J O U R N A L J O U R N A L - Christian Library Journal

ChristianLibraryJ O U R N A LVolume III No.3January 1998nnnnnnnnTHISISSUEFEATURES:The Gift of MusicShow, Don’t Tell: Growingan Advanced StorytellerPractical, InexpensiveResources for SmallLibraries, from CSLAMusic... Wings... Flight...CharmRegional Books forChildren: Book NookYour Response Needed;see page 3Introducing Kids toChristian Heroes: Dave &Neta JacksonIntroducing SchoolLibrarian’s Corner

Columns/Article Editor:Dear Readers,A Letter fromthe EditorThis issue of CLJ is full of references to music;enjoy them as you consider expanding your library’smusic section.This issue we welcome a new columnist, DebraStombres, who has contributed work to CLJ in thepast. Debra will be writing School Librarians’Corner, a newsy column with award announcements,interviews, bibliographies, questioon and answers,and whatever else she decides to share with us. Wehope you find the column useful; please participatewith your questions, comments, and suggestions.My family and the journal have moved...not tothe Oregon coast...but to Oklahoma. We are glad tobe here with old friends, Mary and Mike Jarvis, and itis a delight to have Mary’s help once again on CLJ.The greatest catastrophe of the move was a delay inthe mailing of the November issue of CLJ.Communication was confused, and the journal sat atthe mailers for over a month, but we trust you havereceived it by now, and have enjoyed the contents.Please note our new address and phone numbers onthe next page. We like to keep in touch.On page three of this issue, I would like toshare with you some ideas we have for the future.Your interest and input are appreciated.In Christ’s love,Nancy L. HeschEditor and PublisherAndrew M. Seddon“A thing of beauty is a joy forever,” wrote Keats.Its loveliness increases,it will never pass into nothingness...”But as I look around the world, I wonder what hashappened to beauty. Architecture has crumbled under the weight of concrete-slab cities;the pounding babble of foul-mouthed rappers has banished Mozart to specialty musicshops; it is only necessary to read a few pages of contemporary bestsellers to realize thatwhat sells books is not literary merit; junk fills museums in the name of ‘art,’ andpornography and blasphemy rage unchecked on film. Our culture has embraced ugliness;we have lost our sense of taste.Where has the beauty gone?Really, it hasn’t gone anywhere. The works of great writers and composers stillexist. Museums contain the works of great artists and sculptors. The world itselfpossesses areas of incomparable beauty.But in many ways we have become blind to beauty. Our eyes and ears havebecome dull. We read poor books, listen to bad music, soak up passive entertainment.Why? Perhaps we’ve become lazy. Perhaps we don’t know better. Perhaps our societyhas so trampled beauty that we have a hard time recognizing it. If a society’s musicreflects its spirituality—as I’m inclined to think—then what are we to make of theagonized, empty music, both popular and classical, that pours from this rapidly-ending20th Century?I find it interesting that scientists, who might be presumed to be the mostdisinterested in beauty, are, in fact, quite the opposite. Especially in mathematics andphysics, scientific theories are held and explored because of their elegance and beauty. Ifa theory or equation lacks beauty, chances are that it is false. The universe is modeled onbeauty.Granted, standards of beauty change; granted too, mathematical beauty is availableonly to the select few able to appreciate it. But what needs to happen for us is that weopen our senses to the rich heritage of beauty available to us—to the nuggets of gold inmountains of dross—to seek out those works that proclaim that humanity is emulating itsCreator by creating that which is ‘good.’ Seeking out beauty in today’s cheap-and-easy,use-and-dispose-of, plastic-synthesized-mass-produced world requires effort; but the effortis worthwhile.Because, as we seek out beauty, we discover that we are drawn to the Source ofbeauty, as the Psalmist wrote, ‘Behold the beauty of the Lord.’This issue our ‘mini-theme’ is music. Music has been part of creation ever since‘the morning stars sang for joy.’ Perhaps no other form of art—not even writing—possesses such a capacity to turn the human spirit towards God. Music, literature, andbooks are intimately connected.Music is an integral part of my life; I doubt that I could write without it. And Ithink it telling that many great composers were Christians; even of those who didn’taccept Christian doctrine, few were unaffected by the teachings of Jesus Christ.In this issue we provide the opportunity to read about the spiritual lives of the greatcomposers. Leslie Radloff provides an extensive bibliography of books about music,instruments, and composers. Appreciation of beauty is not always innate—it has to betaught, encouraged, nurtured.‘It is better to be beautiful than to be good, but it is better to be good than to beugly,’ wrote Oscar Wilde. (The Picture of Dorian Gray).Let’s make an effort to rediscover some of the beauty in life, to share that beautywith others, and allow it to bring us closer to God.

The Christian Library Journal invites prospectivereviewers and writers to write for information. TheChristian Library Journal is published bimonthlySeptember through May by Christian LibraryServices. Subscriptions $45 per year; $55 inCanada. Back issues $4.50 as supplies last. Bulkpostage paid at Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Indexed inChristian Periodical Index. Address correspondenceto Christian Library Journal, 801 S. Osage,Bartlesville, OK 74003-4946. POSTMASTER:Send address changes to CLJ, 801 S. Osage,Bartlesville, OK 74003-4946. Copyright 1998 byChristian Library Services.Volume III No. 3JANUARY 1998ChristianISSN 1097-1262LibraryJ O U R N A LPhone (918) 336-0813Fax (918) 336-0877T A B L E O FC O N T E N T SEmailnancyhclj@aol.comLETTER FROM THE EDITORInside Front CoverThe purpose of the Christian LibraryJournal is to provide readers withreviews of both Christian and secularlibrary materials from a Christian point ofview. About 250 books, cassette tapes,and videos from both Christian andsecular publishers are reviewed eachissue. Materials reviewed may reflect abroad range of Christian doctrinalpositions and do not necessarily reflectthe views of the staff of the ChristianLibrary Journal.Nancy HeschAndrew SeddonRaymond LeggMary McKinneySylvia StopforthMary JarvisKitty LindstromPublisher & EditorEditor: ArticlesEditor: Adult NonfictionEditor: Adult Fiction& Young Adult NonfictionEditor: YA FictionEditor: Children’s BooksDesign and LayoutCover illustration from The Gift of Music byJane Sturat Smith and Betty Carlson, ©1995.Reprinted by permission ofCrossway BooksPrinted in the U.S.A.C O L U M N SMary J’s Book Nook Mary Jarvis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2Writing with Kiids Georgia Beaverson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4Meet the Author: Christian Heroes Lorinda K. F. Newton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6School Librarians’ Corner Debra Stombres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8A R T I C L E SCLJ Future Nancy Hesch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3The Gift of Music Andrew Seddon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11Music gives... wings... Leslie Greaves Radloff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12The CSLA: A Resource... Pam Webb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14R E V I E W SPicture Books . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15Children’s Fiction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25Children’s Nonfiction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32Young Adult Fiction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42Young Adult Nonfiction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52Adult Fiction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57Adult Nonfiction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64Publisher List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81Classified Advertising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 1 J A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8

M A R YJ ”’ SBOOK NOOK“Oh for a book and a shady nook,either indoors or out.“ out.”John Wilsonand soil. They have learned you don’t speed up mothernature. You live with the elements and accept them aspart of life.Perhaps this is why one sees such strength and resiliencein these people. You relate to and help your neighbors.When the pump went out on our water well, everyneighbor that drove by our place stopped to see if theycould give us a hand as we labored to get it workingagain. It has been interesting adjusting to a differentpace and different life view. When some new books forchildren about this section of the country came to myattention, I was intrigued and immediately pored overthem. A vital part of the history of our nation has beenplayed out in this Midwest region, and these bookswould help youngsters discover the roots that make thissection of the country so vital to all of us. Each of thesepicture books would appeal to students in second to fifthgrade. The subject matter comes alive both pictoriallyand in the text.By Mary JarvisAfew months ago my husband and I moved tonortheast Oklahoma to retire to the familyranch. Now instead of the mountains and tallevergreen firs of the Pacific Northwest, we wake up eachmorning to rolling plains of blue stem prairie grass andcattle gazing over our fence. The peace and quiet callsone to inner reflection and a slower pace of life. Thepeople and lifestyle are different from that of theNorthwest. There isn’t the traffic and the rush to getthings done. People have had to wrestle with the climateThe New Land : A First Year on the Prairie by MarilynReynolds depicts the saga of an immigrant family whosettle on the prairie. The hardships and the triumphs ofthese hardworking people are vividly portrayed. Thebooks Buffalo Thunder by Patricia Wittmann, and AFourth of July on the Plains by Jean Van Leeuwen eachtakes a day out of the life of a young boy journeying bycovered wagon through the plains to a new home. Aslice of life depicts the hardships and the joy ofdiscovery for each of these boys. A more contemporarydepiction of life, The Dust Bowl by David Booth, has agrandfather relating to his young grandson about howpeople struggled through drought and pestilence on theplains during the 1930’s.J A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 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

I think the strength of character and beauty I see in the peoplein this region today stems from these roots of struggling withnature and surviving despite the hardships. They have workedhard and sometimes seen their efforts and dreams dashed bydrought, wind, or pests. Yet they have remained resilient andendured with faith and hope. Certainly these are qualities thatwe want to instill in our youth. Whether we live in the Westor the East or in between, a study of this region and thestalwart people that have settled it would enhance the learningof our students.Each region of our country has a unique history that is woveninto the tapestry that makes us Americans. This is the excitingpart of history as we relate it to who we are today and why.Many projects and opportunities can be used in the classroomto teach children why we are so special as Americans; teachthem how people have lived and the adventures and strugglesthey endured; invite older people in the community to yourclassroom to relate what it was like when they grew up in aparticular area; take a day to eat and live and dress as much aspossible the way people did a hundred years ago; experiencelife for a time with the electric lights off. What does one doto survive without this modern convenience, with no light atthe flip of a switch, no TV or modern appliances?I have gained much as I have moved to a different part of ourcountry. I am learning much from new neighbors, newfriends, and a different environment. I miss the beauty andlife of the Pacific Northwest, but I am enthralled with adifferent kind of beauty and life out here on the plains of theMidwest. My horizons have been expanded. I am learningnew things each day about living and relating to people. Thisprocess should go on for each of us all the days we have onthis earth. Let’s help our children in that task so they canappreciate and understand differences in this great land andthe people that dwell in it.CLJChristian Library Journal : The Present and the FuturePlanning for the future of CLJ is challenging, if we are tocontinue to meet the needs of Christian librarians. The journalbegan as a privately owned enterprise, but, as a service toChristian librarians, it may best meet their needs by being thepublication of a Christian library association of some sort.To my knowledge, there are presently four associations forChristian librarians:Assn. for Christian Libraries--university/Bible collegelibrariansChurch & Synagogue Library Assn.--mainline church orsynagogue librariesEvangelical Church Library Assn.--evangelical churchlibrariansNat’l. Christian School Assn.--member librarians of oneof the smaller Christian school organizationsEach of these groups is meeting the needs for theirparticular group, but there is a much larger group of Christianlibrarians from all of the other Christian school associations,public schools, and public libraries, who are not specificallytargeted in any one of these groups.Would you be interested in joining either a newassociation, targeting any or all Christian librarians, or as asubgroup of one of the above, to provide ongoing education,inspiration, and fellowship? Would you eventually like to seeCLJ become the publication of such a group? Your dues couldcover your subscription, but non-members could continue tosubscribe, as well.Please let us know what you think! Respond by email orsnail mail within a month or so of receiving this issue, giving usyour name, your library name, address, email, and phonenumber.C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 3 J A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8

Show,Don’t Tell:GROWING ANADVANCEDSTORYTELLERbyBeaversonWhen most people hear the phrase“I’m a writer,” they immediatelythink of one of two types ofwriting. They either assume the person inquestion writes for a newspaper, or theyimagine someone writing the GreatAmerican novel. In fact, most of thechildren I’ve spoken with who want to bewriters couldn’t care lessabout newspapers.They want to writefiction.GeorgiaWhat’s the attractionof writing fiction? Highon most writerwannabes’lists is theability to form a world ofthe writer’sownchoosing. The writercreates the characters,assigns them tasks toperform, crafts obstaclesfor them to overcome,and draws everything toa satisfactoryconclusion. Creativityseems unbounded, asdoes the power behindthe creativity.But five minutesalone with a blank sheetof paper and a pencilwith a large eraser isenough to convincemany would-be fiction writers that there’smore to this creative process than meetsthe eye. Why don’t things read on paperthe way they sound in my head? Whydidn’t the main character do what I plannedshe would do? Why isn’t the plot asexciting as it seemed when I first thought ofit?These questions rumble throughyoung writers’ heads, causing them todoubt both their ability and calling aswriters. What are the answers to thesequestions? The answers aren’tstraightforward. A young writer discoversthe answers only as she picks up and usesthe more sophisticated tools of her craft:character, plot structure, and thedescriptive use of words.Characters can be the most difficultpart of writing a story. How can a youngwriter communicate the kind of person hismain character is? How can he do itquickly, without boring the reader? Howcan he make the character seem real?Once upon a time, writers used theploy of the omniscient narrator to explainthe quirks of both character and plot. Butthat device no longe finds approval amongwriters or readers. Instead, the most basicinstruction on character development todayfinds expression in the phrase, “show, don’ttell,” or SDT. Quite simply, it means showthe character’s inner life through his or herouter actions—don’t just tell the readerwhat the character is like.For example, which packs more punchwhile revealing the inner workings of thecharacter:“Alice began to cry because her father was leavingfor the war.”- or -Alice stood at the window, looking down on thecrown of her father’s army cap. He mounted thecarriage step, then turned his face up to her window.With one last salute, he ducked into the carriage. Asshewatched the carriage turn the corner, Alice tastedsalty tears on her lips.”I hope you chose the secondparagraph. It allows the reader a chanceto imagine Alice’s interior feelings, whilegiving clues to her reaction to her father’sleave-taking. By comparison, the firstparagraph seems cold and flat,communicating very little real emotion.J A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 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

A young writer does well topractice SDT technique instead oftaking the omniscient shortcut. Itwill give her story depth and arealism that simply explainingthings never can. If her characterloves the ballet, a young writershould describe the dance shoeshanging on her character’s doorhandle, the American Balletposters on her walls and the edgeof a tutu sticking out of her bottomdrawer. If a character gets angryfrequently and easily, show it inone or two situations with friendsor parents. The reader will quicklyclue in that this character trait isimportant to the plot of the story.“Show, don’t tell” can also beuseful in moving the plot along.Don’t place the character in anangry situation just to show histemper, but make that situationwork to advance the plot. Use theanger as a catalyst to cause thecharacter to run away and beginhis adventures. Or maybe theargument occurrs between theprotagonist and his best friend,separating them and bringing areal problem into the story.A young writer should thinkcarefully about both plot andcharacter. Creating a story planand graphing it out can help keepa new writer a (and anexperienced one!) on track. Manyprofessional fiction writers usewritten character sketches tooutline their characters’ basicpersonalities. Both the plot outlineand character sketches serve asreminders of the story’s goals, andhelp keep the narrative focused onthose goals. They also help keeptrack of the main plot and anysecondary plots woven into thestory.SDT also gives a neoplytefiction writer a chance to usewords to wonderful effect. A flatexplanatin of events offers verylittle opportunity for descriptivewords. But when the writer mustshow how a person feels throughoutward action or the character’sown spoken words, the story canachieve a depth and texture thatwould otherwise never cross thewriter’s mind. Here’s an examplefrom my fantasy novel-in-progress:“Domm’s breath came in short, explosivepuffs. He sounded like a bull Linn hadseen in the market, spraying out his ragein angry snorts. Domm even resembledthe bull physically. Although he wasshort, Domm’s shoulders were broad andmassive. Power radiated from thoseshoulders, like heat radiated from the hotsun overhead.”Do you get the idea that Linnis in conflict with Domm, and thathe’s angry with her, threateningher? But these things ar neversaid straight out; you see them inDomm’s breath, Linn’s reminder ofthe bull, the hot sun overhead.STD can help your youngwriter’s fiction move from amateurto amazing. Careful structuring,character outline, language anddialogue all flower with the use of“show, don’t tell.” It’s the one toolno fiction writer—new orexperienced—can do without.POVSDT and POV are the two fictiontechniques that divide the writing sheepfrom the goats. An amateur is oftentempted away from the hard work ofshowing and simply resorts to tellinghis readers an important point. Thesame goes for POV, or “point of view.”Okay, so what is point of view?POV means maintaining the samecharacter’s viewpoint throughout astory or section of a story. The writermust make the reader forget anythingbut what that character thinks, feels,perceives, see, reacts to. Forget theomniscient narrator with whom somany of us grew up. Point of viewmeans setting our literary sights on themain character’s knowledge, vision, orexperience. It is the literary equivalentof walking a mile in another’s shoes.All fiction writers, amateur orprofessional, struggle with point ofview. Sometimes, it seems like walkingan extra-long way around when aconvenient shortcut beckons enticingly.but POV lapses brand a story asamateur. Many editors cite POVmistakes as the single most glaringerror they see in untried writers’manuscripts.Maintaining point of viewstrengthens a fiction story. It helps thestory become more believable becauseit maintains a consistent viewpoint. Italso enables a writer to submerse thereader in the world of the protagonist.A reader takes on that character’sviewpoint, and thus “becomes” thecharacter. POV helps the writermanipulate the reader, too, making theexciting action that much moreexciting, the sad parts sadder, and thesurprising bits simply heart-stopping.J A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 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

Meet the AuthorIntroducing Kids toChristian Heroes:Dave and Neta Jacksonby Lorinda K. F. NewtonWhere can children find heroes?Some look to cartoon action figures,movie stars, or athletes. Othershave no one to admire or to aspire to.Children need positive role models to givethem hope and an example of good character.Where can they find such heroes?Dave and Neta Jackson, award-winningauthors and co-authors of over seventy-fivebooks, seek to fill this void by writing booksthat children love to read and, through theTrailblazer Series, offer them heroes toadmire and emulate.Bread and butterGrowing up, both Dave and Neta enjoyedtheir families’ tradition of reading booksaloud, including classics such as BlackBeauty and the works of C.S. Lewis andLaura Ingalls Wilder. Neta also pursuedhorse books, and Dave devoured the writingsof Joseph Conrad and Jack London. Theseexperiences instilled within them the love ofchildren’s literature, yet neither planned to bewriters.Neta enjoyed drawing horses. Then in juniorhigh, she wrote stories to go with thepictures. As a high-school senior, she wonfirst place in a Scholastic short story contest.This directed her to earn a degree in English.Dave planned to be a chemistry teacher.Then someone talked him into joining thecollege newspaper staff, and his teacherinspired him to consider a writing career.Dave and Neta met at Multnomah School ofthe Bible and were married in October 1966.The following year, they moved to Elgin,Illinois, where they worked as editors forseveral Christian publishers and wrotenumerous freelance articles.By 1985, the Jacksons dreamed about writingbooks as full-time freelancers. They hadalready published a few books by this time.Their first book, Living Together in a WorldFalling Apart : A Handbook on ChristianCommunity (now out of print), appeared in1974. To launch their freelancing career,they first worked as co-authors with expertresource people. One such project becamethe 1994 Gold Medallion winner, BreakingDown Walls : A Model for Reconciliation inan Age of Racial Strife, written with RaleighWashington and Glen Kehrein.“Co-authoring was our bread and butter toget started in the writing business,” explainedDave. “But we were really interested inwriting for kids.”Birth of the Trailblazers SeriesIn the late 1980’s, the Jacksons were asked todramatize fifteen stories about the sixteenthcenturyChristian martyrs for a book titledOn Fire for Christ. This research projectopened the door to their true passion—writing children’s fiction.“We got so excited about bringing history tolife by using historical fiction,” explainedNeta. This experience led them to thinkabout other great Christians and how theycould make their stories interesting to kids.Telling children about church forefathers notonly intrigued the Jacksons but also causedthem to recognize some needs. Though theyhad both been raised in the church and goneto Christian colleges, they didn’t know muchabout church history and recognized thatmany in the Christian community didn’teither.Past and present heroes are commonlydegraded by our culture today; so manypeople have no heroes, noted Dave. Yet oursociety desperately needs the inspiration thatgood heroes can provide. “And there’s just awealth of examples of saints from the pastwho have forged the way and shown us howto live whom we’ve largely ignored orforgotten.” From these reflections, theTrailblazer Series was born.In writing these books, the Jacksons hope tomake the great personalities of the churchfamiliar to kids. They accomplish this bydemonstrating, from the viewpoint of a child,how men and women of great faithcontributed to the missionary movement orhad an impact on society. The authors,however, refuse to place these historicalfigures on pedestals. They simply seek toshow what happens when ordinary peoplesay yes to God and are used by him.Sometimes this means including theirmistakes and failures (Attack in the Grass isa good example).“Honesty about the failures of great people—without tearing them down—helps inolculatechildren against disillisionment,” explainedDave. “Even the Bible is honest aboutJ A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 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

human failings” (Dave Jackson, “Heroes andImposters,” Christian Parenting Today,[November/December 1994]: 26-33).To fit the Trailblazer pattern, in addition tohaving had contributed to society or churchhistory, the topical characters must have hadexperience with children. This criterion issometimes difficult to meet. Historicalchildren are used as the point-of-viewcharacters in most cases, but occasionally theJacksons must create a child who would betypical for the story period. The authors thenturn to research to find the informationneeded to develop the characters and the storyline.Research to StoryThe Jacksons use several libraries and theInternet to locate primary and secondaryresources on their subjects. For example, tofind details about the Piper airplane that NateSaint flew (Fate of the Yellow Woodbee),Dave searched the Internet and discovered aPiper Aircraft Club in Pennsylvania. Hecalled the club curator for the information heneeded.On occasion they also do on-site research fora story. Last summer, they visited PlymouthPlantation, a restoration of the originalcolony, to do research for their new book onWilliam Bradford.While researching, they seek a “window ofopportunity,” which Neta described as “a yearor two or three in a person’s life that may bestillustrate in a dramatic way what that person’slife is about and what his or her contributionis.” Finding this, they build the story aroundthat period.Next, they examine historical factors andissues that a child may have faced to createthe youngster whose life is changed by theprinciple character in some way. For theWilliam Bradford story, they consideredhistoric fact that many people died and thatchildren often grew up with other families.They developed the story by pairing thisinformation with the lack of sense ofbelonging that a child may have felt.The research and writing of an individualbook is the primary responsibility of onemember of this couple team. Each works ona book separately, with each of themproducing one book every six months. Netaand Dave also work together, helping eachother brainstorm when one gets stuck, andthey critique each other’s work.Working full-time as freelance writers, 9:00 to6:00 each workday, Dave and Neta havefulfilled their dream. They still continue towrite their bread-and-butter nonfictionprojects, but their passion continues to bewriting children’s historical fiction.“With the Trailblazers, we really feel likewe’ve made a contribution to what’s availableto children,” said Neta. “We get a great dealof satisfaction knowing that we’ve madeavailable to kids real heroes in a way that iseasily digestible and fun to read.”Current Books by Dave and Neta JacksonCHILDRENTrailblazer SeriesBethany House, paper, $5.99Fate of the Yellow Woodbee: Nate Saint.August, 1997, ISBN 1556617437Defeat of the Ghost Riders: Mary McLeodBethune, August 1997, ISBN 1556617429The Drummer Boy;s Battle: FlorenceNightingale, 1996, ISBN 1556617402Quest for the Lost Prince: Samuel Morris,1996, ISBN 1556614721The Warrior’s Challenge: DavidZeisberger, 1996, ISBN 155661473XTraitor in the Tower: John Bunyon, 1996,ISBN 1556617410The Runaway’s Revenge: John Newton,1995, ISBN 1556614713The Thieves of Tyburn Square: ElizabethFry, 1995, ISBN 1556614705Abandoned on the Wild Frontier: PeterCartwright, 1995, ISBN 1556614683Danger on the Flying Trapeze: D.L.Moody, 1995, ISBN 1556614691The Betrayer’s Fortune: Menno Simons,1994, ISBN 1556614675Flight of the Fugitives: Gladys Alyward,1994, ISBN 1556614667Attack in the Rye Grass: Marcus andNarcissa Whitman, 1994, ISBN1556612737Trial by Poison: Mary Slessor, 1994,ISBN 1556612745Shanghaied to China: Hudson Taylor,1993, ISBN 1556612710Listen for the Whipporwill: HarrietTubman, 1993, ISBN 1556612729The Bandits of Ashley Downs: GeorgeMiller, 1993, ISBN 1556612702Imprisoned in the Golden City: Adonirumand Anna Judson, 1993, ISBN1556612699The Chimney Sweep’s Ransom: JohnWesley, 1992, ISBN 1556612680Escape from the Slave Traders: DavidLivingstone, 1992, ISBN 155661263XThe Hidden Jewel: Amy Carmichael,1992, ISBN 1556612451Spy for the Night Riders: Martin Luther,1992, ISBN 1556612370Kidnapped by the River Rats: William andCatherine Booth, 1991, ISBN1556612206The Queen’s Smuggler: William Tyndale,1991, ISBN 1556612214(See reviews on this series in January1996; p.29, January 1997, p.52; andMarch 1997, p.50)Secret Adventure SeriesBroadman & Holman Publishers, $4.99.Spin: Truth, Tubas, and GeorgeWashington, 1994, ISBN 0805440046Snap: How to Act Like a ResponsibleAlmost Adult, 1994, ISBN 0805440054Smash: How to Survive Junior High byReally Trying, 1994, ISBN 0805440062Snag: I’m Dreaming of a Right Christmas,1994, ISBN 0805440070(See reviews on this series in March,1996, p.45)Other children’s booksHero Tales: A Family Treasury of TrueStories from the Lives of ChristianHeroes, volume 2, June 1997, ISBN1556617135, $12.99Hero Tales: A Family Treasury of TrueStories from the Lives of ChristianHeroes, volume 1, 1996, ISBN1556617127, $12.99Loving One Another, 1993, ISBN094556466X, Questar Publications, Inc.,$10.99ADULTFictionLost River Conspiracy, 1995, ISBN1561481831, Good Books, $8.95On Fire for Christ, 1989, ISBN0836134032, Herald Press, $9.99(historical fiction)Recovering Hope in Your Marriage Serieswith Steve Wilde, New Leaf Press, $4.95When Alcohol Abuses Our Marriage,1995, ISBN 0892212853When the Odds Are Against Us, 1995,ISBN 089221287XWhen We Fight All the Time, 1995, ISBN0892212861When It’s Hard to Trust, 1992, ISBN084237955X, $3.99When We Can’t Talk Anymore, 1992,ISBN 0842379878Other nonfictionBreaking Down Walls: A Model forReconciliation in an Age of Racial Strife,with Raleigh Washington and GlenKehrein, 1993, ISBN 0802426425,Moody PressTinkering with People: What You Need toKnow About the Medical Ethics Crisis,with Kenneth E. Schemmer, M.D.,1992,ISBN 0896938417, Victor BooksThe Gift of Presence, with Beth Landis,1991, ISBN 0836135660, Herald Press,$8.99Cities of Lonesome Fear, with GordonMcLean, 1991, ISBN 0802411363,Moody Press, $8.99Witness, with A. Grace Wenger, 1989,ISBN 0836134826, Herald Press, $9.99C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 7 J A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8

SCHOOLLIBRARIAN’SCORNERby Debra StombresWelcome to the School Librarian’s Cornerof the Christian Library Journal! This isour place to discuss issues that face schoollibrarians in particular. Often the schoollibrarian has to wear many more hats thanother librarians, covering collectiondevelopment, acquisitions, reference,circulation, and library management withlimited staff resources. Hopefully, thissection of CLJ will be our place to helpeach other in many of these areas.Beginning with this issue, we have thefollowing categories, or areas of interest:Awards to Note, Technology in Schools,Interview Corner, Bibliography of theMonth, and a Question and AnswerColumn. So pour a cup of coffee, pull up acomfortable chair, and let’s chat!AWARDS TO NOTE:This month we are looking at the GoldMedallion Awards. These come out eachJuly, just prior to the Christian BooksellersAssociation annual international convention.They are sponsored by the ECPA,Evangelical Christian Publishers Associationwhich sends out packets to publishers who, inturn nominate their own books. (There is afee involved in the nomination process.)Final decisions are made by a committee.While not all titles are pertinent toschool libraries, I am including the entire list.Those of you with high school students maybe interested in the reference and non-fictiontitles.The 1997 winning titles are:Christian Book of the Year: In the Grip ofGrace. Max Lucado, Word Publishing.Bibles: Word In Life Study Bible. ThomasNelsonReference Works/Commentaries:Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology.Walter Elwell, Baker Books.Fiction: The Book of God. Walter WangerinJr., Zondervan.Biography/Autobiography: C.S. LewisCompanion and Guide. Walter Hooper,HarperSanFrancisco.Theology/Doctrine: The Gagging of God.D.A. Carson, Zondervan.Devotional: Quiet Times for Parents. H.Norman Wright, Harvest House.Inspirational: In the Grip of Grace. MaxLucado, Word Publishing.Christian Living: Financially ConfidentWoman. Mary Hunt, Broadman & Holman.Christianity & Society: Searching for God inAmerica. Hugh Hewitt, Word Publishing.Missions/Evangelism: Finding God atHarvard. Kelly Monroe, ed., Zondervan.Christian Ministry: Handbook on CounselingYouth. Josh McDowell & Bob Hostetler,Word Publishing.Christian Education: The ChristianEducator’s Handbook on Family LifeEducation. Kenneth Gangel & JamesWilhoh, Baker BooksPreschool Children: Praise and Worship, byKen & Angela Abraham. Tommy Nelson.Elementary Children: The Children’s DailyDevotional Bible. Robert Morgan, ed.,Thomas Nelson.Youth: Pure Excitement. Joe White, Focuson the Family.Marriage: The Second Half of Marriage.David & Claudia Arp, Zondervan.Family & Parenting: The Father Connection.Josh McDowell, Broadman & Holman.Gift Book/Poetry: Tell Me the Promises.Joni Eareckson Tada & Ron DiCianni,Crossway.Bible Study: The Vision of His Glory. AnneGraham Lotz, Word Publishing.Spanish: Ayuda Lexica. Roberto Hanna,Baptist Spanish Publishing House.TECHNOLOGY IN SCHOOLS :This month’s topic deals with theproblems related in internet access tochildren and one possible solution to theseproblems.Internet Access ThroughThe Library ChannelProviding access to the internetpresents by far, one of the greatest challengesto librarians, particularly when it comes tothe issues of censorship, freedom ofinformation, etc. Many librarians have usedcensorship issues as an excuse to choose tonot be responsible for the materials childrenand yound adults come in contact with.Unfortunately, internet access can open doorslibrarians may never have had to deal withbefore. At the same time, World Wide Websites can increase a library’s worth a hundredJ A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 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

fold with all of the information and valuableresources that are available. I have beenagonizing over this for some time now andhave just been introduced to a tool that maybe a real solution to the internet paradox.My wish is to be able to provide accessto reference material on the World Wide Webwithout the fear that my students may enter,whether on purpose or by accident, apornographic web site. As will all newtechnology, or progress in general, the Webcan be used for good or ill and, unfortunately,the Web has been exploited for a great dealof evil.I recently attended a workshop at mylocal library system headquarters whichintroduced software entitled, “The LibraryChannel.” Unlike internet filtering software,which was designed for home use and cannotadequately filter a public internet terminal,The Library Channel is software thatincorporates designated web sites into alibrary’s own collection. A local onlinecatalog, networed with CDs such as theBritannica CD, and specific web sites can bepulled together onto “Cyber Shelves” with aweb browser integrated right into theprogram.My first questions were quicklyanswered during the demonstration Iattended. The URL bar of a browser, where aweb address is entered, can be disabled bythe librarian and cannot be enabled by thepatron. The software can also be set todisable the ability to link from within oneweb site to another, such a link to a Yahoosearch engine. For example, a student maygo to the NASA web site and move aroundpages within that site but not be able to linkout to another site. With these twosafeguards, thousands of “good” sites can beadded to a library collection while the “bad”sites are virtually unreachable.The Library Channel software wasactually not designed to be a filter. It wasdesigned by representatives from fortylibraries in Ohio that desired a better way toadd valuable World Wide Web sites to theirlibrary collections. As a result, a list of20,000 such sites already exists and comesfree for the first year a library purchases thesoftware. These sites are organized bysubject categories on the “Cyber Shelves.” Alist of drop sites also exists as public librariesprobably will include sites other librariesmay not wish to add to their collections. I’llbe the first to be suspicious of any list and Iwould still probably add sites one at a time. Iwould also keep the workstation in full viewof the circulation desk as student “hackers”abound. You may have a student who canfind a way around even this safeguard.As mentioned above, this software cancombine an existing Online Catalog, theWorld Wide Web, and other software into oneuser interface. This takes the patron awayfrom the Windows environment. The patronhas access to one main menu of libraryoptions. The Library Channel runs underWindows 95 and will work with NT andNovell networks.The cost is calculated based on thenumber of workstations needing licenses andthe price goes down per workstation as thetotal number of workstations goes up. Thecompany, VImpact, that markets this productwill work with several libraries or systems toput together a coordinated order and thusreduce the total cost per library. The annualmaintenance fee is nominal.For more information, contact:Mark WeaverVImpact612 North Park St.Columbus, OH 43215614-224-6861weaver@infinit.comor visit their web sitehttp://www.vimpact.netLook for more information on schoollibrary automation and related topics in thisarea each issue. Next issue: What’s new atMaster Library System?INTERVIEW CORNER:School libraries come in many shapesand sizes. Many of us are in smaller librariesand yet we are seeking to provide the samequality of library service as a large library.For this issue’s interview candidate I havechose Jenni Pritchett, known for herdevelopment of Librarian’s Helper and herconnection to Logos Research Systems.Jenni began her career as a church librarian.Her pursuit of excellence in a smaller libraryinspired her to pursue automation which hasin turn benefited us all.I recently had the privilege of havinglunch with Jenni at a library conference. Sheunselfishly shared her story with me, leavingher food to cool on her plate. With herpermission, I would like to recount how Jennientered the world of librarianship and howshe came to make a significant contributionin the area of library automation.Jenni has had a God-given passion forBible reference material ever since sheattended a Sunday School conference as afourth grade child where a speaker told herthat the Bible held the answers to all of life’squestions. To quote her, “For years I studiedthe Bible and I learned to value it highly as aguide to my life but I constantly wonderedhow I was ever going to find all the answersin such a big book...it wasn’t until I hadgraduated from a Christian college and wasthe mother of two boys that I really learnedabout the multitude of helpful resources forfinding answers. I became so convinced oftheir value and the need for every Christianto have access to them that I started my firstchurch, and school, library—with a strongemphasis on reference books.”Having no formal library education,Jenni studied Aker’s Simple LibraryCataloging to learn the rules of typingcatalog cards. Seeing the need forcomputerized help in order to better organizeher church and school libraries, she designedLibrarian’s Helper. This software is stillavailable to print catalog cards. Aprogrammer and member of her church didC H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 9 J A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8

the actual code writing for her design.Librarian’s Helper has been picked upby various library supply companies. Manyof us have benefited from its ease of use.LHOnline is its catalog counterpart.What I found incredibly interesting isthat her story does not end here! Her sonBob, who began writing computer programs atage seven, shares her passion for Biblereference and has carried the dream to a newdimension. Before completing aprogramming degree from Drexel Universityin Philadelphia, he accepted a position atMicrosoft and worked on Windowsdevelopment. After a year, he and a coworkerleft Microsoft to develop and marketthe first Logos Bible Software package.In January, 1992, Bob Pritchett, alongwith Jenni’s husband Dale Pritchett, and Bob’sfriend Kiernon Reiniger founded LogosResearch Systems, Inc. The company, now aworld-wide leader in multilingual electronicpublishing, currently markets an overallelectronic publishing system, entitled theLogos Library System. It has recently beenchosen by the well-known publisher of libraryreference materials, Facts on File, as theelectronic publishing platform for editions ofhistorical reference works. Visit their web siteat http://www.logos.com.It would appear that few librarians canescape at least the indirect influence of JenniPritchett and her family. Special thanks to herand to God for filling her and her family witha passion for Bible reference material and apassion to make material available throughexcellent libraries!QUESTION/ANSWER:This section is for any questions havingto do with school library work. You can emailthem to dstombres@aol.com. Put this in the“Re” field of your message. “School columnquestion.” You can also mail questions toCLJ.BIBLIOGRAPHY OFSpace Technologyby Michele HoweTHE MONTH1) West, Robin. Far Out: How to create Your Own Star World.Carolrhoda Books, 1987. Create landrovers, saucerettes, cosmiccentipedes and much more with simple household item..2) Barrett, Norman. Space Machines: Visual Guides. Franklin Watts,1994. This book contains detailed visuals of the inside/outside of awide variety of spacecraft.3) Krasnoff, Barbara. Robots: Reel to Reel. Arco Publishing, 1982.Provides complete information on robots from conception tocompletion.4) Lee, Wayne. To Rise from Earth: An Easy to Understand Guide toSpaceflight. Facts on File, Inc., 1995. Hefty volume of photos,diagrams, and explanations of spaceflight technology.5) Hawkes, Nigel. New Technology Space and Aircraft. Twenty-firstCentury Books, 1994. Easy on the eyes edition, full of colorfulphotos and drawings of air and spacecraft.6) Stine, Harry G. Handbook of Model Rocketry. John Wiley and Sons,Inc., 1994. Challenging book for older students with adultsupervision.7) Long, Kim. The Astronaut Training Book for Kids. Lodestar Books,1990. Includes: computers, fitness, training vacation choices,interest groups etc., to bring together the entire training process.8) Baker, David. Factories in Space. Rourke Enterprises, 1988. Anintroduction to skylabs, spacelabs, workspaces, and planetexploration.9) DeSomma, Vincent V. The Mission to Mars and Beyond. ChelseaHouse, 1992. Answers in detail how, who, when, why, and whatnext in space exploration.10) Maurer, Ernest W. The Dream Is Alive. Geosyna Publications,1991. Advanced edition which provides the background theories andmathematical principles involved in aerodynamics.J A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8 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

The Gift ofMusicby Andrew M. Seddon“Music,” wrote English composer Peter Warlock in a paraphrase of theChurch’s definition of sacrament, “is the outward and audible signification ofinward and spiritual realities.” Warlock cannot be considered conversant withChristian sensibilities, but music has long played a role in the life of believers,both individually and corporately.Music has, of course, its detractors as well as admirers, but only the mostunmusical would deny the emotional and spiritual content that music carries.That spiritual content need not be Christian; but in the Western world a longtradition associates music with Christianity. Many of the great composers wereChristian; those that weren’t at least had nodding acquaintance with the tenetsand ideals of Christianity.It is these associations that several recent books on music attempt to relatefor the Christian reader.The Gift of Music, by Jane Stuart Smith and Betty Carlson, is asurvey of some forty-six of the world’s great composers, ranging in timefrom the early Baroque to the 20th Century. The authors lament the factthat many Christians lack knowledge of and appreciation for, classicalmusic. “This robs individual Christians and their children of one ofthe very rich areas of joy in this life.”While most people have at least been exposed to Handel’sMessiah, and the music of J.S. Bach, the connection with othercomposers is more tenuous. The Gift of Music does not limit itself tocomposers with Christian affirmations; rather, the authors survey thefield of classical music, pointing out each composer’s spiritualinclinations, and how these inclinations affected his output (‘his,’ since ClaraSchumann is the only woman represented).Each composer’s spiritual aspect is related to the context of his life andtimes, and respresentative works are listed, with an emphasis on those spirituallyinspired or related. The number of such works is impressive.The Gift of Music is not a textbook, but contains a wealth of information.Stravinsky’s Christian faith came as a surprise to me. Antonin Dvorak’s simplefaith stands in sharp contrast to Frederick Delius’ rabid anti-Christianityj;Vaughan Williams’ “cheerful agnosticism” left me wondering why a man whowrote many scripture-inspired works couldn’t come to full belief.The selection of composers and works is necessarily subjective, as theauthors readily admit. (Being a confirmed Anglophile, I would have enjoyedreading about more English composers!) Biographical details, too, are subject toselection. While Tchaikovsky’s homosexuality is admitted, that of BenjaminBritten (who also wrote many works with Christian themes) receives no mention.Knowledge of a composer’s life and beliefs serves to increase appreciationof his or her music. The opening movement of Gerald Finzi’s Cello Concerto,for example, with its heart-rending anguish, is rendered more poignant byknowing that Finzi had recently been diagnosed with leukemia (which, in the1950’s, amounted to a death sentence). The diagnosis makes the serene secondmovement, the joyful third movement, and the glowing brass conclusion, evenmore remarkable. Finzi was a Jewish agnostic who yet found inspiration inChristianity—witness his communion anthems, “Welcome sweet and sacredfeast,” and “Lo, the full, final sacrifice.”The Gift of Music is an affirmation of the spiritual treasure-trove awaitingin classical music.Adifferent approach is taken by Dr. Patrick Kavanaugh, ExecutiveDirector of the Christian Performing Artists Fellowship, in his 1992 bookSpiritual Lives of Great Composers. Kavanaugh selected twelve composers for amore in-depth survey of their Christian beliefs. Despite the wide variety ofbackgrounds and beliefs held by the composers, Kavanaugh finds commonagreement on basic Christian beliefs.He writes, “I wish to highlight verifiable aspects of these men’s lives asthey strove for good, sought to understand God, and found meaningful spiritualpurpose in their lives.” There are, again, surprises; I doubt that RichardWagner—self-centered pursuer of love affairs, friend of Nietzsche and anti-Semite—would jump to mind as possessing Christian ideals. Yet Nietzschewrote, “Richard Wagner, apparently the most complete of victors, fell suddenly,helpless and broken, before the Christian cross.” Wagner, it must be admitted,was no more an orthodox Christian than Beethoven, and Kavanaugh points outthe dichotomy between Wagner’s stated Christian ideals and some of hisunsupportable—and at times repellent—beliefs.Kavanaugh is on firmer ground with men such as Dvorak, Bach, andHaydn, whose Christianity was incontestable and whose lives bore witness to thesolidity of their faith.In his follow-up volume, Spiritual Moments with the Great Composers,Kavanaugh has created a devotional based on the lives of famous composers andhymn writers. He notes “how much we can learn from the life stories of thesemasters. As Christians we can grow as we emulate many of their virtues and aswe heed the warnings evident in their mistakes.” Most, but not all, of thecomposers were Christian. Many are familiar, many are not.“How can the love of music specifically help us become closer toChrist?” Kavanaugh asks. It is his aim to answer that question in these twobooks.Unsure what to listen to? Kavanaugh has also written a guide, A Taste forthe Classics. Need ideas on how to interest children in classical music?Kavanaugh replies with Raising Musical Kids.A book of related interest is My Life with the Great Pianists by FranzMohr with Edith Schaeffer (Baker Books, 1992). Mohr was the chief technicianfor the famous Steinway company, and as such worked with many great pianists,including Horowitz, Rubinstein, and Van Cliburn.Mohr lost his faith in the ashes of the Second World War, but regained itand used his position as piano technician to share his Christianity with the manyfamous artists with whom he worked. His life is an example of how faithfulnessin small things can lead to greater opportunities.Lastly, Howard Reich’s biography Van Cliburn (Thomas Nelson, 1992)follows the life of the legendary American pianist. Less emphasis is placed onCliburn’s faith than might be expected, but is is there, nonetheless.“Music,” wrote Jean Paul, “is the moonlight in the floomy night of life.”But Bach said it even better. “An agreeable harmony for the honour of God andthe permissible delights of the soul.” Or perhaps St. Thomas Aquinas was closerwhen he wrote of “things eternal bursting forth in sound.”C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 1 1 J A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8

Music gives... wings... flight...charm... gaiety and life Platoby Leslie Greaves RadloffPlato said of music “Music gives...wingsto the mind, flight to the imagination, acharm to sadness, gaiety and life toeverything.” Giving children the gift of musicallows them to communicate with others inyet one more way. School librarianssearching for books with music as a themewill have no difficulty in finding a wide varietyof fiction and non-fiction.As more and more teachers includetrade books in lesson plans, school librariansas part of the instructional design team willwant as many titles as possible available toprovide for a broad exposure to music. Ofthe titles available some discuss how music ismade on instruments, how composerscreated music, the effect of music on people.Trade books provide a way for studentsto learn content as they read or listen to astory. Using trade books incontent areas alsopovides the added benefit of extending thelibrary budgets more books are usedthroughout the curriculum, something bothlibrarians and school administrators enjoyseeing.Titles included here span a variety ofgrade levels, reading levels, and classesother than music. Some stories inviteaudience participation while others offer ideasfor making a “joyful noise” on an instrument orwith the voice.Teachers and parents will find books tointroduce musical genre, composers,instruments, orchestra, and band. Most ofthe titles have been used in my own third,fourth, and fifth grade classrooms, or in alibrary setting with preschool through fourthgrade. Some titles also work well in uppergrade classrooms as introduction to a topic.These titles all would be useful additions tothe school library.Because of the wealth of resources, forpurposes of this article only titles focusing onthe following three areas were included:1) Instruments/Orchestra/Band;2) Composers/Musical Style; and3) Teacher/Parent Resources.While a title appears in one grouping, itcertainly does not exclude it from use withanother group. Readers are encouraged tosupplement with personal favorite titles and topick and choose, always keeping in mind thatunless you are sold on the book or story thestudent/child won’t be.These books invite discussion of musicalstyle, instruments themselves, importance ofmusic in people’s lives, music’s effect on themusician himself, and the pleople around him.The saying, “Bach gave us God’s Word;Mozart gave us God’s Laughter; Beethovengave us God’s fire. God gave us music thatwe might pray without words” is certainlyborne out when looking at these books. Mostdefinitely “Music is a fair and glorious gift ofGod.”Teachers will find a link with the study ofgeography, history, cooking (if very brave, youcould make “pages of music” from MarcellaHazan’s cookbook Marcella Cucina(HarperCollins, 1997) after reading the story“Pages of Music.”Recordings, CD’s, or cassettes ofappropriate pieces of music from the schoollibrary can be paired with different titles. Thiswould be suitable for the study of instruments,as would the playing of Benjamin Britten’s “AYoung Person’s Guide to the Orchestra.” Themusic of John Philip Sousa makes a goodintroduction for books with a band theme.CD’s and cassettes abound and many of thenew music texts include CD’s to be used withtheir books as is the case with BeethovenLives Upstairs.InstrumentsClement, Claude. Voice of the Wood. Dial, 1989. Fantasyabout a cello lovingly crafted from special tree, and thebeautiful music it makes. Middle.Deverell, Catherine. Stradivari's Singing Violin.Carolrhoda, 1992. Biography of the childhood of the worldfamous violin maker. Middle.Duncan, Alice Faye. Walleye Jerome. Willie wants to playjazz on the trumpet but his family interferes.Eversole, Robyn. The Flute Player. Orchard, 1995.Bilingual (Spanish) story of a girl who lives on the first floorof an apartment building and a flute player who lives on thefifth. Primary.Griffith, Helen V. Georgia Music. Mulberry, 1986.Grandfather pines for his Georgia cabin until hisgranddaughter brings a mouth organ to play the music theyshared there. Primary.Isadora, Rachel. Ben's Trumpet. Greenwillow, 1979. Thestory of Ben who listens to jazz while growing up duringthe twenties and wants to play the trumpet badly. Alllevels.London, Jonathan. Hip Cat. Chronicle, 1993. This catplays the saxophone in a club run by dogs. Text is jazzyand rhythmic. Video available from Reading Rainbow.Primary.McMillan, Bruce. The Alphabet Symphony. Morrow, 1977.Unique pictures of instruments forming letters.Photographs of the Portland Symphony Orchestra. All.Purdy, Carol. Mrs. Merriwether's Musical Cat. Pianoteacher Mrs. Merriwether has unmotivated, uncaring,underachieving students until a stray cat helps themdiscover the secret to success. Primary.Gustafson, Scott. Animal Orchestra : A Counting Concertoin 10 Parts. Contemporary Books, 1989. A group ofinsects and animals playing instruments, double bass,French horns, trombones, clarinets gives a concert. Goodcounting book and instrument identification. Primary.Stevens, Bryna. Ben Franklin's Glass Armonica.Carolrhoda, 1983. General information about theinstruments of the orchestra. All.Diagram Group. Scribner's Guide to OrchestralInstruments. Scribner's, 1983. General information aboutthe instruments of the orchestra. All.McClean, Margaret. Make Your Own Musical Instruments.Lerner, 1988. Detailed directions for making instrumentswith easy to understand directions. Upper elementary,middle school, and teacher resource.Wiseman, Ann. Making Musical Things : ImprovisedInstruments. Scribner's, 1969. Directions for making overfifty basic innovative instruments from readily availablematerials. Simple illustrations.BandBaer, Gene. Thump, Thump, Rat-a-Tat-Tat. HarperCollins,1991. Band members march across the page and thenaway. Good to use with Donald Crews' Parade. Primary.Flowers, Arthur. Cleveland Lee's Beale Street Band.BridgeWater, 1996. Everyone laughs when Clevelandannounces he wants to play in his sister's marching band,but when one of Beale Street's bluesman shows him howto play, all Memphis notices. Primary.Williams, Vera. Music, Music, Music for Everyone.Greenwillow, 1984. Rosa joins her friends to make musicon an accordion, flute, fiddle, and drum in the Oak StreetBand.OrchestraFleming, Candace. Gabriella's Song. Atheneum, 1997.Throughout Venice people young and old from thefishmonger to baker sing, hum, and play Gabriella's tuneuntil it comes to the ears of a composer who turns it into asymphony. Primary.Hayes, Ann. Meet the Orchestra. Gulliver, 1991. Unusualintroduction to the players of the orchestra, who in thiscase are all animals, led by the king of beasts himself, themighty lion. Also: Meet the Marching Smithereens.Primary.Johnston, Tony. Pages of Music. Putnam, 1988. ASardinian shepherd shares his bread, fogli di musica, withyoung Paola and his mother who offers to pay him; insteadJ A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8 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

THE CSLA: ARESOURCE FOR LIBRARIESby Pam WebbThree years ago when my children began attending a small Christian school, I mentioned to the principal I used to be a library assistant, and wasinterested in helping out in their school library. I should have been warned by the twinkle in his eyes and his quick response of “Really?” I was ledto a small room the size of a large walk-in closet which was filled with clutter and an assortment of boxes of books gathered from each classroom.The principal asked if I could turn it all into a school library. I had an inkling of how the miller’s daughter must have felt when she was asked toturn straw into gold, and I knew no Rumpelstiltskin would deliver me from my dilemma.If only I had known about the Church and Synagogue Library Association then. The CSLA provides guidance to those establishing or maintaininglibraries within a religious context. Much of the information is beneficial to school-based libraries as well.This nonprofit organization was founded in 1967 and has approximately 2,000 members, serving church/synagogue libraries within this countryand abroad. CSLA publishes a bimonthly bulletin, sponsors an annual conference, provides counseling and guidance for individual libraries, andestablishes local chapters. Scholarships are awarded to individuals contributing to the field of religious library work. Below is an annotated listingof CSLA publications available, followed by address and ordering information.CSLA PUBLICATIONS*1. Setting Up a Library: How to Begin or BeginAgain, by Ruth S. Smith. A thorough elevenstepguide on how to set up a church library.*2. Promotion Planning Year ‘Round, by ClaudiaHannaford and Ruth S. Smith. An inspirationalassortment of ideas for promoting readingthroughout the year. NOTE: IncludesHalloween and astrology suggestions.3. Workshop Planning, by Ruth S. Smith. Acomplete handbook for planning a librarianworkshop which could also serve as a prototypefor other large meetings.4. Selecting Library Materials, by Arthur W.Swartout. A how to on selecting librarymaterials. Has source list.*5. Cataloging Made Easy, by Ruth S. Smith.Cataloging is made easy with this thoroughmanual. Strongly suggested if unfamiliar withthe cataloging process.6. Standards for Church and Synagogue Libraries: Guidelines for Measuring Effectiveness andProgress. A valuable aid prior to constructing alibrary, which can also be used to assess overalleffectiveness of an established library.*7. Classifying Church or Synagogue LibraryMaterials, by Dorothy B. Kersten. An in-depthlook at the Dewey Decimal classificationsystem. Very helpful in cataloging hard to placeentries.*8 Subject Headings for Church and SynagogueLibraries, by Dorothy B. Kersten. An extensivelist of suggested subject headings which can beused for developing cross-referencing.9. A Policy and Procedure Manual for Church andSynagogue Libraries : A Do-it-yourself Guide,by Martin Ruoss. How to set up library policiesincluding manual, rules, and physical spaceneeds.10. Archives in the Church or Synagogue Library,by Evelyn R. Ling. The importance and howto’s of archiving.*11. Planning Bulletin Boards for Church andSynagogue Libraries, by Janelle A. Paris. Ifyou need bulletin board ideas, then thispublication is for you. Filled with sampledisplays, captions, and resource lists.*12. Getting the Books off the Shelves : Making theMost of Your Congregation’s Library, by RuthS. Smith. An abundance of suggestions forpromoting the library.*13. The ABC’s of Financing Church and SynagogueLibraries : Acquiring Funds, Budgeting, CashAccounting, by Claudia Hannaford. Whatlibrary doesn’t need help in acquiring funds?This has over 140 fundraising ideas, completefundraising ideas, complege with bookkeepingforms ready for duplication.14. Recruiting and Training Volunteers for Churchand Synagogue Libraries, by Lorraine E.Burson. The author lends her many years ofexperience on the subject of recruitingvolunteers.15. Providing Reference Services in Church andSynagogue Libraries, by Jennifer Pritchett. Afocus on developing a strong reference sectionwith particular emphasis on biblical materials.Contains several lists of recommended books.16. The Bible in Church and Synagogue Libraries,by William H. Gentz. Discusses the variousbiblical editions available, and its place and usein the library. A handy supplement fordevotional studies.The CSLA has also prepared bibliographies:“Church and Synagogue Library Resources,”compiled by Dorothy Rodda. Annotatedresource list of publications and aids availableto libraries. Contains index.“A Basic Book List for Church Libraries,” byBernard E. Deitrick. A helpful starting pointwhen establishing a collection. Mainemphasis is on religious books.* “Helping Children Through Books : ASelected Booklist,” by Patricia Pearl.Annotated with grade level, this booklist is auseful resource for selecting books on a widevariety of child concerns. Has author and titleindex.* “Religious Books for Children : AnAnnotated Bibliography,” by Patricia Pearl.Trying to find religious books for children ismade easier with this critically annotatedbooklist. Has author and title index.* “Books for Teens, Stressing the HigherValues,” by Edith S. Tyson. Annotatedbooklist of contemporary books available forreders of contemporary books available forreaers in grades 7-12. Includes in-depth lookat authors Lois McMaster Bujold, MadeleineL’Engle, Cynthia Voigt, and Walter Wangerin,Jr. Booklist is divided into biblical,contemporary, fantasy, and science fiction,historical fiction, short story collections, andnonfiction. Introduction provides insights onunderstanding the teen reader’s needs.While all the guides provide beneficialinformation, an * indicates the guide is ofparticular interest. For further information:CSLAPO Box 19357Portland, OR 97280-0357Phone: 503-244-6919 or 1-800=542-2752FAX: 503-977-3734Pam Webb writes in Priest River, IdahoJ A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8 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

BOOK REVIEWSPICTURE BOOKSArmadillo at Riverside Road, by Laura GatesGalvin; illustrated by Katy Bratun.(Smithsonian’s Backyard.) LCCN 96007325.Norwalk, Conn.: Soundprints, 1996. ISBN1568993285, KIT, $19.95.E. Armadillos--Fiction. 1 vol., 31 p.; 1 audiocassette,9 min.K - Gr. 4.A wonderful way for young children to learnabout armadillos is Armadillo at Riverside Road.The text and nine minute audio tape describe anight in the life of a nine-banded armadillo. Thereader follows Armadillo through the woods ashe searches out insects and his favorite treat, ants,then flees the jaws of the wild coyote only to dealwith the hard surface of asphalt and the fastadvance of another strange moving object.Armadillo finally climbs into a soft burrow torest just as the sun is rising.While the book alone is a treat for the reader withinteresting and dramatic text and beautifullydetailed illustrations, the cherry of delight isadded by listening to the cassette tape along withthe book, for the tape adds the life-like sounds ofthe woods, streams, and the animal kingdomencountered by our friend Armadillo.Included in the book and on the tape are endnotes on the armadillo. A glossary completes thebook, along with an index of Points of Interestwhich details the flowers, shrubs, animals, andinsects so wonderfully illustrated by KatyBratun. Tape narration is by Alexi Komisar andcontains turn the page signals to follow the storytext. This is a perfect addition to a science classor a science learning center.Quality—5Acceptability—5Judy DriscollTeacher, Christ the King AcademyPoulsbo, WashingtonBeluga Passage, by Linda Lingemann;illustrated by Jon Weiman. (SmithsonianOceanic Collection.) LCCN 96012642.Norwalk, Conn.: Soundprints, 1996. ISBN1568993145, KIT, $19.95.E. White whale--Fiction; Whales--Fiction. 1 vol., 32p.; 1 audiocassette, 9 min.K - Gr. 3.A beluga calf and her mother race with their podto leave the iced over Arctic Ocean and enter theBering Sea where they will winter. Along theway the young beluga learns how to herd smeltfor dinner, how to watch out for the dangerousorca whales, and how to protect itself frompredators like the polar bear.The scientifically accurate illustrations by JonWeiman depict with clarity the beluga as well asother life forms in the northern sea. As withothers in this series, the nine minute audo cassettetape adds the interest of whale and bear sounds aswell as turn the page signals to follow the storytext. The book contains end notes on belugawhales, a glossary, and an index of points ofinterest in the illustrations.Quality—5Acceptability—5Judy DriscollTeacher, Christ the King AcademyPoulsbo, WashingtonBernard’s Bath, by Joan Elizabeth Goodman;illustrated by Dominic Catalano. LCCN95075748. Honesdale, Penn: Boyds MillsPress, 1996. ISBN 1563973235, HBB, $14.95.E. Baths--Fiction. unp.PS - Gr. 2.Bernard adamantly refuses to take a bath. Hismother, father, grandfather, and grandmother alltry to reason with him and convince him that bathtime is fun. They add appealing toys, bubbles,and finally resort to diving in themselves. Afterhe observes his parents and grandparentssplashing, laughing, and playing, Bernarddecides that he WOULD like to join in the bath.Joan Elizabeth Goodman presents a story basedon her own life experiences. Parents andchildren alike will thoroughly enjoy this story asmany have endured the same bath time battles.Dominic Catalano has illustrated the elephantfamily in realistic detail which will intriguereaders. Most readers will be sympathetic toBernard’s plight, while others are likely toempathize with his parents’ dilemma.Quality—5Acceptability—5Quality (Literary)R A T I N G S Y S T E M* Acceptability (Ethical/Moral Concerns)5 Excellent - among the very best of this type 5 No questionable elements4 Good - well written; strong recommendation 4 Slight concerns3 Average -readers will enjoy 3 Moderate concerns2 Fair - can recommend, but not as well written 2 Barely acceptable1 Poor - cannot recommend 1 Too questionable to recommendHOutstanding Book of its Genre* Acceptability does not refer to doctrinal position, unless the doctrine is anti- or non-Christian.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 J A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8

