. Katie<br />

wants a boyfriend but first must forgive her past<br />

boyfriends for dumping her. Christy finally<br />

admits she loves Todd; unfortunately, Todd has<br />

a serious car accident which lands him in the<br />

emergency ward for surgery.<br />

These books are longer than the original Christy<br />

Miller series. Unfortunately, the trip through<br />

Europe is a little unbelievable even with some of<br />

the mishaps. Katie and Nancy go through<br />

changes but Todd seems a bit too perfect.<br />

However, fans of the series will want to read<br />

these two books to finally see Todd propose to<br />

Christy.<br />

Connie Weaver, Church Librarian, Newville, Pennsylvania<br />

A winding road to freedom, by Randall<br />

Wisehart. LCCN 99052469. Richmond,<br />

Ind.: Friends United Press, 1999. ISBN<br />

094435047X, PAP, $15.00.<br />

F. Coffin, Levi, 1798-1877--Fiction; Haviland, Laura<br />

(Laura Smith), 1808-1898--Fiction; Slavery--Fiction;<br />

Underground railroad--Fiction; Afro-Americans--<br />

Fiction. 184 p. High school.<br />

After two years of freedom, Cassie finds herself<br />

huddled in shackles while kidnappers plot her<br />

return to slavery. A fight erupts and one<br />

kidnapper ends up dead; Cassie must decide if<br />

she will voluntarily return to slavery to rescue<br />

her son, Jacob. One of the slave catchers,<br />

Fairfield, assures her that if she agrees, he has a<br />

plan. Cassie and Fairfield walk all the way to<br />

the Kentucky farm. When they arrive, Fairfield,<br />

not really a slave catcher, tells Cassie she must<br />

play the part of a willing slave until he returns<br />

for her and Jacob. Her presence at the farm<br />

brings her close to Jacob, but angers other<br />

slaves. She obeys the master, watches and waits<br />

for Fairfield’s return, and gets better acquainted<br />

with Jacob. Then another slave’s betrayal<br />

changes everything. But Zeke, also a slave,<br />

carries Jacob to safety. The master beats Cassie,<br />

who lives and later escapes.<br />

Luke Thomas, a young white man from Ohio<br />

and a friend to Cassie, figures largely in Randall<br />

Wisehart’s A Winding Road to Freedom.<br />

Through him readers meet Levi and Catherine<br />

Coffin, Laura Haviland, John Fairfield, John<br />

Jolliffe, and Rev. William Casey, real people<br />

who assisted with the underground railroad.<br />

Wisehart thoroughly researched that movement<br />

and those who participated in it. His research<br />

adds credibility and important information,<br />

though he developed Luke, Cassie, and the other<br />

slaves from his imagination. The background<br />

material helps illuminate the situation at that<br />

time, but its recounting tends to interfere with<br />

the story.<br />

AWinding Road to Freedom lacks a literary<br />

writing style as well as precision editing. Even<br />

so, Cassie captures a reader’s heart.<br />

Betty M. Hockett, Freelance Writer, Teacher, Speaker, Newberg,<br />

Oregon<br />

A year down yonder, by Richard Peck.<br />

LCCN 99043159. New York: Dial Books<br />

for Young Readers, Penguin Putnam,<br />

2000. ISBN 0803725183, HBB, $16.99.<br />

F. Grandmothers--Fiction; Country life--Illinois--<br />

Fiction; Illinois--Fiction. 130 p. High school.<br />

This sequel to the earlier Newbery Honor<br />

winning A Long Way From Chicago (Puffin,<br />

2000) revolves around Mary Alice, a 15-yearold<br />

who grows up during the recession of 1937.<br />

Her parents are without work, and send her to<br />

live with her grandmother, a woman who is<br />

known for arousing tense emotions in her<br />

neighbors. Grandma Dowdel, whose rampages<br />

were seen through the eyes of her grandson,<br />

Joey, in A Long Way From Chicago, here has<br />

Mary Alice as an accomplice. While the<br />

activities and life in this small Illinois town are<br />

not easy, by the end of the year Mary Alice<br />

comes to see the love in the heart of her<br />

formidable grandma.<br />

The hilarious story makes this a great readaloud,<br />

and older teens will gain historical<br />

perspective on the challenging years of the<br />

depression in small-town America. In addition<br />

to receiving the Newbery Honor, A Year Down<br />

Yonder was a National Book Award finalist, and<br />

an ALA Best Book for Young Adults.<br />

Richard Peck has written over twenty novels for<br />

young readers. <strong>Christian</strong> libraries and schools<br />

can add this title, sure to entice interest and<br />

provide a positive view of life and relationships.<br />

Leroy Hommerding, Director, Fort Myers Beach P.L. District, Fort<br />

Myers, Florida<br />

S P R I N G 2 0 0 1 5 2 C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L


HIGH SCHOOL<br />

FICTION<br />

The year of the child, by Isabel Anders<br />

and Sarah Alison Throop. Winchester,<br />

Tenn.: Anders Literary Group, 1999.<br />

ISBN 1553060253, PAP, $13.95.<br />

F. Science fiction; <strong>Christian</strong> fiction. 143 p. High<br />

school (Middle school).<br />

Meena Biop has just received a critical<br />

assignment from the Grand D’Hoffna in front of<br />

the Universal Council. This council is made up<br />

of senators from all the known planets in the<br />

universe except for Earth. Initially her<br />

assignment is to evaluate Earth to see if it is<br />

ready to begin a relationship with other planets.<br />

Meena comes to the Earth posing as an<br />

exchange student from England and stays with a<br />

family that has other children close to her age.<br />

Soon, however, Meena becomes involved in a<br />

plot to unseat a despot who desires to destroy the<br />

Earth because of his estranged wife and their<br />

son. She feels, and then learns, that she is one of<br />

a set of triplets taken at birth by the D’Hoffna’s<br />

people to be ready for this assignment. She is<br />

reunited with her “family” and discovers that<br />

everything will be fine.<br />

This mother-daughter duo, Anders and Throop,<br />

writes a science-fiction-based-in-today’s-timestory<br />

that is quick reading. The simple plot of<br />

The Year of the Child portrays a teenage heroine<br />

saving the world, with plenty of action and also<br />

details concerning life in high school. There is<br />

also a subplot that revolves around a romantic<br />

relationship between Meena and her host<br />

family’s oldest son. All of the characters, except<br />

Meena, are quickly sketched and not welldeveloped.<br />

The dialogue is adequate, with<br />

many references to the differences between<br />

English and American speech.<br />

Woven throughout the book is a strong<br />

evangelical message. The references to “El<br />

Niño” are paralleled to both Meena’s life and<br />

that of Christ. There are many times that Meena<br />

prays and receives instruction. This book is fine<br />

for middle to high school students.<br />

Bianca Elliott, Educator, Linwood, Kansas<br />

C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 5 3 S P R I N G 2 0 0 1


BOOK REVIEWS<br />

HIGH SCHOOL NONFICTION<br />

100’s—Philosophy & Psyschology<br />

Love ya like a sister : a story of friendship<br />

: from the journals of Katie Ouriou,<br />

edited by Julie Johnston. LCCN<br />

98061728. Toronto, Ont.: Tundra Books,<br />

1999. ISBN 0887764541, PAP, $7.95.<br />

177.62. Ouriou, Katie, 1980-1996--Correspondence;<br />

Friendship. 201 p. High school.<br />

Katie was a lively, Canadian sixteen-year-old<br />

who died while with her family in France.<br />

While on the plane taking Katie’s body back to<br />

Canada her mother, Susan, read Katie’s journal<br />

and felt it would be worthwhile to share with<br />

others. Katie’s sister, Christelle, also contributes<br />

poignant comments in the book. In Love Ya Like<br />

a Sister: A Story of Friendship, Susan explains<br />

that the family went to Paris, France, for one<br />

year to show the children their father’s heritage<br />

and to improve their French. Each journal entry<br />

is Katie’s note to a friend (Heather, Ashley, and<br />

Maude) or personal reflection. Later the entries<br />

are the emails that she sent to her friends. The<br />

correspondence is very typical for teenagers.<br />

Examples of topics Katie discusses are boys,<br />

virginity, drugs, friends, books (she really liked<br />

Embraced by the Light), advice, and everything<br />

else teenagers talk about with their friends. She<br />

tells about the minutia of her days in Paris and<br />

other parts of France. She spends considerable<br />

time trying to explain the differences between<br />

French and Canadian culture. Since the reader<br />

knows from the first pages that Katie will die, it<br />

is difficult to not want to tell Katie to see a<br />

doctor when she starts writing to her friends<br />

about her fatigue and general malaise.<br />

The editor, Julie Johnston, has done a<br />

remarkable job in permitting Katie’s voice to be<br />

heard in the book. This book is very emotional.<br />

There are sections in French but the translations<br />

are quite appropriate with only a few slightly<br />

suggestive sentences. The only objectionable<br />

word is used when Katie and Christelle are in<br />

the park and a bird makes a mess on Katie.<br />

There are pictures to chronicle the brief life of<br />

Katie, and the photo of her just one week before<br />

she dies is very touching. This book will be of<br />

interest to a wide variety of ages and levels of<br />

interest.<br />

Bianca Elliott, Educator, Linwood, Kansas<br />

200’s—Religion<br />

God’s will, God’s best for your life, by<br />

Josh McDowell and Kevin Johnson.<br />

LCCN 00009924. Minneapolis: Bethany<br />

House, 2000. ISBN 0764223283, PAP,<br />

$9.99.<br />

248.8’3. Teenagers--Religious life; God--Will. 153 p.<br />

High school.<br />

Josh McDowell and Kevin Johnson have<br />

teamed up to write a short, easy to read book<br />

dealing with how a young person can know the<br />

will of God in his or her life. There is almost an<br />

attitude of camaraderie, as if Josh and Kevin<br />

were sitting across from a young person at a<br />

local fast food chain. The causal language and<br />

typical situations are the backdrop for biblical<br />

counsel addressing issues such as God’s plan,<br />

life to the extreme, love, meaningful career, and<br />

a life that matters. Each of the eight chapters<br />

compares and contrasts what the world offers<br />

young people with what God offers young<br />

people. There is an abundance of current<br />

examples and references for the young person to<br />

identify with in the chapters. The issues are<br />

germane to the young person/early adult.<br />

The chapters are relatively short and the tempo<br />

is quick and upbeat. The discussion becomes<br />

frank in a few places but never goes over the<br />

edge of appropriateness.<br />

Bianca Elliott, Educator, Linwood, Kansas<br />

Help! My friend’s in trouble! : supporting<br />

your friends who struggle with..family<br />

problems, sexual crises, food addictions,<br />

self-esteem, depression, grief and loss, by<br />

Susie Shellenberger. LCCN 00027408.<br />

Ann Arbor, Mich.: Vine Books, Servant<br />

Publications, 2000. ISBN 1569551650,<br />

PAP, $10.00.<br />

248.8’3. Youth--Religious life; Problem youth--<br />

Religious life; Friendship--Religious aspects--<br />

<strong>Christian</strong>ity; <strong>Christian</strong> life; Conduct of life. 209 p.<br />

High school (Middle school).<br />

Susie Shellenberger offers a guide that libraries<br />

can make available to teens who may be facing<br />

a variety of difficult situations. Without being<br />

preachy, she offers solid biblical advice in<br />

contemporary teen situations. The timely<br />

advise, appropriate for both junior and senior<br />

high, describes what it means to be a friend, and<br />

then presents situations teens might face, e.g.<br />

eating disorders, unwanted pregnancy or<br />

pressure to have sex, wondering if one is gay,<br />

being depressed, having no date, and coping<br />

with illness.<br />

Help! My Friend’s in Trouble comes from the<br />

co-host of Focus on the Family’s weekly<br />

national radio teen talk show, Life on the Edge:<br />

Live. She is editor of Brio monthly magazine<br />

for girls and author of twenty-five books,<br />

including the recent Dear Diary (Zondervan,<br />

2000). She also loves burnt hotdogs and old<br />

Mary Tyler Moore reruns.<br />

Church shelves, libraries, youth counselors,<br />

camps—anywhere where teens are, will be a<br />

perfect place for this warm, caring book.<br />

Leroy Hommerding, Director, Fort Myers Beach P.L. District, Fort<br />

Myers, Florida<br />

Old enough to know : what teenagers need<br />

to know about life and relationships, rev.<br />

ed., by Michael W. Smith & Fritz<br />

Ridenour. LCCN 89005276. Nashville:<br />

Tommy Nelson, Thomas Nelson, 2000.<br />

ISBN 0849975875, PAP, $9.99.<br />

248.8’3. Adolescence; Conduct of life; <strong>Christian</strong> life;<br />

Smith, Michael W. (Michael Whitaker). 152 p. High<br />

school.<br />

This book, Old Enough to Know, is in its third<br />

edition since 1987. In this book Michael W.<br />

Smith takes the lyrics from his album The Big<br />

Picture and relates them to the questions and<br />

situations that occur in young people’s lives. He<br />

adds the letters and questions he receives from<br />

his listeners to further explain his points. He<br />

presents an evangelical attitude towards the<br />

young people and his singing. The chapters<br />

cover issues such as self-esteem, drug use,<br />

making decisions, etc. Woven in the book is<br />

Smith’s testimony of becoming a <strong>Christian</strong> and<br />

living a <strong>Christian</strong> life. He admits to drug use<br />

when he was younger but he never glamorizes it.<br />

Smith’s honest, candid responses will strike a<br />

chord in the young people who read this book.<br />

There is a note section at the end if the reader<br />

needs more information. Especially helpful is<br />

the nine page annotated listing of clinics and<br />

hotlines that can help any teenager in trouble or<br />

need. Also in the listings are the internet<br />

addresses as well as the traditional phone<br />

numbers to these sites. Smith’s book closes with<br />

a page that invites the reader to write to him.<br />

Bianca Elliott, Educator, Linwood, Kansas<br />

Real life begins after high school : facing<br />

the future without freaking out, by Bruce<br />

and Stan. LCCN 99086973. Ann Arbor,<br />

Mich.: Vine Books, Servant Publications,<br />

2000. ISBN 1569551553, PAP, $12.00.<br />

248.8’3. Young adults--Religious life; High school<br />

graduates--Religious life; Young adults--Conduct of<br />

life; High school graduates--Conduct of life; <strong>Christian</strong><br />

life. 208 p. High school.<br />

Teens ready to graduate or having just, will<br />

benefit from the wit and wisdom of Bruce and<br />

Stansís Real Life Begins After High School.<br />

There are twelve chapters with titles like:<br />

Custom Design Yourself : Who Do You Want To<br />

Be? More Than Friends : Dating and Beyond,<br />

Money Matters : Your Fiscal Fitness Program,<br />

Those Things You Do : What God Wants For<br />

You. These subject areas become useful as a<br />

guide for future college entrants looking for<br />

insightful information to help them make<br />

educated decisions. The book winds it all up<br />

with a helpful bibliography. Definitely written<br />

S P R I N G 2 0 0 1 5 4 C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L


HIGH SCHOOL<br />

NONFICTION<br />

with a <strong>Christian</strong> perspective, the book has solid<br />

advice for any high schooler with postgraduation<br />

life to consider. Those who<br />

appreciate the writing style found in popular<br />

<strong>Christian</strong> magazines Campus Life, Brio, or<br />

Breakaway will likewise enjoy this humorous<br />

approach to a serious subject.<br />

Pam Webb, <strong>Library</strong> Technician, Sandpoint, Idaho<br />

300’s—Social Sciences<br />

Sex smart : 501 reasons to hold off on sex,<br />

by Susan Browning Pogány. LCCN<br />

98019179. Minneapolis: Fairview Press,<br />

1998. ISBN 1577490436, PAP, $14.94.<br />

306.7’0835. Sexual ethics for teenagers; Teenagers--<br />

Sexual behavior; Sexual abstinence; Youth--Sexual<br />

behavior. 213 p. High school.<br />

I didn’t count exactly 501 reasons for holding<br />

off on sex, but Susan Pogány’s Sex Smart<br />

provides many excellent points for abstaining<br />

from sex before marriage. The book is designed<br />

to answer the most basic questions that a teen<br />

may have regarding sex. Pogány wrote the book<br />

in hopes of reaching young people directly or to<br />

help the parent who must answer the inquiring<br />

minds of their children. The book starts right off<br />

with definitions of love versus sex and how sex<br />

can actually ruin a relationship. Pogány goes on<br />

to explain how the sexes are not ”wired“ the<br />

same regarding how sex is perceived.<br />

Throughout the book, in appropriate locations,<br />

Pogány discusses the truths and myths regarding<br />

sexual activity. The answers are graphic and<br />

direct but never out of line. Chapter six is<br />

written by Susan’s sister, Attorney Anne<br />

Browning Wilson, who wrote a brochure that is<br />

distributed in Kansas high schools titled ”If We<br />

Make a Baby, Do I Have to Pay?“<br />

Pogány presents information over many topics<br />

as diverse as masturbation, abortion, double<br />

standards, date rape, how to say no, and sexually<br />

transmitted diseases. The theme of abstinence is<br />

never ignored and is emphasized by direct<br />

quotes from males and females who have<br />

suffered from premature sexual activity. There<br />

are numerous tables and practical suggestions to<br />

help drive home the information. There are<br />

letters from young people sprinkled throughout<br />

the book to make sure the reader knows how the<br />

young person feels about the specific situation.<br />

There is a detailed note section as well as a<br />

bibliography. This would make a ready<br />

reference book for public school counselors and<br />

sex education personnel as well as any and all<br />

private school settings.<br />

Bianca Elliott, Educator, Linwood, Kansas<br />

Easy credit, by Ann E. Weiss. LCCN<br />

99462150. Brookfield, Ct.: Twenty-First<br />

Century Books, The Millbrook Press,<br />

2000. ISBN 0761315039, HBB, $22.40.<br />

332.7’43. Credit; Credit cards. 128 p. High school.<br />

Easy Credit is an excellent book in which Ann<br />

Weiss presents an easy to read and<br />

understandable overview of credit written with,<br />

to, and for youth. The concise chapters deal<br />

with the history and current conditions of using<br />

credit in the United States. The book starts out<br />

with how certain young people in the 1990’s<br />

were given credit and the results of their<br />

experiences. The book then provides the history<br />

of credit starting in times of old, making this<br />

review neither dry nor boring. Whenever there<br />

may be a section that could be misunderstood,<br />

Weiss provides either a past or current example<br />

of the concept for clarification of the point.<br />

Weiss anticipates the questions of the reader and<br />

not only asks them, but answers them clearly<br />

and cogently. Weiss could have stopped there<br />

and had a wonderful book but she takes the<br />

reader to the next logical consequence of<br />

credit—consumer protection. She discusses<br />

topics such as privacy, who is granted or refused<br />

credit, plus detailing of the laws and regulations.<br />

She ends her book with a chapter on consumer<br />

education that she has presented in the<br />

preceding pages.<br />

The book is well constructed and ready for<br />

considerable use. The print is easy to read and<br />

the sections within each chapter are precise and<br />

useful. This should be a required text for public<br />

and private libraries.<br />

Bianca Elliott, Educator, Linwood, Kansas<br />

Civil liberties : opposing viewpoints,<br />

Tamara L. Roleff, book editor. (Opposing<br />

viewpoints.) LCCN 98011808. San Diego:<br />

Greenhaven, 1999. ISBN 1565109368,<br />

PAP, $28.70.<br />

342.73’085. Civil rights--United States. 208 p. High<br />

school.<br />

Opposing Viewpoints is written to provide the<br />

reader with the wherewithal to determine his/her<br />

position and consider other positions to major<br />

current issues. The editors seek out<br />

knowledgeable people as well as those with<br />

vested interests in the topic or issue covered.<br />

Views from those not usually heard in the<br />

mainstream media are also presented. As a<br />

result of these objectives, Civil Liberties:<br />

Opposing Viewpoints has a reputation of being a<br />

good resource. This book is like the others in<br />

the series in that it will make the high school<br />

student think and consider the position they<br />

espouse. There are many excellent study<br />

features such as end notes, questions for<br />

consideration that begin every essay, visuals,<br />

cartoons, and a periodical bibliography at the<br />

end of each section. The end of the book has a<br />

further discussion section, an annotated<br />

organization to contact section, bibliography,<br />

and a detailed index.<br />

Having said this there are a few areas of<br />

concern. There are references to racist speech<br />

made within certain essays. Additionally, the<br />

sections dealing with pornography are strongly<br />

worded. The words used in that section are<br />

clinical and descriptive. In the chapter dealing<br />

with religion, the editors created an atmosphere<br />

that is non-religious and therefore not offensive<br />

to any one sect.<br />

Bianca Elliott, Educator, Linwood, Kansas<br />

Pregnant and single : help for the tough<br />

choices, rev. ed., by Linda Roggow and<br />

Carolyn Owens. LCCN 98021074.<br />

Scottdale, Pa.: Herald Press, 1998. ISBN<br />

0836190920, PAP, $9.99.<br />

362.83’92’08352. Unmarried mothers--United States;<br />

Pregnancy, Unwanted--United States; Teenage<br />

mothers--United States; Teenage pregnancy--United<br />

States. 160 p. High school.<br />

The word ”pregnancy“ can be frightening to an<br />

unmarried teenager. In the midst of trying to<br />

live up to all kinds of expectations, a pregnancy<br />

during this delicate time in a young girl’s life<br />

can be devastating, perhaps even more so to a<br />

<strong>Christian</strong> who may feel as if she not only failed<br />

herself and her parents, but God as well. To help<br />

guide them toward making decisions they can<br />

live with, Linda Roggow and Carolyn Owens<br />

have written a gentle yet serious book designed<br />

to inform, provoke honest soul-searching, and<br />

help young mothers look reality straight in the<br />

eye.<br />

In simple language, Pregnant and Single<br />

includes short personal stories and comments<br />

from girls of all walks of life and in various<br />

circumstances, helping the reader to identify<br />

with others who have faced an unplanned<br />

pregnancy. Among the topics discussed are the<br />

shock of discovering the pregnancy, dealing<br />

with the reactions of others, health and finances,<br />

the practical aspects of taking care of a baby,<br />

whether or not to marry, and the process of<br />

adoption. The roles of the father and<br />

grandparents are explored, and caution is given<br />

to take time to carefully consider each option<br />

thoroughly. Pregnant and Single also serves as<br />

both a personal and practical workbook, asking<br />

detailed questions concerning all possible areas<br />

of conflict, bringing focus not only to the<br />

pregnancy, but to the bigger picture of the young<br />

woman’s life as a whole. The final chapter<br />

entitled ”Faith Helps,“ gives scripture that<br />

speaks about the sanctity of all life, both that of<br />

mother and the child, and of the forgiveness and<br />

guidance that God gives through his Son Jesus.<br />

Roggow, a social worker, and Owens, a library<br />

clerk and mother, emphasize that objective<br />

counseling is essential, including an index of<br />

pregnancy care centers with addresses and<br />

phone numbers throughout the United States<br />

and Canada. An easy-to-read book with a<br />

colorful cover, the authors have written a much<br />

needed tool for anyone who needs help or wants<br />

to offer it. With over half a million teen<br />

pregnancies in 1999 (49.6 births per 1,000<br />

females aged 15-19 according to thr Centers For<br />

Disease Control and Statistics August 8,2000<br />

issue of the National Vital Statistics Reports<br />

(Vol. 48 number 14)), chances are someone you<br />

know can benefit from this book.<br />

Denise Griffin, Freelance Writer, Pfafftown, North Carolina<br />

★<br />

Leaving Cuba : from Operation Pedro<br />

Pan to Elian, by Kathleen Gay. LCCN<br />

99462149. Brookfield, Ct.: Twenty-First<br />

Century Books, The Millbrook Press,<br />

2000. ISBN 0761314660, HBB, $22.90.<br />

C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 5 5 S P R I N G 2 0 0 1


HIGH SCHOOL<br />

NONFICTION<br />

362.87’083’0973. Refugee children--Cuba; Refugee<br />

children--United States; Refugee children--Services<br />

for--United States; Cuban Americans; Refugees. 144<br />

p. High school.<br />

In this short book is a concise history of the<br />

emigration from Cuba to the United States since<br />

the 1960s. Leaving Cuba: from Operation<br />

Pedro Pan to Elian, begins with, and uses<br />

throughout, the numerous quotes of people,<br />

young and old, who have left Cuba. Kathleen<br />

Gay weaves these quotes into a simple and yet<br />

compelling narrative of the situation in Cuba.<br />

She states the political climate in the United<br />

States and Cuba throughout those years<br />

evenhandedly. Early in the 1960’s the children<br />

were the ones who left Cuba. Gay explains at<br />

this point in the book how the children received<br />

the nickname ”Pedro Pan,“ referring to the<br />

children’s story Peter Pan. Gay then goes on and<br />

details the other major ”waves“ of adults and<br />

children who left Cuba and continues her<br />

narrative to the modern times with a review of<br />

the Elian Gonzalez case.<br />

The high school student doing research for this<br />

topic will find the text easy to read and<br />

understand, powerful quotes, notes that include<br />

internet sites, books for further research, and an<br />

appendix of United States-Cuban Relations<br />

from 1958 to 2000. The students will identify<br />

with the feelings of the young people that left<br />

Cuba. The ecumenical attitude of the<br />

participants is reflected in the author’s writing.<br />

Bianca Elliott, Educator, Linwood, Kansas<br />

800’s—Literature & Rhetoric<br />

The poetry of John Greenleaf Whittier, a<br />

reader’s edition, edited and introduced by<br />

William Jolliff. LCCN 00037585.<br />

Richmond, Ind.: Friends United Press,<br />

2000. ISBN 0944350488, PAP, $18.00.<br />

811’.3. Whittier, John Greenleaf, 1807-1892; Poetry,<br />

American. 272 p. High school.<br />

John Greenleaf Whittier, one of the most<br />

outspoken abolitionists among the poets of his<br />

generation, was born into a Quaker farming<br />

family in Haverhill, Massachusetts, in 1807.<br />

Although his early life was full of relative<br />

hardship and isolation, his constant exposure to<br />

the wonders of nature gave him a poet’s<br />

appreciation for the beauties of the world around<br />

him. Probably best known for the poem ”Snow-<br />

Bound,“ Whittier struggled most of his life to<br />

find a balance between his Quaker beliefs and<br />

his longing for literary fame and recognition.<br />

William Jolliff, the editor of The Poetry of John<br />

Greenleaf Whittier, has selected fifty-six of<br />

Whittier’s finest poems, including: ”Ichabod,“<br />

”Snow-Bound,“ ”Telling the Bees,“ and ”The<br />

Barefoot Boy.“ He organizes his selections in<br />

four thematic groupings: the crusading<br />

abolitionist, the nostalgic recorder of a vanished<br />

rural past, the balladeer of New England history,<br />

and the contemplative Quaker. Jolliff has<br />

written an introduction to each section and a<br />

headnote to every poem. While Whittier is often<br />

passed over by modern critics, Jolliff’s<br />

headnotes persuasively comment on why<br />

Whittier’s poems remain of value to modern<br />

readers. A selected bibliography is included at<br />

the end of the work.<br />

Lillian Heytvelt, Librarian, Pomeroy, Washington<br />

900’s—Geography, History, &<br />

Biography<br />

★<br />

Nate Saint : on a wing and a prayer, by<br />

Janet and Geoff Benge. (<strong>Christian</strong> heroes,<br />

then and now.) LCCN 98007287. Seattle:<br />

WYAM Publishing, 1998. ISBN<br />

1576580172, PAP, $8.99.<br />

921 (266’,0092). Saint, Nate, 1923-1956;<br />

Missionaries--Ecuador; Missionaries--United States--<br />

Biography. 201 p. High school (Middle school).<br />

Nate Saint was raised in a <strong>Christian</strong> home and<br />

had two great passions in life—serving Jesus<br />

and flying. He served stateside in the military in<br />

WWII and found a wife, Marj, when he was<br />

stationed in California. They soon joined<br />

<strong>Christian</strong> Airmen’s Missionary Fellowship and<br />

were stationed in Equador where Nate assisted<br />

missionaries who served deep in the jungles,<br />

often becoming their only lifeline to the rest of<br />

the world.<br />

In 1951 after many adventures and the birth of<br />

two children, Nate flies his visiting sister,<br />

Rachel, over the section of the jungle where the<br />

fierce and isolated Aucas reside. Nate predicts<br />

that Rachel will some day minister to them.<br />

Four years and one more child later Nate and<br />

four missionary friends, Ed McCully, Roger<br />

Youderian, Pete Fleming, and Jim Elliott hatch a<br />

plan to reach the Aucas. They decide to drop<br />

gifts from the plane and then attempt to find a<br />

meeting place. The gifts are dropped, a sandbar<br />

on the river that will accommodate plane<br />

landings is found, and five men’s families are<br />

about to experience tragic loss as these <strong>Christian</strong><br />

servants heroically sacrifice themselves so that<br />

the Aucas may hear about the saving love of<br />

Christ.<br />

Janet and Geoff Benge have done an excellent<br />

job of relating the story of Nate Saint in this<br />

entry in their <strong>Christian</strong> Heroes series. This is a<br />

truly inspiring story of young men and women<br />

who are willing to joyfully go wherever the<br />

Master calls and to abandon themselves into His<br />

loving care regardless of the consequences to<br />

themselves. Especially uplifting is the last<br />

chapter and the epilog in which the reader<br />

discovers the surprising way that these deaths<br />

open the doorway to the Aucas. Not for young<br />

readers who may be frightened by the idea of<br />

martyrdom but certainly appropriate (and easy<br />

enough to read) for middle school and up.<br />

Teresa O’Donley, <strong>Library</strong> Media Teacher, Scotts Valley, California<br />

★<br />

Jonathan Edwards, by David J. Vaughan.<br />

(Men of faith.) LCCN 99006868.<br />

Minneapolis: Bethany House, 2000. ISBN<br />

076422168X, PAP, $4.99.<br />

921 (285.8’092). Edwards, Jonathan, 1703-1758. 127<br />

p. High school (Adult).<br />

David Vaughan writes a quick-read that simply<br />

and elegantly presents a history of one of the<br />

greatest theologians and preachers in our<br />

nation’s short history. This is one of the Men of<br />

Faith books, good overviews of the lives of<br />

important <strong>Christian</strong>s. This title begins with the<br />

background of Edwards’ family and progresses<br />

with many insightful and appropriate quotes<br />

from people of the time. A variety of detailed<br />

quotes from Reverend Edwards himself help to<br />

shape the understanding of this preacher.<br />

Vaughan presents the political and religious<br />

infighting that occurred in that period of history.<br />

There is a brief mention of Edwards being<br />

responsible indirectly for a suicide, but it is<br />

explained in the larger context of Edwards’<br />

dismissal from his pastorate. The text is<br />

satisfactory for reading and the binding is<br />

typical for small paperbacks. In the back of the<br />

book is a chronology of Edwards’ life and<br />

writings, selected biography section, and a notes<br />

section. This would be very appropriate for a<br />

church school or library.<br />

Bianca Elliott, Educator, Linwood, Kansas<br />

Restless spirit : the life and work of<br />

Dorothea Lange, by Elizabeth Partridge.<br />

LCCN 98009807. New York: Viking,<br />

Penguin Putnam, 1998. ISBN<br />

067087888X, HBB, $19.99.<br />

921 (770’.92). Lange, Dorothea; Women<br />

photographers--United States--Biography;<br />

Photographers; Women--Biography. 122 p. High<br />

school (Middle school).<br />

Dorothea Lange is best known for her famous<br />

photograph of the migrant mother taken during<br />

the Great Depression. But her photography<br />

didn’t stop then—this remarkable woman<br />

continued to record the people, places, and<br />

history of America through photos taken until<br />

her death at age seventy. This engaging account<br />

of her life portrays Lange’s restless spirit and<br />

describes how her passion for photography<br />

allowed her to capture, in revealing images, a<br />

zest for life she both felt and observed in the<br />

ordinary, sometimes sorrowful, lives of<br />

everyday people. Equally illustrated with<br />

photos taken by Lange and of Lange, the text<br />

covers Lange’s childhood through her death in<br />

1965.<br />

The author, Elizabeth Partridge, is the daughter<br />

of Lange’s assistant, Ron Partridge, and was<br />

treated as part of Dorothea’s extended family.<br />

Her text is enjoyable to read because it offers<br />

both the facts of Lange’s life, as well as insights<br />

into her character, enlivened by quotes from<br />

Lange as well as her close friends.<br />

Restless Spirit: The Life and Work of Dorothea<br />

Lange begins with a foreword on the story<br />

behind her most famous photograph, taken in a<br />

pea picker’s camp after the crop had been ruined<br />

by freezing rain. It concludes with an afterword<br />

on the author’s reflections and memories of this<br />

remarkable woman, who called her ”Bitsie“ and<br />

who both scared and inspired the daughter of<br />

Lange’s assistant. The twelve chapters in<br />

between recount Lange’s life in chronological<br />

order, taking the reader through Lange’s portrait<br />

photography, through the Great Depression, to<br />

the internment of Japanese Americans, and<br />

S P R I N G 2 0 0 1 5 6 C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L


HIGH SCHOOL<br />

NONFICTION<br />

across the globe as Lange’s restless spirit took<br />

her in search of the human spirit she so<br />

beautifully portrayed in her photography.<br />

Students will find this book inspiring and factfilled.<br />

The bibliography and index are helpful<br />

additions for those interested in learning more<br />

on this incredible photographer and woman.<br />

Lisa Wroble, Freelance Writer/<strong>Library</strong> Aide, Plymouth, Michigan<br />

