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HIGH SCHOOL FICTION moves from Huguenot persecution in France where the untimely death of King Francis leaves the young Queen stripped of her title, to Scotland, where the famous Mary, Queen of Scots, restores herself as Queen of her homeland. Nicola becomes an integral force in her Queen’s life as the Catholic royal battles her Protestant detractors (namely John Knox) and enemies who would usurp her power for their own greedy gains. This is a story of mystery, intrigue, war, and love. In Queen’s Own Fool, authors Jane Yolen and Robert J. Harris have crafted a Reformation tale which keeps the reader intensely involved from first to last. Vivid descriptions, such as, “He is like a serpent when he smiles—all lips, no teeth,” interspersed with short parables, afford humor and provoke thought. This novel, written from the point-of-view of the fool, is a great enticement to further explore the life and times of Mary, Queen of Scots. Judy Driscoll, Retired Teacher, Poulsbo, Washington Second choices, by Shirley Brinkerhoff. (The Nikki Sheridan series; 6.) LCCN 00041373. Minneapolis: A Focus on the Family Book, Bethany House, 2000. ISBN 1561798800, PAP, $5.99. F. High schools--Fiction; Schools--Fiction; Adoption- -Fiction; Abortion--Fiction; Vandalism--Fiction; Christian life--Fiction. 156 p. High school. Nikki Sheridan’s life seems to be falling apart. At seventeen, Nikki doesn’t live with her parents anymore. Instead, she has moved several hours away from Millbrook, to live with her grandparents while she heals from a teenpregnancy. Her own parents have separated as they deal with their own difficulties. Living with her grandparents gives Nikki the opportunity to get her life back in order. She is making new friends, is establishing herself academically, and best of all, she is getting a second chance at love. Things are going well. One weekend Nikki decides to drive back to Millbrook to visit her mom. While there she bumps into TJ at the local 7-11. Emotions and memories flood over Nikki, and she blurts out something about her pregnancy to TJ. He is stunned, but determined to understand what Nikki means. It is at this point in her life that she begins to learn the life-healing lesson of forgiveness. Through a variety of events, Nikki’s faith grows and her Christian walk matures. She learns to listen to the Father’s voice, and witnesses relational miracles in the process. Shirley Brinkerhoff has written a compelling story of teenage perspective, problems, relationships, and resolutions. Her characters are well-developed and realistic. The Christian perspective is written with realism, relevance, and life-impacting power. Doctrine is left out, which leaves Ms. Brinkerhoff’s message a simple one of faith in God and the power of prayer. Second Choices would be a wonderful addition to any library. Debby Willett, Freelance Writer, Canyon, Texas The secret of the Mezuzah, by Mary Reeves Bell. (Passport to danger; 1.) LCCN 99006470. Minneapolis: Bethany House, 1999. ISBN 1556615493, PAP, $5.99. F. Americans--Austria--Fiction; Spies--Fiction; Antisemitism--Fiction; Prejudices--Fiction; Jews-- Austria--Fiction; Austria--Fiction. 201 p. High school. Bored with life in Vienna, fifteen-year-old American, Con Rea is ready for some excitement. When Branko, owner of the neighborhood bakery, tells him that one out of every ten people in Vienna is a spy, Con starts a list of everyone he knows. If he knows ten people, one could be a spy. High on the list of suspects are Branko, and Con’s stepfather, Nigel, but Con would never suspect his mother, Roberta. However, Roberta is indeed the spy and Con becomes involved in The Secret of the Mezuzah. Before Con and his best friend, Hannah, can narrow their list of suspects, Con and his family leave for a weekend in Grossgmain. Herr Donner, their old landlord there, gives Con a gold mezuzah. Unbeknownst to Donner, the mezuzah contains a hidden message that will identify Donner as a former SS officer in charge of the “Jewish problem” in Romania during WWII. While Con’s mother works with Simon Wiesenthal to find those guilty of war crimes, Con and Hannah find themselves fighting for their lives. Con is faced with the reality of anti- Semitism when Hannah, who is Jewish, is nearly killed. Mary Reeves Bell uses mystery and intrigue to teach the reality of the Holocaust, its lingering effects, and the necessity of choosing friends carefully. The author effectively contrasts the apparent quietness of a Vienna neighborhood with the seething hatred for all Jews that lies beneath the surface. Although Bell’s main characters and story are fictitious, the historical background and some of the minor characters are real. The background figures in Cheri Bladholm’s cover illustration seem to be waiting for Con and Hannah to solve The Secret of The Mezuzah. The illustration is an excellent visual bridge between past and present. Barbara Bryden, Freelance Writer, Olympia, Washington Shakespeare’s scribe, by Gary Blackwood. LCCN 00034603. New York: Dutton Children’s Books, Penguin Putnam, 2000. ISBN 0525464441, HBB, $15.99. F. Theater--Fiction; Orphans--Fiction; Actors and actresses--Fiction; Plague--England--Fiction; Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616--Fiction; Great Britain--History--Elizabeth, 1558-1603--Fiction. 