PICTURE BOOKSCarol JonesChildren’s LibrarianChampaign, IllinoisBig Brother Dustin, by Alden R. Carter;photographs by Dan Young with CarolCarter. LCCN 96027301. Morton Grove, Ill.:Albert Whitman, 1997. ISBN 0807507156,HBB, $14.95.E. Brothers and sisters--Fiction; Babies--Fiction; Downsyndrome--Fiction; Mentally handicapped--Fiction.unp.K - Gr. 1, with special use for children of all ages withDown Syndrome.It’s time to celebrate! Dustin, a happy little boywith Down Syndrome, will soon be big brother toa baby sister. Mom and Dad, Grandmas andGrandpas, nurses and teachers help Dustin to getready for this wonderful event. Special joycomes as Dustin picks out his baby sister’s name.When the wonderful day arrives baby sistersmiles a special smile just for Dustin.Big Brother Dustin relies equally on photos andwords to tell the story. Dustin engagingly starsthroughout this book. Love, anticipation, andacceptance shine from every photo. AuthorAlden Carter, winner of the 1995 AmericanBookseller Pick of The List Award, ably presentsthe joy of becoming a big brother, adding to it thejoy of a family that sees each member as worthyand lovable. The award winning photographers,Young and Carter, capture the vivid personalitiesof each family member and the love they extendto each other. This delightful picture book closeswith a family album that speaks to every brotherand sister, no matter what age or condition.The strong binding of this book will survivemany readings. Finger prints will wipe off thetough, glossy paper. When opened it tends tostay flat. A multi-purpose book, the simpleformat of Big Brother Dustin introduces severalimportant topics, including the special,irreplaceable worth of those with DownSyndrome.Quality—5Donna EggettCPC Volunteer CounselorMaiden, North CarolinaAcceptability—5Bone Button Borscht. Written by AubreyDavis; illustrated by Dusan Petricic. Basedon the folk tale, Stone Soup. Toronto, Ont.:Kids Can Press, 1995. ISBN 1550742248,HBB, $15.95.E. Folktales; Sharing--Fiction; Team work--Fiction.unp.PS - Gr. 4.Aubrey Davis retells the folktale Stone Soup inan engaging story that serves up a soul-fillingstory of sharing and working together for a goal.Mr. Beggar travels from town to town beggingmeals. “Such good it brings out in people. Theyshare. They give,” he says of his perfect life.Until one dark and snowy night he comes acrossa town of people with hearts as bitter cold as theweather. At every house he is turned away.Finally he comes to the synagogue, but even thecaretaker, the shamas, offers nothing but shelterfrom the cold. The shamas explains the people ofthe town are so poor they no longer share witheach other.But Mr. Beggar knows a little something aboutpeople and, pulling the bone buttons from hiscoat says he will make a pot of borscht bigenough to feed the whole town. The shamas getsall the supplies from his neighbors Mr. Beggarneeds—a fifth bone button, a pot, a ladle. Soonthe whole town is at the synagogue and everytime Mr. Beggar tastes the borscht someoneoffers something else to make the soup evenbetter.Dusan Petricic’s watercolor and pencilillustrations progress from sparsely detailedrenderings to very detailed and colorfulillustrations as the story progresses. When thebeggar is out in the cold, the illustrations are ingrays and browns. By the time the town feaststogether the illustrations are full color and finelydetailed.The story has yet one more twist with the beggarrewarded for the gift he brings to the town. Thisstory will work well for small storytime groups.The take-away message of sharing, communityinvolvement, and team work opens up discussionfor these topics between family members or in aclassroom setting.Quality—4Acceptability—5Lisa A. WrobleFreelance Writer and LibrarianPlymouth, MichiganBuffalo Thunder, by Patricia Wittmann;illustrated by Bert Dodson. LCCN 96054893.Tarrytown, N.Y.: Marshall Cavendish, 1997.ISBN 0761450017, HBB, $15.95.E. American bison--Fiction; Frontier and pioneer life--Fiction. 145 p.Gr. 2 - 4.Karl Isaac begins a great adventure. He and hisfamily are traveling west by covered wagon.Young Karl is looking for buffalo. As they travelacross the prairie with the wagon train, theyencounter many hardships. After seven weeks ofhard, dogged travel, Karl one day can feel thevibrations of buffalo coming through the bottomsof his feet. The blue sky turns dark and a rumblelike thunder fills the air. The buffalo arestampeding! More than could be counted, morethan could be seen, the buffalo rush by like araging brown river. Ma and Pa want to leave theprairie behind. But for young Karl it is the riproarin’est time he has ever seen.Author Patricia Wittman and artist Bert Dodsonbring this adventure of a young pioneer boy tolife. The text is full of emotion and action. Thewatercolor illustrations capture the spirit andstruggle of these indomitable pioneers. This is agreat introduction to the westward movement ofthe people of this land. Children will be caughtup in the feelings of this young boy, whilelearning of the hardships encountered on the way.Quality—5Mary JarvisFreelance WriterPawhuska, OklahomaAcceptability—5Bunny Cakes, by Rosemary Wells. LCCN95052057. New York: Dial Books for YoungReaders, 1997. ISBN 0803721447, HBB,$13.99.E. Rabbits--Fiction; Brothers and sisters--Fiction;Baking--Fiction; Cake--Fiction. unp.Toddler - PS.It’s Grandma’s birthday. Interrupting Max, whois making an earthworm birthday cake, Rubyinforms him that they are going to makeGrandma a real cake. Eager to help Ruby, butwanting to finish his own surprise, Max tries towrite his own items on Ruby’s shopping list.After several unsuccessful attempts, finally Maxis able to communicate what he needs for hiscake with the grocer. Max and Ruby both maketheir own unique cakes for Grandma.Bunny Cakes is another delightful book in theMax and Ruby series by Rosemary Wells.Drawn in ink and colored with watercolors, eachpicture is warm and irresistibly cute. Siblingscan learn how to deal constructively withdifferent styles and temperaments in this gentlepicture book. A sweet story illustrating howpersistence and honest effort will be rewarded.Quality—4Elizabeth ColemanFreelance WriterTumwater, WashingtonAcceptability—5J A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8 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

PICTURE BOOKSBurnt Toast on Davenport Street. Written andillustrated by Tim Egan. LCCN 96013720.Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1997. ISBN0395796180, HBB, $14.95.E. Dogs--Fiction; Wishes--Fiction; Humorous stories.unp.PS - Gr. 2.The three wishes granted theme is presented witha twist in Burnt Toast on Davenport Street byTim Egan. Arthur Crandall and his wife Stellaare dogs who live a quiet life on DavenportStreet. One morning Arthur encounters a magicfly who promises him three wishes in exchangefor not getting whacked with the fly swatter. Anunbelieving Arthur asks for three wishes, mainlyto get rid of the fly. When the wishes come true(well, sort of), Arthur and Stella becomeenlightened to life’s possibilities.Egan’s illustrations are warmer and moreappealing than the text. The storyline of a downto-earthcharacter having an encounter with amagic fly could have been fun. The makebelievefactor is missing. Even with the maincharacters being dogs, the story comes away asbeing too realistic. Instead of being light andsatirical, the overall tone is cynical.Some concerns include how young readers willrespond to the intimidating threats of thecrocodile gang, and Stella’s response of callingthem “jerks.” One other concern is that thebook’s tongue in cheek humor is more suited toan adult’s taste, rather than a child’s. Eventhough we all know wishes don’t often cometrue, it’s fun to pretend they might. And we hopeArthur will take this in consideration next timethe magic fly buzzes his breakfast.Quality—2Acceptability—3Pam WebbLibrarianSandpoint Community Christian SchoolSandpoint, IdahoCat’s Colors, by Jane Cabrera. LCCN96011765. New York: Dial Books for YoungReaders, 1997. ISBN 0803720904, HBB,$13.99.E. Color--Fiction; Cats--Fiction. unp.PS - Gr. 2.Cat introduces himself and asks what is hisfavorite color. He proceeds to explain what helikes about or does in or around each color. Forexample, he walks in the green grass, or sleeps onthe red rug. He goes through ten various colorsand concludes with his favorite, orange, becauseit is the color of his mother. And Cat who lookedso big throughout the story is seen snuglysnoozing in the secure clasp of his mother.Many qualities make Cat’s Colors appealing.Cabrera’s vibrant illustrations are a foremostfeature. Additionally, the clear type font andvocabulary make it a comforting choice foremergent readers. Also, children will enjoy theelement of surprise in guessing why Cat likeseach color. Especially enjoyable is theconcluding picture of Cat who in comparison tohis mother is just a small kitten.Quality—5Carol M. Jones, MLISChildren’s LibrarianUrbana-Champaign, IllinoisAcceptability—5Daddy Longlegs at Birch Lane, by BeverleyBrenna; illustrated by Sandra Blair.(Smithsonian’s Backyard.) LCCN 96007324.Norwalk, Conn.: Soundprints, 1996. ISBN1568993218, KIT, $19.95.E. Daddy longlegs--Fiction. 1 vol., 31 p.; 1audiocassette, 9 min.PS - Gr. 3.Daddy Longlegs at Birch Lane follows the lifeand near perils of a young daddy longlegsthrough the summer. From her egg state, whenshe is nearly lunch for some hungry ants, to theautumn, where the female daddy longlegs cannow defend herself.The illustrations by Sandra Blair are precise andcolorful. She maintains a picture book feel, asopposed to looking like a text book. AuthorBeverley Brenna has written an interesting nonfictionstory that is educational. Very readable,even for preschoolers. Not bogged down with alot of facts, the author has selected the data thatwill be the most appealing to young readers.Even adults will view their own backyarddifferently after reading this story. Makes briefmention that the female daddy longlegs willmate, but does not go into any further detail. Theaccompanying cassette tape of the text will alsoappeal to young readers and pre-readers.Quality—5Elizabeth ColemanFreelance WriterTumwater, WashingtonAcceptability—5The Day Mama Played, by Ingrid Lawrenz;illustrated by Phyllis Pollema-Cahill.Colorado Springs: ChariotVictor, 1997. ISBN1564765253, PAP, $7.99.E. Mothers and fathers--Fiction; Play--Fiction. unp.PS - Gr. 2.Leaving dishes in the sink and other workundone, Mama takes the day off to play with herchildren. Later in the book, Daddy takes the dayoff to play. Then creation is likened to Jesusplaying with clay and painting. Finally, The DayMama Played ends with the reminder that wewill one day all be “playing” in heaven.Pleasantly illustrated by Phyllis Pollema-Cahill.Color drawings add nicely to the text based onthe Gospel of John. Author Ingrid Lawrenz, haswritten a story that can be enjoyed by children,but will be more meaningful to adults. A gentlereminder for parents that dishes and work willalways be there, but special times with yourchildren are more fleeting.Quality—3Elizabeth ColemanFreelance WriterTumwater, WashingtonAcceptability—5HThe Dust Bowl. Written by David Booth;illustrated by Karen Reczuch. Toronto, Ont.:Kids Can Press, 1996. ISBN 1550742957,HBB, $16.95.E. Depression--1929--Prairie Provinces (Canada)--Fiction. unp.Gr. 3 - 5.Matthew wiped the dust from his cereal bowl.Dust was everywhere. It was almost as dustyinside the farmhouse as out. When his father andgrandfather joined him at the table they weregrim. Finally, he blurted out, “We aren’t going tosell the farm are we?”Grandpa takes Matthew to the window and tellsof drought and dust and pestilence fifty yearsearlier during the dust bowl years. He andgrandma had stayed on the land and hung on towhat little soil was left. Matthew’s father wasborn and the land came alive again. Once morethey would “hang on” until the rain came again.Karen Reczuch’s subdued watercolors capturethe bleakness of drought on the prairie whileportraying the fortitude of these farmers. Herillustrations underscore the message of thestrength of the human spirit in adversity. Bothauthor and artist impart an important concept toyoung readers while recalling a bleak period inour country’s history.Quality—5Mary JarvisFreelance WriterAcceptability—5C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 1 7 J A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8

PICTURE BOOKSPawhuska, OklahomaEverybody Bakes Bread, by Norah Dooley;illustrations by Peter J. Thornton. LCCN95006054. Minneapolis: Carolrhoda Books,1996. ISBN 087614864X, HBB, $19.93.E. Bread--Fiction; Baking--Fiction. unp.Gr. 1 - 3.Carrie’s kickball game is cancelled because ofrain. Her mom, tired of the sibling squabbles,sends Carrie off in search of a three handledrolling pin. Asking neighbor after neighbor,Carrie samples various breads in hermulticultural neighborhood. Everything fromcoconut bread to challah is eaten. During hervisits, Carrie recruits kids for a rainy day game ofkickball. With the help of Mrs. Max, she realizesher mother’s joke and returns home to the smellsof Italian bread baking.Everybody Bakes Bread is a fun introduction tothe breads of various cultures. Author NorahDooley includes the recipes at the book’sconclusion. The recipes are a great additionbecause the reader will want to try the breads thecharacters have enjoyed.Illustrator Peter J. Thornton has rendered thebook in colored pencil. The layouts are cleanwith simplified shapes filling the compositions.While the heavier text appeals to an older child,Thornton engages that audience by portrayingCarrie as about ten years old.Early grades will enjoy the book’s jokes of athree handled rolling pin and a three legged ladlepossibly before Carrie realizes them. Carrie’squest for kids to play kickball adds anotherdimension to the story. The introduction ofvarious breads could spark conversations of,“Who has tried cornbread?” or “Doesn’t challahsound great?” And of course the best of all,“Let’s make that one together.”Quality—5Lorie Ann GroverFreelance Writer/IllustratorKent, WashingtonAcceptability—5The Fiddler of the Northern Lights, by NatalieKinsey-Warnock; illustrated by Leslie W.Bowman. LCCN 92036703. New York:Cobblehill, 1996. ISBN 0525652159, HBB,$14.99.E. Fiddlers--Fiction; Auroras--Fiction; Grandfathers--Fiction. unp.K - Gr. 4.The Fiddler of the Northern Lights, set in thearctic North woods along the St. Maurice River,is a simply told tale of eight-year-old Henry andGrandpa Pepin who both have free spirits withbig imaginations. The story is not gripping; itpleasantly flows. However, the illustrations willcaptivate you.Henry is frequently visited by his Grandpa Pepinduring the long winter months, and tales of thenorth woods keep both of them occupied. Henryespecially is entranced by the legend of themysterious fiddler “who lives where theNorthern Lights are born.” The fiddler was saidto make the Northern Lights dance when heplayed his fiddle.One winter night Grandpa takes Henry for anight skate up the St. Maurice to find the fiddler.After miles of skating, they find no one andreturn home disappointed. As they thaw out bythe fire, a stranger comes calling. He has a fiddleunder his arm and offers to play for them. TheNorthern Lights begin to glow and the neighborsgather to dance to the music of the fiddle and thelights. When they dance the last dance the fiddlerhurries away and the Northern Lights go out.Henry and Grandpa laugh in amazement that oneof the “wild stories” became true.Leslie Bowman’s illustrations actuallyovershadow the literary merit of this book. Sobeautifully does she capture the light, dark, cold,heat of the cabin, and wilderness scenes that theyhave a mesmerizing effect.A little discussion of legend, superstition, andfantasy would suffice for using this book withyoung children. The reader is left to decide forhimself whether the fiddler was the real fiddler orjust an ordinary fiddler out playing for the folkson a cold night.Quality—5Arlene NealTeacher, Covenant SchoolGranite Falls, North CarolinaAcceptability—5A Fourth of July on the Plains, by Jean VanLeeuwen; pictures by Henri Sorensen. LCCN94033172. New York: Dial Books for YoungReaders, 1997. ISBN 0803717725, HBB,$14.99.E. Frontier and pioneer life--Fiction; Overlandjourneys to the Pacific--Fiction; Fourth of July--Fiction.unp.Gr. 2 - 4.The wagon train had been traveling so longyoung Jesse could barely remember what it feltlike to sleep in a real bed back home in Indiana.In eight weeks he had worn out his shoes, lookedat Indians, and chased buffalo. Now it was theFourth of July and the wagon train was stoppedto rest the cattle and celebrate the holiday.Everyone had a job to do to prepare for thefestivities. The older boys and men were huntingfor wild game, women were baking and cooking,the girls were sewing a flag, and Jesse wanted tohelp. Suddenly he had a wonderful idea to add tothe celebration.Jean Van Leeuwen skillfully weaves together theyearnings of a young boy while depicting thehardships and bravery of pioneers moving acrossthe plains. Henri Sorensen’s soft watercolorillustrations vividly depict the setting and warmthof these people. This is an outstanding book tointroduce youngsters to this period of history.Quality—5Mary JarvisFreelance WriterPawhuska, OklahomaAcceptability—5HFroggy se Viste. (Froggy Gets Dressed).Spanish, by Jonathan London; illustrationsby Frank Remkiewicz; translation byOsvaldo Blanco. LCCN 96042281. NewYork: Penguin Ediciones, 1997. ISBN0670874140, HBB, $14.99.E. Frogs--Fiction; Clothing and dress--Fiction; Snow--Fiction; Spanish language materials. unp.PS - Gr. 1.Froggy Se Viste begins as Froggy is convinced hemust break with the tradition of hibernation andplay! Froggy gets ready for his snowyadventures with his mother reminding him whathe has forgotten on each attempt. Froggy returnseach time to his room and dons the neglectedarticle of clothing. In the usual Froggysemantics, he must remove his socks and shoes toput on his jeans, thus he must put them all onagain. In the end, poor Froggy has so exhaustedhimself with the preparation for glorious snowyplay that he decides he is simply TOO TIRED,and crawls back into his snug, cozy bed.Froggy Se Viste en una historia muy buena comolas otras de Jonathan London. Frank Rekiewiczillustrates this story as he has the others withvibrant color and wonderful expression. FroggySe Viste provides the repetition that youngchildren love as Froggy is forced to his glovesand scarf to put on his jacket and then must put itall back on again. The hilarity of the story ofpoor Froggy running back in and out as hismother reminds him to put on his pants, then hisshirt, and his jacket will appeal to children. Thenwhen he is seemingly completely dressed, shereminds him not too discreetly that he has alsoforgotten his long johns! The Spanish languagetranslation is well done, and will be appreciatedby children, parents, and educators who employSpanish language materials.Quality—5Carol M. Jones, MLISChildren’s LibrarianUrbana-Champaign, IllinoisAcceptability—5Gruntle Piggle Takes Off, by Jean Little;illustrated by Johnny Wales. New York:Viking, 1996. ISBN 0670863408, HBB,$19.99.E. Pigs--Fiction. unp.PS - Gr. 2.Be content with what you have. Be content withwho you are. Reading is an important part ofdaily life. These life lessons are learned the hardway by many including Gruntle, the city pig, theJ A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8 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

PICTURE BOOKSmain character here. The hyphenated mom,Frances Bacon-Piggle, doorman Mr. Ham, dadCrispin Piggle who teaches Pig Latin, no less,and Gruntle live in Pigolpolis. Ms Bacon-Piggle’s family lives like “real pigs” on a farmand Gruntle can hardly wait to go live there.Once there she finds it isn’t exactly what sheexpected or wants and is happy to come home.The story is slight, the humor contrived. Not oneof Jean Little’s best efforts.Quality—3Acceptability—5Leslie Greaves RadloffTeacher/LibrarianEmanuel Lutheran School(WELS)W. St. Paul, MinnesotaHI Can Pray with Jesus : The Lord’s Prayer forChildren. Written by Debbie Trafton O’Neal;illustrated by Taia Morley. LCCN 97071855.Minneapolis: Augsburg, 1997. ISBN080663328X, PAP, $6.99.E. Lord’s Prayer; Prayer. unp.PS - K.Debbie Trafton O’Neal offers another winner inthis adaptation of The Lord’s Prayer, beautifullyillustrated by Taia Morley. Chock-full of fun,this book packs several bonuses in a slim butwell-thought out format. In the main body of thebook, Morley’s bold watercolor illustrationsstretch pleasantly across double-page spreads onalmost glossy paper: a single line of the prayerappears in large type on the left page (forexample, “Our Father in heaven”), and theaccompanying child’s prayer appears in smallertype on the right page (“Dear God, No matterwhere I am or what I am doing, I know youalways hear my prayer”). The scene showschildren swinging and in-line-skating at a park.Extra bonuses include songs, finger-plays aboutprayer, The Lord’s Prayer suitable for framing, anABC poem about prayer, illustrated handmotions based on the American Sign Language,and brief tips for parents.Trafton used a version of The Lord’s Prayerapproved by the English Language LiturgicalConsultation; it’s easy for children to understandwhile preserving the meaning in the traditionalversion. Attractive, spiritually significant, andjust plain fun, this book will get lots of use bychildren and parents, and ought to be in everychurch nursery.Quality—5Acceptability—5Kimn Swenson GollnickWriter, Speaker, Homeschool TeacherMarysville, WashingtonI Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Pie, byAlison Jackson; pictures by Judith ByronSchachner. New York: Dutton Children’sBooks, 1997. ISBN 0525456457, HBB, $14.99.E. Gluttony--Fiction; Humorous tales. unp.PS - Gr. 1.You know that old lady who swallowed a fly?Here is her modern counterpart—The Old LadyWho Swallowed a Pie. That pie was dry, so sheswallowed some cider. And it goes on from thereuntil she is swallowing a pot, a ten layer cake,and some bread. “I’m full,” she said. Well, Iwould expect so!Mother/Librarian/Author Alison Jackson and CatLover/Mother/Illustrator Judith Schachner musthave found it hard to stop laughing while theycollaborated on this book. As Jackson’s wordsdance and swirl in varying print sizes, Schachnersurrounds the rapidly expanding old lady withwonderfully enthralled children, a white cat ofinfinite facial expressions and several horrifiedadults. Would we could all have a Thanksgivingguest like this hungry old woman! Preschoolchildren will love hearing the story whilewatching the pictures. Their parents will growtired of having to read it so often. Older childrenwill giggle as they read it for themselves. Don’tbe surprised when you hear Grandpa’s guffawsas he reads it to himself in bed.Quality—4Acceptability—5Donna EggettVolunteer Counselor, Crisis Pregnancy CenterMaiden, North CarolinaI Live with Daddy, by Judith Vigna. LCCN96032825. Morton Grove, Ill.: AlbertWhitman, 1997. ISBN 0807535125, HBB,$14.95.E. Divorce--Fiction; Mothers and daughters--Fiction;Fathers and daughters--Fiction. unp.Gr. 1 - 4.“Daddy and I live by ourselves. Last fall, he andmom got a divorce and mom moved out. I’msupposed to visit her apartment two weekends amonth, but my mom is a television reporter andshe works a lot, so I don’t always get to go.Mostly, I see her on TV.”So begins I Live with Daddy by Judith Vigna.Olivia lives with her father but idolizes herglamorous but mostly absent mother. Olivia hasto make a book for Writer’s Day at school, andwrites about her famous mom. But when hermother fails to show up for Writer’s Day aspromised, Olivia begins to appreciate her nonfamous,always-there-and-caring father.Although written in a light carefree tone, I foundI Live with Daddy a sad book. Vigna’s goal forOlivia to learn to love her parents equally, to me,was overshadowed by the mother’s rolemodeling a lack of involvement in her daughter’slife.None the less, this is a realistic dilemma for manykids and this would be a good book to stimulatediscussion about dealing with disappointments,or the value of relationships, or what kind ofparents the children themselves want to besomeday. One theme of I Live with Daddy,appreciating those who really invest themselvesin us, is a timeless one.Gentle water color illustrations by the authorherself complements the text. Too wordy forshort attention spans or early readers, middlereaders may be a better target audience. Betteryet, I Live With Daddy might best be read withparents willing to discuss the complexities offamily life.Quality—4Tammy PerronFreelance WriterSnohomish, WashingtonAcceptability—4I’ll Go to School If.., by Bo Flood; illustratedby Ronnie Walter Shipman. LCCN96038691. Minneapolis: Fairview Press,1997. ISBN 157749024X, HBB, $14.95.E. School--Fiction. 30 p.K - Gr. 1.Going to school for the first time is oftentraumatic for everyone. For this particular littleboy it is especially so. Mom simple states that itis a rule to go to school. But, that just doesn’t cutit! “I’ll go to school if . . .” and so continues thebook through an array of excuses and made upadventures. In the end the real problem is thatthis little boy is scared. Mom admits that she isa little scared too. “It’s okay, Mom,” says thelittle boy, “I will hold your hand,” andeverything seems to be all right now.Bo Flood has created a story that young childrencan identify with. The imagination of this littleboy is comical, yet true to life. The text is easilyread by youngsters and Ronnie Shipman hasadded to the charm with his simple pasteldrawings. This is a sturdy hardback book thatchildren will pick up again and again. Anespecially good book for those enteringpreschool or kindergarten.Quality—3Marcia Snyder, LibrarianValley Christian SchoolMissoula, MontanaAcceptability—5The Long Wait, by Budge Wilson; illustratedby Eugenie Fernandes. : Stoddart Kids, 1997.ISBN 0773730214, HBB, $13.95.E. Cats--Fiction; Patience--Fiction. unp.K - Gr. 3.Have you ever had to wait a long time? Do youever get tired of waiting? Deidre, a black cat, gottired of waiting. Deidre is a cat that we can allrelate to. She is a well loved family pet. TheWilsons took Deidre everywhere with them, butshe hated to travel. On one such trip Deidre gottired of traveling and took off at her firstopportunity. The Wilsons looked and looked butcouldn’t find Deidre. Deidre didn’t want to befound. The Wilsons waited and waited to hearC H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 1 9 J A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8

PICTURE BOOKSabout Deidre. Deidre waited and waited forsomeone to find her and in the end everyone washappy. Deidre learned to be content; she neverwanted to be away from her family again.This is a story that many children can relate to,especially anyone who has a cat like Deidre.Budge Wilson has taken this lovable pet andshows how we often learn contentment when welose the things we have taken for granted. Deidreeven learns this lesson in the end. The full pageillustrations are delightful. The colors are brightand brilliant and the expressions on the faces ofthe people and Deidre can tell a story all theirown. Eugenie Fernandes has found the perfectcomplement to this touching story. The LongWait also is constructed to last with a sturdybinding and hardback cover. This would be astory to read to a child at a time when you arewaiting, maybe for an appointment.Quality—3Marcia Snyder, LibrarianValley Christian SchoolMissoula, MontanaAcceptability—4A Mountain Alphabet. Text by MargrietRuurs; art by Andrew Kiss. Toronto, Ont.:Tundra Books, 1996. ISBN 088776374X,HBB, $19.95.E. English language--Alphabet; Rocky Mountains,Canadian (B.C. and Alta.)--Pictorial works. unp.PS - Gr. 3.A Mountain Alphabet with panoramic picturesand alliterative captions is similar to A PrairieAlphabet by the same publisher. Pictures bringthe beauty of the Canadian Rockies to readerswhile the captions give short descriptions. Theauthor talks about the “hundreds of millions ofyears” it’s taken for the mountains to be formedin the introduction, but readers can easily editthat phrase to “at the creation of the world.”Nothing of the book will be lost and it can still beenjoyed as an introduction to the splendors of theRockies.The introduction includes facts about the Rockiesand their geology, make-up, and effects onweather systems. Then the fun begins with eachpage devoted to a letter of the alphabet. Thepaintings show a portion of the Rockies whilealliterative sentences describe what thereader/viewer sees on the trip. The cover picturecalls out “Lake Louise” while other paintingsdepict places along the Trans-Canadian Railroador the Trans-Canadian Highway near Banff,Jasper, or Kootenay. This should not limit theuse or keep non-Canadians from reading andenjoying the book. With the possible exceptionof the grizzly bear scenes, captions are universalto the mountain regions.Sentences use both upper and lower case letterswith examples of each letter. After reading thepages and looking at the pictures, the reader canturn to the last pages of the book and identifywhat he/she found in each picture. “H” and “P”have the most things listed while “X” and “Z”have the fewest.A delightful, beautiful book full of informationabout the area for those of us who live elsewhere.A good addition to the school library either singlyor as a companion to A Prairie Alphabet.Quality—5Acceptability—4Leslie Greaves RadloffTeacher/LibrarianEmanuel Lutheran School(WELS)W. St. Paul, MinnesotaMy Backpack, by Eve Bunting; illustrated byMaryann Cocca-Leffler. LCCN 96083934.Honesdale, Penn.: Boyds Mills Press, 1997.ISBN 1563974339, HBB, $14.95.E. Children--Fiction. unp.PS - Gr. 2.What small child doesn’t enjoy getting mail?And, that pleasure is doubled when the returnaddress announces that Grandma sent it. MyBackpack by Eve Bunting is crafted to delight theheart of the Read-to-Me child and theaccommodating reader.The unnamed child stuffs the blue backpack fullof things from the house, to the dismay of hisfamily. Where are Mother’s shoes? Where areDad’s glasses? The remote control for the TV?The story line is set to the tune of a chuckle.Bunting rhymes the tale without it seemingcontrived. She tosses in the element of mysterywhile allowing the world-at-large to know thesolution from the very beginning.Maryann Cocca-Leffler creates a charming heroin an almost super-cartoon setting, a partyatmosphere bursting from every illustration.Great care is paid to detail.The lesson of family community and forgivenessis inherent in My Backpack, a strong messagespoken between the lines.Quality—4Su HagertyDirector of Choral MusicLiberty High SchoolIssaquah, WashingtonAcceptability—4My Dog Never Says Please, by SuzanneWilliams; pictures by Tedd Arnold. LCCN96011950. New York: Dial Books for YoungReaders, 1997. ISBN 0803716818, HBB,$14.99.E. Behavior--Fiction; Dogs--Fiction; Family life--Fiction. 32 p.K - Gr. 2.Ginny Mae Perkins is tired of manners. It seemslife is just one round after another of “say themagic word,” “chew with your mouth closed,”and “use your napkin.” Ginny wishes she couldbe a dog like her hound Ol’ Red. Ol’ Red can justeat and scratch and lie in the sun; nobody bosseshim around. And Ol’ Red never has to clean hisroom or wear shoes outside. Yes, in Ginny’seyes, a dog’s life is much better than hers.During a fit of temper, she loudly announces thatshe wants to be a dog. To her great delight, herparents’oblige. Ginny and Ol’Red romp throughseveral watercolor pages fulfilling Ginny’sdreams until the smell of pork chops has tocompete with dry dog food, and a rain stormdrives both pups into a leaky dog house. Thenhome and people food look like a wonderfulalternative.Ted Arnold’s humorous illustrations combinedwith Suzanne Williams’ text will tickle thereader’s funny bone in this lively story with itsalmost repentant ending.Quality—4Acceptability—4Judy DriscollTeacher, Christ the King AcademyPoulsbo, WashingtonThe New Land : A First Year on the Prairie.Written by Marilynn Reynolds; illustrated byStephen McCallum. LCCN 96072452.Victoria, B.C.: Orca Book Publishers, 1997.ISBN 155143069X, HBB, $14.95.E. Frontier and pioneer life--Prairie Provinces(Canada)--Fiction. unp.Gr. 2 - 5.Author Marilynn Reynolds takes the youngreader through the first year of her grandparentssaga of coming to this country and settling ontheir own land. They sail from Europe, thentravel by train until the tracks run out in themiddle of the great prairie. Father buys a team ofoxen and supplies and they slowly proceed totheir homestead.The first night on their homestead they camp in afield of wildflowers. The tasks of finding water,erecting a sod house, and planting crops arevividly depicted by Stephen McCallum withgentle watercolors. Text and illustrations capturefor youngsters the hope and perseverance ofthose who settled this land.Quality—5Mary JarvisFreelance WriterPawhuska, OklahomaAcceptability—5J A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8 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

PICTURE BOOKSNo One Will Ever Know, by Carl Sommer;illustrated by Dick Westbrook. (AnotherSommer-Time Story.) LCCN 96024344.Houston: Advance Publishing, 1997. ISBN1575370522, HBB, $14.95.E. Squirrels--Fiction; Wolves--Fiction; Conduct of life--Fiction; Disobedience--Fiction. unp.K - Gr. 3.This is an enchanting tale of an age oldproblem—peer pressure. Squirrels, Johnny,Janie, Tommy, and Tammie have a great timeplaying together until they meet some oldersquirrels. They tell them about a place wherethey can find the biggest and the best acorns.“Just go across the meadow and over the fence onMr. Smith’s farm,” the oldest squirrel answered.“But we can’t go there,” the squirrels answered,“Mom and Dad said it is dangerous and weshould never go there.” “No one will everknow,” is the reply. Now the seed ofdisobedience has been planted in their minds andif they don’t go they will be scaredy cats. Whatshould they do? Well, the squirrels decide to golate at night. Everything seems okay for a while,but then the wolf comes and Johnny is almosteaten. He only loses his tail. All the squirrelslearn it is better to obey.This is one book in the Another Sommer-TimeStory series. Each book is a lively tale whichcommunicates a special virtue. In this book CarlSommer has created a delightful, easy-to-readstory that will stay with a child for years to come.These are the types of decisions a child faces. Weall want our children to stand up for what theyknow is right and be bold. This may be the talethat can help them to do that. Of course, thisbook would not be complete without thecharming illustrations of Dick Westbrook. Thesquirrels and their expressions will remind you ofthe boy down the street or the girl next door. Theillustrations are large, bright and colorful. All thequalities that children love and enjoy. If you arelooking for a good book to teach obedience andthe value of good choices—this is the one foryou.Quality—4Marcia Snyder, LibrarianValley Christian SchoolMissoula, MontanaAcceptability—5Puddles, by Jonathan London; pictures by G.Brian Karas. LCCN 96052794. New York:Viking, 1997. ISBN 0670872180, HBB,$14.99.E. Rain and rainfall--Fiction. unp.PS - Gr. 1.The storm during the night frightens and delightsa brother and sister. Then, the next morning’ssoaked, but sunny wonderland serves as anenchanting playground. They explore the depthsof the puddles, the wriggling worms, the tall, wetgrass, the suction power of mud, and encounterother sloppy adventures. When they returnhome, they take a hot bath, have some cocoa, getdressed, and go back out for more wet fun!!Jonathan London’s appreciation for the wonderwith which children see the world is evident inPuddles. The children in the story don’t evenseem to notice that Mom reminds them to becareful and not get wet. This is foreshadowing inthe simplest sense that young children willcertainly enjoy, because, of course, they’re goingto get wet! The illustrations by G. Brian Karasportray glistening raindrops, reflecting puddles,hopping frogs, slimy worms, and happy children.Karas uses color to represent the time and place,the scary storm at night is done in pencildrawings while the next morning is bright andcheery with vibrant color.Quality—5Carol M. Jones, MLISChildren’s LibrarianUrbana-Champaign, IllinoisAcceptability—5Rainbow Bay, by Stephen Eaton Hume;illustrated by Pascal Milelli. Vancouver, B.C.:Raincoast Books, 1995. ISBN 1895714753,HBB, $19.95.E. Pacific Northwest (Canada)--Fiction; Islands--Fiction. unp.K - Gr. 3.It is a glorious day on Silver Spring Island. Theonly access is by boat, and everyone ridesbicycles or horses. Written by Stephen EatonHume, the story is told in the first person about ayoung boy and his dog, Scout, who share manyadventures. Children will enjoy the seashore lifeencountered in Rainbow Bay and the youngboy’s sword fight with dragonflies that hepretends are ambushing pterodactyls. There areclassic childhood moments in the book. One issharing a peanut butter sandwich whilevisualizing different shapes in the clouds, andanother is discovering constellations.Pascal Milelli’s expressionistic oil full-pageillustrations wonderfully depict the characters’adventures. The descriptive words and vividillustrations will captivate children and stimulatetheir interest in wanting to know more aboutislands and seashore life. This enchantingoversize book is an excellent choice forlibrarians, storytellers, teachers, and parents toread aloud.Quality—4Acceptability—5Dianne WoodmanFreelance Writer and Homeschool ParentMilpitas, CaliforniaRugby & Rosie, by Nan Parson Rossiter.LCCN 96014688. New York: DuttonChildren’s Books, 1997. ISBN 0525454845,HBB, $14.99.E. Dogs--Training--Fiction; Guide dogs--Fiction;Friendship--Fiction. unp.PS - Gr. 2Rugby, a chocolate Labrador and his owner, ayoung boy, are best friends. Rosie comes to livewith Rugby’s family for a year. After a year, shewill go to school to become a seeing eye dog. Atfirst, Rugby will have nothing to do with Rosie.Soon, however, Rosie’s playful personality winsRugby over, and the three become inseparable.When Rosie leaves to go to school, everyone issad, most of all Rugby.A sensitive and touching story, Rugby & Rosie byNan Parson Rossiter, is told by Rugby’s owner.Beautifully illustrated by the author, this gentlestory will appeal children and adults, especiallydog lovers. Provides some educational materialabout guide dogs and the life they lead. Theafterward contains more detailed informationabout the subject.Quality—5Elizabeth ColemanFreelance WriterTumwater, WashingtonAcceptability—5Rumble in the Jungle, by Britta Teckentrup.LCCN 96061352. New York: Viking, 1997.ISBN 0670874736, HBB, $14.99.E. Jungle animals--Fiction. unp.PK - Gr. 2.The age old story of perceived ownership isbrought forth in Rumble in the Jungle by BrittaTeckentrup. A quiet day in the jungle isinterrupted by the squabble between monkey andgiraffe who both claim a vine. A tug-of-warensues with all the jungle animals soon joining infor reasons of their own. The tussle and brightcollage illustrations, which are reminiscent ofEric Carter’s illustrative technique, will keepyoung readers turning the pages to the fold-outsurprise ending. What the text lacks in staminathe rich color jungle scenes make up for.Young readers will laugh at the animal antics asthey perhaps see themselves, given how mostpreschoolers are in a constant state of “Mine! Ihad it first!” The surprise ending could lead todiscussions of how to solve ownership battleswithout resorting to fighting.Quality—3Acceptability—5Pam WebbLibrarianSandpoint Community Christian SchoolSandpoint, IdahoC H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 2 1 J A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8

PICTURE BOOKSSody Sallyratus, retold and illustrated by TeriSloat. LCCN 96014686. New York: DuttonChildren’s Books, 1997. ISBN 0525456090,HBB, $15.99.E. Squirrels--Fiction; Bears--Fiction; Humorousstories. unp.PS - Gr. 3While trying to make biscuits for the family’s petsquirrel, it is discovered that the family iscompletely out of baking soda (or sodysallyratus). The little boy is sent to the store toget more and doesn’t return. One by one familymembers leave their cabin to check on the personwho last left. Finally, the squirrel saves the day.He discovers the entire family was eaten by abear and tricks the bear into coughing upeveryone. They are able to return to their cabinand finally make biscuits for all.Retold and illustrated by Teri Sloat, SodySallyratus is based on an old Appalachian tale.Repetition and folksy dialogue are key elementsin the story, along with colloquial English (i.e.takin’) and regional grammar. Since the beareats each member of the family, sensitivepreschoolers may find the book a little scary.The detailed color drawings add greatly to thestory, making each page a pleasure visually.Quality—4Elizabeth ColemanFreelance WriterTumwater, WashingtonAcceptability—5Spotty, by Margret Rey; with pictures by H.A. Rey. LCCN 96026818. Boston: HoughtonMifflin, 1997. ISBN 0395837367, HBB,$14.95.E. Individuality--Fiction; Prejudices--Fiction; Rabbits--Fiction. unp.PK - Gr. 2.Fans of Margret and H. A. Rey will be pleasedin seeing the reissue of Spotty. Spotty isdifferent. All his other siblings, all eight of them,are snow-white with pink eyes. Spotty is brownspotted with blue eyes. Such a thing has neverhappened in the family. Fearing Grandpa Bunnywill be offended, Spotty is left behind when thefamily goes to Grandpa’s birthday party.Spotty’s response is to run away afterunsuccessfully trying to remove his spots. Afterstaying with a family who has a similar problemwith one of their rabbit children Spotty is able toshow everyone the importance of lookingbeyond outside appearances when it comes toaccepting someone.Similar to the Rey’s Curious George books,Spotty has a simple text accompanied by softcheery illustrations. The book first appeared in1945, with a reissue in 1973. Considering someaspects of the story are outdated, the story stillreads well. Although the main theme isacceptance, there are several other themeschildren will relate to: self-esteem, prejudice,favoritism, individualism, and how loveoverlooks any presumed defects. Beauty is in theeye of the beholder - something this pluckyspotted bunny gently reminds readers.Quality - 4 Acceptability - 5Pam WebbLibrarianSandpoint Community Christian SchoolSandpoint, IdahoThe Story Dance, by Barbara Satterfield;illustrated by Fran Gregory. LCCN96038688. Minneapolis: Fairview Press,1997. ISBN 1577490223, HBB, $14.95.E. Grandmothers - Fiction; Great-aunts - Fiction;Heirlooms - Fiction. 32 p.Gr. 1 - 4.The family treasures at Grandma Nana’s houseare locked away, off-limits in a tall, glass frontcabinet. But the young girl of this tale graduallytalks her grandmother into letting her explore thecabinet and hearing the stories about her greataunt Emmadelle. The girl begins by receivingpermission to hold her great aunt’s silk shawl,then wears the shawl, then dances in it while hergrandmother reminisces aloud about the sisterwho traveled to Spain and learned to dance theflamenco. Eventually the girl gains enough ofher grandmother’s trust to read the letters heraunt had sent. She discovers the shawl was a giftto her grandmother in celebration of the birth ofthe young girl’s mother.Fran Gregory’s impressionistic illustrationsenhance the story with a wistful, dreamlikequality. The text itself may be too languid foryoung listeners and too wordy for young readers.But for the sensitive, older picture book fan, TheStory Dance does a nice job of connecting past topresent, showing how the sharing of memoriesenrich family relationships. The Story Dancecelebrates “the tie that binds,” making it just alittle stronger.Quality—4Tammy PerronFreelance WriterSnohomish, WashingtonAcceptability—5The Summer of Stanley, by Natalie Kinsey-Warnock; illustrated by Donald Gates.LCCN 94022685. New York: DuttonChildren’s Books, 1997. ISBN 0525651772,HBB, $14.99.E. Goats--Fiction; Brothers and sisters--Fiction. 32 p.Gr. 1 - 3.Trouble comes in the form of a birthday goatnamed Stanley. It wasn’t exactly the kind ofpresent nine-year-old Molly had in mind for herbirthday. But Grandpa insists, mama relents, andMolly? Well, you can’t exactly look a gift goatin the mouth. But Stanley is a pain. “When hewas out, he wanted to be in. When he was in, hewanted to be out.” And he eats everything insight including Mrs. Kimball’s new dress fromthe clothesline next door! That goat is as big apain as Molly’s little brother, Tyler. At leastthat’s what Molly thinks until she is left to babysit.Tyler disappears and it takes the bravery of agoat named Stanley to rescue him and helpMolly see how much she really does love both ofthe big pains in her life.A Goat Named Stanley is beautifully andrealistically illustrated with finely detailedcolored pencil art by illustrator Donald Gates.He adeptly captures the feelings of the charactersmaking this a heartwarming tale.Quality—5Acceptability—5Judy DriscollTeacher, Christ the King AcademyPoulsbo, WashingtonTangle Talk, by W. Nikola-Lisa; illustrated byJessica Clerk. LCCN 96024548. New York:Dutton Children’s Books, 1997. ISBN0525453997, HBB, $14.99.E. Stories in rhyme; Humorous stories. unp.PS - Gr. 3.Amysterious tale is woven with words in TangleTalk. It begins “in the month of Boston, in thewonderful city of May.” The main characterexperiences strange happenings of flowerssinging and birds blooming. Things continueawry through lunch, so he decides a walk willhelp, and goes to bed with his shoes on his head.On his stroll, more astonishing sights are beheld.Pigeons driving, squirrels parading, andpolicemen hiding acorns are all part of his day.At last, he heads home in hopes that tomorrowwill untangle his talk.Tangle Talk is a wonderful play of words andillustrations which will enchant children.Children will enjoy the nonsense of the wordsand story while the illustrations challenge theirimagination. The pictures by Jessica Clerkcomplement the outrageous text, and willprovide much entertainment for readers.Children will recognize the impossibility of thetext while still being inspired by the tangle ofevents.Quality—5Carol M. Jones, MLISChildren’s LibrarianUrbana-Champaign, IllinoisAcceptability—5Tortoise Brings the Mail, by Dee Lillegard;illustrated by Jillian Lund. New York:Dutton Children’s Books, 1997. ISBN0525451560, HBB, $14.99.E. Tortoises--Fiction; Rabbits--Fiction; Steadfastness--Fiction. unp.PS - Gr. 3.Author Dee Lillegard narrates a sweet storyJ A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8 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

PICTURE BOOKSabout Tortoise, who lives way out in the country.His job is delivering the mail. Tortoise loves hisjob and he is very careful. So careful that theanimals on his mail route think he is too slow.Some of the other animals try to take his placebut they are not nearly as efficient as Tortoise.Crow drops letters and packages. Rabbit deliversmail to the wrong boxes. Fox keeps anypackages that smell good. Tortoise tries to helpall the animals by correcting their mistakes laterin the day. Finally, everyone begs Tortoise totake back his job. Contains a good moral aboutdoing our work well.Illustrator Jillian Lund fills the pages withpictures of the forest animals weanng whimsicalexpressions, which would be fun for an adult topoint out to a child. An attractive hardboundbook, suitable for gifts or selection for children’sclasses.Quality—4Acceptability—5Barbara TaenzlerFreelance Writer and Book ReviewerGlenwood, IowaTouch the Sky Summer, by Jean VanLeeuwen; pictures by Dan Andreasen. LCCN96002380. New York: Dial Books for YoungReaders, 1997. ISBN 0803718209, HBB,$14.99.E. Vacations--Fiction; Summer--Fiction; Grandparents--Fiction. unp.PS - Gr. 5.Traveling to Grandma’s cabin in the woods is atedious trip for Peter and Luke but oh, soexciting. Their parents are happy to be going onvacation and to have time to visit with Grandmaand Grandpa.There are all kinds of activities there. Fishingwith Grandpa. Showing off new swimmingskills. Taking walks with Dad. Playing games infront of the fireplace and eating popcorn on arainy day. The highlight of the week is whenPeter and Luke try to sleep outside in a tent onenight, but a raccoon’s noises make them afraid.So Dad joins them and they are safe.What a happy vacation with strong family valuesportrayed by author, Jean Van Leeuwen. Lovelyillustrations by Dan Andreason enhance thebeauty of the wooded and rustic retreat. Anattractive, hard-cover book.Quality—4Acceptability—5Barbara TaenzlerFreelance Writer and Book ReviewerGlenwood, IowaUh-oh! It’s Mama’s Birthday. Written byNaturi Thomas; illustrated by Keinyo White.LCCN 6010168. Morton Grove, Ill.: AlbertWhitman, 1997. ISBN 0807582689, HBB,$12.95.E. Mothers and sons--Fiction; Birthdays--Fiction;Afro-Americans--Fiction. unp.PS - Gr. 3.Jason starts Saturday as usual with pizza while hewatches cartoons with his dog, Sparky. Later, heventures off to spend the dollar his Mama gavehim. He meets the mailman on his way who tellshim today is his Mama’s birthday. Jasonwonders what he can get for her. He only has adollar, so he cannot buy her a dress as he initiallyplans. He has enough to buy her some gummybears, but gets a little hungry. As he walks, hegets a little more hungry. And more, untileventually Mama’s gummy bears havedisappeared! Jason buys her a balloon with themoney left, and starts home through the park. Onhis way, he meets friends who want to play withthe balloon. In the tussle that ensues, the balloonis lost. Jason goes home empty-handed anddejected. His mother notices his distress, andquestions him. He spills out his sad story. Shewraps him in her arms, and explains that she willbe happy with a hug from him.Thomas relates a story with which children willempathize. Jason’s quest will interest them, asmost children have experienced a similardilemma with no money to buy an expensive giftfor someone they love. Jason comes up withgood ideas, but things don’t work out as he hadhoped. Children will also be comforted by theidea that Jason’s mother most wanted love fromhim.Keinyo White has created oil paintings on canvaswhich illustrate the story of Jason’s quest. Thepictures are vivid in color, but their near realismis not as likely to hold the attention of children.The painting is well done, but may not allowchildren to read the story without the words.Quality—3Carol JonesChildren’s LibrarianChampaign, IllinoisAcceptability—5Wanted : Best Friend, by Am M. Monson;pictures by Lynn Munsinger. LCCN95022828. New York: Dial Books for YoungReaders, 1997. ISBN 0803714858, HBB,$14.99.E. Cats--Fiction; Mice--Fiction; Friendship--Fiction.unp.PS - Gr. 2.There’s no doubt why this book is A JuniorLibrary Guild Selection. Cat and Mouse are bestfriends who like to play checkers, but one day(after Cat wins three times in a row), Mousedecides he wants to play a card game called crazyeights. When Cat says no, Mouse leaves in ahuff.Cat decides he needs a “new” best friend. Heruns an ad in the local newspaper. After an oddassortment of characters come to his house, hefinds out that good friends are hard to find. Catalso learns a second lesson: what it is like to haveyour requests ignored. After wishing for Mouseto come back, Cat takes action. The story endswith Mouse and Cat reconciled.The moral, “treat your friends with respect,”comes through beautifully. Lynn Munsinger’sink-and-watercolor illustrations are comical yetsensitive. A true delight.Quality—5Acceptability—5Kimn Swenson GollnickWriter, Speaker, Homeschool TeacherMarysville, WashingtonWhat Shall I Dream? By Laura McGeeKvasnosky; illustrated by Judith ByronSchachner. LCCN 95030890. New York:Dutton Children’s Books, 1996. ISBN0525452079, HBB, $14.99.E. Dreams--Fiction; Princes--Fiction. unp.K - Gr. 4.In this fairy tale, complete with a King andQueen and Prince Alexander, an important lessonis taught. The value of the individual person, theindividual’s own dreams and aspirations, is moreimportant than trying to live someone else’sdreams.Prince Alexander poses the question “What shallI dream?” to his father the King, his mother, andvarious members of the royal household. Theyall try to help him as they enlist the aid of magicalDream Brewers, Dream Weavers, and DreamSweepers. The resulting dreams are perfectlysuited for the person trying to help him but not atall suited for Alexander himself. Finally hisnursemaid Henrietta directs him to discover hisdreams for himself. He drifts off to sleep at naptime and dreams a perfectly delightful dream justright for a little boy.The illustrations by Judith Schachner areexquisitely detailed and add to the enchantmentof the tale. She truly gives the book an “a long,long time ago” mood. While the book deals withthe world of fantasy and make-believe, itcontains a real life theme: Be yourself.Quality—5Arlene NealTeacher, Covenant SchoolGranite Falls, North CarolinaAcceptability—5Where Are You, Little Zack? By Judith RossEnderle and Stephanie Gordon Tessler;illustrated by Brian Floca. LCCN 96015381.Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1997. ISBNC H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 2 3 J A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8

PICTURE BOOKS0395730929, HBB, $14.95.E. Ducks--Fiction; Lost children--Fiction; New York(N.Y.)--Fiction; City and town life--Fiction. unp.PK - Gr. 2.The Quack brothers—Brick, Brack, Thackery,and Little Zack—leave the confines of theircountry pond one day for an excursion to NewYork City. Authors Judith Ross Enderle andStephanie Gordon Tessler move the duckbrothers at a merry pace through the city, whileBrian Floca provides the rollicking illustrations.This is not your ordinary number sequenceconcept book. The book is a page turningdelight. The most outstanding feature is thecombined rhyme and alliteration, making the texta tongue tickler. The book has snap and cracklein both verse and pictures. Floca’s contributionsof his witty, colorful vignettes of the Big Appleare lively and entertaining.Fans of Where’s Waldo and similar detail huntand find books will have a fun time as theysearch for Little Zack as his brothers search forhim. Surprises, both visual and textual, abounduntil the very last page. Readers get a duck’s eyeview of New York as the Quack brothers go fromone landmark site to another looking for oneanother. The punch line is one both young andold will outright guffaw at. Where Are You, LittleZack? definitely passes the test of “read it again,please?” Let’s hope Zack and his brothers findthemselves in future adventures together.Quality—5Acceptability—5Pam WebbLibrarianSandpoint Community Christian SchoolSandpoint, IdahoJ A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8 2 4 C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L

BOOK REVIEWSCHILDREN’S FICTIONAdventures in Willoughby : Familiar Faces &Faraway Places. Bridgestone Multimedia,1995. ISBN 1563711737, VID, $9.95.F. Bats--Fiction; Carlsbad Caverns (N.M.)--Fiction;Hawaii--Fiction; Dinosaur National Monument (Ut.)--Fiction; Chichén Itza (Mex.)--Fiction. 1 videocassette;30 min, colorAdventures in Willoughby : Trains, Planes, &Other Fun Things. Bridgestone Multimedia,1995. ISBN 1563711729, VID, $9.95.F. Airplanes--Fiction; Colorado--Fiction; Devil’s Tower(Wyo.)--Fiction; Cowboys--Fiction; Ballooning--Fiction. 1 videocassette; 30 min, colorGr. 1 - 6.Mark Bresher has produced a series of videos forchildren set around a fictitious town on a modeltrain set. Stories are told by the stationary toycharacters as the camera follows the train alongthe track. Familiar Faces and Faraway Placeshas four travelogue-type episodes that last aboutfive minutes each. Carslbad Caverns, Hawaii,the Dinosaur National Monument, and theMayan Pyramids in Mexico are visited. Severalreferences are made to the “millions of years”needed for these places to come into existence.The fourth episode on the video, The GreatHalloween Train Wreck, (ten minutes long) is thestory of how the old house came to be haunted.A train crash is shown that results in severalexplosions. Then the “spirits of the dead” floataround the old house to the beat of disco music.Trains, Planes & Other Fun Things begins witha six-and-a-half minute episode of watching themodel train go around the tracks while toy planesand hot air balloons float on strings above theWilloughby Valley.Three of the eight episodes are travelogues withseveral references to evolutionary theories. Oneis the recitation of a poem, and another showshow a toy plane was helped to land in heavy fogin Willoughby with the help of a blinking light.The final episode is a trip to the local theatre toview a magic show. These videos remind me ofhome-videos with little or no plot.Quality—2Patricia PerryRetired LibrarianWesterville, OhioAcceptability—2Afternoon of the Elves, by Janet Taylor Lisle.New York: Scholastic, 1989. ISBN0590439448, PAP, $3.99F. Elves--Fiction; Friendship--Fiction. 122 p.Gr. 3 - 7.Something magical has happened in Sara-Kate’sbackyard. A tiny village, made of twigs andbrilliant fall leaves, has sprung up overnight, andshe has confided to Hillary that it is the work ofelves. But why would anyone, or anything,chose Sara-Kate’s yard? After all, it’s overgrownand full of junk, and Sara-Kate herself is skinny,friendless, and sometimes downright strange.Janet Taylor Lisle quickly establishes therelationships between her characters, which aredictated to a great extent by schoolyard politics.Sara-Kate, who wears ugly clothes and has beenheld back a year in school, is a threat to thebright, beautiful people, just as her neglectedyard is a threat to the neighbors’ carefullygroomed gardens.Hillary is initially skeptical about the elf village,but soon she, and the reader with her, is drawninto the mystery and enchantment of it all. AsSara-Kate teaches her to view things from anelf’s perspective, Hillary finds she is able to seethings in a whole new light.But she quickly realizes that her new way ofseeing is still limited. It isn’t until shecompromises her own sense of right andwrong—by stealing from her mother to buy foodfor Sara-Kate—that she can see Sara-Kate’s lifefor what it really is. Where she had seen onlymagic and mystery, there was actually povertyand desperation.In Afternoon of the Elves, a Newbery HonorBook, the reader is shown the importance ofsetting aside preconceptions. The author’s use oflanguage is wonderful; she paints pictures for herreader, using words as her colors. Her effectivecontrol of pace keeps the reader entranced fromthe first page to the last.The conclusion of this story unravels ratherquickly, and leaves the reader with severalunanswered questions. But the story is lyricaland lovely, and serves as a reminder to preservea small corner of our ordered lives for a little bitof magic.Quality—4Acceptability—4Sylvia StopforthLibrarian, Trinity Western UniversityLangley, British ColumbiaArby Jenkins, Mighty Mustang, by SharonHambrick; illustrated by Mike McDermott.LCCN 97004984. Greenville, S.C.: Bob JonesUniversity Press, 1997. ISBN 0890849323,PAP, $6.49.F. Camps--Fiction; Christian life--Fiction. 132 p.Gr. 4 - 6.Arby Jenkins is an eleven-year-old boy at VictoryRanch, a Christian summer camp. He bunks in awagon named Mustang Hollow, and one bunkmate, Stuart, teases him mercilessly. Arby leavesthe campfire early one night and overhears Stuarttalking to his mother on the telephone in one ofthe camp offices. When Arby asks Stuart toconfess his misdeed, Stuart tells him no way.One night Arby notices Stuart leaving the campand follows him. The boys get lost, and Arbyuses his flashlight to send SOS’s while Stuartconfides his problems. They are rescued, and thenext day Arby, Stuart, and one of the campcounselors talk about God. By the end of theconversation, Stuart is unsure if he is ready tomake an unconditional commitment to JesusChrist, and Arby realizes that just saying youaccept Christ does not save a person.Sharon Hambrick writes the story in the firstperson and wonderfully expresses the dilemmaof a young boy yearning to enjoy camp withoutany responsibilities but also valuing theimportance of witnessing to a boy who is notsaved.Outstanding pointillist drawings by MikeMcDermott sprinkled throughout enrich thestory, and children will especially delight in theMorse code symbols at the end of the story. Thisbook is a valuable resource for teaching about anunmitigated commitment to Christ.Quality—4Acceptability—5Dianne WoodmanFreelance Writer, Homeschool ParentMilpitas, CaliforniaC H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 2 5 J A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8