Iraq : old land, new nation in conflict, by<br />

William Spencer. LCCN 99049894.<br />

Brookfield, Ct.: Twenty-First Century<br />

Books, The Millbrook Press, 2000. ISBN<br />

0761313567, HBB, $23.90.<br />

956.7. Iraq--History. 144 p. High school (Adult).<br />

Iraq: Old Land, New Nation in Conflict by<br />

William Spencer, professor emeritus of Middle<br />

East history at Florida State University, is a<br />

competent, simply written, survey of the nation<br />

of Iraq from antiquity to the present. The<br />

author’s approach is chronological, beginning<br />

with Iraq’s Mesopotamian heritage and<br />

concluding with an account of the current tense<br />

situation pitting Saddam Hussein against the<br />

United Nations sanctions.<br />

Professor Spencer elucidates the origins of<br />

Islam, the differences between the Sunni and<br />

Shia factions, and the Islamic worldview<br />

particularly well. His description of the origin<br />

and meaning of terms commonly encountered<br />

but not commonly known by westerners is<br />

fascinating. He describes, for instance, how the<br />

names Caliph, Sultan, and Shah were derived, as<br />

well as the fact that the ”Ottomans“ were<br />

originally ”the sons of Osman.“ Iraq itself<br />

means, ”mud bank.“ Over half of the book is<br />

devoted to the post World War I period,<br />

including chapters on the British mandate, the<br />

ill-fated monarchy, and the slide into one-man<br />

rule under Saddam.<br />

Themes of Iraqi history presented include the<br />

Iraqi peoples’ pride in their long heritage, pride<br />

in Islam, and a faith in the somewhat nebulous<br />

concept of the ”Arab Nation.“ The Iraqis have<br />

also survived many conquests and amalgamated<br />

many cultures. Professor Spencer explains the<br />

origins of the Baath (Party of the Arab<br />

resurrection) and how it and Saddam control<br />

modern Iraq. Saddam, incidentally, means ”he<br />

who confronts and is bold.“ Professor Spencer<br />

delineates Saddam’s treachery and terror, but<br />

also notes some of his successes in nation<br />

building.<br />

The book has appropriate illustrations and maps<br />

in black and white. It contains a competent<br />

index and an up-to-date bibliography. A facts<br />

index of vital statistics is presented at the end.<br />

Two of the illustrations have their captions<br />

switched. There is a cross reference to an<br />

important battle, the battle of Qadisiya, that<br />

refers the reader to chapter one when, in fact,<br />

that battle was described in chapter two. This<br />

accessible and intriguing book deserved better<br />

editing.<br />

David W. Rash, Public Services Librarian & History Instructor,<br />

Everett Community College<br />

A brief history of Canada, by Roger<br />

Riendeau. LCCN 99023494. New York:<br />

Facts on File, 2000. ISBN 0816031576,<br />

HBB, $35.00.<br />

971. Canada--History. 310 p. High school (Adult).<br />

A Brief History of Canada covers five distinct<br />

periods of Canadian history. Part one,<br />

Exploring the Northern American Frontier,<br />

begins with the geography of Canada. The<br />

mountains, plains, and rivers of Canada dictate<br />

the location of major cities. Roger Riendeau<br />

touches on early Norse expeditions and later<br />

European explorers looking for a sea route to<br />

Asia. Part two is titled The French Empire in<br />

Northern America from 1608-1760. The French<br />

looked at the natural resources of Canada as a<br />

way of strengthening their economic selfsufficiency,<br />

but they were not as committed to<br />

defending their North American empire as<br />

Britain. This led to the period of The British<br />

North American colonies from 1760-1867, part<br />

three. The fourth section deals with The<br />

Foundations of Canadian Nationhood from<br />

1867-1931. In an effort to stop the United States<br />

growth northward, Sir John A. Macdonald,<br />

Canada’s first prime minister moved to acquire<br />

the North-West Territories, establish a<br />

transcontinental railway system, and encourage<br />

the settlement of the west. Affluence and<br />

Anxiety in the Modern Era is the concluding<br />

section. Riendeau also discusses various<br />

writers, poets, artists, and athletes and how they<br />

fit into the over-all picture.<br />

Excellent maps accompany each section.<br />

Photos of Canadian leaders and events are<br />

scattered throughout the book. Riendeau<br />

includes an extensive list of books for further<br />

reading. The list is divided into six sections.<br />

The first section lists general topic books. The<br />

next five sections match the five divisions of the<br />

book. There is also a complete index. The lack<br />

of white space on the page and small print could<br />

be daunting. However, the author’s extensive<br />

vocabulary and outstanding writing ability make<br />

this history book a rewarding read.<br />

Barbara A. Bryden, Freelance Writer, Olympia, Washington<br />

C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 5 7 S P R I N G 2 0 0 1


BOOK REVIEWS<br />

ADULT FICTION<br />

African skies, by Karen Rispin. (Palisades<br />

pure romance.) LCCN 00009546. Sisters,<br />

Ore.: Multnomah, 2000. ISBN<br />

1576736261, PAP, $6.99.<br />

F. Africa--Fiction; <strong>Christian</strong> fiction; Love stories.<br />

363 p. Adult (High school).<br />

From Calgary, Alberta, Canada to Kenya,<br />

Africa, Laurel Binet travels to work with Joan<br />

Doyle in studying a troop of olive baboons. This<br />

opportunity fulfills a dream for Laurel of<br />

helping to understand and care for God’s<br />

creation. She feels this is her chance to make a<br />

real difference.<br />

The first person she meets is Darren Grant, the<br />

pilot of a Cessna 210, who is to deliver her to<br />

Ndovu. Darren believes that caring for animals<br />

instead of investing in human life is contrary to<br />

God’s will. In the drought of Africa their<br />

opposing views clash as it seems only one<br />

species can survive. Darren doesn’t like to see<br />

Laurel join Joan Doyle who fights for her troop<br />

of baboons against the Meru people. The Meru<br />

are struggling to find pasture for their animals in<br />

the same territory the baboons occupy. Laurel is<br />

to find out just how far Joan will go to drive the<br />

Meru away.<br />

Author Karen Rispin’s presentation of these<br />

two extreme viewpoints dominates the story,<br />

leaving romance in second place. African Skies<br />

does give a deeper understanding of African<br />

tribes and their struggles to simply survive.<br />

Century old tribal feuds make change difficult.<br />

Myrtlemay Pittman Crane, Freelance Writer, Editor, Alderwood<br />

Manor, Washington<br />

An ancient strife, by Michael Phillips.<br />

(Caledonia; 2.) LCCN 00008584.<br />

Minneapolis: Bethany House, 2000. PAP,<br />

076422218X, $13.99.<br />

F. Highlands (Scotland)--Fiction; Scotland--Fiction;<br />

<strong>Christian</strong> fiction. 542 p. Adult.<br />

A Note from the Editor: by Mary McKinney<br />

Equipping<br />

the<br />

Saints<br />

There are some<br />

exciting books<br />

available, which,<br />

even though they aren’t “hot off the<br />

press,” present messages that are as fresh<br />

and relevant today as when they were first<br />

written. These key books will encourage<br />

everyone’s <strong>Christian</strong> walk by imparting<br />

spiritual insight and revealing the heart of<br />

God.<br />

A unique book, The Final Quest by Rick<br />

Joyner, was published 1996, and is a<br />

fascinating read. Joyner describes what<br />

he has seen and learned on a “behind the<br />

scenes” journey to view life’s battles.<br />

From the very first page, the reader will<br />

be amazed and in awe of what is revealed<br />

in this page-turner. Understanding and<br />

ability to combat the enemy’s fiery darts<br />

will increase, and the reader will also gain<br />

discernment to deal with frustrating and<br />

sometimes devastating life circumstances.<br />

More importantly, the reader will learn the<br />

importance of being a good steward of the<br />

Lord’s provision, and how to walk humbly<br />

with our God. This is a must for the<br />

young teen through the adult reader and<br />

will definitely hold the interest of all.<br />

The Three Battlegrounds by Francis<br />

Frangipane presents an excellent and wellbalanced<br />

view of what spiritual warfare is<br />

all about. To sum it up in one key phrase,<br />

“It’s about focusing on Jesus, not the<br />

enemy!” Frangipane breaks the book into<br />

three components: the mind, the Church,<br />

and the enemy; and shows how each plays<br />

a key part in spiritual perception. With<br />

acute insight, he not only presents a<br />

powerful account of Christ, but<br />

encourages the reader to discover identity<br />

in Him, to bring honor and glory to His<br />

name. Frangipane’s succinct points reveal<br />

why frustrations occur in our walk, and<br />

how to focus on our source of love (Jesus)<br />

rather than our fears. The reader will<br />

learn how to deal with difficult<br />

circumstances in life with praise and<br />

thanksgiving, and discover victorious<br />

living that lets Light shine forth to the<br />

world. His well-made point, “It is not<br />

Satan that defeats us, but our openness to<br />

him,” helps the <strong>Christian</strong> keep his/her<br />

focus and trust on the Lord!<br />

Intercessory Prayer by Dutch Sheets is<br />

another gem of a read. Of course, prayer<br />

is a key issue in our spiritual walk, and he<br />

gives great insight and encouragement to<br />

be the “prayer warriors” the Lord calls us<br />

to be. With simple presentation and, at<br />

times, light humor, he presents an honest,<br />

heart-baring account that will help equip<br />

even the newest saint to become a<br />

capable, God-approved pray-er.<br />

Acknowledging the command to “pray<br />

without ceasing,” Sheets presents practical<br />

and exciting pointers that will enhance our<br />

faith and our personal relationship with<br />

the Lord.<br />

These three books compliment each other<br />

and leave the reader well equipped not<br />

only for dealing with every day<br />

frustrations, but for facing with assurance<br />

and fine-tuned faith anything that presents<br />

itself. Our assurance is not in ourselves or<br />

what we have learned, but always in the<br />

Author and Perfector of our faith, Jesus<br />

Christ.<br />

S P R I N G 2 0 0 1 5 8 C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L


ADULT<br />

FICTION<br />

In this sequel to The Legend of the Celtic Stone,<br />

Andrew Trentham, British Liberal Democratic<br />

Party leader, continues to search for his Scottish<br />

roots. With the aid of American BBC reporter<br />

Patricia “Paddy” Rawlings, who helped him to<br />

recover the fabled Stone of Scone, the puzzle<br />

pieces regarding the murder of Eagon Hamilton<br />

begin to come together and men at the highest<br />

levels of government are implicated. Andrew<br />

and Paddy discover that Scottish oil reserves,<br />

money, and power lie at the heart of the murder<br />

and the Stone’s theft.<br />

Andrew travels incognito through Scotland<br />

doing historical research and he meets the clan<br />

of Finnlagen Gordon. Andrew is especially<br />

taken with the petite daughter of the family,<br />

Ginevra. The Gordons believe that their new<br />

friend is Andy Trent and when they find out his<br />

true identity, they assume that he is attempting<br />

to find reasons to block Scottish devolution. As<br />

Andrew examines his own genetic and spiritual<br />

roots he finds his thoughts on Scottish<br />

independence changing and it soon becomes<br />

apparent that his vote on the issue will be vital.<br />

Can he be the man of integrity he<br />

needs to be and still win Ginevra?<br />

In Michael Phillip’s enthralling An<br />

Ancient Strife the reader is caught up<br />

in the modern day story of Andrew<br />

Trentham and the very real issues of<br />

Scottish independence, and is equally entangled<br />

in the history of Scotland. As in the first book,<br />

modern day chapters are juxtaposed with<br />

chapters on the history of Scotland from 843 to<br />

the mid 1700s. Some readers may find the style<br />

of jumping back and forth a bit disconcerting,<br />

but not only is the main story very well told, but<br />

the shorter historical fiction stories are<br />

extremely involving and the way that they<br />

illustrate the current situation in Scotland adds a<br />

nice touch.<br />

Teresa O’Donley, <strong>Library</strong> Media Specialist, Bayhmonte <strong>Christian</strong><br />

School, Scotts Valley, California<br />

Beneath the mockingbird’s wings, by<br />

Gilbert Morris and Aaron McCarver.<br />

(The spirit of Appalachia; 4.) LCCN<br />

99050633. Minneapolis: Bethany House,<br />

2000. ISBN 1556618883, PAP, $10.99.<br />

F. Frontier and pioneer life--Appalachian Region--<br />

Fiction; Indians of North America--Appalachian<br />

Region--Fiction; Appalachian Region--History--<br />

Fiction; Cherokee Indians--Fiction. 270 p. Adult.<br />

With Hawk and Elizabeth Spencer living in the<br />

wilderness of Appalachia in the Misty<br />

Mountains of the hoped for state of Franklin,<br />

Gilbert Morris turns the focus of this fourth<br />

book of the Spirit of Appalachia series on<br />

Nathaniel “Fox” Carter the son of Titus Carter<br />

and his Cherokee wife, Awinita. The Carters are<br />

living at Havenwood, the Carolina plantation<br />

which Titus will inherit at the death of his father.<br />

However, before that event happens, Titus is<br />

killed in the Revolutionary War, leaving “Fox”<br />

the heir apparent, an eventuality which grates on<br />

his greedy uncle, Namaan Carter, who can’t<br />

stand to see a half-breed taking over the family<br />

fortune. As the story develops, Fox and his<br />

mother flee Havenwood to save their lives and<br />

join the Spencers over the Misty Mountains.<br />

Author Morris, with his editor Aaron McCarver,<br />

spins a tale of intrigue, suspense, murder, and<br />

love as Fox determines to choose between the<br />

white world of his father and the intriguing<br />

world of his Cherokee mother. His choice not<br />

only affects his future and that of the Spencer<br />

family, but lays the ground work for a fifth book<br />

in the series.<br />

Judy Driscoll, Retired Teacher, Poulsbo, Washington<br />

★<br />

Blessing in disguise, by Lauraine Snelling.<br />

(Red River of the North; 6.) LCCN<br />

99006578. Minneapolis: Bethany House,<br />

1999. ISBN 076422090X, PAP, $9.99.<br />

F. Norwegian Americans--Dakota Territory--Fiction;<br />

Dakota Territory--Fiction. 298 p. Adult.<br />

Augusta Bjorklund is leaving Norway and<br />

joining her family in America. Single and thirty<br />

years of age, Augusta has no reason to stay in<br />

Norway. Traveling alone, with no<br />

comprehension of the English language,<br />

Augusta finds herself in trouble. She mistakenly<br />

boards the wrong train and ends up far from the<br />

town of Blessing. Kane Moyer is awaiting his<br />

“mail-order” bride from Norway, and is at the<br />

station when Augusta disembarks. Following a<br />

quick ceremony, Mr. and Mrs. Moyer head back<br />

to the ranch, with Augusta thinking she has just<br />

signed papers for her citizenship. When<br />

Augusta’s trunks arrive in Blessing, with no<br />

Augusta, her family is in a panic. How will they<br />

ever locate Augusta when they have no idea<br />

where she ended up?<br />

Lauraine Snelling has written an interesting<br />

story that holds the reader’s interest. One can<br />

not help but to sympathize with both Augusta<br />

and Kane, but at the same time, want to “shake<br />

some sense” into Augusta. The story line of<br />

Blessing in Disguise that evolves around these<br />

two characters is excellent, but the intertwining<br />

stories of the persons in Blessing causes<br />

confusion to the whole. I have personally read<br />

one other in this series, and was lost with the<br />

abundance of characters then, as I was again.<br />

Reading the series in order would certainly help,<br />

but if the author had fewer personalities in the<br />

series, the reader would derive more enjoyment<br />

from each story.<br />

Tammy Williams, Freelance Writer, Social Worker, Port Orchard,<br />

Washington<br />

Blind justice : a novel, by James Scott Bell.<br />

LCCN 99040602. Nashville: Broadman &<br />

Holman, 2000. ISBN 0805421610, PAP,<br />

$12.99.<br />

F. Attorneys--Fiction; Alcoholics--Fiction; <strong>Christian</strong><br />

fiction. 374 p. Adult.<br />

Howie Patino has been arrested for murder. A<br />

harmless man, his greatest love is his wife, Rae.<br />

When she is found dead in her home, with an<br />

incoherent Howie and the murder weapon close<br />

by, it seems to be an open and shut case. But his<br />

family can’t believe he is guilty. Howie himself<br />

claims, “the devil did it.” Howie’s sister<br />

Lindsey, a devout <strong>Christian</strong>, believes his story.<br />

Desperate to clear him, Lindsey and Howie’s<br />

parents turn to a childhood friend of Howie’s,<br />

who is also a defense lawyer.<br />

Jack Denney is a divorced alcoholic who hasn’t<br />

had a case in months. He goes to Howie’s small<br />

hometown of Hinton to work on the case with a<br />

private investigator named Trip who has helped<br />

him in the past. He and Trip, along with<br />

Lindsey, soon discover that the town of Hinton<br />

has some sinister secrets—secrets that could<br />

clear Howie’s name. The involvement of Satan<br />

worshipers confirms to Lindsey that Howie is<br />

telling about “the devil.” Trip, who is also a<br />

<strong>Christian</strong>, believes her, but Jack, a confirmed<br />

atheist, finds the whole idea ludicrous. But<br />

somehow he must legally use what he has<br />

learned to convince jurors of Howie’s<br />

innocence.<br />

Blind Justice is a compelling mystery novel that<br />

will keep the reader interested from beginning to<br />

end. Although this is definitely a <strong>Christian</strong><br />

novel, the author, James Scott Bell, uniquely<br />

tells the story from Jack Denney’s point of view.<br />

Denney drinks heavily throughout the story to<br />

cover the pain of his divorce. He often voices<br />

contempt for God and for <strong>Christian</strong>s. This is<br />

balanced, however, by the presence of Trip,<br />

Lindsey, and other <strong>Christian</strong>s. They disapprove<br />

of his drinking and try to lead him to peace in<br />

Christ. The story of his spiritual journey is a<br />

touching sub-plot. The resolution of the murder<br />

is predictable in one sense, but with a surprising<br />

twist. This book is well worth the time invested<br />

in reading it.<br />

Robyn Wyatt, Freelance Writer, Port Orchard, Washington<br />

★<br />

By the light of a thousand stars, by Jamie<br />

Langston Turner. LCCN 99006527.<br />

Minneapolis: Bethany House, 1999. ISBN<br />

0764221531, PAP, $10.99.<br />

F. Family life--Fiction. 414 p. Adult.<br />

Catherine Biddle, from the outside, looks like a<br />

woman who “has it all.” Her husband Blake is<br />

successful and her children are healthy. She<br />

wears the right clothes, drives the right car, and<br />

has the latest hairstyle. Inside, Catherine feels<br />

isolated and angry. She lets no one in, including<br />

her family. The unexpected interrupts<br />

Catherine’s life, and changes it forever. Blake’s<br />

older sister shows up on the doorstep with a<br />

suitcase, saying she has no where to go. It does<br />

not take Catherine long to reinforce her idea that<br />

Dottie is “one brick shy of a load.” Catherine<br />

resents Dottie’s intrusion into their lives. Her<br />

presence uncovers the ugliness and deception in<br />

their household. Her cheerfulness and<br />

eagerness to help makes Catherine feel<br />

inadequate and unlovely. Then new neighbors<br />

move in next door, and through their testimony,<br />

Catherine’s son Hardy turns his life around,<br />

causing Catherine to face the emptiness in her<br />

C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 5 9 S P R I N G 2 0 0 1


ADULT<br />

FICTION<br />

own life. For so long she has lived with the<br />

façade that everything was perfect. Can she let<br />

down her guard and let someone in?<br />

By the Light of a Thousand Stars is a modern<br />

day novel that demonstrates how God brings<br />

people into the lives of hurting and lost people to<br />

bring them to Himself. It also shows how God<br />

uses perhaps the “plain” or “unlovely,” and how<br />

each of us is a living testimoniy to the world.<br />

The author, Jamie Turner develops interesting<br />

characters that are easy to identify with and she<br />

reaches deep into the lives of the characters.<br />

I found the story line interesting, unique, and it<br />

promoted self-examination into my own life.<br />

Tammy Williams, Freelance Writer, Social Worker, Port Orchard,<br />

Washington<br />

★<br />

Command the sun, by Gilbert Morris.<br />

(The liberty bell; 7.) LCCN 99050484.<br />

Minneapolis: Bethany House, 2000. ISBN<br />

155661571X, PAP, $9.99.<br />

F. Inheritance and succession--Fiction; Nobility--<br />

Fiction; United States--History--Revolution, 1775-<br />

1782--Fiction; Great Britain--Fiction; Historical<br />

fiction; <strong>Christian</strong> fiction. 286 p. Adult (High school).<br />

The Bradford Family saga continues with<br />

Matthew sailing to England to take possession<br />

of his inheritance and title. In his heart, he<br />

knows he is running away..from Abigail..from<br />

God. Innocent of the ways of the world,<br />

Matthew soon finds himself a victim of a<br />

devious financial scam. Broken and ill,<br />

Matthew returns home. Sam continues his<br />

pursuit of Keturah, but she continues to reject<br />

him. When Keturah moves to South Carolina to<br />

help Grace with her new baby, Sam despairs that<br />

he will ever convince her of his love. Grace<br />

finds herself a widow, but finds she can not<br />

grieve for a husband that never fulfilled her<br />

needs. She is determined never to open her<br />

heart again. When she hires a new overseer,<br />

Cormac, she discovers her resolve crumbling.<br />

Grace has a second chance for love, will she<br />

take it?<br />

Command the Sun is a novel full of rich<br />

characters. Gilbert Morris consistently creates<br />

characters that readers can relate to, and fall in<br />

love with. The story contains some surprises,<br />

but is a bit predictable. As part of a series, one<br />

that I had not read, I had little difficulty<br />

“catching up.”<br />

Tammy Williams, Freelance Writer, Social Worker, Port Orchard,<br />

Washington<br />

Crown of fire, by Kathy Tyers. (Firebird;<br />

3.) LCCN 00010881. Minneapolis:<br />

Bethany House, 2000. ISBN 0754222163,<br />

PAP, $10.00.<br />

F. Fantastic fiction; Science fiction; <strong>Christian</strong> fiction.<br />

320 p. Adult (High school).<br />

Crown of Fire, by Kathy Tyers, is the exciting<br />

conclusion to the science fiction trilogy<br />

including Firebird and Fusion Fire. Summoned<br />

to Netaia to be confirmed as an heiress to the<br />

royal House Angelo, Lady Firebird is thrilled<br />

with the opportunity to bring about change in<br />

her home world, and to fight for the common<br />

folk so long ruled and ignored by the royal<br />

house. Firebird and her telepathic husband,<br />

Brennan, also hope their presence will draw out<br />

one of the evil Shuhr for capture. The<br />

Federation, under attack by the Shuhr, wants to<br />

employ mind access on their captive enemy and<br />

discover where the Shuhr intend to strike next.<br />

Firebird struggles with pride and independence,<br />

desiring to save her Netaian people by her own<br />

leadership and strength, rather than seeking the<br />

Eternal Speaker’s (God’s) will. Raised to<br />

believe that her actions must balance her<br />

shortcomings, Firebird pays a high price for her<br />

pride. Only through her husband’s sacrifice of<br />

life is she able to fully grasp the idea of<br />

atonement and realize that she owes her life to<br />

the Eternal Speaker, with no cause to be proud.<br />

Brennan likewise learns the vital lesson that in<br />

his own weakness, the One is made strong<br />

through Brennan’s complete surrender to Him.<br />

As Firebird and Brennan allow the One to work<br />

through them, they are called to fulfill the<br />

ancient prophecy predicting the destruction of a<br />

“nest of evil”—the Shuhr and their twisted<br />

genetic experimentation and breeding program.<br />

After a dramatic and surprising outcome of that<br />

battle, Firebird and Brennan, along with other<br />

faithful followers of the One, eagerly await the<br />

arrival of the promised messiah, the Word to<br />

Come.<br />

Crown of Fire is a challenging read the first half<br />

of the book, as it discusses complex political<br />

circumstances involving Netaia, Thyrica, Three<br />

Zed, the Federation, the Sentinels, and the Shuhr<br />

—issues that are more convoluted than several<br />

Deep Space Nine episodes. The second half of<br />

the book is more action oriented, and delves<br />

more deeply into the minds and hearts of<br />

Firebird, Brennen, and their relationship with<br />

God, the One. Tyers includes a “what has gone<br />

before” overview of Firebird and Fusion Fire to<br />

remind readers of what transpired in the first two<br />

books, both of which definitely should be read<br />

before tackling Crown of Fire. True science<br />

fiction fans will enjoy this trilogy greatly.<br />

Sherri Beeler, Teacher, Cascade <strong>Christian</strong> High School, Medford,<br />