265 p. High school. As an apprentice in the Chamberlain’s Men, William Shakespeare’s acting company, Widge plays the female parts, helps with the sets, spies on other acting companies, and serves as Shakespeare’s scribe. Despite the long hours and strict rules, Widge would do anything to stay with the acting company. The Chamberlain’s Men is the closest thing to family the orphaned Widge has ever known. Previously apprenticed to Dr. Bright, Widge has some knowledge of medicine and charactery, a system of “swift writing” which makes him valuable to Shakespeare as a scribe. When the plague strikes London, Queen Elizabeth orders all of the theaters closed. After loading two wagons with props and costumes the troupe goes on the road. During their travels a rival company tries to burn their wagons and thieves steal their money. Longing for information about his parents, Widge visits the orphanage where he lived as a child. Sal, a new apprentice, tries to take Widge’s roles, and Jamie Redshaw, the man claiming to be his father, proves to be dishonest. Desperate, Widge challenges Sal to an acting competition and wins. Redshaw admits he’s not Widge’s father and leaves. Widge learns that Mr. Armin, an older actor, is right: “..what you’re made of is not as important as what you do with it.” Gary Blackwood’s story of Elizabethan England is a delightful mix of history and fiction. Widge and Redshaw are fictitious, but most of the other characters in the Chamberlain’s Men are based on historical fact. The language of the characters and Blackwood’s descriptions of conditions of the times add a sense of authenticity. The story moves rapidly, yet deals with many of the problems faced by people in 1602. Shakespeare’s Scribe is the sequel to The Shakespeare Stealer. Barbara Bryden, Freelance Writer, Olympia, Washington ★ Snow, by Catherine Farnes. LCCN 98040785. Greenville, S.C.: Journey Books, Bob Jones University Press, 1999. ISBN 1579241999, PAP, $6.49. F. Albinos and albinism--Fiction; Visually handicapped--Fiction; Physically handicapped-- Fiction; High schools--Fiction; Schools--Fiction; Christian life--Fiction. 146 p. High school (Middle school). As a junior venturing mid-term through the crowded halls of Canyon Street High, Stephanie braces herself for the gawks that have shadowed her since birth. Frosty, Snow White, Casper, and Albo Annie are among the hurled taunts she continuously dodges. She is a one-in-fifteenthousand genetically anomalous albino with a visual impairment. Turning out for track, Stephanie determines to prove this is an area where she sparkles. But at practice she finishes dead even with the school snob. As Stephanie leaves, the sun’s glare blinds her already weak eyesight and she collides with one of the guys. She is surprised as a hand helps her to her feet and defends her against another jeer. The name attached to the hand is Nathan. Despite Nathan’s attempts to be a genuine S P R I N G 2 0 0 1 5 0 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 FICTION friend, Stephanie is quite sure he is only interested in her scientifically since he is planning to train as a paramedic. Catherine Farnes sprinkles Snow with a mixture of humor and poignancy. Written in the first person, this is a very believable piece of work that confers the impression of having been experienced or well-researched. The reader is thrust into the depths of the character’s anguish, conflict resolutions, and the vexations that accompany all humanity, but is magnified for a person who is physically challenged. The insights illustrated include the following: that self worth does not come from outperforming others but only through the Spirit’s tender caress upon the heart strings, which reveal God’s love and approval; that cynicism builds walls and prevents the foundation of true friendship; that the dating process can be a tool for finding a marriage partner at the appropriate time; that it is possible to become a Christian for the wrong reason. In the end, Stephanie learns that God can use her handicap to actually help others, and that he can also help her to gain final acceptance that God can work through, past, and in spite of it. Debbie Lindsay, Homeschool Parent, Eatonville, Washington Stranger online, written by Carol Smith; created by Terry K. Brown. (Todays girls.com; 1.) LCCN 00025812. Nashville: Tommy Nelson, Thomas Nelson, 2000. ISBN 0849975549, PAP, $5.99. F. Web sites--Fiction; Swimming--Fiction; High schools--Fiction; Schools--Fiction; Christian life-- Fiction. 140 p. High school (Middle school). Luv@first site, written by Tess Eileen Kindig; created by Terry K. Brown. (Todays girls.com; 5.) LCCN 00032876. Nashville: Tommy Nelson, Thomas Nelson, 2000. ISBN 0849975824, PAP, $5.99. F. Dining (Social customs)--Fiction; Computers-- Fiction; High schools--Fiction; Schools--Fiction; Christian life--Fiction. 134 p. High school (Middle school). In Stranger Online, Amber Thomas is a member of Edgewood High School’s swim team, and of Todaysgirls Club. Her life consists of getting up early in the morning for practice, and of being the best student she can be, as well as webmistress of the todaysgirls.com website. This is supposed to be a “password access” only site, but someone gains access to Amber’s email and leaves cryptic messages, causing Amber to doubt her own programming abilities, and to fear for her personal safety. When she returns to school the following Monday, Amber can’t help but wonder if the stranger is a student passing her in the hallway, sitting next to her in class, or someone else entirely. Adding to her stress level is a new girl on the swim team, and a fellow student who insists on availing himself of her answers on chemistry quizzes. Amber feels like she’s tackling these things alone, until she incorporates Proverbs 3:5-6 into her Todaysgirls verse for the week. As she considers the verses, she begins to realize that she isn’t alone and reaches out to her friends and family for advice and support. Bren Mickler has fallen in love in Luv@first site. If only the boy knew who she was. It’s tough when the one