CHILDREN’S FICTIONSummer Surprise, by Shannon MasonLeppard. (The Adventures of Callie Ann; 1.)LCCN 96045833. Minneapolis: BethanyHouse Publishers, 1996. ISBN 1556618131,PAP, $3.99.F. Moving, Household--Fiction; Christian life--Fiction.78 p.The Ballet Class Mystery, by Shannon MasonLeppard. (The Adventures of Callie Ann; 2.)LCCN 96045834. Minneapolis: BethanyHouse Publishers, 1996. ISBN 155661814X,PAP, $3.99.F. Christian life--Fiction; Friendship--Fiction; Familylife--Fiction. 79 p.The Hospital Caper, by Shannon MasonLeppard. (The Adventures of Callie Ann; 3.)LCCN 97021040. Minneapolis: BethanyHouse Publishers, 1997. ISBN 1556618158,PAP, $3.99.F. Christian life--Fiction; Friendship--Fiction;Grandmothers--Fiction. 76 p.The Miss Kitty Mystery, by Shannon MasonLeppard. (The Adventures of Callie Ann; 4.)LCCN 97021041. Minneapolis: BethanyHouse Publishers, 1997. ISBN 1556618166,PAP, $3.99.F. Christian life--Fiction; Cats--Fiction. 77 p.Gr. 2 - 5.Eight-year-old Callie Ann Davies doesn’t caremuch for her new home in Cornelius, NorthCarolina. She left her best friend, Meghan,behind in Greenville, as well as her Grandmamaand Papa. She can’t understand why God let herfamily move to this new place when she prayedso hard that they wouldn’t.Callie Ann’s father helps her meet a new friend,their next door neighbor, Jason Alexander, CallieAnn has her doubts about making friends with aboy. She thinks boys are weird. But Jason isfriendly and shows her some neat things aroundtown. When they climb up into the bell tower ofthe church Callie finds that she can see the wholetown and even her own house, below. Maybe thisnew town won’t be so bad after all.The Callie Ann series, by Shannon MasonLeppard, is written for seven-to-ten-year-olds asa “first chapter book”. The books are wellwrittenand enjoyable. Spiritual and moralvalues are woven into each story.Every other chapter contains a black and whitesketch illustrating the story. The cover art issimple and attractive. Borders above and belowthe cover picture mark each book as part of aseries, making it easy for readers to identifyfurther Callie Ann adventures.In book 2, Callie Ann begins to enjoy her newtown and friends but soon finds herself with amystery on her hands. She sees a boy dancing allalone in the building where Callie has her balletclasses. Who is this boy and why does he dancealone? Callie starts asking questions but no oneseems to know what she’s talking about. Finally,Callie finds the answers. Sean is a talented balletstudent who is deaf. He dances by feeling thevibrations of the music through his feet.In book 3, Callie Ann learns that her Grandmamais in the hospital. Callie is determined to see hereven if it is against hospital rules. After Callie’smother leaves her at the nurse’s station, Calliewatches for an opportunity to sneak away andfind her Grandmama’s room. She moves downthe long corridor, carefully avoiding the doctorsand nurses. But just as she reaches hergrandmother’s room she hears a grown up voicebehind her.In book 4, Callie Ann’s pet, Miss Kitty,disappears one early morning. Callie is franticand soon has her friend Jason and the whole townwatching for Miss Kitty. Finally, Callie andJason find Miss Kitty in her favorite hiding place,the bell tower of the church. But Miss Kitty hasa surprise of her own waiting for them.Quality—4Donna BrownChurch LibrarianPortland, OregonAcceptability—5Boys in the Well, by Cecil Freeman. (Girl inthe Well; 3.) Red Deer, Alb.: Red DeerCollege Press, 1996. ISBN 0889951365, PAP,$7.95.F. Teenagers--Fiction; Frontier and pioneer life--Fiction; Canada--Fiction. 126 p.Gr. 3 - 5.Corinne lives on a farm with her baby brother,Peter, her Daddy, and her Mama. She has a goodfriend, April, and various farm animals, like hercolt, Pettie. In this story Corinne is trying to getused to the idea that boys are people, too; and infact, they might be all right to have as friends.One boy, Ken, comes to visit at the farm. Helives in a tent in the yard, because he is a boyscout on a safari. She introduces him to thevarious aspects of farm and country life. They goon a berry picking trip with a couple of otherboys and Corinne breaks her leg. The boys feelbad, but she acknowledges that it wasn’t all theirfault. As she recuperates, she realizes that boysmay be okay.Boys in the Well was written in first person fromthe perspective of a girl whose age is not reallyclear. Her perspective is oddly tilted, as if theauthor were writing from memories ofchildhood. The vocabulary is too young andthoughts too introspective are not a match for theage the reader thinks this girl is.The story line is not very realistic in many ways.This girl, who might be interested in boys, is nottrusted to take care of her baby brother becauseshe put him on her horse for a ride. Mama handshim over to be watched by a boy she hardlyknows. The visiting boy sleeps in a tent in theyard. Mama’s accent is indistinct and forced.Some of the language is very stilted, like “spokeever so happy,” and “such a much” (several timesin the last chapter). The action is basically showme around the farm with the time frame neverpresented in the text.Quality—2Acceptability—4Judy BelcherTeacher, Sylvan Way Christian SchoolBremerton, WashingtonThe Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey,by Susan Wojciechowski; illustrated by P.J.Lynch. Candlewick Press, 1995. ISBN1564023206, HBB, $12.95.F. Christmas--Fiction.Gr. 2 - 4.Wojciechowski’s award-winning book, TheChristmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey is oneChristmas story that is sure to be enjoyed yearafter year. Jonathan Toomey is a woodcarver, thebest in the whole valley, according to some.However, he always looks gloomy andunfriendly, though no one knows why.One day, Widow McDowell and her seven-yearoldson Thomas come to Toomey’s door and askhim to carve them a nativity scene to replace alost family treasure. He gruffly agrees and thewidow and her son come back again and again towatch his progress. As they befriend him, hebegins to let down his guard. Finally, as he triesto carve the figures of Mary and Jesus, he isforced to face up to and deal with the death of hisown wife and son many years before.Unlike the cardboard characters in so manypicture books, the people in Wojciechowski’sstory have the ability to touch us deeply, as in thepassage that tells how Toomey ended up settlingin the valley:“And, because those were the days beforehospitals and medicines and skilled doctors, hiswife and baby died, three days apart from eachother. So Jonathan Toomey packed hisbelongings into a wagon and traveled till his tearsstopped.”Lynch’s rich, colorful watercolors are well done,with an almost photographic quality. They notonly add to our knowledge of the people in thestory and show us the progression of the carvedfigures, they also show us the beginning ofToomey’s healing.Not only does Wojciechowski’s book seemdestined to become a Christmas classic, butreading it may help a child understand sadgrown-ups in his own life. Even a library withlots of Christmas stories won’t want to miss TheChristmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey.Quality—5Acceptability—5Betty WinslowFreelance Writer, LibrarianBowling Green Christian AcademyBowling Green, OhioJ A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8 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 FICTIONClose Your Eyes So You Can See : Stories ofChildren in the Life of Jesus, by MichaelCard; illustrations by Stephen Marchesi.LCCN 96011616. Eugene, Ore.: HarvestHouse Publishers, 1996. ISBN 1565074254,HBB, $14.99.F. Jesus Christ--Fiction; Christian life--Fiction; Shortstories. 48 p.PS - Gr. 6.Michael Card encourages children to close theireyes as they imagine what it might be like to havebeen a child during the time when Jesus lived onearth. He begins his book with a note to parentsexplaining how important children are in theLord’s ministry and encouraging all his readers tosee with their eyes closed. Ten New Testamentstories are retold from the child’s point of view,using language that appeals to all the senses ofthe reader. However, there are a few times whenthe author goes a little too far with hisimagination. Following each story are severalquestions to encourage children to think a littlefurther and personalize the story.The book includes ten beautiful full-pagewatercolor illustrations by Stephen Marchesi.Each page of the book is on a colored texturedbackground which makes it look as though it isprinted on fabric. This book is of a very highquality, with pages printed on paper that canwithstand many readings by children of all ages.Close Your Eyes So You Can See could be usedby parents or teachers as a springboard forstudying the life and time of Christ. The bookjacket states that there is a companion children’smusic cassette with ten original songs byMichael Card.Quality—3Patricia PerryRetired LibrarianWesterville, OhioAcceptability—4The Copper Lady, by Alice Ross and KentRoss; illustrations by Leslie Bowman.(Carolrhoda on My Own Books.) LCCN95007628. Minneapolis: Carolrhoda Books,1997. ISBN 0876149344, HBB, $13.13.F. Statue of Liberty (New York, N.Y.)--Fiction;Orphans--Fiction; Stowaways--Fiction. 48 p.Gr. 1 - 3.Eleven-year-old Andre hurries to the shop wherethe statue is in production. He thinks of thestatue as “the Lady” and visits her frequently.When it is transported to the United States, Andresneaks onto the ship. With his parents no longeralive and living with a heartless master, Americaappears promising. He remains hidden until astorm pounds the ship breaking loose some of thecrates. Not wanting the statue damaged, Andrejeopardizes his freedom by enlisting the sailors’help in securing the crates. The captain plans onreturning Andre to France and changes his mindwhen Andre reminds him of the freedom thestatue embodies.The Copper Lady by Alice Ross and Kent Ross isan engaging story of a young boy living in Paris,France in 1883 who learns the specific meaningof the Statue of Liberty. This knowledge helpshim persevere and gain his freedom.Leslie Bowman’s earth-tone pencil illustrationsprovide a fitting background to the story, and thepainting on the dust jacket and hard cover depictsthe young boy and the statue. This book willstimulate children’s interest into further studyabout the Statue of Liberty, and the “AuthorsNote” preceding the story and the “Afterward”provide historical facts.Quality—4Acceptability—5Dianne WoodmanFreelance Writer, Homeschool ParentMilpitas, CaliforniaFighting Tackle, by Matt Christopher;illustrated by Karen Lidbeck. LCCN94019680. Boston: Little, Brown, 1995. ISBN0316137944, PAP, $3.95.F. Football--Fiction; Down syndrome--Fiction. 147 p.Gr. 4 - 6.Terry McFee loves playing the position of freesafety on the Clippers football team, and he lovesfootball. Because Terry has grown significantlyin the previous year, Coach Butterfield decides toplay him as nose tackle. Terry has a hard timeletting go of the way he is used to seeing things,but he learns and grows and becomes a verydecent tackle for the team. Fighting Tackle byMatt Christopher is a good book for those veryinterested in football.The paperback format is a much more appealingvenue for this type of sports book than earlierhardback books written by Matt Christopher.This story is very focused on football and itspositions and plays. In the story, Terry’s youngerbrother, Nick, has Down Syndrome. Woventhroughout the action and games is a wonderfulportrayal of a healthy growth and acceptance ofthe challenges of this condition. The climax is abit contrived and some reasoning is a bitmoralistic, but this is a very decent book for asports fan or someone dealing with DownSyndrome.Quality—4Judy BelcherAcceptability—5Teacher, Sylvan Way Christian SchoolBremerton, WashingtonA Golden Age. Written by Martha Wickham;illustrated by Dan Brown. (Odyssey.) LCCN96015034. Norwalk, Conn.: Soundprints,1996. ISBN 1568993714, KIT, $19.95.F. Radio--History--Fiction; Family life--History--Fiction. 1 vol., 32 p.; 1 audiocassette, 16 min.Gr. 4 - 6.To radio buffs who desire to pass on the“Theatre-of-the-Mind” to the next generation, AGolden Age by Martha Wickham is a gem.Emma and her friends Lucy, Tomar, and Kevinvisit the National Museum of American History.Emma, with her ever-present Walkman, pauses toexplore an exhibit of old radios. Her friendsagree to meet her there later. Then, as ifmagically transported, Emma finds herself in hergreat-grandparents’ home. It is there, on the daybefore VE Day (May 8, 1945) that she learns theimportance of the radio to her family.Wickham takes the fantasy one experienceswhile listening to the radio one step further. Sheuses the technique of a story within a story,pushing the boundaries of reality. Emma, ayoung Black girl, marvels at the contrastsbetween the 1990s and the 1940s, the clothing,the furniture, the attitudes about World War II inthe upper middle-class. The essence of herfamily is translated faithfully by Dan Brown,artist. The illustrations, predominately in softyellows and browns with a touch of blue or red,enhance the story line.The vocabulary level of the text is lower than thesubject matter addressed, historical events from1930s and 1940s. A Golden Age is a boxedpackage with book and audio cassette. The tape,a reading of the book, lasts sixteen minutes, idealfor use in the classroom.Quality—4Su HagertyDirector of Choral MusicLiberty High SchoolIssaquah, WashingtonAcceptability—5The Great Wonder. Written by AnnabelleHoward; illustrated by Stephen Wells.(Odyssey.) LCCN 96011361. Norwalk,Conn.: Soundprints, 1996. ISBN 1568993501,KIT, $19.95.F. Pyramids--Egypt--Fiction; Egypt--Antiquities--Fiction. 1 vol., 32 p.; 1 audiocassette, 32 min.Gr. 2 - 6.It’s a routine field trip to the Smithsonian’sNational Museum of Natural History for Kevin,Lucy, Emma, and Tomas. But as they settledown for a movie on Egyptian pyramids, Kevinfinds himself not in the cool, dark theater, but inthe sarcophagus of King Khufu. So begins hisadventure in the Great Pyramid where dressed ina short, white skirt he’s sure would bring theC H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 2 7 J A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8

CHILDREN’S FICTIONlaughs of his friends, Kevin joins workersfashioning the casing blocks, helps hoist thecapstone to its glorious perch, and gets a greatview of the desert. He rubs his eyes to rid themof dust, sweat, and sun and discovers that he’sback with his buddies, not quite sure whether heshould share his trip or not.The Great Wonder, a picture book for olderchildren, does an excellent job of introducingterms relating to the pyramids in context. Writtenin an upbeat manner, the story moves alongquickly, though at times the dialogue seemsphony; the action as calculated as a Saturdaymorning cartoon. The color illustrations lackinterest and break a general rule of illustration:most pictures should lead the reader on to thenext page. Most of The Great Wonder’sillustrations lead in the opposite direction. Anaudio-tape also accompanies the book. Itsthirteen minutes of narration and dialogue, alongwith good sound effects and music, do lend someexcitement to an otherwise mediocre book.Quality—3Ann M. PonathTeacher/LibrarianChrist Lutheran SchoolNorth St. Paul, MinnesotaAcceptability—5Horrible Harry and the Dungeon, by SuzyKline; pictures by Frank Remkiewicz. LCCN95042525. New York: Viking, 1996. ISBN0670868620, HBB, $11.99.F. Schools--Fiction; Teachers--Fiction; Butterflies--Fiction. 58 p.Gr. 2 - 4.As part of the school administration’s new policyto come down hard on bad behavior, they haveestablished a suspension room, “the dungeon,”supervised by a mysterious new teacher namedMr. Skooghammer. The combined intrigue of thedungeon and Mr. Skooghammer is more thanHarry can resist, and he begins plotting ways toget a peek and find out more information.Horrible Harry and the Dungeon is a well-pacedstory full of variety, fun and a hint of suspense.The pen and ink illustrations by FrankRemkiewicz every few pages add interest to thisdelightful chapter book.Quality—5Sally KuhnsTeacherBremerton, WashingtonAcceptability—5The Last Rail. Written by Darice Bailer;illustrated by Bill Farnsworth. LCCN96015036. Norwalk, Conn.: Soundprints,1996. ISBN 1568993668, KIT, $19.99.F. Pacific railroads--Fiction; Railroads--History--Fiction; School field trips--Fiction. 1 vol., 32 p.; 1audio cassette, 10 min.Gr. 2 - 5.The Last Rail by Darice Bailer combines bothsight and sound in this fictional historical accountof the transcontinental railroad’s completion.Lucy and her friends are on a field trip to theSmithsonian’s National Museum of AmericanHistory. As she tries to get her uncooperativefriends to stand still for a photograph she istransported back in time and discovers she is A.J.Russell, the photographer who recorded theplacing of the last spike of the transcontinentalrailroad.Through Lucy’s adventure readers learn how therailroad was built. In this brief look at a historychanging event an amazing amount ofinformation is given. The text blends fact andfiction. Illustrator Bill Farnsworth lends anauthentic touch by reflecting the story’s contentin brown and white tones with splashes of colorgiving an overall feeling of looking at an oldphoto album or historical display.This event is given more impact by the inclusionof a cassette tape. Although the tape does notfollow the text word for word, this is not adetriment, since the story is enhanced with soundeffects and additional text. The tape and bookcan be enjoyed together or separately. Both arewell done.One would expect nothing less but a qualityeffort from the Smithsonian, and it is delivered.Quality—5Acceptability—5Pam WebbLibrarianSandpoint Community Christian SchoolSandpoint, IdahoThe Little Swineherd and Other Tales, byPaula Fox; illustrated by Robert Byrd.LCCN 94039227. New York: DuttonChildren’s Books, 1996. ISBN 0525453989,HBB, $16.99.F. Animals--Fiction; Short stories. 135 p.Gr. 2 - 5.The Little Swineherd and Other Tales, actuallyfirst published in 1976 but released with RobertByrd’s illustrations in 1996, is a rather unusualbook of children’s fables. Throughout all sixfables included in the book is woven the story ofa show business duck trying unsuccessfully toconvince the goose, a splendid storyteller, to lethim be her manager and put her on the stage. Thestories are filled with human folk and animalkind, all remarkable characters that arouse ourcuriosity and interest and beckon us to followthem on as yet untraveled roads.These are delightful stories, well-written andinteresting. They make great read alouds andenjoyment in them will span a large age groupfrom young children who cannot read to olderboys and girls.Quality—5Ceil CareyMiddle School LibrarianAcceptability—4Plano, IllinoisMy Palace of Leaves in Sarajevo, by MarybethLorbiecki; illustrated by Herbert Tauss.LCCN 96025933. New York: Dial Books forYoung Children, 1997. ISBN 0803720343,HBB, $14.99.F. Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina)--History--Siege,1992-1996--Fiction; Cousins--Fiction; Letters--Fiction.53 p.Gr. 4 - 7.Dragi Nadja—Dear Hope. September 1991,Nadja sits in her favorite tree, her Palace ofLeaves in Sarajevo, and writes her Americancousin Alex. They have a lot in common,siblings, goldfish, trees, skiing, rock music. April22, 1992, Nadja writes of the horrible war juststarting in Sarajevo. Through letters betweenthese cousins the reality of war beats down on thereader. Nadja writes of terrifying noise, lack ofsoap, death, hunger, fear, man’s hatred for man,panic, joy in the midst of sorrow, humor in themidst of despair. Alex writes of desperateattempts to get letters through, senators whowon’t pay attention to his pleas, the ache ofhelplessness, the mood swings as good and badnews wash each other out.Award winning American author, MarybethLorbiecki writes from the firsthand accounts ofher Sarajevan relatives. An Introduction andAfterward wrap Alex and Nadja’s letters with abrief account of the war in Sarajevo. TheBosnian words spring to life via the Glossary andPronunciation Guide. My Palace of Leaves inSarajevo impacts the reader with impelling,straightforward narrative. Alex and Nadja revealtheir personalities through the individual styles ofthe letters. The action filled illustrations amplifythe text. To add reality to his pictures, HerbertTauss studied many photos from war-tornBosnia. This book introduces several themes, notthe least of which is the importance of letterwriting. Lorbiecki closes with addresses forthose who want to write to Pen Pals in Bosnia orother perilous places.Quality—4Acceptability—5Donna EggettVolunteer Counselor, Crisis Pregnancy CenterMaiden, North CarolinaNo More Animals! By Lucia Monfried andBetsy James. (Speedsters.) LCCN 94047572.New York: Dutton Children’s Books, 1995.ISBN 0525453903, HBB, $13.99.F. Pets--Fiction; Skinks--Fiction. 64 p.Gr. 3 - 5.No More Animals! is designed especially forreluctant third through fifth grade readers. BetsyJames’ black and white illustrations break intothe text with conversation balloons and actionlines. The plot is fast paced and amusing,making the sixty-four pages easy to manage. Thereader will be inspired by having mastered anJ A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8 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 FICTIONentire book.Lucia Munfried first introduces Charlie’sanimals. His room is literally a zoo. Billy bringshim a new pet, a stink lizard with an unusual bluetail. He must convince his mother of its scientificvalue. In his excitement he forgets to close hisbedroom door and all of the animals escape. Themouse is chasing the cat. His little sister, Brenda,is wearing his garter snake as a necklace. But theskink proves most illusive, much to his mother’sdismay. Charlie uses his knowledge of eachanimal’s habits to catch them. The stink isallowed to spend the rest of the day, but then itmust go back to the wild.Quality—4Melinda TorgersonFreelance WriterNewport, WashingtonAcceptability—5On Guard, by Donna Jo Napoli. New York:Dutton Children’s Books, 1997. ISBN0525457593, HBB, $15.99.F. Fencing--Fiction. 150 p.Gr. 4 - 8.Mikey, of the active imagination, wanted to winthe Olympic medal that his teacher gave to theoutstanding student of the week, to those withgood study habits, well prepared, or presenting agood research project. When Mikey’s fourthgrade class visits the Franklin Institute to see thedisplays and maybe get some ideas for researchprojects, Mikey sees a fencing demonstration,which fascinates him. He pleads with his motherto let him try it, and there is a free three-weektrial of lessons, before the student has to decide ifhe wants to continue.Mikey’s mom, although very busy, is a goodlistener, and she finally agrees to let Mikey takefencing lessons. It will mean her accompanyinghim on the train into the city on Saturdays andtaking her two younger children along, but she isgame and so Mikey’s adventure begins. Mikeylearns that the class members do not even usefencing weapons for the many weeks. First theclass must run, forward and backward, skip rope,and do other exercises to prepare their bodies.Mikey also learns that there is much thought andplanning of strategy involved.The reader learns a lot about fencing, terms forequipment, and how much mental preparation isnecessary. Author Donna Jo Napoli portrays awarm American family, whose parents listen totheir children and consider their requests, whosesiblings snipe and tease each other yet care abouteach other. The cover illustration, by GreggThorkelson, is priceless, showing Mikey’schagrin at seeing a classmate receive a jab withthe foil.The subject probably has a limited appeal toyoung readers, but the antics and adventures ofMikey are typical of kids, and entertaining.Quality—3Acceptability—4Barbara TaenzlerFreelance Writer and Book ReviewerGlenwood, IowaOne Giant Leap. Written by Dana MeachenRau; illustrated by Thomas Buchs.(Odyssey.) LCCN 96015035. Norwalk,Conn.: Soundprints, 1996. ISBN 1568993439,KIT, $19.95.F. Project Apollo (U.S.)--Fiction; Moon--Exploration--Fiction. 1 vol., 32 p.; 1 audiocassette, 12 min.Gr. 2 - 5.Thomas begins an historical adventure as hevisits the Smithsonian Institute on a field trip andimagines himself in history. He becomes NeilArmstrong on the Apollo 11 Mission. Thomas’protests of only being a ten-year-old boy are tono avail as the hatch of Eagle closes and it beginsits landing on the moon. Thomas, of course,gathers his wits and decides he can do the job justlike Armstrong did. After all, he has had lots ofpractice with video games. As he steps onto themoon and explores its surface, the reader istransported on their own space mission.The text of One Giant Leap includes end noteson the first moon landing and a glossary of terms.Unfortunately, the end notes are not included onthe cassette tape as they are in the science seriesproduced by Soundprints, and one hopes theywill not be overlooked. Since the text of thebook does not follow word for word the script ofthe tape in order to account for dialogue, the setmay be easier for a more experienced reader tofollow. However, an interested first graderwould certainly enjoy listening to the tape andfollowing the illustrations.Quality—4Acceptability—5Judy DriscollTeacher, Christ the King AcademyPoulsbo, WashingtonPelts & Promises, by Nancy Lohr. LCCN96043861. Greenville, S.C.: Bob JonesUniversity Press, 1997. ISBN 0890848998,PAP, $6.49.F. Moneymaking projects--Fiction; Hunting--Fiction;Country life--Fiction. 103 p.Gr. 2 - 4.Willie B.’s eyes gleamed with mischief. Jamiehesitated. Then with a deep breath of autumn airthey emptied the one room schoolhouse andrearranged it under the golden willows. Thesurprise pleased everyone—until the parson’sleather-bound Bible is ruined. Willie B. andJamie face the consequence and bear theresponsibility of buying a new one before theChristmas pageant. This requires hard work,good hunting, and difficult sacrifices. After all, apromise is for keeping.Nancy Lohr’s realistic recreation of country lifein 1903 is picturesque, but even stronger is herportrayal of the firm moral and spiritualfoundations on which that life was built. It is thisdetermination to do what is right that drives theactions of the characters and tightens the tensionof the plot. Pelts and Promises is a bookintended to teach a moral. It does so withoutlectures. The adult figures guide and help but donot interfere with the main character’sresponsibilities.The book is divided into twelve short chaptersmaking the 103 pages easy to manage.Independent readers will find the vocabularychallenging but not difficult. Gabriela Dellosso’spencil drawings are interspersed throughout thetext, punctuating its high points. They add to thesense of time and place, but the weight of thestory is carried in its writing.Quality—4Melinda TorgersonFreelance WriterNewport, WashingtonAcceptability—5Phantom Gardener, by Mary Carpenter Reid.(A Backpack Mystery; 3.) LCCN 97004649.Minneapolis: Bethany House Publishers,1997. ISBN 1556617178, PAP, $3.99.F. Gardening--Fiction; Grandmothers--Fiction;Christian life--Fiction; Mystery fiction. 80 p.Gr. 2 - 4.In Phantom Gardener, Steff Larson and her sisterPaulie are staying with their uncle andgrandmother, Mother Quigg, at Lily Pad Park, aretirement golf community. Steff plays detective,compelling Paulie to accompany her on nightlyoutings pursuing Mother Quigg. They discovershe cultivates plants belonging to the park and isthe Phantom Gardener. Cornelius, a young boyliving in an unoccupied house, is an accomplice.His parents are on a trip and believe he is atboarding school.Steff learns plants are disappearing and fearsMother Quigg is responsible. She devises a planto curb Mother Quigg’s nighttime activitiesrecruiting Paulie and Cornelius’ help. MotherQuigg stays busy as president of the newlyestablished Lily Pad Park Garden Club. The planappears effective until the night Mother Quiggleaves the house. Fearing the private guardestablished by the Homeowners Group toapprehend the plant thief will spot Mother Quigg,Steff and Paulie follow her. What a surprisewhen Mother Quigg helps capture the thief!Mary Carpenter Reid has written an entertainingmystery for young readers with black and whitedrawings and a colorful front cover illustrationby Paul Turnbaugh. The story is centered aroundExodus 20:12 “Honor your father and yourmother.” Steff and Paulie convince Cornelius tocontact his parents and confess. Steff misses herparents but recognizes their sacrifice and love.Quality—4Acceptability—5Dianne WoodmanFreelance Writer and Homeschool ParentC H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 2 9 J A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8

CHILDREN’S FICTIONMilpitas, CaliforniaSunflower Girl, by Marcia Hoehne. (TheAdventures of Jenna V; 4.) LCCN 95032661.Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books, 1995. ISBN0891078584, PAP, $4.99.F. Schools--Fiction; Christian life--Fiction; Friendship--Fiction. 160 p.Gr. 5 - 6.Who is cool, and who isn’t? If you like an uncoolperson, do you lose whatever chance you mayhave of being cool? And how should a Christianrespond to sixth grade social dynamics? AuthorMarcia Hoehne deals with peer issues in herbook, Sunflower Girl. Main character Jennastruggles through the first months of jockeyingfor position in sixth grade. It appears she mayhave an “in” with the cool crowd, and a boy sheis attracted to seems to like her, too. But whenthe cool people start acting mean, Jenna ends upparticipating with them. She nearly loses herdearest friend.Aimed at the middle grade reader, issues such asexternal beauty, and boyfriend/girlfriendrelationships are pervasive. Jenna does come tosee even the most beautiful people struggle withtheir looks, and true beauty is a person’scharacter. But this follows 159 pages of physicalremarks regarding eyelashes, hair, and dimples.Jenna prays throughout the novel. Femalepastors are mentioned positively. Hoehne drawsa parallel between the sacrifice of a teacher toChrist’s sacrifice. Jenna sees poignantly theworship Christ deserves.Jenna’s growth in Sunflower Girl might helpmature middle grade readers gain a bit more selfconfidence in their individuality.Quality—5Lorie Ann GroverFreelance Writer/IllustratorKent, WashingtonAcceptability—4This Little Pig, by Janette Oke; illustrated byBrenda Mann; edited by Grace Pettifor. (AClassic Children’s Story.) Elkhart, Ind.:Bethel Publishing Co., 1993. ISBN0934998434, PAP.F. Pigs--Fiction. 147 p.Pordy’s Prickly Problem, by Janette Oke;illustrated by Brenda Mann; edited by GracePettifor. (A Classic Children’s Story.)Elkhart, Ind.: Bethel Publishing Co., 1993.ISBN 0934998507, PAP.F. Porcupines--Fiction. 145 p.Who’s New at the Zoo? By Janette Oke;illustrated by Brenda Mann. (A ClassicChildren’s Story.) Elkhart, Ind.: BethelPublishing Co, 1994. ISBN 0934998558, PAP.Set of 3 books, $14.99..F. Gorillas--Fiction; Zoos--Fiction. 151 p.K - Gr. 3.This Little Pig, an autobiography of a piglet,starts a few moments after his birth, and tells thestory of his life in the barnyard. Always on thelookout for food and always curious, Hiram findsways to get in trouble, especially when he listensto his brother, Hawkins. After Hiram wins a blueribbon at the Fair, he learns the importance of thelove and kindness he shares with his family.A timid baby porcupine named Pordy learns toclimb trees, hunt for food, and avoid the dangersof her surroundings. Life is lonely for aporcupine, however, and Pordy longs forfriendship with the other woodland animals.Pordy’s Prickly Problem is solved when shefinds a friend, a little mouse named Skippy.What is it like to be the first baby gorilla born atthe zoo? In Who’s New at the Zoo? Barnaby tellshis story, and the many lessons he learns growingup in the gorilla family. Most important, helearns that each member of the family is special.These three paperbound books comprise Volume4 of Janette Oke’s Classic Collection. Each bookis illustrated with approximately one charcoaldrawing for each chapter, as well as an attractivecolorful drawing on the back and front covers, byBrenda Mann. Each book in the series standsalone. All three stories are tender, sweet.Quality—3Cathleen Sovold JohnsonFreelance WriterDes Moines, WashingtonAcceptability—5Virtual Cody, by Betsy Duffey; illustrated byEllen Thompson. LCCN 96047356. NewYork: Viking, 1997. ISBN 0670874701, HBB,$13.99.F. Names, Personal--Fiction; Schools--Fiction. 85 p.Gr. 2 - 3.It’s not easy to be in the third grade and have tocontend with the destruction of your happydelusions about yourself. Coping with a girl whohas managed to take your place as highest scorerin computer games is no picnic. As if that isn’tenough, Mom decides to go to work, leavingCody with a new baby sitter who looks like amass murderer! Virtual Cody, as he signs hispersonal computer journal, is finding out aboutthe problems of life. Will Cody with his friendChip Ware (who has to cope with the nickname,Underwear) and that horrid girl P. J. (who mayor may not be named after a famous Aunt) evermake the class stop laughing at them?Mother of two sons and author of other books forthis age group, Betsy Duffey knows fromexperience how third graders think. Herbelievable protagonist, Cody Michaels, ticklesthe reader’s funny bone, engaging his brain andheart. Fast paced, using direct sentences andcommon words, Virtual Cody encouragessympathetic imagination. Both the young readerand the adult who helps him will identify withCody’s struggles with personal identity andfriendship with difficult people. Computerjournals and games, contemporary jargon, andmodern personality types make this bookrelevant to today’s children. Enlivening the text,Ellen Thompson’s black and white drawings lookat the world from Cody’s perspective. Computerscreens with extracts from Cody’s personaljournal pull the reader into Cody’s mind.Quality—4Donna EggettCPC Volunteer CounselorMaiden, North CarolinaAcceptability—5Who Took Henry and Mr. Z? By Dave Glaze.Regina, Sask.: Coteau Books, 1996. ISBN1550501070, PAP, $5.95.F. Guinea pigs--Fiction; Schools--Fiction. 137 p.Gr. 3 - 8.Henry and Mr. Z., two wonderful little guineapigs, are missing, and everyone in Mrs.Whitestar’s fifth grade class is afraid that theyhave been stolen. But who would steal them?And why? The mystery deepens and intensifieswhen it is discovered that the T-shirt money hasbeen taken, also. Two of the students, Carolineand Winston, are worried about the class pets,and they take up the search on their own. Was itthe class bully, Kevin, who took them? Orperhaps Melissa, who is suspected of smokingand is always asking questions about the silvercigarette lighter that was found at the scene themorning the animals were discovered missing.Even Mr. Koop, the Vice Principal, is actingsuspicious. Just when the search becomesfruitful, and the pieces are beginning to cometogether, Winston finds himself the target ofsuspicion and facing serious trouble. Can he andCaroline discover the real thief and clearJ A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8 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

CHILDREN’S FICTIONWinston’s name before it’s too late to save theanimals?Dave Glaze, from Who Took Henry and Mr. Z?has woven a fun little mystery for young readers.It’s not as challenging as, perhaps, a Hardy Boysor a Nancy Drew, but it moves quickly and holdsthe attention well. One interesting quality of thebook is how it skips back and forth from thestudents, particularly Winston and Caroline, towhat is happening with Henry and Mr. Z. Youdon’t know where the mysterious “intruder” is,but you know he is close by all the time.The story is very modern in that it weaves in a lotof little sub-issues that are common today.Student smoking, truancy, “latch-key” freedom,and some subtle lying and deception are allslightly disconcerting pieces of the action. TheVice Principal seems overly concerned with hisown importance, and doesn’t seem to have a realconcern or love for kids.All in all it is an enjoyable book, a good firstmystery experience, and the conclusion comestogether well.Quality—4Gayle Chessman HabermanAcceptability—4Teacher, West Hills Christian SchoolPortland, OregonYoung Cam Jansen and the Lost Tooth, byDavid A. Adler; illustrated by Susanna Natti.(A Viking Easy-to-read.) LCCN 96047357.New York: Viking, 1997. ISBN 0670873543,HBB, $11.99.F. Teeth--Fiction; Schools--Fiction; Mystery fiction.32 p.Young Cam Jansen and the Dinosaur Game, byDavid A. Adler; illustrated by Susanna Natti.(A Viking Easy-to-read.) LCCN 95046463.New York: Viking, 1996. ISBN 0670863998,HBB, $11.99.F. Mystery fiction; Memory--Fiction. 32 p.Young Cam Jansen and the Missing Cookie, byDavid A. Adler; illustrated by Susanna Natti.(A Viking Easy-to-read.) LCCN 95046462.New York: Viking, 1996. ISBN 0670867721,HBB, $11.99.F. Mystery fiction; Memory--Fiction. 32 p.Gr. 1 - 3.In Young Cam Jansen and the Dinosaur Game,Jennifer “the Camera” Jansen (Cam), who has aphotographic memory, solves the mystery of howone party goer guessed the exact number ofdinosaurs in the jar. The book includes a lessonin sharing.In Young Cam Jansen and the Missing Cookie,Cam discovers how a cookie disappeared out of afriend’s lunchbox. This story shows theimportance of avoiding false accusations.In Young Cam Jansen and the Lost Tooth, Camhelps a friend find her missing tooth so she canput it under her pillow. The plot is one youngelementary students can relate to—losing a tooth.The Young Cam Jansen stories do not need to beread in sequence. David Adler obviously knowselementary students—the stories could take placein almost any elementary school. The series isjust what students “too old” for easy readersdemand. Susanna Natti’s paintings complementthe text well.Quality—5Jane MouttetMissionary LibrarianHilltop Christian SchoolWindow Rock, ArizonaAcceptability—5C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 3 1 J A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8

BOOK REVIEWSCHILDREN’S NONFICTIONThrough the Eyes of Jesus, by Mack Thomas;illustrated by Hilber Nelson. Sisters, Ore.:Gold ‘n Honey Books, 1995. ISBN0880708034, HBB, $14.99.232.9. Jesus Christ--Biography. 63 p.Gr. 5 - Adult.Through the Eyes of Jesus retells scripturalstories as told from Jesus’ point of view. Thestories are based on New Testament scripturesabout the events of his life, embellished by thewriter’s imagination to convey the depth ofJesus’ and commitment to us, and his humanity.Jesus is portrayed using scripture to buildstrength in a trial or to illuminate a situation. Hisprayers to His Father are on behalf of people orin thanksgiving and are a natural outpouring ofthat intimate relationship.The stories make very interesting reading,particularly the one where Jesus is upon thecross, and serve to make Jesus seem morepersonal. However children should be cautionednot to accept the stories as the gospel, but asstories based upon scripture.Quality—5Sally KuhnsTeacherBremerton, WashingtonAcceptability—4Arts and Crafts for Lent : From Mardi Gras toPassiontide with Prayers and Blessings forFamily, School, and Church. Written andillustrated by Jeanne Heiberg. LCCN96029313. New York: Paulist Press, 1996.ISBN 080913683X, PAP, $11.95.263. Lent--Prayer-books and devotions; Children--Prayer-books and devotions; Catholic Church--Prayerbooksand devotions; Christian art and symbolism;Bible crafts. 122 p.K - Adult.Jeanne Heiberg’s Arts and Crafts for Lent setsout with lofty goals. She seeks to walk in thefootsteps of Maria Montessori and SofiaCavalletti, producing a source book for Lentenactivities that surrounds the senses and soincreases learning. She calls Lent a “retreat,” atime to go out to the desert that we may revel inthe garden of the resurrection when its six weeksare up. The rather lengthy introduction gives anice history of Lent and many practicalsuggestions for the crafts which follow, such asways to paint with small children. She also liststhe addresses and phone numbers of art productdistributors.The book is broken into eight sections, beginningwith Mardi Gras and ending with special ideasfor baptism, the traditional end product of Lent inthe early Christian church. Although Heibergwrites from a Catholic background, most of thebook can be utilized in any denomination.Simple line drawings by the author providepatterns for Mardi Gras masks and cross designs,a spiritual menu placemat, and a bloomingbanner. An extensive explanation of makingwormhouses sounds intriguing! (Renew theearth just as Lent renews our souls!) Eachchapter closes with a blessing complete withprayers, litanies, readings, ritual actions, andsongs. The projects are meant for use in achurch, school, or family setting. A variety ofages are accommodated in the activities. Puttingcreative minds and hands to work may indeedadd meaning to the Lenten season. Heiberg’sbook would at least provide some tangiblememories.Quality—4Ann M. PonathTeacher/LibrarianChrist Lutheran SchoolNorth St. Paul, MinnesotaAcceptability—5Bush Station Boys. Written by Judy Langley;illustrated by Wendy Kikugawa. (Land FarAway.) Birmingham, Ala.: New Hope, 1997.ISBN 1563092190, HBB, $10.95.266. Africa; Missionary kids. unp.Down African Roads. Written by JudyLangley; illustrated by Wendy Kikugawa.(Land Far Away.) Birmingham, Ala.: NewHope, 1997. ISBN 1563092182, HBB, $10.95.266. Africa; Missionary kids. unp.K - Gr. 2.Oh my! Growing up in a missionary family issurely an exciting one! With the manymissionaries all working together to help thosearound them, and at the same time sharing theGood News—there’s just not a dull momentgrowing up in Africa. Through delightfullymetered verse, the fifth book, Bush Station Boysin the Land Far Away series shows us there aremany jobs that missionaries have to do. The littlemissionary boy enjoys being a part of the busylife of a mission compound in the far away landof Zimbabwe where his family makes theirhome. The little boy grows up learning to carefor his fellow man through hospital work, churchwork, and school work. Even flying the plane isa ministry this little fellow knows is a veryimportant job. And each of these fellowmissionaries became a true hero to the boy.Not only can the reader enjoy the story, but eachbook in the series comes complete withsuggested activities. In Bush Station Boys, arecipe for Yellow Rice and a story game enhancethe book’s value.Illustrator Wendy Kikugawa’s artwork iswonderful and whimsical—a uniquecombination of collage, cut-and-paste, andcrumple paper genres, causing the books to comealive with the loveliness all their own and makingeach one a valuable treasure to anyone with a“touch-of-the-artist” in them.Simple travel is just not so simple in the Africanbushland. But our little missionary boy findseach trip a grand adventure in Down AfricanRoads, the fifth book in the Land Far Awayseries. Though the truck is old and the roads arebumpy, traveling to church, to school, to shop inthe big city, or to take a short vacation—each ridebecomes a learning experience for thisinquisitive little fellow. Growing up as amissionary kid, the little boy learns to share Jesuswith everyone he meets and takes delight inliving in Africa.Involving the readers in the hand-on activity ofwriting to missionaries and making Docono, anAfrican dessert, will be fun for any child.Kikugawa’s illustrations, complete with a hiddenchameleon on each page of the book, are simplydelightful. The entire Land Far Away seriesshould be counted on the top ten to buy list forany young child.Quality—5Acceptability—5Susan AdderleyFreelance Writer and Former TeacherJ A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8 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

CHILDREN’S NONFICTIONACSI, International MinistriesColorado Springs, ColoradoAmazing Grace : The Story of the Hymn, byLinda Granfield; illustrated by Janet Wilson.Toronto: Tundra Books, 1997. ISBN0887763898, HBB, $15.95.283. Newton, John, 1725-1807; Amazing Grace(Hymn); Church of England--Clergy--Biography;Hymn writers--England--Biography; Slave traders--England--Biography. unp.Gr. 3-Adult.“Amazing Grace” is one of the best-loved hymnssung around the world today. The words of thishymn were penned by John Newton, who was aminister at the time of its publication in 1771.But before he became a clergyman, he spentmany years as a slave trader, crossing theunpredictable waters between his native Englandand Africa, where he would purchase his humancargo. He would then set sail for the West Indies,where those who survived the horrific conditionsof the over-crowded cargo hold were sold into alife of slavery.Linda Granfield opens her book, AmazingGrace: The Story of the Hymn, with a briefbiography of Newton, followed by a one-pagesummary of the history of the slave trade. Thebalance of the book is devoted to a detaileddescription of a typical slaving voyage, as well asa more in-depth examination of Newton’s life.Some of the more significant historical eventsand people of the time are referred to.The words and pictures are not intended to shock,but neither do they soften or mask a most uglyperiod in our history. As a result, they aresometimes disturbing, and always thoughtprovoking.Janet Wilson uses color and light in ways thatbring life to her illustrations. She somehowmanages to capture the emotions of her subjects,and to create a sense of depth and texture thattranscends the printed page.Both author and illustrator have researched theirtopics well. The end result is a book thateducates and saddens, as it renews our faith in theamazing grace and mercy of God.Quality—5Acceptability—5Sylvia StopforthLibrarian, Trinity Western UniversityLangley, British ColumbiaAll the Children of the World. Christian ed, byKaren Mezek Leimert. LCCN 95048811.Dallas: Word Kids!, 1996. ISBN 0849913098,HBB, $12.99.305.23. Manners and customs. 112 p.Gr. 2 - 5.Karen Mezek’s book, All the Children of theWorld, focuses on the song “Jesus Loves theLittle Children,” using a section of the song tohighlight thirteen different geographical areasand people groups. Colorful pictures depict thedifferent groups which range from Iowans toSamoans. A map illustrates continents andgroups. Each group has its own customs andtraditions, but each is a part of God’s creation andplan.This book is an overview of many different areasof the world, not in depth. New words areintroduced with textual definitions. Find outabout a Samoan “fale,” or a Russian“Krestyanin.” Overall, this book is an excellentmeans of encouraging children to look beyondtheir own area of the world to learn about otherchildren and places.There is also a secular version of the book.Quality—5 Acceptability—5Paula Stewart MarksPrincipal, Morning Star Christian SchoolBend, OregonLots of Dads, by Shelley Rotner & Sheila M.Kelly; photographs by Shelley Rotner. NewYork: Dial Books for Young Readers, 1997.ISBN 0803720866, HBB, $12.99.306.874. Fathers--Pictorial works. unp.PS - Gr. 1.As individual as snowflakes, and as essential tolife as water, fathers define life and flavor it withtheir personalities. They shape the life of theirchildren by their presence and absence, by theirwork and play. They provide a shelter from theworld, as well as a foundation in it. ShelleyRotner and Sheila M. Kelly celebrate thisenormous responsibility of fatherhood withjoyful, full-color photographs in Lots of Dads, acatalog of fathers.The bold text of this twenty-one page book isbrief enough to keep pace with developingattention spans and simple enough toaccommodate beginning readers. It describes therole of the father as helper, provider, playmate,teacher, and encourager. The personalitiesportrayed are diverse in age and nationality.Love and admiration radiate in the eyes of thefathers and their children as they share the manydifferent activities of life together. ShelleyRotner and Sheila M. Kelly also co-authored thecounterpart for this book, Lots of Moms.Quality—5Melinda TorgersonFreelance WriterAcceptability—5Newport, WashingtonThe Star-Spangled Banner, by Deborah Kent.(Cornerstones of Freedom.) LCCN 95000836.Chicago: Childrens Press, 1995. ISBN0516066307, HBB, $16.40.349.73. Star-Spangled Banner (Song); Poets,American; United States--History--War of 1812; Key,Francis Scott, 1779-1843. 32 p.Gr. 5 - 8.The Star-Spangled Banner is an historicalaccount of the events that inspired Francis ScottKey to write his stirring poem, and its slowadoption as our national anthem. Deborah Kent’snarrative begins during the War of 1812. It wasa time of social changes and political turmoil asthe country defended itself once again fromBritish interference. Washington, D.C. had beencaptured and burned. Now the British fleetaimed to attack Fort McHenry. Held captive onboard one of the ships, Key watched the battle.During his anxious waiting, his thoughts took theform of a poem. The words so perfectly picturedthe hopes and fears of the people that it becamean immediate favorite. Controversy arose,however, because the tune was from a populardrinking song.Kent’s style is unembellished andstraightforward. The book uses drawings,paintings, and photographs from historicalsocieties and archives to illustrate the text. Theylend the book a definite feel for the time. A mapis included as well as a glossary, a timeline chart,and an index.The Star-Spangled Banner is part of theCornerstones of Freedom series that depictsAmerican history for readers in grades fivethrough eight.Quality—5Melinda TorgersonFreelance WriterNewport, WashingtonAcceptability—5Using Literature to Learn America’s Story, byJudith Cochran. Nashville: IncentivePublications, 1996. ISBN 0865303355, PAP,$9.95.371. United States--History--Handbooks and manuals.96 p.Adult.Quality picture books provide the springboardfor this two-week interdisciplinary thematic unitdesigned for the primary grades. The daily topicsfor the unit relate the wide sweep of Americanhistory to the interests of children: “NativeAmericans and Pilgrims; Colonies andIndependence; Opening the Frontier; Pioneersand Cowboys; Communication andTransportation; Civil War and Indian Wars;Immigrants; Discoveries, Inventions, andFamous Firsts; Civil Rights and Space in theSixties; History is You and Me.” CompleteC H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 3 3 J A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8

CHILDREN’S NONFICTIONdetailed daily lesson plans include ageappropriateactivities in every subject area:reading, writing, math, science, social studies,and art. Many of these varied activities areappealing, as well as instructional, and a numberinvolve higher order thinking skills. Simpleblack and white drawings illustrate the teacher’sguide section of the book, and the latter part ofthe book provides ready-to-use reproducibleblack line masters which may be used for manyof the suggested student activities.A strong proponent of literature-basedinstruction, Judith Cochran has written otherbooks on thematic units before Using Literatureto Learn America’s Story. The ten picture booksupon which these lessons were based are wellrecommended,and include biographies and othernon-fiction. A couple of the titles are currentlyout of print, and some may not be available inlocal libraries. However, these lessons areadaptable, and teachers can improvise usingother available materials. This guide assumesteachers’ access to additional reference sources,and addresses this need partially by including alist of several books “for further study.”Teachers who choose to spend more class time onthe individual topics could take advantage of thesuggested additional activities. Some teachersmight prefer to substitute different activities inplace of the suggested folk dances, or thecomposition of a class Declaration ofIndependence.Quality—4Acceptability—4Donna W. BowlingLibrary Media SpecialistAmbassadors for Christ AcademyBentonville, ArkansasJapanese Children’s Day and the ObonFestival, by Dianne M. MacMillan. (BestHoliday Books.) LCCN 96039170. Hillside,N.J.: Enslow Publishers, 1997. ISBN0894908189, HBB, $17.95.394.2. Children’s Day (Japan); Ullambana; Japan--Social life and customs; Japanese Americans--Sociallife and customs. 48 p.Mexican Independence Day and Cinco deMayo, by Dianne M. MacMillan. (BestHoliday Books.) LCCN 96047244. Hillside,N.J.: Enslow Publishers, 1997. ISBN0894908162, HBB, $17.95.394.2. Independence Day (Mexico); Cinco de Mayo(Mexican holiday); Holidays--Mexico; MexicanAmericans--Social life and customs. 48 p.President’s Day, by Dianne M. MacMillan.(Best Holiday Books.) LCCN 96027290.Hillside, N.J.: Enslow Publishers, 1997. ISBN0894908200, HBB, $17.95.394.2. President’s Day; Washington, George, 1732-1799; Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865; Presidents. 48 p.Thanksgiving Day, by Dianne M. MacMillan.(Best Holiday Books.) LCCN 96031395.Hillside, N.J.: Enslow Publishers, 1997. ISBN0894908227, HBB, $17.95.394.2. Thanksgiving Day. 48 p.Gr. 1 - 3.The Holiday Books are a series of books that dealwith special days that are celebrated in the UnitedStates. Each volume has the same generalorganization: they talk about current ways peopleobserve the holidays, the food people eat and thethings they do, and the history of the event. Thechapters are organized a bit like a report:explaining what is going to be told, telling it, andthen concluding with summarizing theinformation given. In other words, much of theinformation given is repeated. The text is writtenin short choppy sentences, in a style that makesthe reader feel talked down to. For this reason,these may be best utilized by those working withyounger kids wanting basic information. Thephotographs are very amateurish—many of themresembling snapshots from a photo album insteadof professional work. Some are dark and a bithard to see clearly. Each text includes a table ofcontents, a glossary, and an index.The books about the celebrations in Japan andMexico have a pronunciation guide followingforeign words. The Spanish ones give a Spanishlanguage pronunciation (which may not be theway that people in the United States would saythe given words). Both of these books presentinformation like these events are celebratedcommonly in many places in this country.Japanese Children’s Day and the Obon Festivalcovers a lot of information, almost too much forso small a book. Mexican Independence Day andCinco de Mayo has some good information, butgives some very obvious descriptions of Mexicanfoods. Most of the pictures in this volume arefrom parades and of food and they don’t alwaysfit the text. A map would have been helpful,instead of a verbal description of where the warscommemorated took place. President’s Daygives the basic stories of the lives and work ofPresidents Washington and Lincoln. It also triesto compared these two great men. ThanksgivingDay gives basic information in a simplistic style,as for someone who has never heard of thisevent.Quality—3Acceptability—5Judy BelcherTeacher, Sylvan Way Christian SchoolBremerton, WashingtonCaterina, the Clever Farm Girl : A Tale fromItaly, retold by Julienne Peterson; pictures byEnzo Giannini. LCCN 93015161. New York:Dial Books for Young Readers, 1996. ISBN0803711824, HBB, $14.99.398.2. Fairy tales; Folklore--Italy. unp.PS - Gr. 3.Julienne Peterson’s book, Caterina, The CleverFarm Girl, is a well-written retelling of an oldtale from Italy. Caterina’s cleverness inresponding to the king’s unique instructions soimpresses the king that he asks her to be his wife.As Queen, Caterina’s continued clevernessbrings disenchantment and finally banishmentfrom the kingdom. Can the Queen use herwittiness to save the situation?Artist, Enzo Giannini’s careful, colorfulrenditions, add zest and reality to the Tuscanfolktale, which dates to the fifteenth century.This is a positive story which relies on learning towork together to best resolve differences.Quality—4Acceptability—5Paula Stewart MarksPrincipal, Morning Star Christian SchoolBend, OregonThe Freedom Riddle, retold by Angela ShelfMedearis; illustrated by John Ward. LCCN93010713. New York: Lodestar, 1995. ISBN0525674691, HBB, $14.99.398.2. Folklore, Afro-American. unp.Gr. 1 - 2.The story of Jim, a slave who gains his freedomby using his intelligence, is based on a true storytold to William J. Faulkner. Master Brown lovesthe challenge of a good riddle and Jim uses thisfact to get his master to agree to free him, if Jimcan devise a riddle the master cannot solve. Jimtakes a whole year to complete his riddle and hisdiligence pays off.Angela Shelf Medearis incorporates several factsabout slave life and customs into the story,including Christmas celebrations and food. Thestory portrays Christmas as a tradition with noreference to religion. The celebrations describedillustrate the incorporation of African tribalcustoms. The illustrations appear to be oilpaintings with a warm, earthy feel. Emotions areclearly depicted, especially when Jim succeeds instumping his master.This book can be used effectively in history,holiday, and multicultural curriculum.Quality—4Acceptability—5Karla KessellLibrarian, Mount Vernon Nazarene CollegeMount Vernon, OhioThe Khan’s Daughter : A Mongolian Folktale,by Laurence Yep; illustrated by Jean andMou-Sien Tseng. LCCN 95025150. NewYork: Scholastic Press, 1997. ISBN0590483897, HBB, $16.95.398.2. Folklore--Mongolia. unp.Gr. 1 - 3.Mongke is a poor shepherd boy who believes hisfather’s foretelling of becoming rich andmarrying the Khan’s daughter. Mongke has topass three tests determined by the Khan’s wifebefore marriage is permitted. First, Mongkemust prove his strength by returning with thestolen goods of seven demons. Second, he mustJ A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8 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