Oregon<br />

Cry freedom, by Marlo Schalesky. (The<br />

winds of freedom; 1.) LCCN 99089206.<br />

Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books, 2000.<br />

ISBN 1581341695, PAP, $10.99.<br />

F. United States--History--Colonial period, ca. 1600-<br />

1775--Fiction; Whitefield, George, 1714-1770--<br />

Fiction; Delaware Indians--Fiction; Great Awakening--<br />

Fiction. 379 p. Adult (High school).<br />

Cry Freedom is double edged. The birthing of<br />

America and the flowering of faith are<br />

intertwined in this historical romance. The main<br />

focus is less on the romance and more on the<br />

development of steadfast trust in God’s leading.<br />

The intense inner struggle against<br />

overwhelming fears in choosing Christ over life<br />

in the face of harsh trials, brutality and death is<br />

beautifully detailed. Marlo Schalesky<br />

incorporates interaction with the historical<br />

figures and events of that era including the<br />

impact on society of George Whitefield and<br />

Samuel Adams. Taking place at this time is the<br />

seesaw for power between the English, French,<br />

and Native Americans during the King George<br />

War. The conclusion promises more to follow to<br />

develop secondary characters.<br />

After the massacre of her missionary father and<br />

her people only Kwelik, a lovely <strong>Christian</strong> halfbreed<br />

maiden and her brother remain. She<br />

surrenders her freedom so Little Cloud can<br />

vanish. Kwelik escapes one captor to become<br />

enslaved by another while inner demons compel<br />

her to give up as she continuously pleads with<br />

God for liberation. God appears not to be<br />

listening. A torturous death awaits but God<br />

whispers: “Whosoever will lose his life for my<br />

sake shall find it.” (Matthew 16:25)<br />

Oppressed by the anguish of abuse, false piety,<br />

and dark secrets perpetrated by his father and<br />

now the mantle of lord of the manor being<br />

conferred on his equally domineering brother,<br />

Jonathan flees England. The American frontier<br />

offers asylum, but everything he undertakes to<br />

make a new life is torched into ashes. Without<br />

an example of a godly father Jonathan resists the<br />

summons: “If the Son therefore shall make you<br />

free, you shall be free indeed.” (John 8:36)<br />

Debbie Lindsay, Homeschool Parent, Eatonville, Washington<br />

Daughter of Twin Oaks, by Lauraine<br />

Snelling. (A secret refuge; 1.) LCCN<br />

00008414. Minneapolis: Bethany House,<br />

2000. ISBN 1556618395, PAP, $10.99.<br />

F. United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--<br />

Fiction. 282 p. Adult (High school).<br />

With the turbulence of the Civil War<br />

surrounding their plantation, Jesselynn, in shorn<br />

hair and britches, secrets away what is left of her<br />

deceased father’s prize Thoroughbred horse<br />

stock. Leaving Kentucky with her toddler<br />

brother and several freed slaves, their<br />

destination is Missouri to seek refuge with an<br />

uncle. Traveling by the stars, they encounter<br />

and embrace several other individuals affected<br />

by the war as they wend their way.<br />

In the meantime Jesselynn’s sisters are<br />

temporarily residing with an aunt in Virginia.<br />

Carrie Mae is soon to be married to a wounded<br />

ex-soldier while Louisa is volunteering at the<br />

hospital where she immerses herself in<br />

comforting the human wreckage spawned by the<br />

war.<br />

Those who have appreciated Lauraine<br />

Snelling’s Red River of the North series will<br />

likely enjoy Daughter of Twin Oaks, the first<br />

volume in A Secret Refuge. The story leaps<br />

back and forth between Jesselynn’s trek and the<br />

sisters’ activities, with a sharper focus on<br />

Louisa. The trek is melodramatic due to the<br />

many interruptions of their travels in an attempt<br />

to carry the plot to the end, whereas the hospital<br />

depiction has more energy. Through Ms.<br />

Snelling’s research she strives to portray the<br />

horrors and desolation of this period in<br />

S P R I N G 2 0 0 1 6 0 C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L


ADULT<br />

FICTION<br />

America’s history without zeroing in on violent<br />

details, but does include the use of an occasional<br />

ethnic slur in common usage at that time. The<br />

conclusion is a cliff hanger and fails to resolve<br />

the various characters’ dilemmas creating<br />

anticipation for the next volume in this series.<br />

Debbie Lindsay, Homeschool Parent, Eatonville, Washington<br />

The divine symphony, by Calvin Miller.<br />

LCCN 00008166. Minneapolis: Bethany<br />

House, 2000. ISBN 0764221701, PAP,<br />

$12.99.<br />

F. Mary, Blessed Virgin, Saint--Fiction; <strong>Christian</strong><br />

women saints--Palestine--Fiction; Creation--Fiction;<br />

Palestine--Fiction; Allegories. 290 p. Adult.<br />

In The Divine Symphony, Calvin Miller<br />

combines his previously published A Requiem<br />

for Love, and A Symphony in Sand.<br />

The story of Earthmaker, Regis, and Regina, in<br />

A Requiem for Love, parallels God, Adam, and<br />

Eve. Regis and Regina experience total<br />

happiness with themselves and Earthmaker until<br />

she becomes curious about her Father’s enemy.<br />

Soon Regina sees a handsome youth, but draws<br />

away “feeling both fear and enticement.” He<br />

says, “I am Slithe, no enemy but friend. I’m<br />

ready now to serve your curiosity and answer all<br />

your wonder.” Slithe appears often, sometimes<br />

man, sometimes serpent, always contradicting<br />

Earthmaker. At last Regina yields to his lure.<br />

Then Earthmaker must force his people out the<br />

Sanctuary gates to the desert beyond.<br />

A Symphony in Sand details the story of a maid,<br />

Trouvere, and her betrothed, The Artisan,<br />

recognizable as Mary and Joseph. An intruder<br />

enters their lives, sometimes as a serpent. He<br />

unsettles The Artisan with untruths and heaps<br />

doubts upon Trouvere. Victory finally comes<br />

when Trouvere gathers unknown strength to<br />

grab “the heavy thing of hate” and “..with her<br />

bare foot crushed the ugly reptile’s head.” Then<br />

comes the birth of Trouvere’s child, welcomed<br />

by Melek and Imperious, two ancient men, who<br />

acknowledge Him as the Savior.<br />

The imaginative retelling of these two<br />

foundational Bible stories portrays Satan’s everpresent<br />

strategy and God’s faithfulness. Slithe’s<br />

words echo today’s new-age thought and<br />

theology, but one of his statements reminds, “..I<br />

do not barge into any soul unwelcomed by the<br />

heart.” Miller fills his poetry with proverbs that<br />

bear reading more than once, even underlining<br />

in one’s own copy. Most chapters end with a<br />

rhyming couplet, otherwise Miller writes in free<br />

verse. Simple pen and ink drawings as well as<br />

special sayings serve as chapter dividers.<br />

Betty M. Hockett, Freelance Writer, Teacher, Speaker, Newberg,<br />

Oregon<br />

☛<br />

Everything I long for, by Melody Carlson.<br />

(Whispering pines series; 1.) LCCN<br />

99014914. Eugene, Ore.: Harvest House,<br />

2000. ISBN 0736900624, PAP, $9.99.<br />

F. Oregon--Fiction; <strong>Christian</strong> fiction. 268 p.<br />

A place to come home to, by Melody<br />

Carlson. (Whispering pines series; 2.)<br />

LCCN 99014245. Eugene, Ore.: Harvest<br />

House, 1999. ISBN 0736900535, PAP,<br />

$9.99.<br />

F. Oregon--Fiction; <strong>Christian</strong> fiction. 262 p.<br />

Adult (High school).<br />

Seasoned writer Melody Carlson brings to<br />

readers more satisfying stories that deal with<br />

hopeful dreams, grating reality, and complex<br />

relationships in her Whispering Pines series. In<br />

the first book, A Place To Come Home To,<br />

Maggie Carpenter answers an enticing Internet<br />

ad to be the editor of a small town newspaper.<br />

Leaving her life as an award-winning journalist<br />

at the L.A. Times she packs her belongings and<br />

her unwilling fourteen year old son and heads<br />

off to Whispering Pines, Oregon. Her dreams of<br />

living a simplistic, uncluttered life become<br />

mired in the discovery that the town is slowly<br />

dying after the new highway bypassed it. Her<br />

reception is mixed between high expectations<br />

she will turn the town around, and open hostility<br />

since she is an outsider. Maggie also finds<br />

herself the focus between two very different<br />

men. Reconciling her mourning for her<br />

husband, and her attraction to these possible<br />

suitors, amidst all the other adjustments in her<br />

new life, keeps Maggie relying on the Lord all<br />

the more.<br />

The second book in the series, Everything I<br />

Long For, jumps right in where the first book<br />

leaves off. Maggie’s rocky start in Whispering<br />

Pines settles down with the success of receiving<br />

a grant she wrote to help make some very much<br />

needed improvements and repairs to the town.<br />

Unfortunately, her personal life hits some<br />

serious potholes making Maggie wonder if<br />

Whispering Pines is really what she had longed<br />

for after all.<br />

What could have been yet another formula<br />

romance takes some interesting plot turns. The<br />

author has a touch for writing about realistic<br />

situations and giving dimension to the many<br />

characters involved. Maggie’s plucky<br />

enthusiasm, combined with her vulnerability<br />

make her quite a likable heroine. Her reliance<br />

on the Lord is ever-present without being<br />

overbearing. These books could be a cross-over<br />

novel much like Jan Karon’s books which<br />

centered on small-town life, and had the thread<br />

of God’s grace running through them.<br />

Pam Webb, <strong>Library</strong> Technician, Sandpoint, Idaho<br />

★<br />

Fireside stories of love, life and laughter,<br />

written and compiled by Mary<br />

Hollingsworth. Nashville: Word<br />

Publishing, Thomas Nelson, 2000. ISBN<br />

0849937825, PAP, $12.99.<br />

F. Short stories; <strong>Christian</strong> fiction. 203 p. Adult.<br />

Fireside Stories is a collection of short stories<br />

based on real life situations and fictional tales.<br />

A number of the stories are <strong>Christian</strong> based, but<br />

not all. All have a message that brings laughter<br />

or sometimes a tear. Authors range from Mark<br />

Twain to Max Lucado, offering a variety that<br />

would appeal to a broad audience. Mary<br />

Hollingsworth has carefully selected stories that<br />

can be used as references or just to be enjoyed<br />

by a reader on a rainy day.<br />

Tammy Williams, Freelance Writer, Social Worker, Port Orchard,<br />

Washington<br />

For such a time, by Elyse Larson.<br />

(Women of valor; 1.) LCCN 00008270.<br />

Minneapolis: Bethany House, 2000. ISBN<br />

0764223550, PAP, $9.99.<br />

F. World War, 1939-1945--France--Fiction; World<br />

War, 1939-1945--Women--Fiction; Americans--<br />

France--Fiction; Women--France--Fiction; France--<br />

Fiction. 351 p. Adult (High school).<br />

In December 1943, life in Lyon, France,<br />

becomes even more difficult for Giselle and<br />

Claude Munier, members of the French<br />

Resistance. Giselle takes their daughters,<br />

Jacquie and Angie, to live in a safe place, but<br />

when she returns home she finds Claude gone.<br />

She wonders if informers betrayed them.<br />

Jean Thornton, Giselle’s American cousin and a<br />

Red Cross worker, arrives for duty in Wales with<br />

two concerns: whereabouts of Tom, the<br />

Japanese man she loves, but who no longer<br />

loves her, and safety of Giselle. When she hears<br />

the Nazis have captured Giselle, Jean finagles<br />

and receives permission to rescue her. She<br />

practices the intricacies of parachute jumping,<br />

gun handling, and daily life in France before<br />

launching into the dangerous mission.<br />

For Such A Time, by Elyse Larson, takes the<br />

reader through agonizing twists and turns that<br />

lead Jean, Giselle, Jacquie, and Angie back to<br />

Wales. But even there the road goes bumpy<br />

before they feel safe. All the while, Jean longs<br />

for Tom and Giselle worries about Claude.<br />

Fearsome complications mount, despite all<br />

precautions. One night when an informer<br />

threatens them as well as Jacquie, Angie, and<br />

Tom, Jean uses her gun to save the lives of those<br />

she loves. Although the plot dictates that Jean<br />

shoot a man, Larson emphasizes in the final<br />

pages the need to love and forgive everyone,<br />

even our enemies. She does this naturally,<br />

honestly, and convincingly through story.<br />

Larson grabs the reader’s attention from the first<br />

paragraph, and does not let go until the final<br />

word. Her in-depth research of time and places<br />

carries the reader into the scenes all the way<br />

through the story. This, along with a skillful use<br />

of words and plot, bring alive the physical<br />

deprivation, pain, and emotional stress common<br />

for many during that time. She writes in a way<br />

that makes plausible her large cast of<br />

characters—a good balance of hateful people<br />

and delightful, caring folks.<br />

The last sentence points to more about Jean and<br />

Giselle. For the story preceding For Such A<br />

Time, read Dawn’s Early Light, by Elsie J.<br />

Larson.<br />

Betty M. Hockett, Freelance Writer, Teacher, Speaker, Newberg,<br />

Oregon<br />

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★<br />

Heathersleigh homecoming, by Michael<br />

Phillips. (The secrets of Heathersleigh<br />

Hall; 3.) LCCN 99006750. Minneapolis:<br />

Bethany House, 1999. ISBN 0764220454,<br />

PAP, $12.99.<br />

F. World War, 1914-1919--England--Devon--Fiction.<br />

429 p. Adult.<br />

In Heathersleigh Homecoming, twenty-oneyear-old<br />

Amanda Rutherford Halifax, a prodigal<br />

daughter, finds herself in the “faraway land” of<br />

disobedience, suffering the consequences of<br />

rebellion from her parents. Upon learning that<br />

Ramsey, her unfaithful husband of one month,<br />

belongs to a spy ring working against the Allies<br />

in World War I, she flees from Vienna by train,<br />

hoping to escape through Italy or France to<br />

London. Fearful that she will reveal their<br />

espionage secrets, Ramsey and evil Mr. Barclay<br />

pursue Amanda relentlessly.<br />

After discerning Amanda’s forlorn countenance<br />

in the train station, and befriending her with a<br />

kind invitation, Gretchen introduces her to<br />

beauty and peaceful seclusion at the Chalet of<br />

Hope high in the Alps of neutral Switzerland.<br />

Here a group of <strong>Christian</strong> women dedicate their<br />

lives to the emotional and spiritual healing of<br />

others. But because healing is slow and painful<br />

and Amanda’s prideful independent spirit<br />

strong, she breaks away again to cross enemy<br />

lines.<br />

Amanda is unaware that information she<br />

possesses about enemy spies in a secluded<br />

lighthouse on the English coast is intertwined<br />

with the duties of her father and brother on the<br />

battle cruiser Dauntless, responsible for<br />

torpedoing German U-boats in the English<br />

Channel. Cleverly disguised, she outwits<br />

Ramsey and Mr. Barclay, stalking them and<br />

eavesdropping. Amanda reaches London, begs<br />

an audience with Winston Churchill, her father’s<br />

friend, and reports intelligence crucial to ending<br />

the war.<br />

Solid <strong>Christian</strong> truths and themes fill Michael<br />

Phillips’ third novel in the Secrets of<br />

Heathersleigh Hall series. In the Introduction,<br />

his thoughtful treatise on the universal parable<br />

of the prodigal son prepares the reader to<br />

participate more personally in Amanda’s<br />

homecoming. Through Amanda’s observations<br />

and experiences, Phillips brilliantly depicts her<br />

awakening to a godly sorrow leading to<br />

repentance of pride and damaged relationships.<br />

Phillips molds Amanda’s character as she learns<br />

compassion and comforts others.<br />

God answers her parents’ prayers and faith with<br />

Amanda’s healing and restoration. But sin has<br />

its consequences. Though she is reunited with<br />

her mother and sister, Amanda never sees her<br />

father or brother again; they die in the war.<br />

Phillips shows that God is always good and life<br />

goes on. Amanda looks expectantly to a new<br />

future.<br />

Readers will understand how to have a personal<br />

relationship with their heavenly Father, and<br />

think about the meaning of Christmas and<br />

differing attitudes toward divorce and<br />

remarriage. The story may be read without<br />

knowledge of the series. Phillips says we are a<br />

prodigal humanity. Heathersleigh Homecoming<br />

is a splendid story for all of us and about all of<br />

us.<br />

Rhonda Marie Lackey, Writer, Former Teacher/Librarian, Tukwila,<br />

Washington<br />

Honor’s reward, by Kristen Heitzmann.<br />

(Rocky mountain legacy; 5.) LCCN<br />

99006867. Minneapolis: Bethany House,<br />

2000. ISBN 076422204X, PAP, $10.99.<br />

F. Family life--Fiction; Western stories; <strong>Christian</strong><br />

fiction. 317 p. Adult (High school).<br />

Abbie was married to Monte Farrell. Cole<br />

Jasper was a foreman on their ranch, but has<br />

known Abbie since they were teens. Cole has<br />

loved Abbie since he can remember, but after<br />

Monte’s death by a bull, Abbie dismisses Cole<br />

from his position on the ranch and vows she<br />

never wants to see him again. In book five,<br />

Abbie returns to the ranch with her new husband<br />

Cole Jasper, after outwitting the outlaw Crete<br />

Marlowe. Accompanying Cole and Abbie is<br />

Birdie, the sixteen-year-old saloon girl, with a<br />

large chip on her shoulder. Cole expects Abbie<br />

to accept Birdie as her own, and raise her<br />

alongside her niece Jenny and her son Elliot.<br />

With Birdie “making eyes” at Cole, Abbie<br />

struggles to accept and love her. Abbie knows<br />

that she loves Cole, but she continually<br />

compares him to Monte and is consumed with<br />

guilt. When Cole discovers that Crete Marlowe<br />

is after revenge, Cole is determined to see him to<br />

justice, even against the wishes of Abbie. Will<br />

Cole and Abbie’s marriage survive?<br />

Kristen Heitzmann has written an interesting, if<br />

somewhat typical story of love in the west. I<br />

found it difficult to pick up all the details from<br />

previous books and was often confused or lost in<br />

the story. The theme of reconciliation was<br />

strong as well as the power of forgiveness.<br />

Murder and prostitution is included in the<br />

content, but not with much detail or graphics.<br />

Tammy Williams, Freelance Writer, Social Worker, Port Orchard,<br />

Washington<br />

Imperial legions, by Andrew M. Seddon.<br />

LCCN 99088716. Nashville: Broadman &<br />

Holman, 2000. ISBN 0805421807, PAP,<br />

$14.99.<br />

F. Great Britain--History--Roman period, 55 B.C.-449<br />

A.D.--Fiction; <strong>Christian</strong> saints--Great Britain--Fiction;<br />

Boadicea, Queen, d.61--Fiction; Paul, the Apostle,<br />

Saint--Fiction; Soldiers--Rome--Fiction. 434 p.<br />

Adult.<br />

Sergius, a Roman soldier, and Ailidh, a Celt,<br />

should be dire enemies, but they’re not. Despite<br />

the conflict between their two cultures as Rome<br />

attempts to subdue the inhabitants of Britain,<br />

Sergius and Ailidh unite themselves in Christ<br />

where there is “neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor<br />

free.” Appointed as tribune of a Roman legion,<br />

Sergius participates in the destruction of the<br />

Druids, the Celtic intelligentsia believed to be<br />

responsible for stirring up the British tribes to<br />

rebellion. Later, Sergius faces Queen Boudicca<br />

and her warriors as they fight to protest the<br />

injustices of the Roman empire. Dismayed by<br />

the needless bloodshed of innocents, and<br />

sickened by the tortured human sacrifices<br />

Boudicca’s warriors offer to pagan gods, Sergius<br />

is forced to question his own role as a soldier<br />

and as a follower of Christ. Ailidh, once a<br />

Druidess before her conversion to Christ, finds<br />

herself an outcast among her people and grieved<br />

by the revengeful, bloody nature of the tribes<br />

against Rome. Together she and Sergius vow to<br />

follow a better way.<br />

Imperial Legions, by Andrew M. Seddon, is a<br />

well-researched novel detailing the life and<br />

attitudes of those living in the first century A.D.<br />

The book includes a map, (very useful in<br />

keeping track of the numerous locations and<br />

military movements throughout the story), an<br />

extensive dictionary of Roman and British<br />

terms, and a list of sources. The book, which<br />

gathers intensity about midway through, is<br />

similar in style to the historical novels of Steven<br />

Lawhead, Francine Rivers, and Donna Fletcher<br />

Crow, although with more emphasis on the story<br />

than the internal workings of the main<br />

characters. The spiritual struggles of Sergius<br />

and Ailidh seem more of an afterthought rather<br />

than an integral part of their lives, resulting in a<br />

somewhat anticlimactic ending. While there are<br />

numerous characters involved, many of them<br />

historical figures, Seddon uniquely describes<br />

them so they are easily remembered. Seddon<br />

also does a good job of portraying both sides of<br />

the story—Rome’s and Britian’s. The book<br />

describes the violence of war realistically, but is<br />

reasonably non-graphic.<br />

Sherri Beeler, Teacher, Cascade <strong>Christian</strong> High School, Medford,<br />

Oregon<br />

Jenny’s story, by Judy Baer. (Best friends<br />

forever; 1) LCCN 00025562. Wheaton,<br />

Ill.: Tyndale House, 2000. ISBN<br />

0842319220, PAP, $9.99.<br />

F. <strong>Christian</strong> fiction; Widows--Fiction; Gambling--<br />

Fiction. 261 p. Adult.<br />

Having lost her beloved husband of twelve years<br />

to an aneurysm, Jenny Owens finds herself<br />

mired in severe depression and grief. Barely<br />

able to function, she relies on the strength of her<br />

two childhood best friends, Libby and Tia,<br />

feeling that God has abandoned her. As Jenny<br />

works through the difficult stages of grief, she is<br />

faced with the startling news that the husband<br />

she idolized led a double life as a gambling<br />

addict who frittered away all their financial<br />

resources. Left with a heavy mortgage on her<br />

home, and no college degree or job experience,<br />

Jenny is forced to take control of her life in a<br />

way she never had to before.<br />

When Jenny hires a gardener to put her huge<br />

yard back in order, the last person she expects to<br />

see is another person from her childhood—<br />

Mike, the rebellious “preacher’s kid.” As Mike<br />

works in the soil, weeding, planting, and<br />

fertilizing, he provides a listening ear for Jenny,<br />

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enabling her to “weed out” her own life. By<br />

sharing bits of his own spiritual journey, he<br />

helps Jenny find her way back to God, one step<br />

at a time. As Jenny’s garden begins to yield an<br />

abundance of flowers, so her friendship with<br />

Mike blossoms into love, and her trust in the<br />

Lord begins to flourish.<br />

Judy Baer, an experienced novella author, wrote<br />

Jenny’s Story, her first full-length book.<br />

Although five or six pages are missing the last<br />

line at the bottom, it is worth the read. Jenny’s<br />

life shows how God never forsakes us, even in<br />

the hard times. He ministers to us through close<br />

personal friends, strangers, and through<br />

answered prayer—even though we may not<br />

always recognize it. Jenny is reminded that faith<br />

in God is dependent on fact, regardless of how<br />

she feels. Forced to come to terms with her own<br />

mortality, Jenny also comes to realize that she<br />

does not need a husband in order to be whole;<br />

God is the only one who can make her complete.<br />

Sherri Beeler, Teacher, Cascade <strong>Christian</strong> High School, Medford,<br />

Oregon<br />

Josephine’s fortune, by Kay D. Rizzo.<br />

(Serenity Inn series; 3.) LCCN 98049464.<br />

Nashville: Broadman & Holman, 1999.<br />

ISBN 0805416757, PAP, $7.99.<br />

F. Slavery--Fiction; Underground railroad--Fiction.<br />

213 p. Adult.<br />

Rich Josephine Van der Mere, engaged to the<br />

politically influential Samuel Pownell of<br />

Albany, New York, is mourning his loss at sea,<br />

when she receives information that he is not<br />

dead, but recuperating from his accident and<br />

hidden away in New Orleans, Louisiana. An<br />

avid conductor on the Underground Railroad,<br />

Josephine must try to unobtrusively finish her<br />

present assignment in the freedom organization<br />

and take leave to travel to Pownell’s side<br />

without being found out. But who is the man in<br />

black who continuously shadows her?<br />

This intriguing story leads the reader on a romp<br />

through New York and its Underground<br />

Railroad system, a sea voyage, pirates, and its<br />

thrilling climax in New Orleans. The last leg of<br />

the adventure takes the reader up the Mississippi<br />

River to Missouri, and the start of a new life near<br />

Samuel’s daughter Serenity and her new<br />

husband. Josephine and Samuel must face and<br />

make hard decisions of career, politics, family,<br />

and religion. Author, Kay D. Rizzo’s lively plot<br />

in book three of her Serenity Inn Series is fast<br />

paced, but at the same time preserves the<br />

traditions and temper of historic pre-Civil War<br />

America.<br />

Judy Driscoll, Retired Teacher, Poulsbo, Washington<br />

Lethal harvest, by William Cutrer, Sandra<br />

Glahn. LCCN 00030951. Grand Rapids:<br />

Kregel Publications, 2000. ISBN<br />

0825423716, PAP, $10.00.<br />

F. Genetic engineering--Fiction; Medical ethics--<br />

Fiction; Physicians--Fiction. 407 p. Adult.<br />

The combined talents of Sandra Glahn and<br />

William Cutrer, M.D. have created a new<br />

medical thriller, Lethal Harvest, that’s hard to<br />

put down. It’s like Robin Cook’s books with a<br />

<strong>Christian</strong> slant. Marnie Sullivan is shocked but<br />

not heartbroken when her husband, Tim<br />

Sullivan, drives into the Potomoc River one icy<br />

day in December. Although the body is never<br />

found, death is accepted. Marnie and five year<br />

old Emily must start a new life together. In<br />

steps, Dr. Ben McKay, Tim’s silent partner, who<br />

is also a hospital chaplain, comforts Marnie,<br />

makes the memorial arrangements, and helps<br />

the little family through the difficult months.<br />

Eventually Ben introduces Marnie to Jesus<br />

Christ and the world of faith. She and Ben’s<br />

hearts begin to blend. Then through a series of<br />

oddities Marnie realizes things are not as they<br />

seemed. When Marnie receives an e-mail from<br />

her late husband Tim, she flies to Texas to meet<br />

him. She is disappointed, however, that he<br />

offers no love or apology for his staged death,<br />

just a warning. She and Emily are in danger. He<br />

wants only to concentrate on his medical<br />

research—cloning human eggs. Murder,<br />

litigation, and arson add spark to this unique<br />

novel of modern science.<br />

Lethal Harvest is pleasingly complex,<br />

religiously genuine, and clinically correct.<br />

Perhaps too much so. One may choose to skim<br />

over the scientific details; no problem, the<br />

storyline carries the tale. An intriguing element<br />

about this book is that in America’s high-tech<br />

society, cloning human eggs may some day<br />

become a reality. A wise people will consider<br />

the questions and consequences beforehand.<br />

Lethal Harvest, through an entertaining media,<br />

will help readers do just that.<br />

Ginger McGrath, Freelance Writer, Leavenworth, Washington<br />

Like gold refined, by Janette Oke. (A<br />

prairie legacy; 4.) LCCN 00008127.<br />

Minneapolis: Bethany House, 2000. ISBN<br />

0764221612, PAP, $10.99.<br />

F. Mothers and daughters--Fiction. 253 p. Adult<br />

(High school).<br />

Like Gold Refined, set in the early 1900’s,<br />

follows the lives of the Davis family. This<br />

particular story focuses on Virginia,<br />

granddaughter of Clark and Marty. Virginia has<br />

been raising Mindy, the child of her childhood<br />

friend for over six years. Virginia and her<br />

husband Jonathan consider Mindy to be theirs.<br />

Even though they have not heard from Jenny,<br />

Mindy’s mom, for more than six years, they still<br />

pray for her each day. Little do they realize that<br />

their prayers are about to be answered. Jenny<br />

arrives and announces that she is there to claim<br />

her daughter for her own. How can Virginia<br />

give up the child? How can she fill the void that<br />

Mindy would leave in their home?<br />

Janette Oak has written a novel relevant to<br />

issues faced by women today, but in an<br />

historical setting. Not only in regards to child<br />

custody issues, but she also writes a great deal in<br />

this story about dealing with aging<br />

parents/grandparents and accepting the changes<br />

that are inevitable. I found the story sensitive in<br />

dealing with painful issues, if a bit naïve. It<br />

would have been helpful to have read the stories<br />

in this series, as it was difficult to categorize the<br />

numerous characters introduced throughout the<br />

story.<br />

Tammy Williams, Freelance Writer, Social Worker, Port Orchard,<br />

Washington<br />

The list, by Robert Whitlow. LCCN<br />

99045922. Nashville: Word Publishing,<br />

2000. ISBN 0849916402, PAP, $12.99.<br />

F. Spiritual warfare--Fiction. 395 p. Adult.<br />

Renny Jacobson finds that after the unexpected<br />

death of his wealthy father he has been virtually<br />

disinherited except for his membership in The<br />

List, a secret group formed during the closing<br />

days of the Civil War whose descendents still<br />

meet.<br />

On his way to a coastal inn in South Carolina to<br />

find out about The List, Renny meets Jo<br />

Johnston, an attractive <strong>Christian</strong> whose<br />

ancestors were also members of The List. She<br />

challenges him to find out more about the group<br />

which signs a covenant and seals it with blood.<br />

Renny is not only falling for Jo but is intrigued<br />

by her faith in Christ. As he journeys from<br />

unbeliever to <strong>Christian</strong>, largely through the<br />

prayers of Jo, his landlady, and Mama A, a<br />

friend of his deceased mother’s, he is torn<br />

between the desire to serve the Lord and the lure<br />

of the vast wealth of those involved in The List.<br />

It soon becomes clear that this is really a battle<br />

between good and evil and that demonic forces<br />

have been at work and curses have been loosed.<br />

Is he willing to sacrifice to bring about the<br />

destruction of The List, or will he be overcome<br />

by greed and blinded by the darkness that<br />

surrounds all who are involved in the unholy<br />

covenant?<br />

Fast-paced and intriguing, The List is a mystery<br />

and a love story. Robert Whitlow has woven an<br />

involving plot that boldly discusses the battle<br />

that continually wages in the spiritual realm.<br />

Renny discovers that while evil is pervasive and<br />

strong, Christ is Light and can easily dispel the<br />

darkness for true believers. The author does an<br />

excellent job of portraying the importance of<br />

prayer. not only to our daily lives but in times of<br />

spiritual crisis. It also emphasizes the personal<br />

aspect of the believer’s relationship with Christ.<br />

Teresa O’Donley, <strong>Library</strong> Media Teacher, Scotts Valley, California<br />

Looking for you all my life, by Melody<br />

Carlson. (Whispering pines series; 3.)<br />

LCCN 99041914. Eugene, Ore.: Harvest<br />

House, 2000. ISBN 0736900632, PAP,<br />

$9.99.<br />

F. Oregon--Fiction; Love stories; <strong>Christian</strong> fiction.<br />

304 p. Adult (High school).<br />

In an attempt to stop an ill-planned housing<br />

development project from being built in Pine<br />

Mountain, Maggie, a small-town newspaper<br />

editor, prints the truth about the developer’s<br />

other failed projects. However, she does not<br />

receive the support she expects from many of<br />

the local business owners who are desperate for<br />

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anything to help revive their sluggish<br />

economy—particularly since the winter snows<br />

have held off, thus delaying the start of the<br />

skiing and tourist season.<br />

As she struggles to stand for what is true and<br />

right, she also encounters difficulty in her<br />

personal life. Maggie and Jed had an<br />

“understanding,” but that is put on hold when<br />

Jed’s long-lost daughter, newly reunited with<br />

her father, demands more and more of his time<br />

and attention. Maggie must learn to deal with<br />

her insecurity regarding her relationship with<br />

Jed, and come to a deeper understanding of why<br />

Leah seems determined to keep her away from<br />

Jed. Eventually the three of them work out their<br />

difficulties, and Maggie and Jed become<br />

engaged.<br />

Looking For You All My Life, by Melody<br />

Carlson, is the third book in the Whispering<br />

Pines series. Readers will definitely need to<br />

read the first two books before this one, or they<br />

will be confused. There are numerous<br />

characters, and the author, assuming the reader<br />

is acquainted with their various backgrounds<br />

and relationships, does little explaining. While<br />

the book is generally well-written, it is not as<br />

riveting or realistic as the first two. Maggie and<br />

Jed get engaged, but never spend the time<br />

together investing in a serious relationship<br />

necessary for marriage. The land development<br />

project is brought up as a major conflict and<br />

focus of the story, but no satisfying closure is<br />

given to the issue.<br />

Sherri Beeler, Teacher, Cascade <strong>Christian</strong> High School, Medford,<br />

Oregon<br />

Lost Romance Ranch, by Annie Jones.<br />

(Route 66.) LCCN 00022410. Colorado<br />

Springs: WaterBrook Press, 2000. ISBN<br />

1578561353, PAP, $6.95.<br />

F. Automobile travel--Fiction; Separated people--<br />

Fiction; United States Highway 66--Fiction;<br />

Humorous stories; Love stories. 234 p. Adult (High<br />

school).<br />

Lost Romance Ranch is subtitled A Romantic<br />

Comedy From the Roadsides of Route 66 and<br />

comes with a giggle guarantee. Though there<br />

are a few amusing events, the subject matter of<br />

the plot is very cogitative. Tidbits of the history<br />

of Route 66 are part of the fabric as the<br />

characters maneuver their way through this<br />

story displaying that men and women truly<br />

appear to be from opposite planets. Annie Jones<br />

stimulates the reader to contemplate the sanctity<br />

of the marriage vows by setting aside selfabsorption<br />

and considering a partner’s<br />

viewpoint so obstacles are able to be<br />

surmounted. Seeking God’s counsel is<br />

demonstrated to be extremely important before<br />

making drastic decisions. Also, the surrendering<br />

of pride becomes the restorative balm for<br />

damaged relationships.<br />

Blind-sided by the letter left from his wife in the<br />

now empty house, Teague is confused. The<br />

typical family difficulties aside he is left with<br />

not a single clue to understand what has led up<br />

to his wife suddenly leaving with the children.<br />

Everything he does is for the welfare of his most<br />

precious possession, his family.<br />

Wendie broods over the numerous reasons to<br />

justify her actions—Teague’s all absorbing work<br />

ethic, charity functions, and other priorities that<br />

he places above his family’s happiness. By<br />

leaving with the twins, Wendie hopes to jolt<br />

Teague into awareness of the seriousness of their<br />

situation.<br />

Will this be another marriage shattered on the<br />

rocks of today’s statistics?<br />

Debbie Lindsay, Homeschool Parent, Eatonville, Washington<br />

The Marquesa, by Stephen Bly. (Heroines<br />

of the golden west; 2.) LCCN 09833717.<br />

Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books, 1998.<br />

ISBN 1581340257, PAP, $10.00.<br />

F. Actresses--Fiction; Women merchants--Fiction;<br />

Montana--Fiction. 221 p. Adult.<br />

Isabel Leon, better known by her stage name,<br />

“The Marquesa,” has settled down in Cantrell,<br />

Montana, to manage a general store for her good<br />

friend Carolina Parks, who is in the East<br />

awaiting the birth of her first child. The<br />

Marquesa has also joined a venture to build a<br />

hotel in the rapidly growing boom town.<br />

Unfortunately, her partners and almost everyone<br />

else are in the gold fields.<br />

When the Marquesa is approached by former<br />

army captain Dawson Mandara who offers to<br />

take charge of the construction of the hotel, she<br />

accepts his offer even though she resents his<br />

superior manner and pities the wife he mentions<br />

frequently. As work progresses on the hotel, the<br />

relationship between the Marquesa and the<br />

captain develops to a point where the Marquesa<br />

begins to envy the captain’s wife. As the<br />

Marquesa struggles with her feelings for the<br />

captain and her developing faith in God, she is<br />

increasingly distressed by the thought of the<br />

impending arrival of the captain’s family to<br />

Cantrell. The Marquesa also has other problems<br />

including a number of men from her past who<br />

pose complications, including having her<br />

thrown in jail. Life in Cantrell is never dull with<br />

runaway horses, robberies, shootouts, and wild<br />

chases after outlaws. Throughout all of this<br />

activity, the Marquesa discovers that real life<br />

can be even more exciting and fulfilling than<br />

any role on the stage.<br />

The Marquesa is the second book in the<br />

Heroines of the Golden West series by Stephen<br />

Bly. To fully understand many of the characters<br />

and incidents in the book, one should have read<br />

book number one, Sweet Carolina. As long as<br />

the reader remembers that this book contains a<br />

great deal more fiction than history, it is an<br />

entertaining book that will make an enjoyable<br />

light read.<br />

Virginia Brown, <strong>Library</strong> Assistant, Freelance Writer, Former<br />

Teacher, Sheridan, Wyoming<br />

★<br />

The midwife’s song : a story of Moses’<br />

birth, by Brenda Ray. LCCN 00102602.<br />

Port St. Joe, Fla.: Karmichael Press, 2000.<br />

ISBN 0965396681, HBB, $14.95.<br />

F. Moses (Biblical leader)--Birth--Fiction; Bible.<br />

O.T. Exodus--History of Biblical events--Fiction;<br />

Midwives--Fiction; Egypt--History--To 332 B.C.--<br />

Fiction. 243 p. Adult (High school).<br />

Brenda Ray draws on work credentials and a<br />

Master’s in nurse-midwifery, to fictionalize the<br />

account of midwife, Puah, and her mentor<br />

Shiphrah recorded in Exodus 1:15-2:10 in The<br />

Midwife’s Song: A Story of Moses’ Birth.<br />

She portrays Puah with compelling suspense,<br />

colorful descriptions, and deep insight, as Puah<br />

defies the Pharaoh’s decree to murder all<br />

newborn males, endangering her and those she<br />

loves. Then Hattush, “who makes her heart<br />

sing,” accepts punishment for Puah and their<br />

unborn child when faced with the Pharaoh’s<br />

rage, leading to a gripping climax. Shiphrah<br />

remains a steady source of comfort and strength<br />

throughout the ordeal. Puah, at 98, tells this<br />

provocative story in chapter flashbacks to the<br />

children as they march into the desert, led by<br />

Moses.<br />

Puah’s faith in God is reminiscent of<br />

Hadassah’s, the memorable heroine in The Mark<br />

of the Lion series by Francine Rivers. The<br />

reader cheers and then grieves as the story<br />

develops, and Puah’s deep faith is challenged,<br />

sometimes minute-by-minute.<br />

Research for the book followed the biblical<br />

account, Jewish traditions, folklore, and ancient<br />

Near Eastern history. An outstanding first book<br />

of a planned trilogy, Ray’s account rings with<br />

courage, sometimes deception, but always with<br />

God at the center. This will become an oftenread<br />

classic.<br />

Gail Welborn, Freelance Writer, Everett, Washington<br />

A moment of weakness, by Karen<br />

Kingsbury. LCCN 99050869. Sisters,<br />

Ore.: Multnomah, 2000. ISBN<br />

1576736164, PAP, $11.99.<br />

F. Custody of children--Fiction; Domentic fiction;<br />

<strong>Christian</strong> fiction; Love stories. 411 p. Adult.<br />

A Moment of Weakness is a compelling story of<br />

two people, Jade and Tanner, childhood friends<br />

separated by a family scandal and reunited years<br />

later as adults. Their feelings for each other<br />

have remained and deepened and they soon find<br />

themselves in love. Jade commits her life to<br />

Christ and their desire to serve the Lord only<br />

strengthens their commitment to one another.<br />

But their feelings carry them away in a moment<br />

of weakness and their lives are changed forever.<br />

While Tanner is on a trip to Hungary, Jade<br />

discovers she is pregnant and contacts his<br />

mother for an emergency number so that she<br />

might get in touch with him. His ambitious<br />

mother, convinced Jade will never be the wife<br />

he needs to further his political career, fills her<br />

with lies about her beloved Tanner, and Jade<br />

leaves, a crushed and broken young woman,<br />

determined to never see Tanner again.<br />

S P R I N G 2 0 0 1 6 4 C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L


ADULT<br />

FICTION<br />

Ten years later their lives again cross, this time<br />

when Jade is in desperate need of a lawyer,<br />

about to lose her only child because of her faith<br />

in Christ; because of a bitter, angry husband<br />

with intentions to destroy her. Tanner is the only<br />

man who can help her in her darkest hour, yet so<br />

much remains between them and only God can<br />

heal the deep hurts each one harbors.<br />

Author Karen Kingsbury ends the book with a<br />

letter to the reader defining her intention in<br />

writing A Moment of Weakness; the intention to<br />

demonstrate God’s truth about sin, particularly<br />

sexual sin, and His readiness to forgive and<br />

welcome sinners with open arms. Although the<br />

scenes of sexual desire are phrased delicately,<br />

this book is not written for young people but<br />

rather for adults. Its message is strong and clear<br />

and belongs on the shelves of church libraries.<br />

Ceil Carey, Young Adult Librarian, Plano, Illinois<br />

The Omega deception, by John F. Bayer.<br />

LCCN 99046480. Nashville: Broadman &<br />

Holman, 2000. ISBN 0805419667, PAP,<br />

$12.99.<br />

F. World War, 1939-1945--Secret service--United<br />

States--Fiction. 310 p. Adult.<br />

German military top secret project code name<br />

Omega Deception is being developed to<br />

annihilate thousands of New York City<br />

residence. Michael Jason Shaw, is recruited be<br />

American intelligence to stop this massacre of<br />

innocent people. This is the chance for<br />

vengeance Michael has been waiting for since<br />

he lost his beloved wife Barbara to a German<br />

torpedo, three years ago.<br />

Michael infiltrates the German military as an SS<br />

officer assigned to oversee the Omega project.<br />

Michael’s life is spared through one catastrophe<br />

after another, and he finds himself praying and<br />

regaining his trust in God. Unable to find a way<br />

to keep the project from completion, Michael<br />

finds himself on the U-boat with minutes to<br />

launch, taking the last chance to save thousands<br />

from a most painful death. Michael lays his life<br />

on the line, knowing it is certain death. He races<br />

to reprogram the rocket and fails. As the rocket<br />

launches, Michael is blown into the freezing<br />

water of the North Atlantic Ocean. God sends<br />

an instant storm to change the path of the rocket,<br />

and a cargo ship to pluck Michael out of the<br />

water seconds before his death from exposure.<br />

In The Omega Deception, author John E Bayer<br />

could have a page-turner. The violence is in line<br />

with the era and situation even though the<br />

characters do not leave a lasting memory, and<br />

the suspense stops short of being heart stopping.<br />

The plot is well thought out and a good story<br />

over-all. Glossary of German words is a great<br />

help and makes the story seem more authentic.<br />

Adult men who enjoy military history will find<br />

the cover and the story line appealing.<br />

Mari Williams, Literature Reviewer and Critic, Port Orchard,<br />

Washington<br />

Reaping the whirlwind : a Trent Tyson<br />

historical mystery, by Rosey Dow. Fort<br />

Mill, S.C.: Diadem Ministries, 2000. ISBN<br />

1579212964, PAP, $15.99.<br />

F. Scopes, John Thomas--Trials, litigation, etc.--<br />

Fiction; Evolution--Study and teaching--Law and<br />

legislation--Tennessee--Fiction. 399 p. Adult.<br />

The Scopes trial is the background for this<br />

murder mystery by author Rosie Dow. Deputy<br />

Sheriff Trent Tyson, recently moved to Dayton,<br />

Tennessee, finds suspicious deaths increasing in<br />

number. He discovers poisoning in two of the<br />

unexplained deaths and begins his investigation.<br />

In the meantime, city leaders decide to challenge<br />

the law about teaching evolution in school.<br />

Finding an ally in John Scopes, a high school<br />

science teacher, the town leaders fabricate<br />

events to bring notoriety and business to their<br />

small town. The reader travels with Tyson as he<br />

struggles with his own faith while confronted<br />

with the skepticism and anti-creation views of<br />

his friend the local doctor. In the midst of the<br />

sleuthing and self-discovery, Tyson’s father<br />

comes for a visit and declares that he is now a<br />

believer. The deputy’s whole foundation and<br />

belief system is challenged and through the<br />

course of the novel, he comes to terms with his<br />

wife’s death and his beliefs in God.<br />

In an attempt to educate people about the<br />

importance of the landmark Scopes trial case,<br />

author Rosey Dow chooses a unique and<br />

interesting way of presenting the material in<br />

Reaping the Whirlwind. The mysterious deaths,<br />

budding relationships, and introspective<br />

musings are enough to make this book a pageturner.<br />

She keeps the reader in suspense as to<br />

who the real killer is while allowing interesting<br />

glimpses into the mind of Trent Tyson as he<br />

comes to terms with his own beliefs. The<br />

characterizations are tight and consistent and the<br />

dialogue realistic. Dow also includes enough<br />

subplots to keep the story moving at a quick<br />

pace.<br />

Eileen Zygarlicke, Freelance Writer/Editor, Grand Forks, North<br />

Dakota<br />

The redemption of Sarah Cain, by Beverly<br />

Lewis. LCCN 00009407. Minneapolis:<br />

Bethany House, 2000. ISBN 0764223291,<br />

PAP, $9.99.<br />

F. Lancaster County (Pa.)--Fiction; Guardian and<br />

ward--Fiction; Orphans--Fiction; Aunts--Fiction;<br />

Amish--Fiction. 316 p. Adult.<br />

Embittered by being made to feel inferior by her<br />

older sister, and emotionally wounded by the<br />

death of one of her students, Sarah Cain gives up<br />

her teaching job and pours her life into the fast<br />

track of real estate, high commissions, and an<br />

extravagant lifestyle. However, when Ivy, her<br />

widowed sister, dies and names Sarah guardian<br />

of her five Amish children, Sarah is forced to<br />

deal with her bitterness and grief in a way she<br />

never would have dreamed.<br />

At first the “plain” life-style seems stark and<br />

oppressive to Sarah, the “fancy Englisher.”<br />

Eager to return to her “real” life in Oregon,<br />

Sarah immediately makes plans to find an<br />

Amish family to take over the children’s<br />

guardianship. During her stay with Ivy’s<br />

children, Sarah begins to develop great respect<br />

for Lydia, the oldest, who keeps the family<br />

together and the farm running. And she finds<br />

that little Anna Mae, who struggles mightily to<br />

come to terms with her mother’s death, tugs at<br />

her heart in a way that her former student did.<br />

Gradually, the Amish ways become more<br />

appealing to Sarah in her search for peace. As<br />

Sarah reads her sister’s journals, she discovers<br />

the transformation her sister underwent when<br />

she accepted Christ as her Savior. Sarah, too,<br />

comes to know the Lord, and decides to stay on<br />

as the children’s guardian.<br />

The Redemption of Sarah Cain, by Beverly<br />

Lewis, is a story of hope and healing. It<br />

illustrates the subtle ways greed can infiltrate<br />

our lives, and reminds us that ultimately, the<br />

things of this world will not satisfy us. While<br />

the story does not specifically promote the<br />

Amish lifestyle, it makes one want to take a<br />

deep breath, slow down a bit, and appreciate<br />

life’s many blessings. As with Lewis’ other<br />

books, the characters are richly developed, and<br />

endear themselves to the reader; their struggles<br />

with life are real, and answers to their problems<br />

do not come easily—but eventually they do<br />

come, in the Lord’s timing.<br />

Sherri Beeler, Teacher, Cascade <strong>Christian</strong> High School, Medford,<br />