who makes your heart thump doesn’t even know your name. Bren tries to make a good impression on this boy, only to repeatedly fall on her face. Her friends from Todaysgirls Club try to talk her out of her attraction, but to no avail. She finds herself obsessed with the object of her affections, and finds herself reduced to manipulating her friends. Bren comes up with what she thinks is the perfect solution to her problem: computerized dating for her high school. Feelings of betrayal, and broken friendships, are left in the wake of her efforts. How will she make the wrongs right? These books by Carol Smith and Tess Eileen Kindig are excellent readers for middle school and high school girls. They are written with a strong Christian view, and encourage faith in God and reading the Word. Doctrine does not become a part of the stories, so readers will not feel conflicted. The characters are believable and well-developed, and the language is current. These authors have created stories that teens will identify with. An excellent addition to any library. Debby Willett, Freelance Writer, Canyon, Texas Subway tokens in the sand, by Wendy Lee Nentwig. (Unmistakably Cooper Ellis; 3.) Minneapolis: Bethany House, 1999. ISBN 0764220675, PAP, $5.99. F. Boyfriends--Fiction; Friendship--Fiction; Christian life--Fiction. 157 p. High school. At sixteen, Cooper Ellis is allowed to travel the subways of New York by herself, going to modelling auditions or special photography sessions. She is doing well in school and everything seems to be running smoothly. That is, until she starts dating Josh, one of the most likeable and cutest boys in school. Suddenly, everything gets complicated. As much as Cooper enjoys being with Josh, she feels like she doesn’t have a life of her own anymore. Everyone said that things would change, and Cooper is beginning to realize that she doesn’t like the kind of changes necessary to have a fulltime boyfriend. Wendy Lee Nentwig writes a realistic story of the complications that can occur when young people enter the dating scene. Her third book in the Unmistakably Cooper Ellis series takes its readers on a journey through the ups and downs of relationships. Cooper discovers in her adventures that not only does she feel smothered by Josh and his constant attention, but more importantly, her all-important relationship with the Lord suffers. She is still young, and there is a lot of life to live. Subway Tokens in the Sand helps the reader to consider the importance of friendships and the fact that perhaps a serious personal commitment to another should wait. Mary McKinney, Former Teacher, Freelance Writer, Editor, Port Orchard, Washington Take my hand, by Robin Jones Gunn. (Sierra Jensen series; 12.) LCCN 98055512. Minneapolis: Bethany House, 1999. ISBN 1561797367, PAP, $5.99. F. Interpersonal relations--Fiction; Christian life-- Fiction; California, Southern--Fiction. 138 p. High school. In Take My Hand, the twelfth book in Robin Jones Gunn’s Sierra Jensen series, Sierra prepares with anticipation for a new chapter in her life. She bids her good friends in Portland, Oregon, a tearful good-bye, then drives to California with her family, where she will attend her sister’s engagement party and also begin her first year at college. What has Sierra totally beside herself with excitement is that at Tawni’s engagement party she will finally, after months of correspondence, be reunited with Paul. She daydreams of running into his open arms and of his putting to rest her questions about where their relationship with one another stands. After a long drive, during which the air conditioner quits working in the car, and her brother accidentally gives her a black eye with a pop can, Sierra and her family arrive at their destination. One misunderstanding after another complicate her reunion with Paul. She settles into her new dorm room despairing of things ever being straightened out between them. Her good friend Christy Miller gives her some much needed wisdom, and Sierra and Paul prayerfully begin their acquaintance anew under God’s auspices. In this book Gunn focuses on the different expectations teenage boys and girls bring to relationships with the opposite sex. While Sierra interpreted their romantic walk on the beach and Paul’s poetry in one manner, Paul’s take on what occurs between them is completely different. Robin Jones Gunn does a fine job of storytelling while also conveying an important message about the role physical intimacy should play in a Christian dating relationship. Lillian Heytvelt, Librarian, Pomeroy, Washington The theft, by Betty Gaard. LCCN 00038458. Greenville, S.C.: Journey Books, Bob Jones University Press, 2000. ISBN 1579243754, PAP, $6.49. F. Cheating--Fiction; Honesty--Fiction; High schools- -Fiction; Schools--Fiction; Christian life--Fiction. 190 p. High school. Mike Prickett and his two friends, Scott and Carlos, are all on the high school tennis team in Atlanta. You might say that they are the stars of the team. There is one problem though— history. With final exams coming soon, poor history grades threaten to cut all three of them from the tennis team. In an impulsive act, Scott ends up with the original of the history exam. In an attempt to cover up the act, Carlos and Mike also land themselves in serious trouble. Mike 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
Page 1 and 2: Volume VI No.2 Christian SPRING 200
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Page 13 and 14: PICTURE BOOKS tells him to catch up
Page 15 and 16: PICTURE BOOKS Ill.: Crossway Books,
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Page 23 and 24: CHILDREN’S FICTION Michael J. Ros
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