CHILDREN’S NONFICTIONprove his bravery by driving away the Khan’sadversaries. Third, he must prove his prowess toBorte, the Khan’s daughter, by defeating Bagatur.Mongke and Bagatur confront each other inbattle, and Mongke capitulates without a struggleand discovers the real identity of his opponent.The Khan’s daughter was Bagatur, and the youngMongols agree to never divulge the truth of theconfrontation between them. They return to thecity and marry with no challenges by any foes forthe remainder of their lives.The Khan’s Daughter is a Mongolian folktaleadapted by Laurence Yep from a translation byBernard Julg originally published in l868. Thesuperb watercolor illustrations of Jean and Mou-Sien Tseng realistically portray the story butcould scare young children on some pages. Thepainting of the demons might give youngchildren nightmares. Each page is bordered withgold, and the book’s dust jacket depicts aMongolian princess and soldier illustrated inacrylic paint on gold-leaf.Quality—3Acceptability—4Dianne WoodsmanFreelance Writer, Homeschool ParentMilpitas, CaliforniaThe Knight’s Handbook : How to Become aChampion in Shining Armor, by ChristopherGravett. New York: Cobblehill Books, 1997.ISBN 0525652418, HBB, $13.99.398.22. Knights and knighthood--Manuals andhandbooks. 29 p.Gr. 2 - 6.Do you have what it takes to be a championknight in shining armor? What is “chivalry” and“heraldry?” The Knights Handbook, byChristopher Gravett, gives intriguing facts andbackground information about medieval knightsand their training. Full of colorful photographsand drawings, the book also includes simpleinstructions for making a helmet, sword, shield,castle, jousting knights, and a siege catapult. TheKnightly Code of Honor—ten rules ofdeportment—includes putting God first! This isan impressive book, giving excellent historicalinsights about medieval times, the church, andcrusades. Practical hands on projects involve aswell as inform the reader. Teachers as well ashomeschool parents will find this an asset fortheir students.Quality—5Acceptability—5Paula Stewart MarksPrincipal, Morning Star Christian SchoolBend, OregonMaster Maid : A Tale of Norway, retold byAaron Shepard; pictures by Pauline EllisonLCCN 94037527. New York: Dial Books forYoung Readers, 1997. ISBN 0803718225,HBB, $14.99.398.2. Fairy tales; Folklore--Norway. unp.Gr. 1 - 3.Handsome, stubborn Leif leaves home so that hewon’t have to obey anyone and can do whateverhe wants. He ignores his father’s parting adviceand goes to the house of the troll, who gives himthree impossible tasks: shoveling dung, fetchinga stallion, and collecting a tunnel tax from thefairies. The troll repeatedly warns Leif not toenter his house if he values his life.Leif disregards all threats and goes directly intothe kitchen, where he meets Master Maid. Onday one they hold hands, on day two his arm isaround her, and on day three she kisses him whenhe expresses his love for her. Master Maid tellsLeif the secrets for performing each task. Heignores her, tries to do it his own way, then finallysucceeds by following her suggestions.Surprised by each of Leif’s accomplishments, thetroll asks if he has talked to Master Maid. Leifoffers no direct denial, but replies deceitfully.When the troll orders Leif cooked in a stew,Master Maid and Leif gallop away on horses. Asthe troll gives chase, he and the girl cast spellsupon one another—she saying, “bless my soul,”and he, “curse her soul.”The two escape by sailboat to a distant shore,where they marry. When the minister asksMaster Maid if she’ll love, honor, and obey herhusband, Leif insists it’s better that he obey her.This strong-willed main character faces noconsequences for his disobedience anddishonesty, other than a little difficultyperforming tasks.Master Maid, a Norwegian fairy tale from a 19thcentury collection, is a well-written retelling byAaron Shepard. All pages have a framed border;one half of the full pages boast Pauline Ellison’sbeautiful colored illustrations.Quality—5Acceptability—4Rhonda Marie LackeyFreelance Writer/Retired Teacher LibrarianTukwila, WashingtonOne Grain of Rice : A Mathematical Folktale,by Demi. LCCN 96007002. New York:Scholastic Press, 1997. ISBN 059093998X,HBB, $19.95.398.2. Folklore--India; Mathematics--Folklore. unp.PS - Gr. 4.An Indian raja collects the rice harvested by thepeople of his province and stores it safely awayon the premise of protecting his people fromfamine. When famine comes, however, the rajarefuses to release the stored rice to the people. Aclever girl named Rani notices rice leaking froma basket being transported to the raja’s palace.She gathers the rice and instead of keeping it forherself, she returns it to the raja.The raja offers her whatever reward she wouldname. Rani asks the raja to give her a singlegrain of rice and, each day for thirty days, todouble the amount of rice given her the daybefore. The raja agrees to this request thinkingthat it will not amount to much. However, by thethirtieth day the amount multiplies to536,870,912 grains of rice. Rani has cleaned outthe royal rice storehouses in just thirty days.This folktale touches on moral and ethicalprinciples while providing an example ofmultiplication. Demi tells a well written storyand explains the mathematical elements clearly.A chart provided at the end shows the amount ofrice received each day. The illustrations done ina traditional East Indian style are gilded and verycolorful. Each day a different kind of animaldelivers the rice to Rani, including a peacock, atiger, a monkey, Brahma bulls and more. Thenumerous camels and elephants require fold outpages to hold them all.This story will be of interest to a wide age rangebecause it can be understood on more than onelevel.Quality—5Acceptability—5Karla KessellLibrarian, Mount Vernon Nazarene CollegeMount Vernon, OhioThis for That : A Tonga Tale, retold by VernaAardema; pictures by Victoria Chess. LCCN93032309. New York: Dial Books for YoungReaders, 1997. ISBN 0803715544, HBB,$14.99.398.24. Folklore, Tonga. unp.Gr. 2 - 6.This for That is the retelling of an African folktaleabout Rabbit and her quest for drinking water andavoidance of the related work. Her attempts toget what she wants through devious meansensnares her in a tangle of lies that is herundoing. The moral? “A lie may travel far, butthe truth will overtake it.”This well-told tale will entertain children andadults alike with its interesting word choices andsuitability for oral storytelling. The author, VernaAardema, has also written the well-known WhyMosquitoes Buzz in Peoples Ears and otherAfrican tales. The color illustrations by VictoriaChess are full of texture and expression.Quality—5Sally KuhnsTeacherBremerton, WashingtonAcceptability—5The Science Book for Girls and OtherIntelligent Beings, written by Valerie Wyatt;illustrated by Pat Cupples. Toronto, Ont.:Kids Can Press, 1993. ISBN 1550741136,PAP, $8.95.500. Science; Women scientists--Biography; Scienceactivities. 80 p.Gr. 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 3 5 J A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8

CHILDREN’S NONFICTIONThe activities and experiments in The ScienceBook for Girls and Other Intelligent Beingsdemonstrate how science is at work in oureveryday lives. Wyatt uses a loose “plot” tofollow an unnamed main character from awakingand eating breakfast, through a day at school andhome again. The text addresses capillary actionin breakfast cereal, digestion, microorganisms,rain, ink chromatography, how televisions, soapand toothpaste work, and using math and datacollection in science.Afairy godmother called Nora, short for NaturalObservation Research Activator, is supposed toupdate the fantasy fairy godmother into a“scientific” guide. Nora introduces theexperiments that demonstrate science ineveryday life, but occasionally uses magic tofurther the “plot.” The book is filled with tidbitsof interesting facts; for example, dust mites feedon the one pound of skin cells humans shed peryear. Every spread has an easy-to-do exerciseusing objects found around the home. Cupples’illustrations are bright and cartoon-like adding anair of fun to the activities, and depicting the stepsin many of the experiments.A second section of the book focuses on tenscience careers open to females using activities todescribe the profession. A brief biography of awoman in each field, except the chemist,provides a positive role model. The final sectionincludes science and math brain teasers to “flexyour science muscles.”The book includes answers to the puzzles foundthroughout the book, an index, tips on using theexperiments to create a science fair project, and anote to parents, teachers and group leaders. Aglossary is not included, but all new words, suchas capillary action, are defined within the text.Though targeted for girls, this book is a goodintroduction for both genders for careers andconcepts in science.Quality—3Acceptability—4Lisa A. WrobleFreelance Writer and LibrarianPlymouth, MichiganADrop of Water : A Book of Science andWonder, written and photographed by WalterWick. LCCN 95030068. New York:Scholastic Press, 1996. ISBN 0590221973,HBB, $16.95.546. Water; Science activities. 40 p.K - Gr. 6.Stunning close-up photography by Walter Wickcomplements his easy-to-understand text thatexplains about water and some of the scientificproperties related to it. Taking the reader from adrop of water, with stop-action photos showingthe splash a drop of water makes, to ice,snowflakes (magnified up to 60 times actualsize), frost and dew, and concluding with howwater bends light, Wick explains how incrediblewater is.Terms such as surface tension, adhesion,capillary attraction, evaporation, condensation,refraction, and wavelength are indicated withitalic type and explained within thestraightforward text. Some spreads showexperiments such as floating a pin on water, orwhy soap weakens surface tension formingbubbles. Other spreads show what happenswhen water meets air, when water freezes orevaporates, and how clouds form. The finalpages of the book describe the experiments usedto create the photos in the book with statementsfor young experimenters to think about andobserve when they recreate the activities.ADrop of Water is useful for teachers and homeschoolers, as well as introducing science to ayoung reader. The experiments can bedemonstrated in front of a class or used as handsonlearning. The photos and clear text make ADrop of Water an enticing choice for encouragingthe reading of nonfiction. Librarians assistingchildren with school assignments may find thelack of glossary or index a drawback, but thenarrow focus and artistic photography willcertainly captivate young researchers.Quality—5Acceptability—5Lisa A. WrobleFreelance Writer and LibrarianPlymouth, MichiganHurricanes : Earth’s Mightiest Storms, byPatricia Lauber. LCCN 95025788. NewYork: Scholastic Press, 1996. ISBN0590474065, HBB, $16.95.551.55. Hurricanes. 64 p.Gr. 5 - Adult.With a doomed, unwarned audience gathered onthe beach to watch the unusual weather, the 200mile per hour hurricane bursts on the 1938 NewJersey shore. Forty feet high storm surges tearthe shoreline apart, leveling tall apartmentbuildings, tossing tankers around like straws.Not allowing the reader to catch his breath,enhancing word with eyewitness photos, PatriciaLauber continues teaching us about hurricanes,man’s efforts to understand and foretell them,and their impact on nature. The stories of varioushurricanes hurl through these pages. HurricaneAndrew tearing into forewarned Florida closesthe saga.Hurricanes is written for the student, but he willhave a hard time getting it away from his adults!Recipient of several non-fiction writing awards,Lauber thoroughly researched her subject.Starting in 1938, moving in a direct line to today,using fascinating facts, Lauber lucidly andengrossingly presents the modern history ofhurricanes. All new words are explained withinthe text. Written simply, yet with respect for thereader’s ability, sentences reflect a storyteller’sflair, a teacher’s preciseness. Drawing frommuseums, private individuals, and newspaperfiles, Lauber uses relevant black and white andcolor photos to illustrate her subject. Sheincludes several picture diagrams to enhance herexplanations. Much can be learned by justreading the pictures and captions. A helpfulindex and list of further reading completesHurricanes.Quality—5Donna EggettCPC Volunteer CounselorMaiden, North CarolinaAcceptability—5Watching Our Feathered Friends, by Dean T.Spaulding. (Birder’s Bookshelf.) LCCN96025128. Minneapolis: Lerner Publications,1,997.00. ISBN 0822531771, HBB, $14.95.598. Bird watching. 56 p.Feeding Our Feathered Friends, by Dean T.Spaulding. (Birder’s Bookshelf.) LCCN96028585. Minneapolis: Lerner Publications,1,997.00. ISBN 0822531755, HBB, $14.95.598. Bird feeders. 56 p.Gr. 2 - 4.Explore the avocation of bird-watching withfascinating data and a handful of crafts illustratedwith color drawings. Young readers will learnornithologists’ history, habitat varieties, gear andclothing essentials, field guide uses, and variousbirding approaches.Construct and utilize a multitude of backyardbird feeders illustrated with color drawings usingchiefly home miscellany. Projects require little tototal adult supervision. Young readers will learnfoodstuffs of birds, quantity of birdseed to use,importance of commitment after stockingfeeders, and the value of a field guide.Dean T. Spaulding, an environmental journalist,wildlife photographer, and member of theAudubon Society, provides an opportunity inboth books for children to augment theirJ A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8 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

CHILDREN’S NONFICTIONeducation of ornithology. Exceptional colorphotographs with captions synonymous to thetext plus a glossary and index enhance thereading. These books are valuable learning toolsfor independent reading or adults sharing themwith young readers.Quality—4Acceptability—5Dianne WoodmanFreelance Writer and Homeschool ParentMilpitas, CaliforniaThe Ice’s Edge : The Story of a Harp Seal Pup,by Karen Romano Young; illustrated byBrian Shaw. (Smithsonian OceanicCollection.) LCCN 96007323. Norwalk,Conn.: Soundprints, 1996. ISBN 1568993072,KIT, $19.95.599.74. Harp seal; Seals (Animals). 1 vol., 32 p.; 1audiocassette, 9 min.PS - Gr. 2.Young children will delight in reading The Ice’sEdge: The Story of a Harp Seal Pup, written byKaren Romano Young and illustrated by BrianShaw. Produced by the Smithsonian Institutionin association with Soundprints, the book comesattractively packaged with an audio cassette tape,narrated by Peter Thomas, and a stuffed toy seal.Little Harp Seal begins life as a pup one coldMarch day on the pack ice near Labrador, wherehis mother nurses him. Because his white coatblends into the ice, he goes unnoticed by a polarbear hunting gray seals. One morning LittleHarp Seal discovers that his mother is gone (toGreenland to repeat the mating and birthingprocess). After hungrily waiting and searching,he and his pals accidentally fall into theirmothers’ old breathing hole, where they learn toswim, breathe, and eat krill for the first time.Having grown a layer of blubber and a gray coat,he faces the dangerous polar bear a second time,barely escaping the giant swinging paws. NowLittle Harp Seal is ready to follow his mother’sroute along the ice’s edge.With a two-foot horizontal spread, this book’stext appears on solid illustration, giving thereader a beautiful panoramic painting inlavenders, blues, blue-greens, and whites witheach turn of the page. Large, cuddly animalsinvite the child’s touch. The seal’s riveting eyesstare into the reader’s.The audio tape’s lovely instrumental music(piano and others), authentic seal cries, andnarration keep pace with the tension, emotion,and discovery in the story. A short scientificnarrative at the tape’s end discusses a seal’s lifecycle—from pup to beater to saddleback.Give a child this excellent gift package any timeof year; watch him drift into the wonderful worldof ice.Quality—5Rhonda Marie LackeyAcceptability—5Freelance Writer/ Retired Teacher/LibrarianTukwila, WashingtonGoing to the Doctor, by T. Berry Brazelton,M.D.; drawings by Alfred Womack;photographs by Sam Ogden. LCCN96009000. Reading, Mass.: Addison-Wesley,1996. ISBN 0201406942, HBB, $15.00.628.92. Medical care; Children’s art. 48 p.PS - Gr. 2.Going to the Doctor by T. Berry Brazelton, M.D.is an honest attempt of a doctor to communicatewith a child. Thinking preparation aids everyoneinvolved, Brazelton relays each step of a visit tothe doctor. Everything from getting undressed tohaving a shot is discussed in detail. The whysand what fors are explained clearly.Illustrative photographs by Sam Ogdenaccompany the text. Brazelton’s grandson’sdrawings are added to each spread. These givethe reader insight into another child’s reaction tothe doctor. The pieces are clear and telling.Brazelton has written clearly to communicatewith even the youngest children. The wordspoop, pee, butt, and fart are used. He alsoempowers the child by stating he is their doctor,not the parents’. The child can request the parentto leave, and the doctor can become a confidant.An afterword for parents is included to conveythe profit of preparing children for doctor visitsand surgeries. This involves talking aboutprocedures, cleaning wax from ears, andpracticing for a throat exam.Going to the Doctor is a nice addition tochildren’s books. Readers will appreciate beingspoken to directly by a doctor. Fears may be putto rest by Brazelton’s explanations of a doctorvisit.Quality—5Lorie Ann GroverFreelance Writer/IllustratorKent, WashingtonAcceptability—4HCircuit Sense for Elementary Teachers andStudents: Understanding and Building SimpleLogic Circuits, by Janaye Matteson Houghtonand Robert S. Houghton. LCCN 93030270.Englewood, Colo.: Teacher Ideas Press, 1994.ISBN 1563081490, PAP, $13.00.621.395. Logic circuits--Study and teaching(Elementary); Science projects--Design andconstruction; Educational toys--Design andconstruction. 65 p.K - Gr. 6, Adult.Aluminum foil, masking tape, cardboard,flashlight batteries, and small LEDs—evenkindergarten children can safely use these simplematerials to build and experiment with a varietyof types of electrical circuits. Projects forkindergarten and first-grade children begin with asimple circuit to which they can then add aswitch. Succeeding chapters suggest projects forolder children that involve building progressivelymore complex circuits. To the several practicaluses suggested for each type of circuit, childrenmay add other creative projects of their own.Janaye and Bob Houghton clearly explain theelectrical terms and symbols as they introducethem gradually throughout the book. SimpleblacK - and-white drawings illustrate the variousintriguing projects suggested. Many of thedrawings, including those of the five circuits inAppendix C, may be copied for classroom use.Written at the fifth-grade level, Circuit Sense forElementary Teachers and Students is animaginative and unique resource for introducingthe principles of electrical circuits to youngchildren. Classroom teachers, home schoolingparents, or older children, perhaps looking for ascience fair project, will find it stimulating andeasy to use. A special bonus is the introductionof logic principles in this practical, concretecontext. The AND, OR, and NOT Boolean logicterms woven throughout this slender, attractivebook will be familiar; for example, if needed atsome other time for advanced searchingprocedures in library computer databases. Theintroduction points out how the problem solvingsteps used in building and “debugging” logiccircuits apply to other subject areas as well.* Afew games for reinforcement and some usefultrouble shooting hints provide finishing touches.This book was listed among Science Books &Film’s Annual Best Children’s Science Book Listin January/February 1995.Quality—5Acceptability—5Donna W. BowlingLibrary Media SpecialistAmbassadors for Christ AcademyBentonville, ArkansasHush Little Baby, by Sylvia Long. SanFrancisco: Chronicle Books, 1997. ISBN0811814165, HBB, $12.95.782. Lullabies; Folk songs. unp.PS - Gr. 1.Sylvia Long’s illustrations enhance her newvariation of the book Hush little Baby. Herchoice of phrases contrasts dramatically to themore material original version with its phraseslike “buy a diamond ring,” “buy a billy goat.”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 J A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8

CHILDREN’S NONFICTIONLong has transformed the song by drawingmother rabbit and her little baby closer togetherby “showing you the evening sky,” “search for ashooting star,” and “sing you a lullaby.” On theleft hand pages are the words with a small picturerelating to the words. On the right, vivid anddetailed page-size pictures further enhance thetext which children can easily follow along and“read.” Details like the carrot lamp cord and thecarrot print on the curtains will entertain the mostdiscerning readers and listeners.The phrase “with new words” or perhaps “avariation” is missing from the title and jacketwhich makes it difficult for those who aresearching for the original version of the words.Lacking is a musical arrangement.The book is perfect for lapsit storytimes.Toddlers can do the actions as the story is read. Aplush 8” baby rabbit wearing yellow pajamaswith blue stars and/or 16 assorted notecards &envelopes can also be obtained from ChronicleBooks to further your enjoyment of this lullaby.On Mother’s Lap by Ann Herbert Scott is a nicecomplement to the above title.Quality—5Carolyn Jo BallardLibrarianZ. J. Loussac Public LibraryAnchorage, AlaskaAcceptability—5Olympics! By B. G. Hennessy; pictures byMichael Chesworth. LCCN 95048127. NewYork: Viking, 1996. ISBN 0670865222, HBB,$14.99.796.48. Olympics. unp.Gr. 2 - 6.What a bustle of activity and preparation theword “Olympics” brings to mind. Athletestraining extensively, towns preparing for thethousands of visitors and all the otherpreparations that it takes to get these events offthe ground. In a design reminiscent of ThePhilharmonic Gets Dressed or The Dallas TitansGet Dressed, the author and illustrator showathletes getting ready for Olympic Events withall the equipment, medicines, and oils. Youngreaders will pore over the pages.Aspects of the games are also touched upon asshort sentences move the reader through thephases of the Olympics while giving the readerinformation about the history, organization andstructure of both summer and winter games. Afine introduction to the Olympics for youngreaders.Quality—4Acceptability—4Leslie Greaves RadloffTeacher/LibrarianEmanuel Lutheran School(WELS)W. St. Paul, MinnesotaGive a Dog a Bone : Stories, Poems, Jokes, andRiddles About Dogs. Compiled by JoannaCold and Stephanie Calmenson; with originalillustrations by John Speirs. LCCN93002536. New York: Scholastic, 1996. ISBN0590463748, HBB, $16.95.808.8. Dogs--Literary collections. 90 p.PS - Gr. 3.Joanna Cole and Stephanie Calmenson havecompiled a delightful collection of stories,poems, jokes, and riddles about dogs. Dogs of allsizes and kinds are celebrated. Main charactersof the stories include: Fido, a dog who goes towork in place of his master; Mudge, a dog whoadopts kittens; the last puppy who longs to befirst at something; Jennie’s dog, who solvesmysteries; and Barry, who saves people’s lives.The reading levels vary including read-alouds,easy reader, and a rebus story. A non-fictionsection of facts about dogs is included. Theillustrations done by at least three differentillustrators provide action packed variety.Quality—5Acceptability—5Karla KessellLibrarian, Mount Vernon Nazarene CollegeMount Vernon, OhioThe Book of Giving : Poems of Thanks, Praiseand Celebration. Collected and illustrated byKay Chorao. LCCN 95012796. New York:Dutton Children’s Books, 1995. ISBN0525454098, HBB, $16.99.808.81. Generosity--Poetry; Gratitude--Poetry; Poetry--Collection. 56 p.Gr. 1 - 5.Kay Chorao’s colorful, life-like, and whimsicalillustrations of children and animals will delightand immediately capture any young person’sattention. The Book of Giving is a collection ofpoems designed to focus the reader on the manyfacets of giving. These include presents, time,care, love, and advice. The book begins with alook at God’s creation and continues with amulti-cultural presentation which includesNative American prayers, Algerian prayers,Christian hymns and poems, and Jewish andBlack American Culture. Although theillustrations will rate a number ten by any childfour or up, the collection seems to be aimed at asomewhat older audience. There is a richness oflanguage and a focus on blessing, praise, andovercoming.Quality—4Acceptability—3Paula Stewart MarksPrincipal, Morning Star Christian SchoolBend, OregonBeastly Banquet : Tasty Treats for AnimalAppetites; animal poems by PeggyMunsterberg; pictures by Tracy Gallup.LCCN 94002951. New York: Dial Books forYoung Readers, 1997. ISBN 0803714823,HBB, $14.99.811. Animals--Food habits--Poetry; American poetry.unp.PS - Gr. 2.If Animal Planet and Shel Silverstein ever write abook together, it will be similar to BeastlyBanquet. Peggy Munsterberg’s amusing poetryportrays the unusual dietary habits of nineteendifferent creatures ranging from the crocodilebird that picks its dinner from between the teethof the crocodiles along the Nile to the commonmosquito hunting for fresh blood.Munsterberg’s style is a blend of scientific factand youthful imagination sprinkled generouslywith childlike humor. This lighthearted approachto science is also reflected in Tracy Gallup’sfanciful illustrations of cockroaches in formalparty dress, and frogs having tea on a lily pad.The short verses flow easily, drawing the readerinto the appetites of these featured creatures, andleaving them with food for thought.Beastly Banquet is the first children’s book forPeggy Munsterberg and Tracy Gallup.Quality—4Melinda TorgersonFreelance WriterNewport, WashingtonAcceptability—5Down by the River : Afro-Caribbean Rhymes,Games, and Songs for Children, compiled byGrace Hallworth; illustrated by CarolineBinch. LCCN 96002043. New York:Scholastic, 1996. ISBN 0590693204, HBB,$16.95.811. Caribbean literature (English); Children’s poetry;Children’s songs; Nursery rhymes. unp.PS - Adult“One potato, two potato, three potato, four....”Do you remember those rhymes that we all did aschildren? When I opened Down By the River,compiled by Grace Hallworth, I was suddenlytransported back in time to my childhood, back toLewis and Clark School, back to that lofty gymand concrete play yard where I first clappedhands and twirled a jump rope to these samerhymes.Grace Hallworth has collected, in this colorfulvolume, many of the Afro-Caribbean rhymes,games, and songs that have endured generations,and joined them with the delightful illustrationsof Caroline Binch to make a wonderful additionJ A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8 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

CHILDREN’S NONFICTIONfor any school library or children’s bookshelf.This book brings yesterday’s rhymes home totoday’s kids, especially those whose heritage isout of Africa or the Caribbean. Many of theserhymes have a cross cultural backgroundspringing from French, English, African andAmerican roots, making this book very “diverse”and “correct.”Grace Hallworth grew up in Trinidad, close to thesea. To be Trinidadian was to be diverse becausethere were so many cultures that made up theisland. With her background and CarolineBinch’s illustrations, who is probably best knownfor her work in Amazing Grace and Hue Boy, thecasual, fun-loving beauty of the Caribbeanpeople and their setting come to life in the pagesof this book. The children in these pictures feelreal right down to the gleam in their shiny blackhair, the untied shoelaces and the untuckeduniform blouses and shirts. The pictures aresunny, vibrant and alive. Even if one didn’t carefor childhood poetry, the illustrations alonewould make the book a valuable and treasuredkeepsake.This fun book of poetry will enhance the child inany child or any age, from two to ninety-two.Quality—5Acceptability—5Gayle Chessman HabermanTeacher, West Hills Christian SchoolPortland, OregonSea Watch : A Book of Poetry, by Jane Yolen;illustrated by Ted Lewin. LCCN 94032533.New York: Philomel Books, 1996. ISBN0399227342, HBB, $15.95.811. Marine animals--Poetry; American poetry. 31 p.Gr. 1 - 6.Sea Watch is an enchanting anthology of poemsintroducing fourteen extraordinary inhabitants ofour oceans. From the flowerlike sea anemone,the milky white beluga whale, the deadlyPortuguese man-of-war to the flexible octopus,Janet Yolen navigates the reader on a magicalunderwater journey.The watercolor illustrations of Ted Lewin drawthe reader into the depths of the sea. Theluminous grunion and the radiant sea otter arejust two of the captivating paintings sure toenthrall children and adults. The book’s dustjacket has an eye-catching illustration of themajestic killer whale.The “Sea Watch Notes” preceding the storyprovide real life facts about each illustrated seacreature. Teachers and parents will find the bookan invaluable educational tool. It would make anexcellent addition to any children’s collection.Quality—5Acceptability—5Dianne WoodmanFreelance Writer, Homeschool ParentMilpitas, CaliforniaHThe Tempest. William Shakespeare, retold byAnn Keay Beneduce; illustrated by GennadySpirin. LCCN 94033357. New York:Philomel Books, 1996. ISBN 0399227644,HBB, $16.95.822.33. Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616--Adaptations. unp.Gr. 4 - 8.A tempest rages and a ship is tossed, but there isno danger, for the storm is the work of themagician Prospero. He lives alone with hislovely daughter Miranda on a small island, wherethey landed after being set adrift on the open seatwelve years earlier by Prospero’s own brother.The only other inhabitants of the island are themonster Caliban and a magical sprite by thename of Ariel, who aids Prospero in his magicarts.For twelve long years, Prospero has thought ofnothing but revenge against his brother, and theKing of Naples, who helped his brother stealProspero’s dukedom. The tempest tossed shipholds none other than these two villains, and thepurpose of this magic storm is to lure them to theisland.When the passengers are safely on shore, it isdiscovered that the king’s son, Ferdinand, isamong them. He and Miranda meet and fallinstantly in love. Prospero creates a test todetermine if Ferdinand’s love is true, and whenhe passes the test, Prospero decides that the bestrevenge he can exact is to forgive his brother andthe king.The Tempest is a retelling for children ofShakespeare’s classic stage play by the samename. Beneduce’s task of shortening such acomplex work of literature into picture bookform has been handled with flair and style. Theonly shortcoming seems to be in her inclusion ofthe character Caliban. While Caliban is central tothe stage play, his mention in this version is sodetached from the main story line, that it makeslittle sense to include him. However, the mainthreads of the narrative remain intact and enticereaders to want to know the rest of the story.Included throughout the book are pieces ofspeeches from the original play, which make thebook even more valuable as a study tool.As with many of Shakespeare’s works, use of theoccult is the core component of this story. Whilethis prevents a challenge for parents andeducators teaching from a Christian perspective,it should not eliminate this book as anintroduction to one of the greatest writers of alltime. The story’s downfall might possibly becompensated for by the concurrent theme thatforgiveness is the best revenge, and that in theend, Prospero throws away his magic to return tothe world of men.Perhaps the greatest reason to own this book is itsincredible watercolor images by Gennady Spirin.Spirin’s illustrations are true classics and arereminiscent of medieval art. Their high qualityshould prove to be as much of an inspiration forthe further study of fine art, as the story is for thereading of classical literature.Quality—5Virginia SchnabelCopy WriterShelton, WashingtonAcceptability—3HWilliam Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’sDream, by William Shakespeare, retold byBruce Coville; pictures by Dennis Nolan.LCCN 94012600. New York: Dial Books,1996. ISBN 0803717857, HBB, $16.95.822.33. Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616--Adaptations. unp.Gr. 3 - 6.Hermia and Lysander are in love, but Hermia’sfather objects and wants Hermia to marryDemetrius instead. Hermia refuses and plotswith Lysander to run away and elope, but fairhairedHelena, who loves Demetrius, finds outabout the plan and warns Demetrius. In the darkof the woods live the fairies and sprites. It is herethat the young lovers decide to meet, and thetrouble begins. The fairy queen Titania is in anargument with Oberon the fairy king, who hasdecided to use a magic potion which causes oneto fall in love with the first thing he sees. Hishelper Puck misapplies the magic potion andsoon Lysander is proclaiming love for Helenarather than Hermia.Meanwhile, a group of actors has entered thewoods to practice a play, and the mischievousPuck gives a donkey head to an actor by the nameof Bottom. It is Bottom whom Titania first seesand falls in love with.When Oberon again uses magic to makeeveryone sleep, the mistakes are corrected andthe night’s adventures are thought to be nothingmore than a dream.Colville encapsulates Shakespeare’s classic taleA Midsummer’s Night Dream into an easy toread, easy to understand format that will create aninterest in Shakespeare for young readers. Whilethe language Colville uses is simple, he alsoincorporates some of the actual Shakespeareanflavor into his sentence structure, giving thisC H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 3 9 J A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8

CHILDREN’S NONFICTIONretelling an authentic feel. The subject matter ismature; however, Colville’s style makes it seemno more challenging than Cinderella or TheSwan Princess.As in all fairy tales, magic is heavily relied uponto make things happen, but the magic does notinvolve incantations or occult practices.The story is enhanced by the illustrations ofDennis Nolan. His images convey so muchemotion and action that one almost gets a senseof motion from studying them. The colors aresubdued in places, bright in others, but have asoft patina which matches the parchment look ofthe story’s written pages.One illustration to watch out for reveals a lessthan modest pose of Titania lying next to Bottom.Previously in the story, we find that Hermia andLysander are sleeping some distance from eachother because they are not yet married, but soonafter, we see the image of Titania and Bottom, inwhich her dress has slipped from her shoulderand their arms are around each other. This imagemay create moral confusion for young readers.Quality—5Virginia SchnabelCopy WriterShelton, WashingtonAcceptability—3Catching Their Talk in a Box : The Life-Storyof Joy Ridderhof, by Betty M. Hockett. (ALife-Story from Missions.) LCCN 87081296.Newberg, Ore.: George Fox Press, 1987.ISBN 0943701139, PAP, $4.95.921 (266). Peru; Ridderhof, Joy; Missionaries--Biography. 76 p.Gr. 3 - 7Joy Ridderhof learned a lesson in trust in God asa young woman. She was prone to worry untilshe heard a preacher say, “If you trust God, youdon’t worry. If you worry, you don’t trust God.”This book in the missions series by Betty M.Hockett emphases prayer and faith. From thetime Joy decides to attend a Bible school tobecome a missionary, she trusts God for day today needs. It is a story with great examples ofwaiting on the Lord to provide. And as Joy says,“God is never late.”Joy was sure God wanted her to go to Africa. Butwhen the door to Africa closed she accepted acall to Honduras. After six years on the field Joybecame sick and needed a long rest. Back in thestates she could not forget the people waiting tohear the Gospel and she began to daydream ofmaking Gospel records in Spanish. From thisdream the organization Gospel Recordings wasborn. And God continued to answer her prayersin wonderful and surprising ways.A good introduction to the commitment anddedication needed to be a missionary.Quality—4Acceptability—5Myrtlemay Pittman CraneFreelance Writer, Editor, SpeakerAlderwood Manor, WashingtonMarie Curie’s Search for Radium, by BeverleyBirch; illustrated by Christian Birmingham.(Science Stories Series.) LCCN 96083309.Hauppauge, N.Y.: Barron’s, 1996. ISBN0812066219, HBB, $10.95.921 (500.82). Curie, Marie Sklodowska, 1867-1934;Physicists; Scientists--Women; Women--Biography;Radium. unp.Gr. 1 - 4.Marie Curie, the first European female Doctor ofScience, discovered Radium in 1902. Sheutilized analysis and experiments to detect thenew element, but then could not prove it existedbecause trace amounts could not be seen. Sheproceeded to painstakingly collect trace amountsfor three years until she collected one tenth of anounce. Her discovery was notable during hertime and has earned her fame and recognitionstill deserved. Her perseverance andacknowledged intellectual contribution haveinspired many young scientists.Marie Curie’s Search for Radium relates thestory of Curie’s scientific career. It addressesboth her drive for success and her intellectualreasoning which proved itself. This title of theseries, Science Selections, is well-written andeasy to understand. The illustrations are welldone and appealing. The type size will not provedaunting to emerging science and biographyreaders. The readability and intrigue of Birchand Birmingham’s work in Marie Curie’s Searchfor Radium make it a must for science andbiographical collections.Quality—5Carol M. Jones, MLISChildren’s LibrarianUrbana-Champaign, IllinoisAcceptability—5George Washington Carver, What Do You See?by Janet and Geoff Benge; illustrated byKennon James. (Another Great Achiever.)LCCN 96015489. Houston: AdvancePublishing, 1997. ISBN 1575371022, HBB,$14.95.921 (630). Carver, George Washington, 1864?-1943;Afro-Americans--Biography; Agriculturists. 48 p.Gr. 3 - 6.George Washington Carver, What Do You See?tells the fascinating story of a man born a slavewho became a great scientist. Growing up in theSouth, Carver overcame incredible obstacles inhis quest to become educated. After Carver hadtaught people to grow peanuts, there was a gluton the market, and farmers were angry. Carverdiscussed the problem with the Lord, concluding,“He gave me a handful of peanuts and went withme back to the laboratory and, together, we gotdown to work.”Janet and Geoff Benge have written a biographythat is truly inspirational. They deal with thetragedy of racism openly, but also include storiesof white people who stood for equality. Inaddition to showing Carver’s brilliant, inquiringmind, we also see a man of great faith in God.The illustrations by Kennon James are colorfuland appealing.Quality—5Cathleen Sovold JohnsonFreelance WriterDes Moines, WashingtonAcceptability—5Young Mozart, by Rachel Isadora. LCCN96005948. New York: Viking, 1997. ISBN0670871206, HBB, $14.99.921 (780). Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus, 1756-1791;Composers. unp.Gr. 1 - 5.Rachel Isadora’s attractive, colorful watercolorillustrations depict the lifestyle of the nobilityduring the mid-1700’s. Her simple text brieflyoutlines Mozart’s early life, from child prodigy tohis death at age thirty-five. Beginning as a threeyear-oldreaching up to play the piano, Mozart atfour is composing music and teaching himself toplay the violin. Soon afterward he is touringEurope with his original compositions. By agetwenty-one, he has composed three hundredworks. The book, Young Mozart, continues witha short sketch of Mozart’s marriage, family life,and centers on the musical opera, The MagicFlute, and his compositions of Figaro, and DonGiovanni. Young music students will gain a newperspective about this famous composer and thetime in which he lived.Quality—4Acceptability—4Paula Stewart MarksPrincipal, Morning Star Christian SchoolBend, OregonWilma Unlimited : How Wilma RudolphBecame the World’s Fastest Woman, byKathleen Krull; illustrated by David Diaz.LCCN 95032105. San Diego: HarcourtBrace, 1996. ISBN 0152012672, HBB, $16.00.921 (796.42). Rudolph, Wilma, 1940-1994; TracK -and-field athletes; Afro-Americans--Biography;Women--Biography. unp.Gr.. 3-5.Wilma Rudolph must have inspired the term“against all odds.” Born in 1940 into a familyalready burdened with nineteen children, she wassmall, not expected to live long. A sickly child,she became prone to double pneumonia.Wilma’s mother cared for her with homeremedies because, as Krull explains, “only onedoctor in Clarksville would treat black people.”When she was only five, Wilma contracted bothscarlet fever and polio. She survived, but polioparalyzed one leg. Everyone doubted whethershe’d ever walk again.J A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8 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

CHILDREN’S NONFICTIONIn spite of discouraging obstacles and racialprejudice that made getting medical helpdifficult, Wilma faced her challenges withcourage. After years of pain and hard work,Wilma Rudolph eventually became the firstAmerican woman to win three gold medals at asingle Olympics!No direct reference to God appears in the book,but Krull alludes to Wilma’s faith and describes ariveting incident when Wilma walked unassistedfor the first time down the church aisle. This is astory of courage and inspiration, and provides anexcellent backdrop for discussion about the curefor polio (discovered in 1955), racial prejudice,and Olympic athletes.Quality—5Acceptability—5Kimn Swenson GollnickWriter, Speaker, Homeschool TeacherMarysville, WashingtonAbraham Lincoln, Will You Ever Give Up? byLoyd Uglow; illustrated by Kennon James.(Another Great Achiever.) LCCN 96018344.Houston: Advance Publishing, 1997. ISBN1575371049, HBB, $14.95.921 (973.7). Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865; Presidents.48 p.Gr. 3 - 6.In Abraham Lincoln, Will You Ever Give Up?Loyd Uglow recounts the story of Lincoln’s life,continually reminding the reader of thedifficulties he overcame. Beginning with hisbirth in a tiny log cabin in Kentucky, thisbiography traces Lincoln’s life up to hispresidency, but stops short of his assassination.The colorful illustrations by Kennon James onevery page help sustain interest. With degrees inliterature and history, the author is well qualifiedto write this book. He includes a great deal offactual information, and explains the historicaland political events surrounding Lincoln’s life.He shows the importance of the Bible in Abe’searly education. The Author’s Notes on the lastpage of the text add interesting information.Quality—5Cathleen Sovold JohnsonFreelance WriterDes Moines, WashingtonAcceptability—5Mr. Lincoln’s Whiskers. Written andillustrated by Karen Winnick. LCCN95083973. Honesdale, Penn.: Boyds MillsPress, 1996. ISBN 1563974851, HBB, $15.95.921 (973.7). Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865; Bedell,Grace. unp.Gr. 2 - 4.Young Grace Bedell is excited when her fatherbrings her a poster of Abraham Lincoln who isrunning for president. She listens to her fatherand brothers discuss the election and wishes shecould vote because she believes Mr. Lincoln hasa kind face. She believes he is sad though, andthinks if he had a beard, he wouldn’t appear sothin and sad. Grace writes to Abraham Lincolnsuggesting he grow a beard. Later he comesthrough her town while campaigning, and stopsto personally show her his beard.Karen Winnick has taken a small moment inhistory and brought it alive with text and colorfuloil paintings. She successfully draws the readersinto the thoughts and feelings of a young girl andcaptures an actual event with which children willidentify. Her illustrations depict the ambience ofthe time and portray the era vividly.Quality—5Mary JarvisFreelance WriterPawhuska, OklahomaAcceptability—5An Armenian Family, by Keith ElliotGreenberg. (Journey Between Two Worlds.)LCCN 96017184. Minneapolis: LernerPublications, 1997. ISBN 0822534096, HBB,$16.13.974.7. Refugees; Armenian Americans; Armenians--History. 56 p.A Bosnian Family, by Robin LandewSilverman. (Journey Between Two Worlds.)LCCN 95046971. Minneapolis: LernerPublications, 1996. ISBN 0822534045, HBB,$16.13.949.7. Refugees. 56 p.An Eritrean Family, by Lois Anne Berg.(Journey Between Two Worlds.) LCCN95046970. Minneapolis: Lerner Publications,1996. ISBN 0822534053, HBB, $16.13.967.7. Refugees; Eritrean Americans. 56 p.A Hmong Family, by Nora Murphy. (JourneyBetween Two Worlds.) LCCN 96013533.Minneapolis: Lerner Publications, 1997.ISBN 0822534061, HBB, $16.13.959.4. Refugees; Hmong Americans; Hmong (Asianpeople). 56 p.A Liberian Family, by Stephen Chicoine.(Journey Between Two Worlds.) LCCN96016739. Minneapolis: Lerner Publications,1997. ISBN 0822534118, HBB, $16.13.976.4. Refugees; Liberian Americans; Liberia--History--Civil War, 1989-. 56 p.A Sudanese Family, by Erika F. Archibald.(Journey Between Two Worlds.) LCCN95039841. Minneapolis: Lerner Publications,1996. ISBN 0822534037, HBB, $16.13.975.8. Sudanese Americans; Refugees. 56 p.Gr. 4 - 7.How does a close-knit family survive as theirbeloved country dives into an abyss of terrifyingwar? Is there a haven for them? What will it belike when they get to that haven? MostAmericans can barely fathom the answers tothese questions.Using history, traditions, photos and interviewswith a child of each family, the series JourneyBetween Two Worlds graphically presents a truepicture of each immigrant family’s journeythrough horror into the hope embodied by theUnited States. The refugee families represent abroad spectrum of countries, races, traditions andreligions. Readers learn of these refugees’intelligence, faith, love, versatility, stability,yearnings, heartbreaks, joys and problems intheir old and new countries. This series portraysthe triumphant strength of faith and familybonds, the longing for education and a better life,the wealth of traditions. Readers see Americanways through new eyes, and meet Americanhelpers and hinderers. The colorful photos andillustrations vividly present the interviewee, hisfamily, home country, and way of life. Within thetext, explanations follow each unusual word orphrase. The closing Pronunciation Guide drawsthe reader into a closer relationship with thefamily. A Further Reading List and Indexincrease each book’s usefulness.Quality—5Acceptability—5Donna EggettVolunteer Counselor, Crisis Pregnancy CenterMaiden, North CarolinaC H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 4 1 J A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8

BOOK REVIEWSYOUNG ADULT FICTIONAbandoned, by Jeri Massi. (PeabodyAdventure Series.) Greenville, S.C.: BobJones University Press, 1989. ISBN0890844674, PAP, $6.49.F. Mystery fiction; New England--Fiction. 136 p.Gr. 4 - 7.Jack, his sisters, and two others fly to NewEngland to visit Uncle Bill but they meet someadventure along the way. Jack, in taking nightpictures with his camera, photographs some menwho don’t want to be photographed. One quicklyposes as the driver of the airport van and drivesthe group to the middle of nowhere and abandonsthem.During their long walk to civilization they mustband together and cooperate, something that ishard for Annette who feels unloved due to herparents failing marriage. Scruggs is a foster kidwho’s had a difficult life, yet he overcomes hisbackground (and Annette’s hatred) to lead thegroup to safety.Abandoned is high adventure, not predictable.The story is quick moving and will be enjoyed byupper elementary and junior high students.AWord from the Editor: Sylvia StopforthQuality—5Jane MouttetMissionary LibrarianHilltop Christian SchoolWindow Rock, ArizonaAcceptability—5Across the Wide and Lonesome Prairie : TheOregon Trail Diary of Hattie Campbell, byKristiana Gregory. (Dear America; 4.)LCCN 96025671. New York: Scholastic, 1997.ISBN 0590226517, HBB, $9.95.F. Oregon Trail--Fiction. 168 p.Teen Advisory CouncilsYoung people are often in the news these days, andthe stories are seldom positive. It seems that oneof the hallmarks of youth is a profound intensity,coupled with boundless energy; if not properlychanneled, this combination can becomedestructive.At the same time, we have librarians bemoaningthe fact that the resources and services providedfor this user group are often unappreciated andunder-utilized. Enter the teen advisory council.According to Gisela Konopka, author of TheAdolescent Girl in Conflict, a number of conditionsare necessary for the "healthy development ofyoung people ... they require the opportunity:to participate ... as responsible members ofsocietyto gain experience in decision-makingto interact with peers and acquire a sense ofbelongingto discuss conflicting values and formulatetheir own value system . . ." 1A well-organized teen council is an ideal settingfor the presentation and realization of theseopportunities.Although the teen council is generally regarded asa public library concept, it can easily be adaptedfor the school or church library. The basicobjective is to involve youth in planning (andperhaps implementing) services, programs, andcollection development geared to the needs andinterests of their age group. The council should begranted as much autonomy as possible, but shouldalso be furnished with the guidance and assistanceof a youth services librarian, or other interestedadults.Teen councils run the gamut; some groups meetonly a few times each year to publish a modestnewsletter, set up displays, or provide inputregarding the library’s YA collection. Others aremore active.Barbara Williams, manager of the Youth ServicesDivision at the Central Library of the QueensBorough Public Library, found that "young adultsoften do not use the library for its intendedpurpose." 2 Determined to provide opportunities forgrowth for this group, Williams devised the"Tapping Teen Talent" program, designed to teachyoung people to plan, implement, and evaluateprograms for their peers and younger children.She hoped that this program would encourageteens to "explore the library as a life resource inbuilding self-esteem, and the development oftalents." The program was a great success.Williams found that participants had a genuinedesire and ability - to make a valuablecontribution.The fact that libraries and youth are a winningcombination is also evident on the internet. Severalteen councils post their newsletters and bookreviews on their own Web sites.The Young Adult Advisory Board of the BoulderPublic Library can be found athttp://128.138.129.27/library/bpl/yaab/. A healthy sense ofhumor is flourishing here, as is a generousapplication of youthful energy to the library'sprograms and services. One member puts it thisway: "Our purposes are to promote usage andunderstanding of the library, to prove to adults andteens alike that teens are capable of changing theworld, and to have fun while doing it."An informative newsletter, published by the teenadvisory council of the Sparta Free Library isposted at http://host/lp.centuryinter.net/spartalib/newsltr.htmThis council sponsors a book group, previews newYA titles, and in December, got together to makeChristmas gifts for a local nursing home.A newsletter featuring book reviews and recipesfrom the teen advisory council of the St.Petersburg Public Library is available athttp://snoopy.tblc.lib.fl.us/sppl/tac1195.htmlAt the Chicago Public Library, a new Teen StudyCenter opened recently. Information about this, andabout the resident teen advisory council, can befound athttp://www.chipublib.org/003cpl/news/951106teenstudy.htmlThe homepage of Richmond Public Library's teenJ A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8 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

YOUNG ADULTFICTIONA Picture of Freedom : The Diary of Clotee, aSlave Girl, by Patricia C. McKissack. (DearAmerica; 5.) LCCN 96025673. New York:Scholastic, 1997. ISBN 0590259881, HBB,$9.95.F. Diaries--Fiction. 198 p.Gr. 7 - Adult.The Dear America Series, published byScholastic Books and written by various authors,is an insightful, inspiring collection that givesfirst person accounts of significant times in thehistory of the United States.Across the Wide and Lonesome Prairie, byKristiana Gregory, begins on Hattie’s thirteenthbirthday in “Booneville, Missoura.” The shortentries that cover a period of one year lead up to,and include, her family’s trip to Oregon. Herwritings include names of political figures andfamous pioneers and trailblazers; this gives thediary an air of authenticity. The entries includeboth humorous and heart-wrenching true-to-lifeaccounts of what life would have been like on thetrail.The epilogue at the end of the book helps to wrapup what happens to the characters. A finalhistorical note gives an excellent historicalreview of the events referred to in the diaryaccount. Pictures, illustrations, and maps furtherenhance the text.Another volume in the series, A Picture ofFreedom, by Patricia C. McKissack, presents aclose-up picture of slavery. It is penned by ahousehold slave who has learned to read whilefanning the master’s son as he is being tutored.Her joy of learning is clouded by her fear thatsomeone may discover her secret—a secretwhich could cost her life. This inspiring accountwill cause any reader to appreciate in a new waythe privilege of literacy.These beautifully bound books include a satinbookmark and rough-cut edged pages whichmake them seem more like actual diaries.Quality—4Esther Knaupp, LibrarianAcceptability—5Santiam Christian SchoolCorvallis, OregonAnother Homecoming, by Janette Oke and T.David Bunn. LCCN 97004669. Minneapolis:Bethany House Publishers, 1997. ISBN1556619340, PAP, $8.99.F. Christian life--Fiction. 251 p.Gr. 9 - Adult.Martha and Harry Grimes, a young couple, aretorn apart by the events of World War II. Harryis sent to fight in North Africa in a battle so fiercethat no survivors are expected. Martha is threeweeks from delivering their first child when shereceives a telegram from the War Department.The telegram informs her that Harry is “missingin-actionand presumed dead.”Finding herself suddenly alone and deep in grief,the young wife decides that she won’t be able togive her child everything she needs and deserves.The only way to give her a good chance in life isto let another couple adopt her.Little Katie, renamed Kyle by her new parents,grows up in a wealthy and privileged home. Herfather and the servants dote on the little girl buther mother is strangely aloof. Kyle is never toldthat she was adopted.When Kyle’s father dies, he leaves his businessand much of his fortune to Kyle, much to hermother’s shock and anger. In the turmoil thatfollows Kyle discovers the long buried secret ofher adoption. Somewhere she has another familywith a mother, father, and brother she’s neverknown.Another Homecoming by Janette Oke and T.Davis Bunn combines the talents and writingstyles of two popular authors in the field ofChristian fiction. T. Davis Bunn adds depth tothe historical detail within the story giving thiswell-written novel a slightly new twist. Thestoryline itself does not seem as gripping as theusual Janette Oke tales, but makes for interestingreading just the same.Quality—4Acceptability—5Donna BrownChurch LibrarianPortland, OregonBehind the Bedroom Wall, by Laura E.Williams; illustrated by A. Nancy Goldstein.LCCN 95052374. Minneapolis: MilkweedEditions, 1996. ISBN 157131606X, PAP,$6.95.F. Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945)--Germany--Fiction;Jews--Germany--Fiction; Righteous Gentiles in theHolocaust--Fiction; Germany--History--1933-1945--Fiction. 169 p.Gr. 6 - 8.Behind the Bedroom Wall will take its placeamong other popular World War II fiction foryoung people. One of it’s greatest attractions isthe moral dilemma in which thirteen-year-oldKorinna Rehme finds herself. Korinna is anenthusiastic member of the Hitler Youth, even tothe point of keeping a diary of her suspicionsregarding others’ disloyalties to the Nazi regime.Imagine her feelings when she discovers her ownfamily is housing a Jewish woman and herdaughter. What ensues is her struggle with thebrainwashing she has received through schooland government and the obvious example of herparents, whom she loves and respects. Thisstruggle is poignant and grips the reader whodesperately hopes Korinna will make the correctchoice.Laura E. Williams has produced a well writtenbook that will be loved by middle-schoolers.Both boys and girls will be taken with thesuspense of this tale and will be caught up inKorinna’s quandary, as if it were their own.Behind the bedroom wall would be an excellentchoice for any school, church, or public library.Quality—5Ceil CareyMiddle School LibrarianPlano, IllinoisAcceptability—5Between the Dragon and the Eagle, by MicalSchneider. (Adventures in Time Books.)council provides links to "teen resources" andinformation about this library's award-winningwriting contest for young people.http://www.rpl.richmond.bc.ca/teen/voice/council/A teen council serves as a forum for an importantuser group, allows librarians to have a positiveimpact on tomorrow's leaders, and brings libraryresources to the attention of some who might notalways see the great potential residing on ourshelves. At the same time, it provides youngpeople with opportunities to develop talents andskills that will serve them well into the future.And, as one teen council member noted, "It looksgreat on a resume!"Works Cited1 As quoted in: Amey, Larry and StephenElliott. "Serving the Cyberteen: Library Service forthe 21st Century Adolescent." VOYA, vol. 20 (April1 997). p 14-20.2 Williams, Barbara Osborne. "Tapping TeenTalent in Queens." VOYA, vol 19 (August 1996). p143-147.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 J A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8

YOUNG ADULTFICTIONLCCN 95051826. Minneapolis: CarolrhodaBooks, 1997. ISBN 1575050803, HBB, $21.27.F. Time travel--Fiction. 151 p.Gr. 4 - 7.Between the Dragon and the Eagle is a story ofthe Silk Road, a merchants’route that once linkedChina and Rome, the two greatest powers onearth in the year A.D. 100.Han Tzu is a caravan leader who carries the finestsilks and other treasures from his native China toMerv, in modern Turkmenistan. Among his ownpossessions, he carries a particularly beautifulbolt of sky blue silk, which he hopes to sell for ahandsome profit. A Parthian trader namedVardanes continues the journey to Palmyra, inwhat is now Syria. Rabel Duoshara is hired toguide the next caravan which travels to Petra, inJordan. Sandstorms, roving bands of robbers,and forbidding mountains are among the hazardswhich threaten the travelers.Finally, the silk finds its way to Firmus, a youngEgyptian spice trader who takes the silk toAlexandria, and then on to Rome, where thegreatest profits are to be made. But the travels ofthe blue silk are far from over, for the youngRoman woman who purchases the cloth willsoon join her betrothed, who is based in far awayBritannia.Mical Schneider’s story blends together a richmelange of culture, language, and religiousbelief. The narrative vehicle she has chosen, aseries of brief vignettes, does not allow for indepthcharacter development, but plot andhistorical detail are more important to this text.The author’s experience as a middle-schoolteacher is evident in her ability to relay facts in anentertaining, informative manner.Each section of the journey is preceded by adetail map, showing the exact route followed.The reader comes away from the book with asense of the incredible distances covered by theseancient traders. A trip that takes several hours byair today, took many months by camel, horse, andship in A.D. 100.Quality—4Acceptability—4Sylvia StopforthLibrarian, Trinity Western UniversityLangley, British ColumbiaHByzantium, by Stephen Lawhead. New York:HarperPrism, 1996. ISBN 0061092967, HBB,$6.99.F. Byzantium--Fiction; Vikings--Fiction;Constantinople--History--Fiction; Saint Aiden--Fiction;Ireland--History--Fiction. 645 p.Gr. 9 - Adult.Aidan’s quiet life as a scribe in Ireland is soon tobe disrupted. He has been selected as part of adistinguished band of monks to deliver atreasured Holy manuscript to the emperor ofByzantium. Aidan’s personal quest for thiscoveted honor has been fulfilled...but at whatcost? He soon learns he must leave behind hisfriends, his home, and the tranquillity of themonastery.No sooner have they set off than disaster shakesthis bold team of men. One of their number ishurt, the rest are attacked by Sea Wolves, andAiden himself is taken as a slave to a farawaycountry. As Aiden weathers his enslavement,many internal changes begin to develop in hisrelationship to God. This young monk truly livesten men’s lives in the course of his one. Aideneventually travels abroad and wins the favor ofkings. The friendships he forms and the journeyhe makes all serve to forge him into the man Goddestines him to become.Byzantium is a masterpiece of historical fiction.This beautifully bound 640 page book is not justone journey...it is many. Author StephenLawhead takes the reader from country tocountry and people to people. With each newdestination, we are surrounded by native sights,sounds, and smells. With Aiden as our guide, welive out his experiences both externally andinternally. Throughout the book, one lastingmessage reverberates... “He (God) knows ourpain, He knows...”Quality—5Acceptability—5Michele HoweFreelance Writer and Homeschool MotherLaSalle, MichiganCynthia, by Leila Prince Golding.(SpringSong Books.) LCCN 94027174.Minneapolis: Bethany House Publishers,1987. ISBN 1556615248, PAP, $4.99.F. Romance stories; Christian life--Fiction. 207 p.Gr. 8 - 12.Just the right amount of suspense keeps thereader turning pages in Cynthia. Written by LeilaGolding, the work is successfully targeted foryoung adults. Cyndi Carlson becomesacquainted with members of a small communityduring a stay at her grandfather’s house. She hasagreed to take over the position of fire towerduty, while continuing college studiesindependently. Cyndi enjoys the company of twodifferent young men, and eventually must choosebetween them.Detailed descriptive narrative is well written,adding life to the story. This strength is also aweakness; there is so much description it slowsthe pace. Otherwise, action moves the storyalong well, and it is not too predictable.The Christian message is well stated, althoughnot overbearing. Main characters do not appearto have obvious flaws, yet seem realistic, if a bitinnocent. Subplots of the fire-watchingprofession, and mysterious farming of marijuana,make this Springsong book more than just aromance.Quality—4Acceptability—5Tracie MabryFreelance Writer, Parent VolunteerVancouver, WashingtonDawn’s Early Light, by Elsie J. Larson. (Tidesof War; 1.) LCCN 95024380. Nashville:Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1996. ISBN0785276882, PAP, $10.99.F. World War, 1939-1945--California--Fiction;Japanese Americans--Evacuation and relocation, 1942-1945--Fiction. 234 p.Gr. 7 - 12.Jean Thornton was planning to be married justbefore Christmas when she received word herfiancee was killed aboard the Arizona in PearlHarbor. Her personal loss, coastal fears of moreJapanese attacks, and the patriotic fervor of thetime, combine to make Jean a prime candidate toserve as a spy for her uncle, Al Moore, a U. S.Senator. She is assigned to teach second gradersat a Japanese internment camp in Tulelake,California. In her fervor to revenge Dave’sdeath, Jean reports every overheard tidbit andnuance she hears and sees in weekly notes to heruncle. As she begins to know the peopleconnected to these reports, Jean begins to realizeshe has wronged innocent people and tries torectify the situation belatedly. When arrests aremade Jean pursues their freedom with the samezeal she applied to collecting data.Although the trip to Washington D.C. and theinstigated meeting with Eleanor Roosevelt lackan element of reality, and the true loverelationship between Jean and Tom seemscardboard rather than truly developed, thehistorical fiction aspects of this novel areexcellent. The plot flows smoothly if notpredictably. Jean and her friends, Tom andHelen, seem stilted at times, which may be theresult of the contrived insertion of some campchurch activities and conversations with PastorIchiba. The depth of Christian ideal discussed isnot necessarily reflected in previous behavior,but is revealed in the sudden plot jumps as aresult of this spiritual input. Christian valuessuch as moral ethics, loyalty, and honesty arethen evident throughout the latter half of thebook.Quality—3Patricia BraunLibrarianWilmette Junior HighWilmette, IllinoisAcceptability—5The Drummer Boy’s Battle, by Dave & NetaJackson; illustrated by Julian Jackson.(Trailblazer Books.) LCCN 96045855.Minneapolis: Bethany House Publishers,1996. ISBN 1556617402, PAP, $5.99.F. Christian life--Fiction; Nightingale, Florence, 1820-1910--Fiction; Crimean War, 1853-1856--Fiction;Nurses--Fiction. 144 p.J A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8 7 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