Oregon<br />

The rose legacy, by Kristen Heitzmann.<br />

(Diamond of the Rockies; 1.) LCCN<br />

00009990. Minneapolis: Bethany House,<br />

2000. ISBN 076422381X, PAP, $10.99.<br />

F. Italian Americans--Colorado--Fiction; Women<br />

pioneers--Fiction; Colorado--Fiction; <strong>Christian</strong> fiction;<br />

Western stories; Love stories. 395 p. Adult (High<br />

school).<br />

Ten thousand feet up in the crags of the<br />

Colorado Rockies, nestles the throbbing mining<br />

town of Crystal. With all of her belongings<br />

trashed at the bottom of a cliff and her hot Italian<br />

blood bubbling, Carina determines to claim the<br />

home she purchased through the ad that enticed<br />

her to this drab hole. Carina finds her home<br />

already occupied by coarse characters, so she<br />

marches to the nearest lawyer’s office and is<br />

heartily welcomed and reassured that her<br />

concerns will be cared for. Carina unwittingly<br />

becomes immersed in the underbelly of<br />

malevolent politics fueled by the town’s legends<br />

and superstitions.<br />

The Rose Legacy is an abandoned gold mine<br />

with an eerie history, and Quillan is a by-product<br />

of its deceased owners. His father was a savage<br />

and his mother a prostitute. He tries to maintain<br />

a low profile in Crystal to keep from disturbing<br />

sleeping memories. But due to Carina’s<br />

nosiness about the history of the mine, tensions<br />

escalate to volcanic proportions and burst,<br />

engulfing the citizens of Crystal. The aftermath<br />

leads to vigilante justice and grisly death.<br />

Author of the Rocky Mountain Legacy series,<br />

Kristen Heitzmann’s talent has evolved with The<br />

Rose Legacy which begins the Diamond of the<br />

C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 6 5 S P R I N G 2 0 0 1


ADULT<br />

FICTION<br />

Rockies series. She captures the essence of the<br />

surroundings and plunges the reader into the<br />

heart and soul of the main characters with a<br />

gripping intensity. This novel offers a twist of<br />

mystery, legend, romance, and foul play brought<br />

to justice by the citizens due to the disablement<br />

of the law. The response to the effects of the<br />

gospel is reminiscent of the Bible’s parable of<br />

the sower with the seed falling on a variety of<br />

conditions. Character interaction chastely<br />

crescendos to just prior to the consummation of<br />

marriage, then resumes with the thought and<br />

emotions that follow. The conclusion, though<br />

adequate will tantalize the reader’s desire for the<br />

sequel.<br />

Debbie Lindsay, Homeschool Parent, Eatonville, Washington<br />

Second chances, by Debra White Smith.<br />

(Seven sisters ; book 1.) LCCN 99048824.<br />

Eugene, Ore.: Harvest House, 2000. ISBN<br />

0736902767, PAP, $9.99.<br />

F. Divorced women--Fiction; Clergy--Fiction;<br />

Stalking victims--Fiction; <strong>Christian</strong> fiction. 334 p.<br />

The awakening, by Debra White Smith.<br />

(Seven sisters ; book 2.) LCCN 00243160.<br />

Eugene, Ore.: Harvest House, 2000. ISBN<br />

0736902775, PAP, $9.99.<br />

F. Americans--Travel--Vietnam--Fiction; Stalking<br />

victims--Fiction; Models (Persons)--Fiction; Vietnam--<br />

Fiction; <strong>Christian</strong> fiction. 332 p.<br />

Adult.<br />

Despite attempts to reconcile with her<br />

adulterous pastor husband, newly-divorced<br />

Marilyn Thatcher insists that she will never<br />

marry again. However, when Josh, her friendly<br />

neighbor, is injured during a tornado, Marilyn is<br />

quick to help him out—even if he is a pastor,<br />

and she is no longer on speaking terms with<br />

God. Marilyn once felt a strong call to be a<br />

pastor’s wife; now, despite her undeniable<br />

attraction to Josh, Marilyn resists with all her<br />

strength, determined never to make herself<br />

vulnerable again.<br />

When one of her seven “sisters,” good college<br />

friends she’s kept in touch with for years, asks<br />

her if she has prayed about her relationship with<br />

Josh, Marilyn becomes very angry. However,<br />

the Lord works on Marilyn’s heart and<br />

surprisingly, she finds herself praying for her exhusband<br />

and his new wife. Eventually she is<br />

able to let go of her bitterness towards them. As<br />

she ceases striving with the Lord, she realizes<br />

that she has been disobedient in denying his<br />

clear call to a relationship with Josh and serving<br />

as a pastor’s wife once more.<br />

Second Chances is book one in the Seven Sisters<br />

series which follows the lives of seven college<br />

friends who have kept in close touch since<br />

graduation, supporting each other through<br />

regular conference calls and biannual gettogethers.<br />

Although the story drags a bit,<br />

Second Chances clearly illustrates the<br />

forgiveness of God and his redemptive power as<br />

Josh’s past life of social sins and living on the<br />

edge of the law is revealed, and threatens his<br />

pastorship. Second Chances affirms the<br />

cleansing power of God’s forgiveness and his<br />

ability to use anyone who surrenders to him,<br />

regardless of his or her past.<br />

Book two, The Awakening, tells the story of<br />

supermodel Kim Lan. Under strong conviction<br />

by the Lord to deepen her walk with him, Kim<br />

Lan signs up for a missions trip to Vietnam.<br />

Although she is engaged to the handsome and<br />

wealthy movie star Ted Curry, Kim finds herself<br />

incredibly attracted to the mission trip leader,<br />

Mick O’Donnel. She resists him fiercely,<br />

clinging desperately to the pleasure she finds in<br />

her up-scale lifestyle, and status-symbol fiancé.<br />

But as the Lord impresses Kim Lan with the<br />

need to surrender completely to him, including<br />

her wealth, the “perfect man,” and maybe even<br />

her modeling career, Kim finds true happiness in<br />

a godly relationship with Mick.<br />

The Awakening is the stronger of the two books.<br />

The spiritual struggle is real and compelling,<br />

and the story is kept interesting with a side-plot<br />

of a sinister stalker, and the struggles of the other<br />

seven “sisters.”<br />

Sherri Beeler, Teacher, Cascade <strong>Christian</strong> High School, Medford,<br />

Oregon<br />

Serenity Bay, by Bette Nordberg. LCCN<br />

00010526. Minneapolis: Bethany House,<br />

2000. ISBN 0764223968, PAP, $10.99.<br />

F. Puget Sound Region (Wash.)--Fiction; Female<br />

friendship--Fiction; Married women--Fiction; Abused<br />

wives--Fiction; <strong>Christian</strong> fiction; Psychological<br />

fiction. 320 p. Adult.<br />

Patricia Koehler’s seemingly perfect life as the<br />

wife of a doctor on an island in the Puget Sound<br />

is a lie. Although she has a daughter and is<br />

pregnant with her second child, it is only when<br />

her best friend, Susan, stops by unannounced<br />

and overhears the obvious sounds of violence<br />

that Patricia’s secret is revealed. Her husband,<br />

Russell, beats her. Patricia continues to believe<br />

that her husband’s abuse can somehow be<br />

controlled if she just finds the correct way to<br />

respond to him. He is always so loving and kind<br />

after each episode of violence. Surely she could<br />

not have been so mistaken in her choice of men<br />

to marry.<br />

He had seemed like the answer to her prayers<br />

when she first met him. Russell Koehler began<br />

courting her during her second year of teaching<br />

elementary school and soon after her mother had<br />

died of cancer. The son of wealthy parents, he<br />

had the means to plan wonderful, fairy-tale dates<br />

for her around Seattle while diligently pursuing<br />

his schooling as a doctor. And when he chose<br />

her even though his parents argued that she had<br />

no pedigree, Patricia felt that his love was strong<br />

enough to protect her against anything.<br />

It takes Russell’s physical violence against their<br />

daughter, and his smashing of Patricia’s<br />

treasured cello while telling her, “Don’t you<br />

ever forget..I can do the same thing to you” to<br />

break his hold over her. And it takes Susan’s<br />

friendship to provide her with the emotional<br />

courage to leave. But that is only the beginning<br />

of Patricia’s search to find true shelter. Through<br />

Susan, Patricia is also introduced to a<br />

relationship with Jesus. While Beete<br />

Nordberg’s novel, Serenity Bay, realistically<br />

portrays how difficult it is for women to leave<br />

abusive relationships, the aspect of Patricia’s<br />

spiritual awakening and growth seems rather<br />

forced.<br />

Lillian Heytvelt, Librarian, Pomeroy, Washington<br />

A slender thread, by Tracie Peterson.<br />

LCCN 99051016. Minneapolis: Bethany<br />

House, 2000. ISBN 0764222511, PAP,<br />

$10.99.<br />

F. Motion picture actors and actresses--Family<br />

relationships--Fiction; Mothers--Death--Psychological<br />

aspects--Fiction; Grandmothers--Fiction; Sisters--<br />

Fiction; <strong>Christian</strong> fiction; Domestic fiction. 380 p.<br />

Adult.<br />

Five sisters were abandoned by a mother they<br />

never knew and raised by a grandmother who<br />

loved them dearly. Now in their twenties and<br />

early thirties, the five women, all with different<br />

lifestyles, must discover who they really are.<br />

They come together for their mother’s funeral,<br />

but none feel any grief. Instead they haggle over<br />

the hurts that haunt them and question their<br />

relationships with one another. Through it all<br />

their grandmother, Mattie, stands silently by,<br />

knowing the only thing that can heal their hurts<br />

is the power of God. Mattie creates a<br />

powerfully illustrative quilt of how she sees the<br />

family. It is made of six large blocks,<br />

representing Mattie and the girls, and has a thin<br />

slender thread woven throughout that connects<br />

the blocks, just they are all connected.<br />

Disagreements and spiteful words pull the<br />

sisters apart, but tragedy reunites them and<br />

opens their eyes to the importance of<br />

forgiveness and love.<br />

A Slender Thread by Tracie Peterson tackles the<br />

difficult subject of parental abandonment and all<br />

the issues that accompany it. Her characters are<br />

realistic and the dialogue and action compelling<br />

enough to keep the reader’s attention. One of<br />

the sisters, Deirdre, develops a gambling<br />

problem. Although Peterson deals with the<br />

problem and has the character come to accept<br />

her addiction, Deirdre does so easily compared<br />

with real life. However, this was the only<br />

weakness noted in plotting. The author<br />

examines the meaning of true forgiveness and<br />

allows the reader glimpses at the heartwrenching<br />

agony living with unforgiveness<br />

brings.<br />

Eileen Zygarlicke, Freelance Writer/Editor, Grand Forks, North<br />

Dakota<br />

Solemn oath, by Hannah Alexander.<br />

LCCN 99050972. Minneapolis: Bethany<br />

House, 2000. ISBN 0764223488, PAP,<br />

$10.99.<br />

F. Physicians--Fiction; Medical novels; <strong>Christian</strong><br />

fiction. 351 p. Adult.<br />

Cowboy Casey and Buck Oppenheimer, along<br />

with Arthur and Alma Collins, meet disaster in<br />

Solemn Oath’s first four pages. From those<br />

scenes, Hannah Alexander, the pseudonym for<br />

the husband and wife writing team of Cheryl<br />

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and Melvin Hoddle, takes readers directly into<br />

the Knolls Community Hospital emergency<br />

room. Dr. Lukas Bower, the unwilling<br />

temporary director, and Dr. Mercy Richmond,<br />

who maintains a private practice, treat the<br />

wounded.<br />

Abner and Delphi Bell, Clarence Knight and his<br />

sister Darlene, the Cuendet family, and teenager,<br />

Shannon Becker bring various troubles to<br />

emergency. Their problems intertwine with a<br />

hospital investigation launched by Bailey Little,<br />

a bitter and guilty man. Ups and downs of the<br />

personal lives of Dr. Lukas and Dr. Mercy add<br />

another dimension, especially when Dr .Mercy’s<br />

husband, Theodore, shows up after his release<br />

from detox. His presence affects her and their<br />

daughter, eleven-year-old Tedi. Dr. Lukas helps<br />

Theodore find his way to faith in Christ. But<br />

what about Dr. Mercy’s faith?<br />

A strong attraction between the two doctors puts<br />

each in personal turmoil as multiple fires make<br />

folks wonder if the Knolls community has an<br />

arsonist on its hands. Then, because of a major<br />

disaster at the hospital, many questions suddenly<br />

have answers.<br />

Cheryl and Melvin Hoddle have fashioned a<br />

fast-paced story with one emergency after<br />

another, both inside the hospital and elsewhere.<br />

Since Melvin Hoddle practices emergency<br />

medicine, descriptions of injuries, illnesses, and<br />

medical procedures hold an aura of real-life.<br />

Several plots successfully woven together create<br />

the theme: compassion costs, but it’s worth it.<br />

A large number of characters, primary and<br />

secondary, with others who make only a minor<br />

appearance, add to the hustle and bustle of A<br />

Solemn Oath. The writer rounds them out into<br />

real people who create in readers disgust,<br />

sympathy, and love, along with chuckles. The<br />

medical setting makes a welcome change in<br />

current fiction.<br />

Betty M. Hockett, Freelance Writer, Teacher, Speaker, Newberg,<br />

Oregon<br />

Suncatchers, by Jamie Langston Turner.<br />

LCCN 00009991. Minneapolis: Bethany<br />

House, 2000. ISBN 0754224158, PAP,<br />

$10.00.<br />

F. South Carolina--Fiction; Separated people--Fiction;<br />

Evangelicalism--Fiction; <strong>Journal</strong>ists--Fiction;<br />

<strong>Christian</strong> fiction. 389 p. Adult.<br />

Suncatchers could carry the subtitle, The<br />

Revitalization of Perry Warren. What starts out<br />

as an assignment to write a book about “fire and<br />

brimstone fanatics” ends up as a life-changing<br />

year for Perry.<br />

When cracks in his marriage to Dinah open<br />

wide, Perry leaves her and their son Troy behind<br />

and goes to Derby, South Carolina. He moves<br />

into his sister’s empty house; immediately his<br />

next-door neighbors, Eldeen, Jewel, and Joe<br />

Leonard, befriend him.<br />

Eldeen, elderly, dressed in odd clothes and<br />

talking constantly but at times eloquently,<br />

amazes Perry. He finds Jewel and her teen-aged<br />

son, Joe Leonard, who plays the tuba, intriguing.<br />

Under the guise of studying them, he goes along<br />

to the Church of the Open Door. Folks there<br />

also welcome him, but he resolves not to<br />

become involved. Concerns for Dinah and Troy<br />

continually pierce his mind.<br />

Sunday services, weekly prayer meetings, the<br />

Fourth of July celebration, Wilderness Gospel<br />

Camp, a wedding, youth activities, and Joe<br />

Leonard’s injury, melt Perry’s resolve like snow<br />

in the sun. He sometimes feels preached at and<br />

at other times wonders about authenticity of all<br />

Eldeen and others say about God and answers to<br />

prayer. He surprises himself with certain<br />

spontaneous reactions.<br />

Turner has created a character-driven story that<br />

moves slowly, even sometimes tediously, yet<br />

steadily to accomplish her goal. No real twists<br />

and turns of plot to keep readers going, but the<br />

characters do that themselves. She reveals a<br />

master-hand at describing details and showing<br />

characters rather than merely telling about them.<br />

Eldeen, believable, humorous, and always<br />

replete with something to say, bears well the<br />

weight of spiritual admonisher. Her words spin<br />

out naturally, full of advice, Scriptures, love, and<br />

understanding. Well-crafted flashbacks, Perry’s<br />

remembrances, reveal much about him and<br />

Dinah.<br />

In Suncatchers, Turner avoids a preachy tone<br />

while speaking to many real-life situations. She<br />

expertly presents a message of encouragement<br />

to believers and invitation to non-believers. The<br />

book’s title is a metaphor for this message.<br />

Readers will find at the end of the book sixteen<br />

questions intended as discussion helps for<br />

reading groups.<br />

Betty M. Hockett, Freelance Writer, Teacher, Speaker, Newberg,<br />

Oregon<br />

Tidings of peace, by Tracie Peterson.<br />

LCCN 00010525. Minneapolis: Bethany<br />

House, 2000. ISBN 0764222910, PAP,<br />

$9.99.<br />

F. World War, 1939-1945--Fiction; <strong>Christian</strong> fiction;<br />

War stories, American. 299 p. Adult (High school).<br />

Tidings of Peace is four novellas of love during<br />

World War II. The author writes of four<br />

different, unrelated couples, and their individual<br />

journeys to love. David is a young man who<br />

escaped death aboard the USS Arizona because<br />

he was AWOL. Fulfilling a promise given to his<br />

deceased captain, Kenny, David travels to<br />

Washington State to visit Kenny’s family.<br />

David is determined to end his life through<br />

suicide immediately following the visit. But,<br />

when David arrives, he finds a family ready to<br />

welcome him as if he was their own. David is<br />

sure that if they knew his past, especially<br />

Kenny’s beautiful sister Rachel, they would<br />

reject him, as so many had in the past.<br />

In the South Pacific, Erik bails out of his<br />

burning plane and finds himself on an island that<br />

is either deserted or, worse yet, full of cannibals.<br />

Erik had not been receiving mail from his<br />

fiancee nor his family back home and has been<br />

filled with fear and rejection. Now, he is<br />

convinced he will never leave this island alive,<br />

because God must have rejected him, too.<br />

Melody is facing the birth of her first child, and<br />

her husband is fighting in Europe. When her<br />

parents discovered she was pregnant prior to her<br />

marriage, they threw her out of their house. Will<br />

Melody find reconciliation with her family?<br />

Will she be able to face this pregnancy and<br />

delivery feeling so alone?<br />

Clara is excited, because she has just discovered<br />

she will be stationed with the Red Cross in the<br />

same location as her fiancee in Europe. But,<br />

rumors circle around that his company will be<br />

moving out on the eve of their wedding day.<br />

Clara is determined that she will be married in a<br />

real white wedding dress. Now, she is not even<br />

sure it the wedding will take place.<br />

The author, Tracie Peterson, writes these<br />

novellas in the style of Grace Livingston Hill.<br />

The similarities are in the content and also the<br />

settings/era of the stories. Having read other<br />

works by Tracie Peterson and enjoying them<br />

immensely, I found these stories to be lacking in<br />

depth and found my interest steadily decreasing.<br />

Tammy Williams, Freelance Writer, Social Worker, Port Orchard,<br />

Washington<br />

Ties that bind, by Judith Pella and Tracie<br />

Peterson. (Ribbons west; 3.) LCCN<br />

99050592. Minneapolis: Bethany House,<br />

2000. ISBN 076422073X, PAP, $10.99.<br />

F. Railroads--West (U.S.)--History--19th century--<br />

Fiction; Frontier and pioneer life--West (U.S.)--<br />

Fiction; Women journalists--West (U.S.)--Fiction. 285<br />

p. Adult.<br />

Those who have read the first two books in the<br />

Ribbons West series, will be delighted to<br />

continue following the life of the Baldwin<br />

children as they move west to Sacramento and<br />

become part of the building of the<br />

Transcontinental Railroad. Jordana Baldwin,<br />

feeling out of sorts living with her brother and<br />

his new wife, decides to embark on a career of<br />

her own, writing stories for New York<br />

newspapers about the building of the Central<br />

Pacific Railroad. At the same time she forms an<br />

alliance with Charles Crocker, head of that<br />

railroad, to serve as a spy for him in trying to<br />

finger those responsible for the theft and<br />

sabotage which has been plaguing the railroad’s<br />

progress. Against her family’s wishes, she<br />

disguises herself as young male reporter Joe<br />

Baldwin, and lives in the railroad camps in order<br />

to be accepted by the rough railroad workers.<br />

Across the continent, Jordana’s long time friend<br />

Captain Rich O’Brian leaves the army and<br />

(unbeknownst to her) is hired by the Union<br />

Pacific Railroad as their spy. The intrigue builds<br />

when their paths cross and they become<br />

involved in each other’s missions. The two<br />

young adventurers not only manage to solve the<br />

mysteries they face on the railroad, but at the<br />

same time explore and solve some of the<br />

C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 6 7 S P R I N G 2 0 0 1


ADULT<br />

FICTION<br />

problems which they face in their personal lives,<br />

crises of faith, family, and career.<br />

Authors Judith Pella and Tracie Peterson show<br />

their expertise as <strong>Christian</strong> writers in creating<br />

believable characters who are able to live and<br />

share their faith without clubbing others over the<br />

head with it. Their witness is natural without<br />

resorting to fantastic miracles and instantaneous<br />

conversions to make their point.<br />

Judy Driscoll, Retired Teacher, Poulsbo, Washington<br />

True devotion, by Dee Henderson.<br />

(Palisades pure romance.) LCCN<br />

00008387. Sisters, Ore.: Multnomah,<br />

2000. ISBN 1576736202, PAP, $6.99.<br />

F. United States. Navy. SEALS--Fiction; Widows--<br />

Fiction; <strong>Christian</strong> fiction; Love stories. 352 p. Adult<br />

(High school).<br />

SEAL is the acronym for an elite branch of the<br />

U. S. Navy special forces. From the sea, air, or<br />

land, they get the job done. This is the basis<br />

upon which True Devotion is built.<br />

Kelly, a young widow whose SEAL husband<br />

Nick is killed in the line of duty, grapples with<br />

her loss. Blaming God, she feigns spirituality<br />

before everyone, and now caught in the ocean’s<br />

riptide while attempting to rescue a surfer, they<br />

drift further out to sea. With plenty of time to<br />

scrutinize her life and possible death she<br />

confesses her folly.<br />

Joe, Nick’s buddy and their mutual friend, is<br />

Kelly’s mainstay when she needs emotional<br />

cleansing and support following Nick’s death.<br />

They explore the possibility of becoming more<br />

than friends, but have many issues to surmount.<br />

Kelly yearns for a family but is reluctant to risk<br />

being a SEAL wife again. Joe is in the SEALs<br />

to stay and cannot justify being an absent father<br />

while on lengthy missions. Both determine to<br />

seek God’s will and guidance as they explore<br />

furthering their relationship.<br />

Dee Henderson infuses this romance with facts<br />

regarding the tactics and terminology of a Navy<br />

SEAL team and briefly explains where she<br />

diverges from fact. She details several SEAL<br />

team missions which injects a bit of action and<br />

mystery as the plot unfolds. The characters<br />

interact realistically as they resolve their<br />

respective grief as spouse and friend. The<br />

conclusion is weakened by a sense of deja vu<br />

because Kelly again finds herself floating in the<br />

ocean awaiting rescue.<br />

Debbie Lindsay, Homeschool Parent, Eatonville, Washington<br />

Unseen riches, by Gilbert Morris and J.<br />

Landon Ferguson. (The chronicles of the<br />

golden frontier; 2.) LCCN 98051867.<br />

Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books, 1999.<br />

ISBN 1581340222, PAP, $11.99.<br />

F. Newspaper publishing--Fiction; Women publishers-<br />

-Fiction; Colorado--Fiction; Western stories; Love<br />

stories. 332 p. Adult.<br />

Newspaper editor, Jennifer DeSpain, and Jason<br />

Stone, her assistant, have established a<br />

successful newspaper in Virginia City during<br />

Nevada’s gold rush. Now they are ready to face<br />

new challenges. Jennifer, her children, Jason,<br />

and their good friends Lita and Abe are moving<br />

to Black Hawk, Colorado, to establish a<br />

newspaper in the Colorado gold fields. On the<br />

train to Colorado, the notorious Kissing Bandit<br />

steals all of Jennifer’s money as well as a kiss.<br />

Although all of Jennifer’s capital for the<br />

newspaper is gone, Jason and Abe still have<br />

some money, which they pool to get the paper<br />

started. A serious accident leaves Jason<br />

paralyzed, and Jennifer is unable to print the<br />

newspaper by herself. Help comes in the form<br />

of a preacher and a handsome rancher.<br />

In Unseen Riches, Jennifer, her family, and<br />

friends face the temptations and tragedies of life<br />

in the Colorado gold fields together, but they all<br />

must work out their own problems through their<br />

faith in God. How they accomplish this, get the<br />

scoop of the century for the newspaper, and<br />

discover the identity of the Kissing Bandit keeps<br />

the reader turning pages right to the end.<br />

Unseen Riches is the second in The Chronicles<br />

of the Golden Frontier Series. The reader who<br />

has not read Riches Untold may have a difficult<br />

time understanding the relationship between the<br />

characters. Although this book is historical<br />

fiction, some great liberties have been taken<br />

with history, with the characters riding from Salt<br />

Lake through the Colorado Rockies to Golden,<br />

Colorado. Actually, the Union Pacific ran north<br />

of Colorado through Wyoming to avoid the<br />

mountains. However, this book is exciting with<br />

a good <strong>Christian</strong> message. Hopefully the reader<br />

may also be inspired to read other true stories<br />

about heroines of the Colorado gold rush<br />

including Virginia Cornell’s Doc Susie: The<br />

True Story of a Country Physician in the<br />

Colorado Rockies, Ballantine Books, 1992.<br />

Many excellent books have also been written<br />

about the “unsinkable” Molly Brown, who not<br />

only survived the gold rush, but was also a<br />

heroine of the sinking of the Titanic.<br />

Virginia Brown, <strong>Library</strong> Assistant, Freelance Writer, Former<br />

Teacher, Sheridan, Wyoming<br />

Unveiled, by Francine Rivers. (Lineage of<br />

grace.) LCCN 99086431. Wheaton, Ill.:<br />

Tyndale House Publishers, 2000. ISBN<br />

0842319476, HBB, $12.99.<br />

F. Tamar, daughter-in-law of Judah--Fiction; Bible.<br />

O.T. Genesis--History of Biblical events--Fiction;<br />

Women in the Bible--Fiction; Biographical fiction;<br />

Religious fiction. 173 p. Adult.<br />

Given in marriage to unite two households,<br />

fourteen-year-old Tamar finds herself in an<br />

unloving and abusive marriage. Accepting the<br />

physical abuse from her husband and verbal<br />

abuse from mother-in-law, Tamar dedicates<br />

herself to becoming the best person and wife she<br />

can be. When her husband chokes to death<br />

without leaving an heir, Tamar is given to Onan,<br />

the second son. Instead of wanting to<br />

impregnate her, Onan spills his seed and again<br />

Tamar is left childless. Onan dies suddenly and<br />

Judah, son of Jacob and brother of Joseph, sends<br />

Tamar back to her father’s house, despite the<br />

fact that she should be given to the youngest son<br />

in marriage. Tamar struggles for over six years<br />

to accept her fate. She has forsaken the<br />

Canaanite gods and yearns to know Judah’s<br />

God. In a final act of desperation, Tamar<br />

disguises herself as a temple prostitute and lures<br />

her father-in-law to sleep with her. She becomes<br />

pregnant and averts death when Judah realizes<br />

he is the father.<br />

Author Francine Rivers does a masterful job in<br />

Unveiled. She takes a small story in the Bible<br />

with one-dimensional people and brings them to<br />

life. The characterization is strong and<br />

consistent and the dynamics between the people<br />

realistic. At the end of this novella there is a sixsection<br />

study designed to give the reader more<br />

information from the Bible about Tamar and her<br />

story. This study can be done individually or in<br />

a group setting and helps the reader see the<br />

Biblical story in a new light.<br />

Eileen Zygarlicke, Freelance Writer/Editor, Grand Forks, North<br />

Dakota<br />

When joy came to stay, by Karen<br />

Kingsbury. LCCN 00009451. Sisters,<br />

Ore.: Multnomah, 2000. ISBN<br />

1576737462, PAP, $11.99.<br />

F. Women--Fiction; Identity (Psychology)--Fiction;<br />

Psychological fiction; <strong>Christian</strong> fiction; Depression--<br />

Fiction. 387 p. Adult.<br />

Picture-perfect Maggie Stovall puts her name<br />

into the church’s prayer circle basket. When<br />

assigned to pray, Laura is faithful to the leading<br />

of God to pray at odd times and places, and the<br />

cracks in the mask begin to show. As Maggie<br />

experiences bizarre occurrences that lead her to<br />

fear a nervous breakdown, she checks herself<br />

into a private <strong>Christian</strong> hospital. In When Joy<br />

Came to Stay Karen Kingsbury manages to refer<br />

to a brief seduction in the past with no doubt that<br />

the consequences of that sin and the subsequent<br />

deception about the birth of a daughter given up<br />

for adoption have seeded Maggie’s current<br />

difficulty.<br />

Maggie deludes herself that her husband Ben is<br />

to blame because of his standards of purity that<br />

engendered her fear of disclosure. Fearing that<br />

she will be unacceptable to him when the truth<br />

comes out, she refuses to see him and demands<br />

a divorce. Finally recognizing the necessity of<br />

vulnerability for growth and healing, Maggie<br />

finds her way through a maze of self-deceit and<br />

guilt to sort out the conflicts that have shortcircuited<br />

her life.<br />

Her bewildered husband, an assistant DA too<br />

busy building his career to see his wife’s pain<br />

until her abrupt departure, begins an odyssey to<br />

discover the reason for her behavior and any<br />

possible way out of the confusion for both of<br />

them. The truths discovered are made more<br />

difficult, as they are first thrown at him by a<br />

despicable character he can’t believe that<br />

Maggie ever knew. As he fits more pieces to the<br />

puzzle he fights through rage to indifference.<br />

Then surprised by a fierce love for the child he<br />

finds whose hope and faith overcomes her<br />

sadness, Ben is led to compassion. He becomes<br />

S P R I N G 2 0 0 1 6 8 C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L


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determined to reach his wife, ask for forgiveness<br />