YOUNG ADULTFICTIONGr. 3 - 7.Each book in the Trailblazer series presents adifferent historical figure. The Drummer Boy’sBattle tells of Florence Nightingale, a pioneer inthe field of nursing. Although fictionalized, thestory of Robbie is based on a real character andother characters in the story are historical. Tenyear-oldRobbie Robinson lives on the edge ofthe vast Nightingale estate. When his fatherbecomes seriously ill, Robbie runs to MissNightingale for help. But help comes too late.His family must find a way to survive without hisfather’s income.Older brother, Peter, joins the peace-time Britisharmy and takes Robbie along to be a drummerboy. Then in 1854 the Crimea War breaks outand Peter, Robbie, and Florence Nightingale areplunged into the gruesome realities of war. “Itwas the waiting...and the mud...and the cold...andthe gag-awful rations salt pork and dry biscuitday after day that was getting to Robbie.”The Jackson’s do not gloss over the horror ofwar. Peter is killed, Robbie’s hand is woundedand must be amputated without benefit ofchloroform. He sees hundreds of soldiers die onthe field and in the hospital.Dedication and commitment is the theme ofFlorence Nightingale’s struggle against militaryred tape, prejudice against women, filth, andignorance in order to improve conditions for thewounded allied soldiers. When an officialSanitary Commission inspection finds a deadhorse in the water supply, Florence gets somemuch needed help in speeding up her reforms.An additional four pages at the end of the bookgive more facts concerning FlorenceNightingale’s life.Quality—4Acceptability—4Myrtlemay Pittman CraneFreelance Writer, Editor, SpeakerAlderwood Manor, WashingtonFoghorn Passage, by Alison Lohans. Toronto,Ont.: Stoddart Publishing, 1997. ISBN0773674519, PAP, $4.95.F. Death--Fiction; Grief--Fiction. 215 p.Gr. 6 - 10.Life for sixteen-year-old Sammie Franklin haschanged a lot in the year since her father died ofcancer. She and her mother and sister havemoved twice, and are now living in a crampedapartment in Port Salish, British Columbia,where she is not allowed to practice her Frenchhorn for the community orchestra. When afellow musician, Matt Bruckner, becomesparalyzed due to a car accident, Sammie cannotface visiting the hospital that holds too manymemories of her father, nor can she tell herfriends about the pain and nightmares she stillexperiences from her father’s long illness.Despite her painful memories, Sammie visitsMatt and is obsessed by the angry and depressedyoung violinist who had a promising futurebefore the accident. She struggles to find closurefor her own grief, and to find a way to help Mattchoose to live with his paraplegia. Sammie alsobefriends Julie, a lonely rich girl from theorchestra, while trying to keep her best friendfrom feeling left out. She learns to work out herown problems when the Maestro threatens tokick her out of orchestra if she fails to practiceharder, and when her mother becomeshospitalized from overwork and excessive worry.Author Alison Lohans weaves a stirring story ofgrowth and of the discovery of one’s innerstrengths in Foghorn Passage. Various subplots,dealing with real life issues of sibling rivalry andconflicts at school and with relatives, areinterlaced through the main plot of emotionalhealing after the tragedy of losing a loved one.Though Sammie and Julie each use the Lord’sname in vain, and Sammie briefly wonders aboutGod’s existence when her mother is hospitalized,Foghorn Passage is still a wonderful story offriendship and perseverance. Keep tissuesnearby.Quality—5Acceptability—4Lisa A. WrobleFreelance Writer and LibrarianPlymouth, MichiganFollow the Star, by Robert Elmer. (The YoungUnderground; 7.) LCCN 96045836.Minneapolis: Bethany House Publishers,1997. ISBN 1556616600, PAP, $5.99.F. DenmarK - -History--1900- --Fiction; Brothers andsisters--Fiction; Jews-- Elmer,Gr. 58.Henrik is Elise and Peter Andersen’s Jewishfriend, whose father died a short time before,near the end of World War II. Henrik is having adifficult time working through the loss of hisfather and his mother’s seeming interest in an oldfriend of his father’s. His mother and thisMatthias take a flight to Sweden to take care ofsome business, and their plane evidently goesdown on Christmas Eve. Uncle Morten takesElise, Peter, and Henrik in his boat, the AnnaMarie, to Bornholm, an island freed from theNazis and taken over by the Russians for sometime at the end of the war. With the help of achurch full of believers and a miracle of God,they escape with Henrik’s Mom and Matthiasand make it home safely. Follow the Star byRobert Elmer is the seventh book in the YoungUnderground series, tracking the lives of someyoung Christians in post-war Denmark.While the idea of taking twelve-year-olds on arescue mission may seem highly illogical, theauthor actually makes this account seembelievable. The reader feels the fears andfrustrations of the kids and learns some Danishculture and history along the way. The authoralso, as in the earlier accounts, brings in God’scare for Peter’s cat, Tiger. The faith and witnessof the Christians involved is authentic andpractical.Quality—5Judy Belcher, TeacherSylvan Way Christian SchoolBremerton, WashingtonAcceptability—5For His Sake, 2nd ed, by Mildred Schrock.Harrisonburg, Va.: Christian LightPublications, 1973. ISBN 0878135065, PAP,$4.95.F. Mennonites--Fiction; Germany--Fiction; Russia--Fiction; Religious freedom--Fiction; South Dakota--Fiction. 184 p.Gr. 6 - Adult.A knock at the door in the evening propels aMennonite family on a journey of faith spanningfour generations. Schrock’s touching story oflove and devotion to God’s leading begins withgreat, great grandparents, and others who fledGermany due to mandatory militaryconscription. Catherine II offers to exemptMennonites from bearing arms for one hundredyears in Russia, and promises them materials forthe building of homes in exchange for theirteaching the Russians farming methods.For three generations the families enjoy safetyand prosperity. But when the governmentreconsiders its position, and persecutionthreatens, John Schrag, a Mennonite leader,travels to America to see first-hand theopportunities available. Others follow.Centering on Barbara and Joseph Schrag, theauthor’s own grandparents, Schrock relates theirexperiences in rearing a family while dealingwith the difficulties of life in early America.After finally settling in Oregon, and even afterlosing seven children and a husband to illness,Barbara continues to believe in her God whonever changes.God’s will is consistently woven into eachepisode, and in spite of heart-wrenching setbacks,the author renders her heritage in positiveterms. These people understood the sovereigntyof God and the importance of stronghusband/wife relationships. They realized thatGod is “the same God their grandparents served”.For His Sake could serve as a family devotionalbook. Each chapter divulges God’s care andprovision for His own. It moves along quicklyand the main characters never waver in their faithin God. It constantly teaches dependence uponGod but is not preachy in tone.Quality—5Carolyn HearingFreelance WriterVirginia, MinnesotaAcceptability—5Growing-Up Summer, by Jeanette Gilge;illustrated by Carl Hauge. LCCN 96061552.Mukilteo, Wash.: WinePress Publishing,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 J A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8

YOUNG ADULTFICTION1996. ISBN 1883893739, PAP, $5.95.F. Christian life--Fiction; Farm life--Fiction. 159 p.Gr. 4 - 7.Thirteen-year-old Mark wishes he would hurryup and grow so he would look as mature as Kurt,the boy who lives on the neighboring farm. Evenhis eleven-year-old sister has already shot up pasthim. But this summer proves to be more thanjust a season of physical growth. Mark’sadventures include getting drunk—and verysick—when he tries to be a part of the gang.Mark learns that the outward appearance andgruff attitude of a neighboring widower are not areliable barometer of the person on the inside.But his most difficult hurdles include trying tounderstand why God doesn’t change Kurt’srotten attitude or answer his prayer for his familyto be able to buy the nice big house down theroad, instead of having to live in their dumpy oldcabin.Growing Up Summer is the sequel to City-KidFarmer by Jeanette Gilge. Simple illustrationsare sprinkled throughout. Facts of nature areblended within the plot, and Mark is graduallybrought to the realization that God is in charge ofchanging people and it is his duty to be willing toallow God to use him as his instrument.Quality—4Debbie LindsayHomeschool ParentEatonville, WashingtonAcceptability—5Heart Chaser, by Thomas Locke. (TheSpectrum Chronicles; 4.) LCCN 96045837.Minneapolis: Bethany House Publishers,1996. ISBN 1556619219, PAP, $5.99.F. Science fiction; Christian life--Fiction. 155 p.Gr. 7 - 11.Thomas Locke completes the SpectrumChronicles with Heart Chaser. Leaving on astrategic mission to the Yalla planetary system,Rick, Guns, Tucker, and Consuela pool resourcesto rescue the Talent Wander, a fellow traineepilot. Their orders are to return both him andScout Consuela to Avanti.Their spaceship, equipped with a secret spacepirate-fightingweapon, is disguised to look like abucket of bolts to other space contacts. Consuelauses her gift of extraordinary sensitivity incommunication to locate Wander, and they hirethemselves out to protect a caravan headed forYalla, where they believe Wander may be held.The caravan leader, a merchant named Mahmut,is leery of the team’s intentions, and challengesRick to a “flying” duel, not unlike snowboardingin space. When Rick passes the test with “flyingcolors,” and the group successfully defends thecaravan against space pirates, Mahmut softensand shares his knowledge of Yalla with them.Consuela discovers n-space and is instrumentalin rescuing Wander.This science fiction adventure pits technologyand force against Consuela’s and Wander’stalents of sensitive communication ability.Locke spirals two stories simultaneously as hedescribes both the team’s search for Wander andWander’s preparation for the rescue. Actiontakes place at mind-boggling speeds and spaceterminology is hard to sort out at times.Familiarity with previous books in the series mayhelp the reader comprehend more quickly.In spite of all the extravagant happenings in thescience-fiction world, battles of pride, ego, goodsense, and wisdom still plague the characters.Lip service is given to the spiritual struggle ofgiving one’s life over to God, and confessingone’s failings.Quality—3Carolyn HearingFreelance WriterVirginia, MinnesotaAcceptability—5Heartless Hero, by Judy Baer. (Cedar RiverDaydreams; 25.) LCCN 96045908.Minneapolis: Bethany House Publishers,1996. ISBN 1556618352, PAP, $4.99.F. Bullies--Fiction; Down syndrome--Fiction; Mentallyhandicapped--Fiction; High schools--Fiction; School--Fiction; Christian life--Fiction. 141 p.Gr. 5 - 8.Heartless Hero, by Judy Baer, is #25 in the CedarRiver Daydreams series. Middle school agereaders will identify with this story of learninghow to cope with being bullied.Two new students, Roger and Cindy, havearrived at Cedar River High this year. LexiLeighton and her friends observe and learn aboutthe relationships of bullies and victims as Rogercontinually taunts, teases, and beats up on Lexi’sfriend Egg. Meanwhile, two kids from themiddle school bully Lexi’s younger handicappedbrother and his friend. Grownups and studentsalike are aware there is a problem but no one isquite sure what to do about it. In defense of herson, Lexi’s mother does research on bullying,and campaigns in the community to increaseawareness and inform people how to improve thesituation.True-to-life characters are not “perfect heroes;”they have faults as well as virtues. They are alsoplaced in realistic situations. However, the main“villain” does not seem to have any redeemablequalities. When dialogue is used to move thestory along, it is quite believable. At other times,the dialogue is often too “preachy.” Research isthrown at the reader, which slows the tempo ofthe story.Young teens that are familiar with the CedarRiver Daydreams series will appreciate the topicof this latest work. Those new to the series maybe put off by some overdone drama andpreaching at the reader.Quality—3Acceptability—5Tracie MabryFreelance Writer, Parent VolunteerVancouver, WashingtonHero, by S. L. Rottman. LCCN 97003139.Atlanta: Peachtree Publishers, 1997. ISBN1561451592, HBB, $14.95.F. Child abuse--Fiction; Conduct of life--Fiction;Horses--Fiction. 134 p.Gr. 7 - 10.Heroes can be defined, discussed, and observed.Some times they can be the right person in theright place at the right time. And heroes also careabout other people.Sean, at fifteen, is physically abused by hismother, abandoned by his father, and hasmanaged to stay independent despite gangpressures. Yet he still accumulates a negativebehavior record at school and with the police. Heis considered by many to be a loser.Dave Hessler, a decorated war hero who shareshis WW II adventures reluctantly and only whenasked, runs a farm outside town which providescommunity service work opportunities for youngpeople who may yet be savable.Michelle Walker is a first year teacher whonotices Sean’s potential in her English class. Herassignment on heroes provides the thread thatruns throughout the two week interlude Seanspends at the farm.Add a premature colt, Knickers, unwanted by itsmother and the components fall into place forSean to have a positive growing experience andfor the first time in his life—a chance to makesomething of his life if he chooses.Sean’s class essay on heroes ends the book whilehe himself remains critical in intensive care—butanyone book-talking this title could read it as thebook talk. The end essay sums up the theme ofthe book without giving plot details. It hits thenail on the head about how our current societymay be interpreted by our young people. I highlyrecommend this title for its excellent characterdevelopment and plot sequencing. This is a finenovel for the first effort of a young author. I hopethis quality is maintained in Rottman’s futuretitles.Quality—5Acceptability—5Patricia BraunLibrarian, Wilmette Junior HighWilmette, IllinoisHonus and Me : A Baseball Card Adventure, byDan Gutman. LCCN 96031439. New York:Avon Books, 1997. ISBN 0380973502, HBB,$14.00.F. Baseball cards--Fiction; Time travel--Fiction;Wagner, Honus, 1874-1966--Fiction; Baseball--Fiction.140 p.Gr. 9 - Adult.Joe Stoshack collects baseball cards and is anJ A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8 7 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

YOUNG ADULTFICTIONavid baseball fan even though he isn’t such agood baseball player himself. He does odd jobson the side to help bring in money after hisparents split up. Joe’s mother works as a nurse atthe Hazelwood Hospital. One night at supper,she tells him she has promised their elderlyneighbor, Miss Young, that Joe will clean out herattic for her. Joe isn’t exactly thrilled as he findsthe attic stuffed with junk. He works diligently,however, as he wants to earn some money so hecan buy some more baseball cards.As he is working, he comes across an old HonusWagner baseball card that has become a limitedaddition. Joe’s first thought is to sell the card, butthen he goes back in time and meets Honus inperson. Talking with Honus, Joe begins to weighhis previously held ideas of what is right andwrong. A dealer wants to get his hands on Joe’svaluable baseball card and nearly succeeds. MissYoung rescues the card and then destroys it. Joesends Miss Young back in time to be reunitedwith Honus. With newly found confidence inhimself, Joe becomes a real baseball player.Dan Gutman skillfully mixes fact with fiction inHonus and Me and quickly captivates thereader’s imagination. This American historicalnovel will hold the attention of any man or boywho loves baseball, or who collects baseballcards. Authentic pictures from the era of thel900’s are scattered throughout the book. Honusand Me will make a great collectable for anyfellow.Quality—3Dorcas WalkerFreelance WriterJamestown, TennesseeAcceptability—4The Inheritance, by Louisa May Alcott; editedby Joel Myerson and Daniel Shealy. NewYork: Dutton Books, 1997. ISBN 0525457569,HBB, $18.00.F. England--Fiction. 188 p.Gr. 7 - Adult.The Inheritance is Louisa May Alcott’s firstnovel, written in 1849. But don’t be surprised ifthe title is unfamiliar, for this book was neverpublished. In fact, Myerson and Shealy stumbledacross the manuscript quite by accident in 1988.Imagine their excitement upon seeing thefollowing words, in Alcott’s own unmistakablehandwriting, attached to the manuscript: “Myfirst novel written at seventeen.” Newlypublished this year, Alcott’s work will be enjoyedby many.As the tale opens, the reader is introduced toEdith Adelon, a poor orphan apparently of Italiandescent; she is taken in by the wealthy Hamiltonfamily and serves as a loyal and lovingcompanion to young Amy Hamilton. A visitingfriend, Lord Percy, comes to love Edith for herpure-hearted and generous ways. He ignorescompletely the difference in their social standing,but others are not so egalitarian. Soon Edithfinds she must contend with the jealousy ofAmy’s cousin, who wants Lord Percy forher}self.Unfairly accused of theft, Edith is faced withlosing the only family she has ever known. Buta friend steps in and the truth—about the theftand about her own mysterious past—is revealed.And, of course, they all live happily ever after.Alcott’s character development and control ofpace are surprisingly mature. Granted, theprotagonists are a shade too perfect, and theladies are entirely too much given to weeping andfainting spells, but once the reader lays aside theskepticism of the late twentieth century, and thebiases of our time, he will find this a thoroughlypleasing tale of nobility, love, and self-sacrifice.In fact, this novel proves a refreshing contrast tothe gritty realism of much of today’s fiction.The Inheritance is not only an engaging story inits own right, but provides a fascinating study ofthe early development of a much-loved author.Quality—5Acceptability—5Sylvia StopforthLibrarian, Trinity Western UniversityLangley, British ColumbiaIvan and the Dynamos, by Crystal Bowman.LCCN 96051150. Grand Rapids: Wm. B.Eerdman’s Publishing Co., 1997. ISBN0802850871, HBB, $15.00.F. Hockey--Fiction. 140 p.Gr. 4 - 6.Andy feels very awkward about being in a newschool for sixth grade and then having to be on adifferent ice hockey team than he was on the yearbefore. He has looked forward to being on ateam where the coach lets everyone play. Hisnew coach instructs the boys to choose a Russianname for themselves, because Russians are reallygood ice hockey players. Andy chooses the nameIvan, and his team is called the Dynamos.Throughout the season, the team learns to play,and to play together. Andy writes a rap for theteam, with the support of his English teacher,who also helps with his team. He often takes therole of team encourager and motivator. At theend of the successful season, his coachcommunicates appreciation for Andy. Andyrecognizes what his parents did for him inencouraging him to continue with his sport forthis season.The reader learns a lot about ice hockey, how it isplayed, and how players perceive the game. Thestory takes the reader through most of the gamesof the season and the post-season, so seem to goon and on, almost in a diary format. The maincharacter’s parents support him in his dreams.The family prays together and goes to churchregularly. The author shows good perception ofthe thoughts, feelings, and frustrations of a boybeginning to understand himself.Quality—4Acceptability—5Judy BelcherTeacher, Sylvan Way Christian SchoolBremerton, WashingtonKasper in the Glitter, by Philip Ridley;illustrated by Chris Riddell. LCCN96052213. New York: Dutton Children’sBooks, 1997. ISBN ?525457992, HBB, $15.99.F. Adventure and adventurers--Fiction; Humorousstories. 204 p.Gr. 6 - 10.Kasper Whisky, an out-of-the-ordinary ten-yearold,lives with his mother, named Pumpkin, in theSparkle Plenty house. The boy must oversee hismother, who does nothing except sparkle. Whiletrying to find out who stole their yellow roses,Kasper has an encounter with a thief, HeartthrobMink. Their friendship begins.After Heartthrob leaves, Kasper and Pumpkindiscover that her favorite brooch hasdisappeared. Kasper sets out to find Heartthrob,certain that he has stolen it. On the way Kaspermeets Jingo, Skinnybones, Poodlecut,Fingerpoppin, and Hushabye. He also meetsKing Streetwise, who has the others under hiscontrol, administering severe punishment fordisobedience.After finding out about life in the dismal Gloom,where the Lost live, Kasper hurries back home.Heartthrob and Hushabye follow him later.Suddenly, King Streetwise and his workers showup to cause havoc in the Sparkle Plenty houseand kidnap Pumpkin. Kasper, Hearttrob andHushabye devise a plan to rescue her. Theirunique plan works, and later Kasperunexpectedly finds the missing brooch. Pumpkinand Kasper change as a result of their strangeexperiences.With creative repetition of words and appealingillustrations, Ridley and Riddell use theirimaginations to good advantage. The book looksgood inside and out.Two old sayings, “All that glitters is not gold,”and “A leopard cannot change his spots” fitKasper in the Glitter. King Streetwise, cruel andself-centered, thinks nothing of blacking an eyeor two of an offender, and ordering thedestruction of the cardboard box sheltersbelonging to the Lost. He typifies the way reallifegangs entice young people. The story shows,however, that one who yields has nothing to gainand much to lose. Finally the King suffers for hisactions, and it appears he will change his ways.But by book’s end he reverts to deception andcruelty.Quality—4Acceptability—3Betty M. HockettFreelance Writer, Writing Teacher, SpeakerNewberg, OregonLucy Winchester, by Christmas CarolKauffman. Harrisonburg, Va.: ChristianC H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 4 7 J A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8

YOUNG ADULTFICTIONLight Publications, 1992. ISBN 0878135499,PAP, $5.95.F. Christian fiction. 490 p.Adult.The story of Lucy Winchester is a factual accountof a young lady’s desire to know God in the earlypart of this century. However, as hard as she triesto get the opportunity to hear the Gospel,circumstances keep her from finding the Truth.The tragedies that come into Lucy’s life cause heryearning for a Savior to grow, while the samecircumstances turn others in the story away fromGod. Lucy is the oldest child in a home run by adomineering father who has no need for God.Seeking love from another source, Lucy elopeswith a young man who promises her a Bible.After his tragic death Lucy is left alone with ababy on the way, in need of a job, and stilllooking for someone who will explain salvationto her. Her second husband allows her to attendchurch, but does not go himself. Their lives arefilled with one tragedy after another. Lucystumbles upon a revival meeting and responds tothe Gospel message at the end of this 490 pagebook.Christmas Carol Kauffman states in her prefacethat the real Lucy Winchester read thismanuscript and said it was 90% fact. She waswilling to share her story if it would help oneother person to avoid making the mistakes thatshe made. Lucy is seen as a sweet person who iseasily swayed by others. This is a sad story of asheep wandering among wolves seeking hershepherd.Quality—3Patricia PerryRetired LibrarianWesterville, OhioAcceptability—5Mystery of Black Mesa, by Carol Hamilton;Illustrated by John Roberts. LCCN95014262. Greenville, S.C.: Bob JonesUniversity Press, 1995. ISBN 0890848270,PAP, $6.49.F. Mystery fiction. 121 p.Gr. 7 - 9Mystery of Black Mesa takes place in the desertof western Oklahoma. Scally, and his sisterDoreen, live with their mother in a tent out in theBlack Mesa where they are hiding. Scally hastried to help his mother ever since his father hasleft them. His mother works on a dinosaur digduring the day.Then a puppy shows up. Scally can’t refuse thepuppy’s trusting eyes even though he knows theybarely have enough to survive. So he hides thepup in a cave and calls him Bouncer. Early onemorning when Scally goes to check on Bouncer,he sees two rough-looking characters who havehidden something in the cave. After they leave,Scally goes to check on Bouncer and finds himnearly dead. Scally explores further back in thecave to see what the men have hidden and findsburied treasure.When a helicopter circles around their area,Scally’s mom decides they need to find anotherplace to stay. They quickly pack up the tent andgo to a nearby camping area to avoid discovery.Then Scally spots the two men in town. He isworried that they will discover where their tent is.Scally sneaks off and goes back to the cave onceagain, this time finding drugs hidden in boxes.He decides to confide in his mother and anotherfellow on the dig about the drugs hidden up in thecave, but soon discovers that the fellow he toldwas one of the men involved with the drugs. Canhe leave to find help, yet be sure his mother andsister are safe?Mystery of Black Mesa is a fast paced mystery setin the western desert of no man’s land. A fewblack and white pictures are scattered throughoutthe book. The text is easy to read for a slowerreader. With Scally as the main character, and thesetting in the wild west, the story has specialappeal for boys.Quality—3Dorcas WalkerFreelance WriterJamestown, TennesseeAcceptability—4Olympic Dreams, by Lauraine Snelling. (HighHurdles; 1.) LCCN 95000483. Minneapolis:Bethany House Publishers, 1995. ISBN1556615051, PAP, $5.99.F. Horses--Fiction; Olympics--Fiction; Christian life--Fiction. 155 p.Gr. 6 - 9.D. J. Randall’s dream is to buy her own horse andtrain for the Olympics. As a young girl, D. J. hadset herself the goal of learning how to ride eventhough she had no money for lessons. Shereached that goal by working part-time for theBriones Riding Academy, in exchange forlessons.Now she teaches other young girls how to rideand care for their horses. But she still doesn’thave a horse of her own. The thirteen-year-oldbelieves that if she can just find a way to buy herown horse, everything else will work out allright.But a series of troubles during the summer showsD. J. that a horse isn’t the answer to everything.Her secure world begins to fall apart when thegrandmother who raised her suddenly decides toremarry. And D. J.’s mother seems to be toopreoccupied with her own work to understand orpay much attention to D. J.’s problems.D. J. decides that running away is the onlyanswer until she runs into a boy who has evenmore troubles at home than she does. God helpsher to put the pieces of her life back intoperspective and ask forgiveness of those she hashurt.In Olympic Dreams, author Lauraine Snellingwrites a compelling and contemporary story of ateenager learning to handle disappointments anddifficult relationships with God’s help.Quality—5Donna BrownChurch LibrarianPortland, OregonAcceptability—5Picture Perfect, by Yvonne Lehman. (WhiteDove Romances; 4.) LCCN 96045909.Minneapolis: Bethany House Publishers,1996. ISBN 1556617089, PAP, $3.99.F. Love stories. 176 p.Gr. 9 - Adult.Cissy goes to New York to compete as a top-tenfinalist in the Dream Teen Model Search with hermother, her Aunt Helen, her friend Natalie, andher cousin Scott. Cissy is confident that she willplace, when a freak accident turns her world intoa spin. Suddenly she is unsure of herself, evenwhen Antonio, whose parents own the Top TenAgency, keeps seeing her. Cissy learns to rely onGod’s perfect plan even when things turn outdifferently than she had planned.Her best friend, Natalie, sees New York for thefirst time and realizes that all is not as glamorousas it first appears. Natalie has a crush on Scottand hopes that time together will bring themcloser. She gets involved with a homelesswoman between sightseeing tours and shoppingexcursions. Natalie is always willing to lend ahand in whatever task is needed, as well as tohelp Scott gain perspective on what is reallyimportant in life.Told in the third person by author YvonneLehman, Picture Perfect is a delightful teenromance featuring two girls from differentbackgrounds visiting New York City. WhiteDove Romances feature clean romance storiesthat support purity until marriage. Picture Perfecthas an attractive cover and is printed in a handysize format.Quality—4Dorcas WalkerFreelance WriterJamestown, TennesseeAcceptability—5S’Gana the Black Whale, by Sue Stauffacher.LCCN 92017573. Anchorage: AlaskaNorthwest Books, 1992. ISBN 0882403966,HBB, $15.95.F. Killer whales--Fiction; Whales--Fiction; HaidaIndians--Fiction; Indians of North America--Fiction;Grandparents--Fiction. 221 p.Gr. 5 - 8.Don’t judge this book by its cover only. With thebeautiful illustration in ocean blues and greensyou might miss the spiritual messages of the text.There are many.Derek Simpson is an unusual boy. Born onequarterHaida (Northwest Native American) heJ A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8 7 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

YOUNG ADULTFICTIONhas two selves, himself and the other, the ‘fifthreincarnation of Ilyea the great fisherman andfriend of the black whale...’ Derek’s divorcedmother sends him away from the PacificNorthwest to live in the Midwest with her fatherand mother who is full-blooded Haida.An orca at a marine theme park near hisgrandparents’ home becomes Derek’s obsessionas he realizes the spirit of the whale S’Gana canmaterialize bodily as a young Haida spirit-girl.He meets regularly with this whale-girl, causingdisruption at the park in his attempts tocommunicate with her and execute her liberation.If the whale died, she would no longer possess abody because she is at the end of herreincarnation cycle. The whale trainer, Theresa,is “converted” by Derek (with the help of amagical whale carving) to a belief in the spirituallife of S’Gana. This young woman has a bondingexperience with the whale as she swims nudewith her during a night visit to the whale tank.Even though Derek, Theresa, and thegrandparents work together to free the whale,their efforts fail and she dies in captivity.Subsequently Derek and his grandmother visitthe Northwest island of S’Gana’s origin where hehas an out-of-body/into-whale experience and issaved from drowning by S’Gana’s son. Derek isconsoled in the knowledge that S’Gana’s spirit isfree and that she is watching over them.The story is technically well written and thebooks is quite suspenseful at times. The overtpushing of contemporary issues, such aschildren’s environmental activism, animal rights,and gender neutrality, distracts from the plot’sflow to a great extent.Quality—3Arlene S. NealTeacher, Covenant SchoolGranite Falls, North CarolinaAcceptability—2Take It Easy, by David Hill. LCCN 96037550.New York: Dutton Children’s Books, 1997.ISBN 0525457631, HBB, $14.99.F. Survival--Fiction; Hiking--Fiction; Fathers and sons--Fiction; New Zealand--Fiction. 163 p.Gr. 9 - 12.Six teenagers, three girls and three boys, embarkon a seemingly innocuous venture in the NewZealand mountains. Imagine their horror whentheir adult guide suddenly dies. Rob is the onlyknowledgeable hiker and recommends stayingput and making signals for the rescue team. Carlfervently opposes the idea but is overruled.When the teenagers hear shots, Carl demandsthey search for the hunters. Unwilling to exhibitweakness, Rob agrees; they hurry away fromcamp and end up lost. It rains all night, and bymorning they are trapped in the hollow of ariverbed. During their escape, Lara almostdrowns and Carl is injured. With the food supplygone, clothes soaked, no way to light a fire, andLara suffering from hypothermia, Rob andShawn decide to go for help. While rockclimbing, Shawn falls, and Rob presses onwithout him. Just as Rob is about to collapse, heis rescued, and consequently so are the otherteenagers.Take It Easy is a predictable story of survival.David Hill places his characters in a difficultsituation that forces them to pull together. Theonly well-developed character is Rob, who istrying to cope with his father’s behavior after hismother’s recent death, and with the responsibilityhe feels for his companions’ safety. By the endof the story, he has successfully dealt with bothmatters.The book contains some questionable elements.A sprinkling of swear words is used, one teenagermisses his cigarettes, another teenager says aMaori ritual after the guide’s death, and theteenagers strip to their underwear in order to drytheir clothes.Quality—3Acceptability—3Dianne WoodmanFreelance Writer and Homeschool ParentMilpitas, CaliforniaTrouble Shooting, by Marianne Hering.(Lights, Camera, Action Mysteries; 1.)LCCN 96050928. Colorado Springs:ChariotVictor Publishing, 1997. ISBN1564765636, PAP, $4.99.F. Motion pictures--Production and direction--Fiction.156 p.Gr. 4 - 8.McKenna and Jade James are twins attending aperforming arts school in California. Because ofsome commercials they do for the paper productsof the Swan Softie Company, they get a sharedrole in an action movie filmed on Catalina Island.Their mother had been a photographer before herdeath. Their dad is a plastic surgeon whoaccompanies them on their adventure.The title, Trouble Shooting, is derived from thedifficulties and danger they encounter whileworking on the movie. Someone obviously doesnot want them around, and the productioncompany is failing financially because someoneis using it as a cover for smuggling drugs.Jade becomes a Christian and is baptized in theocean. McKenna calls out to God in a lifethreateningsituation and is saved. She says thatshe doesn’t feel alone any more, now that God iswatching. This book is filled with action andexcitement, from warning notes left for the girls,to their meeting celebrities. A definite loveinterest is developed and much attention is givento what the girls choose to wear and how theylook, in and out of their work on the set of themovie.Some aspects of the story may be hard to relateto, like the fact that money is not a problem atany time, but these factors may add to the appealof the book for pre-teen girls. The author,Christian Library Servicesis looking forwell-read personswho alsolike to writeNeeded to reviewVARIOUS GENRESOFLITERATUREfor theChristian LibraryJournal.Write for guidelines:Christian Library Services801 S. Osage AvenueBartlesville, OK 74003-4946Email: nancyhclj@aol.comC H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 4 9 J A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8

YOUNG ADULTFICTIONMarianne Hering, writes in a straightforwardmanner, and makes much use of dialogueQuality—3Judy BelcherSylvan Way Christian SchoolBremerton, WashingtonAcceptability—4Valley of the Broken Cherry Trees, by LenseyNamioka. Hillsboro, Ore.: Blue HeronPublishing, 1980. ISBN 0936085320, PAP,$8.95.F. Samurai--Fiction; Japan--History--1185-1868--Fiction. 156 p.Village of the Vampire Cat, by LenseyNamioka. Hillsboro, Ore.: Blue HeronPublishing, 1981. ISBN 0936085290, PAP,$8.95.F. Samurai--Fiction; Japan--Fiction. 155 p.Gr. 7 - 12.Zenta and his student, friend, and travelingcompanion, Matsuzo, halt at the breathtakingview of frothy pink in the valley below them.The inn at the bottom of this valley famous for itscherry trees is their destination. The two youngronin (unemployed samurai warriors), gaunt andhungry after a hard, lean winter, are anxious forthe feast and warm beds that they hope to findthere. On their way, they notice that several ofthe beautiful older cherry trees have beenmutilated.To their chagrin, they find that the inn is alreadyfilled with a high ranking warlord family and itssamurai warriors. But the owner of the innrecognizes Zenta as the man who had saved hisfamily in the past from a band of looting soldiersand allows him and his companion to stay in thetea house not far from the inn.Zenta and Matsuzo plan to enjoy this season ofthe cherry trees but soon find themselvesembroiled in unlocking the mystery of who isruining the trees.Village of the Vampire Cat features Zenta and hisfellow warrior Matsuzo in another action-packedadventure. They arrive at the village of the teamaster, Ikken, who had taken a young Zentaunder his wing many years before. Butsomething strange has been happening; thevillage shows signs of decay, the people actfearful and distrusting, and even Ikken is not hisusual self. After both men escape an attack bysomething dark and menacing, a story tumblesout about the Vampire Cat who is murderingyoung girls.Lensey Namioka has skillfully created theseunpredictable mysteries set in sixteenth centuryJapan, and has filled them with adventure andaction. Valley of the Broken Cherry Trees gives aglimpse into the traditions, religion, and way oflife of the Japanese warlords who were high insocial status during this period of Japanesehistory.Village of the Vampire Cat focuses on the peasantand merchant lifestyles and provides insight intothe meaning of the tea ceremony and the use ofhara-kiri. The training and hardships in the lifeof the samurai warrior are also a major thread inthe fabric of these stories.The descriptions of violence during clashesbetween the samurai are kept to a minimum andthe few episodes of drinking sake are notglamorized.Quality—4Debbie LindsayHomeschool ParentEatonville, WashingtonAcceptability—4Walks in Beauty, by Hazel Krantz. LCCN96040477. Flagstaff: Rising Moon, 1997.ISBN 0873586670, HBB, $12.95.F. Navajo Indians--Fiction; Indians of North America--New Mexico--Fiction. 182 p.Gr. 7 - Adult.Anita Whiterock is a fifteen-year-old Navajocaught in the struggle between the progress of thewhite man and the traditional ways of theNavajo. Walks in Beauty is Anita’s Navajo nameas well as the name of the book. Anita is facedwith many things young Navajo girls are facedwith: living in a small home with no water orelectricity, learning the traditional ways, dealingwith boyfriends, a first kiss, parents who aredivorced, and living thirty miles or more fromtown.Throughout the book the reader learns about thetraditional religion of the Navajo. Anita’s sister,Lola, asks Anita to be her Ideal Woman duringher Kinaalda’ or coming-of-age ceremony. Thereader is given a view of what happens duringthis traditional Navajo ceremony.Lola makes her cousin Billy laugh for the firsttime. This means Lola must give a “first laughparty”. At this first laugh party the practice ofmixing Christianity with traditionalism is veryevident. In the same celebration, the grandfatherrepeats traditional ceremony (including prayersto the spirits) and the baby’s father prays,celebrating the Christian heritage of the family.Walks in Beauty is a book of contrasts betweenthe spiritual world of the Navajo and thetechnological world of the Anglos.Author Hazel Krantz has written a novel thataccurately portrays life in some parts of theNavajo Nation. Walks in Beauty describes lifefor a fifteen-year-old much as you would find itin the smaller reservation communities. Mrs.Krantz spent several weeks on the reservationresearching her book.For those who want to learn more about life onthe reservation, this is an informative andenjoyable book.Quality—5Jane MouttetAcceptability—3Missionary LibrarianHilltop Christian SchoolWindow Rock, ArizonaWhere the Red Fern Grows, based on the bookby Wilson Rawls; directed by Norman Toker.(Family Classics.) Chandler, Ariz.:Bridgestone Productions, 1991. ISBN1563710129, VID, $12.95.F. Dogs--Fiction; Oklahoma--Fiction. 1 videocassette;108 min., colorGr. 3 - 8.Where the Red Fern Grows is a classic tale,originally written by Wilson Rawls and welllovedby children for many years. It is a story ofa young boy, Billy, his family, and his consumingdesire to own a coon hound. How Billy sets outto own not one, but two hunting dogs, and theresulting adventures is the gist of this story. It isheartwarming and a video that the whole familywill enjoy.The video cover gives the suggestion that astrong part of this story has to do with God andBilly’s grandfather’s relationship to him. This ismisleading. Yes, the Lord is mentioned but therelationship is minimal and only when it is to hisgrandpa’s benefit. When a purse of money isoffered as a prize at a hunting competition andBilly reminds Grandpa that the Good Bookdoesn’t hold with gambling, Billy’s granddadgoes ahead anyway and throws his two dollars in.This does not suggest that the movie is notworthwhile, just that the billing for it be correct.This video tells a wonderful story and will beenjoyed by young as well as old. But it does alsohave some technical difficulties. The musicseems to date the film and at one point, a fellowhunter evidently uses an expletive; it is cut out,but you can still see his mouth moving and thereis a split second of silence in his dialogue.Despite any shortcomings, this is a good storyand will be particularly enjoyed by children inthe primary grades.Quality—4Ceil CareyMiddle School LibrarianPlano, IllinoisAcceptability—4Wings of Gold, by Lance Patterson. LCCN97006856. Greenville, S.C.: Bob JonesUniversity Press, 1997. ISBN 0890849331,PAP, $6.49.F. Christian life--Fiction; Courage--Fiction; UnitedStates. Marine Corps--Fiction. 105 p.Gr. 6 - 9.Sam wants more than anything in the world to bea fighter pilot for the U.S. Marines. He believesGod has led him into the Marines, and he makesa tentative decision to keep his mouth shut abouthis personal relationship to God so he does notget any extra flack. The Holy Spirit prompts himto share his faith; and subsequently leads himJ A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8 7 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

YOUNG ADULTFICTIONinto a relationship with a wonderful, beautifulgirl; and eventually to his dream of being afighter pilot.One might think that Wings of Gold was writtenas an autobiography, as the author obviouslyknows a great deal about the Marines and flyingand is very familiar with the situations in whichSam finds himself. Realistically speaking, theauthor relates through the characters that manyMarines are interested in only one thing when itcomes to girls. The story is written in a fairlyanalytic, straightforward style and with a lot ofdialogue. Those who want to know more aboutlearning to fly and the training it takes, or aboutthe Marines would especially enjoy this book.Quality—4Acceptability—5Judy BelcherTeacher, Sylvan Way Christian SchoolBremerton, WashingtonAll the elements of a good old-fashioned formula1930s-40s western are present in both films.Their ‘hokiness’ is delightfully nostalgic. Noeffort has been made to change or upgrade thequality of the original photography. Each isidentified as being digitally mastered from aquality film print.. At times the light qualityvaries as does the sound. Transitions betweenscenes are sharps cuts at times requiring sharpattention from the viewer. Zane Grey continuesto be a major name associated with ‘goodguys/bad guys’ stories set in the Old West. Thesefilms would best be used for pleasure or as adiscussion base for film evolution of westernsand their components.Quality—4Patricia BraunLibrarianWilmette Junior HighWilmette, IllinoisAcceptability—5Zane Grey’s The Arizona Raiders, starringBuster Crabbe and Marsha Hunt. Based onthe novel by Zane Grey. (Zane Grey WesternClassics.) Carlsbad, Calif: BridgestoneMultimedia, . ISBN 1563711850, VID, $19.95.F. Western fiction. 1 videocassette, 60 min.; b & w.Zane Grey’s The Mysterious Rider, starringDouglass Drumbrille and Russell Hayden.Based on the novel by Zane Grey. (Zane GreyWestern Classics.) Carlsbad, Calif.:Bridgestone Multimedia, . ISBN 1563711842,VID, $19.95.F. Western fiction. 1 videocassette, 75 min.; b & w.Gr. 7 - Adult.As Arizona Raiders begins with our hero, drifter,about to be hanged. He is rescued and he and hisnew sidekick end up in Wyoming where theyeventually hire on as hands at a horse ranch witha beautiful female owner, our heroine. Assortedcharacters dot the landscape. Romance abounds(1) between the hero and heroine and (2) betweenan inept Easterner and the owner’s youngersister. The villain is the town attorney trying tohustle off the horses and blame our hero. In thecourse of events there is a thrilling cattlestampede, comic relief in the form of the lovelorninept Eastern suitor, a fight and shootout againstall odds, and of course the romantic kiss when allends well.The Mysterious Rider begins with the routinebloodless stagecoach holdup by two horsementhirty miles from town. Aboard is the hottemperedson of the man who has taken over acattle ranch after its former owner was run out oftown twenty years earlier. The former owner’sdaughter left behind and raised at the ranch is theprime love interest of the returning ne’er-do-well.Add the new foreman with a white hat as thirdcorner of the romantic triangle, two older drifters(one the returning father) newly hired on theranch, some rustling, hard posse riding, andmuch flashing of six-shooters.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 J A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8

YOUNG ADULTNONFICTIONBOOK REVIEWSYOUNG ADULT NONFICTIONSaints and Angels All Around, by Gregory J.Wismar. LCCN 95009655. Saint Louis:Concordia Publishing House, 1995. ISBN0570048168, PAP, $8.99.270. Christian saints--Meditations; Christian saints--Biography; Angels--Meditations. 140 p.Gr. 5 - Adult.The book of Hebrews tells us that we aresurrounded by a ‘great cloud of witnesses’—those who have preceded us in the Christian life.The most notable of our predecessors arefrequently called saints—some because theChurch has given them an ‘official’ designation,others because the holiness of their livescommends them to us.In Saints and Angels All Around, pastor GregoryWismar presents vignettes of thirty-six saints andfour angels. His selection ranges across themillennia of church history; the earliest isClement of Rome, born c.35, and the most recentis Sergius (c.1315-c.1392).To cover forty saints in a short book means littlespace is devoted to each one. The barest sketchof the saint’s life is given, followed by a lessondrawn from the life, and a concluding prayer.The vignettes are charming and easily readable,and commend themselves to brief devotions;perhaps read aloud to children. Those interestedin detailed information about a particular saint ordeeper theological reflection, however, will notfind them here. Saints and Angels All Aroundcould be used as a springboard to further study bythose unfamiliar with our Christian heritage.Quality—3Andrew M. SeddonPhysician, AuthorBillings, MontanaAcceptability—5The Constitution of the United States, byKaren Judson. (American Government inAction.) LCCN 95012522. Springfield, N.J.:Enslow Publishers, 1995. ISBN 0894905864,HBB, $18.95.342.73. United States--Constitutional history. 104 p.The Congress of the United States, by MichaelKronenwetter. (American Government inAction.) LCCN 96003848. Springfield, N.J.:Enslow Publishers, 1996. ISBN 089490745X,HBB, $18.95.328.73. United States. Congress; United States--Politics and government. 104 p.The Supreme Court of the United States, byMichael Kronenwetter. (AmericanGovernment in Action.) LCCN 95013477.Springfield, N.J.: Enslow Publishers, 1995.ISBN 0894905368, HBB, $18.95.347.73. United States. Supreme Court. 112 p.The FBI and Law Enforcement Agencies of theUnited States, by Michael Kronenwetter.(American Government in Action.) LCCN96030468. Springfield, N.J.: EnslowPublishers, 1997. ISBN 0894907468, HBB,$18.95.353.0074. Law enforcement. 112 p.The Presidency of the United States, by KarenJudson. (American Government in Action.)LCCN 95013476. Springfield, N.J.: EnslowPublishers, 1995. ISBN 0894905856, HBB,$18.95.353.03. Presidents. 128 p.Gr. 5 - 10.Part of the American Government in ActionSeries, The Constitution of the United Statesexplains the Constitution and gives backgroundon the fifty-five men who attended theConstitutional Convention in Philadelphia thesummer of 1787. The first chapter and the notesabout the signers flesh out these men and helpreaders see them as more than just signatures ona document.Students of American history and social studieswill find the reading easy, especially whenexplaining what has come to be called “the GreatCompromise”, the Virginia Proposal, and howslaves, a term not used in the Constitution itself,were to be counted. Teachers as well as studentswill find this readable and useful, but studentswill have to be led to it and walked through itbecause it is drab. Best used as a teacherresource in the classroom along with titles likeSh! We’re Writing the Constitution and theCobblestone issue about the Constitution and Billof Rights.Each book in the series follows the same format:Short chapters; black and white illustrations,notes, glossary and index. Expect that studentswill have to be led to these in spite of the materialfound in each.Quality—4Leslie Greaves RadloffTeacher/LibrarianEmanuel Lutheran SchoolAcceptability—5W. St. Paul, MinnesotaThundering Earth. (The Awesome Forces ofGod’s Creation Series.) Chicago: MoodyVideo, 1995. ISBN 1575670585, VID, $9.95.551.2. Earth; Tectonic plates; Volcanoes; Earthquakes.1 video, 45 min.Roaring Waters. (The Awesome Forces ofGod’s Creation Series.) Chicago: MoodyVideo, 1995. ISBN 1575670577, VID, $9.95.551.4. Water; Tides; Floods; Tidal waves. 1 video, 45min.Whirling Winds. (The Awesome Forces ofGod’s Creation Series.) Chicago: MoodyVideo, 1995. ISBN 1575670593, VID, $9.95.551.5. Winds; Hurricanes; Tornadoes; Thunderstorms.1 video, 45 min.Gr. 8 - Adult.The three videos in this series present a look atthe mystery of God’s creation. Each videodescribes an aspect of the forces of the naturalworld in a format reminiscent of the NationalGeographic Society’s popular science programs.Dramatic film footage and interviews with bothscientists and survivors of natural disasters, areused to show the power of nature and the CreatorGod.Thundering Earth looks at the dynamics of theearth’s interior, focusing on the geological forcesof volcanoes and earthquakes. The study of platetectonics provides the theoretical basis for muchof the discussion. Examples of the effects of largeearthquakes are used to show the destructiveforce of these natural disasters. A basisexplanation of the Richter scale, which measuresthe force of earthquakes, is also given.Roaring Waters presents an overview of thedestructive force of floods and tidal waves(tsunamis). The awesome forces of athunderstorm are described in some detail. Anoverview of how modern science has attemptedto predict and control weather events isundertaken in order to show what man can andcan’t predict or control when facing these events.Information is also provided on El Nino and itseffects on the earth’s weather. The second half ofthis program focuses primarily on the geologicaleffects of water.In Whirling Winds the sheer force of hurricanesand tornadoes is described. At any given timetwo thousand storms are occurring around theworld. This program also provides an in-depthJ A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8 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

YOUNG ADULTNONFICTIONlook at lightning and the sheer amount of energyproduced during a thunder storm. In the secondpart of the video there is a discussion of thescience of weather forecasting, with an emphasison newer methods of meteorological analysis.The use of Doppler radar and supercomputerweather modeling is also discussed.Given the overlapping content of these threevideos one wonders why they were notcondensed into one ninety-minute presentation.The general meteorological and hydrologicalinformation is repeated in each of the threeprograms. In both Roaring Waters andThundering Winds, geological information isgiven in a similar format. While each video canbe viewed individually, to view all three togetherresults in significant repetition. Despite the claimto present a look at the world’s weather, thesubject matter of these videos is almostexclusively American, as are the scientists anddisaster victims interviewed. The AwesomeForces of God’s Creation Series provides a good,basic introduction to the natural forces of God’screation. A plethora of facts, well-done graphics,and dramatic film footage enhance the aims ofthe programs.Quality—4Acceptability—5Ted GoshulakLibrarian, Trinity Western UniversityLangley, British ColumbiaAnimals in Art, by Louisa Somerville. (Let’sInvestigate Art.) LCCN 96004414. NewYork: Marshall Cavendish, 1996. ISBN0761400125, HBB, $15.50.704.9. Art appreciation; Animals in art. 48 p.Imagination in Art, by George Taylor. (Let’sInvestigate Art.) LCCN 96004413. NewYork: Marshall Cavendish, 1996. ISBN0761400109, HBB, $15.50.701. Art appreciation; Creation (Literary, artistic, etc.).48 p.Conflict in Art, by Clare Gogerty. (Let’sInvestigate Art.) LCCN 96004412. NewYork: Marshall Cavendish, 1996. ISBN0761400117, HBB, $15.50.704.9. Art appreciation; War in art. 48 p.Journeys in Art, by J. D. Lewis. (Let’sInvestigate Art.) LCCN 96004415. NewYork: Marshall Cavendish, 1996. ISBN0761400095, HBB, $15.50.704.9. Art appreciation; Voyages and travels in art. 48p.People in Art, by Clare Gogerty; artwork byAnnabel Spenceley. (Let’s Investigate Art.)LCCN 94008956. New York: MarshallCavendish, 1994. ISBN 1854357670, HBB,$15.50.701. Portraits; Art appreciation. 48 p.Gr. 4 - 8.The format of each title in the series is the same:seven short chapters, brief information aboutsome of the artists, and an index on page 48.Each chapter contains limited text and speciallymarked boxes: (1) an activity box with ideas forpersonal projects designed to give insight into thetechniques of the artist; (2) an information boxgiving additional explanation of text, or in-depthdata on an artist or particular work; and (3) a lookand see box with suggestions for closeobservation in the book or other sources of artincluding displays of art works. Artreproductions are as colorful and accurate to theoriginal as the quality of the paper and ink allow.The series seems to be geared to involve themiddle grade reader in art appreciation and todevelop an awareness of technique combinedwith appropriate art form. While the formatappears for middle grade students, many of theconcepts presented require some artisticcomprehension.Animals in Art examines the relationshipbetween humans and the rest of the animalkingdom throughout history. Animals aredepicted in art as pets, workers, imaginary beasts,scientific firsts, religious icons, and illusiverealistic likenesses.Imagination in Art examines the relationship ofcreativity to personal expression and a reflectionof culture. Illustrations describe seeing with themind’s eye, creation by dreams, the role ofperspective, the ability to omit obstacles in ascene, the role of feeling in modern art, and thefuture depicted in art.Conflict in Art depicts various types of battlesthat exist, whether political between countries,within ourselves, or in the sports arena.Illustrations include the glories as well as theprotests.Journeys in Art covers spiritual and physical tripsin various cultures. Concentration focuses onsetting out, the road, pioneers and explorers,legendary expeditions, arrival, and judgment day.People in Art examines self portraits, otherpeople’s portraits, sculpture, family life, peoplein their daily lives at work and at play, and thedepiction of hero vs. villain.Quality—4Patricia BraunJunior High LibrarianWilmette, IllinoisAcceptability—5Joy in the Journey, by Michael Card;illustrated by Timothy R. Botts. LCCN96006337. Nashville: Thomas NelsonPublishers, 1996. ISBN 0785277897, HBB,$24.99.811. Christian poetry, American; Bible--History ofBiblical events--Poetry. 104 p.Gr. 10 - Adult.“Long ago I realized that one purpose of theBible was to turn an eye into an ear...Musicprovides a means toward this transformation.”(Forward, Card) Conversely, in Joy in theJourney, the lyrics of Card have been convertedback into a visual delight by the calligraphy ofBotts. Three sections, fifteen songs each. Love’sSacred Mystery: The story of Alpha and Omegafrom the Torah’s promise to the Gospels’fulfillment. Those Who Belong to Eternity: Ourpersonal response to the Hound of Heaven andour daily journey with Jesus. The Call Is toCommunity: Our relationship to family and theever-expanding ranks of God’s people. Threecolumns. They tell the story. The lyrics pennedby Michael Card; the scripture that inspired thesong plus a short narrative of the song’s impetus,and Botts’ interpretation. Balance. Satisfaction.Anyone familiar with the art work of Botts(“Doorposts,” “Messiah,” “Proverbs,”“Windsongs”) will automatically reach for Joy inthe Journey. And they will not be disappointedbecause the quality of craftsmanship mergedwith sensitivity is intact. The same is true withthe scholarly, deeply spiritual lyrics ofcontemporary Christian music artist, MichaelCard. Joy in the Journey is a treasure for theChristian, a witness to the unbeliever.Quality—5Su HagertyDirector of Choral MusicLiberty High SchoolIssaquah, WashingtonAcceptability—5Diana Waring’s Ancient Civilizations & theBible, Vol. 1A, by Diana Waring; originalillustrations by Isaac Waring. (A DiggingDeeper Study Guide.) Spearfish, S.D: DianaWaring—History Alive, 1997. ISBN , PAP,$19.95.909. History, Ancient; Bible. Old Testament. 116 p.Gr. 5 - Adult.Diane Waring presents a fascinating, creative,supplemental study guide to her cassettecurriculum What in the World’s Going on Here?Ancient Civilizations & The Bible uses individuallearning styles to present many lesson options touse with the tape series, including music, creativewriting, and science. The guide is divided intounits that include objectives and people involved,as well as giving a seminar outline andvocabulary. Research ideas are suggested and a“Meet the People” section lists materials thatshould be available in local libraries. The twelveunits presented use a multi-age approach whichwould work well for a homeschool or multigradeclassroom situation. This study guidefocuses on history from Creation to Christ andhelps tie the world’s activities of the time to whatis happening in the Bible. It is best used inconjunction with the tape series.Quality—4Acceptability—5Paula Stewart MarksPrincipal, Morning Star Christian SchoolBend, OregonC H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 5 3 J A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8