and convince her of his continued love.<br />

Even though it is a novel rather than a dry<br />

treatise on a mental disorder, this book pictures<br />

potentially real behaviors and experiences<br />

related to depression. Characters as revealed<br />

through dialogue and description of their<br />

emotions and actions are realistic. Motivations<br />

as people struggle with their circumstances,<br />

stretching their faith are believable. Although<br />

there is graphic description of the abuse suffered<br />

by the child in the story, the ending is a hoped<br />

for and predictable, if idealized one. Both<br />

husband and wife learn about the cost of<br />

deception, the healing of truth and forgiveness,<br />

the power of God’s kind of love, and the reality<br />

of intercessory prayer as a source of spiritual<br />

strength. The reader is drawn repeatedly to trust<br />

in God over personal understanding. The<br />

faithfulness of God sustains the characters and<br />

the reader to a joyful resolution.<br />

Carol B. Taylor, Freelance Writer, Certified Social Worker, Poulsbo,<br />

Washington<br />

When shadows fall, by Patricia H.<br />

Rushford. (Helen Bradley mysteries.)<br />

LCCN 00008487. Minneapolis: Bethany<br />

House, 2000. ISBN 155661733X, PAP,<br />

$9.99.<br />

F. <strong>Christian</strong> fiction; Mystery and detective stories;<br />

Policewomen--Fiction; Bradley, Helen (Fictitious<br />

character)--Fiction. 238 p. Adult (High school).<br />

Helen Bradley, retired police officer, once again<br />

proves her agility when she survives being<br />

locked in a storage closet, pushed onto rocks,<br />

shot at, banged on the nose by a fleeing culprit,<br />

and being in a car accident. All this happens<br />

because Helen, a retired policewoman, cannot<br />

resist the temptation to help investigate two<br />

murders at Bay Village on the Oregon coast.<br />

Before Helen and the police find answers for all<br />

the questions facing them, they must solve a<br />

third murder.<br />

Rosie, Helen’s best friend, acts irresponsibly,<br />

and evidence of her involvement in the crimes<br />

goes against her. Additional complications arise<br />

when a newcomer claims his father was one of<br />

the murder victims.<br />

Helen plunges headlong into the situation in<br />

spite of her own personal crisis. Why did J.B.,<br />

her husband of only a short while, suddenly<br />

leave one morning without an explanation?<br />

Helen wants to believe he had to return to<br />

another undercover job, even though retired. On<br />

the other hand, dubious thoughts make her<br />

wonder, “Is he seeing another woman?”<br />

Patricia H. Rushford takes readers on a busy<br />

spin from first to last in When Shadows Fall. At<br />

the end, everything becomes clear, and Helen<br />

discovers her worst fears have melted away.<br />

This Helen Bradley #4 will not disappoint<br />

anyone who has met her before. Once again<br />

Rushford brings her to life with everyday<br />

details—the kind of tea Helen prefers, color and<br />

style of clothes, feelings and emotions. The<br />

conversational writing style helps readers feel as<br />

if they participate in Helen’s life. She’s a good<br />

friend to take along on vacation or to invite in<br />

for a lazy day of reading.<br />

Betty M. Hockett, Freelance Writer, Teacher, Speaker, Newberg,<br />

Oregon<br />

Whispering stones, by Sally Hawthorne.<br />

LCCN 98040562. San Antonio: Langmarc<br />

Publishing, 1998. ISBN 1880292602, PAP,<br />

$12.95.<br />

F. Grandmothers--Arizona--Fiction; Castles--Arizona-<br />

-Fiction. 192 p. Adult (High school).<br />

Sari Wyatt resents being ordered to Arizona by a<br />

grandmother she has never met. Raised in India<br />

by her missionary parents, Sari blames her<br />

grandmother for much of the hardship in her life<br />

and harbors bitter feelings toward her. On<br />

arriving in Arizona, Sari discovers her<br />

grandmother lives in a castle and is a real<br />

Duchess. Although Monty, her grandmother’s<br />

adopted son, tries to reassure her, Sari wonders<br />

if the Whispering Stones in her bedroom are<br />

warning her to leave.<br />

Surprised to hear her grandmother has<br />

disappeared before she arrived, Sari is more<br />

surprised when no one seems to care. The<br />

whispering Sari heard is explained when she<br />

finds a secret passage in the wall. Oscar<br />

Drayton, her grandmother’s lawyer, is found<br />

stabbed. Jessica, Monty’s wife, becomes<br />

increasingly resentful of Sari. Ron, Jessica’s<br />

cousin, wants to know Sari better. Although<br />

Sari broke her engagement to Michael before<br />

leaving New York, she still loves him and can’t<br />

understand her attraction to Ron.<br />

While searching her grandmother’s room for<br />

clues to where she may be, Marianne, the maid,<br />

interrupts and challenges Sari to forgive her<br />

grandmother. Realizing she needs God’s help to<br />

resolve her problems, Sari asks Him to forgive<br />

her. Although there are still questions to be<br />

answered and problems to be resolved, Sari is<br />

now able to face them.<br />

Sally Hawthorne spins a tale of love and<br />

forgiveness. Her love and knowledge of castles<br />

is evident. Each chapter ends with a situation<br />

that urges you to read on.<br />

Barbara Bryden, Freelance Writer, Olympia, Washington<br />

Woman of means, by Thom Lemmons.<br />

(Daughters of faith; 2.) LCCN 99088654.<br />

Sisters, Ore.: Multnomah, 2000. ISBN<br />

1576736121, PAP, $10.99.<br />

F. Lydia (Biblical character)--Fiction; Bible. N.T.--<br />

History of Biblical events--Fiction; Women in the<br />

Bible--Fiction; Biographical fiction; <strong>Christian</strong> fiction.<br />

346 p. Adult (High school).<br />

Woman of Means is a story of Lydia, the woman<br />

mentioned in Acts 16:14 as a dealer in purple<br />

cloth. From Lydia’s deathbed the story is told in<br />

a series of flashbacks that are at times, confusing<br />

and disruptive to the smooth flow of the<br />

storyline. The reader learns of Lydia’s young<br />

love for Menander in a flashback, also of her<br />

fascination with the apostle Paul at a later date.<br />

Lydia, as a young girl, is a headstrong tomboy.<br />

Her mother is absorbed in arts, drama, and<br />

music. Her father spends most of his time on his<br />

business, which leaves Lydia to her own<br />

devices. At sixteen she falls in love with<br />

Menander, and against her father’s better<br />

judgement he agrees to their marriage. After<br />

their first child is born, Menander decides to join<br />

the army. Shortly after he leaves, Lydia<br />

discovers she is pregnant again. When<br />

Menander is killed, Lydia is left to fend for<br />

herself and her children.<br />

In a time when women did not normally deal in<br />

the world of commerce, Lydia makes her mark<br />

in Philippi. Even when she becomes a <strong>Christian</strong><br />

late in life, her faith doesn’t seem to do much for<br />

her irascible character.<br />

Author, Thom Lemmons has done his research.<br />

Careful attention to details puts the reader into<br />

the Roman colony of Philippi of 28 A.D. The<br />

characters drink wine, a normal part of that<br />

culture and does not depict drunkenness.<br />

Myrtlemay Pittman Crane, Freelance Writer, Editor, Alderwood<br />

Manor, Washington<br />

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BOOK REVIEWS<br />

ADULT NONFICTION<br />

100’s—Philosophy & Psychology<br />

Holy people, holy lives : law and Gospel in<br />

bioethics, by Richard C. Eyer. LCCN<br />

00008495. St. Louis, Mo.: Concordia,<br />

2000. ISBN 0570052556, PAP, $16.99.<br />

174.’2. Medical ethics; Bioethics; <strong>Christian</strong> ethics.<br />

167 p. Adult.<br />

This book is a good place to start for anyone<br />

interested in the areas of theology and bioethics.<br />

Written from an overt, non-apologetic <strong>Christian</strong><br />

mindset, Eyer uses the format of real world<br />

situations that are used to model philosophies<br />

both old and new. This will benefit the reader<br />

greatly as many readers may not have had, or<br />

not had in a long time, a philosophy class that<br />

contained <strong>Christian</strong> thinkers. Eyer then<br />

systematically presents the mindset of each of<br />

these philosophies in the field of bioethics. This<br />

is a large field and Eyer admits that it is for each<br />

person to decide how to live out <strong>Christian</strong> ethics<br />

but he maintains that once the facts are<br />

presented the <strong>Christian</strong> will know the “mind of<br />

Christ” and therefore will know what action<br />

needs to be taken.<br />

The book is attractive and the type easy to<br />

manage. There are end notes, a detailed<br />

bibliography, and an appendix which is<br />

especially helpful for its explanations.<br />

Reverend Eyer discusses topics such as<br />

abortion, quality of life, reproduction, and<br />

genetic engineering with great care and<br />

consideration.<br />

Bianca Elliott, Teacher, Linwood, Kansas<br />

200’s—Religion<br />

★<br />

Surprised by faith : a scientist shares his<br />

personal, life-changing discoveries about<br />

God, the Bible, and personal fulfillment,<br />

by Dr. Don Bierle. Lynnwood, Wash.:<br />

Emerald Books, 1992. ISBN 1883002338,<br />

PAP, $8.99.<br />

220.8. Bible and science. 120 p. Adult.<br />

Can a person come to faith through the intellect<br />

or is it merely an emotive response or is it some<br />

combination of the two? That is the question<br />

answered by Dr. Don Bierle, who although<br />

raised in a <strong>Christian</strong> home, was never a believer<br />

until he was in college. Like many others, he<br />

believed that faith in Christ was an ignorant<br />

superstition for the emotionally and mentally<br />

weak. In Surprised by Faith he takes us step by<br />

step through an apologetic breakdown of how a<br />

person truly comes to faith.<br />

In this succinct book he leads the reader through<br />

the basic scientific proofs of <strong>Christian</strong>ity<br />

through the essence of what belief truly is and<br />

then finally confronts the reader with the<br />

question we all must answer—“what will you<br />

do with Christ?” Each chapter has thought<br />

provoking quotes both by the faithful and by<br />

those who have chosen to reject or are<br />

undecided about faith in Christ. His style and<br />

arguments are reminiscent of Josh McDowell<br />

A Note from the Editor: by Ray Legg<br />

Turning on<br />

their<br />

“Wanter”<br />

I am one of the<br />

fortunate ones—I love what I do. I am a<br />

teacher. I enjoy having the opportunity<br />

to stimulate and challenge students in<br />

my classes, and watching them develop<br />

as people as we interact with subject<br />

matter brings joy to my days.<br />

But with that joy comes an attendant<br />

frustration. Not all of those enrolled in<br />

any given class are there because they<br />

want to be. Many are registered because<br />

they need the credit and the only thing<br />

they want from the class is, out. They<br />

are the ones I find to be most<br />

challenging. How do I get them to<br />

WANT to be there and WANT to learn<br />

and WANT to take something away from<br />

the class other than a grade? How do I<br />

help them develop an interest in what<br />

they are doing?<br />

It occurs to me that many of the readers<br />

of this publication might face a similar<br />

problem. Many of the people entering<br />

the library are there because there is no<br />

other place they would rather be. Their<br />

only frustration is that they cannot take<br />

out every book on the shelves in which<br />

they are interested. There are the others,<br />

also. They are the ones who are there<br />

because they are forced by assignment,<br />

parent, or other necessity to interact with<br />

books. But read? Horrors!<br />

So, how do we get the non-readers<br />

interested? What can we do to make<br />

reading as painless as possible until they<br />

come to actually enjoy it? The local<br />

library has come up with an interesting<br />

twist on an old idea. It has put together<br />

a reading list and formed discussion<br />

circles that meet regularly. The twist<br />

comes in that the leaders of the groups<br />

come from all walks and levels of life.<br />

There are moms, teachers, college<br />

professors (I am doing The Grapes of<br />

Wrath), and even high school students.<br />

This mix of perspectives should prove to<br />

be both interesting and informative. But<br />

I think the greatest asset of this approach<br />

will be getting everyone on every level<br />

interested in reading. It may prove to be<br />

a very useful tool in not only getting<br />

people to the library but helping them<br />

enjoy the time there. And who knows?<br />

if they enjoy it they may want to come<br />

back. And if they come back, it may<br />

just be because they want to, and isn’t<br />

that the goal?<br />

S P R I N G 2 0 0 1 7 0 C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L


ADULT<br />

NONFICTION<br />

and C.S. Lewis. In fact, Dr. Bierle quotes Lewis<br />

quite a few times and the title Surprised by Faith<br />

is similar to Surprised by Joy, Lewis’ account of<br />

his own spiritual awakening.<br />

Each chapter is concluded with several<br />

interactive questions which confront the reader<br />

on his/her own belief or lack of belief. A<br />

wonderful addition is the inclusion of easy to<br />

understand charts. What an appropriate book to<br />

give to unbelievers to challenge them in a<br />

logical, non-confrontive manner. It would also<br />

be useful to share with new <strong>Christian</strong>s to<br />

provide to them an easy to understand basis for<br />

their faith or to use in a small group setting as a<br />

study guide.<br />

Teresa O’Donley, <strong>Library</strong> Media Specialist, Bayhmonte <strong>Christian</strong><br />

School, Scotts Valley, California<br />

Ten commandments, produced by EO<br />

International. Worcester, Pa.: Gateway<br />

Films, Vision Video, 1999. ISBN<br />

1563643898, VID, $79.99.<br />

222. Ten Commandments (Bible. O.T.). 5<br />

videocassettes (60 min. ea.) : sd., col. Adult (High<br />

school).<br />

Adrian Snell offers each commandment’s<br />

application, biblical context, and helpful points,<br />

and while he is talking, interesting pictures<br />

appear in the background. The viewer is<br />

introduced to a current day situation where<br />

another person is highlighted to accentuate the<br />

application of this commandment, e.g. in the<br />

Second Commandment, “Do not bow down to<br />

anything” we meet a woman, originally part of<br />

Koresh’s Waco commune, and her journey in<br />

coming to understand this commandment.<br />

There are no loose ends but neither is the<br />

contemporary story perfectly laid out—the<br />

viewer is able to think and apply the truths<br />

evident in the situation. Snell, an accomplished<br />

pianist and guitarist, and singer of such songs as<br />

“City of Peace” and “My Heart Shall Mourn,”<br />

has produced twelve solo albums over his<br />

twenty-five year musical career. His narration<br />

adds a quiet, smooth, inviting touch without any<br />

overtones of headtalk.<br />

The quality of the video and narration adds to<br />

the series. The discussion is short and easy to<br />

follow, and fast moving with the background<br />

scenes. In addition, the discussion includes the<br />

current day situation and other applications to<br />

probe the commandment’s meaning. Each<br />

commandment segment stands by itself and can<br />

be viewed in that setting. An introduction to the<br />

commandments, and periodic reference to<br />

another commandment, also notes how these<br />

guides fit together and present a picture of<br />

healthy life.<br />

Teachers can use these with confidence in high<br />

school classes, and adults will be challenged at<br />

their applicability to one’s life. There is no<br />

heavy theological jargon, and the viewer is<br />

likely to see the commandment in a new or<br />

expanded manner, e.g. Commandment Eight,<br />

“Do not steal,” considers overt theft and ripping<br />

someone off but also considers how negligence,<br />

waste, indifference, and disregard become<br />

significant theft. The discussion also notes a<br />

connection between stealing and self-respect.<br />

Recommended for all church and <strong>Christian</strong><br />

school libraries.<br />

Leroy Hommerding, Director, Fort Myers Beach P.L. District, Fort<br />

Myers, Florida<br />

The ways of God : how God reveals<br />

himself before a watching world, by<br />

Henry T. Blackaby and Roy T. Edgemon.<br />

LCCN 00031290. Nashville: Broadman &<br />

Holman, 2000. ISBN 0805423737, HBB,<br />

$17.99.<br />

231.7. Providence of God; God--Attributes; <strong>Christian</strong><br />

life. 180 p. Adult.<br />

Beginning with the assertion that God’s ways<br />

are not our ways, the authors guide readers<br />

through various evidences of the nature and<br />

ways of God. Each of six chapters is organized<br />

around facets of God’s character such as love,<br />

sovereignty, holiness, and truth. Scripture in<br />

boxes breaks up the text. A summary ends each<br />

chapter with a focus to pray and think about.<br />

Five short chapters on leading a group<br />

discussion on the ways of God complete the<br />

volume. Numerous examples from scripture<br />

illustrate each point. The authors discuss ways<br />

people avoid truth, rationalize their actions, and<br />

avoid God’s assignments. We are encouraged to<br />

know his ways and thoughts so we can “identify<br />

and respond to his working in our lives.”<br />

While a direct route may be the human choice,<br />

God’s purpose is more than the task at hand; it is<br />

the drawing of people to himself. First he makes<br />

himself available. Then God forgives, calls into<br />

being that which was not, teaches and works<br />

though those that fear and believe him. Insights<br />

into the nature of God enable us to find the<br />

purpose, promise, and reliability of his perfect<br />

love. Choosing to trust God, we can accept his<br />

wisdom and believe he will provide for us<br />

because he is sovereign over provisions,<br />

circumstances, and fears. We can allow God to<br />

shape our lives with his holiness through<br />

repentance and obedience. As we do so we are<br />

available to instruction and correction and<br />

escape the destruction of sin, becoming more<br />

fruitful. He says that his word will accomplish<br />

what he desires. Unbelief rejects the truth and<br />

Jesus rejects unbelief. God is eternal and the<br />

authors remind us that what we do here in time<br />

affects us in eternity. We move into alignment<br />

with God’s purpose when we can desire to share<br />

God’s power and love even with those who<br />

reject us.<br />

Roy Edgemon and Henry Blackaby ask us in<br />

The Ways of God to recognize the contrast of<br />

living in time; of thinking we have time to<br />

forgive or repent later, needing to justify our<br />

anger or rebellion now. “Eternal life is a<br />

relationship with a person,” far beyond head<br />

knowledge. “The clearest way to know the<br />

ways of God is to know him personally through<br />

this son, his spirit, and his word. When we have<br />

Christ living within us, we can begin to<br />

understand God’s ways of love, God’s sovereign<br />

ways, His ways of holiness and truth, and his<br />

eternal ways. As God transforms us into His<br />

image, we can function in his ways and serve his<br />

purpose.”<br />

This book would be especially helpful for<br />

someone who is unsure where to start reading<br />

God’s word. Specific pointers to scripture<br />

encourage understanding of basic <strong>Christian</strong><br />

principles, as well as the nature of God. While<br />

it doesn’t engender spontaneous enthusiasm for<br />

the subject, short periods of reading should<br />

engage and encourage thoughtful meditation in<br />

all but the most jaded reader. The guidance in<br />

this book would be useful for revitalizing<br />

perhaps even that unfortunate soul.<br />

Carol B. Taylor, Freelance Writer/Certified Social Worker, Poulsbo,<br />

Washington<br />

Our covenant God : learning to trust Him,<br />

by Kay Arthur. LCCN 99011808.<br />

Colorado Springs: Waterbrook Press,<br />

1999. ISBN 1578561825, HBB, $19.95.<br />

231.7’6. Covenants--Religious aspects--<strong>Christian</strong>ity;<br />

Trust in God--<strong>Christian</strong>ity. 276 p. Adult.<br />

Covenant: perhaps this not too familiar word has<br />

escaped your notice and your understanding;<br />

yet, as a <strong>Christian</strong>, it is an essential and rich<br />

word that encompasses the very promises and<br />

blessings of God himself. Actually, it embraces<br />

the very essence of who God is. Kay Arthur, a<br />

well-known Bible teacher, presents a wealth of<br />

information about our covenant making-God.<br />

Without understanding what this covenant is, we<br />

cannot partake in or enjoy all that the Lord has<br />

intended.<br />

In the book Our Covenant God we find rich<br />

truths that will bring the <strong>Christian</strong> into a closer<br />

and more relevant relationship with God.<br />

Although these precepts are not always simple<br />

to grasp, the reader will enjoy unfolding<br />

revelation of who God is and who we are in<br />

Him. Step by step, truth is revealed and<br />

celebrated in its simplicity and impact on the<br />

believer. Glimpses into the joy the author<br />

experiences in sharing these rich insights gives<br />

one an occasional sense of Max Lucado style—<br />

sincere and insightful eloquence and<br />

enthusiasm. Anyone desiring to grow in the<br />

knowledge and love of God will welcome the<br />

teachings within this book.<br />

Mary McKinney, Former Teacher, Freelance Writer, Editor, Port<br />

Orchard, Washington<br />

★<br />

Sister Wendy’s nativity, by Sister Wendy<br />

Beckett. LCCN 99167653. Chicago:<br />

Loyola Press, 1998. ISBN 0829413677,<br />

HBB, $24.95.<br />

232.92. Jesus Christ--Nativity; Jesus Christ--Art;<br />

Jesus Christ--Biography. 95 p. Adult (High school).<br />

In her own inimitable style, Sister Wendy<br />

Beckett presents the nativity of Christ using a<br />

series of beautiful miniatures and illuminations<br />

from manuscripts in the Vatican’s Apostolic<br />

<strong>Library</strong>. Sister Wendy’s Nativity expresses both<br />

C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 7 1 S P R I N G 2 0 0 1


ADULT<br />

NONFICTION<br />

her insights into the paintings and the scriptures<br />

prompting the paintings. Sister Wendy believes,<br />

“Jesus was born into the real world, and so the<br />

wonder of his birth must be framed by what<br />

came before and by what happened after it.” As<br />

a result, the book is divided into four sections<br />

and the birth of Christ becomes a part of the<br />

whole story. In the first section, Preparing the<br />

Way, she discusses creation, Adam and Eve, and<br />

the ancestry of Jesus. The Holy Birth is the<br />

second section and Christ Among Us the third.<br />

After presenting highlights of Christ’s life, she<br />

moves to the final section, Death and<br />

Resurrection. The book ends with a painting of<br />

a scene in heaven to which Sister Wendy adds<br />

thoughtfully, “Jesus came down from heaven to<br />

take us back with him. Whether we consciously<br />

accept this or not, it is so.”<br />

Sister Wendy, a world-renowned art historian,<br />

draws attention to the expressive faces and<br />

bodies of the people in the paintings and<br />

explains the pictures within the pictures. Her<br />

astute assessment of the paintings and<br />

knowledge of scripture are combined to create a<br />

book that will delight everyone who has seen<br />

her on television and serve as a special<br />

introduction to those who have not.<br />

This is the first time some of these lovely<br />

colored miniatures and illuminations from the<br />

ninth to fifteenth centuries have been seen by the<br />

public. They are part of a group exhibited by the<br />

Vatican <strong>Library</strong> and the Italian Ministry of<br />

Culture to celebrate the third <strong>Christian</strong><br />

millennium.<br />

Barbara Bryden, Freelance Writer, Olympia, Washington<br />

Gifted for good : every woman’s guide to<br />

her spiritual gifts, by Kathryn Deering.<br />

LCCN 00020906. Ann Arbor, Mich.: Vine<br />

Books, Servant Publications, 2000. ISBN<br />

1569550891, PAP, $10.99.<br />

234.’13’082. <strong>Christian</strong> women--Religious life; Gifts,<br />

Spiritual. 206 p. Adult.<br />

Kathryn Deering,, senior editor at Servant<br />

Publications, presents a unique resource<br />

designed especially to assist women in<br />

identifying and cultivating their spiritual gifts.<br />

In Gifted for Good Deering assumes the Holy<br />

Spirit has given every born-again believer one<br />

or more gifts, and describes the discovery<br />

process: experiment, evaluate, expect<br />

confirmation, take initiative, and pray. She<br />

recommends using spiritual gift questionnaires<br />

only after personal searching.<br />

Deering lovingly refers to her work as Aunt<br />

Agnes, a replacement for bygone days, when<br />

women encouraged each other in intergenerational<br />

family living situations. She<br />

imparts this heart to heart wisdom for each of<br />

twenty-seven gifts through interesting, unusual<br />

true stories of women who discover in<br />

surprising ways how God has equipped them to<br />

serve in the Body of Christ. Encouragement<br />

abounds for the new <strong>Christian</strong> as well as for the<br />

mature <strong>Christian</strong> who wants to grow in her<br />

understanding of the subtle changes and blends<br />

of her gifts over time.<br />

Having thoroughly researched the field and<br />

borrowed from others’ works, Deering explains<br />

the differences between spiritual gifts and<br />

natural talents, how people misunderstand and<br />

misuse gifts, and cautions against the legalism<br />

of rigid human lists, which may limit the Holy<br />

Spirit’s appropriation of the gifts. A selfdescribed<br />

charismatic <strong>Christian</strong>, she admits that<br />

her list, which includes the gifts of tongues, their<br />

interpretation, miracles, and deliverance, is a<br />

“representative sampling.” Helpful for<br />

individuals, Sunday School classes, small group<br />

studies, or mentoring, the book contains a<br />

comprehensive appendix describing positive<br />

and negative personal traits for all gifts<br />

discussed.<br />

Enlightening readers with engaging personal<br />

examples and clear teaching, the text enables<br />

women to find or develop spiritual gifts and say<br />

delightfully, “I would rather do this for God than<br />

anything else in the world!”<br />

Rhonda Marie Lackey, Writer, Former Teacher/Librarian, Tukwila,<br />

Washington<br />

The way of forgiveness : how to heal life’s<br />

hurts and restore broken relationships, by<br />

Patrick J. Brennan. LCCN 00022949.<br />

Ann Arbor, Mich.: Charis, Servant<br />

Publications, 2000. ISBN 1569551715,<br />

PAP, $9.99.<br />

234.’5. Brennan, Patrick J.; Catholic church--<br />

Doctrines; Forgiveness--Religious aspects--Catholic<br />

Church; Reconciliation--Religious aspects--Catholic<br />

Church. 216 p. Adult.<br />

Father Brennan presents a contemplative and<br />

intimate method to practice what he calls the<br />

way of forgiveness. As a Roman Catholic priest<br />

he explains the R.C.I.A. (Rite of <strong>Christian</strong><br />

Initiation of Adults) which then became the<br />

Order of Penitents. He goes on in the following<br />

chapters to explain how this order may be<br />

modified and used in the believer’s life.<br />

The book contains three powerful chapters that<br />

contain mini sections that close with scripture<br />

and prayer. The power in the book is the<br />

simplicity and the yearning for the reader to<br />

contemplatively consider their role in<br />

forgiveness. Especially helpful is the<br />

recognition that with some sins the “forgiver”<br />

needs time to process the hurt. Father Brennan<br />

indicates that the “forgiver” desires to forgive<br />

but the pain must be dealt with and this means<br />

the “forgivee” needs to be patient. Father<br />

Brennen uses many examples for how to forgive<br />

from his own life. His candidness regarding his<br />

dismissal from a position and his striving to not<br />

be bitter was very helpful. In the back of the<br />

book is a synthesis of the material he articulates<br />

earlier in the book. There is a ten step “Process<br />

of Sorrow and Repentance” and a ten step<br />

“Process of Forgiveness.”<br />

The paperback is of good quality and the print is<br />

perfect. This is a must for church libraries with<br />

hurting people.<br />

Bianca Elliott, Teacher, Linwood, Kansas<br />

★<br />

Follow me : experience the loving<br />

leadership of Jesus, by Jan David<br />

Hettinga. LCCN 96009482. Colorado<br />

Springs, Colo.: NavPress, 1996. ISBN<br />

0891099824, PAP, $14.00.<br />

234.’6120. Jesus Christ--Lordship; Salvation;<br />

Spiritual life--<strong>Christian</strong>ity; Kingdom of God. 271 p.<br />

Adult.<br />

“Tell me who your leader is—Boris Yeltsin,<br />

Louis Farrankhan..Gloria Steinem or Billy<br />

Graham—and I can immediately tell you all<br />

kinds of things about you..even if your leader is<br />

yourself, which is what most of us prefer,”<br />

writes Pastor Jan Hettinga, Senior Pastor of<br />

Northshore Baptist Church, Seattle,<br />

Washington.<br />

In twenty-nine, short, easy-to-read chapters,<br />

Hettinga asks the thought-provoking question,<br />

“Who do you follow?” He addresses the current<br />

lack of worldwide leadership today. His<br />

research might surprise most readers. He bases<br />

his assumptions on personal observation,<br />

opinion polls, and a distressed, worldwide<br />

populace. He claims leadership is further<br />

compromised by the breakdown of the family<br />

unit where 50% of the western world is intimate<br />

with the word divorce. “Is it any wonder,” he<br />

asks, “why the coming generation’s motto is to<br />

question authority?” He says society should be<br />

able to look to the church for leadership<br />

examples and moral authority. But, the<br />

disturbing truth is that <strong>Christian</strong>s struggle with<br />

these issues as well.<br />

The chapters are broken into five sections. In<br />

each Hettinga shows why Jesus is the safest<br />

leader to follow. Then discusses why we reject<br />

the leadership of Jesus in an unsafe world filled<br />

with sin and rebellion. Next, he reveals how to<br />

get back on track and into personal relationship<br />

with Him, rather than just the practice of<br />

religion. After that he explains why there is no<br />

formula, only followers who teach by example<br />

through faith. Subsequently he discloses how to<br />

have a healthy fear of the Lord and blossom as a<br />

<strong>Christian</strong> within that context.<br />

Each section ends with “Taking Another Step,”<br />

comprised of meditative questions to ensure a<br />

complete understanding. The author illustrates<br />

whom you follow determines where you go and<br />

cites the differences between following and<br />

believing. He writes, “Believing is a spectator<br />

sport, following is what makes you a player.”<br />

An engaging and thought provoking read,<br />

Follow Me is sorely needed in our world today<br />

to show people how to experience a personal<br />

relationship with Jesus, one where you can<br />

become the follower He created you to be.<br />

Gail Welborn, Freelance Writer/Reporter, Everett, Washington<br />

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Good news about injustice : a witness of<br />

courage in a hurting world, by Gary A.<br />

Haugen. LCCN 99017480. Downers<br />

Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Press, 1999.<br />

ISBN 0830822240, PAP, $11.99.<br />

241.’622. <strong>Christian</strong>ity and justice. 200 p. Adult.<br />

Haugen has seen so much hurting. As director<br />

of the United Nations genocide investigation,<br />

Haugen went to Rwanda and saw the carnage<br />

first-hand. Additionally, he has witnessed the<br />

effects of apartheid in South Africa and guerrilla<br />

war in the Philippines. But it was not only in the<br />

far corners of the world that Haugen saw others<br />

in need; he saw need for justice in the United<br />

States as well. Haugen doesn’t gloss over the<br />

carnage nor does he dwell on it as one who has<br />

no hope. He simply states the situation in all its<br />

ugliness to underscore the biblical teaching<br />

regarding God’s heart concerning injustice. His<br />

goal is not only to bring together the ones with<br />

needs with those who can meet those needs such<br />

as attorneys, judges, officers, etc. but also to<br />

equip other <strong>Christian</strong>s to pray, send money, or<br />

whatever needs to be done.<br />

In 1994 the International Justice Mission was<br />

formed to make <strong>Christian</strong> public justice<br />

professionals available to serve Global <strong>Christian</strong><br />

workers when they encounter cases of abuse or<br />

oppression in their communities. As a result,<br />

<strong>Christian</strong> workers have professionals they can<br />

call upon throughout the world to help them<br />

with matters involving injustice. If that were all<br />

this book did it would be required reading, but<br />

Haugen takes the issue of justice and shows it as<br />

dear to the heart of God. In three units Haugen<br />

provides an introduction to the injustice of our<br />

world, the character of our God, and the<br />

opportunity for God’s people to make a<br />

difference.<br />

This book has specific questions and answers to<br />

pressing problems in the world. Haugen never<br />

over simplifies but rather states the exact<br />

reasons for why there needs to be this service<br />

and how it needs to be done. All of the<br />

situations are carefully noted in the back of the<br />

book. Additionally, there is a page for additional<br />

resources. This is a must read for the <strong>Christian</strong><br />

church.<br />

Bianca Elliott, Teacher, Linwood, Kansas<br />

Joy to the world : the stories behind your<br />

favorite Christmas carols, by Kenneth W.<br />

Osbeck. Grand Rapids: Kregel<br />

Publications, 2000. ISBN 0825434394,<br />

PAP/CD, $17.00.<br />

242.’335. Christmas--Prayer-books and devotions--<br />

English; Carols, English--History and criticism. 112<br />

p.; CD-ROM. Adult (All ages).<br />

Kenneth W. Osbeck tells the stories behind<br />

twenty-five beloved Christmas carols in Joy to<br />

the World! Familiar carols such as “Silent<br />

Night!” “Hark! the Herald Angels Sing,” and<br />

“Away in a Manger” are among the carols<br />

featured. Also included are less familiar ones<br />

like “While by Our Sheep,” “Once in Royal<br />

David’s City,” and “Lo! How a Rose E’er<br />

Blooming.”<br />

Each chapter contains the inspiration behind the<br />

carol, a devotional thought, Scripture, and the<br />

complete musical score with lyrics. Interesting,<br />

little-known information adds new meaning to<br />

each song. For example, “Ring the Bells” was<br />

published in 1958 by Harry Bollback. He was<br />

standing in line at a bus station in Sao Paulo,<br />

Brazil, when he heard bells ringing for The<br />

Virgin Mary. His thoughts turned to the birth of<br />

Jesus and the words and music came to him.<br />

When he arrived at his friend’s home, he sat<br />

down and played it. “I had nothing to do with<br />

the writing of it. The Lord just gave it to me.”<br />

Filled with inspiration, the volume is suitable for<br />

personal and family devotions. With twentyfive<br />

songs, there’s one for each day from<br />

December first through Christmas Day.<br />

The book comes packaged with a CD also<br />

entitled Joy to the World! The Discovery<br />

Singers perform the carols found in the book.<br />

Families will appreciate this book/CD combo<br />

that adds enrichment to Christmas celebrations.<br />

Lydia E. Harris, Freelance Writer & Educator, Seattle, Washington<br />

Women of prayer : an anthology of<br />

everyday prayers from women around the<br />

world, compiled by Dorothy Stewart.<br />

LCCN 98028274. Chicago: Loyola Press,<br />

1999. ISBN 0829412808, HBB, $18.95.<br />

242.’643. Prayers; Women--Prayer-books and<br />

devotions. 291 p. Adult.<br />

This collection of international prayers<br />

expresses the act of praying from a variety of<br />

pray-ers. Some are from individuals, others<br />

more generic like ‘women of Canada.’ Many of<br />

the prayers are contemporary and others from<br />

women of past ages. Some prayers are oneliners<br />

and others are longer and more reflective.<br />

Some lend themselves to use for public<br />

occasions and others for private use.<br />

The prayers encompass life situations such as<br />

matters of trust and hope, forgiveness and<br />

devotion, excitement, and crying in desperation.<br />

Prayers are about work and friends, about<br />

families and individuals, about concerns for<br />

peace and justice, and sometimes, just about<br />

being.<br />

Of particular help are an index of subjects, and<br />

an index of first lines of the prayers. One is sure<br />

to find something, whether it’s the quiet<br />

elegance of Helen Steiner Rice, “And little do<br />

we realize how contented we would be, if we<br />

knew that we were beautiful when our hearts are<br />

touched by Thee” or the direct approach of<br />

Stewart herself, “Here I am, Lord, inquiring of<br />

you. Please, is there an answer?” or Jan<br />

Pichard’s paraphrase of Psalm 105:1-5, “We<br />

thank you, God! We want to tell the world what<br />

you have done: your wonderful works..”<br />

Stewart is also author of Women of Vision<br />

(Loyola Press, 2000).<br />

Leroy Hommerding, Director, Fort Myers Beach P.L. District, Fort<br />

Myers, Florida<br />

The perfect catch : lessons for life from a<br />

bass fisherman, by H. Norman Wright.<br />

LCCN 99050953. Minneapolis: Bethany<br />

House, 2000. ISBN 0764222953, HBB,<br />

$14.99.<br />

242.’68. Fishing--Religious aspects--<strong>Christian</strong>ity;<br />

Fishers--Religious life. 287 p. Adult.<br />

The sixty short stories in The Perfect Catch<br />

weave real-life fishing experiences, scripture,<br />

and applicable lessons for life in general<br />

together. Even those with little or no fishing<br />

experience will find enough here to make the<br />

readings worthwhile. The stories lend<br />

themselves to meditation, or as a daily or<br />

periodic reminder about the eternal values of<br />

life. The careful blend of Old and New<br />

Testament stories make this a way to appreciate<br />

Scripture even more. Amid the fishing tips and<br />

fish tales (tall but true), one learns biblical<br />

thoughts about creation, learning, relationships,<br />

priorities, disappointments, and challenges.<br />

Wright is an avid bass fisherman and a licensed<br />

marriage, family and child therapist. Macauley<br />

has provided some illustrations for this work,<br />

and as Wright’s adult daughter, shares his<br />

delight for fishing.<br />

Leroy Hommerding, Director, Fort Myers Beach P.L. District, Fort<br />

Myers, Florida<br />

The image maker, by Terry M. Crist.<br />

LCCN 00100889. Lake Mary, Fla.:<br />

Creation House, 2000. ISBN 0884196372,<br />

PAP, $12.99.<br />

248. <strong>Christian</strong> life. 222 p. Adult.<br />

The modern-day proliferation of self-help gurus,<br />

New Age philosophies entering churches and<br />

schools, and the growth of humanism and<br />

pantheism serve as the backdrop to The Image<br />

Maker. Self-pride, self-esteem, and selffulfillment<br />

are discussed and Crist offers a<br />

paradigm that enables the reader to understand<br />

one’s identity that comes from a biblical<br />

worldview and relationship with God. He<br />

enables the reader to understand that our God<br />

generated identity is the key to being free from<br />

addictions and dependencies. It makes for<br />

quality individual reading, and could also be<br />

used well for reflection in group discussion. I<br />

particularly like the way Crist is able to point out<br />

less than welcome developments in our culture<br />

without harping on the negativity but instead<br />

offering a positive way to move ourselves<br />

forward in Christ.<br />

Crist is the father of three sons, spiritual<br />

overseer of a network of churches, and<br />

companion to wife Judith. He has an endearing<br />

knack to filter in the truths of <strong>Christian</strong>ity into<br />

his discussion in a way that makes such heavy<br />

words like redemption, justification,<br />

incarnation, or righteousness seem not only right<br />

but easily digestible.<br />

Recommended for church libraries and in<br />

collections where readers seek self-help<br />

guidance.<br />

C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 7 3 S P R I N G 2 0 0 1


ADULT<br />

NONFICTION<br />

Leroy Hommerding, Director, Fort Myers Beach P.L. District, Fort<br />

Myers, Florida<br />

The Cleavers don’t live here anymore :<br />

bringing hope and radical forgiveness to<br />

the bewilderment, betrayal, and bitterness<br />

of real family life, by Laurie Sharlene<br />

Hall. LCCN 99088896. Ann Arbor,<br />

Mich.: Vine Books, Servant Publications,<br />

2000. ISBN 1569551316, PAP, $10.99.<br />

248.4. Married persons--Religious life; Marriage--<br />

Religious aspects--<strong>Christian</strong>ity. 218 p. Adult.<br />

This is Laurie Hall’s second book. Her first,<br />

Affair of the Mind, discussed her ordeal with her<br />

husband’s addiction to pornography. She<br />

references that book in her new book taking the<br />

reader to the next level when there has been a<br />

betrayal in the marriage—forgiveness. Her<br />

book is written as if one is sitting across from<br />

her drinking coffee in the kitchen. Her honest<br />

discussions of her sadness and experiences will<br />

connect with those hurting. Most importantly,<br />

her appropriate use of humor make this book<br />

one to read and turn to in the hard times. She<br />

presents, in the opening chapters, an overview<br />

of our hurting society. She spends much of her<br />

time reporting statistics of the situation in the<br />

church and in the world. Throughout her book<br />

Hall doesn’t mince words or gloss over the<br />

situation of a hurting man or woman where trust<br />

has been destroyed. She simply states that there<br />

is a specific process that has brought her and her<br />

husband peace. She presents her ideas regarding<br />

how marriage is not understood well in three<br />

units entitled, dealing with the outward realities,<br />

dealing with the inward realities, and dealing<br />

with the ongoing realities.<br />

Each chapter begins with a quote of an<br />

individual and scripture. She then proceeds to<br />

rip any pretense for the reader to remain<br />

unforgiving in their present situation. Each<br />

chapter ends with questions that force the reader<br />

to examine himself/herself rather than the other<br />

person.<br />

The book is a quality paperback. Hall discusses<br />

depression, pornography and its effects, abuse,<br />

as well as other topics candidly. Appendix A is<br />

a table indicating how one can discern abusive<br />

leadership. Appendix B is a listing of<br />

recommended reading ordered by topicality.<br />

She qualifies this reading list by stating that she<br />

doesn’t endorse every book; she just found it<br />

generally helpful in her understanding of<br />

forgiveness. Her notes section is worth reading<br />

on its own.<br />

Bianca Elliott, Teacher, Linwood, Kansas<br />

Visioneering, by Andy Stanley. LCCN<br />

99015763. Sisters, Ore.: Multnomah,<br />

1999. ISBN 1576735389, HBB, $18.99.<br />

248.4. Nehemiah (Governor of Juday); Success--<br />

Religious aspects--<strong>Christian</strong>ity. 272 p. Adult.<br />

Using the Book of Nehemiah as a running<br />

illustration, Visioneering describes the process<br />

of recognizing, developing, implementing, and<br />

maintaining a vision. The book constantly<br />

reminds the reader that visions begin, end, and<br />

have their purpose in glorifying God and<br />

expanding His Kingdom. The text introduces<br />

two new words into the lexicon: “visioneering,”<br />

the process of developing and maintaining<br />

vision; and “visioncasting,” the sharing of a<br />

vision with others.<br />

Visioneering’s eighteen chapters thoroughly<br />

cover a number of topics: vision birth, prayer,<br />

faith, moral authority, and godly purpose. The<br />

book also addresses vital topics such as<br />

planning, public relations, organizational<br />

behavior, and team development. Visioneering<br />

covers the secular and religious aspects of vision<br />

in a natural, smooth manner. Appropriately, the<br />

book ends with a challenge: “Pay the price.<br />

Embrace the vision.”<br />

Visioneering is well written, well researched and<br />

well organized. Author Andy Stanley marches<br />

through the Book of Nehemiah in an orderly,<br />

thorough way. Despite that order and structure,<br />

the book is an engaging read. Additionally,<br />

Pastor Stanley goes out of his way to tie<br />

everything, at every opportunity, back to our<br />

Lord and the building of His Kingdom.<br />

Anyone who reads the text should develop a<br />

complete understanding of vision. The entire<br />

subject is made accessible and understandable.<br />

While remaining true to a scriptural and biblical<br />

basis, Visioneering does not become<br />

sanctimonious or dogmatic. It’s easy to imagine<br />

any secular businessman picking up this book<br />

and being enriched by its content.<br />

Visioneering will, by its nature, be most valuable<br />

to the leaders and managers of organizations and<br />

institutions. Any parent, pastor, teacher or<br />

leader should find something of value within<br />

these pages. Happily, even those who seek to<br />

simply manage themselves with benefit from<br />

reading this book.<br />

This book is a valuable and important resource<br />

for anyone who wants to get something done.<br />

Kirk Hunt, Instructor, Pima County Community College, Business<br />

& Industry Division, Tucson, Arizona<br />

Husbands and fathers : rediscover the<br />

Creator’s purpose for men, by Derek<br />

Prince; foreword by Edwin Louis Cole.<br />

LCCN 99038439. Grand Rapids: Chosen<br />

Books, Baker Book House, 2000. ISBN<br />

0800792742, PAP, $9.99.<br />

248.8’421. <strong>Christian</strong> men--Religious life; Husbands--<br />

Religious life; Fathers--Religious life. 160 p. Adult.<br />

Husbands and Fathers is a thought-provoking,<br />

discussion-starting, quick-reading, experiencebased<br />

book written by Pentecostal preacherteacher<br />

Derek Prince. Prince draws on his own<br />

experience as the father of nine daughters and<br />

the husband of two wives to provide practical<br />

advice.<br />

Much of what he shares has the grandfatherly<br />

feel that readers might expect from an eighty<br />

year old evangelist who remains active in<br />

<strong>Christian</strong> ministry despite the very recent homegoing<br />

of his second wife. Herein lies a problem.<br />

Much of his solid, practical, experiential advice<br />

Prince labels as biblical advice. While the<br />

principles he shares with readers may transcend<br />

many cultural walls, this does not make them<br />

biblical. Examples include this bold statement:<br />

“If the wife does not submit willingly to her<br />

husband’s headship, there is only one way he<br />

can take that position—by self-assertive<br />

domination.” While this is a debatable claim<br />

even within the most conservative of<br />

evangelical circles, Prince couches it in a section<br />

addressing “what the Bible has to say” about<br />

wives.<br />

Readers should be prepared for several casual,<br />

but not too frequent, references to speaking in<br />

tongues and the filling of the Holy Spirit.<br />

Additionally, Prince’s treatment of the historic<br />

meaning and nature of “covenant” relationships<br />

is interesting. Unfortunately, his observations<br />

seem to be that of an amateur theologian rather<br />

than a biblical scholar.<br />

The greatest reward awaits the reader who<br />

completes his study of this book. Prince’s<br />

advice and insight regarding spiritual fatherhood<br />

is gratifying and affirming. Detailing the life<br />

and teaching of Paul, Prince provides creative<br />

and original perspectives for fathers, single men,<br />

and childless husbands. These later portions of<br />

the book were a wonderful surprise and will,<br />

unfortunately, miss their target audience because<br />

of the book’s misdirected title.<br />

Maturing <strong>Christian</strong> men and the women who<br />

care about them will benefit from discussion<br />

based on Husbands and Fathers.<br />

Daniel S. Brown, Professor of Communication, Indiana Wesleyan<br />

University, Indianapolis, Indiana<br />

★<br />

When couples pray together, by Jan Stoop<br />

and David Stoop. LCCN 99059126. Ann<br />

Arbor, Mich.: Vine Books, Servant<br />

Publications, 2000. ISBN 1569551081,<br />

PAP, $10.99.<br />

248.8’44. Spouses--Religious life; Marriage--<br />

Religious aspects--<strong>Christian</strong>ity; Prayer--<strong>Christian</strong>ity.<br />

180 p. Adult.<br />

Authors David and Jan Stoop struggled to pray<br />

together during their early years of marriage.<br />

Jan yearned for spiritual intimacy with Dave,<br />

but he resisted when she suggested they join in<br />

prayer. Problems like theirs are not uncommon.<br />

Informal statistics reveal only four percent of<br />

<strong>Christian</strong> couples actually pray together on a<br />

regular basis.<br />

Whether marriage partners already pray together<br />

or want to start, When Couples Pray Together<br />

has much to offer. It brims with stories of<br />

praying couples, answered prayers, and practical<br />

guidance. Written in a friendly tone, it covers<br />

why couples should pray together, why they<br />

don’t, and how to begin.<br />

The Stoops, now grandparents, have prayed<br />

with each other daily for almost thirty years and<br />

list marital stability as an important benefit.<br />

While divorce statistics soar even among<br />

<strong>Christian</strong>s, one marriage ministry reported: If<br />

S P R I N G 2 0 0 1 7 4 C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L


ADULT<br />

NONFICTION<br />

couples pray together regularly, only one in<br />

1,500 gets divorced.<br />

Couples in this book testified that their prayer<br />

times enhanced spiritual intimacy with God and<br />

each other. When couples unite in prayer, God<br />

releases his incredible power. Jesus promised,<br />

“If two of you on earth agree about anything you<br />

ask for, it will be done” (Matthew 18:19 NIV).<br />

This book cites exciting answers as husbands<br />

and wives agreed in prayer. But even when<br />

prayers weren’t answered as hoped, praying<br />

together sustained them during dark times.<br />

Since numerous benefits result from praying<br />

together, why don’t more <strong>Christian</strong> couples do<br />

so? One hindrance is our natural resistance to<br />

change. Other barriers include busyness,<br />

personality differences, fear, laziness, marital<br />

conflicts, plus evil, unseen forces. But the<br />

authors don’t leave readers stuck with these<br />

difficulties. They offer suggestions to overcome<br />

resistance and barriers, then challenge married<br />

partners to begin praying. Discussion questions<br />

and sample prayers are included to help couples<br />

start. I highly recommend this motivating,<br />

quick read.<br />

Lydia E. Harris, Freelance Writer & Educator, Seattle, Washington<br />

★<br />

Chronic kids, constant hope : help and<br />

encouragement for parents of children<br />

with chronic conditions, by Elizabeth<br />

Hoekstra and Mary Bradford. LCCN<br />

00009201. Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books,<br />

Good News Publishers, 2000. ISBN<br />

1581341849, PAP, $12.99.<br />

248.845. Parents of chronically ill children--Religious<br />

life; Chronic diseases in children--Religious aspects--<br />

<strong>Christian</strong>ity. 206 p. Adult.<br />

One-third of American families are estimated to<br />

have children with life-altering diseases.<br />

Authors Elizabeth Hoekstra and Mary Bradford,<br />

both sisters and nurses, are mothers of such<br />

children. In Chronic Kids, Constant Hope, they<br />

share struggles and triumphs and offer help and<br />

encouragement to parents with chronically ill<br />

children. Written with compassion and<br />

sensitivity, the book brims with Scripture, hope,<br />

and practical advice.<br />

The authors understand the hurt,<br />

disappointment, and grief parents feel and cover<br />

pertinent topics. They aren’t afraid to tackle<br />

difficult questions and provide honest answers.<br />

Subjects include anger towards God, prayers for<br />

healing, medical care, how to respond when<br />

others are insensitive, educating yourself about<br />

disease, bonding as a family unit, how chronic<br />

disease affects siblings, schooling for the ill<br />

child, and much more. The authors discuss<br />

ways to cope emotionally, physically, and<br />

spiritually, and encourage readers to hope in<br />

God, who will not disappoint them. They<br />

suggest parents write stories of their children’s<br />

illnesses so they can testify about God’s<br />

faithfulness, provision, and protection when<br />

asked about their children.<br />

Parents of chronic kids will be comforted to<br />

know they aren’t alone in coping with their<br />

situations and will value this supportive<br />

resource. It offers tremendous help to raise<br />

well-adjusted children who know God has a<br />

purpose for their illness and lives. Also included<br />

are useful Scripture verses and an appendix with<br />

resources. I strongly recommend this resource<br />

for families with chronic kids and others who<br />

deal with them.<br />

Lydia E. Harris, Freelance Writer & Educator, Seattle, Washington<br />

Real family values : leading your family<br />

into the 21st century with clarity and<br />

conviction, by Robert Lewis. LCCN<br />

99050892. Sisters, Ore.: Multnomah<br />

Publishers, 2000. ISBN 1576736679, PAP,<br />

$12.99.<br />

248.8’45. Family--Religious life; <strong>Christian</strong> ethics.<br />

265 p. Adult.<br />

Real Family Values sets out to clarify the values<br />

that are part of our cultural milieu and how these<br />

values help us understand the real forces at work<br />

in the changes we experience in life. It also<br />

seeks to offer suggestions and guidance as to<br />

how one can remove any moral confusion in the<br />

home and one’s family.<br />

This book will be resource for anyone interested<br />

in issues involved in many topics including nofault<br />

divorce, new definitions of what<br />

constitutes a family, safe sex, and values-neutral<br />

schools are affecting our culture. Lewis is able<br />

to bridge discussion and deal with the<br />

polarization of those who belong in one camp or<br />

another, e.g., pro-choice or pro-life, pro<br />

alternative lifestyles or anti homosexuals. His<br />

frank discussion and open-heart can enable<br />

adults to look farther, and discussion or study<br />

groups to probe the issues.<br />

Lewis pastors a church in Little Rock, Arkansas,<br />

and he and his wife Sherard have four children.<br />

He has also helped lead and develop a Men’s<br />

Fraternity ministry. A graduate of the University<br />

of Arkansas, Western Theological Seminary, and<br />

Talbot Theological Seminary, Dr. Lewis has<br />

written several books, including Rocking the<br />

Roles: Building a Win-Win Marriage (Navpress,<br />

1999). He has appeared on radio and television<br />

programs including Family Life Today, Focus<br />

on the Family, and The 700 Club.<br />

Leroy Hommerding, Director, Fort Myers Beach P.L. District, Fort<br />

Myers, Florida<br />

The shaping of a <strong>Christian</strong> family, by<br />

Elisabeth Elliot. LCCN 00031082. Grand<br />

Rapids: Fleming H. Revell, Baker Book<br />

House, 2000. ISBN 080075736X, PAP,<br />

$12.99.<br />

248.8’45’0922. Howard family; Family--Religious<br />

life; Parenting--Religious aspects--<strong>Christian</strong>ity. 217 p.<br />

Adult.<br />

For many years, author Elisabeth Elliott has<br />

been an example of godly womanhood and<br />

faithful <strong>Christian</strong> service. Widowed in her<br />

twenties when husband Jim Elliott and four<br />

companions were massacred by Ecuador<br />

Indians they were attempting to reach for Christ,<br />

she returned to Ecuador with toddler daughter<br />

Valerie in tow to live for eleven years,<br />

ministering to the very tribe that had killed her<br />

husband. She was widowed a second time in<br />

later years when husband, Addison Leitch, died<br />

of cancer. Despite the tragedies she has<br />

endured, Elliott believes fervently in the<br />

goodness and mercy of God and, with the help<br />

of husband Lars Gren, shares her trust in and<br />

love for God with hundreds of thousands of<br />

people annually through her books, magazine<br />

articles, and radio program Gateway to Joy.<br />

But how did she become the woman she is<br />

today? What is her secret? Part of the answer to<br />

that is in the pages of The Shaping of a<br />

<strong>Christian</strong> Family, as Elliott tells of her<br />

childhood and growing up years and the<br />

example and training she received from parents<br />

Philip and Katherine Howard. In the<br />

introduction she says, “Let’s live before our<br />

children that they may be able to truly honor<br />

us..,” she then goes on to honor her parents and<br />

the way they chose to raise their children, using<br />

excerpts from her mother’s autobiography, her<br />

father’s speeches, her memories, and those of<br />

her siblings. She includes eight pages of family<br />

photos and a suggested reading list for parents<br />

and ends, in the afterword, by saying<br />

“[although] the principles [written about in this<br />

book] are sound and biblical, I believe, their<br />

application will differ in different times and in<br />

different homes” and then encouraging readers<br />

to ask God for help in building their own homes.<br />

Betty Winslow, Librarian, Bowling Green <strong>Christian</strong> Academy,<br />

Bowling Green, Ohio<br />

★<br />

A light in the shadows : emerging from the<br />

darkness of depression, by William L.<br />

Coleman. LCCN 00023352. Ann Arbor,<br />

Mich.: Vine Books, Servant Publications,<br />

2000. ISBN 1569551510, PAP, $10.99.<br />

248.8’525. Depression, Mental--Religious aspects--<br />

<strong>Christian</strong>ity; Depressed persons--Religious life. 192<br />

p. Adult.<br />

This book is a must for any <strong>Christian</strong> who is<br />

living with depression personally or who knows<br />

anyone who is living with the disease. A<br />

<strong>Christian</strong> counselor who lives with depression<br />

discusses the deep pathos and mind-set of a<br />

depressed person. His writing resonates with<br />

the peace of God and yet the pain of depression.<br />

There are five parts with short, one to two page<br />

stories that provide the reader with clear vision<br />

into the mind of the depressed. There are mini<br />

chapters that clearly show the depressed are able<br />

to experience joy.<br />

Coleman spends precious print space to remind<br />

others regarding what to do and not do as well as<br />

what to say or not say. These insightful<br />

suggestions are offered to help those suffering<br />

with depression as well as those who have loved<br />

ones experiencing depression. Coleman writes<br />

from the heart and his humor and self-analysis<br />

are powerful to read. Many of the mini sections<br />

end with a scripture verse. Especially helpful is<br />

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the closing chapter wherein Pat Coleman,<br />

spouse, offers thoughts to help the spouse of a<br />

depressed person cope with the situation.<br />

The attractive cover and inviting format make<br />

this book easy to pick up. The book is written<br />

from the perspective that depression is a disease<br />

that <strong>Christian</strong>s may get. Coleman uses Old and<br />

New Testament biblical stories to explain his<br />

thoughts and positions. This book would be<br />

checked out often in many libraries.<br />

Bianca Elliott, Teacher, Linwood, Kansas<br />

Daring to live on the edge : the adventure<br />

of faith and finances, by Loren<br />

Cunningham; with Janice Rogers.<br />

Seattle: WYAM Publishing, 1991. ISBN<br />

0927545063, PAP, $8.99.<br />

254.8. Finance; <strong>Christian</strong> life. 197 p. Adult.<br />

Loren Cunningham is the founder of Youth With<br />

A Mission (YWAM) and knows from firsthand<br />

experience to expect big things from God.<br />

Daring to Live on the Edge is a book both for<br />

those who make a living doing ministry and<br />

those who are financial supporters of ministry.<br />

With chapters entitled Living by Faith in the 9 to<br />

5 World and How to Ask for Money,<br />

Cunningham addresses these widely divergent<br />

audiences, and does so admirably. The subtitle,<br />

The Adventure of Faith and Finances, points<br />

directly to the goal of the book which is to<br />

encourage people to live by faith in both the<br />

giving and the receiving of money. This is not<br />

another Larry Burkett/ Ron Blue how-tobudget-your-money<br />

book. Cunningham shows<br />

that a person choosing to live by faith will<br />

experience God in a deeper way. To support his<br />

stance, he uses numerous examples of people<br />

living by faith in extreme circumstances.<br />

Though this book emphasizes faith,<br />

Cunningham carefully differentiates between<br />

God providing for our needs and God giving us<br />

our wants. This is not a book about God giving<br />

us our wants. It is about having faith in God’s<br />

provision when He has called you to minister.<br />

By giving, even a little, we may never know<br />

how much God can use our little bit to show his<br />

faithfulness to someone. Overall, Daring to<br />

Live on the Edge is a very balanced view of<br />

finances from one who has seen God do<br />

amazing things.<br />

Robert M. Lindsey, Associate <strong>Library</strong> Director, Hannibal, Missouri<br />

Against the night : living in the new dark<br />

ages, by Charles Colson with Ellen Santilli<br />

Vaughn. LCCN 99026124. Ann Arbor,<br />

Mich.: Vine Books, Servant Publications,<br />

1999. ISBN 1569551448, PAP, $10.99.<br />

261.’0973’09048. <strong>Christian</strong>ity and culture; <strong>Christian</strong><br />

life--Biblical teaching. 221 p. Adult.<br />

Chuck Colson’s book, Against the Night, first<br />

published in 1989, is available in this new<br />

printing which includes a new preface written<br />

by the author and a study guide. The book was<br />

widely read in its first release and will, no doubt,<br />

enjoy the praise of a new generation of<br />

<strong>Christian</strong>s that is struggling with the same issues<br />

of how the Church of Jesus Christ should relate<br />

to the fallen culture in which it finds itself.<br />

Colson sounds the clarion that the Church is not<br />

changing the world. Many times its<br />

ineffectiveness is linked directly to its desire to<br />

be “relevant” and “adaptable” to the pagan<br />

society. Unfortunately, this is not what God<br />

requires of His Church, Colson argues. Instead,<br />

the author reminds us that Christ calls His<br />

Church to be the Church, to be obedient to His<br />

commands. Of course, the upshot is that this<br />

obedience actually will result in a changed<br />

culture. Thus, much of our desire to “change the<br />

world” is misdirected and ill-advised. Our<br />

desire—challenges Colson—must be obedience<br />

to the Lord.<br />

To support his claim Colson provides an<br />

outstanding series of essays that provide lessons<br />

in the history of culture. Colson transcends<br />

contemporary theological divisions as he<br />

effortlessly wraps quotations from Roman<br />

Catholic theologians around stories about<br />

pietistic evangelical successes. Colson is one<br />

whose experience sees beyond denominational<br />

labels to what God is actually accomplishing<br />

among His people. Quite often Colson shares<br />

personal anecdotes about his ministry<br />

experiences as a lecturer, lobbyist, and an<br />

advocate for prison reform. He peppers the<br />

narrative with examples from his days in the<br />

Nixon White House, Watergate, federal prison,<br />

and now the lecture circuit.<br />

<strong>Christian</strong>s who think about how the Church<br />

functions in a postmodern society marked by a<br />

seeming lack of absolutes are encouraged to<br />

read this book thoroughly; those who have read<br />

it before are advised to revisit it.<br />

Daniel S. Brown, Professor of Communication, Indiana Wesleyan<br />

University, Indianapolis, Indiana<br />

Any given day in the life of the Bible,<br />

Wycliffe Bible Translators. LCCN<br />

93200095. Portland, Ore.: Multnomah<br />

Publishers, 1992. ISBN 0880705132, PAP,<br />

$12.95.<br />

266.023. Wycliffe Bible Translators--Pictorial works;<br />

Bible--Translating--History. 168 p. Adult (High<br />

school).<br />

October 1, 1991, was like Any Given Day in the<br />

Life of the Bible—except that on that day over<br />

100 members of Wycliffe Bible Translators in<br />

fifty countries took thousands of color<br />

photographs to provide a glimpse into a portion<br />

of the many varied peoples and activities<br />

involved in the worldwide Bible translation<br />

effort. This lavish 8 1/2“ x 11” book includes<br />

nearly 300 of those photographs, arranged by<br />

hours in a “dawn to dusk” sequence. Missionary<br />

linguists from several different countries go<br />

through the daily routines of their lives as they<br />

build friendships, learn unwritten languages,<br />

and work with native speakers to produce Bible<br />

translations for those who have n ever had the<br />

Scriptures in the language of their heart. The<br />

team of technical specialists supporting the<br />

work of Wycliffe field linguists includes radio<br />

technicians, airplane pilots, computer<br />

specialists, graphic artists, audio and video<br />

specialists, scholars, teachers for “missionary<br />

kids,” literacy workers, government liaison and<br />

administrative personnel, to name a few. As part<br />

of their language learning process, these<br />

missionaries often build personal friendships<br />

through medical and community development<br />

activities. Members of the lay ministry,<br />

Wycliffe Associates, contribute to hands-on<br />

building projects around the world.<br />

The printing and binding are top quality—the<br />

gutters on the several double-page spreads line<br />

up beautifully. Several inset photos and<br />

occasional pages with black background and<br />

white text provide visual variety. Captions<br />

accompanying photos identify people groups,<br />

geographic locations, the names of personnel<br />

featured, and the photographers. (Due to low<br />

contrast, some eyes may need magnifying<br />

glasses to read text comments printed over a<br />

very few double-page spreads.) Scripture<br />

passages interspersed throughout the book relate<br />

to the diverse activities portrayed. Any Given<br />

Day demonstrates how many people throughout<br />

the world affect, and are affected by, the work<br />

of Wycliffe Bible Translators.<br />

Donna W. Bowling, Graduate Institute of Applied Linguistics<br />

<strong>Library</strong>, Dallas, Texas<br />

★<br />

In the image of God : faces and souls that<br />

reflect their creator, by Hyatt Moore and<br />

artists of Wycliffe Bible Translators.<br />

Orlando, Fl.: Wycliffe Bible Translators,<br />

1999. ISBN 0938978160, PAP, $19.95.<br />

266.023. Wycliffe Bible Translators--Pictorial works.<br />

148 p. Adult.<br />

An oversized paperback book, In the Image of<br />

God contains page after page of illustrations<br />

depicting mankind from all over the world. The<br />

book is divided into the following areas: North<br />

America, Central America, South America,<br />

Eurasia/Asia, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. All<br />

illustrators are Wycliffe Bible Translators. The<br />

artists (amateur and professional) portray the<br />

image of God’s likeness in conjunction with<br />

Bible verses. Hyatt Moore writes a paragraph of<br />

comments that correspond to the Bible verses<br />

and the artwork. The illustrations range from:<br />

pen and ink drawings, oil on canvas,<br />

photographs of sculpture, watercolor, and<br />

acrylic on canvas. For each geographic region,<br />

the illustrators have given the reader a glimpse<br />

of what the native people look like at work and<br />

at play.<br />

There is no index nor is there a table of contents<br />

included. The illustrations are mainly color but<br />

there are some in black and white. The last page<br />

of the book explains the Bibleless People Prayer<br />

Project. An address and website are listed for<br />

those readers who may be interested in learning<br />

more about the project.<br />

Connie J. Weaver, Church & Reference Librarian, Newville,<br />

Pennsylvania<br />

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★<br />

Come what may, by Betty M. Hockett.<br />

LCCN 98073586. Newberg, Ore.: Barclay<br />

Press, 1998. ISBN 0913342890, PAP,<br />

$15.00.<br />

266.’092. El Sembrador (Honduras); Hawk, Don;<br />

Hawk, Twana; Missions--Honduras. 253 p. Adult<br />

(High school).<br />

Kneeling in his cornfield, Don Hawk answers<br />

yes to God’s unexpected plan for his life. Come<br />

What May is the true story of Twana and Don<br />

Hawk who left all they knew in 1947 to be<br />

missionaries in Honduras. Because their vision<br />

was unique, they were not given the financial<br />

support of the missionary board. Undaunted,<br />

the Hawks sold their prospering Ohio farm and<br />

moved to the Central American jungle using<br />

their own money. Through difficult times, they<br />

never waiver from their goal to have a selfsupporting<br />

farm school that teaches<br />

disadvantaged boys a vocation and tells them<br />

about Christ’s love. Overcoming many<br />

obstacles, the school is eventually selfsupporting<br />

and also validated by the Honduran<br />

government. Many boys’ lives are forever<br />

changed, and many neighbors come to know<br />

Christ as a result of Don and Twana’s tireless<br />

work. The name of the school, “El Sembrador,”<br />

means The Sower. Many seeds of faith are<br />

planted at the school and many former students<br />

go on to the ministry. Some seeds are still<br />

waiting to sprout and Twana continues to pray<br />

for those. El Sembrador is still in existence<br />

today and operated by Don and Twana’s<br />

children and grandchildren.<br />

Author Betty M. Hockett does a fine job of<br />

making the Hawk’s struggles, joys, and answers<br />

to prayer come to life for the reader. This book<br />

is an exciting biography with a touch of humor<br />

which adults and teens will enjoy reading. To<br />

make for easier reading, Hockett put the<br />

pronunciation for the many Spanish words in<br />

parentheses. A fifteen-page photo album is<br />

included. Putting faces to names adds an extra<br />

dimension to the story. Following God,<br />

wherever he leads, no matter what, is an<br />

important lesson at any age.<br />

Elizabeth Coleman, Freelance Writer, Tumwater, Washington<br />

Is that really you, God? : hearing the voice<br />

of God, by Loren Cunningham; with<br />

Janice Rogers. LCCN 84001862. Seattle:<br />

WYAM Publishing, 1984. ISBN<br />

0310607116, PAP, $8.99.<br />

267. Youth With a Mission, Inc.; Cunningham, Loren;<br />

<strong>Christian</strong> biography. 157 p. Adult.<br />

This book is really two books enmeshed in one:<br />

a chronicle of the Youth With a Mission<br />

ministry, and a how-to on recognizing God’s<br />

direction.<br />

Youth With A Mission (YWAM) started with a<br />

vision Cunningham saw of waves of young<br />

people spreading across continents with the<br />

good news of Jesus Christ. He took it from<br />

vision to reality by seeking God’s leading and<br />

learning to obey with pure motives. Along the<br />

way he battled with setbacks and with pride and<br />

struggled to keep in close relationship with God.<br />

He lists his failures as well as his successes,<br />

including what he learned from each.<br />

He periodically went off by himself to fast, pray,<br />

and read scripture, inspired by Jesus’ forty days<br />

in the wilderness before His public ministry. He<br />

received confirmation of God’s leading through<br />

other people and through extraordinary means.<br />

And he saw his ministry multiply as he<br />

remained in communion with God.<br />

Cunningham tells YWAM’s story in a<br />

straightforward but entertaining manner,<br />

recording the contributions of family, friends,<br />

and others. He closes the book with a chapter<br />

listing twelve principles to keep in mind while<br />

pursuing the Lord’s direction.<br />

Andrea R. Huelsenbeck, Freelance Writer and Drama Minister,<br />

Tempe, Arizona<br />

Please pray for us : praying for persecuted<br />

<strong>Christian</strong>s in 52 nations, Johan<br />

Companjen, general editor. LCCN<br />

00009992. Minneapolis: Bethany House,<br />

2000. ISBN 0764224166, PAP, $9.99.<br />

272.’0’090511. Persecution--Prayer-books and<br />

devotions--English. 219 p. Adult.<br />

Companjen, as the general editor, has provided<br />

an excellent reference for <strong>Christian</strong>s who would<br />

like information regarding how to pray more<br />

effectively for specific countries. He is the<br />

president of Open Doors International that deals<br />

with the persecuted church around the world.<br />

His commitment to the persecuted church is<br />

documented in the contributor page of the book.<br />

Justin Long has done the research for this book.<br />

Long has had over ten years experience specific<br />

to missions and unreached peoples and<br />

countries. Companjen has selected 52 nations<br />

where prayer is critical. He chose 52 countries<br />

so one may pray for a different country each<br />

week. The countries are presented<br />

alphabetically in the book. On page eleven is a<br />

powerful chart indicating the 52 countries where<br />

persecution against <strong>Christian</strong>s is the worst.<br />

Present in each chapter is a brief description of<br />

the country with a statistical box inset.<br />

Additionally, there are short paragraphs<br />

pertaining to church life in the country,<br />

persecution of people, the future for the country<br />

and/or church, and specific prayer topics. Every<br />

now and then the people who are in the front<br />

lines in the targeted country share an interesting<br />

story. This would be an excellent addition to<br />

any library.<br />

Bianca Elliott, Teacher, Linwood, Kansas<br />

Guerrilla hostage, by Denise Marie Siino.<br />

LCCN 98042893. Grand Rapids: Fleming<br />

H. Revell, Baker Books, 1999. ISBN<br />

0800756932, PAP, $9.99.<br />

278.61. Rising, Ray--Captivity, 1994-1996; Hostages-<br />

-Colombia--Biography; Hostages--United States--<br />

Biography; Summer Institute of Linguistics--<br />

Biography. 239 p. Adult (High school).<br />

Denise Marie Siino writes a gripping story about<br />

the kidnapping of Ray Rising in Colombia and<br />

his subsequent two years as a prisoner. Siino<br />

begins Guerrilla Hostage with a little<br />

background information on the political<br />

situation in Colombia and moves into the day of<br />

the kidnapping. The Risings were in Colombia<br />

working with Wycliffe Bible Translators. After<br />

his capture, Ray does his best to remain a<br />

faithful witness in circumstances that most of us<br />

cannot imagine. To remain hidden from the<br />

Colombian army, the guerrilla groups move<br />

often and change personnel frequently. Rising<br />

suffers the suspense of wondering which will<br />

kill him first, the kidnappers or the jungle. He<br />

experiences extreme loneliness and doubt.<br />

Allowed to have a New Testament that included<br />

some Psalms, Ray spends significant portions of<br />

each day reading and wrestling with the “why’s”<br />

and “how much longer’s.” Through it all, God<br />

shows that He is indeed in control even though<br />

Rising may never know why the Lord permitted<br />

this circumstance or what eternal effect his<br />

captivity will have.<br />

Siino portrays the terrorists as human beings<br />

with feelings and motivations of their own. She<br />

assists us in picturing them as Ray came to see<br />

them. While some captors taunt and harass<br />

Rising, others risk rebuke by befriending him.<br />

Beginning the book with some background on<br />

Colombia helps put the story in context.<br />

Additional features include appendix of names,<br />

eight pages of pictures and footnotes. Some<br />

important details contained in the footnotes are<br />

not used in the text. Readers from high school<br />

through adult would enjoy this journey of faith.<br />

Robert M. Lindsey, Associate <strong>Library</strong> Director, Hannibal, Missouri<br />