YOUNG ADULTNONFICTIONThe Torn Veil : The Story of Sister GulshanEsther, by Sister Gulshan Esther; as told toThelma Sangster, with Noble Din interpreter.Fort Washington, Penn.: Christian LiteratureCrusade, 1989. ISBN 0875084737, PAP,$5.95.921 (248). Esther, Gulshan; Muslims--Controversialliterature. 155 p.Gr. 6 - Adult.Gulshan Fatima was born into a prominentMuslim family. She was crippled from infancy,then lost her beloved father in her teens. Whenshe cried out in desperation and was healed,Gulshan devoted herself whole-heartedly toJesus. This turn from Islam to Christianitycaused her many problems within her family—including rejection and threats of violence andeven death. But Gulshan Esther, having taken onthe Christian name and Christian faithwholeheartedly, was not to be dissuaded.This book is a fascinating and rare opportunity tolook at life from inside the eyes of a Muslimwoman turned Christian. Though the writingstyle isn’t polished, the subject is fascinating. Astudy of the 10/40 Window and/or the Muslimreligion would benefit from this personal view ofMuslim life. Miracles abound, Christians areseen as the true family of God, and Jesus is givenall the credit in this autobiography.Quality—3Acceptability—5Barbara BeyerACSI Missions Project CoordinatorColorado Springs, ColoradoThe Man with the Bird on His Head : TheAmazing Fulfillment of a Mysterious IslandProphecy, by John Rush & Abbe Anderson.(International Adventures.) Seattle: YWAMPublishing, 1997. ISBN 1576580059, PAP,$8.99.921 (266). Missionaries--Biography; Rush, John. 190p.Gr. 7 - Adult.With the assistance of Abbe Anderson, JohnRush tells the story of his role in the conversionto Christianity of a Pacific Island tribe of cargocult followers. His life as a minister has led himaboard the Christian relief and medial ship, thePacific Ruby, sponsored by Mercy Ships. In theVanuatu Islands off the coast of Australia, theyvisit the island of Tanna. A group of islandershave been waiting fifty years for the return of anAmerican they call John Frum—or John Frum(from) America.Tanna was used during the Second World War asa naval and marine base. During this time anAmerican named John told the islanders that thesuppression enforced on them in the name ofChrist by the missionaries was wrong, that Godwas right and so were their own customs. Beforeleaving the island he promised he would returnbringing them help and education. Their livescentered around waiting for the return of JohnFrum America. Hearing of John Rush’s visit tothe island, they believe he is their messiah. Thismakes Rush uncomfortable, but the other pastorsbelieve it is the only opportunity to convert thesepeople to Christianity. They will listen to no onebut the man they believe to be their savior.Rush and Anderson succeed in telling acompelling story of the events at Tanna island.When the second part of the book describesRush’s own journey from atheism to Christianity,the book is difficult to put down. Black andwhite photographs personalize the island eventsfor the reader. Descriptions of islandenvironment and native life are interesting.Reading this unusual personal experience is afaith-lifting reminder that God does indeed workin mysterious ways.Quality—4Acceptability—5Lisa A. WrobleFreelance Writer and LibrarianPlymouth, MichiganColin Powell : People’s Hero, by ReggieFinlayson. LCCN 96016740. Minneapolis:Lerner Publications Company, 1997. ISBN0822528916, HBB, $14.96.921 (355). Powell, Colin L.; Generals; Afro-Americans--Biography. 64 p.Gr. 4 - 6.Colin Powell: People’s Hero is a focusedaccount of the life of General Colin Powell, theformer chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Hewas the first black and the youngest person tohold this position and became well-knownbecause of his work during the Persian Gulf War.The text emphasizes his training and preparationfor his work and his strong family ties and theirimportance in his life. Enough details are givento help the reader understand what happened tohim and how he made decisions. This biographygives a lot of information without talking downto the reader and in a way that makes ColinPowell real. It quotes from his autobiographyseveral times in a way that authenticates thiswork.Several photographs effectively illustrate varioustimes in Colin Powell’s life. Some are formalposes, some from news coverage, and someappear to come from a family album. The bookconcludes with a bibliography for furtherinformation, an index, and information about theauthor.Quality—5Acceptability—5Judy BelcherTeacher, Sylvan Way Christian SchoolBremerton, WashingtonGregor Mendel : Father of Genetics, by RogerKlare. (Great Minds of Science.) LCCN96035791. Springfield, N.J.: EnslowPublishers, 1997. ISBN 0894907891, HBB,$18.95.921 (575.1). Mendel, Gregor, 1822-1884; Geneticists.128 p.Louis Pasteur : Disease Fighter, by LindaWasmer Smith. (Great Minds of Science.)LCCN 96038082. Springfield, N.J.: EnslowPublishers, 1997. ISBN 0894907905, HBB,$18.95.921 (509). Pasteur, Louis, 1822-1895; Scientists. 128p.Edwin Hubble : Discoverer of Galaxies, byClaire L. Datnow. (Great Minds of Science.)LCCN 96037095. Springfield, N.J.: EnslowPublishers, 1997. ISBN 0894909347, HBB,$18.95.921 (520). Hubble, Edwin Powell, 1889-1953;Astronomers. 128 p.Gr. 4 - 8.Gregor Mendel received an education becausehis parents saw this as important, and he hadnatural talent for learning. Later, Mendel usedmuch of his early education in gardening toperform his comprehensive research. He becamethe Father of Genetics through his innovativestudy of heredity.Edwin Hubble thrived on challenge. As a child,he set lofty goals for himself and easily achievedthem. Later, he had to work much harder toattain his self-appointed goals. His ultimate goalto be an astronomer was delayed by his father’sdreams for him to be an attorney. AlthoughHubble studied law in college, he also studiedastronomy. He eventually entered the field ofastronomy. Using the powerful Hale telescope,he took pictures repeatedly of a set of stars.Through comparison and analysis, he was able touse his pictures to prove that there are othergalaxies within both the Milky Way and theuniverse as a whole.Louis Pasteur was born to parents whoencouraged his innate curiosity. This curiosityled him to develop love for and expertise in artand science. Through the latter, he made manysignificant discoveries which still affect our livestoday. Some of his findings that we find usefulare pasteurization, rabies vaccination, yeast’sinvolvement in fermentation, dismissal of thespontaneous generation theory, diseaseidentification and control. Pasteur’s devotion toscience has saved many lives and improved thequality of all our lives.Each of these titles of the Great Minds of Scienceseries are well written and interesting to read.They will keep the attention of readers. Thestories of the dedication of the scientists aresimilar, but their individual differences inpreparation and approach will provide point ofconnection for today’s diverse youth. The titlesare supported by photographs of the subjects andscientists discussed. The authors have conducteddetailed research, and provide references. Thereare a glossary, chronology, index, chapter notesand further readings included at the end of eachvolume.J A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8 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

YOUNG ADULTNONFICTIONQuality—5Carol M. Jones, MLISChildren’s LibrarianUrbana-Champaign, IllinoisAcceptability—5Ludwig Van Beethoven : Composer, by DyniseBalcavage. (Great Achievers : Lives of thePhysically Challenged.) LCCN 96046395.Philadelphia: Chelsea House Publishers,1996. ISBN 0791020827, HBB, $19.95.921 (780). Beethoven, Ludwig van, 1770-1827;Composers. 120 p.Ernest Hemingway : Writer, by MelissaMcDaniel. (Great Achievers : Lives of thePhysically Challenged.) LCCN 95041554.Philadelphia: Chelsea House Publishers,1997. ISBN 0791024202, HBB, $19.95.921 (813). Hemingway, Ernest, 1899-1961; Authors,American. 120 p.Gr. 6 - 8.Beethoven was recognized as a genius early inhis musical career by such contemporaries asMozart and Haydn. His family had beenacclaimed as musicians for several generations.Listeners to his works see the beauty ofcomposition but miss the personality of theprivate composer. An unstable childhood and thefrustrations in the loss of his hearing as a youngadult contributed to his becoming a volatileperson, constantly changing his mind and oftenassuming people knew his thinking. Whateverthe reasons, this portrait is not positive about theman as a person, but it is the description of astrong man overcoming his handicaps. Previousbiographies by Kaufmann, Sadie, and the editorsof Horizon Magazine portray the same tormentedlife occurring when Europe was undergoingsweeping political change.Balcavage tries to show Beethoven’s reactions tohis silent world when the music welled insidehim and only others could enjoy the results. Thetext seems a bit choppy as Balcavage attempts tocombine the great musical talent present with thesuffering of the artistís hearing loss. The artistictemperament is evident throughout the book butmore time seems to be spent focusing on theconflicts in the later part of Beethoven’s liferegarding custody of his nephew Karl and hisbehavior and his interactions with people afterlosing his hearing than is given tointerpretation/evaluation of his musical works.Photographs of portraits, and music sheets areinterspersed throughout the text.Quality—4Acceptability—5Ernest Hemingway seems to have a smootherbeginning with the opening chapters devoted totime spent on family life, and his strict and piousupbringing. The writing style is interpreted interms of events in Hemingway’s life. As much ofhis work was autobiographically based, the shortstories and novels often take their titles fromthese events in his life (ex. Movable Feast), aquote about Paris and his life there. His trainingat an early age developed a love of the outdoorsand hunting, thus the macho man image.Each chapter seems to discuss and interpret eachliterary step as it parallels Hemingway’s life andis emphasized with personalized snapshots.McDaniel does not ignore Hemingway’sdepression or alcoholism, as this great author wascommonly photographed with a cigarette in handor drink on the table.Quality—5Acceptability—5There is a vast contrast between two familybeginnings, yet both men experienced instabilityand brooding despair. Both overcame theirtorment to be leaders in their artistic field. Theintent of the series is to provide stories of peoplewho find strength and courage to succeed despitehandicaps whatever that handicap may be. As aresult the books appears to be focused on thehandicap at the expense of the positive successfactor. Photos are well labeled and appear nearbut not necessarily with the text. Goodappendices, bibliographies, chronologies, andindices are part of each title in the series.Patricia BraunJunior High LibrarianWilmette, IllinoisRobert Louis Stevenson : Finding TreasureIsland, by Angelica Shirley Carpenter & JeanShirley. LCCN 96048274. Minneapolis:Lerner Publications, 1997. ISBN 0822549557,HBB, $17.95.921 (828). Stevenson, Robert Louis, 1850-1894;Authors, Scottish. 144 p.Gr. 9 - Adult.Robert Louis Stevenson : Finding TreasureIsland chronicles the life story of Robert LouisStevenson who was dubbed Louis. He was asickly person from the age of two and aneccentric man. Angelica Shirley Carpenter andJean Shirley write a fascinating history of Louisand the interweaving of his life and writings.The book is excellently compiled, with areinforced binding, superior quality paper, andblack and white illustrations incorporatingphotographs of Louis’s life and reproductions ofartwork that correspond with his publications.Well-authenticated, the book includes a map ofhis journeys, a list of sources, a bibliography, anindex, and photo acknowledgments. The book’shard cover and dust jacket is attractivelyillustrated with Louis’s photo, a scene from oneof his stories, and a picture of the Equator, asailing ship.Overall the book is fascinating, but parents andteachers should be aware that as a young manLouis squandered his stipend in pubs andbrothels and repudiated his faith in God. Beforemarrying Fanny, they lived together, and Fannywas fond of cigarettes and guns.Quality—5Acceptability—3Dianne WoodmanFreelance Writer and Homeschool ParentMilpitas, CaliforniaThe Mexican War of Independence. (WorldHistory Series.) LCCN 96014216. San Diego,Calif.: Lucent Books, 1997. ISBN1560062975, HBB, $16.95.972. Mexico--History--Wars of Independence, 1810-1821. 112 p.The California Gold Rush, by Tom Ito.(World History Series.) LCCN 96026354.San Diego, Calif.: Lucent Books, 1997. ISBN1560062932, HBB, $16.95.979.4. California--Gold discoveries; Gold mines andmining--California--History--19th century. 112 p.The Watts Riot, by Liza N. Burby. (WorldHistory Series.) LCCN 96054585. San Diego:Lucent Books, 1997. ISBN 1560063009, HBB,$16.95.979.4. Watts Riot, Los Angeles, Calif., 1965; Afro-Americans--Civil rights; Afro-Americans--Socialconditions. 128 p.The Black Death, by Phyllis Corzine. (WorldHistory Series.) LCCN 96019441. San Diego:Lucent Books, 1997. ISBN 1560062991, HBB,$16.95.614.5. Black death--History; Plague--History;Diseases--History. 112 p.The Mexican Revolution, by Mary PierceFrost and Susan Keegan. (World HistorySeries.) LCCN 96002402. San Diego, Calif.:Lucent Books, 1997. ISBN 1560062924, HBB,$16.95.972.08. Mexico--History--Revolution, 1910-1920. 128p.The History of Slavery, by Norman L. Machtand Mary Hull. (World History Series.)LCCN 96045640. San Diego, Calif.: LucentBooks, 1997. ISBN 1560063025, HBB, $16.95.306.3. Slavery--History. 112 p.Gr. 6 - 10.The format of each title in this series includes aforward explaining the essential unique qualitiesof the various Lucent series, followed by atimeline of important dates relevant to the eventunder discussion. An introduction to the eventprovides a brief overview as well as interpretingthe event’s place in history as a whole. Thecentral portion of the text is a chronologicaloverview with several primary quotations andnumerous illustrations. These break the textwhile providing perspective about the peopleinvolved. The strength of the series is its attemptto provide information by example. Quotationsare cited and full footnotes follow the end of thetext. Also found at the end of each title is aglossary, annotated further readingrecommendations, and an annotatedbibliography. A comprehensive index isprovided along with full credits. The informationis clear and reads quickly. Students wantingmore depth may use this series as a good startingC H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 5 5 J A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8

YOUNG ADULTNONFICTIONpoint for further research.The Mexican War of Independence traces theroots of rebellion throughout the history ofMexico from the time of conquest in the 1500s toits role in the world today with emphasis on theevents leading to the actual revolution. Only onechapter details the revolution itself.The California Gold Rush covers about ten yearsin the history of California. The book beginswith the discovery of gold and the spreading ofthe news, but the emphasis focuses on the dreamof gold, the reality of a mine, and the boom townsthat developed.The Watts Riot centers on the detailed events of afew days in August, 1965. These events are alsodiscussed in terms of a 100 year timeline of JimCrow laws, and civil rights issues.The Black Death focuses on the spread of thedisease in Europe from 1347-1351. Resultingchanges in medieval Europe as a result of thisplague are then examined.The Mexican Revolution briefly reviews theelection of Diaz in 1877 describing his beginningpeaceful efforts to bring industrialization toMexico. However, with his seventh election in1910 the seeds of revolution grew more rapidly.The bulk of the text follows events from 1910 to1927—the actual rebellion, each of thesubsequent elections, the leaders, and the reignsof blood and terror that followed.The History of Slavery covers the concept fromearliest times, 4000 B.C. to present. One chapteris devoted to the American slavery issue, but theuniversality of slavery as a human conditionthroughout the history of mankind remains thefocal point.Quality—5Acceptability—5Patricia BraunLibrarian, Wilmette Junior HighWilmette, IllinoisThe Ancient Maya, by Irene Flum Galvin.(Cultures of the Past.) LCCN 95047478.Tarrytown, N.Y.: Benchmark Books, 1997.ISBN 0761400915, HBB, $19.95.972.81. Mayas--History; Mayas--Antiquities; CentralAmerica--Antiquities. 80 p.The Ancient Romans, by Kathryn Hinds.(Cultures of the Past.) LCCN 95044099.Tarrytown, N.Y.: Benchmark Books, 1997.ISBN 0761400907, HBB, $19.95.937. Rome--Civilization. 80 p.The Celts of Northern Europe, by KathrynHinds. (Cultures of the Past.) LCCN95044101. Tarrytown, N.Y.: BenchmarkBooks, 1997. ISBN 0761400923, HBB, $19.95.948. Celts. 80 p.The Kingdom of Benin in West Africa, byHeather Millar. (Cultures of the Past.)LCCN 95044098. Tarrytown, N.Y.:Benchmark Books, 1997. ISBN 0761400885,HBB, $19.95.966.9. Bini (African people); Benin (Nigeria). 80 p.The Persian Empire, by Karen Zeinert.(Cultures of the Past.) LCCN 95044123.Tarrytown, N.Y.: Benchmark Books, 1997.ISBN 0761400893, HBB, $19.95.935. Iran--History--To 640. 80 p.Gr. 4 - 9.This series of books about the ancient world werewritten to a well-defined formula for presentinginformation. Each book has a section on thehistory of the people, the cultural historyincluding the arts, a thorough account of theirbelief system and how these beliefs weredemonstrated in their society, and the legacy thepeople left. Pronunciations of appropriatevocabulary follow those words in the text. At theend of each book is a time line, glossary,suggestions for further reading, a bibliography,an index, and information about the excellentqualifications of the author. Each book has asection titled “If you lived in...” that pulls theyoung adult reader into the culture in a morepersonal way. Each explains carefully howinformation was discovered that we know to betrue. Numerous photographs of countryside andmagnificent pieces of art illustrate each volume.Insets, of extra bits of information, are found hereand there in the text. Instead of the traditionalmethod of dating of B.C. and A.D., this series ofbooks uses B.C.E. (Before Common Era) andC.E. (Common Era). All in all, these books arevery interesting and compelling to read.The Ancient Maya begins with a history of theknowledge we have of these people. Theirhistory is divided into periods, and is known andstudied because much was written. Much wasalso destroyed by the conquering Spanish, whowanted to eliminate the pagan influences of theculture. Every part of the Mayan life andachievement reflected their beliefs: incrediblearchitecture, calendar, sculpture, numbers. Theirwonderful art “gave face” to their religion.The Ancient Romans saw themselves as talentedin the art of government and patriotism was theguiding principle. The text details the manycontributions of the Romans, such as theinvention of concrete, the Latin language, and thework of the law. They saw themselves astalented in the art of government and patriotismwas the guiding principle. The Romans toleratedall deities so long as they were not perceived asthreatening to the state. This book takes apsychological development of religionperspective when it states that the people, as partof their ritual, believed in different kinds ofpersonal saviors, and that the Christian Church fitinto this mode of thinking.The Celts of Northern Europe begins with anoverview of conquests and defeats of the Celts(kelts) and a very helpful map. While thesepeople did not have one mythology shared by allthe tribes, they thought that gods and goddesseslived side by side with them in a very real way,often mingling in animal form. While many oftheir practices were violent and a state of war wasconsidered normal and even desirable, theirculture was rich with the love of music, poetry,and storytelling.The Persian Empire was obviously written with aclear view toward the historical importance ofthis great ancient people. After the summarizingthe various empires, the author works throughwith clear understanding the lifestyle andcontributions of these people. She saw the rootsof the belief in personal salvation, that men andwomen could choose to do good or evil andthereby go to heaven or hell as a result, in theteachings of the Zoroaster.The Kingdom of Benin in West Africa was writtenin a little more basic style than the others in theseries and did not cover as much information.This is probably because the history of thispeople is remembered with an oral tradition andis described here in much the same way. Also,the population being described is not as large noras ancient as some of the others. A simple maphelps define who these people were.Quality—5Acceptability—5Judy BelcherTeacher, Sylvan Way Christian SchoolBremerton, WashingtonArlington National Cemetery, by R. ConradStein. (Cornerstones of Freedom.) LCCN95006307. Chicago: Children’s Press, 1995.ISBN 0516066250, HBB, $16.40.975.5. Arlington National Cemetery (VA). 32 p.Gr. 5 - 8.Arlington National Cemetery chronicles thehistory of the famous cemetery by that name. In1778 Martha Washington’s son, John ParkCustis, purchased an estate along the PotomacRiver. During the Civil War it was chosen as anational cemetery. As Arlington’s prestige grew,soldiers from previous wars were re-buried there.Now the cemetery holds veterans from allAmerican wars.R. Conrad Stein’s narration of over twenty-fivepersonal histories laces the facts of the cemeterytogether with the conflicts that united them all.Black and white, and colored photographsillustrate the text. The faces of the people addsignificance to the pictures of the simple whitestones that mark their graves. A glossary,timeline chart, and index are included.Arlington National Cemetery is a part of theCornerstones of Freedom series that depictsAmerican history for readers in grades fivethrough eight.Quality—5Melinda TorgersonFreelance WriterNewport, WashingtonAcceptability—5J A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8 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

BOOK REVIEWSADULT FICTIONBefore Night Falls, by MaryAnn Minatra.(Legacy of Honor; 1.) LCCN 96010713.Eugene, Ore.: Harvest House Publishers,1996. ISBN 1565074327, PAP, $10.99.F. Germany--History--1933-1945--Fiction; Marriedpeople--Germany--Fiction; Americans--Germany--Fiction. 461 p.Gr. 11 - Adult.MaryAnn Minatra begins the Legacy of HonorSeries with Max Farber’s twelfth birthday. In afamily where might, power, military andfinancial success are important, Max favors truthand honor. Despite his older brother’spersecution and example, Max chooses adifferent road. This excellent historical noveldepicts Germany, the rise of Hitler, and thepersecution of the Jews from 1916 to 1940.Before Night Falls is not one person’s story, butmany. There is Wilhelm, a young Jew, and hisparents; the Rabbi and his violinist daughter;Josef, the doctor, and his niece Emelie, anaspiring photographer, who wants to show theworld what is happening. Each of these people isaffected by the growing rise of Nazism. Woveninto their stories are glimpses of real people:Roosevelt, Churchill, Albert Lebrun, JesseOwens, and their response to the growingGermany imperialism. The book ends with thebombing of Pearl Harbor.Quality—5Acceptability—5Paula Stewart MarksPrincipal Morning Star Christian SchoolBend, OregonBeyond the Wild Shores, by Patricia Hickman.(Land of the Far Horizon; 4.) LCCN97021022. Minneapolis: Bethany HousePublishers, 1997. ISBN 1556615442, PAP,$9.99.F. Australia--History--Fiction; Teachers--Fiction. 287p.Gr. 10 - Adult.Beyond the Wild Shores is a novel set in NewSouth Wales, in the year 1807. BaileyTempleton, a young independent woman, leavesEngland to teach school in the remote anddangerous town of Sydney Cove. Sydney CoveA Note from the Editor: by Mary McKinneyis a settlement that is under English rule and ismade up largely of convicts (and their families)who have been transported from England.Bailey, upon her arrival, discovers that CaptainGrant Hogan hired her believing she was a man.Captain Hogan attempts to persuade Bailey toreturn to England, telling her that an immediatemale replacement will be sought for in England.However, Bailey feels that God has led her toSydney Cove, and is determined to bringeducation to the children, despite their poorenvironment and lack of parental support. WhenBailey proves herself capable of the task, CaptainHogan offers his support and protection, butBailey remains suspicious of his character andmotives.Bailey is also befriended by the Farrell andPrentice families. They give support andprotection to Bailey when Captain Hogan isabruptly transferred, when she is pressured toresign, and when attempts are made against herlife. These circumstances lead Bailey to questionthe directions she is going. Is Sydney Covewhere God wants her to be?“There are threethings that lastforever; faith,hope, and love,but the greatest ofthem all is love.”1 Corinthians 13Love is that great universal theme underlyingalmost every type of written piece, movie or video.Wherever one turns you come face to face with thereality of love’s presence, or the lack of it.Unfortunately, in the 90’s there is much lessunselfish, giving love than the “do your own thing,whatever feels good,” type of self indulgence. Andso comes the flood of books covering every aspectof “love” imaginable.Critics of such popularized “romance” fiction areas abundant as the reading material itself. I haveeven heard fair warning to women to beware ofbeing “hooked” on romance novels, as they are asmuch an addiction as anything else. But asalways, a general statement can never trulyrepresent the whole, and though it is good toconsider our actions, I believe that with a littleforethought and care we can find uplifting andencouraging tales. Such well-written, thoughtfulstories can spur us on to desire a better relationshipwith our marriage partner and help us graciously togive preference to others.“There is no fear in love; but love casts out fear.”(1 John 4:18.) With such wisdom and admonitionfrom the greatest source, God’s Word, let usdiscover together some possibilities of finereading, or at least good and wholesomeentertainment that may leave the reader withfruitful inspiration!Some notable authors in the “romance” field areMichael Phillips and Judith Pella. They have coauthoredseveral series that are outstandingexamples of fine entertainment mixed with a muchappreciated godliness. The Stonewyck Series, andThe Russians are excellent examples of all that isfine and wholesome in well-written romancenovels. As well as an interesting read, the readercan expect to find spiritual insight into God’sperspective on love and His divine leading andpurpose in relationships as well.Other fine authors in the “romance” arena includeLinda Chaikin with her Heart of India Series, aswell as, The Royal Pavilions and The GreatNorthwest Series. In my opinion, Boede Thoene(pronounced Tay’nee) has an outstanding series,The Shiloh Legacy, mixing romance, adventure,and of course, historical accuracy in herpresentation. Lori Wick has many popular booksout as well, a favorite of mine being TheKensington Chronicles. Several of her novels havedominated the best seller list.New books are being added daily to this populargenre. There’s a lot to say about romance novels,but especially that they speak to that most movingemotion of all - love. A noted doctor listed severalemotions which produced disease in human beings:fear, frustration, rage, resentment, hatred, envy, andjealousy. He then noted that the one and onlyantidote that can save people from being destroyedby these powerful forces is - you guessed it - love!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 J A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8

ADULTFICTIONBeyond the Wild Shores is a novel that containsromance, suspense, and clearly defined spiritualtruths. The author, Patricia Hickman, makes hercharacters come alive and draws the reader intotheir lives. The main characters’ struggles arerelevant and common to us all. As a title in aseries, previous events are alluded to, but thenovel contains enough detail so that it can standalone.Quality—5Tammy WilliamsSocial Worker/HomemakerPort Orchard, WashingtonAcceptability—5By My Hands : A Novel, by Alton Gansky.LCCN 96004915. Minneapolis:ChariotVictor Publishing, 1996. ISBN1564765342, PAP, $10.99.F. Hospitals--Fiction. 320 p.Gr. 7 - Adult.Extraordinary events are occurring at KingstonMemorial Hospital in San Diego. Bill Langfordis miraculously cured from kidney and livercancer after a visit by a man in a white lab coat.Bill’s immediate recovery is witnessed by hiswife, sitting vigil by his bedside. Doctors andhospital administrators are puzzled and want tokeep the event confidential since they can’texplain it.Adam Bridger, pastor of a community church,suddenly becomes ill and has to leave the pulpitone Sunday morning. Admitted to KingstonMemorial with an inflamed appendix, he is therewhen the next healing miracle occurs. LisaHalley, a severe burn victim, recovers overnightand her scarred and charred body is replaced withsoft, pink healthy skin.An anonymous tip to a television news stationabout the miracles results in a top news anchor,Priscilla Simms, begging to be assigned to do anin-depth investigation. Hospital administrator,Dr. Evan Morgan, refuses to cooperate, insists ona news moratorium, and adamantly states thereports are highly exaggerated. The rumors ofmiracles cause crowds of the crippled andhandicapped to camp in the hospital’s lobby,begging to se the “Healer.” For awhile, PastorBridges is suspected of being the Healer.To add to the mystery, when the recoveredvictims leave the hospital to go home, theydisappear, and soon police are investigating.Pastor Bridges is called to minister to families ofthe missing and to do some sleuthing of his own.He knows the healings are not hoaxes but hestruggles with despair over the masses of themedically needy, praying for healing.Author Alton Gansky maintains the suspense.Though the story stretches credibility, he keepsthe tension high. There is a scene of sexualtemptation of the pastor, but the incident is wellhandled.Quality—4Acceptability—5Barbara TaenzlerFreelance Writer and Book ReviewerGlenwood, IowaCaught in the Middle, by Gayle Roper. (AnAmhearst Mystery; 1.) LCCN 96050279.Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House,1997. ISBN 0310209951, PAP, $9.99.F. Mystery fiction; Murder--Fiction. 238 p.Gr. 9 - Adult.Caught in the Middle is a modern day mystery setin the town of Amhearst. The main character,Merrileigh (Merry) Kramer, is a twenty-six yearold newspaper reporter who has recently left thesecurity of her Christian family and home town.She has also left behind Jack, her long-termboyfriend who doesn’t have the word“commitment” in his vocabulary.When Merry discovers a dead body of anunknown man in her car trunk, she finds herselfdeeply involved in a murder mystery. In spite ofthe fact that Merry finds herself in lifethreateningsituations, she is determined todiscover who the murderer is and get the “scoop”for her newspaper. Merry meets Curt Carlyle, alocal artist, who shows her all of the caring andselflessness that Jack lacked. She makes it clearthat she does not wish or need Curt’s“protection.” Yet, Merry finds herself attracted toCurt, even while she continually pushes himaway.Caught in the Middle is a quick, sometimeshumorous mystery, somewhat predictable. Theheroine’s actions and language depict a person inher early twenties to the point that a more maturereader might find it a bit dramatic. But, to theright audience, it is an enjoyable story withChristian morals and real life struggles.Underlining the mystery, is the theme of a youngwoman struggling to overcome loneliness, gainindependence, and find a secure place in God.The author, Gayle Roper, ends the novel on sucha note as to leave the reader in anticipation for thenext in the series.Quality—4Tammy WilliamsSocial Worker/ homemakerPort Orchard, WashingtonAcceptability—5Circumstantial Evidence : A Novel, by JamesScott Bell. LCCN 97003344. Nashville:Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1997. ISBN0805463593, PAP, $13.99.F. Christian fiction; Legal stories. 327 p.Gr. 11 - Adult.Sandy Joseph should have known, but he didn’t,and we don’t know why he is killed until wellinto the story line. Circumstantial Evidence is amodern day novel written about a deputy districtattorney, Tracy Shepherd, working tough cases inthe city of Los Angeles. Striving to keep her faithalive and her integrity strong in the midst ofcorruption and power plays, even in the DA’soffice, Tracy wants justice. If it meansprosecuting instead of a plea bargain when wronghas been done, or on the other hand notprosecuting when it seems someone is falselyaccused. What’s right is right. Endeavoring toget to the bottom of Sandy Joseph’s murder, itseems Tracy has made an enemy. She begins toreceive threats and strange things begin tohappen. Tracy is no longer sure who the goodguys are, or who can be trusted. How far is shewilling to go in her stand, when it could mean lifeor death?James Scott Bell states his goal is a book that youdon’t want to put down. He has succeeded. Bellwrites in such a way to grab your attention at thevery beginning, you MUST turn the pagebecause he continues to add twists and turns tokeep things suspenseful. Even when going backand forth to different scenes we are able to keepon track. Somewhat gory detail of killings, butnot gratuitous. His characters are all real andunique, believable people, believable dialogue.A little light on the spiritual stuff, but it is there.A credible story line, a former trial lawyer, Bellknows of which he writes. You aren’t left feelingthe bad guys won. Retribution is meted out.Justice prevails.Quality—5Jannet HoeffnerFreelance WriterPrairie City, OregonAcceptability—5Conquered Heart, by Lisa Samson. (TheAbbey Series; 1.) LCCN 96006121. Eugene,Ore.: Harvest House Publishers, 1996. ISBN1565074483, PAP, $9.99.F. England--Middle Ages--Fiction; WestminsterAbbey--Fiction. 391 p.Gr. 10 - Adult.It is the middle of the eleventh century and KingEdward, ailing suddenly, is unable to officiate atthe long awaited dedication of the completion ofWestminster Abbey. Griffin, godson of the king,and son of the royal stone mason in charge of theabbey’s construction, finds it difficult tounderstand why God has dealt such a keendisappointment to the faithful king. Griffin hasbeen restless for some time, trying to ascertainwhat God’s will for him is. Everyone, includingthe king, is expecting him to follow in thefootsteps of his father. Spending several yearsliving the life of a monk does not help to revealwhat he is to do.Life soon changes drastically for all of Englandshortly after the king’s death. William theConqueror invades the land to lay claim to thethrone, and Griffin, with King Edward’s sword inhand, soon finds himself a fugitive after killingthe soldiers who permanently maimed hisfather’s hands. Griffin runs from his father’shome, seeking to fill the emptiness in his soul. Inhis quest he gains the faithful love of a woman,strength of character, direction in life, and theJ A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8 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

ADULTFICTIONrealization of the great love that God has for him.Lisa Samson has aimed for historical accuracy inthe telling of Conquered Heart, the first book inThe Abbey Series. She notes at the beginningany changes or fabrication that strays fromhistorical accounts. This romance has a freshapproach in that the style of conversation isreminiscent of old English without beingcumbersome to read. The rebel English refer toWilliam the Conqueror as “The Bastard”because of his illegitimate birth. Included at thebeginning of the book are several diagrams of atypical monastery and church during this timeperiod.Quality—4Debbie LindsayHomeschool ParentEatonville, WashingtonAcceptability—5Distant Dreams, by Judith Pella and TraciePeterson. (Ribbons of Steel; 1.) LCCN96045906. Minneapolis: Bethany HousePublishers, 1997. ISBN 155661862X, PAP,$9.99.F. Railroads--Fiction. 349 p.Gr. 10 - Adult.Distant Dreams is a romantic novel set in precivilwar Virginia. The main characters in thestory are the Adams family (Carolina inparticular) and the Baldwin family (James inparticular) and how their lives are interwoven inthe development and expansion of the railroad.Carolina Adams is an unusual young woman,more interested in railroads and in furthering hereducation than in the social world of WashingtonCity and Virginia. Carolina’s independent ideas,although appalling to her mother, are supportedand encouraged by her “dreamer” father. Incontrast, Carolina’s older sister, Virginia, wantsnothing more than social standing and to secure ahusband to grant her every whim.James Baldwin, son of a banker, is a collegeeducated engineer whose interest in the railroadequals that of Carolina’s. James’ father pressureshim to make an advantageous marriage to savethe family from financial ruin. Virginia seems alikely candidate.While recovering from an injury, James assumesthe position of tutor for Carolina. As his courtingof Virginia progresses, James cannot help but bedrawn to Carolina, who shares his passion for therailroad. Will he ignore what his heart is tellinghim, or follow the expected path given him?The characters of Distant Dreams come alivequickly and you are easily immersed in thehappenings of each. The story is woven tocapture your attention and anticipation for thenext in the series. As for the spiritual content, itis lacking until the last chapter. Nevertheless, itis well written and entertaining.Quality—4Acceptability—5Tammy WilliamsSocial Worker/HomemakerPort Orchard, WashingtonDrastic Park, by W. E. Davis. (A Gil BeckmanMystery; 4.) LCCN 97017231. Wheaton, Ill.:Crossway Books, 1997. ISBN 0891079629,PAP, $8.99.F. Mystery fiction. 190 p.Gr. 10 - Adult.Gil Beckman, a fifteen year police detective isnow a security officer at a large amusement park.It is not until a year after God gives him a job thathe is finally able to admit his contentment. Afterall, he has been able to put his training to workmany times, which has saved the company a lotof money, even if they don’t show muchappreciation for his having done so.The mystery starts when Gil is summoned by thesecretary at the administration office, only to findthat she is not there when he arrives. Miffed thatshe didn’t keep her appointment, but knowing thedemands and personality of the park’s president,Gil shrugs it off and goes home to his upcomingfishing vacation with the guys.Upon his return to the park, Gil finds out that thesecretary is still missing and that severalmysterious personnel changes have been made.Not being able to pass up solving a mystery, Gilembarks upon a little detective work to put somepuzzle pieces together.Drastic Park is the third Gil Beckman mysteryby W .E. Davis and reads well alone. It is a wittystory in the first person that is a bit bumpyreading due to Gil’s mix of jesting and seriousstatements. Davis’ own experience as a policeveteran brings credibility to the story as cluesunfold and leads are followed to solve themystery. The first five chapters are entertainingbut slow, and then the plot finally takes off.God’s guidance to help solve the mystery is anintegral part of the story.Quality—4Debbie LindsayHomeschool ParentEatonville, WashingtonAcceptability—5Drums of Change : The Story of RunningFawn, by Janette Oke. (Women of the West.)LCCN 96004436. Minneapolis: BethanyHouse Publishers, 1996. ISBN 1556618123,PAP, $8.99.F. Indians of North America--Alberta--Fiction. 235 p.Gr. 10 - Adult.Drums of Change by Janette Oke shows thestruggle of the Indians seeing the old way of lifecoming to an end, told from the perspective of anIndian girl, Running Fawn. From a very youngage, Running Fawn feels deeply the customs andtraditions of her people. She looks with distruston the white missionary who comes to live withher tribe and teach from his Black Book.It is a devastating blow when she is chosen to goto the mission school with Silver Fox, the son ofthe chief, to learn from the white man. Her yearsat the school are lonely and miserable, and whenthe missionary brings word that her father is ill,she leaves in the night to return to her tribe.Silver Fox follows her and returns with her. Hemakes known his intention to seek her as hiswife, but the wedge between them is Silver Fox’scommitment to follow the white man’s God andhers to the old ways of their people.During a sudden prairie fire in which she almostdies, Running Fawn finally calls out to the Godof the white man, to the joy of her father, who hasleft the old ways years before, and of Silver Fox,who is now free to marry her.In a manner that is sensitive to the Indianperspective, but not condemning to the whiteman, Janette Oke writes a thought-provokingstory which helps the reader truly feel theIndians’ point of view.Quality—4Acceptability—5Esther KnauppLibrarian, Santiam Christian SchoolCorvallis, OregonThe Eagle Stirs Her Nest, by Linda Rae Rao.(Eagle Wings Series; 4.) LCCN 97008774.Grand Rapids: Fleming H. Revell, 1997.ISBN 080075607X, PAP, $10.99.F. Texas--History--Republic, 1836-1846--Fiction;Frontier and pioneer life--Texas--Fiction; TexasRangers--History--19th century--Fiction. 254 p.Gr. 6 - Adult.Bostonian Chad Macklin heads west to become aranger hoping to help tame the wilds of Texas inthe early 1800’s. He meets up with his agingranger uncle and together they meet thechallenges facing them. Unexpectedly, bothmen’s plans are abruptly changed when the elderman gets bitten by a snake and is forced toconvalesce at a nearby farm. The Prestons, afamily who traveled west three years earlier, takein both uncle and nephew. Chad learns moreabout just how dangerous that era of Texashistory can be when he tangles with Indians,weathers out a Blue Norther, captures outlaws,and eventually loses his heart to young SarahPreston.The Eagle Stirs Her Nest is part four of the EagleWings Series. This 250 page book is full ofcolorful and historical dialogue. Author LindaRao fills out the narrative with interestinghistorical references to a time long past.Sheintermingles humor and adventure in thismedium-paced book for young people, where themain characters learn about trusting God indifficult circumstances.Quality—4Acceptability—5Michele HoweFreelance Writer and Homeschool MotherC H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 5 9 J A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8

ADULTFICTIONLaSalle, MichiganFar from the Dream, by Lance Wubbels. (TheGentle Hills; 1.) LCCN 94019920.Minneapolis, Minn.: Bethany House, 1994.ISBN 1556614187, PAP, $17.98.F. World War, 1939-1945--Fiction. 303 p.Gr. 11 - Adult.For Jerry, it’s a chance to serve his country andprove his manhood; a chance to avenge his bestfriend, who was injured in the bombing of PearlHarbor. For Marjie, it’s an agonizing separationfrom her new husband as she is both comfortedand terrified by the baby growing within her.During their bittersweet honeymoon, neitherexpected the pain of the parting to come. Butonly two days after they take their vows, Jerry isoff to join the Navy, leaving Marjie to deal withher abusive boss, overshadowing medical bills,and her unexpected pregnancy.As he copes with the hardships of battle, Jerrybefriends a man named Chester whose “religion”often wins out over logic. Chester tries to sharehis beliefs with his friend, but Jerry will havenothing to do with it. Marjie, on the other hand,is intrigued. After quitting her job (andsimultaneously ruining her boss, whoselecherous advances she’s turned down), Marjiemoves in with Benjamin, Jerry’s dad. FromBenjamin, she begins to learn about Christ, andto accept the “surprise” baby as a gift from God.The plot used in Far From the Dream is hardlyoriginal; as World War II approached, thousandsof young couples had to make the choice whetherto marry right away, or to wait until after the war.But Jerry and Marjie are fascinating individualswhose various experiences make the storyunique.The story drew me in from the beginning, andMarjie’s side keeps a good pace. However, it’seasy to get buried in too many military details ofJerry’s adventures in the Navy. While there’slittle description of the characters’ physicalappearance, their personalities jump right off thepage. Even without a detailed sketch of her face,Lance Wubbels makes Marjie’s impish grinappear instantly in the mind’s eye.Quality—4Tara A. SiglerFreelance WriterWalker, IowaAcceptability—5A Hope Beyond, by Judith Pella and TraciePeterson. (Ribbons of Steel; 2.) LCCN97021036. Minneapolis: Bethany HousePublishers, 1997. ISBN 1556618638, PAP,$9.99.F. Railroads--History--Fiction. 320 p.Gr. 10 - Adult.Written as Book 2 in the Ribbons of Steel series,A Hope Beyond nevertheless can stand alone.The reader is enabled to understand previoushappenings by a “what has gone before” sectionin the immediate front of the book. This is thestory of Carolina Adams, a young woman aheadof her time because of her more “masculine”interests, particularly the railroad and itsexploding future. Interwoven within is a richcast of characters, including Carolina’s mentallyunbalanced mother, her bitter, vindictive sister,Virginia, and James Baldwin, her one-time suitor,who does not know of the great love she holds forhim. A turning point in Carolina’s life is herencounter with Christ and the resultant changesthat occur. Surprisingly, she weds her employer,the father of the young child to whom she isnanny, in a loveless relationship for pragmaticreasons only.A question does arise from A Hope Beyond. Is itappropriate for a Christian woman to marry atotally irreligious man, even if her mainreasoning is to save his young child fromplacement in an orphanage? After this marriage,Mr. St. John is conveniently killed in an accident,leaving Carolina free to marry the man she trulyloves. This is a rather pat solution for a difficultsituation.Putting these questions aside, the story line of AHope Beyond catches and holds the interest of thereader. It will appeal mainly to women, highschool to adult and would make a likely-to-bechecked-outaddition to most libraries, church orpublic.Quality—4Ceil CareyMiddle School LibrarianPlato, IllinoisAcceptability—5In the Still of Night, by Deborah Raney.LCCN 96045850. Minneapolis: BethanyHouse Publishers, 1996. ISBN 1556616678,PAP, $8.99.F. Rape--Fiction; Christian life--Fiction; Marriage--Fiction. 238 p.Gr. 12 - Adult.“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and leannot on your own understanding, in all your waysacknowledge him, and he will make your pathsstraight.” Proverbs 3:5-6. Trusting, waiting,obeying are the key issues in this novel byDeborah Raney. Do we trust God even when wedon’t understand?Paul and Anna Marquette are at a point in theirlives when most of the tough lessons anddecisions are well behind them. However whentragedy strikes, it hits at the very core of theirrelationships, not only with each other andeveryone else in their lives, but also with God.They must start over and reevaluate what theyhave always held to be true, whether or not Godis worthy of their trust—even if it is worthwhileto trust God.Raney lays bare the central issues of life andbrings them up against the faithfulness of God. IsGod who we think He is? What do we reallybelieve deep down? All pretense is torn awayand we see the naked truth about who we are andthe shallowness of our faith. Raney keeps themoral dilemmas coming right to the very end ofthe book—a unique love story in the arena ofChristian novels. This book includes issues ofrape, abortion, adoption, and racism.Quality—5Jannet HoeffnerFreelance WriterPrairie City, OregonAcceptability—4Istanbul Express, by T. Davis Bunn.(Rendezvous with Destiny; 5.) Minneapolis:Bethany House Publishers, 1995. ISBN1556613830, PAP, $8.99.F. Istanbul (Turkey)--Fiction. 205 p.Gr. 10 - Adult.“Her eyes were gray and direct as they turnedtoward Sally. ‘My dear, your husband is in gravedanger.’”These disturbing words from a stranger fill SallyBurnes’ heart with fear. Her husband, Jake, is alltoo familiar with danger—he works in the fieldof International Intelligence. Yet, this time isdifferent, they are journeying into the unknowncountry of Turkey. Jake’s supervisor, Harry, hasbeen “unexpectedly delayed”, and gave verylittle briefing to Jake before they departed. Sallyfeels trapped and scared, knowing Jake facesuntold dangers in this perilous land.Jake has been assigned to Istanbul to discoverany covert plans Stalin may have to gain controlof Turkey. He is given the task of overseeing thedistribution of war relief funds, but finds hisefforts thwarted from unexpected quarters.Everyone is suspect, no one can be trusted—doesthis include Mrs. Hollamby, the sweet, elderlyBritish woman that has befriended Sally?Istanbul Express is a fast paced spy mysterywhose characters have warm hearts and truefaith. T. Davis Bunn portrays Sally and Jake aspersons “living on the edge”, but with realemotions and a strong love for each other.Another character is introduced, a Jewish mannamed Daniel, and Jake’s relationship with himand his father, Joseph, bring spiritualenlightenment and add a very special element tothe story. Although Istanbul Express is numberfive in a series, the story stands alone; afterfinishing it, however, one will want to read theothers.Quality—5Tammy WilliamsSocial Worker/HomemakerPort Orchard, WashingtonAcceptability—5Jewel in the Evening Sky, by MaryAnnMinatra. (Legacy of Honor Series; 2.) LCCN97009437. Eugene, Ore.: Harvest HousePublishers, 1997. ISBN 1565076680, PAP,J A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8 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

ADULTFICTION$9.99.F. Germany--History--1933-1945--Fiction. 467 p.Gr. 11 - Adult.In Jewel in the Evening Sky, MaryAnn Minatracontinues to probe the effect of Nazism on manydifferent individuals. Returning to 1932, theauthor presents two families who live side-bysideon Blumenstrasse. They are best friends aswell as business partners, but one family isJewish, one is not. Rising anti-Semitismattempts to erode their relationship, but can nottouch their love and devotion for one another.The thread of earlier relationships is alsocontinued. Emilie, pregnant and caring for herinvalid father, fends off the overtures of a S.S.officer and the suspicious designs of Max’s olderbrother Otto. Wilhelm searches for the Rabbi’sdaughter. This is the final book of the series andoffers many thought provoking insights into reallife situations. The book stands alone, butreading the series will give a better overview ofthe entire Nazi/anti-Semitism problem.Quality—5Acceptability—5Paula Stewart MarksPrincipal Morning Star Christian SchoolBend, OregonA Land to Call Home, by Lauraine Snelling.(Red River of the North; 3.) LCCN 97004652.Minneapolis: Bethany House Publishers,1996. ISBN 1556615787, PAP, $9.99.F. Dakota Territory--Fiction; Frontier and pioneer life--Fiction. 317 p.Gr. 9 - AdultA Land to Call Home, the third book in the RedRiver of the North Series, gives readers an indepth view of homesteading in the DakotaTerritory in the late 1880’s. These heartyNorwegian pioneers endure painful hardship tosustain the discouragement of the prairie.Ingeborg Bjorkland loses her first husband andtakes up the stressful walk of keeping alive herhusband’s dream of not only owning theirproperty, but of seeing a town born on the prairie.Haaken, her second husband, guides Ingeborgthrough the valley of hardships as they watchtheir winter hay supply dissolve into ashes froma prairie fire. Day to day living is complicated asthey travel to Chicago to bring Solveig, aninjured sister, home to recuperate. Not onlymust they deal with Solveig’s bitterness about herinjuries, but maintain healthy familyrelationships with their children and thoseneighbors who depend on their help and spiritualwalk.Interwoven in Ingeborg and Haaken’s lives is thestruggle of doubts Penny, a neighbor girl, faceswaiting for Hjelmer to return from his job on therailroad. The ever present push to the Pacificcaptures Hjelmer’s dreams, and he also learns theimportance of identifying with a people whoneed him. Family and neighbors feel oneanother’s joys and pains deeply in this close knitNorwegian community firmly founded on God’sWord.Lauraine Snelling conveys the essence of thepioneer’s strength as she weaves God’ssovereignty into every incident. Her believablecharacters embody the attributes of true heroesthat believe God’s direction will guide and moldthem into able-bodied servants for Him. She’salso adept at conveying the sense of communityand need for interdependence as Christiansexperience growing pains. A Land to Call Homefashions everyday occurrences into ones thatmold integrity.Quality—4Carolyn HearingFreelance Writer, TeacherVirginia, MinnesotaAcceptability—5Sweetbriar Summer, by Brenda Wilbee. (TheSweetbriar Series; 4.) LCCN 96043379.Grand Rapids: Fleming H. Revell, 1997.ISBN 0800756193, PAP, $11.99.F. Denny, Louisa Boren--Fiction; Denny, David--Fiction; Seattle--History--Fiction. 288 p.Gr. 10 - Adult.Seattle, 1854...its beginnings...when the mainattraction wasn’t the Space Needle, but thesawmill. Sweetbriar Summer chronicles Seattlein the early stages of its birth, and follows someof the lives of the prominent people there—inparticular Louisa and David Denny. Louisa andDavid were among the founders of Seattle andeven though they were only in their earlytwenties, they played an important role in thedevelopment of that town. This story tells ofsome of the achievements, struggles and conflictsthey face and how their faith in God sustainsthem.Brenda Wilbee paints a beautiful picture of thishistorical event of establishing the city of Seattle.She has included an extensive bibliography and itis obvious she has done a great deal of research.Her dedication to truth and her love for thePacific Northwest is evident. SweetbriarSummer does read more like a biography than anovel in general and, while it does stand alone, issomewhat difficult to follow because of thenumerous characters and detail given. Readingthe entire series would help clarify the story.Quality—4Tammy WilliamsSocial worker/HomemakerPort Orchard, WashingtonAcceptability—5Tenderness and Fire, by Robert Funderburk.(The Innocent Years; 5.) LCCN 97004644.Minneapolis: Bethany House Publishers,1996. ISBN 1556614640, PAP, $8.99.F. Football--Fiction. 287 p.Gr. 12 - Adult.Dalton Temple was a man to be envied. He is amember of a close knit Christian family, he has arelationship with Christ, he’s a running back onthe state college football team, he’s good looking,and a has girlfriend named Cherry. His familyconsists of his parents, his older sister, Jessie, andyounger brother, Cassidy. Cassidy, still in histeens, is rebellious and looking for a fight. Healso abuses alcohol.Then, in his junior year, Dalton receives a severeknee injury that ruins his chances for aprofessional football career. Dalton abruptlyturns his back on God and like Cassidy, isensnared by alcohol. Consequently, Cherrybreaks off her relationship with him, telling himshe wants a better life than what a “drunk” canoffer. Devastated, Dalton packs his bags in thenight and disappears. This modern day“Prodigal” ends up beaten and intoxicated in analley, far from home.Tenderness and Fire depicts the struggles of ayoung man whose life suddenly falls apart.Dalton questions if there is anything in life leftliving for. The moral and spiritual decline of themain character is very rapid, therefore, somewhatunbelievable. Also, the story lacks emotion andit is difficult to relate to the characters. Thisnovel is part of a series by Robert Funderburk,yet, can stand alone. However, other past eventsare alluded to that make the story a bit confusingand difficult to follow.Quality—3Tammy WilliamsSocial Worker/HomemakerPort Orchard, WashingtonAcceptability—5A Time of War, by Gilbert Morris. (TheAmerican Odyssey Series; 5.) LCCN97009899. Grand Rapids: Fleming H. Revell,1997. ISBN 080075610X, PAP, $10.99.F. World War, 1939-1945--Fiction. 352 p.Gr. 11 - Adult.ATime of War continues the lineage of the Stuartfamily, who find themselves facing a world atwar. Three cousins share the storyline in thisintriguing tale. Adam Stuart, illegitimate son ofManfred Von Richthofen, (The Red Baron), andLylah Stuart, is a rich, irresponsible, Hollywoodplayboy. When, early in the war, a friend’s life islost, Adam joins the Air Corps with a fiercedetermination to destroy the Germans.Wendy Stuart is a musically talented woman witha strong commitment to Christ and a firmresolution to remain pure in spite of the love shehas toward a fellow musician. When the warbegins, she decides to join the USO and do herpart for the war effort.Clint Stuart, son of Logan, upon joining theservice, finds doors opening for him to fulfill hisdream of becoming an engineer. But, he mustleave a lonely and dependent wife behind.Clint’s witness and strength of character changesthe lives of those he meets in Europe and putsC H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 6 1 J A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8

ADULTFICTIONhim in the position of saving the life of someoneclose to him.Gilbert Morris once again weaves a tale that bothcaptures your attention and conveys the power ofGod to the readers. He deals with themes offorgiveness to the unfaithful. ATime of War doespresent within its story line an extramarital affair,another affair outside of marriage that results inthe birth of a child, and a young woman beingpressured to give up her virginity. No graphicdetails are given, and in each case, repentanceand forgiveness is sought.Quality—5Tammy WilliamsSocial Worker/HomemakerPort Orchard, WashingtonAcceptability—5The Tower, the Mask, and the Grave. Amystery novel by Betty Smartt Carter. LCCN96037643. Wheaton, Ill.: Harold ShawPublishers, 1997. ISBN 0877885591, PAP,$12.99.F. Mystery fiction. 292 p.Gr. 11 - Adult.Fictitious Emmet College becomes the center ofattention when a Theology Department secretary,Florence Treadwell, disappears. Virginia Falls, aco-worker, goes to look for her. She discoversthe African mask missing from the display case,while a hammer lays nearby “in a puddle of red.”Moments later a man in a flowing black robeattacks her. Virginia, her friend Stephen, and thepolice mount an intensive search for Florence.Dr. Milton Katharde tells Virginia aboutFlorence’s long-gone husband, Raymond. Hashe returned to kidnap or even kill Virginia?While in Chicago on a mercy mission, Virginiasees the missing mask. Later, the maskdisappears again.While the investigation centers on the Tower,records in the college archives lead to Florenceand ultimately to her kidnapper. A surpriseconfession and an unexpected death finalize thecase.In the front, Carter lists the characters with cleverdescriptions. Drawings of Emmet Collegecampus and details of the buildings help readersfind their way about, although at times the actionbecomes confusing and disjointed. The Tower,The Mask, and The Grave includes vivid wordpictures, but sometimes Carter overdoes them.Some scenes lack the emotion that readers wouldexpect to see. Virginia tells Stephen early in thestory that she no longer believes in God. Shesays as much again later. On the other hand, shealso admits she does not believe in Satan. Carterdoes not leave the reader with a resolution toVirginia’s spirituality. Other characters alsoexpress a spiritual hopelessness.By story’s end some of the characters findhappiness, but others appear to continue on asalways. An important change occurs in acharacter Carter mentions but does not introduceto the reader face-to-face. Will Virginia at lastreturn Stephen’s love? The last page containsonly a hint.Quality—2Acceptability—3Betty M. HockettFreelance Writer, Writing Teacher, SpeakerNewberg, OregonUnder the Southern Moon, by VirginiaGaffney. (The Richmond Chronicles; 1.)LCCN 96016595. Eugene, Ore.: HarvestHouse Publishers, 1996. ISBN 1565075072,PAP, $9.99.F. Underground Railroad--Fiction; Slavery--Fiction.427 p.Gr. 8 - Adult.Under the Southern Moon is set just before theoutbreak of the Civil War. Carrie Cromwell isthe daughter of a prosperous Virginia plantationowner. Her best friend is Rose, her personalmaid and slave who was born on the plantationand is the same age as Carrie.Recent national events have forced Carrie toreexamine some of the expectations and beliefsshe’s grown up with, particularly concerning therole of women and the institution of slavery.When she falls in love with Robert Borden andhe asks her to marry him, she puts off making adecision until she can come to terms with thesedifficult issues.Author Virginia Gaffney presents a balancedportrayal of slavery. She shows it at its mostabusive extreme, but also shows the way it waspracticed by the more “benevolent” slaveowners, who provided for the needs of theirslaves, and also celebrated the important eventsin their lives. She details some of therationalizations for slavery, that the Negroeswould revert to their previous “primitive”condition if set free, that it was the “destiny” ofthe superior white race to dominate the blacks.Slavery was and remains a complicated issue.Gaffney is to be commended for refraining fromoversimplification, yet allowing Carrie to seebeyond the arguments to the question of selfdetermination.Quality—4Andrea R. HuelsenbeckFreelance WriterTempe, ArizonaAcceptability—5Where the Wild Rose Blooms, by Lori Wick.(Rocky Mountain Memories Series; 1.)LCCN 96036086. Eugene, Ore.: HarvestHouse Publishers, 1996. ISBN 1565073916,PAP, $10.99.F. Frontier and pioneer life--Rocky Mountains Region--Fiction; Romance--Rocky Mountain Region--Fiction;Christian life--Fiction. 342 p.Gr. 9 - Adult.Whispers of Moonlight, by Lori Wick. (RockyMountain Memories Series; 2.) LCCN96020622. Eugene, Ore.: Harvest HousePublishers, 1996. ISBN 1565074831, PAP,$10.99.F. Frontier and pioneer life--Rocky Mountains Region--Fiction; Romance--Rocky Mountain Region--Fiction;Christian life--Fiction. 423 p.To Know Her by Name, by Lori Wick. (RockyMountain Memories Series; 3.) LCCN96051683. Eugene, Ore.: Harvest HousePublishers, 1997. ISBN 1565075749, PAP,$10.99.F. Frontier and pioneer life--Rocky Mountains Region--Fiction; Romance--Rocky Mountain Region--Fiction;Christian life--Fiction. 432 p.Adult.Clayton, nicknamed Tag, has come back home toGeorgetown in the Colorado Mountains after asix week absence. While he is gone thestorekeeper’s brother from Boston moves in tohelp out with the store along with five daughtersthat he calls his “boys”. Right from the start,Jackie catches Clayton’s eye. She tries to ignorehim, but is teased all the more. Jackie is selfconsciousyet faces the world with a hard exteriorto hide her fear. She tries to avoid seeing Claytonbut finds it impossible in their small town.Clayton, when he realizes that Jackie takes histeasing seriously, tries to become friends withher. Unfortunately, any sign of friendship onlyantagonizes Jackie more.Clayton leaves to go to college to become ateacher. Then Clayton’s father has an accidentthat leaves him partially paralyzed. His daddecides to move to Denver so that Clayton cancontinue his education. Now Jackie is torn intwo. She realizes that she loves Clayton, butdoesn’t think that he has any feelings for her.They exchange letters and their love blossoms. Afreak accident at the store causes Jackie to goblind. Jackie grows inward and becomes selfishwith her demands as an invalid. Only God andClayton’s love can set her free.Where the Wild Rose Blooms is told in the thirdperson. It is a delightful romance mixed withcharacters that you will quickly fall in love withas you see how each one faces what life sendstheir way. Told best in Lori Wick’s style, thestory quickly comes alive.Written in the third person, Whispers ofMoonlight continues with some of the samecharacters found in Where the Wild RoseBlooms. This story is not only a romancebetween Travis, the head foreman, and Rebecca,the rancher’s daughter, but is a realistic pictureof a divided home where one is saved while theother is not. Lori Wick ably shows how thisdifficult situation affects the unity of the entirefamily.To Know Her By Name is a novel packed withsuspense, romance, and fast paced action as wemove from the lives of Travis and Rebecca toCallie, a special agent who goes by many namesJ A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8 6 2 C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L

ADULTFICTIONand McKay, a reluctant partner. Although theMountain Memories Series continues on with thelives of the previous characters, it introduces newones, too, and can be read as a complete story initself.Quality—4Dorcas WalkerFreelance WriterJamestown, TennesseeAcceptability—5C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 6 3 J A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8