300’s—Social Sciences<br />

When love dies : how to save a hopeless<br />

marriage, by Judy Bodmer. LCCN<br />

99024421. Nashville: Word Publishing,<br />

1999. ISBN 0849937140, PAP, $12.00.<br />

306.8’1. Marriage; Marriage--Psychological aspects;<br />

Love; Divorce; Interpersonal relations. 194 p. Adult.<br />

Writing from personal experience, Judy<br />

Bodmer, in When Love Dies, fills fourteen<br />

chapters with wisdom, doses of humor, and<br />

scriptures that restore hope for marriages headed<br />

toward divorce. Each chapter begins with a<br />

scripture text, or inspirational quote, and ends<br />

with an action designed to challenge the reader.<br />

For example, chapter two tells these truths about<br />

divorce: a core of depression and a sense of<br />

personal failure pervades those who experience<br />

divorce; a divorcee’s standard of living (for<br />

women) will go down 73 percent; children are<br />

seriously affected for life. The action item in<br />

this chapter includes a prayer written by Thomas<br />

Kempis regarding surrender to Christ. Other<br />

recommended actions include acting in love<br />

toward your spouse because the Bible<br />

commands it, a specific plan to symbolically<br />

forgive your spouse, and reading Matthew 5, 6,<br />

and 7 of The Message.<br />

“The decision to leave your husband is not made<br />

in a moment; but is arrived at over time,” writes<br />

Bodmer. Then she illustrates how to recognize<br />

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your part in the estranged marriage and why<br />

forgiveness is the cornerstone to healing and<br />

peace. “Just as Christ’s forgiveness is<br />

unconditional so must yours be.” Bodmer<br />

describes the path to forgiveness, what it means,<br />

and how to do it when it doesn’t seem possible.<br />

Her use of anecdotes to demonstrate hard truth<br />

is especially appealing because of the clarity<br />

each story brings.<br />

Each chapter contains excellent information on<br />

issues found in divorce, such as anger, mental or<br />

physical sexual involvement, betrayal, and<br />

defining the real problems. A comprehensive<br />

notes and bibliography section provides further<br />

resources. This book is comparable to Anna<br />

Kristin Carrols’ excellent resource, Together<br />

Forever, which is now out of print, and would<br />

make a good replacement. Bodmer’s book<br />

could change the direction of your life and your<br />

marriage.<br />

Gail Welborn, Freelance Writer/Reporter, Everett, Washington<br />

600’s—Technology (Applied Sciences)<br />

A quiet world : living with hearing loss, by<br />

David G. Myers. LCCN 00038153. New<br />

Haven: Yale Univ. Press, 2000. ISBN<br />

0300084390, HBB, $18.50.<br />

617.8. Deafness--Popular works; Hearing disorders--<br />

Popular works; Hearing aids. 176 p. Adult.<br />

In this book, David Myers introduces us to the<br />

world of the hard of hearing. Written in the form<br />

of an occasional journal over a period of ten<br />

years, Myers looks at this issue from both a<br />

professional and a personal perspective. For it is<br />

during this ten-year period that Myers himself<br />

wrestles with a gradual loss of hearing. As a<br />

professor of psychology at Hope College in<br />

Michigan, and, the author of a number of<br />

psychology textbooks, Myers is well qualified<br />

to chronicle the physiology and psychology of<br />

hearing loss. However, as a person enmeshed in<br />

the day-to-day struggle of coming to terms with<br />

his condition, Myers must face the uncertainties<br />

like the rest of us. It is here that his work shines.<br />

For there is a tension between Myers’<br />

presentation of the search for technological<br />

advances in hearing aid devices, and his<br />

personal love/hate relationship with his present<br />

equipment. On the one hand, Myers lays out the<br />

various components of hearing loss: alienation<br />

in relationships, communication struggles, and<br />

the essential support played by family and<br />

friends. On the other hand, there is the personal<br />

angst as Myers endeavors to teach, give public<br />

interviews, and live a “normal” social life. The<br />

juxtaposition of these two perspectives is the<br />

genius of the book.<br />

A Quiet World is a good introduction to the<br />

challenges faced by the hard of hearing, and the<br />

present and potential progress made in the area<br />

of technology. It offers “outsiders” a glimpse<br />

into this often-neglected world. Myers also<br />

includes an appendix of resources for the hard of<br />

hearing, which provides information on<br />

publications, resource centers, and organizations<br />

supporting these individuals.<br />

Ted Goshulak, University Librarian, Langley, British Columbia,<br />

Canada<br />

Read to me : raising kids who love to read,<br />

revised and updated by Bernice E.<br />

Cullinan. LCCN 00027178. New York:<br />

Scholastic, 2000. ISBN 043908721X, PAP,<br />

$6.95.<br />

649.58. Children--United States--Books and reading;<br />

Reading--parent participation--United States. 151 p.<br />

Adult.<br />

In 1979 Jim Trelease self-published the first<br />

edition of his The Read-Aloud Handbook.<br />

Many revisions later, it remains the<br />

quintessential guide to the correlation between<br />

reading aloud to children and their future<br />

academic success.<br />

What Trelease’s book does in scholarly fashion,<br />

Cullinan’s does simply and concisely. Half the<br />

size of Trelease’s tome, Read to Me is less<br />

intimidating to parents who might be reluctant<br />

readers themselves.<br />

In the first thirty pages, Cullinan makes the case<br />

for reading out loud to children. She shares<br />

some heartbreaking statistics: 82% of prison<br />

inmates are school dropouts and 60% are<br />

illiterate. But female inmates can be coaxed to<br />

learn to read using children’s picture books—<br />

which they, in turn, read to their own children on<br />

visiting days.<br />

Cullinan points out that just as a child needs<br />

models for speech, “he needs models for<br />

reading, too. He needs to hear what reading<br />

sounds like when it is done by a competent<br />

reader.” Otherwise, kids miss the flow, the<br />

larger picture, as they get bogged down in the<br />

chain of individual words.<br />

If parents do not read to their preschooler, all is<br />

not lost. One teacher who began reading out<br />

loud to a class of struggling sixth graders saw a<br />

leap in their comprehension—and discovered<br />

the kids were reading ahead because they were<br />

eager to find out what would happen next.<br />

The body of Read to Me is made up of how-to<br />

chapters, with tips on getting started and<br />

suggestions for related activities. Cullinan<br />

describes how to read to a child from infancy<br />

through age twelve. Her book list is less<br />

extensive than Trelease’s, with briefer<br />

summaries, but she also includes a list of<br />

children’s magazines, wonderful tools to delight<br />

young readers. This inexpensive book would<br />

make a wonderful gift for new parents.<br />

Andrea R. Huelsenbeck, Freelance Writer and Drama Minister,<br />

Tempe, Arizona<br />

Kids in danger, by Ross Campbell with<br />

Carole Sanderson Streeter. Colorado<br />

Springs: Chariot Victor, 1999. ISBN<br />

0781433916, PAP, $10.99.<br />

649.’7. Anger in children; Child rearing; Conflict<br />

(Psychology) in children. 187 p. Adult.<br />

Originally published in 1995, Kids in Danger is<br />

meant to help parents, teachers, and all<br />

concerned recognize anger in children, its<br />

possible causes and manifestations, as well as<br />

definitive methods in handling the anger of a<br />

child. Dr. Campbell uses short, easy to<br />

understand vignettes of real life situations to<br />

exemplify his points. He also explains what<br />

anger is and what it is used for in a positive<br />

setting. Laced throughout is Scripture to<br />

undergird his points. Dr. Campbell spends<br />

much of his book discussing passive aggression.<br />

He sees this manifested in many young people’s<br />

(and adults) lives. His visual anger ladder helps<br />

individuals track the activities that display anger<br />

negatively or positively. Dr. Campbell also<br />

describes what he calls the “25%/75%” person.<br />

The 25%’s are people who are pro-authority and<br />

the 75%’s are those who are anti-authority. He<br />

believes that all people fall somewhere on the<br />

spectrum of these two categories. He also<br />

believes that proper identification of which one<br />

we lean to will help us handle our anger more<br />

effectively.<br />

The book is an attractive paperback with many<br />

helpful sections. The notes section is useful as<br />

are his tables and visuals within the book. The<br />

two sections I like are the section for parents of<br />

children with special needs, and <strong>Christian</strong>s and<br />

anger. The special needs child also needs to<br />

learn how to handle anger and Dr. Campbell<br />

helps the parent(s) to see how and why this<br />

needs to be done. The section discussion<br />

<strong>Christian</strong>s and anger is helpful in showing how<br />

pastors have suffered from anger displayed to<br />

them and how unmanaged anger may create a<br />

sociopath in the sheepfold.<br />

Bianca Elliott, Teacher, Linwood, Kansas<br />

★<br />

The alphabet makers, a presentation from<br />

the Museum of the Alphabet, Waxhaw,<br />

North Carolina. Huntington Beach,<br />

Calif.: Summer Institute of Linguistics,<br />

1991. ISBN 0938978136, PAP, $13.95.<br />

813.’54’20. Language and languages; Alphabet. 95 p.<br />

Adult (High school).<br />

On the outskirts of Waxhaw, North Carolina,<br />

The Museum of the Alphabet stands as a unique<br />

educational resource. In a 4900 square foot<br />

building, the history of writing in the world’s<br />

many different languages and scripts comes<br />

alive. Using photographs and paintings,<br />

sculptures and weavings, quiz boxes and<br />

models, a special focus of this multimedia<br />

exhibition is on people who have contributed to<br />

this history. The museum is a dream-child of<br />

Cameron Townsend, the founder of Wycliffe<br />

Bible Translators and the Summer Institute of<br />

Linguistics, and utilizes the efforts of noted<br />

linguists, artists, and many volunteers.<br />

This 9 x 12 book is not an ordinary museum<br />

guide book. Rather, artistically arranged fullcolor<br />

photographs of the museum’s paintings,<br />

maps, charts, and other artifacts illustrate the<br />

narrative history of writing in the diverse<br />

languages of the world. Fine detail in several<br />

illustrations invites the use of a magnifying<br />

glass. A floor plan of the museum in the<br />

introduction to The Alphabet Makers indicates<br />

S P R I N G 2 0 0 1 7 8 C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L


ADULT<br />

NONFICTION<br />

the order of topics. More than forty different<br />

language scripts are described and illustrated.<br />

Several systems of numbers, musical notations,<br />

Braille and Moon alphabets for the blind, and<br />

one hand sign alphabet for the deaf are included.<br />

The development of the manufacture of paper<br />

and later the movable type printing press made<br />

significant contributions to the advance of<br />

writing. Through the years, the worldwide<br />

effort for Bible translation has benefited from,<br />

and frequently encouraged, the development of<br />

new alphabets. As previously unwritten<br />

languages are reduced to writing, they<br />

sometimes demand the invention of new<br />

alphabet letters to represent special sounds in<br />

those languages. Today computers facilitate the<br />

development and use of the special characters<br />

needed to produce printed materials. Attractive<br />

for browsing, this book is useful for study or<br />

reference. Includes generous bibliography, but<br />

no subject index.<br />

Donna W. Bowling, Graduate Institute of Applied Linguistics<br />

<strong>Library</strong>, Dallas, Texas<br />

C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 7 9 S P R I N G 2 0 0 1


BOOK REVIEWS<br />

REFERENCE<br />

000’s—Generalities<br />

The church librarian’s handbook : a<br />

complete guide for the library and<br />

resource center in <strong>Christian</strong> education,<br />

3rd ed., by Betty McMichael. LCCN<br />

98007885. Grand Rapids: Baker Books,<br />

1998. ISBN 0801057728, PAP, $17.99.<br />

027.6. Church libraries--United States--Handbooks,<br />

manuals, etc.; Church libraries--Canada--Handbooks,<br />

manuals, etc. 288 p. Adult.<br />

The Church Librarian’s Handbook by Betty<br />

McMichael provides all the information any size<br />

church library would need to get started or to<br />

make improvements in existing systems.<br />

Intended primarily for the church librarian, but<br />

also directed at other interested church staffers,<br />

McMichael’s book offers twelve chapters, four<br />

appendices, a lengthy bibliography and index.<br />

The first chapter presents the hypothetical<br />

launching of a church library, delineating all the<br />

pitfalls one might encounter. Overall, however,<br />

the tone of this vade mecum is that of inspiration<br />

and enthusiasm. Ensuing chapters delve into<br />

staffing, book and AV selection, establishing<br />

policies, preparing materials, promotion of the<br />

library, financing, budgeting, and computer<br />

usage. The author intersperses germane biblical<br />

references throughout her text. There are a lot of<br />

ideas and guidance to draw from in this book<br />

and it is obvious the author has a great deal of<br />

experience.<br />

Results from surveys of church libraries are<br />

provided in almost every chapter to arm the<br />

neophyte librarian with what is at least an<br />

“average” figure or goal. For example, the<br />

average church library has 240 square feet; 26%<br />

of church libraries check out 1-19 books per<br />

week. Church library budgets are recommended<br />

to fall within one-half to one percent of the total<br />

church operating budget.<br />

At least half the value of the book is in the<br />

voluminous appendices, which give names and<br />

addresses of suppliers and associations, a<br />

classification system, and subject headings. The<br />

bibliography appears comprehensive but<br />

somewhat dated. Bibliography entries appear to<br />

be current as of the publication date of the book<br />

but there are titles that are too old to serve wellfor<br />

example, Computer Basics for Librarians<br />

and Information Scientists which has a<br />

publication date of 1981.<br />

If there is a drawback to the book, it is<br />

timeliness. Although this, the third edition, was<br />

published in 1998, readers are still referred to<br />

Wilson <strong>Library</strong> Bulletin—defunct since 1995.<br />

The address for <strong>Christian</strong> <strong>Library</strong> <strong>Journal</strong> given<br />

in the appendix is five years old. Also, the<br />

illustrations seem dated and, while computers<br />

are mentioned, primacy is given to doing things<br />

by hand.<br />

David W. Rash, Public Services Librarian & History Instructor,<br />

Everett Community College<br />

(Editor’s note: CLJ’s address has changed several times in the past<br />

five years. Please see our current address on the contents page of<br />

this issue.)<br />

200’s—Religion<br />

Index of biblical images : similes,<br />

metaphors, and symbols in Scripture :<br />

based on the text of The new international<br />

version of the Bible, by Warren W.<br />

Wiersbe. LCCN 00710334. Grand<br />

Rapids: Baker Books, 2000. ISBN<br />

0801091071, PAP, $9.99.<br />

220.6. Metaphor in the Bible--Indexes. 127 p. Adult.<br />

Over 400 figures of speech are indexed in this<br />

easy-to-use paperback designed primarily for<br />

preachers and teachers of the Word. Preachers<br />

who are teaching through the book of John may<br />

be interested in how other writers use the image<br />

of “bread,” for example. The index provides<br />

thirteen categories which show “bread” used to<br />

mean, among other things, “Christ,” “The Body<br />

of Christ,” “Sorrow/discipline,” “Poverty,”<br />

“Friendship,” and “Sin.”<br />

The metaphors are arranged in alphabetical<br />

order from “Account” to “Wrestle.” The author<br />

confesses his own frustration in creating<br />

categories and assigning passages. When is a<br />

given passage metaphorical and when is it not?<br />

Eschatological concepts are considered<br />

symbolic and this, of course, reflects Wiersbe’s<br />

dispensational theology. Likewise, Paul’s text<br />

about “Isaac” and “Ishmael” in Galatians 4:28-<br />

31 is labeled “God’s Children” and “Legalism”<br />

respectively. Missing from the book is any<br />

significant commentary other than the brief<br />

introduction and acknowledgements; even the<br />

“brief phrases” that commonly appear in<br />

concordances are absent. The index is a list of<br />

biblical references formatted in three columns<br />

per page. From Wiersbe, the evangelical<br />

<strong>Christian</strong> reader expects more, frankly.<br />

While the book is disappointing on these counts,<br />

it is important to note that preachers yearning for<br />

fresh and creative ways of exposing biblical<br />

truth are always looking for new tools to create<br />

their messages. This is one such tool that many<br />

will find helpful because it points them in the<br />

pathway of creative and original thinking.<br />

Daniel S. Brown, Professor of Communication, Indiana Wesleyan<br />

University, Indianapolis, Indiana<br />

The Baker atlas of <strong>Christian</strong> history,<br />

[edited by] Tim Dowley. Grand Rapids:<br />

Baker Books, 1997. ISBN 0801022487,<br />

HBB, $29.99.<br />

270. <strong>Christian</strong> Church--History--Maps. 160 p. Adult<br />

(High school).<br />

This atlas is a re-issue of Dowley’s earlier Atlas<br />

of the Bible and <strong>Christian</strong>ity. The new title (just<br />

released in fall 2000) more accurately reflects<br />

the scope and content of this unique reference<br />

book: it covers the span of church history.<br />

Organized in four sections—Old Testament,<br />

New Testament, Early Church, and Modern<br />

Church—the work is comprehensive and yet<br />

accessible to the curious. The atlas contains<br />

over 160 computer-generated maps in full color;<br />

50 beautiful full-color photographs; numerous<br />

charts; latitude and longitude references; sound<br />

commentary; and an indispensable index and<br />

gazetteer. Dowley has edited numerous<br />

volumes on <strong>Christian</strong> history and doctrine over<br />

the years. This book is yet another pleasant and<br />

profitable fruit of his efforts. It not only<br />

includes the expected archeological maps of<br />

ancient Hebrew history and Paul’s missionary<br />

journeys; Dowley and his editing team have<br />

created maps and charts representing the spread<br />

of <strong>Christian</strong>ity—its various <strong>Christian</strong> sects and<br />

movements—from the beginning of the church<br />

to the late 20th century. This is the type of<br />

reference that converts the casual consumer into<br />

a devotee. Reports of data are unbelievably<br />

manageable and understandable in this format.<br />

The graphics paint the history of <strong>Christian</strong><br />

proliferation in page after page. Rather than<br />

focusing on stories of individuals, however, this<br />

reference work shows in sweeping detail the<br />

societal and cultural shifts in page after page.<br />

The various waves of Church growth and<br />

development are quite striking when viewed in<br />

this manner. The comparative religious details<br />

are impressive when seen graphically. The<br />

religious affiliations of the world population are<br />

visually summarized; scholarly commentary,<br />

including caveats and warnings about how to<br />

interpret and apply the information, is well done<br />

and written from an evangelical perspective<br />

throughout the work.<br />

Daniel S. Brown, Professor of Communication, Indiana Wesleyan<br />

University, Indianapolis, Indiana<br />

300’s—Social Sciences<br />

Baker’s guide to <strong>Christian</strong> distance<br />

education : online learning for all ages, by<br />

Jason D. Baker. LCCN 00040382. Grand<br />

Rapids: Baker Books, Baker Book House,<br />

2000. ISBN 0801063418, PAP, $13.99.<br />

S P R I N G 2 0 0 1 8 0 C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L


REFERENCE<br />

371.35025. Distance education--United States--<br />

Directories; University extension--United States--<br />

Directories; Computer-assisted instruction--United<br />

States--Directories; Church colleges--United States--<br />

Directories. 223 p. Adult (High school).<br />

Whether you’re looking for K-12 home<br />

schooling or want to earn an undergraduate or<br />

graduate degree, this guide will help the reader<br />

discover the options available for <strong>Christian</strong><br />

distance learning. As a reference took, Baker’s<br />

Guide to <strong>Christian</strong> Distance Education features<br />

aspects of distance learning such as models of<br />

distance course delivery, understanding<br />

accreditation, and a directory of 100 different<br />

programs outlined with profiles covering<br />

kindergarten through high school and accredited<br />

<strong>Christian</strong> certificate and degree programs<br />

(ranging from bachelor’s through doctoral level)<br />

that are delivered via various distance education<br />

methods.<br />

Baker has a passion to equip people with a<br />

biblical worldview. As a distance student<br />

himself, he writes with conviction and<br />

experience. His earlier books include Parents’<br />

Computer Companion (Baker Book, 1999) and<br />

<strong>Christian</strong> Cyberspace Companion (Baker Book,<br />

1997). He and his wife and two sons live in<br />

Baltimore, Maryland.<br />

<strong>Christian</strong> libraries, and adults seeking to locate<br />

what is available for lifelong learning or to<br />

deepen skills, will find in this guide succinct,<br />

easy-to-follow advice and programs outlined in<br />

detail.<br />

Leroy Hommerding, Director, Fort Myers Beach P.L. District, Fort<br />

Myers, Florida<br />

A dictionary of folklore, by David<br />

Pickering. LCCN 00703027. New York:<br />

Facts on File, 1999. ISBN 0816042500,<br />

HBB, $40.00.<br />

398. Folklore--Dictionaries; Mythology--Dictionaries.<br />

324 p. High school (Adult).<br />

A Dictionary of Folklore, written by David<br />

Pickering, gives the reader of folklore and ethnic<br />

mythologies a source for quick identification of<br />

terms, symbols, and persons found in tales from<br />

around the world. Pickering’s book is most<br />

complete in its coverage of the European<br />

traditions, but it also contains entries from<br />

American Indian, African, and South American<br />

traditions as well as from the Far East. The<br />

explanations are succinct, noting terms within<br />

the definitions which are themselves defined<br />

elsewhere. Alternate names or terms are<br />

provided with ”see“ and ”see also“ references to<br />

direct the reader to the proper term or a fuller<br />

explanation of aspects of a given definition.<br />

A Dictionary of Folklore is the perfect armchair<br />

guide for those just beginning to delve into the<br />

more serious treatment of the world of folk and<br />

fairy tales that is encountered in typical high<br />

school literature curricula. The definitions,<br />

arranged alphabetically regardless of source, are<br />

of the precise length and simplicity to satisfy the<br />

need for a quick explanation of those allusions<br />

often found in literature as well as those works<br />

falling into the fantasy genre. Cross-referencing<br />

is extensive and clear, giving every help to the<br />

reader in finding the correct or most complete<br />

sense of an entry. Also impressive is the<br />

geographic scope. For such a small work, it<br />

touches on major traditions from all over the<br />

globe, excepting those from the ancient world.<br />

If there is any material weakness in Pickering’s<br />

work, it might be in its lack of a pronunciation<br />

guide for the many words from non-English<br />

sources and of a selected bibliography for those<br />

who would like to pursue this subject further.<br />

Pamela A. Todd, Librarian/English Teacher, Chalcedon <strong>Christian</strong><br />

School, Cumming, Georgia<br />

400’s—Language<br />

Descriptionary : a thematic dictionary,<br />

2nd ed., by Marc McCutcheon. LCCN<br />

99089026. New York: Facts on File, 2000.<br />

ISBN 0816041059, HBB, $45.00.<br />

423.1. English language--Synonyms and antonyms;<br />

Description (Rhetoric)--Dictionaries; English<br />

language--Terms and phrases; Figures of speech--<br />

Dictionaries; English language--Dictionaries. 560 p.<br />

Adult (High school).<br />

Can’t think of the word on the tip of your<br />

tongue? Intrigued with discoveries when<br />

searching for that right word? Then consult<br />

Descriptionary by Mark McCutcheon. This<br />

560-page volume fits perfectly on the shelf<br />

between a dictionary and a thesaurus. In doing<br />

a crossword, I needed a word for ‘age of<br />

majority.’ I checked the alphabetical index ‘age<br />

of majority’ where it says page 217. Going to<br />

217, one finds the phrase in the criminal and tort<br />

law section with the description “when one<br />

legally becomes adult, usually considered to be<br />

of age 18.” Legal fit the crossword but even<br />

more interesting were the many words in law<br />

made simple and easy to understand.<br />

McCutcheon’s reference aid is divided into<br />

twenty-two broad subject areas, e.g.,<br />

architecture, medicine, tools; and these are<br />

divided further into 194 sub topics. The reader<br />

will find not only a definition and synonyms but<br />

components and technical words that make this<br />

journey a fun one. Under ‘space flight,’ e.g., one<br />

finds the various satellites and space probes with<br />

technical words such as avionics, blackout,<br />

gimbal, and retro rocket, and in addition a list of<br />

shuttle acronyms.<br />

Dozens of new terms reflect current usage in<br />

fields such as the Internet, medicine, finance, the<br />

performing arts, science, sports, politics, and the<br />

government. A closing chapter, “1,050 Words<br />

and Expressions You Should Know,” include<br />

basic vocabulary and expressions to expand<br />

one’s comprehension. Examples include c’est la<br />

vie, hubris, Holy Grail, WASP, and wistful.<br />

Adults will find this a tool one comes back to.<br />

Some readers will linger in the interesting<br />

directions offered when searching for a<br />

particular word. The unusual word arrangement<br />

enables one to find a variety of words to<br />

instantly increase practical vocabulary.<br />

<strong>Christian</strong> school libraries will find this a helpful<br />

title for high schoolers.<br />

Leroy Hommerding, Director, Fort Myers Beach P.L. District, Fort<br />

Myers, Florida<br />

500’s—Natural Sciences & Mathematics<br />

Birding in the American West : a<br />

handbook, by Kevin J. Zimmer. LCCN<br />

99053727. Ithaca, N.Y.: Cornell Univ.<br />

Press, 2000. ISBN 080148328X, HBB,<br />

$49.95.<br />

598.’07’23478. Bird watching--West (U.S.); Birds--<br />

West (U.S.)--Identification. 402 p. Adult.<br />

Birds of North America, by Kenn<br />

Kaufman. (Kaufman focus guides.)<br />

LCCN 00056717. New York: Houghton<br />

Mifflin, 2000. ISBN 0395964644, PAP,<br />

$20.00.<br />

598.’097. Birds--North America--Identification;<br />

Birds--North America--Pictorial works. 384 p. Adult.<br />

National Audubon Society the Sibley<br />

master guide to birds : field identification,<br />

written and illustrated by David Allen<br />

Sibley. LCCN 00041239. New York:<br />

Alfred A. Knopf, 2000. ISBN 0679451226,<br />

PAP, $35.00.<br />

598.’097. Birds--North America--Identification. 544<br />

p. Adult.<br />

With the continuing growth in the number of<br />

birders (or bird-watchers) in North American<br />

over the past two decades, it is hardly surprising<br />

that the number of new guides and handbooks<br />

published continues to escalate. Following in<br />

the footsteps of Roger Tory Peterson these three<br />

books all strive to assist the observer in<br />

accurately identifying the bird species they<br />

encounter. Kaufman, Sibley, and Zimmer are all<br />

part of the new generation of experts who are<br />

passing on their experience and expertise to a<br />

broader public in well-produced volumes of upto-date<br />

information. Birds of North America<br />

most clearly follows the legacy of Roger Tory<br />

Peterson. However, Kaufman has ventured out<br />

into a new technological frontier as he uses<br />

digitally enhanced photographs to emphasize<br />

the significant field marks crucial to identifying<br />

a particular species of bird. Over 2000<br />

photographs were scanned into computer files<br />

and corrected for color consistency, size, and<br />

lighting. This is the first field guide to adopt the<br />

technique. Besides the photo-enhanced images,<br />

the field guide itself primarily follows the<br />

familiar Peterson structure. The arrangement of<br />

species is not however consistent with the latest<br />

AOU list, as birds are grouped together by<br />

similar features rather than taxonomy. Colorcoded<br />

tabs divide the book into sixteen sections<br />

for quick thumb indexing. The range maps and<br />

species and voice descriptions are well done,<br />

providing a succinct description of each bird, its<br />

habits, and habitat. Kaufman’s stated objective<br />

with this work is to attract a whole new section<br />

of the population to birding. Birds of North<br />

America does an admirable job of fulfilling that<br />

goal.<br />

Within weeks of the publication of Kaufman’s<br />

book, a second guide made its appearance on<br />

bookshelves. David Sibley’s NAS Sibley Guide<br />

to Birds was more than ten years in the making,<br />

and is much larger in size and scope than<br />

C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 8 1 S P R I N G 2 0 0 1


REFERENCE<br />

Kaufman’s work. With more than 66,000<br />

watercolor illustrations describing 810 species<br />

(and 350 regional populations), Sibley has<br />

broken new ground with this reference work.<br />

Each species of bird is presented in an average<br />

of a dozen illustrations and is shown in all<br />

plumages. Unique to this guide is the extensive<br />

use of small sketches showing head-on or tail-on<br />

views of birds in flight. The layout features<br />

illustrations, text, and maps all on one page;<br />

another unique feature. The Sibley Guide<br />

begins with a thorough introduction focusing<br />

particularly on bird topography. Throughout the<br />

guide an introductory page is provided for each<br />

family or group of related families of birds. The<br />

total package is a massive work setting a new<br />

standard for North America field guides. Both<br />

Kaufman and Sibley’s books are innovative and<br />

provide the birding community; from the<br />

“uninitiated” to the “converted,” with<br />

identification tools of high quality.<br />

Birding in the American West is a companion<br />

handbook that can be used together with the<br />

field guides reviewed above. Both Kaufman<br />

and Sibley provide users with accurate and<br />

detailed information on the physical<br />

identification of species. Zimmer’s book is<br />

meant to fill the gaps left by those resources.<br />

Identifying birds is only the beginning; knowing<br />

where to find them is quite another thing. It is<br />

here that Zimmer provides expert guidance.<br />

Despite the geographically limited scope of the<br />

book the general concepts apply across all of<br />

North America. Birding in the American West<br />

provides birders with the general concepts and<br />

framework needed to develop good<br />

identification skills as well as to investigate the<br />

important elements of determining where<br />

species occur and why (habitat recognition,<br />

elevation, key plant species, nest site<br />

availability, time of day, and time of year).<br />

Zimmer also devotes a chapter to the art of<br />

taking field notes of your sightings. The final<br />

two chapters are spent looking at difficult<br />

identification issues and focusing on where<br />

particular Western specialty birds can be found.<br />

With its use of drawings and photographs to<br />

supplement the text, this work is a goldmine of<br />

hard-to-find information. Time spent digesting<br />

the wealth of data in this book will definitely<br />

pay off in developing greater skills in the field.<br />

Ted Goshulak, University Librarian, Langley, British Columbia,<br />

Canada<br />

800’s—Literature & Rhetoric<br />

Contemporary <strong>Christian</strong> authors : lives<br />

and works, by Janice DeLong and Rachel<br />

Schwedt. LCCN 99041563. Lanham,<br />

Md.: Scarecrow Press, 2000. ISBN<br />

0810836882, HBB, $45.00.<br />

810.9’3823. <strong>Christian</strong> fiction, American--Biobibliography--Dictionaries;<br />