BOOK REVIEWSADULT NONFICTIONFlowers and Death, by Kenneth A. Bryson.New York, Ont.: Captus Press, 1995. ISBN1895712556, PAP, $21.00.128.5. Death--Philosophy. 224 p.Adult.Flowers and Death, by Dr. Ken Bryson,examines the concept of death and dying from aphilosophical perspective. As a philosopher,currently on faculty at the University College ofCape Breton, Bryson questions any and allassumptions regarding this topic, yet he presentsideas clearly and in a systematic manner.The book is well-organized; the table of contentslists not only chapter titles, such as“Existentialism and Death,” and “The Primacy ofFaith,” but subheadings within each chapter aswell. Concise observations on the thinking ofsuch philosophers as Kierkegaard, Sartre, andCamus are made when pertinent. Each chapterends with questions for discussion, a briefbibliography, and selections illustrating theportrayal of death through art and music. Anindex of names is provided, and is useful, but amore comprehensive index is called for.Throughout his work, Bryson makes use of threesymbols: fire, footprints, and flowers. He statesthat, “the fire symbolizes the resurrection, for weare beings towards the resurrection rather thanbeings towards death; the footprints symbolizethe legacy of service as we share with others theresponsibility of the human condition; the flower,which symbolizes the word of Scripture, is ourguide on the journey towards eternity.”The quality of writing is very high, while manyof the concepts discussed are positively ethereal.Some prior knowledge in the area of philosophyis a pre-requisite. Flowers and Death is athought-provoking, challenging text that wouldbest serve the serious student of philosophy.There is some offensive language.Quality—4Acceptability—4Sylvia StopforthLibrarian, Trinity Western UniversityLangley, British ColumbiaEthics for a Brave New World, by John S.Feinberg & Paul D. Feinberg. LCCN93004015. Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books,1993. ISBN 0891077367, PAP, $22.00.170. Social ethics; Christian ethics. 479 p.Adult.Ethics for a Brave New World is a very completecatalog of information and arguments onA Note from the Editor: by Ray LeggReading for AccuracySeldom has anything affected me as the ClintEastwood film The Outlaw Josey Wales. Iwas so moved by the characters and much ofits plot that upon going to bed the night after Ihad seen the film, I dreamed a sequel to it.When I awoke, I felt compelled to jot downmy ideas in the hopes of writing the story oneday. I even went so far as to venture to alocal bookstore to purchase Forrest Carter'sGone to Texas from which the movie wasadapted. I enjoyed reading the book and havenot yet lost my fascination with the charactersin it or the film.Another of Carter's books is presently in thenews. This time, controversy surrounds therelease of the film adaptation of his story, TheEducation of Little Tree, directed by KevinCostner. Some Native Americans claim thestory is an accurate portrayal of the life andtimes of their people, while others see it asyet another erroneous presentation of theirpast by nonnatives with little culturalsensitivity. Still others take offense at thestory in general because of the questionablenature of Carter's past views on race andethnicity.After a hiatus of several years, Carterresurfaced in literary circles with a series ofnovels viewed as deliberate attempts to rectifysome of the damage done by views expressedin his earlier work. Additional controversysurrounds the claim by certain critics thatCarter plagiarized Where the Red FernGrows. Readers and movie goers alike arethus being challenged on several levels asthey consider Carter's work. Should they readthe book, see the film, and make up their ownminds about the accuracy of the story?Should they avoid both until the controversiesare resolved? Or should they stay away fromboth to avoid being unfair to writer andproducer alike?It seems to me that resolution of the conflictmay involve several aspects. First, we shouldread the story of Little Tree ourselves andseek to understand both the artistic merit ofthe story and the underlying source or sourcesof the conflict it has generated. Second,following our reading of the story, we shouldread representative criticism from pertinentsources to gain as broad a perspective on theissues raised by the book as possible. Third,we should arm ourselves with the realizationthat no adaptation of a book will be flawless,and then head to the theater to make up ourown minds as to whether or not the negativecriticism of the film and of Carter and hisnovel is warranted. (That is, of course, onlyif we are so inclined. It is completelypossible to judge this story on its literarymerits alone without seeing the film at all.)Finally, regarding the similarities which existbetween The Education of Little Tree andWhere the Red Fern Grows, I am not sure Ihave ever read a story whose plot is 100%original. It seems to me that the more anauthor reads the more likely it becomes thatparts of other stories may find their way intoanything he or she produces. Does that makeJ A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8 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

ADULTNONFICTIONcontemporary ethical issues and concerns, suchas abortion, euthanasia, capital punishment,genetic engineering, divorce, war, and others.The first chapter is a general discussion of moraltheory and ethical decision-making from aChristian perspective. Following this, there arechapters devoted to each of the ethical problemsin particular. In each chapter there are argumentsand counterarguments given in great detail. Theauthors do not shy away from giving their ownopinions on these controversial issues from abiblical perspective, and I think they are quitehonest with the data and with their opponents’arguments.This is not a book for bedtime reading. It is quiteheavy going, polemical in style, and I think theauthors try to cover too much in the way of topicsand material. The book could have been madeshorter and more interesting to the averagereader. This is a book for specialists and thosewho are really interested in the arguments insome detail. However, the authors, in spite of therather dull style of writing, are quite consistentthroughout in their biblical conclusions, and theyhave done a valuable piece of work for seriousstudents of ethics and morality.Quality—4Acceptability—5Paul BolingAsst. Prof. of Philosophy and BibleBryan College, TennesseeThat the World May Know, Vol. 4, hosted byRay VanderLaan. Colorado Springs: Focuson the Family, 1995. ISBN 1561793841, KIT,$80.00.220.9. Bible--Geography; Bible--History; Israel--History. 2 videocassettes; 1 teacher’s/leader’s guide.Gr. 6 - Adult.his or her work any less valuable? I think not.That the World May Know is a series of four setsof video tapes which explores issues confrontingChristians through an examination of thehistorical context of the Bible. Each set isdivided into segments or “faith lessons.” Setnumber four, which was the one reviewed,includes lessons nineteen through twenty-seven.Each lesson has a theme which is related to andfocused on a particular geographic place such as,for example, the Sea of Galilee (When Stormscome) or, Jerusalem (City of the Great King).Each segment or “faith lesson” of this seriescould stand alone and follows a similar format.The heart of each lesson involves a lecture “insitu” by historian and teacher Ray Vander Laan.For example, in the “When Storms Come”segment Mr. Vander Laan talks to his audiencefrom a boat in the Sea of Galilee; when hementions the scriptures about fishing someoneactually casts a net into the sea. The rocks andtrees of the Bible become very real; the RiverJordan, the Sea of Galilee, Jerusalem, and manyother places are visited.Seeing an olive press (a Gethsemane) andlearning about the use of olive oil in the Biblicalcontext of anointing makes a vivid impact. Welearn that Nazareth or Nazarene derives from theHebrew word for branch as we see a young olivebranch spring from an ancient tree: the metaphoris the new covenant grafted onto or springing upfrom the old.Mr. Vander Laan’s teaching is highlighted bygorgeous aerial photography of the holy land.Each segment incorporates several verses ofscripture.The dramatic aspects of each lesson areillustrated by artist’s recreations—one such is adepiction of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on PalmThe discussion surrounding Carter's book should challenge those of us involved in readingon a somewhat professional level in at least two areas. First, we can use Carter's work andthe issues it raises as a means to steer people toward reading in general. There is no betterway to have an informed opinion about a book than to read it - that should go withoutsaying. What better service could we provide for those who come to us with questionsabout what they are reading? Second, we can challenge those same readers to considercarefully the larger issues engendered by the present controversy - issues such as honesty,integrity, and racism, to name a few - and to decide upon appropriate Christian responses tothese issues. Of course, that requires having the issues settled in our own minds. Itrequires that we, as professionals, be “ready to make a defense for the hope that is withinus.” And that requires being familiar with materials being printed at a record pace. Asdaunting as that task may seem it is not an impossible one. I trust CLJ can help.By the way, on my outline for the sequel to The Outlaw Josey Wales, it would appear thatMr. Eastwood and I think somewhat alike. The story I envisioned was a Christian versionof The Unforgiven, more or less. I will wait a while to try my story though so people willnot level the same charges against me that they have against Carter. We wouldn't want that,would we?Sunday. Another visual aid that is effectivelyused is a 1/50th scale model of the city ofJerusalem. The musical score seemsappropriately middle eastern and there are twohymns used in set four. All these elements arewell blended to give a really visceral impact.The series is produced by Bob Garner; directedby Bob Garner; edited by Paul Varnum; andhosted by Ray Vander Laan. The copyright forset four is 1997; the first set is copyrighted 1995.An introduction is given by James Dobson, andthe entire series was produced under the auspicesof Focus on the Family Productions. The seriesis closed captioned.Quality—5David W. RashPublic Services LibrarianEverett Community CollegeEverett, WashingtonAcceptability—5The Trivialization of God : The DangerousIllusion of a Manageable Deity, by Donald W.McCullough. LCCN 95014409. ColoradoSprings: NavPress, 1995. ISBN 0891099093,HBB, $15.00.231. God; Holy, The; Revelation; Word of God. 172 p.Adult.“The dangerous illusion of a manageable deity”is how Donald McCullough subtitles TheTrivialization of God. He begins the book withthese words: “Visit a church on Sundaymorning—almost any will do—and you willlikely find a congregation comfortably relating toa deity who fits nicely within precise doctrinalpositions, or who lends almighty support tosocial crusades, or who conforms to individualspiritual positions. But you will not likely findmuch awe or sense of mystery.” (p.13).This is a both a book about God, and a bookabout us. It is a book of extremes—of themystery and majesty of God on one hand, and thecasual, trivial views of God which hold sway inmodern religion. As science and naturalisticworld views have banished mystery fromcreation, so have our views of God diminished—we have replaced the God of the Bible with theGod of my cause, the God of my understanding,and the God of my experience. As aconsequence, our country is awash with shallowspirituality and foolish religions.McCullough calls Christians to a reappraisal ofour concepts of God; he calls for us to recapturethe sense of awe and mystery that come fromworship of the God who is beyond ourunderstanding. When we have a right view ofGod, we can have a correct view of ourselves andour relationships with others—whichMcCullough covers in chapters devoted to theWord, community, love, and worship.The Trivialization of God also contains chapternotes and indexes of names and scriptures.Quality—5Acceptability—5C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 6 5 J A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8

ADULTNONFICTIONAndrew M. SeddonPhysician, AuthorBillings, MontanaDoomsday Delusions, by C. Marvin Pate andCalvin B. Haines, Jr. Downers Grove, Ill.:InterVarsity Press, 1995. ISBN 0830816216,PAP, $9.99.231.7. Bible--Prophecies. 156 p.Adult.Even though the year 2000 does not technicallyannounce either the end of the last millennium orthe beginning of the next, its approach hasgarnered widespread enthusiasm. Both Christianand non-Christian groups predict the end of theworld; a crop of ‘end-times’ novels has sprung upin the Christian fiction market; books onprophecy abound. What is to be made of thisoutbreak of ‘millennial fever’ and claims that theend of the world is near?Pate and Haines—both professors at MoodyBible Institute—address these issues inDoomsday Delusions. Although the authors holdto a premillennial perspective, their intent is notto expound any particular eschatology, but todelineate flaws in interpretation, theology, andmindset (particularly among evangelical groups)that lead to what they call a ‘doomsdaymentality.’ This mentality focuses on end-timesevents to the exclusion of other aspects ofChristian doctrine, and leads to sectarianism,and, at times, heresy.Doomsday mentality is not a new phenomenon,but has occurred many times throughout history(at the last millennium, for example). Theauthors use as their primary example ofdoomsday mentality the mid-19th CenturyMillerites, an evangelical group who predictedthe return of Christ in 1843; they explain how thesame misconceptions could reoccur today amongpopular prophecy writers. They explore thephenomenon of ‘cognitive dissonance’ thatoccurs when failed date-setting is rationalizedaway; reality is ignored when prophecies provefalse. The authors do not disparage biblicalprophecy; rather they see prophecy as but oneaspect of Christian belief. Problems arise whenit becomes the primary doctrine. The concludingchapter presents thoughts on how to live in lightof the Second Coming—whenever it occurs.Doomsday Delusions offers a sober counter tothe fervor of millennial fever, and should be ofvalue to evangelicals interested in eschatology.Quality—4Andrew M. SeddonPhysician, AuthorBillings, MontanaAcceptability—5The Modern Creation Trilogy : Scripture andCreation, 1, by Dr. Henry M. Morris and Dr.John D. Morris. Green Forest, Ark.: MasterBooks, 1996. ISBN 0890512205, PAP.231.7. Creationism. 228 p.The Modern Creation Trilogy : Scripture andCreation, 2, by Dr. Henry M. Morris and Dr.John D. Morris. Green Forest, Ark.: MasterBooks, 1996. ISBN 0890512213, PAP.231.7. Creationism. 343 p.The Modern Creation Trilogy : Scripture andCreation, 3, by Dr. Henry M. Morris and Dr.John D. Morris. Green Forest, Ark.: MasterBooks, 1996. ISBN 0890512221, PAP.231.7. Creationism. 203 p.The Modern Creation Trilogy : Scripture andCreation, by Dr. Henry M. Morris and Dr.John D. Morris. Hiawatha, Iowa: ParsonsTechnology, 1996. ISBN , CDR.Set of 3 books and 1 CD-Rom, $34.95.231.7. Creationism. 1 CD-ROMGr. 9 - Adult.The Modern Creation Trilogy comes in anattractive boxed set of three volumes and a CD.This set is a good reference library for thoseseeking creation versus evolution information.The father and son team of authors are wellknown and have been publishing creationliterature for years.Volume one, Scripture & Creation, studies thecontradiction between the geological agesproposed by evolutionists and the Biblicalcreation account. After dealing with the theories,made by evolutionists, to compromise theBiblical position, Morris states: “It has been seenthat the geological ages cannot be placed beforethe six days of creation (gap theory), during thesix days of creation day (day-age theory), or afterthe six days (which, since they antedate man, noone suggests at all). The only remainingpossibility is that either the six days or thegeological ages had no existence in the firstplace.”One of the main points of volume one is thatthere can be no fence sitting. Either Scripture istrue or the evolutionists have the truth. There isno compromise. Since neither creation norevolution can be proved, one’s decision willfinally be based on what he or she prefers tobelieve.Volume two, Science & Creation, focusesespecially on the evidences from science thatrelate to origins. The authors try to explain therelevant scientific evidences in termsunderstandable and meaningful even to nonscientists.Volume three, Society & Creation, starts bysaying, “Evolutionism is a false religion,designed to turn men and women away frombelief in the true God of creation and fromparticipation in His wonderful gift of salvationand eternal life.” Beginning with chapter three involume three, the authors show that practicallyall the harmful practices and deadly philosophiesthat plague mankind have their roots and pseudorationalein evolutionism.The accompanying CD contains the completetext of all three volumes of The Modern CreationTrilogy. The CD is a product of ParsonsTechnology and can be used with their otherproducts, The PC Bible Atlas and Quick Verse, ifyou purchase them. By itself, the only advantageto the CD is being able to print off portions of thebooks text.Quality—5Acceptability—5Myrtlemay Pittman CraneFreelance Writer, Editor, SpeakerAlderwood Manor, WashingtonThe Letters of Pelagius, Celtic Soul Friend,edited by Robert Van de Weyer. LittleGidding, 1995. ISBN 0853053359, HBB,$8.95.233. Celtic Church. 84 p.HS - Adult.“It is unfortunate and profoundly unjust,” writesIan Bradley (The Celtic Way, Darton, Longman& Todd, 1993), “that [Pelagius’] name shouldhave come down to us as the founder of a heresywhich has always been particularly associatedwith the British Isles.”The monk Pelagius (c.354-c.418/420) was one ofthe first theologians produced by the Britishchurch. He came into conflict with Augustine ofHippo over the matter of free will—whichPelagius asserted and Augustine opposed.Pelagius, despite protestations of orthodoxy, wascondemned as a heretic and his writingsdestroyed.Opinion on Pelagius remains divided—JohnWesley felt that Pelagius was wronglycondemned, while R.C. Sproul concurs with thejudgment. In his award-winning book Pelagius(Heffer, 1956), John Ferguson concludes that“his fault was in exaggerated emphasis,” and “itis not certain that any statement of his is totallyirreconcilable with the Christian faith orindefensible in terms of the New Testament.”To hear Pelagius speak for himself means to turnto his surviving letters, which Robert Van deWeyer has extracted and translated in The Lettersof Pelagius, Celtic Soul Friend. These, written toseveral Christians, show why Pelagius wasadmired for his holiness and humility, andappalled by the moral laxity, materialism, andself-indulgency of his time.To Demetria he says, “If the world is to becometruly civilized we need far more people withholiness as their aim.” And to a new Christian hewrites, “You do not need to involve yourself ingreat matters in order to serve God. you canserve him in small matters, in the mundaneconcerns of daily life. If you cherish your wifeand your children you are serving God.”At times Pelagius’ emphasis on willpower seemstoo intense, but this is outweighed by his otheremphases—on love, wisdom, humility, and alife-style that mirrors that of Christ.J A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8 6 6 C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L

ADULTNONFICTIONQuality—4Andrew M. SeddonPhysician, AuthorBillings, MontanaAcceptability—5What’s So Amazing About Grace? By PhilipYancey. LCCN 97021286. Grand Rapids:Zondervan Publishing House, 1997. ISBN0310213274, HBB, $19.99.234. Grace (Theology). 292 p.Adult.“You need not be a Christian to build houses,feed the hungry, or heal the sick. There is onlyone thing the world cannot do. It cannot offergrace.” And according to Philip Yancey thechurch often fails at what it should be doing best.A book full of stories illustrating grace and, whatYancey calls, ungrace. An excellent thoughtprovoker,What’s So Amazing About Grace?shows how grace can be easy to accept from Godon our own behalf and yet how difficult tounderstand when God grants it to others.In chapter seven he begins dealing withforgiveness. “Like grace, forgiveness has aboutit the maddening quality of being undeserved,unmerited, unfair.” Because it goes againsthuman nature, forgiveness must be taught andpracticed, as one would practice any difficultcraft.Yancey’s stories show the consequences whengrace is withheld. Individuals, communities, andnations all need to understand the dynamics ofgrace and forgiveness. There is no easy answeror quick fix to dispensing grace and offeringforgiveness. But it will raise a question we allneed to grapple with, How do I, as a member ofChrist’s church, treat sinners? Maybe the bestanswer is to consider, How does God treat me, asinner?A book dealing with grace and forgiveness mustlogically discuss the sins which grace covers.Yancey covers the full spectrum.Quality—5Acceptability—5Myrtlemay Pittman CraneFreelance Writer, Editor, SpeakerAlderwood Manor, WashingtonEmbraced by the Darkness : Exposing New AgeTheology from the Inside Out, by Brad Scott.LCCN 96025599. Wheaton, Ill.: CrosswayBooks, 1996. ISBN 0891079009, PAP, $10.99.239. New Age movement--Controversial literature;Apologetics. 216 p.Adult.Embraced By The Darkness is an excellentdiscussion of and refutation of New Agetheology by someone who has been deeplyinvolved in that movement and who has come tobelief in Christianity. Scott’s particular interestin this book is the theological belief system of theNew Age movement; this is not a book on themovement itself.Scott begins with a chapter on his personalpilgrimage and clearly demonstrates that he isqualified to write on New Age beliefs,particularly those from the Eastern and Hinduperspective, which is the system in which Scotthimself was most involved. Following this firstchapter, he discusses the New Age view of God,the universe and nature, and man. In eachchapter Scott not only presents the doctrine inquestion, but he also offers numerous veryhelpful direct quotations from New Age andHindu literature to illustrate his points. Scottnext presents a good chapter on the relativity oftruth in New Age theology and a section on thedoctrine of reincarnation, which is central to allHindu teaching. Finally, the last part of the bookis a warning and challenge to the Christian worldto understand and to be prepared to refute thetheology of the New Age devotees. Scott showshow damaging some of the basic assumptions ofthis theology are to Christianity and, in somecases, how cleverly New Age theology hascounterfeited biblical ideas.I found the chapters on the relativity of truth andreincarnation particularly helpful and well done.In fact, the chapter on reincarnation, whichdiscusses this subject from the viewpoint ofscience, psychology, and ethics, is the best and, Ithink, the only such discussion I have seenanywhere. This chapter alone makes this bookwell worth reading. This would be a veryvaluable addition to any library interested incontemporary religion and its beliefs.Quality—5Acceptability—5Paul BolingAsst. Prof. of Philosophy and BibleBryan College, TennesseeThe Symbolic Garden : A XIIth Century GreekManuscript. Edited and translated byMargaret H. Thomson; edition based on theLaurentian Library manuscript, Plut. Gr. X,3. Ff. 9c-34, and compared to the BodleianLibrary manuscript, Clark 11. New York,Ont.: Captus Press, 1989. ISBN 0921801386,PAP, $21.75.241.4. Virtues; Manuscripts (Medieval and modern);Biblioteca medicea laurenziana. Manuscript. Plut. Gr.X, 3. Ff. 9v-34; Bodleian Library. Manuscript. Clark11.Adult.In the book of Genesis, we are told of two trees:the Tree of Life, and the Tree of the Knowledgeof Good and Evil. Since these words were firstrecorded, plants of all kinds have becomeassociated with various symbolic meanings andqualities.The Symbolic Garden, an English translation of a12th century Greek manuscript, describes oneparticular garden in symbolic terms; “the nameof garden or meadow, borrowed from the literalsense, has been given metaphorically to this bookwhich treats of various types of virtues.” The textopens with a description of ideal gardeningconditions. For example, it is necessary toprovide fertile soil, which is likened to anorthodox, reverent faith in God. Many fruitfulplants find a home in this garden. Among themare the lemon tree, which symbolizes purity andwisdom, and the vine, which corresponds tospiritual joy.That the two original authors were men oflearning is evidenced by their discussion of themedicinal properties associated with these plants.References to the Bible, and to earlier scholars,also abound.The heavily annotated English translation ispresented alongside the original Greek text. Dr.Margaret H. Thomson has taken pains to ensurethat her translation retains an air of antiquity. Theresulting language is elegant and precise.Some knowledge of the Greek language wouldprove beneficial to a thorough study of this text.The introduction includes references to evolutionand to the gods of Greek mythology.Quality—4Acceptability—4Sylvia StopforthLibrarian, Trinity Western UniversityLangley, British ColumbiaDo We Still Need the Ten Commandments? : AFresh Look at God’s Laws of Love, by John H.Timmerman. Augsburg Fortress, 1997. ISBN0806623497, PAP, $11.99.241.5. Ten Commandments. 176 p.Adult.Provokingly titled, Do We Still Need the TenCommandments? shows contemporary readersthat they have not journeyed too far since Moses’day. Timmerman demonstrates that the TenCommandments are as pertinent and relevant toour lives today as they were in ancient times.Adaptable as either a personal or group studyguide, Timmerman’s book examines eachcommandment in detail. Two exceptionallystrong features of the books are the rivetinghuman examples and the Reflections sectionfollowing discussion of each commandment.The tales Timmerman draws from his life putblood, flesh and breath into each commandment.The people in the stories lived by thecommandments with each fiber of their being.The Reflections section includes about eightthought provoking, open-ended questions forgroup or personal study. Questions of this typemake the reader blanch with conviction andrenew the desire to put God first. An examplefrom the eighth commandment is the idea that “ifGod has given us talents or gifts and we refuse touse them, we are ultimately robbing God” (p.136).An unfortunate weakness is that the book lacks ascripture index to organize the many excellentverses quoted.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 J A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8

ADULTNONFICTIONWritten in a easy-going style, this book serves asan important reminder that “each commandmentemphasizes that God is to be our first choice.Everything else will fall into place if we makethat choice” (p. 171).Quality—4Anita Goldman HorningLiterary AnalystLawrenceville, GeorgiaAcceptability—5The Kingdom of Heaven Is Like a Doctor and aPatient, by Douglas Knighton. LCCN96026101. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1997.ISBN 080105379X, PAP, $9.99.248.4. Christian life; Physician and patient. 96 p.Gr. 9 - Adult.Virtually everyone, at some point in their life, hasan encounter with the medical profession. Theconcept of doctor-patient relationships is onewith which we are familiar. So too is the idea ofGod as the Great Physician.In The Kingdom of Heaven is Like..., DouglasKnighton expounds upon the under-utilizedanalogy of our relationship to God as being likethe doctor-patient relationship. He discusseswhy we need a spiritual doctor, God in thedoctor’s role, mutual responsibilities, and howthis analogy can be used to ‘refer’ other people toChrist.This is a short, easily readable volume; eachchapter concludes with questions for furtherreflection. No analogy is perfect, and Knightonis careful not to press the comparisons too far.Although physicians might on occasion like tothink of themselves in godlike terms, the realityis otherwise; our relationships on earth areflawed. Knighton thus uses an ‘ideal’ doctorpatientrelationship as the basis of his analogy,although he does point out where breakdownscan occur.Both physicians and anyone who has ever been apatient should be able to see themselves andrelate to the concepts in this book. The analogyis a helpful one. While there are a few debatablepoints, my only real complaint is that I thinkKnighton could have expounded in more detail.The book’s format would lend itself well todevotional or small group use.Quality—4Andrew M. SeddonPhysician, AuthorBillings, MontanaAcceptability—5Common Sense Christian Living, by EdithSchaeffer. LCCN 96053635. Grand Rapids:Baker Books, 1997. ISBN 0801057671, PAP,$12.99.248.4. Christian life. 249 p.Adult.If there is any uncertainty in being a closetChristian, Edith Schaeffer rips the notion down.We must recognize temptations, evils, or issuesignored by Christians of all periods, and areespecially in need of Christians that urge us towake up and admit our blindness that allows usto rationalize that which is wrong. Being alert tothe immediate moment and vigilant to examinedangers of tolerating things we are not to tolerate,should be the norm.Schaeffer admonishes us not to live our lives incompartments labeled “spiritual” and “secular,”but rather, all of life is to be our spiritual life. Theimportance of comprehending what is in dangerof being left out of our understanding of whatChristian living is meant to be, is important to herhypothesis.Common Sense Christian Living, also availablein film series, prompts us to examine our valuesand seeks to chart a course of accountableChristian living. Schaeffer includes question andanswer chapters addressing current issues facingChristians. Responses are well thought out,scripturally based, and notably confronting!Included are numerous examples from years atL’Abri, the ministry she and her husband beganin Switzerland.Of particular interest is her analogy of Nehemiahand rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. Herinsight comparing our struggle to walk sensiblelives by building our Christian walk, yet beingready for battle, is her most profound strength.Work with a weapon in one hand, and a tool inthe other! Not meant for quick and easy reading,this deeply profound volume belongs on everyserious Christian’s shelf.Quality—4Carolyn HearingFreelance WriterVirginia, MinnesotaAcceptability—5Family Tales : Rewriting the Stories That MadeYou Who You Are, by James Osterhaus.LCCN 96036846. Downers Grove, Ill.:InterVarsity Press, 1997. ISBN 0830819967,PAP, $20.00.248.4. Family. 206 p.Adult.Who am I, and why? How do I make sense ofmy personal world? Can I change it? Can I helpthe others who cohabit my world? These aresome of the questions to which psychotherapistJames Osterhaus seeks to give a workableanswer. Family Tales presents our lives as storiesgrowing out of the stories of our predecessors,impinged upon by our fellows’, and blending intoour children’s. In this in-depth study of ourindividual stories, Osterhaus gives examples andpertinent exercises to help understand and, whereneeded, rewrite these stories.Osterhaus aims to help readers find release fromthe scarred life stories that many of them havelived. God uses the mistakes and problems thatshaped us to mold us to his plan. Internalizingthis, we can help our children to live to theirfullest God given potential. Built around thestory basics of characters, premise, plot,dialogue, and setting, some of Family Tales’ideaswill be recognizable to readers of this genre.Other ideas, such as recognizing the personalname God has given you as opposed to the biasedname given by your parents, may be lesscommon. The exercises at the end of eachchapter aim not only to help the readerunderstand himself, but also to involve the readerwith his family. Written in layman’s language,each idea grows recognizably out of the last.Scripture illuminates many of the examples andexercises. The chapter notes and bibliographycontain a plethora of titles on relevant subjects.Quality—3Donna EggettCPC Volunteer CounselorMaiden, North CarolinaAcceptability—5LifeKeys : Discovering Who You Are, WhyYou’re Here, What You Do Your Best, by JaneA.G. Kise and David Stark. : Bethany HousePublishers, 1996. ISBN 1556618719, PAP,$14.99.248.4. Spiritual gifts; Christian life. 272 p.Adult.These three dedicated Christians have teamed upto create a curriculum and book to help peopleascertain their life and spiritual gifts. Their goalis to assist anyone in utilizing the talents theyhave been given to help the church and the bodyof Christ. Interpreting popular personality-typepsychology for Christians, they give readers aframework which will help organize theirthoughts, goals and gifts and the best situations touse them in.Written in a positive and encouraging style, theyrepeat a theme throughout. “Picture yourself as avital element in God’s plan for the Church,because that is what you are. You are a specialmix of spiritual gifts and life gifts that God haschosen uniquely for you” (p. 65). Humorouscartoons open each chapter and thoughtful anduplifting prayers close each chapter.One of the book’s greatest strengths is theextensive leader’s guide in a shaded section inthe back. This gives the book the flexibility ofeither individual study or a class format.Containing timed sessions for each classmeeting, a separate leader’s guide does not needto be purchased.There are pages provided to complete reflectionexercises, such as a personal mission statement.One of the exercises involves sorting and rankingpersonality traits, and perforated cards areprovided. Unfortunately, the book lacks abibliography and scripture index.Warning that “separating parental interests fromour own interests can be difficult” (p. 34), theJ A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8 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

ADULTNONFICTIONauthors gently encourage the readers to find outwhat color is the parachute that God gave them.Quality—4Anita Goldman HorningLiterary AnalystLawrenceville, GeorgiaAcceptability—5The Christian Mom’s Idea Book : Hundreds ofIdeas, Tips, and Activities to Help You Be aGreat Mom, by Ellen Banks Elwell. LCCN96045358. Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books,1997. ISBN 0891079300, PAP, $11.99.248.8. Mothers--Life skills guides; Mothers--Religiouslife; Motherhood. 267 p.Adult.Firmly anchored in biblical principles relevant totoday’s needs, The Christian Mom’s Idea Bookopens with a helpful acrostic on “Motherhood”based on Proverbs 31:10-31. The greater part ofthis book is a “smorgasbord” of ideas for themyriad scenarios mothers face everyday.Ranging from laundry to music lessons, adoptionto birthday parties, looking at many of theenigmas and joys motherhood brings, the 500ideas, tips, and activities present encouraging andworkable solutions.Are you a less than perfect mother wanting to dothe best for your family? Author Ellen Elwellidentifies with your feelings. With the assistanceof eighty-two Christian mothers andgrandmothers, she offers you practical help. Thegrateful mom of three happy children, aged ten toeighteen, Elwell has hands on experience withher subject. The Christian Mom’s Idea Book,will become a tattered, indispensable member ofthe family. The pertinent format is easy tofollow. It addresses all age groups from infant toadult children and helps cope with worries suchas: first pregnancy, making time for prayer,feelings of inadequacy, time alone, husband. It isan attractive book. Each page has a creamborder, many having cream watermarks relevantto the subject. Pages 28 and 29 contain two listsbased on grades 2-12: Things I Really LikeAbout My Mom; Things I Wish My Mom WouldDo Differently. The end notes list useful books.Hinting at a series of books, a query and returnaddress for your suggestions close this book.Quality—4Donna EggettCPC Volunteer CounselorMaiden, North CarolinaAcceptability—5The True Woman : The Beauty and Strength ofa Godly Woman, by Susan Hunt. LCCN96036307. Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books,1997. ISBN 0891079270, PAP, $10.99.248.8. Women--Religious life; Women in the Bible.237 p.Adult.Her fourth book on basically the same topic,Hunt waxes on the beauty and strength of godlywomen. She selected four main virtues thatexemplify the character of godly women. Usingbiblical through modern examples, shedemonstrates the incredible power of devoutwomen to influence their families, churches, andsocieties.Although sometimes preachy and rambling, thebook contains material convicting to any womanwalking with the Lord. We all need to be morepious, pure, domestic, and submissive. Eachchapter contains challenging reflectionsquestions and heartfelt prayers. Despite somevery old sources, some from 1860, the contentsare well-researched and the book contains anadequate bibliography. Unfortunately, the booklacks a scripture index.Seeking to help all women achieve their spiritualpeak by being able to “...unleash her God-givenfemininity in expressing her love for Jesus with aholy abandon” (p. 161), this book providesthought-provoking material.Quality—4Anita Goldman HorningLiterary AnalystLawrenceville, GeorgiaAcceptability—5Honey, They’re Playing Our Song, by NancyKennedy. Sisters, Ore.: Multnomah Books,1996. ISBN 1576730344, PAP, $9.99.248.8. Marriage--Religious aspects--Christianity--Humor. 195 p.Adult.In her third humorous book, Nancy Kennedyshares poignant stories from her marriage meantto teach as well as entertain. A recurring themeis her search for a special “Our Song” toepitomize the focus of her marriage. Those whoappreciate Erma Bombeck type humor will enjoythis book.Of her marriage, Kennedy writes, “My husbandBarry and I met, got married, and fell in love—inthat order.” After dating just three months beforetheir wedding, the Kennedys’ marriage waspredicted to fail. Three years later, Nancybecame a Christian; Barry did not. “The hardestthing I’ve had to deal with is being spirituallymismatched with a husband who doesn’t sharemy same commitment to Christ (at least not atthis time) and realizing he may never do so.”Although they were strangers, singing “vastlydifferent tunes,” God helped them find harmonyin their marriage. Kennedy emphasizes the keyto a strong marriage lies in God’s power, not ourown. Her commitment to building a lastingmarriage is refreshing; the spiritual insights sheshares from everyday life are encouraging.Many readers will identify with her transparentaccounts dealing with in-laws, mid-life crisis,holidays, money matters, communication, andmore. Laughing with her will also cause readersof the book opportunity to laugh at themselves.She relates fun-filled stories, like the escalatingdisagreement they had over buying a new bed.She chose the Queen Beauty Napper. Hepreferred the UltraKing, MultiMega model.Before long twin beds sounded good! It is thekind of event with which many readers will beable to identify.The short, comical chapters make it quick andeasy to read. Humorous titles like, “A House IsNot a Home Until the Termites Move In,” arouseyour curiosity. Combining tenderness andcomedy, this book will keep you reading andlaughing to the end.Quality—4Acceptability—5Lydia E. HarrisFreelance Writer, Former TeacherSeattle, WashingtonTwo Cities, Two Loves : ChristianResponsibility in a Crumbling Culture, byJames Montgomery Boice. LCCN 96008115.InterVarsity Press, 1996. ISBN 0830819878,HBB, $19.99.261. Christian life. 279 p.College-Adult.Two Cities, Two Loves is intended to be a modernversion of Augustine’s great work, City of God,in which Augustine developed probably the firstphilosophy of history based on the notion of twokingdoms, God’s and the world’s. These twokingdoms are in opposition to one another, andBoice sees much the same thing in our day as weare engaged on the so-called “culture wars” andvalues conflicts in our own culture. How shouldthe Christian relate to his culture and how shouldthe church relate and respond to its culturalsetting? Boice begins with a brief summary ofAugustine’s life and writing as the barbarianswere taking over North Africa where he lived,and then Boice compares the situation in our daywith our modern barbarians in education, themedia, and religion.Following this synopsis of the current situation,Boice gives a historical survey from the biblicalpoint of view of the origin of the two cities or twohumanities. He begins with Adam and Eve andthe serpent in the garden of Eden and traces thetwo humanities through Cain and Abel and theirdescendants, particularly Abraham, to thedevelopment of Babylon and Jerusalem as thetwo capital cities of the people of Satan and thepeople of God, respectively. This section of thebook is probably the most interesting and helpfulsection of the book. Boice uses Daniel incaptivity in Babylon as a positive example of aperson who had to relate to both the kingdom ofGod and the kingdom of the world.Boice gives three important principles forChristians as they seek to make a difference inthis world: participation, persuasion, and prayer.He gives specific examples of how Christiansmight engage the issues of our culture, such asabortion and the needs of our cities. Boice hasbeen engaged in ministry in a large city for manyC H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 6 9 J A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8

ADULTNONFICTIONyears, so he speaks from experience at this point.He is moderate in his approach to Christianinvolvement in politics and social issues; heneither discourages it nor encourages an activistmodel. Chapters 10 and 11 are a discussion ofNehemiah as a leader, and in these chaptersBoice presents some leadership principles forChristians. While interesting, I am not sure thatthis section might not be better in a book onleadership, rather than in this particular context.The last part of the book is a discussion ofChrist’s prayer in John 17 for his church in theworld, and this section is very helpful. Overall,this book is very readable and interesting. It isnot an in-depth presentation, but there are somegood notes and bibliographical helps for eachchapter.Quality—4Acceptability—5Paul BolingAssoc. Prof. of Philosophy and BibleBryan CollegeDayton, TennesseeQuarks, Chaos & Christianity : Questions toScience and Religion, by John Polkinghorne.LCCN 95030120. New York: Crossroad,1996. ISBN 0824515218, PAP, $9.95.261.5. Religion and science; Physics--Religiousaspects--Christianity. 102 p.Adult.Until 1979, John Polkinghorne was Professor ofMathematical Physics at Cambridge University.When he felt that he had ‘done his part’ forphysics, he pursued theological training andbecame an Anglican priest. He began writing, hesays, to share the reasons for his faith with hisscientific colleagues, who were puzzled by hisacceptance of what, to them, were outmodedbeliefs.In a series of books, Polkinghorne has exploredthe interface between science and Christianbelief. Quarks, Chaos & Christianity is writtenfor the average non-scientist; that is, it avoidsmuch of the technical argument found in hisother books. He discusses God, the origin of theuniverse, and the issues of miracles, prayer, andthe future. Readers should be aware that whilePolkinghorne accepts all the major tenets ofChristianity (all the points of the Nicene Creed,for example), he also accepts the findings ofmodern evolutionary science and incorporatesthe cosmological (Big Bang) viewpoint into hisframework.Quarks, Chaos & Christianity makes forinteresting reading. It would be particularlyappropriate for those confused by the seemingantagonism between science and theology; or fornon-Christian seekers of a scientific bent.Quarks, Chaos & Christianity provides a usefuland accessible introduction to Polkinghorne’sother works.Quality—4Acceptability—4Andrew M. SeddonPhysician, AuthorBillings, MontanaBeyond Imagination : A Simple Plan to Savethe World, by Dick Eastman. LCCN96043777. Grand Rapids: Chosen Books,1997. ISBN 0800792505, PAP, $12.99.266. Great Commission (Bible); Evangelistic work.318 p.Gr. 7 - Adult.Every Home for Christ is an amazing ministrythat is chronicled in this book throughinteresting, thought provoking stories. Thestories are real-life dramas of lives changed bythe power of the Gospel and the simple plan oftouching every home for Christ. Taking alogical, systematic approach to bringing theGospel to each person by house-to-houseevangelism, we see through reading the storiesjust how effective this plan can be.Beyond Imagination is filled with inspiringaccounts and testimonies of lives that have beenset ablaze by the Gospel and, in turn, have starteda great spiritual blaze in their homeland as aresult. We travel to the mountains of Nepal, toAfrican villages, to Far East Russia, to the islandsof the Pacific; all over the world we see heartstransformed as Christians travel from village tovillage and bring the Gospel to a lost and dyingworld.Adding a unique cohesion, each chapter beginswith a piece of the puzzle—a story of one manwho waited decades for someone to bring theTruth. By the end of the book, we see just howimportant it is to reach every home with the GoodNews of Christ.Written in an easy-to-read style, Eastman bringsa “where rubber meets the road” feeling to hisgrass-roots evangelistic approach on a trulyinternational scale. Success is worldwide, andthe reader’s faith rises as each success storyunfolds. Beyond Imagination personally becamean inspiring and challenging text that broughthouse-to-house evangelism beyond thesometimes stagnant American stigma and into acontext of effective evangelistic approaches.Anyone who wants their faith to rise, their eyesto look beyond our nation, and their heart toyearn for the lost should read this book.Quality—5Acceptability—5Susan AdderleyFreelance Writer and Former TeacherACSI, International MinistriesColorado Springs, ColoradoRun with the Vision, by Bob Sjogren, BillStearns, and Amy Stearns. LCCN 95007498.Minneapolis: Bethany House Publishers,1995. ISBN 1556613210, PAP, $10.99.266. Missions. 287 p.Gr. 10 - Adult.As a practical manual for involving everyChristian in God’s plan for the world, Run With aVision is a perfect Bible study, Sunday schooltext, or personal devotional. From high schoolersto adults, this book is relevant and inspiring. It’snot just for those who feel called to full-timemissions service. Run With a Vision can helpeach and every believer find their “niche” intoday’s missions’ movement.The authors begin with the “big picture” of God’sglobal plan to bring the Gospel to all nations.Then, narrowing the focus on what practicalsteps each of us can take to help make God’s planwork, the authors show how churches andindividuals can take an active part in bringing theGospel to the ends of the earth. Taking ascholastic approach, Run With a Vision is a veryreadable text, providing practical steps and ideasfor making missions real in your life. Charts,graphs, statistics and news clippings, providesolid information for the reader. An overview ofthe 10/40 Window, the unreached people groups,and the major religious forces today provide awell-rounded look at the realities of today’smission field.With a vast array of missions knowledge behindthem, the Stearns publish World Christianmagazine and have written over a dozen books.Sjogren, a co-founder of the missions agency,Frontiers, that focuses on the Muslim world,brings his missions seminar expertise to thisbook. From making a personal commitment tomissions to a step-by-step approach for involvingyour church, Run With a Vision is a must foranyone who has a heart for the world.Quality—5Acceptability—5Susan AdderleyFreelance Writer and Former TeacherACSI International MinistriesColorado Springs, ColoradoWomen Who Changed the Heart of the City :The Untold Story of the City Rescue MissionMovement, by Delores T. Burger. LCCN96032054. Grand Rapids: KregelPublications, 1997. ISBN 0825421462, PAP,$9.99.267. Women missionaries--Biography; City Missions--History. 157 p.Gr. 10 - Adult.Delores T. Burger is the historian of theInternational Union of Gospel Missions. InWomen Who Changed the Heart of the City, shedetails the contributions of nineteen women tothe urban rescue mission movement.Some of these women worked side by side withtheir husbands; others were widows or singlewomen who dedicated their lives to the missions.Some had lived lives of degradation until theywere saved at a mission themselves. Others livedpampered lives of wealth and self-sufficiencyuntil a chance visit to a mission changed theirlives forever. Whatever their background, theyJ A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8 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

ADULTNONFICTIONtouched the poor, the addicted, the sick, and thesocial outcasts of the city with the healing powerof God’s love.Burger begins most chapters with a photographof the woman featured in that chapter, aninspirational quote, and an anecdote fromcontemporary missions work. Then she relatesthe woman’s story, drawn from books, magazinearticles, annual reports, and transcripts ofspeeches. At the end of each chapter, Burger listsher sources.The length of each chapter seems to bedetermined by how much material on theparticular woman the author could find. Somestories contain much more information about thehusband than the woman herself; she is portrayedas the helpmeet, the supporter of her spouse’sefforts, the worker behind the scenes.Quality—3Andrea R. HuelsenbeckFreelance WriterTempe, ArizonaAcceptability—5The Kingdom of God in Africa : A ShortHistory of African Christianity, by Mark R.Shaw. LCCN 96035523. Grand Rapids:Baker Books, 1996. ISBN 0801020964, PAP,$19.99.276. Africa--Church history; Evangelicalism--Africa--History. 328 p.Gr. 11 - Adult.Author Mark Shaw writes, “ This is a book aboutthe African church’s long struggle to be aneffective witness to the One they worship as risenfrom the dead.” Covering the history of AfricanChristianity is certainly a daunting task, butShaw does a rather good job of covering nearly2,000 years of the Gospel outreach to thecontinent through the perspective of Augustine’sCity of God.Clearly chronicled throughout the pages of thistext is the diversity of Christian perspectives andthe fact that no one perspective has gainedprecedent on the continent. Indeed, religiousconcepts have pitted one against another, andbloodshed has unfortunately resulted. The starkreality of “Christian” movements gone astrayalso gives us a glimpse into the complexities ofthe African Christian world. As a result, a varietyof religious movements and diverse churchesmake Africa a tapestry of Christianity that has alook all its own. The infiltration of Islam into theAfrican continent and its ensuing conflicts withChristians is also addressed.The books is well organized chronologically aswell as geographically, so as to make a quick andeasy reference text. Though containing anincredible amount of information that is wellcited, it sometimes becomes too deep, toophilosophical, and too intricate for the averagereader to find a book to read by the fireside.Rather, it is more a historical text with validacademic application. Thus, for the one whoplans a career on the African mission field, TheKingdom of God in Africa should be considereda core reading assignment before attempting tolive in Africa since understanding the peoplewhom you will serve is vital to the success insuch a ministry.Quality—5Acceptability—5Susan AdderleyFreelance Writer and Former TeacherACSI, International MinistriesColorado Springs, ColoradoOne Home at a Time : Restoring the Soul ofAmerica Through God’s Plan for YourMarriage and Family, by Dennis Rainey.LCCN 97010893. Colorado Springs: Focuson the Family Publishing, 1997. ISBN1561795453, HBB, $16.99.277.3. Marriage; Church renewal; United States--Social conditions--1980-; United States--Moralconditions. 267 p.Adult.It was an unassuming meeting of men gathered todiscuss the concept of Family Reformation.Instead of a battle cry to the masses, the menwere led to the haunting question: “Lord, whatneeds to change in my life for a FamilyReformation to occur in my home?” It was thismeeting that gave author Dennis Rainey, theglimpse into the personal investment that FamilyReformation involves.Family Reformation begins with a personalrepentance. “God must work in us before He canwork through us,” writes Rainey, as he personallychallenges Christian men and women to repenttheir sins and recommit to their families.Beginning with a lack of fear of God, Raineycondemns the current trends that permeate oursociety allowing the abandonment of childrenand readily acceptance of divorce. Holding theirfeet to the fire, Rainey challenges readers withhis provocative questions geared to make thereaders evaluate their spiritual health.Instead of waiting in the sidelines for politicians,schools or others to activate change towards amorally upright and righteous walk with theLord, Rainey gives the convincing argument thatthe social change begins within ourselves. AsChristians place their houses in order, the ripplewill flow outward. The author uses anecdotesfrom history and includes personal stories whichdraw the reader into further understanding. Notwilling to leave the reader fumbling, Raineyoffers concrete examples of how to begin takingback America, One Home at a Time.Dennis Rainey is a husband and the father of sixchildren. He is the executive director ofFamilyLife, a division of Campus Crusade forChrist. The author of two other books, Raineycurrently hosts the “FamilyLife Today” radioprogram and regularly speaks at FamilyLifeconferences around the nation.Quality—5Acceptability—5Joanne M. HafflyFreelance Writer and Homeschool MotherGig Harbor, WashingtonNo Regrets : How I Found My Way out ofMormonism, by Judy Robertson.Indianapolis: Light & Life Communications,1997. ISBN 089367222X, PAP, $10.99.289.3. Mormon Church--Controversial literature. 223p.Gr. 10 - Adult.This autobiographical story gives insight intohow Christians become vulnerable to the falsereligion of Mormonism. Judy Robertson wasstill stinging from the harsh verbal attack of achurch co-worker when her husband, Jim,introduced her to “the finest people you’ll evermeet.” Judy felt drawn to these people of theChurch of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.Their kindness to her, their devotion to theirfamilies, and their enthusiastic commitment totheir faith convinced her that they had somethingshe did not.For the next seven years, Judy and Jim worethemselves out trying to fulfill all the essentialworks and ordinances of their new faith. But thenagging suspicion that they were being deceivedbegan to grow in their minds.Independently and secretly, Jim and Judy beganstudying the Bible, using their concordances tolook up passages dealing with Mormonprinciples—genealogies, the nature of godhood,prophets as mediators between God and man.They discovered the Bible didn’t confirm any ofthe Mormon teachings. They were following afalse religion.In No Regrets, Robertson tells her story as thoughit were a novel. She lets us feel her conflictingemotions. She shares her bewilderment andunease during the Temple ceremony. Shedescribes the stress and loneliness she felt as shewent through the motions of being the perfectMormon wife.The back of the book contains helps to those whowant to understand Mormonism thoroughly or tominister to Mormons or prospective Mormons.Four appendices deal with how one becomesvulnerable to Mormonism, how one gets out ofMormonism, and the truth of the gospel of JesusChrist. Also included is a glossary of Mormonterms and endnotes documenting Mormonhistory and doctrine.Quality—4Andrea R. HuelsenbeckFreelance WriterTempe, ArizonaAcceptability—5The Spirituality of St. Patrick, by LesleyWhiteside. Harrisburg, Penn.: MorehousePublishing, 1996. ISBN 0819216933, PAP,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 J A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8

ADULTNONFICTION$7.95.291.092. Saint Patrick. 78 p.Gr. 9 - Adult.St. Patrick is probably more famous for what heis imagined to have done (driven snakes fromIreland, used the shamrock to illustrate theTrinity) than what he really did (evangelize).Patrick was neither a theologian nor a literarystylist; he freely admits his lack of education.But these deficiencies didn’t prohibit God fromusing him.We are fortunate to have two survivingdocuments from Patrick’s hand—the Confession,and the Letter to Coroticus. It is the formerdocument that Leslie Whiteside uses to tell usabout the real Patrick, not the Patrick of legend.The Spirituality of St. Patrick consists of fifteenbrief meditations on aspects of Patrick’s thoughtas disclosed in the Confessions. Topics include,for example, God’s transforming work in us, thepower of the Spirit, God with us, the peace of theLord.The book is clear and easily readable. If it has afault, it lies in the brevity with which Whitesideaddresses the issues—I would have appreciatedmore detail and depth. The Spirituality of St.Patrick would best be read alongside a copy ofPatrick’s Confession, of which several versionsare available. Nevertheless, for those interestedin the lives and teachings of the saints,Whiteside’s book fills a gap in the availableliterature.Quality—4Andrew M. SeddonPhysician, AuthorBillings, MontanaAcceptability—5The Celtic Way of Prayer, by Esther De Wahl.LCCN 96019712. New York: Doubleday,1997. ISBN 0385486634, HBB, $19.95.299. Celtic Church; Celts--Religion; Prayer--Christianity; Spiritual life--Christianity. 234 p.Adult.In common with the ancient Hebrews, the earlyCeltic Christians in Britain made no distinctionbetween the sacred and the secular areas of theirlives. All of life was dedicated to God. Religionwas not a tacked-on addition, but, rather, anintegral part of life, and prayer was not anisolated, intermittent event, but an ongoingactivity. It is within this context that Esther DeWaal (a major figure in the worlds of Benedictineand Celtic spirituality) has written The CelticWay of Prayer, subtitled the recovery of thereligious imagination.Prayer is more than mere verbalizing to-or at-God; it is a constant communion, a way of life.And so The Celtic Way of Prayer is as muchabout the Celtic Christian worldview andlifestyle as it is what we would commonlyconsider prayer.De Waal begins with the concept of peregrinatiopilgrimage;a lifelong journey in pursuit of God;a journey which is both adventure and exile fromthe world. Subsequent chapters examine theCeltic manner of Christianity, with titles such asImage and Story, The Trinity, The Presence ofGod, The Cross, The Saints, Praise, and others.De Waal dispels the contemporary myth of CelticChristianity as a user-friendly corpus of beliefsviewed through a haze of romanticism. CelticChristianity stressed both God’s immanence andtranscendence; the role of the individual and thewind of the spirit; self-sacrifice in the pursuit ofa life committed to God. It celebrated creation asthe good gift of its Creator.The Celtic way was a hard way to follow. But ithas much to commend it today, in an era of easy,please-yourself religion.The revival of Celtic Christianity has seen itsdeepest influence in Anglican and Catholiccircles. But for anyone interested in learningmore of this ancient yet still relevant branch ofChristianity, The Celtic Way of Prayer wouldprovide an excellent introduction.Quality—5Andrew M. SeddonPhysician, AuthorBillings, MontanaAcceptability—4The Family New Media Guide : A Parents’Guide to the Very Best Choices in Values-Oriented Media, Including Videos, CD-ROMs,Audiotapes, Computer Software, and On-lineServices, by William Kilpatrick, GregoryWolfe, and Suzanne M. Wolfe. LCCN97022910. New York: Touchstone, 1997.ISBN 068481322X, PAP, $12.00.302.23. Mass media--Handbooks, manuals, etc. 268 p.AdultFrom the authors of Books That Build Character,comes another parental/educator handbook thatescorts adults through the maze of movies, audio(books) tapes, computer games, CD-ROMs andInternet sites.Kilpatrick and the Wolfes divide theirpresentation into two major parts. Part oneaddresses theory on media and morality, givinginsight into Hollywood’s abandonment of theirMotion Picture Production Code (1930-66).While many recent movies are inclined to be R-rated, studies show G and PG movies outperformthem two-to-one at the box office. Sincestories are central to the moral development ofchildren, the authors’ hypothesis steers parents tothe VCR and more control over the type of(movies) stories coming into the home. They(stories) “provide a common reference point, asource of shared ideals and hopes.”The authors discuss implications of our computertechnology on children and admit the jury is stillout on whether a child’s imagination andconscience are challenged or strengthened. Theydo admit that few games rise above theentertainment level.Part two reviews numerous videos (according toage level), audio book tapes, (cross referenced),computer software, multimedia programs,Internet Web Sites and On-line Services. A briefsummary of the plot, main characters, yearproduced and length are included for eachoffering. Baseline data guides a novice parentthrough Internet jargon and suggested guidelinesare given for children’s use of the Internet, bothfor safety and time.Lists according to age level and subject matter atthe books’ end make for easy re-identification.Readers should be aware that although theauthors claim to include high quality selections,objectionable language is not identified in videosknown to have swearing. If they are reviewingthe edited versions, it is not mentioned.Quality—3Carolyn HearingFreelance WriterVirginia, MinnesotaAcceptability—5Dated Jekyll, Married Hyde, by Laura JensenWalker. LCCN 97021030. Minneapolis:Bethany House Publishers, 1997. ISBN1556619952, PAP, $8.99.306.81. Marriage; Marriage--Humor; Marriage--Religious aspects--Christianity; Husbands--Psychology;Wives--Psychology; Sex differences (Psychology). 191p.Adult.Most men and women do not set out to deceiveeach other while dating, but once married, theyoften discover surprising differences between thesexes. Walker shares humorous examples frommarriages—her own and others—to illustratethese distinctions. Readers will chuckle as theyread this book, perhaps seeing themselves in theexamples Walker provides. She also encouragesreaders to delight in their differences because,“It’s hard to fight when you’re laughingtogether.”Kennedy points out guy/girl differences in logic,food preferences, speech, goals, expectations,and communication, to name a few. Inconversation, she’s learning to give her husbandthe “Reader’s Digest Condensed” version ofevents, saving the details for girlfriends. Besidesthe amusing discussion of the “nagging gene”and “chick logic,” she openly shares her soberingexperience of breast cancer and her husband’scaring response. Their vows, “in sickness and inhealth,” were tested shortly after their firstanniversary.This is not a heavy psychological book, but a“light-hearted romp” examining the ironies ofmale/female relationships. Readers are sure tocome away from it with a greater understandingand acceptance of the differences between thesexes. The twenty-four brief chapters withJ A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8 7 2 C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L