Novelists, American--20th<br />

century--Biography--Dictionaries. 385 p. Adult (High<br />

school).<br />

Inspirational fiction, <strong>Christian</strong> fiction, novels<br />

without gratuitous violence or sex—few<br />

libraries have not felt the interest or noticed the<br />

requests for titles in this new and growing genre.<br />

Contemporary <strong>Christian</strong> Authors by Delong and<br />

Schwedt focuses on writers who have achieved<br />

a wide readership through at least one<br />

outstanding contribution, although most have<br />

penned numerous titles.<br />

Styles of the writers included here vary, from<br />

picturesque historical fiction to adventure<br />

stories to areas of spiritual warfare and<br />

prophecy, but all the works contain a<br />

commitment to a philosophy based on<br />

traditional values and a <strong>Christian</strong> worldview.<br />

<strong>Christian</strong> librarians will be able to suggest<br />

additional authors for patrons, and readers can<br />

learn a lot about individual authors.<br />

The A to Z format of writer’s entries include a<br />

picture of the author, a professional section<br />

listing education completed, career, awards and<br />

memberships. The publications section offers<br />

an inventory of the author’s published works,<br />

and an expanded biographical narrative in the<br />

personal section offers glimpses into each<br />

writer’s research techniques and literary<br />

elements emphasized. A summary section<br />

highlights one or more titles that represent the<br />

author’s style with a brief synopsis.<br />

Randy Alcorn, Stephen Bly, Will Cunningham,<br />

Doris Elaine Fell, Angela Elwell Hunt, Paul<br />

McCusker, Judith Pella, Michael Waite, and<br />

Lance Wubbels are among the sixty-eight<br />

authors highlighted. A cross-index of titles and<br />

authors makes location even easier.<br />

Delong holds degrees in education and has<br />

taught in both public and parochial schools and<br />

along with husband, Robert, is raising four<br />

children. Schwendt holds a library science<br />

degree and has been a teacher and librarian in<br />

both private and public schools. She and<br />

husband, Ronald, have two grown children.<br />

Leroy Hommerding, Director, Fort Myers Beach P.L. District, Fort<br />

Myers, Florida<br />

The Facts on File companion to the<br />

American short story, edited by Abby H.P.<br />

Werlock. LCCN 99037703. New York:<br />

Facts on File, 2000. ISBN 0816031649,<br />

HBB, $65.00.<br />

813.’0103. Short stories, American--Encyclopedias.<br />

542 p. Adult (High school).<br />

Focusing on American short story authors from<br />

the early 19th century to the 1990s, The Facts on<br />

File Companion to the American Short Story has<br />

made special efforts to include all authors of<br />

merit, including previously ignored writers of<br />

both genders from all major cultural<br />

backgrounds. This Companion contains author<br />

entries in an A to Z format that include dates,<br />

biographies, lists of stories and their critical<br />

reception, and selected bibliographies.<br />

Individual entries, also alphabetical, appear on<br />

literary terms, themes, motifs, locales,<br />

influential critics, and major short story prize<br />

awards. Appendices include winners of selected<br />

prizes, stories listed by subject and setting, and a<br />

selected bibliography of historical events that<br />

have influenced short story writers, and<br />

theoretical approaches to the short story. The<br />

index is a treasure—making it easy to find all<br />

references and major treatment of authors, titles,<br />

and subjects.<br />

The clear, jargon-free style makes the 675<br />

entries in this guide something high schoolers<br />

can use with understanding and skill, and which<br />

<strong>Christian</strong> libraries will find contains a lot of<br />

content in very short space. Both scholars and<br />

students can wean something from the analysis<br />

offered here. One particular strength is that the<br />

interpretations of the stories are not just factual<br />

synopses of the stories but energizing and new<br />

ways of looking at them.<br />

Werlock is associate professor emeritus of<br />

English with a doctorate in American studies.<br />

She lives in Troy, Pennsylvania.<br />

Leroy Hommerding, Director, Fort Myers Beach P.L. District, Fort<br />

Myers, Florida<br />

900’s—Geography, History, and<br />

Biography<br />

Chronology of world history, by H.E.L.<br />

Mellersh. LCCN 99019300. Santa<br />

Barbara, Calif.: ABC-CLIO, 1999. ISBN<br />

1576071553, HBB, $375.00.<br />

902.’02. Chronology, Historical. 4 v. Adult (High<br />

school).<br />

The four volume reference set Chronology of<br />

World History is divided by the following time<br />

periods: Volume I: Prehistory- AD 1491, The<br />

Ancient and Medieval World; Volume II 1492-<br />

1775: The Expanding World; Volume III: 1776-<br />

1900, The Changing World; and Volume IV:<br />

1901-1998, The Modern World. This series is<br />

compiled by a team of editors and overseen by<br />

advisory board of individuals from numerous<br />

universities and colleges.<br />

Within each volume, the entries are divided into<br />

four main categories and twenty-five<br />

subcategories. The main categories are: Politics,<br />

Government, and Economics; Science,<br />

Technology, and Medicine; Arts and Ideas; and<br />

Society. The subcategories are arranged<br />

alphabetically beneath each category. Scattered<br />

throughout each volume are boxes of “special<br />

features” highlighting major events<br />

chronologically. Each time- period closes with<br />

a section on the births and deaths of prominent<br />

individuals.<br />

An extensive index in the back of each volume<br />

assists the researcher in finding items of interest.<br />

Each entry of information is a sentence or two.<br />

With the information limited to a sentence or<br />

two, the references aid one more in the<br />

acquisition of trivia knowledge than a deep<br />

understanding of historical events. These books<br />

are “who” and “when” references. For<br />

information on the “why” and “how” of<br />

historical events one would use an encyclopedia<br />

or more comprehensive book.<br />

The gems within the books are the mini essays<br />

found throughout the pages. For example, an<br />

entire page is dedicated to the Rise of Islam<br />

S P R I N G 2 0 0 1 8 2 C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L


REFERENCE<br />

(610-756). From essays such as this, the reader<br />

is given a basic overview of complex issues.<br />

It is interesting to note the editors’ choice to<br />

divide the volumes according to historically<br />

significant time periods in American history.<br />

Through Volume III, the books seem to be<br />

balanced with a variety of political, scientific,<br />

and cultural details.<br />

Volume IV: 1901-1998, The Modern World,<br />

holds a more media dependent view. The<br />

editors allot ten to twelve pages per year to<br />

cover happenings in modern history. The<br />

second part of the 20th century dedicates a full<br />

page or more per year to movies released,<br />

naming the director and the actors. While<br />

Religion, Math, Education, and Health and<br />

Medicine sections contain a couple of<br />

paragraphs each, numerous sitcoms such as<br />

Gilligan’s Island, 3rd Rock from the Sun, and<br />

Friends each rate a paragraph detailing the<br />

program theme and the cast.<br />

Top Tony, Emmy, and Oscar awards are listed<br />

for each year. Also, the sports section lists the<br />

results of the Super Bowl, Stanley Cup, and the<br />

World Series giving the appearance that the<br />

fourth volume is dominated by major U.S.A.<br />

media events rather than milestones in world<br />

history. This series is not illustrated.<br />

Joanne M. Haffly, Homeschool Parent/Writer, Gig Harbor,<br />

Washington<br />

Timelines 2000 on file, Rev. ed., by the<br />

Diagram Group. LCCN 00039333. New<br />

York: Facts on File, 2000. ISBN<br />

0816042772, HBB, $390.00.<br />

902.’02. World history--Chronology. 4 v. Adult<br />

(High school).<br />

Want history in outline form? Like to compare<br />

one period with another, or one culture’s<br />

happenings with another? Want a loose-leaf<br />

resource that can be copied and encourages<br />

chronological thinking, historical<br />

comprehension, and issues analysis? Timelines<br />

on File offers a broad cultural and social picture<br />

of history and is sure to find a home in <strong>Christian</strong><br />

high schools and libraries.<br />

The set consists of four volumes, which access<br />

historic information on world history, social,<br />

economic, cultural and scientific events. Over<br />

40,000 dates are arranged by period, region, and<br />

by theme. One can consult just a page or linger<br />

longer in a particular area of interest. The<br />

attractive illustration and charts make it easy for<br />

high school students to use.<br />

The Ancient and Medieval World (Prehistory-<br />

1500 CE) follows the usual pattern with sections<br />

devoted to an outline of world history, Middle<br />

and Near East, European, American history,<br />

African, and Asian history. Subjects and topic<br />

consideration are laid out and covered the same<br />

in all four volumes: religion, science and<br />

technology, and the arts.<br />

The Expanding World (1500-1900) offers an<br />

outline of world history, then American history,<br />

and separate sections devoted to Canadian,<br />

Latin American, European, Middle East,<br />

African, Asian, and Australasian history.<br />

The 20th Century has twelve sections with same<br />

breakdown as The Expanding World, except<br />

added are sections on Latin American and the<br />

Caribbean, and one specifically on U.S. history.<br />

Nations and States has eight sections with focus<br />

on North American (each of the fifty states are<br />

handled separately), Central America and<br />

Caribbean (with each of the countries<br />

highlighted from Belize and Costa Rica to<br />

Trinidad and Tobago), South America<br />

(Argentina to Venezuela), European (Albania to<br />

Yugoslavia), African (Algeria to Togo), Middle<br />

East/Western Asian (Afghanistan to<br />

Turkmenistan), South and East Asian<br />

(Bangladesh to Vietnam), and Australasian<br />

(Australia to Western Samoa).<br />

Each of the loose-leaf pages consists of hard<br />

stock paper and is attractively laid out. All of<br />

the material may be photocopied for research<br />

and student use.<br />

Leroy Hommerding, Director, Fort Myers Beach P.L. District, Fort<br />

Myers, Florida<br />

Historical atlas of exploration : 1492-1600,<br />

by Angus Knostam. LCCN 99086935.<br />

New York: Checkmark Books, Facts on<br />

File, 2000. ISBN 0816042489, HBB,<br />

$35.00.<br />

910.’9. Discoveries in geography. 192 p. Adult<br />

(High school).<br />

Within the pages of the Historical Atlas of<br />

Exploration, 1492-1600, author Angus Knostam<br />

tackles the complicated history of global<br />

exploration authorized by the governments of<br />

Portugal, Spain, England, and France during the<br />

Age of Exploration. He touches briefly on the<br />

role of the <strong>Christian</strong> Church mentioning the<br />

“priests brought to convert the natives.” A<br />

section is given to critiquing the history of the<br />

church and the pope during the 15th century.<br />

Objectives listed for some of the explorers is to<br />

spread <strong>Christian</strong>ity throughout the new found<br />

lands, along with a desire for exploration,<br />

wealth, and personal glory.<br />

Beginning with Portugal’s Prince Henry the<br />

Navigator, the author provides biographical<br />

sketches of prominent navigators spanning a<br />

century and a half. The influence of European<br />

exploration toward native cultures is detailed<br />

including the brutality of the explorers and their<br />

crews. The author also discusses tribal<br />

behaviors such as cannibalism, slavery, and<br />

human sacrifices which occurred among some<br />

of the tribes encountered. The book is<br />

extensively illustrated with historic maps and<br />

paintings and drawings depicting the time<br />

period. The various artists have drawn the<br />

native people in their normal state of dress so<br />

partial nudity is commonplace.<br />

Joanne M. Haffly, Homeschool Parent/Writer, Gig Harbor,<br />

Washington<br />

★<br />

Encyclopedia of archaeology. The great<br />

archaeologists, edited by Tim Murray.<br />

LCCN 99052159. Santa Barbara, Calif.:<br />

ABC-CLIO, 1999. ISBN 1576071995,<br />

HBB, $150.00.<br />

930.1’092’2. Archaeologists--Biography--<br />

Encyclopedias. 2 v. Adult (High school).<br />

The Encyclopedia of Archaeology. The Great<br />

Archaeologists is two volumes in a five volume<br />

set on archaeology. The editor Tim Murray<br />

chose fifty-eight archaeologists who contributed<br />

significant archaeological advancements as<br />

subjects. Each biographical essay was<br />

researched and written by practicing<br />

archaeologists. The sketches are listed<br />

chronologically.<br />

The articles are scholarly works directed toward<br />

a readership who has a working knowledge of<br />

archaeology or access additional information on<br />

the subject such as the following three volumes<br />

of the series. The writers often accept the reader<br />

understands associations of individuals within<br />

the field of archaeology. Each biography<br />

concludes with a bibliography of primary and<br />

secondary sources for further reading.<br />

An alphabetically list of entries is placed at the<br />

beginning of each volume. The second book<br />

closes with a glossary of archaeological terms<br />

and an index. Throughout the books, black and<br />

white photographs show portraits of the subject,<br />

crew, and archaeological digs.<br />

Much of the archaeology theory written<br />

supports a evolutionary perspective but the<br />

advancement of important anthropological<br />

information of ancient cultures cannot be<br />

forgotten.<br />

Joanne M. Haffly, Homeschool Parent/Writer, Gig Harbor,<br />

Washington<br />

C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 8 3 S P R I N G 2 0 0 1


INDEX<br />

$66 summer 38<br />

100 best games 28<br />

A. Lincoln and me 10<br />

Adventures down under 35<br />

Adventures in Misty Falls 17<br />

African skies 57<br />

Against the night 76<br />

Ahmek 16<br />

Alcorn, Stephen 45<br />

Alexander Hamilton 44<br />

Alexander, Hannah 66<br />

Alexander, Sue 15<br />

All about turtles 26<br />

All you ever need 16<br />

Aloha Cove 35<br />

Alphabet makers 78<br />

Amazing life of Benjamin Franklin 29<br />

Amazing secret 31<br />

Amy Carmichael 41<br />

Anastasia 31<br />

Ancient strife 58<br />

And the angels were silent 8<br />

Anders, Isabel 7, 53<br />

Any given day in the life of the Bible 76<br />

Apple, Margot 10<br />

April and May 48<br />

Arch books 8<br />

Armadillo tattletale 16<br />

Armistead, John 38<br />

Arnosky, Jim 26<br />

Arthur, Kay 71<br />

As you wish 52<br />

AstroKids 18, 21<br />

Awakening 66<br />

Backwater 47<br />

Baer, Judy 62<br />

Bailey, Linda 15<br />

Bailey, Wendy 15<br />

Bainton, Roland H. 9<br />

Baker atlas of <strong>Christian</strong> history 80<br />

Baker's guide...distance education 80<br />

Baker, Jason D. 80<br />

Banks, Timothy 17<br />

Barnyard prayers 29<br />

Baseball for breakfast 16<br />

Bates, Ivan 10<br />

Batty Hattie 31<br />

Bauer, Joan 47<br />

Bayer, John F. 65<br />

Bear on the train 10<br />

Beck, Andrea 12<br />

Beckett, Wendy 71<br />

Before and after Easter 8<br />

Bell, James Scott 59<br />

Bell, Mary Reeves 50<br />

Beneath the mockingbird's wings 59<br />

Benge, Geoff 56<br />

Benge, Janet 56<br />

Benjamin's box 7<br />

Bernardin, James 7<br />

Best friends forever 62<br />

Best of Wilfred Grenfell 3<br />

Between two flags 39<br />

Betz, Adrienne 22<br />

Bierle, Don 70<br />

Big bad beans 16<br />

Big Truck and Little Truck 10<br />

Big truths for little kids 25<br />

Birding in the American West 81<br />

Birds of North America 81<br />

Bjorkman, Steve 12<br />

Black hands, white sails 43<br />

Blackaby, Henry T. 71<br />

Blackwood, Gary 50<br />

Bladholm, Cheri 27<br />

Blessing in disguise 59<br />

Blind justice 59<br />

Blizzard 30<br />

Bloodhounds, Inc. 17, 18, 19<br />

Bly, Stephen 64<br />

Bodmer, Judy 77<br />

Bolton, Martha 13<br />

Bond, Peter 42<br />

Boomer's big surprise 10<br />

Borden, Louise 10<br />

Bourgeois, Paulette 13<br />

Bowler, K. Christie 7<br />

Boys life adventure Bible storybook 22<br />

Bradford, Mary 75<br />

Brave Martha 10<br />

Breathing new life into Lent 8<br />

Brennan, Patrick J. 72<br />

Brief history of Canada 57<br />

Bright 'n beautiful 10<br />

Brinkerhoff, Shirley 50<br />

Brouwer, Sigmund 8, 9<br />

Brown, Terry K. 31, 37, 51<br />

Bruce 54<br />

Building the book Cathedral 43<br />

Bumblebee at Apple Tree Lane 11<br />

Bunting, Eve 11<br />

Burkhart, Jeffrey E. 8<br />

Butterfield, Ned 11<br />

Butterfly house 11<br />

Butternut Hollow Pond 26<br />

By the light of a thousand stars 59<br />

Byrd, Sandra 18, 20<br />

Cabs, cameras, and catastrophes 47<br />

Caledonia 58<br />

Campbell, Elspeth 19<br />

Campbell, Ross 78<br />

Can-do Thanksgiving 11<br />

Captain's hat 17<br />

Card, Michael 20<br />

Caribbean Island adventure 33, 38<br />

Carlson, Melody 7, 11, 12, 13, 32, 47, 61, 63<br />

Carpenter's cloth 8<br />

Carr, Jan 10<br />

Case of the missing minds 17<br />

Cassie, you're a winner 17<br />

Chat freak 31<br />

Child's garden of prayers 25<br />

Chisholm, Sarah Reid 7<br />

Christ in Easter 8<br />

Christenson, Larry 27<br />

<strong>Christian</strong> heroes, then and now 56<br />

Christmas doll 17<br />

Christmas story 24<br />

Christy and Todd 52<br />

Chronic kids, constant hope 75<br />

chronicles of the golden frontier 68<br />

Chronology of world history 82<br />

Church librarian's handbook 80<br />

Civil liberties 55<br />

Clark, Brenda 13<br />

Cleavers don't live here anymore 74<br />

Close call 17<br />

Cochran, Brian 7<br />

Cody unplugged 18<br />

Coffey, Tim 15<br />

Coleman, William L. 75<br />

Collins, Heather 30<br />

Colson, Charles W. 8, 76<br />

Come what may 77<br />

Command the sun 60<br />

Companjen, Johan 77<br />

Contemporary <strong>Christian</strong> authors 82<br />

Cooper, Patrick 14<br />

Costello, Angela Ward 7<br />

Cote, Nancy 11<br />

Coyote at Pinon Place 11<br />

Crafts for all seasons 27<br />

Creation 24<br />

Criss, Keith 8<br />

Crist, Terry M. 73<br />

Crown of fire 60<br />

Cry freedom 60<br />

Cul-de-sac kids 16<br />

Cullinan, Bernice E. 78<br />

Cunningham, Loren 76, 77<br />

Cutrer, William 63<br />

Darcy and friends 31<br />

Daring to live on the edge 76<br />

Daughter of Twin Oaks 60<br />

Daughters of faith 69<br />

S P R I N G 2 0 0 1 8 4 C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L


INDEX<br />

David Livingstone 41<br />

Davidson, Alice Joyce 7<br />

Davis, Bryan 7, 8<br />

Day Jesus died 7<br />

Day the circus came to town 11<br />

Dear America 33, 36, 37<br />

Deering, Kathryn 72<br />

Deines, Brian 10<br />

DeLong, Janice 82<br />

Denenberg, Barry 37<br />

Dennard, Deborah 11<br />

dePaola, Tomie 15<br />

Descriptionary 81<br />

Developing <strong>Christian</strong> fiction collections 32<br />

Diagram Group 83<br />

Diamond of the Rockies 65<br />

Diary of a teenage girl 47<br />

DiCianni, Ron 20<br />

Dictionary of folklore 81<br />

Divine symphony 61<br />

DK guide to space 42<br />

Dooling, Michael 29<br />

Dow, Rosey 65<br />

Dowd, John 33, 38<br />

Dowley, Tim 80<br />

Down North on the Labrador 3<br />

Downs, Sandra 26<br />

Draw 3-D 43<br />

Drawn by a China moon 33<br />

Dream a little dream 35<br />

DuBosque, Doug 43<br />

Duffey, Betsy 18<br />

Durbin, William 34<br />

DusÎková, Mája 28<br />

Dyson, Marianne J. 43<br />

Earth's fiery fury 26<br />

Easter ABCs 7<br />

Easter Bunny, are you for real? 7<br />

Easter hunt 7<br />

Easter promise 7<br />

Easter story 24<br />

Easy credit 55<br />

Ebert, Len 8<br />

Edgemon, Roy T. 71<br />

Edwards, Dennis 22<br />

El Nino and La Nino 42<br />

Elephant tears 47<br />

Elliot bakes a cake 12<br />

Elliot Moose story 12<br />

Elliot, Elisabeth 75<br />

Elmer, Robert 18, 21, 35, 38<br />

Emergency! 27<br />

Empson, Lila 7<br />

Encyclopedia of archaeology 83<br />

Enemy pie 12<br />

Enright, Vicky 27<br />

Enslow, Anne 44<br />

Enslow, Ridley 44<br />

EO International 71<br />

Erickson, David L. 13<br />

Eva's summer vacation 18<br />

Eversole, Robyn 15<br />

Everything book 12<br />

Everything I long for 61<br />

Exodus 23<br />

Exploring planet earth 26<br />

Eyer, Richard C. 70<br />

Facts on File...American short story 82<br />

Faith to grow on 23<br />

Family celebrations at Easter 8<br />

Family countdown to Easter 8<br />

Fangorn 35, 49<br />

Fangs for the memories 18<br />

Fantastic faith 12<br />

Farmer Brown's field trip 12<br />

Farnes, Catherine 49, 50<br />

Fenton, John 9<br />

Ferguson, J. Landon 68<br />

Final quest 58<br />

Final week of Jesus 8<br />

Firebird 60<br />

Fireside storie of love, life… 61<br />

Fisherman's Saint 3<br />

Fleming, Denise 12, 27<br />

Follow me 72<br />

For such a time 61<br />

Forever friends 13<br />

Forget me not 35<br />

Forging freedom 44<br />

Forgotten 48<br />

Fortner, Tama 25<br />

Forty years for Labrador 3<br />

Frangipane, Francis 58<br />

Franklin's class trip 13<br />

Franklin's neighborhood 13<br />

Free stuff for crafty kids…internet 22<br />

From sacrifice to celebration 9<br />

Gaard, Betty 51<br />

Gabriel, God, and the fuzzy blanket 13<br />

Galvin, Laura Gates 11<br />

Gavitt, Anne 33, 35<br />

Gay, Kathleen 55<br />

Genzo, John Paul 11<br />

Giblin, James Cross 29<br />

Gifted for good 72<br />

Girl who chased away sorrow 33<br />

Glahn, Sandra 63<br />

Glaser, Linda 26<br />

Glorious morning! 9<br />

God's will, God's best for your life 54<br />

Godwain, Laura 29<br />

Gold, Alison Leslie 45<br />

Good news about injustice 73<br />

Good night, sleep tight 28<br />

Good ol' Noah had an ark, E-I-E-I-O 13<br />

Gottfried, Ted 45<br />

Graham, Paula W. 44<br />

Graver, Jane 26<br />

Graves, Keith 16<br />

Great galaxy goof 18<br />

Great railroad race 33<br />

Greenwood, Barbara 30<br />

Gregory, Fran 38<br />

Gregory, Kristiana 33<br />

Grenfell of Labrador 3<br />

Grenfell, Wilfred 3<br />

Griessman, Annette 13<br />

Guerrilla hostage 77<br />

Gunn, Robin Jones 51, 52<br />

Haidle, David 24<br />

Haidle, Elizabeth 24<br />

Haidle, Helen 24<br />

Hall, Laurie Sharlene 74<br />

Hambrick, Sharon 39<br />

Hansen, Gloria 22<br />

Harris, Larnelle 8<br />

Harris, Robert J. 49<br />

Haugen, Gary A. 73<br />

Hawthorne, Sally 69<br />

Hayford, Jack 9<br />

Heathersleigh homecoming 62<br />

Hehenberger, Shelly 25<br />

Heim, Judy 22<br />

Heinz, Brian J. 26<br />

Heitzmann, Kristen 62, 65<br />

Helen Bradley mysteries 69<br />

Help! My friend's in trouble! 54<br />

Henderson, Dee 68<br />

Hermes, Patricia 37<br />

Heroines of the golden west 64<br />

Hettings, Jan David 72<br />

Hey, that's not what the Bible says! 22<br />

Hibbard, Ann 8<br />

Hidden treasures : N.T. 23<br />

Hidden treasures : O.T. 23<br />

Higgs, Liz Curtis 7<br />

Historical atlas of exploration 83<br />

Hockett, Betty M. 77<br />

Hoekstra, Elizabeth 75<br />

Hogsty Reef 33<br />

Holiday hero 18<br />

Holland, Gay 26<br />

Hollingsworth, Mary 61<br />

Hollow tree 34<br />

Holocaust 45<br />

C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 8 5 S P R I N G 2 0 0 1


INDEX<br />

Holt, Kristi 31<br />

Holy people, holy lives 70<br />

Honigsberg, Peter Jan 15<br />

Honor's reward 62<br />

Horse whispers in the air 48<br />

Horsefeathers 48<br />

Horton, David 22<br />

How you are changing 26<br />

Howard, Evan Drake 9<br />

Hudson Taylor 41<br />

Hunt, Angela Elwell 8<br />

Hunt, Richie 25<br />

Hunt, Susan 25<br />

Husbands and fathers 74<br />

Hyland, Hilary 40<br />

I want my mummy 19<br />

I want to know 7<br />

I've just seen Jesus 8<br />

Image maker 73<br />

Imperial legions 62<br />

In the image of God 76<br />

Index of biblical images 80<br />

Intercessory prayer 58<br />

Iraq : old land, new nation in conflict 57<br />

Is that really you, God? 77<br />

Issacs, Anne 52<br />

Ivy and Allison 48<br />

Jackson, Dave 33, 35, 41<br />

Jackson, Neta 33, 35, 41<br />

Jacques, Brian 35, 49<br />

Jantz, Stan 54<br />

Jay Jay the jet plane 10, 12<br />

Jennings, Sharon 13<br />

Jenny McGrady mystery 48<br />

Jenny's story 62<br />

Jensen, Steve 31<br />

Jesus 7<br />

Johnson, Cathy Ann 24<br />

Johnson, Jane 29<br />

Johnson, Kevin 54<br />

Johnson, Lois Walfred 41<br />

Johnston, Julie 54<br />

Jolliff, William 56<br />

Jonathan Edwards 56<br />

Jones, Annie 64<br />

Jones, Ivan 28<br />

Jones, Mal 28<br />

Jones, Martha Tannery 39<br />

Jonke, Tim 8<br />

Jordan, John 28<br />

Josephine's fortune 63<br />

<strong>Journal</strong> of August Pelletier 34<br />

<strong>Journal</strong> of Joshua Loper 34<br />

<strong>Journal</strong> of Otto Peltonen 34<br />

Journey to the end of the earth 35<br />

Joy to the world 73<br />

Joyner, Rick 58<br />

Kaufman focus guides 81<br />

Kaufman, Kenn 81<br />

Kelly, Theresa 35<br />

Kent, Reneé 17<br />

Kerr, James 3<br />

Kest, Kristin 11<br />

Ketteman, Helen 16<br />

Kids Can...jumbo book of gardening 27<br />

Kids in danger 78<br />

Kindig, Tess Eileen 51<br />

King, Tara Calahan 12<br />

Kingsbury, Karen 64, 68<br />

Kinkade, Thomas 25<br />

Kit 48<br />

Klauba, Douglas 13, 16<br />

Knostam, Angus 83<br />

Koala Beach outbreak 35<br />

Krensky, Stephen 19<br />

Kurisu, Jane 7, 27<br />

Labrador days 3<br />

Labrador logbook 3<br />

Labrador looks at the Orient 3<br />

Ladwig, Tim 8<br />

LaRochelle, David 8<br />

Larsen, Carolyn 24<br />

Larson, Elyse 61<br />

Lasky, Kathryn 34<br />

Last safe house 30<br />

Laurel 48<br />

Lawson, Julie 10<br />

Learning about sex series 26<br />

Leaving Cuba 55<br />

Legend of Luke 35<br />

Legend of the Easter Egg 7<br />

Lemmons, Thom 69<br />

Leppard, Lois Gladys 36<br />

Let's talk about it stories for kids 41<br />

Lethal harvest 63<br />

Lewin, Ted 10<br />

Lewis, Beverly 16, 65<br />

Lewis, E. B. 14<br />

Lewis, Robert 75<br />

Liberty bell 60<br />

Light in the shadows 75<br />

Like gold refined 63<br />

Lindley, Thomas 28<br />

Lineage of grace 68<br />

Lion and the mouse 25<br />

List 63<br />

Little dogs on the prairie 28<br />

Little girls devotional storybook… 24<br />

Liu, Lesley 19<br />

Living on Nothing Atoll 35<br />

Lollar, Phil 28<br />

Look-alikes 28<br />

Look-alikes, jr. 28<br />

Looking for you all my life 63<br />

Lord Brocktree 49<br />

Lost Romance Ranch 64<br />

Louise goes wild 19<br />

Love ya like a sister 54<br />

Luba and the wren 25<br />

Lucado, Max 8, 9, 16<br />

Lunn, Janet 34<br />

Luther, Martin 9<br />

Luv@first site 51<br />

Lyon, Tammie 7<br />

MacArthur, John 23<br />

Macaulay, David 43<br />

MacGregor family adventures 47<br />

Machalek, Jan 18<br />

Mackall, Dandi Daley 37, 48<br />

Maendel, Rachel 20<br />

Magnificent monarchs 26<br />

Maier, Paul L. 8, 24<br />

Malvehy, Terry Kretzer 49<br />

Man's faith 3<br />

Mandie and the buried stranger 36<br />

Mandie and the dark alley 36<br />

Mandie and the seaside rendezvous 36<br />

Mandie book 36<br />

Marchiano, Bruce 9<br />

Marquesa 64<br />

Marsden, Hannah 20<br />

Marstall, Bob 26<br />

Martin Luther 41<br />

Martin Luther's Easter book 9<br />

Martyrs to madness 45<br />

Mary and the empty tomb 7<br />

Masada 45<br />

Masoff, Joy 27<br />

Matthew passion 9<br />

McCarver, Aaron 59<br />

McCutcheon, Marc 81<br />

McDowell, Josh 54<br />

McGeorge, Constance W. 10<br />

McGill, Alice 14<br />

McKissack, Fredrick L. 43<br />

McKissack, Patricia 37, 43<br />

McMichael, Betty 80<br />

Mei Fuh : memories from China 19<br />

Mellersh, H.E.L. 82<br />

Men of faith 56<br />

Mercati, Cynthia 20<br />

Meyer, Carolyn 31<br />

Meyer, Jeff 21<br />

Midwife's song 64<br />

Miller, Calvin 61<br />

S P R I N G 2 0 0 1 8 6 C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L


INDEX<br />

Mohr, Joseph 28<br />

Mollel, Tololwa M. 14<br />

Molly Bannaky 14<br />

Moment of weakness 64<br />

Moore, Hyatt 76<br />

Moore, Joan Trusty 9<br />

Moore, Tom 3<br />

Moores, Ian 42<br />

Morison, Frank 9<br />

Morris, Gerald 38<br />

Morris, Gilbert 59, 60, 68<br />

Morris, Karyn 27<br />

Morse, Tony 15<br />

Mrs. Mack 14<br />

Munger, Nancy 7<br />

Munson, Derek 12<br />

Murphy, Jim 30<br />

Murray, Tim 83<br />

Museum of the Alphabet 78<br />

Music of the American colonies 44<br />

My America 37<br />

My Bible friends 7<br />

My dear Noel 29<br />

My heart is on the ground 36<br />

My name is America 34<br />

My rows and piles of coins 14<br />

My secret war 36<br />

Myers, Bill 16, 17, 18, 19<br />

Myers, David G. 78<br />

Myers, Walter Dean 34<br />

Myra, Harold 7<br />

Mystery of the attic lion 19<br />

Mystery of the backdoor bundle 19<br />

Mystery of the golden reindeer 19<br />

Myth maker : J.R.R. Tolkien 44<br />

NAS the Sibley master guide to birds 81<br />

Nate Saint 56<br />

Natti, Susanna 19<br />

Nature's fury 42<br />

Nazi Germany 45<br />

Neavill, Michelle 7<br />

Neimark, Anne E. 44<br />

Nelles, Lyn Boyer 13<br />

Nentwig, Wendy Lee 47, 51<br />

Never trust a squirrel! 14<br />

Nielsen, Virginia 31<br />

Night of Las Posadas 15<br />

Nikki Sheridan series 50<br />

Nordberg, Bette 66<br />

Nordstrom, Joe 19<br />

Northern neighbors 3<br />

Nzingha 37<br />

O'Neal, Debbie Trafton 8<br />

Off the rocks 3<br />

Oke, Janette 63<br />

Old enough to know 54<br />

Omega deception 65<br />

On the cross road 9<br />

One eye laughing, the other weeping 37<br />

One more time, mama 15<br />

Opposing viewpoints 55<br />

Ordaz, Francisco 24<br />

Ordaz, Tim 8<br />

Orphan train west for young adults 48<br />

Osbeck, Kenneth W. 73<br />

Osborne, Mary Pope 36<br />

Osborne, Rick 7<br />

Our covenant God 71<br />

Our strange new land 37<br />

Out of hiding 49<br />

Owens, Carolyn 55<br />

Palisades pure romance 57, 68<br />

Parable of the lily 7<br />

Partridge, Elizabeth 56<br />

Passage to Little Bighorn 49<br />

Passport to danger 50<br />

Patty, Sandi 8<br />

Peace rebel 38<br />

Peart, Jane 48<br />

Peck, Richard 52<br />

Pella, Judith 67<br />

Perez, Eulalia 28<br />

Perfect catch 73<br />

Petal power 20<br />

Peter's first Easter 8<br />

Peterson, Tracie 66, 67<br />

Pferdehirt, Julia 41<br />

Phillips, Michael 58, 62<br />

Pickering, David 81<br />

Pillow of dreams 15<br />

Place in the heart 35<br />

Place to come home to 61<br />

Please pray for us 77<br />

Poetry of John Greenleaf Whittier 56<br />

Pogány, Susan Browning 55<br />

Polacco, Patricia 14, 25<br />

Pomeranc, Marion Hess 11<br />

Pope, William 3<br />

Portrait of lies 37<br />

Powell, Linda 7<br />

Prairie legacy 63<br />

Pregnant and single 55<br />

Preston, Jeff 23<br />

Prince, Derek 74<br />

Prize of life 3<br />

Promise breaker 38<br />

Promise of Zion 38<br />

Queen's own fool 49<br />

Quiet world 78<br />

Rachel, a Hutterite girl 20<br />

Rare and endangered 38<br />

Ray, Brenda 64<br />

Read to me 78<br />

Real family values 75<br />

Real life begins after high school 54<br />

Reaping the whirlwind 65<br />

Red berry wool 15<br />

Red River of the North 59<br />

Redemption of Sarah Cain 65<br />

Reinhard, B.J. 25<br />

Restless spirit 56<br />

Ribbons west 67<br />

Riccio, Frank 16<br />

Richards, J. T. 3<br />

Richards, Jon 42<br />

Ridenour, Fritz 54<br />

Riendeau, Roger 57<br />

Rinaldi, Ann 36<br />

Rispin, Karen 57<br />

Rius, Maria 28<br />

Rivers, Francine 68<br />

Rizzo, Kay D. 63<br />

Rock, Lois 22<br />

Rocky mountain legacy 62<br />

Roddy, Lee 39<br />

Rogers, Janice 76, 77<br />

Roggow, Linda 55<br />

Roleff, Tamara L. 55<br />

Rompkey, Ronald 3<br />

Rose legacy 65<br />

Rosen, Michael J. 20<br />

Rosenburg, John 44<br />

Ross, Bill 22<br />

Ross, Kathy 27<br />

Route 66 64<br />

Royal diaries 31, 37<br />

Rubel, David 29<br />

Rushford, Patricia H. 48, 69<br />

Sanji's seed 25<br />

Savage damsel and the dwarf 38<br />

Sayre, April Pulley 42<br />

Schaeffer, Edith 19<br />

Schalesky, Marlo 60<br />

Scholastic atlas of the US 29<br />

Scholastic treasury of quotations… 22<br />

Schwedt, Rachel 82<br />

Science factory 42<br />

Seaside High 35<br />

Second chances 66<br />

Second choices 50<br />

Secret of the Mezuzah 50<br />

Secret refuge 60<br />

Secret room 20<br />

Secret sisters 18, 20<br />

Secrets of Heathersleigh Hall 62<br />

C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 8 7 S P R I N G 2 0 0 1


INDEX<br />

Seddon, Andrew M. 62<br />

Selecting books for the elementary… 6<br />

Selznick, Brian 29<br />

Serenity Bay 66<br />

Serenity Inn series 63<br />

Seven sisters 66<br />

Sex smart 55<br />

Shakespeare's scribe 50<br />

Shaping of a <strong>Christian</strong> family 75<br />

Sharratt, Nick 39<br />

Shed, Gred 11<br />

Sheets, Dutch 58<br />

Shellenberger, Susie 54<br />

Sibley, David Allen 81<br />

Sierra Jensen series 51<br />

Siino, Denise Marie 77<br />

Silent night, holy night 28<br />

Simon, Mary Manz 23<br />

Sister Wendy's nativity 71<br />

Six hours one Friday 9<br />

Slender thread 66<br />

Smith, Carol 51<br />

Smith, Debra White 66<br />

Smith, Michael W. 54<br />

Smith, Wesley E. 41<br />

Smithsonian's backyard 11<br />

Snapshots of Grenfell 3<br />

Snelling, Lauraine 59, 60<br />

Snow 50<br />

Soentpiet, Chris K. 14<br />

Solemn oath 66<br />

Soman, David 15<br />

Space station science 43<br />

Speaking of journals 44<br />

Special fate : Chiune Sugihara 45<br />

Spencer, William 57<br />

Spider Storch's desperate deal 39<br />

Spirit of Appalachia 59<br />

Stand by me 35<br />

Stanley, Andy 74<br />

Steiner, Joan 28<br />

Stephens, Claire Gatrell 6<br />

Stewart, Dorothy 73<br />

Stine, Cheryl 8<br />

Stockman, Jack 7<br />

Stoop, David A. 74<br />

Stoop, Jan 74<br />

Story of the empty tomb 8<br />

Storyteller's collection 32<br />

Stowe, Robert E. 8<br />

Stranger online 51<br />

Strasser, Todd 17<br />

Streeter, Carole Sanderson 78<br />

Stuart's run to faith 39<br />

Subway tokens in the sand 51<br />

Suddenly one morning 9<br />

Suncatchers 67<br />

Surprise in disguise 8<br />

Surprised by faith 70<br />

Swindoll, Charles R. 9<br />

Tada, Joni Eareckson 13, 21, 31<br />

Take my hand 51<br />

Talbott, Hudson 44<br />

Tale of three trees 8<br />

Tales of the Labrador 3<br />

Tell me why 20<br />

Ten commandments 71<br />

Terror from the Gulf 39<br />

Thanks for being my friend 41<br />

Thanksgiving wish 20<br />

Theft 51<br />

Thompson, Ellen 18<br />

Thompson, Ian 42<br />

Thompson, John 20<br />

Three battlegrounds 58<br />

Three cousins detective club 19<br />

Throop, Sarah Alison 53<br />

Tidings of peace 67<br />

Ties that bind 67<br />

Timelines 2000 on file 83<br />

Todays girls.com 31, 37, 51<br />

Toddy 48<br />

Tomorrow I’ll miss you 35<br />

Torn thread 52<br />

Trailblazer books 33, 35<br />

Trailblazer curriculum guide 41<br />

Trapped between the lash and the gun 39<br />

Trout, Richard 47<br />

True devotion 68<br />

Turk, Caron 24<br />

Turner, Ann 33<br />

Turner, Jamie Langston 59, 67<br />

Tyers, Kathy 60<br />

Unforgettable summer 31<br />

Unmistakably Cooper Ellis 47, 51<br />

Unseen riches 68<br />

Until tomorrow 52<br />

Unveiled 68<br />

Uprising at dawn 39<br />

Using Coretta Scott King award books 6<br />

Van Orden, Phyllis 6<br />

Vaughan, David J. 56<br />

Vaughn, Ellen Santilli 76<br />

Very first Easter 8, 24<br />

Visioneering 74<br />

Vogel, Carol Garbuny 42<br />

Walburg, Lori 7<br />

Waldman, Neil 45<br />

Walker, Barbara A. 32<br />

Walters, Catherine 14<br />

Wangerin, Walter, Jr. 8<br />

Watson, Patrick 16<br />

Watts, Bernadette 25<br />

Way of forgiveness 72<br />

Ways of God 71<br />

Weeping chamber 9<br />

Weinman, Brad 44<br />

Weiss, Ann E. 55<br />

Werlock, Abby H.P. 82<br />

When Addie was scared 15<br />

When couples pray together 74<br />

When joy came to stay 68<br />

When love dies 77<br />

When shadows fall 69<br />

Where once there was a wood 27<br />

Whispering pines series 61, 63<br />

Whispering stones 69<br />

Whitlow, Robert 63<br />

Whitmore, Arvella 39<br />

Whittier, John Greenleaf 56<br />

Who moved the stone? 9<br />

Whyte, Mary 10<br />

Wiersbe, Warren W. 80<br />

Wildsmith, Brian 23, 24<br />

Wilfred Grenfell 3<br />

William Grenfell : His Life and Work 3<br />

Williams, Anita 17<br />

Willner-Pardo, Gina 39<br />

Wimbush, David 18, 19<br />

Winding road to freedom 52<br />

Winds of freedom 60<br />

Wisehart, Randall 52<br />

Woman of means 69<br />

Women of prayer 73<br />

Women of valor 61<br />

Wonderful way babies are made 27<br />

Woodruff, Elvira 17<br />

Woodworth, Viki 8<br />

Words of gold 22<br />

Wreck of the Ethie 40<br />

Wright, H. Norman 73<br />

Wycliffe Bible Translators 76<br />

Year down yonder 52<br />

Year of the child 53<br />

Yesterday, today, forever 9<br />

Yippee ti-yay happy birthday 28<br />

Yolen, Jane 49<br />

You've got a friend 21<br />

Young warriors 41<br />

Young, Sarah 22<br />

Zero-G headache 21<br />

Zimmer, Kevin J. 81<br />

S P R I N G 2 0 0 1 8 8 C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L


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