ADULTNONFICTIONcatchy titles can be read in snatches, providingnuggets of marital wisdom along with a goodlaugh.Quality—4Acceptability—5Lydia E. HarrisFreelance Writer, Former TeacherSeattle, WashingtonShe Calls Me Daddy : Seven Things Every ManNeeds to Know About Building a CompleteDaughter, by Robert Wolgemuth. LCCN96002303. Colorado Springs: Focus on theFamily Publishing, 1996. ISBN 1561794619,HBB, $16.99.307.874. Fathers and daughters; Parenting;Fatherhood--Religious aspects--Christianity; Conductof life. 219 p.Adult.Having raised two daughters successfully, RobertWolgemuth presents his system for raising a“Complete Daughter” using a blend of hisautobiography with tips gleaned from hisexperience as well as others associated withFocus on the Family. She Calls Me Daddycontains three sections: introductory material,including affidavits from Wolgemuth’s growndaughters; seven principle chapters containingWolgemuth’s seven foundational elements, eachending in summaries called Builder’s Checklists;and a section for self-appraisal based on Dad’scommitment to Christ. The book ends withchapter by chapter questions designed for groupstudy.By turns humorous, serious, self-deprecating,victorious, She Calls Me Daddy offers advicestarting before birth, reaching into the life of thegrown daughter. Salesman, talent managementagent, and author, Wolgemuth bases his book inprayer and trust in the Lord. Aiming at thecontemporary American Christian Dad,Wolgemuth discusses and illustrates subjectssuch as: boundaries, the art of conversation,active affection, recognizing the emotional needsof daughters, discipline, passing on your faith.Throughout the text Wolgemuth mentionsseveral books and authors for further reading.Quality—3Acceptability—5Donna EggettVolunteer Counselor, Crisis Pregnancy CenterMaiden, North CarolinaShedding Life : Disease, Politics, and OtherHuman Conditions, 1st ed, by MiroslavHolub; translated by David Young.[et al.].LCCN 97010712. Minneapolis: MilkweedEditions, 1997. ISBN 157131217X, HBB,$22.95.570. Science--Popular works; Medicine--Popularworks; Ecology--Popular works. 279 p.Adult.Holub is a Czech immunologist, essayist, andpoet, and this is his first collection of short essayson life, death, and science. It is a very diversecollection on many subjects. The quality of thewriting is excellent, although the general tone ofthe book is quite dark and pessimistic. The bookhas three main sections, Angels of Disease,Trouble on Spaceship Earth, and No. A shortpoem precedes each section. Holub is fascinatedby and very convinced of the truth of thescientific method and its conclusions. He is notfriendly to religion or religious faith. Some ofthe pieces in the book are very entertaining andhumorous, such as his essay on passing hismedical exams by reflecting on a Czech king,Ladislaus, who died in the 15th century.Holub’s overall perspective is that life is astruggle for all living things, and survival iscertainly not guaranteed. For example, he says,“We can describe human history equally well asa long development or as a long disease.” Anyhope Holub sees for progress in history will comeabout through the development and discoveriesof science.This is a very well written work for someonewith a poetic, philosophical personality. It is aserious exercise in pursuing truth, and Holubremains open; the book ends with a description ofan airplane flight he was on in which the planecaught fire, and there was havoc and panic.Holub says, “My first thought was, Yes, that’s it.My second and final thought after a half-secondwas, No, that can’t be it. A vigorous, silent no.And that no has been final, so far.”The language in this book is very direct andearthy in a few places. It is definitely for an adultaudience.Quality—5Acceptability—3Paul BolingAssoc. Prof. of Philosophy and BibleBryan CollegeDayton, TennesseeThe Busy Mom’s Guide to Simple Living, byJackie Wellwood. Wheaton, Ill.: CrosswayBooks, 1997. ISBN 0891079572, PAP, $10.99.640. Mothers--Life skills guides; Mothers--Religiouslife. 214 p.Adult.Jackie Wellwood, a home schooling mother ofsix who runs a business out of her home, finds itessential to establish a simpler lifestyle. Simpleliving does not mean easy living. She admits itcan be hard work. The Wellwoods prepare foodfrom scratch, do much of the work themselvesinstead of hiring someone, and live on one salary.Realizing the drastic changes her family madewon’t suit everyone, in The Busy Mom’s Guide toSimple Living, Jackie encourages small changes,one at a time.This homemaking handbook is “a combination ofpractical skills and decision-making philosophy.”Unlike other how-to-books, the author goesbeyond practical suggestions and helps youdecide which ideas to use or ignore. Her choicesare guided by biblical principles and emphasizepeople—not possessions. She includes personalstruggles and practical tips on making the most ofyour time and resources. Moms are encouragedto unclutter and organize their homes, and thenmake a plan to keep them that way.Chapters cover a wide range of topics: lifestylesimplification, healthy living, food management,saving money, holidays and gift giving,housework, getting organized, home schooling,running a home business, and more. She offerssensible advice on developing a routine thatworks, advocating flexible organization.If you desire a simpler, more organized life,adapt these down-to-earth ideas to suit yourneeds. The scriptural insights and lengthyresource list on each topic are a valuable asset.Quality—4Acceptability—5Lydia E. HarrisFreelance Writer, Former TeacherSeattle, WashingtonIn-Laws : Getting Along with Your OtherFamily, by Ron & Jorie Kincaid. LCCN96016812. Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsityPress, 1996. ISBN 0830819541, PAP, $9.99.646.7. Parents-in-law; Interpersonal relations. 179 p.Adult.God gives us His first piece of marital advicewith Genesis 2:24, “For this reason a man willleave his father and mother and be united to hiswife, and they will become one flesh.” In thebook, In-Laws: Getting Alone with Your OtherFamily, Ron and Jorie Kincaid tackle the issue ofin-law relationships.Sprinkled with personal anecdotes and storiesfrom families across the nation, the authors sharetheir insight into relationship problems. Lack oflove is given as the primary explanation for therelationship problems. Pulling from theirexperience of counseling hundreds of couples,the authors share the heartbreak of rejection anddisagreement in families, yet lift the reader upwith examples of devoted love between grownchildren and their in-laws.The book is broken down into nine biblicallysound principles for healthy in-law relationships.Beginning with Principle One: Adopt Your In-Laws into Your Family, the reader is drawn alongwith the basic questions that arise from what tocall in-laws to how to deal with rejection.Sometimes the answers seemed simplistic, yetwe are always called back to God’s directive tolove our brother. (1 Jn 4:20-21)While the authors try to deal with irresponsiblegrown children overburdening their parents andthe problems of over-controlling parents refusingto relinquish their power over their now grownchildren, I found some of the answers to be ofcultural origin and not necessarily biblical, afostering of “rugged individualism.” And theC H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 7 3 J A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8

ADULTNONFICTIONstatement that “Grandparents have no obligationto their grandchildren,” bothered me a great deal.Ron Kincaid is the pastor of Sunset PresbyterianChurch in Portland, Oregon. He is also theauthor of two other books. Jorie Kincaid is thepresident of Orphans Overseas and the author ofThe Power of Modeling. The Kincaids have sixchildren.Quality—4Acceptability—5Joanne M. HafflyFreelance Writer and Homeschool MotherGig Harbor, WashingtonShould I Home School? By Elizabeth andDan Hamilton. Downers Grove, Ill.:InterVarsity Press, 1997. ISBN 0830819762,PAP, $9.99.649. Home schooling. 170 p.Adult.In their new release, Should I Home School?,Elizabeth and Dan Hamilton provide insightfulinformation to help readers interested in homeschooling decide what is right for them and theirchildren. Combining their home schoolexperiences with feedback from other homeschool parents, the Hamiltons have compiled apractical, easy-to-read book which will helpparents choose the right education for theirchildren. This is not a “how to home school” but“should you home school” book.Each of the seventeen chapters asks pertinentquestions related to home schooling and eachprovides information to help you find the bestanswers. The authors discuss home schoolingcosts, teacher qualifications, legal concerns, atypical day’s schedule, parental fears, supportgroups, and much more. They also recognizehome schooling is not for everyone, but offerreassurance to those who do.Parents deciding to home school will findpractical tips on getting started, cutting costs,finding suitable and affordable curricula, andtelling others about their decision. TheHamiltons acknowledge home schoolingrequires commitment and time, but have found itrewarding for their family. “The price we havepaid for home schooling has been worth thefamily unity we have developed, a way of lifethat honors the value system we espouse, and thespiritual and moral development of our children.”The quotes throughout the book from homeschool parents are honest and will help readersevaluate the pros and cons of home schooling.Another strength is the thirty-four page resourceguide which includes further reading, curricula,textbooks, supplies, support groups andassociations. This book is a valuable asset forparents who are considering home schooling.Quality—5Acceptability—5Lydia E. HarrisFreelance Writer, Former TeacherSeattle, WashingtonThe Gift of Music : Great Composers and TheirInfluence, 3rd ed, by Jane Stuart Smith andBetty Carlson. LCCN 95032685. Wheaton,Ill.: Crossway Books, 1995. ISBN089107869X, PAP, $15.99.780. Composers--Biography; Music--Religiousaspects. 317 p.Gr. 9 - Adult.The expressed purpose of The Gift of Music byJane Stuart Smith and Betty Carlson is “toencourage listening to the finest music withunderstanding and pleasure and to stretch one’simagination.” In the prelude, the authorscomment “Great music is one of God’s gifts tohelp us through the snarls, noises and confusionof our world.” And, with joys they approach thewriting of this book. The body of the work is inanswer to the question, “What do thesecomposers think of the human race?” The subjectis seen through the eyes of the Masters, rangingfrom Schutz (1585-1672) to Shostakovich (1906-1973). Not all of the biographies are bathed insweetness and light. For instance, the reality ofthe situation was that Shostakovich was apolitical pawn of Joseph Stalin in communistRussia. Yet, Smith and Carlson point out thehand of God in every situation.A bit of history, a smattering of quotations, aweaving together of facts and anecdotes, thisbook is a fascinating read for the musician,accessible information to the general public.Table of contents, recommended readingselections, recommended listening listings,“Music in the Flow of History and the Arts”chart, select bibliography, glossary, and indexconvert this collection of short stories into areference book. In addition, chapters on “Psalmsin Western Music History,” “Shakespeare’sInfluence on Great Composers,” and “ChristmasCarols” broaden the scope of knowledge.The Gift of Music is chockfull of facts, includingthe Christian worldview.Quality—5Acceptability—5Su HagertyDirector of Choirs, Liberty High SchoolIssaquah, WashingtonNineteenth-Century American Women Writers: A Bio-bibliographical Critical Sourcebook, byDenise D. Knight. Westport, Conn.:Greenwood Press, 1997. ISBN 0313297134,HBB, $99.50.808. American authors; Women authors--American.College - Adult.As is the case with the other texts in the series ofcritical sourcebooks, Nineteenth-CenturyAmerican Women Writers is a book that belongsin every library. Though it may seem at firstglance to be somewhat limited in scope, dealingonly with women writers as it does, this bookhighlights what is often overlooked in literarystudy--namely, the role of women. In the case ofthe eighteenth century, for example, nearly everystudent knows the names of Sir Isaac Newtonand Samuel Johnson, but how many of thosesame students ever get exposed to Fanny Birneyor Aphra Behn? The present text sets aboutmaking sure that that does not happen with thewomen writers of the nineteenth century.Set in the same encyclopedic format as similarvolumes in the Greenwood series (although I donot know if it is officially a series) this book is asthorough and complete as the others. Dividedinto the same sections, biography, works andthemes, critical reception, and bibliography, thisissue does what the other did not. Included in thebibliography is a breakdown of each writerswork in subcategories which is very helpful forin-depth literary analysis. In the case of RebeccaHarding Davis, for example, the author, Lisa A.Long, divides Davis’ work by novels, shortstories and novellas, nonfiction, and juvenileliterature. Add to this a good list of studies onDavis’s work and both teacher or student usingthis text has a wealth of information at his or herdisposal in a small space.Another thing that makes this text interesting isthe way in which the editors to compile it. Whilesome women wrote and published during thenineteenth century, others, like Edith Whartondid not. Though she live during this period, herwork was not published until the twentiethcentury. While Wharton fans might bedisappointed, the result is that many lesserknown women got included in the book thanmight have otherwise.Published in the fine Greenwood tradition, thisbook will be helpful for every student ofliterature, novice and scholar alike.Quality--5Acceptability--5Raymond LeggAsst. Prof. of English, Bryan CollegeDayton, TennesseeInto the Darkness Peering : Race and Color inthe Fantastic, Contributions. to the Study ofScience Fiction and Fantasy; 74, edited byElisabeth Anne Leonard. Westport, Conn.:Greenwood Press, 1997. ISBN 0313300429,HBB, $57.95.809.3. Fantasy; Science fiction. 208 p.College - Adult.A friend of mine recently left his church inChicago to join the staff of a nationally-knownChristian organization. His responsibilities willrevolve around the issue of racial reconciliation.Within the past year we have seen affirmativeaction come under fire on the west coast andpeople everywhere are rethinking their positionsalong racial lines.Though it could be said that this text is another inthe long list of books on popular topics trying toJ A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8 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

ADULTNONFICTIONget a reading by the general public, I wouldcaution against such a criticism. It seemsappropriate that Christians especially, take timeto examine the kinds of reading materials theyenjoy to see if there is a sense in which theycould be interpreted as racist or offensive to anyethnic group. Reading articles like those in thepresent volume help illustrate how easily a writercan betray racist attitudes, whether national orindividual, regardless of genre. Oftentimes thoseattitudes are so ingrained that we do notrecognize them until they are pointed out bysomeone else. But there is a danger here as well.It is possible for a critic to find racist attitudeswhere none exist. The important point is that thediscussion continues and the result can only be aheightened sensitivity tomatters of race, ethnicity,and gender. It is extremelyimportant that Christiansengage these issues becausewe are often guilty of a lackof sensitivity in these areassupposing that God’s gracewill make up for our lack oftact or consideration forthose different fromourselves.The interest in race andethnicity has not been keptout of the field of literarystudies. Into the DarknessPeering is an anthology ofarticles devoted to the studyof race and color issuesprimarily in the literature ofthe fantastic which grew outof Leonard’s desire to get ahearing for fantasy in thediscussion of these topics.But the articles are notlimited to fantasy alonebecause some of them dealwith materials outside thegenre--most notable isLisbeth Grant-Britton’sarticle comparing LeGuin’sThe Left Hand of Dark withConrad’s Heart ofDarkness, as well as others on racism incyberspace and colonialism as it appears innovels by Robert Silverberg.As with all the Greenwood texts, this one is ofhighest quality and each of the articles hassufficient notation to keep readers busy for sometime should they choose to check out thescholarship of any of the writers. This bookwould be a good addition for any library but itcould also be a very helpful text in a collegesetting for literature classes of various types.Quality--5Acceptability--5Raymond LeggAsst. Prof. of English, Bryan CollegeDayton, TennesseeThe Life Story of Lester Sumrall, by LesterSumrall; as told to Tim Dudley. LCCN92064449. Green Forest, Ark.: New LeafPress, 1993. ISBN 0892212292, HBB, $14.95.921 (251). Sumrall, Lester; Clergy--Biography. 239 p.Gr. 10 - Adult.Dying of tuberculosis at the age of seventeen,God gave Lester Sumrall a choice: to die or bewilling to preach the Gospel. Eighty some yearslater, the answer was obvious—he would obeythe command to take the good news to all theworld.As Lester started his preaching career he foundmost people were reluctant to open theirchurches to this unknown young man. He wouldshrug his shoulders and state, “If you don’t letme preach, I’ll die and my blood will be on yourhead!” With such a statement, Lester foundmany open doors to his unpracticed andsomewhat unorthodox style. But people didlisten, and much to the surprise of Lester, peoplebegan to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior.This unlikely beginning opened a fruitfulministry for Lester Sumrall and as he traveled theworld, he began to find himself faced withunusual encounters of demonic possession.Always the gentle spirit, and always determinednot to make a fuss, he quickly and efficientlydealt with the hardest cases, freeing many fromyears of oppression. This very ministryculminated in touching the entire nation of thePhilippines for God, as the president exclaimed,“In this country Christ is the answer, and we allknow it.”This is an exciting modern day story of faith,courage and obedience to the Lord’s leading.Filled with adventure and mighty challenges, thisstory will easily hold one’s attention and fill thereader with awe at the greatness of God. Easy toread, and touched with subtle humor, the storyflows from one amazing encounter to the next.Personal photographs are included givingsubstance to the names and personalities spokenof within the book. Ending with a plea to be partof meeting the needs of the many hungry peoplethroughout the world, Lester Sumrall used hisevery fiber to serve theGod he grew to love morethan life itself. He diedrecently, leaving a legacyto those willing to share inhis vision of care andservice to others.Quality—5 Acceptability—5Mary McKinneyFreelance Writer, EditorPort Orchard, WashingtonCatherine Booth : ABiography of theCofounder of TheSalvation Army, by RogerJ. Green. Grand Rapids:Baker Books, 1996.ISBN 080105706X, PAP,$14.99.921 (287.9). Booth,Catherine; Salvation Army.336 p.Gr. 11 - Adult.Catherine Mumford grewup in a Methodist home,mostly educated by hermother. The result was aheart that yearned afterGod, a thoroughknowledge of scripture,and a wide acquaintancewith Christian literature. She married WilliamBooth, a preacher of the Gospel, in 1855.Throughout their thirty-five-year marriage, theywere best friends and partners in serving theLord.Evangelistic work was William’s calling, andhundreds of people were converted during hiscampaigns. After a few years of turmoil as apastor within Methodism, he and Catherine leftthe denomination to conduct an independentrevivalist ministry in 1862. By this time,Catherine had begun a ministry to alcoholics andother down-and-outers, and had gained someexperience in preaching while William was ill.They both became popular preachers of thegospel. In 1865, they began a Christian missionC H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 7 5 J A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8

ADULTNONFICTIONin London, then in 1878 founded The SalvationArmy.Roger Green includes a wealth of informationabout Catherine and those significant in her life,as well as many of her opinions and teachings.One is inspired to follow her example in servingthe Lord wholeheartedly. Four pages ofphotographs of the Booths in the center of thebook help satisfy the reader’s curiosity aboutthem.Twenty-one pages of footnotes show the authorhas done extensive research. The book ends withan eight-page bibliographic essay whichrecommends books for further research on eachmember of the Booth family and some of theirfriends, as well as Methodism, The SalvationArmy, and several other evangelists of the time.A useful index is also included.Quality—5Judith M. GonzalesFreelance WriterMoses Lake, WashingtonAcceptability—5From DNA to Dean, by Arthur Peacocke.Norwich, Norfolk: Canterbury, 1996. ISBN1853111325, PAP, $23.95.921 (508.09). Religion and science; Peacocke, Arthur.224 p.Adult.The relationship of science and Christian faithhas commonly been viewed using the metaphorof conflict, where a chasm of irreconcilabledifferences divides the opponents. But such anassessment is hardly universal. An increasingnumber of scientists who have turned theologianseek to bridge the gap. One such is ArthurPeacocke, who after a career as a physicalbiochemist became an Anglican priest and Deanof Clare College, Cambridge.From DNA To Dean commences with a briefbiographical note, then continues withPeacocke’s reflections on the relationship ofscience and theology.Among current approaches to this subject are, atone pole, those who begin with revelation (theBible) and seek to fit science within thisframework; and, at the other pole, those whoaccept modern scientific theories of the universeand seek to understand Christian beliefs in thislight. This second approach is the one followedby Peacocke.Peacocke holds to an old age for the universe,and the emergence of life via evolutionaryprocesses until it gains intelligence and thecapacity to relate to God. Such a scenario is, ofcourse, opposed to a creationist’ point of viewwith a young earth and fixed species. Somedoctrines—such as the divinity of Christ—arenot expressed as forcefully as in, say, evangelicalwritings.Readers from highly conservative andevangelical backgrounds will find much withwhich to disagree in Peacocke’s book. ButPeacocke is well qualified to write about science(which he does with clarity), and From DNA ToDean provides a worthwhile look at howcontemporary scientists are endeavoring to relatethe findings of modern science with historicalChristian thought.Quality—4Andrew M. SeddonPhysician, AuthorBillings, MontanaAcceptability—3Welcome All Wonders : A Composer’s Journey,by J. A. C. Redford. LCCN 97019487. GrandRapids: Baker Books, 1997. ISBN0801011205, HBB, $18.99.921 (780). Redford, J. A. C.; Composers--Biography;Ex-church members--Mormon Church--Biography;Evangelicalism; Mormon Church--Controversialliterature; Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints--Controversial literature. 341 p.Adult.From the opening Jesu Juva! (“Jesus, help!”) tothe final Soli Deo Gloria (“To God alone theglory”) author J. A. C. Redford pulls no punches.His straight-forward autobiography tells thejourney from generations-old Mormon heritagethrough an unanswered longing to the discoveryof the truth, Jesus Christ. He unmasks themystery of Mormonism, taking the reader intothe Temple itself, on Mission, into theexpectations of the man of faith, small “f.” Heintertwines this information with the influencesof music, film, and literature in that juncture ofhis life. We meet his wife LeeAnn, helpmate inall his endeavors, and his growing family.Redford, the musician, chronicles his strugglesand successes as a Hollywood film and TVcomposer. There is an encounter with BibleStudy Fellowship and Chuck Swindoll, familiarnames in Christian circles. And what a differencethose meetings make.Welcome All Wonders began as a letter ofexplanation to Redford’s family and friends,telling them why he and his immediate familywere leaving Mormonism. The writingsmultiplied, almost taking on a life of their own.The result is a densely-written book, with fewscraps of conversation and fewer adjectives. Inspite of the almost pedantic vocabulary, the forceof Redford’s conviction stands forth: Is theresomething at the center of your life worth livingfor—worth dying for?Welcome All Wonders is well-documented withacknowledgments, Overture, a table of contents,Coda, appendices (credits and discography, andtexts of concert works) and footnotes.Quality—3Acceptability—5Su HagertyDirector of Choral Music, Liberty High SchoolIssaquah, WashingtonJ A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8 7 6 C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L

P U B L I S H E R L I S T TThe following is a list of publishers who cooperate with CLJ by sending books for review. Use these addresses and phone numbers to orderbooks reviewed by CLJ in this and all past issues. At the end of the publisher list, find a list of book distributors who may supply more of thesetitles, simplifying your ordering process. Any of them will be glad to send you catalogs and information about cataloging and discounts.Reprints of this list may be had for $3.00. Order from Christian Library Services, 801 S. Osage Ave., Bartlesville, OK 74003-4946. Paymentmust accompany order. No telephone, fax, or email orders, please.Book PublishersABC-CLIO, Order Dept., 130Cremona Dr., PO Box 1911,Santa Barbara, CA 93116-1911. 800-368-6868Abingdon Press, Order Dept.,P.O. Box 801, Nashville, TN37202-0801. 800-251-3320Acropolis Books, Order Dept.,747 Sheridan Blvd. Suite 1A,Lakewood, CO 80214. 303-231-9923Addison-Wesley, Order Dept.,102 Chestnut St., Boston, MA02108. 212-463-7881Advance Publishing, OrderDept., 6950 Fulton St.,Houston, TX 77022. 713-695-0600Advantage Learning Systems,Inc., Order Dept., P.O. Box8036, Wisconsin Rapids, WI54495. 800-338-4204Advocacy Press, Order Dept.,P.O. Box 236, Santa Barbara,CA 93102. 805-962-2728Africa World Press, OrderDept., 11-D Princess Rd.,Lawrenceville, NJ 08648.609-844-9583Aladdin Paperbacks SeeSimon & SchusterAlaska Northwest Books, OrderDept., 203 W. 15th Avenue,Ste. 108, Anchorage, AK99501. 907-278-8838Albert Whitman and Co., OrderDept., 6340 Oakton St.,Morton Grove, IL 60053-2723. 25% of 5 or more800-255-7675Alpha Omega Publications,Order Dept., 300 N. MckemyAve., Chandler, AZ 85226.800-622-3070Altamont Books SeeAltamont PressAltamont Press, Inc., JessiCinque, 50 College St.,Asheville, NC 28801. 704-253-0467Aperture See Farrar, Strausand GirousApple See ScholasticArctic Institute of NorthAmerica, Order Dept., TheUniv. of Calgary, 2500Univeristy Dr. N.W., Calgary,AB T2N 1N4 Canada. 403-220-7515Arte Publico Press, OrderDept., 4800 Calhoun, Houston,TX 77204-2090. 713-743-2841Artisan See WorkmanPublishingAssn. of Christian Schools Intl.,Order Dept., 731 Chapel HillsDrive, Colorado Springs, CO80920-1027. 719-528-6906Associated Publisher’s Group,Order Dept., 1501 CountyHospital Road, Nashville, TN37218.Assumption Communications,Order Dept., 101 Barry Rd.,Worcester, MA 01609-1178.Atheneum See Simon &SchusterAtheneum Books for YoungReaders, Order Dept., 1230Avenue of the Americas, NewYork, NY 10020. 212-698-2808Augsburg Fortress, OrderDept., 426 S. 5th St., P.O. Box1209, Minneapolis, MN 55440.612-330-3433August House LittleFolk SeeAugust House PublishersAugust House Publishers, Inc.,Order Dept., P.O. Box 3223,Little Rock, AR 72203. 800-284-8784Avon Flare Books, Order Dept.,1350 Avenue of the Americas,New York, NY 10019. 212-261-6800Baker Book House, OrderDept., P.O. Box 6287, GrandRapids, MI 49507. 800-877-2665Ballantine Publishing Group,Order Dept., 201 East 50thStreet, New York, NY 10022.212-572-2518Baptist Sunday School BoardSee Broadman & HolmanPublishersBarron’s Educational Series,Order Dept., 250 WirelessBlvd., Hauppauge, NY 11788.516-434-3311Beacon See Farrar, Straus andGirousBeacon Hill Press, Order Dept.,2923 Troost Ave., P.O. Box419527, Kansas City, MO64141-6527. 816-931-1900Benchmark Books SeeMarshall CavendishBenjamin/Cummings SeeAddison-WesleyBethany House Publishers,Steve Oates, 11300 HampshireAve. S., Minneapolis, MN55438. 800-328-6109Bethel Publishing, Order Dept.,1819 S. Main, Elkhart, IN46516. 800-348-7657Betterway Books See F & WPublicationsBlackbirch Press, Order Dept.,1 Bradley Rd., Woodbridge, CT06525. 203-387-7525Blue Earth Video Library, OrderDept., 22-D Hollywood Avenue,Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ 07423. 800-343-5540Blue Heron Publishing, OrderDept., 24450 N.W. Hansen Rd.,Hillsboro, OR 97124. 503-621-3911Bound To Stay Bound Books,Inc., Order Dept., 1880 WestMorton Road, Jacksonville, IL62650. 800-637-6586Boyd Mills Press, Order Dept.,815 Church St., Honesdale, PA18431. 800-949-7777Bridge Logos Publishers, OrderDept., 1300 Airport Road,Suite E, North Brunswidk, NJ08902. 800-631-5802Bridge Logos Publishers SeeBridge Logos PublishersBridgestone Multimedia Group,Order Dept., 300 NorthMcKemy Ave., Chandler, AZ85226-2618. 602-940-5777Broadman & Holman Publishers,Order Dept., 127 9th Ave. N.,Nashville, TN 37234-0143.800-251-3225Brodart Co., Order Dept., 500Arch St., Williamsport, PA17705. 800-233-8467Brown Paper See Little,BrownBrowndeer Press SeeHarcourt BraceC.S.S. Publishing Co., OrderDept., 517 Main St., Lima, OH45802. 419-227-1818Candlewick Press, Order Dept.,2067 Massachusetts Ave.,Cambridge, MA 02140. 617-661-3330Canterbury See MorehouseCareer Press, Order Dept., 3Tice Road, P.O. Box 687,Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417.Carolrhoda Books See LernerPubl. GroupCarroll and Graf Publishers,Order Dept., 260 Fifth Ave.,New York, NY 10001. 212-264-6560Cavendish Children’s BooksSee Marshall CavendishChariot/Victor Publishing,Order Dept., 4050 Lee VanceView, Colorado Springs, CO80918. 719-536-3271Charis See ServantPublicationsChelsea House, Publicity &Promotions, Bob Mitchell orLinda McGee, 1974 SproulRoad Suite 400, Broomall, PA19008. 800-848-BOOKChildren’s Press See GrolierChosen Books See BakerBook HouseChristian Information Network,Order Dept., 11025 StateHighway 83, Colorado Springs,CO 80921. 719-522-1040Christian Light Publications,Order Dept., P.O. Box 1212,Harrisonburg, VA 22801-1212.Christian Literature Crusade,Order Dept., P.O. Box 1449,Fort Washington, PA 19034.800-659-1240Christian Media, Order Dept.,P.O. Box 448, Jacksonville, OR97530. 503-899-8888Christian Parenting SeeChariot/Victor PublishingChristian Publications, BettyBiggs, 3825 Hartzdale Dr.,Camp Hill, PA 17011. 800-233-4443Christopher Publishing House,Order Dept., 24 Rockland St.,Hanover, MA 02339. 617-826-7474Chronicle Books, Children’sBooks, Order Dept., 85 SecondStreet, 6th Fl., San Francisco,CA 94105. 415-777-7240Clarion Books See HoughtonMifflinClerc See Gallaudet UniversityPressCobblehill See PenguinCokesbury See AbingdonPressCollege Press Publishing Co.,Inc., Order Dept., 223 W. ThirdSt., P.O. Box 1132, Joplin, MO64802. 417-623-6280C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 7 7 J A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8

PUBLISHER LISTConcordia Publishing House,Order Dept., 3558 S. JeffersonAve., St. Louis, MO 63118-3968. 800-325-3040Cornerstone Media, OrderDept., P.O. Box 6236, SantaRosa, CA 95406. 707-542-8273Coteau Books, Order Dept.,Suite 401, 2206 DewdneyAve., Regina, SK S4R 1H3Canada. 306-777-0170Coward-McCann See Putnam& Grosset GroupCreation House, Order Dept.,600 Rinehart Rd., Lake Mary,FL 32746. 407-333-0600Creation Life See MasterBooksCreation Science See MasterBooksCreative Editions SeeHarcourt BraceCreative Education, OrderDept., PO Box 227, Mankato,MN 56002. 800-445-6209Crossroad Publishing Co. SeePublisher Resources Inc.Crossway Books, Order Dept.,1300 Crescent St., Wheaton,IL 60187. 800-635-7993Crystal Springs See John F.BlairCSI, Order Dept., 3350 EastParis Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI49512-3054.David C. Cook SeeChariot/Victor PublishingDavid R. Godine, Publisher, Inc.,Lissa Warren, PO Box 9103, 9Lewis St., Lincoln, MA 01773.800-344-4771Deaconess See Fairview PressDeAgostini Children’s BooksSee Stewart, Tabori & ChangDeKa Press, Order Dept.,18455 S.W. Pacific Dr., #119,Tualatin, OR 97062-8067.503-625-2169Del Rey See BallantineDell Publishers, Order Dept.,1540 Broadway, New York, NY10036. 212-354-6500Dercum Audio, Order Dept.,P.O. Box 1425, West Chester,PA 19380. 610-889-2410Destiny Image Publishers, BrianHewitt, 167 Walnut BottomRoad, Shippensburg, PA17257-0310. 800-722-6774Dial See PenguinDial Books for Young ReadersSee PenguinDiana Waring, Order Dept., 122West Grant, Spearfish, SD57783. 605-642-8517Dimensions for Living SeeAbingdon PressDiscovery House See ThomasNelson PublishersDisney See Little, BrownDoodle Art See Putnam &Grosset GroupDorling Kindersley Inc., OrderDept., 95 Madison Ave., NewYork, NY 10016. 212-213-4800Doubleday, Order Dept., 1540Broadway, New York, NY10036. 212-545-0699Dutton See PenguinEakin Press, Order Dept.,Drawer 90159, Austin, TX78709-0159. 512-288-1771EDC Publishing, Order Dept.,10302 E. 55th Pl., Tulsa, OK74146. 800-611-1655Eerdman’s Books for YoungReaders See Wm. B.Eerdman’s Publishing Co.Eisenbrauns, Order Dept., POBox 275, Winona Lake, IN46590-0275. 219-269-2011Emerald Books, Order Dept.,P.O. Box 635, Lynnwood, WA98046. 800-922-2143Empire Publishing Services,Order Dept., PO Box 1344,Studio City, CA 91614-0344.818-784-8918Enslow Publishers, Inc., OrderDept., 44 Fadem Rd., Box 699,Springfield, NJ 07081-0699.201-379-8890Epicenter Press, Order Dept.,Box 82368, Kenmore, WA98028.F&W Publications, Order Dept.,1507 Dana Ave., Cincinnati, OH45207. 513-531-2690Facts on File, Inc., Order Dept.,11 Penn Plz, New York, NY10001-2006. 212-967-8800Fairview Press, Order Dept.,2450 Riverside Ave. South,Minneapolis, MN 55454. 612-672-4180Fairway Press See C.S.S.Publishing Co.Farrar, Straus and Giroux, OrderDept., Books for YoungReaders, 19 Union SquareWest, New York, NY 10003.800-631-8571Fawcett See BallantineFawcett BooksFawcett Crest, Order Dept.,201 East 50th Street, NewYork, NY 10022. 212-572-2389Firefly, Order Dept., P.O. Box1338, Ellicott Station, Buffalo,NY 14205. 800-387-5085First Avenue Editions SeeLerner Publ. GroupFleming H. Revell See BakerBook HouseFocus on the Family Publishers,Order Dept., 8605 Explorer Dr.,Colorado Springs, CO 80920-1051. 719-531-3400Forward MovementPublications, Order Dept., 412Sycamore St., Cincinnati, OH45202-4195. 800-543-1813Freestone See PeachtreePublishersFriends United Press, OrderDept., 101 Quaker Hill Dr.,Richmond, IN 47374. 317-962-7573Full Court Press See G C BPublishing GroupFull Quart Press See Holly HallPublicationsG. P. Putnam’s Sons SeePutnam & Grosset GroupGallaudet University Press,Order Dept., 800 Florida Ave.N.E., Washington, DC 20002-3695. 202-651-5488Garden Way See StoreyCommunicationsGareth Stevens Publishing,Order Dept., P.O. Box 93500,Milwaukee, WI 53202. 800-542-2595GCB Publishing Group, OrderDept., 229 South BridgeStreet, PO BOX 254, Elkton,MD 21922-0254. 410-392-5554George Fox Press, Order Dept.,110 S Elliott Road, Newberg,OR 97132. 503-538-9775Globe Pequot Press, Inc., OrderDept., 6 Business Park Road,P.O. Box 833, Old Saybrook,CT 06475-0833. 800-243-0495Gold ‘n’ Honey SeeMultnomah Publishers Inc.Gospel Light Publications,Order Dept., 2300 Knoll Dr.,P.O. Box 3875, Ventura, CA93006-3875. 800-235-3415Greenhaven See LucentBooksGreenwood Press, Order Dept.,88 Post Rd. W., Box 5007,Westport, CT 06881. 800-225-5800Grolier Publishing, Order Dept.,95 Madison Avenue, New York,NY 10016. 800-621-1115Grosset & Dunlap See Putnam& Grosset GroupGroup Publishing, Inc., OrderDept., 2890 N. Monroe Ave.,P.O. Box 481, Loveland, CO80539-9985. 970-669-3836Gulliver Green See HarcourtBraceHarcourt Brace & Co., Canada,Order Dept., 55 Horner Ave.,Toronto, ON M8Z 4X6Canada. 800-544-6678Harcourt Brace & Company,Order Dept., Children’s BooksDivision, 525 B Street,Ste.1900, San Diego, CA92101. 619-699-6435Harold Shaw Publishers, OrderDept., P.O. Box 567, Wheaton,IL 60189. 630-665-6700HarperCollins Publishers, OrderDept., 10 E. 53rd St., NewYork, NY 10022. 212-207-7000Harvest House Publishers,Order Dept., 1075 Arrowsmith,Eugene, OR 97402. 800-547-8979Hear and Learn ProductionsSee Diana WaringHendrick-Long Publishing Co.,Order Dept., P.O. Box 25123,Dallas, TX 75225-1123. 800-544-3770Henry Holt and Co., OrderDept., 115 West 18th Street,New York, NY 10011. 800-488-5233Herald Press, Order Dept., 616Walnut Ave., Scottdale, PA15683-1999. 800-245-7894Highland Books See Holly HallPublicationsHill and Wang See Farrar,Straus and GirousHoc Volo See David R. GodineHolly Hall Publications, OrderDept., PO Box 254, Elkton, MD21922-0254. 410-392-5554Home School Press See HollyHall PublicationsHomeschool Press See G C BPublishing GroupHonor Books, Order Dept., P.O.Box 55388, Tulsa, OK 74155.918-496-9007Horizon Books See ChristianPublicationsHoughton Mifflin, Order Dept.,Children’s Trade Books, 222Berkeley St., Boston, MA02116-3764. 617-351-5000House of Collectibles SeeBallantineHyperion Books for ChildrenSee Little, BrownIdeals Children’s Books, OrderDept., 1501 County HospitalRoad, Nashville, TN 37218.615-254-2480Ignatius Press, Order Dept.,2515 McCallister St., SanFrancisco, CA 94118. 415-387-2324Imago Mundi See David R.J A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8 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

GodineIncentive Publications, Inc.,Order Dept., 3835 CleghornAve., Nashville, TN 37215-2532. 800-421-2830Interface Graphics See LernerPubl. GroupInterVarsity Press, Order Dept.,P.O. Box 1400, DownersGrove, IL 60515. 630-887-2500Ivy See BallantineJane Yolen See HarcourtBraceJester Co., Order Dept., MalagaCove Plaza, Palos VerdesEstates, CA 90274. 310-544-4733John F. Blair, Publisher, OrderDept., 1406 Plaza Drive,Winston-Salem, NC 27103-1470. 910-768-1374Johns Hopkins University Press,Order Dept., 2715 N. CharlesSt., Baltimore, MD 21218-4319. 800-537-5487Journey Books for YoungReaders, Rynda Clarke, 1700Wade Hampton Blvd,Greenville, SC 29614. 40% if50 or more titles 800-845-5731 x3319Kar-Ben Copies, Order Dept.,6800 Tildenwood Lane,Rockville, MD 20852-4371.800-452-7236Kendall Green See GallaudetUniversity PressKey Porter Books See FireflyKey Porter Books Ltd., OrderDept., 3rd Floor, 70 TheExplanade, Toronto, ON M5E1R2 Canada. 416-862-7777Kids Can Press, Order Dept.,85 River Rock Drive, Suite202, Buffalo, NY 14207.800-805-1083Kindred Productions, OrderDept., 169 Riverton Ave.,Winnipeg, MB R2L 2E5Canada. 204-669-6575King’s River Publications, OrderDept., 1643 Winter Street,Kingsburg, CA 93631. 209-897-4616Kodansha See Farrar, Strausand GirousKodansha America, Inc., OrderDept., 114 Fifth Ave., NewYork, NY 10011. 212-727-6460Kregel Publications, OrderDept., P.O. Box 2607, GrandRapids, MI 49501-2607. 40%if 5 or more books 800-733-2607Labyrinth See Baker BookHouseLangenscheidt Publishers, Inc.,Order Dept., 46-35 54th Rd.,Maspeth, NY 11378. 800-432-6277Langmarc Publishing, OrderDept., P.O. Box 33817, SanAntonio, TX 78265-3817.210-822-4273Lark Books See AltamontPressLee & Low Books, Order Dept.,95 Madison Avenue, New York,NY 10016. 212-779-4400Lerner Publishing Group,Michele Moore, 241 FirstAvenue North, Minneapolis, MN55401. 800-328-4929, x366Libraries Unlimited, OrderDept., P.O. Box 6633,Englewood, CO 80155-6633.800-237-6124 x1Library Skills For ChristianStudents, Order Dept., 12206Colbarn Pl., Fishers, IN 46038.595-9744Libros Colibri See Simon &SchusterLifeJourney SeeChariot/Victor PublishingLight & Life Communications,Order Dept., PO Box 535002,Indianapolis, IN 46253-5002.800-348-2513Liguori Publications, OrderDept., One Liguori Drive,Liruori, MO 63057-9999.800-464-2555Lillenas See Beacon Hill PressLion See Chariot/VictorPublishingLittle Gidding See MorehouseLittle Simon See Simon &SchusterLittle, Brown & Co., OrderDept., Children’s Book Division,34 Beacon St., Boston, MA02108. 617-248-2416Living the Good News, OrderDept., 3101 N. 7th Street,Harrisburg, PA 17110. 800-824-1813Lodestar See PenguinLongman See Addison-WesleyLoyola Press, Order Dept.,3441 N. Ashland Ave.,Chicago, Il 60657. 800-256-0589Lucent Books, Order Dept.,P.O. Box 289011, San Diego,CA 92198-9011. 619-485-7424M V P Productions, OrderDept., PO Box 4126, Rockford,IL 61110. 815-877-1514Magic Carpet See HarcourtBraceManchester House Publishing,Order Dept., P.O. Box 478,Manchester, WA 98353-0478.360-871-9203Marcive, Order Dept., P.O. BoxP U B L I S H E R L I S T T47508, San Antonio, TXNeal-Schuman Publishers, Inc.,78265-7508. 800-531-7678 Order Dept., 100 Varick St.,New York, NY 10013. 212-Marg. K. McElderry See Simon 925-8650& SchusterNew Hope See Women’sMariner Books See Houghton Missionary UnionMifflinNew Kids Media See BakerMarlor Press, Inc., Order Dept., Book House4304 Brigadoon Dr., St. Paul,MN 55126. 612-484-4600 New Leaf Press, Order Dept.,P.O. Box 726, Green Forest,Marshall Cavendish, Order AR 72638. 800-643-9535Dept., 99 White Plains Road,PO Box 2001, Tarrytown, NY New Life Publications, Order10591. 800-821-9881Dept., P.O. Box 593684,Orlando, FL 32859-3684.Marshall Cavendish Reference 407-826-2145See Marshall CavendishNew Yope, Order Dept., P.O.Master Books, Order Dept., Box 12065, Birmingham, ALP.O. Box 727, Green Forest, 35202-2065. 800-968-7301AR 72638. 800-643-9535Nonpareil See David R. GodineMcGraw-Hill, Order Dept., 11West 19th Street, New York, Noonday Press See Farrar,NY 10011-4285. 212-337- Straus and Girous5025North Light Books See F & WMeriwether Publishing, Inc., PublicationsOrder Dept., 885 Elkton Dr.,Colorado Springs, CO 80907- North Point See Farrar,3557. 800-937-5297Straus and GirousMilkweed Editions, Order Dept., North-South Books SeeSuite 400, 430 First Ave. N., Chronicle BooksMinneapolis, MN 55401-1743.612-332-3192Northern Lts Bks See OrcaMillbrook Press, Order Dept., 2 Northfield Publishing SeeOld Milford Rd., Brookfield, CT Moody Press06804. 203-740-2220Northland Publishing, OrderJews for Jesus Books See Dept., P.O. Box 1389,Purple PomegranateFlagstaff, AZ 86002-1389.Productions800-346-3257Missions Alive See Women’s Novalis, Order Dept., 49 FrontMissionary UnionSt. East, 2nd Floor, Toronto,ON M5E 1B3 Canada. 800-387-7164Mondo Publishing, Order Dept.,One Plaza Road, Greenvale, NY11548. 800-242-3650Moody Institute of Science,Order Dept., 820 N. LaSalleBlvd., Chicago, IL 60610-3284. 312-329-2190Moody Press, Order Dept., 820N. LaSalle Blvd., Chicago, IL60610. 312-329-2108Moody Video, Order Dept., 820N. LaSalle Blvd., Chicago, IL60610. 800-8421223Morehouse Publishing Co.,Order Dept., P.O. Box 1321,Harrisburg, PA 17105. 717-541-8130Moyer Bell, Order Dept., 45Kymbolde Way, Wakefield, RI02879-1916. 401-789-0074Multnomah Publishers Inc.,Order Dept., P.O. Box 1720,Sisters, OR 97759. 800-929-0910Muscle Bound See LernerPubl. GroupNavPress, Order Dept., P.O.Box 35001, Colorado Springs,CO 80935. 800-955-3324Nazarene Publishing SeeBeacon Hill PressNueva Creacion See Wm. B.Eerdman’s Publishing Co.One World See BallantineOrbis Books, Order Dept., P.O.Box 308, Maryknoll, NY10545-0308. 914-941-7636Orca Book Publishers, AndrewWooldridge, P.O. Box 468,Custer, WA 98240-0468.800-210-5277Orchard Books, Order Dept.,95 MADISON AVE, NEW YORK,NY 10016-7801. 212-951-2600Orchard Books See GrolierOryx Press, Order Dept., 4041North Central Ave., Suite 700,Phoenix, AZ 85012-3397.800-279-6799Overlook Press, Order Dept., 2Old New Milford Rd., Brookfield,CT 6804.Oxford University Press, OrderDept., 198 Madison Ave.., NewYork, NY 10016. 212-726-6087Pacific Books, Publishers, OrderDept., P.O. Box 558, Palo Alto,CA 94302-0558. 415-965-1980C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 7 9 J A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8

PUBLISHER LISTPacific Educational See OrcaPacific Press Publishing Assn.,Order Dept., P.O. Box 7000,Boise, ID 83707. 208-465-2500Palisades See MultnomahPublishers Inc.Pauline Books and Media, OrderDept., 50 St. Paul’s Avenue,Boston, MA 02130. 617-522-8911Peachtree Jr. See PeachtreePublishersPeachtree Publishers, Ltd.,Order Dept., 494 Armour CircleN.E., Atlanta, GA 30324-4088. 20-800-241-0113Peel Publications, Order Dept.,P.O. Box 546, Columbus, NC28722. 704-894-8838Peguis Publishers Limited,Order Dept., 318 McDermotAve., Winnipeg, MB R3A 0A2Canada. 204-987-3500Pelican Publishing Co., OrderDept., P.O. Box 3110, Gretna,LA 70054. 504-368-1175Penguin Ediciones SeePenguinPenguin USA, Order Dept., 375Hudson St., New York, NY10014-3657. 212-366-2000Peterson’s, Order Dept., 202Carnegie Center, P.O. Box2123, Princeton, NJ 08543-2123. 800-338-3282Phaidon See Chronicle BooksPhilomel See Putnam &Grosset GroupPlatt & Munk See Putnam &Grosset GroupPlayschool See PenguinPocket Paragon See David R.GodinePolestar Books See OrcaPomegranate Artbooks Inc.,Order Dept., PO Box 6099,Rohnert Park, CA 94927-6099. 800-227-1428Probe Ministries International,Order Dept., 1900 Firman Dr.,Ste. 100, Richardson, TX75081-6796. 214-480-0240Publisher Resources Inc., OrderDept., 1224 Heil Quaker Blvd,P.O. Box 7001, La Vergne, TN37086-7001.Puffin See PenguinPurple Finch Press, NancyBenson, P.O. Box 758, Dewitt,NY 13214. 315-445-8087Purple PomegranateProductions, Order Dept., 80Page Street, San Francisco, CA94102-5914. 415-864-3900Putnam & Grosset Group, OrderDept., 200 Madison Ave., NewYork, NY 10016. 212-951-8700R&S See Farrar, Straus andGirousRabbit Ears See Simon &SchusterRaincoast Books See OrcaRainfall See Chariot/VictorPublishingRandom House, Order Dept.,11th Floor, 201 E. 50th, NewYork, NY 10022. 212-751-2600Red Deer College Press SeeOrcaRed Sea Press, Order Dept., 11Princess Rd, Lawrenceville, NJ08648-2319.Red Sea Press See AfricaWorld PressRed Wagon See HarcourtBraceRegal Books See Gospel LightPublicationsRepublic of Texas Press SeeSeaside PressResource Publications, Inc.,Order Dept., 160 E. VirginiaStreet, San Jose, CA 95112-5876. 800-736-7600Revell See Baker Book HouseReview & Herald, Order Dept.,55 W. Oak Ridge Dr.,Hagerstown, MD 21740-7390.301-791-7000Revival Press See DestinyImage PublishersRichard C. Owen Publishers,Order Dept., P.O. Box 585,Katonah, NY 10536. 914-232-3903Rising Moon See NorthlandPublishingRod and Staff Publishers, OrderDept., PO Box 3, Hwy 172,Crockett, KY 41413-0003.606-522-4348Roper Press See TreasurePublishingRoussan Publishers Inc., OrderDept., 2110 Decarie Blvd.Suite 100, Montreal, QuebecH4A 3J3 Canada. 514-487-2895Routledge, Chapman & HallInc., Order Dept., 29 W. 35thSt., New York, NY 10001-2299. 212-244-3336Runestone Press See LernerPubl. GroupSandcastle See Putnam &Grosset GroupSandlapper Publishing, Inc.,Order Dept., P.O. Box 730,Orangeburg, SC 29116-0730.803-531-1658Sandridge See AssociatedPublisher’s GroupSandridge Publishing, OrderDept., P.O. Box 5006,Bloomington, IN 47407-5006.2-% 2-5 books 812-339-2825Sasquatch Books, Order Dept.,615 Second Avenue, Suite260, Seattle, WA 98104-2200. 800-775-0817SAT Publications, Order Dept.,1030 NE Hefley St., GrantsPass, OR 97526.Scarecrow Press, Inc., OrderDept., 4720 Boston Way,Lanham, MD 20706. 301-459-3366Scholastic, Inc., Order Dept.,555 Broadway, New York, NY10012-3999. 212-343-6100ScottForesman See Addison-WesleySeaside Press, Order Dept.,1506 Capitol Ave., Plano, TX75074. 214-423-0090Selah House See BridgeLogos PublishersServant Publications, OrderDept., 1143 Highland Dr., SuiteE, Ann Arbor, MI 48107.313-677-6490Shining Star Publications, OrderDept., PO BOX 399, Carthage,IL 62321-0399. 513-481-3754ShowForth/Bob JonesUniversity, Order Dept., 1700Wade Hampton Blvd,Greenville, SC 29614. 800-845-5731Sierra Club See Little, BrownSimon & Schuster, Order Dept.,Children’s Publishing Division,1230 Avenue of the Americas,New York, NY 10020. 212-698-7000Soho See Farrar, Straus andGirousSon-Rise Publications, OrderDept., 143 Greenfield Rd., NewWilmington, PA 16142. 800-358-0777Soundprints, Lisa Sanders, 353Main Ave., NORWALK, CT06851-1552. 20% over $100800-228-7839Spire Books See Baker BookHouseSterling Publishing, OrderDept., 387 Park Ave. S., NewYork, NY 10016. 212-532-7160Stewart, Tabori & Chang, OrderDept., 115 W. 18th St. Fl. 5,New York, NY 10011-4113.800-815-8326Stoddart Kids, Order Dept., 85River Rock Drive, Suite 202,Buffalo, NY 14207-2170.800-805-1083Storey Communications, JudyGrinnell, 105 Schoolhouse Rd.,Pownal, VT 05261. 800-827-8673Story Press See F & WPublicationsStrang Communications SeeCreation HouseTeacher Ideas Press SeeLibraries UnlimitedTeacher’s Friend Publications,Order Dept., 3240 TradeCenter Drive, Riverside, CA92507. 800-343-9680Ten Speed Press/Celestial Arts,Order Dept., PO Box 7123,Berkeley, CA 94707.Theytus Books See OrcaThistledown Press, Order Dept.,633 Main St., Saskatoon, SKS7H 0J8 Canada. 306-244-1722Thomas Nelson Publishers,Order Dept., 506 Nelson Pl.,P.O. Box 141000, Nashville, TN37214. 615-889-9000Ticknor & Fields, Order Dept.,Books for Young Readers, 215Park Avenue S., New York, NY10003.Tommy Nelson, Order Dept.,404 BNA Dr., Bldg. 200, Ste.508, Nashville, TN 37217.615-902-2314Tommy Nelson See ThomasNelson PublishersTouchstone See Simon &SchusterTreasure House See DestinyImage PublishersTreasure Publishing, OrderDept., MSC 1000, 829 S.Shields, Ft. Collins, CO 80521-3541. 970-484-8483Trinity Press International,Order Dept., PO box 851,Valley Forge, PA 19482.800-421-8874Trinity Press International SeeMorehouse Publishing Co.Trophy See Harcourt BraceTundra Books Inc., Order Dept.,481 University Avenue, Suite802, Toronto, ON M5G 2E9Canada. 416-598-4786Tyndale House Publishers,Order Dept., 351 ExecutiveDr., P.O. Box 80, Wheaton, IL60189. 630-668-8300University of Toronto PressInc., Order Dept., 250 SonwilDrive, Buffalo, NY 14225-5516.Usborne See EDC PublishingVanderWyk & Burnham, OrderDept., P.O. Box 2789, Acton,MA 01720-6789. 800-345-0096 (Access Publ. Network)Verba Mundi See David R.GodineViking See PenguinJ A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8 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

INDEXAardema, Verna 35Berg, Lois Anne 41Carolrhoda on My Own Books 27Davis, Aubrey 16Abandoned 42Bernard's Bath 15Carpenter, Angelica Shirley 55Davis, W. E. 59Abraham Lincoln, Will You Ever Give Up? 41Best Holiday Books 34Carter, Alden R. 16Dawn's Early Light 44Across the Wide and Lonesome Prairie 42Between the Dragon and the Eagle 43Carter, Betty Smartt 62Day Mama Played 17Adler, David A. 31Beyond Imagination 70Carter, Carol 16De Waal, Esther 71Adventures in Time Books 43Beyond the Wild Shores 57Cat's Colors 17Dear America 42, 43Adventures in Willoughby 25Big Brother Dustin 16Catalano, Dominic 15Demi 35Adventures of Callie Ann 26Binch, Caroline 38Catching Their Talk in a Box 40Diana Waring's Ancient Civilizations 53Adventures of Jenna V 30Birch, Beverley 40Caterina, the Clever Farm Girl 34Diaz, David 40Afternoon of the Elves 25Birder's Bookshelf 36Catherine Booth 75Digging Deeper Study Guide 53Alcott, Louisa May 47Birmingham, Christian 40Caught in the Middle 58Din, Noble 54All the Children of the World 33Black Death 55Cedar River Daydreams 46Distant Dreams 59Amazing Grace 33Blair, Sandra 17Celtic Way of Prayer 71Do We Still Need Ten Commandments? 67American Government in Action 52Blanco, Osvaldo 18Celts of Northern Europe 56Dodson, Bert 16American Odyssey Series 61Boice, James Montgomery 69Chess, Victoria 35Dooley, Norah 18Amhearst Mystery 58Bone Button Borscht 16Chesworth, Michael 38Doomsday Delusions 65Ancient Maya 56Book of Giving 38Chicoine, Stephen 41Down African Roads 32Ancient Romans 56Booth, David 17Chorao, Kay 38Down by the River 38Anderson, Abbe 54Bosnian Family 41Christian Mom's Idea Book 68Drastic Park 59Andreasen, Dan 23Botts, Timothy R. 53Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey 26Drop of Water 36Animals in Art 53Bowman, Crystal 47Christopher, Matt 27Drummer Boy's Battle 44Another Great Achiever 40, 41Bowman, Leslie 18, 27Circuit Sense Elem. Teachers & Students 37Drums of Change 59Another Homecoming 43Boys in the Well 26Circumstantial Evidence 58Dudley, Tim 75Another Sommer-Time Story 21Bratun, Katy 15Classic Children's Story 30Duffey, Betsy 30Arby Jenkins, Mighty Mustang 25Brazelton, T. Berry 37Clerk, Jessica 22Dust Bowl 17Archibald, Erika F. 41Brenna, Beverley 17Close Your Eyes So You Can See 27Eagle Stirs Her Nest 59Arlington National Cemetery 56Brown, Dan 27Cocca-Leffler, Maryann 20Eagle Wings Series 59Armadillo at Riverside Road 15Bryson, Kenneth A. 64Cochran, Judith 33Eastman, Dick 70Armenian Family 41Buchs, Thomas 29Cole, Joanna 38Edwin Hubble 54Arnold, Tedd 20Buffalo Thunder 16Colin Powell 54Egan, Tim 17Arts and Crafts for Lent 32Bunn, T. Davis 43, 60Common Sense Christian Living 68Ellison, Pauline 35Awesome Forces of God's Creation Series 52Bunny Cakes 16Conflict in Art 53Elmer, Robert 45Backpack Mystery 29Bunting, Eve 20Congress of the United States 52Elwell, Ellen Banks 68Baer, Judy 46Burby, Liza N. 55Conquered Heart 58Embraced by the Darkness 67Bailer, Darice 28Burger, Delores T. 70Constitution of the United States 52Enderle, Judith Ross 23Balcavage, Dynise 55Burnt Toast on Davenport Street 17Contr's. Study Science Fiction & Fantasy 74Eritrean Family 41Ballet Class Mystery 26Bush Station Boys 32Copper Lady 27Ernest Hemingway 55Beastly Banquet 38Busy Mom's Guide to Simple Living 73Cornerstones of Freedom 33, 56Esther, Gulshan 54Beeler, Cecil Freeman 26By My Hands 58Corzine, Phyllis 55Ethics for a Brave New World 64Before Night Falls 57Byrd, Robert 28Coville, Bruce 39Everybody Bakes Bread 18Behind the Bedroom Wall 43Byzantium 44Cultures of the Past 56Familiar Faces & Faraway Places 25Bell, James Scott 58Cabrera, Jane 17Cupples, Pat 35Family Classics 50Beluga Passage 15California Gold Rush 55Cynthia 44Family New Media Guide 72Beneduce, Ann Keay 39Calmenson, Stephanie 38Daddy Longlegs at Birch Lane 17Family Tales 68Benge, Geoff 40Card, Michael 27, 53Dated Jekyll, Married Hyde 72Far from the Dream 60Benge, Janet 40Carlson, Betty 74Datnow, Claire L. 54Farnsworth, Bill 28C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 8 1 J A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8

INDEXFBI and Law Enforcement Agencies... 52Great Wonder 27Ice's Edge 37Knighton, Douglas 67Feeding Our Feathered Friends 36Green, Roger J. 75Imagination in Art 53Krantz, Hazel 50Feinberg, John S. 64Greenberg, Keith Elliot 41In the Still of Night 60Kronenwetter, Michael 52Feinberg, Paul D. 64Gregor Mendel 54In-Laws 73Krull, Kathleen 40Fernandes, Eugenie 19Gregory, Fran 22Inheritance 47Kvasnosky, Laura McGee 23Fiddler of the Northern Lights 18Gregory, Kristiana 42Innocent Years 61Land Far Away 32Fighting Tackle 27Grey, Zane 51International Adventures 54Land of the Far Horizon 57Finlayson, Reggie 54Growing-Up Summer 45Into Darkness Peering 74Land to Call Home 61Floca, Brian 23Gruntle Piggle Takes Off 18Isadora, Rachel 41Langley, Judy 32Flood, Bo 19Gutman, Dan 46Istanbul Express 60Larson, Elsie J. 44Flowers and Death 64Haines, Calvin B., Jr 65Ito, Tom 55Last Rail 28Foghorn Passage 45Hallworth, Grace 38Ivan and the Dynamos 47Lauber, Patricia 36Follow the Star 45Hambrick, Sharon 25Jackson, Alison 19Lawhead, Stephen R. 44For His Sake 45Hamilton, Carol 48Jackson, Dave 44Lawrenz, Ingrid 17Fourth of July on the Plains 18Hamilton, Dan 73Jackson, Julian 44Legacy of Honor 57, 60Fox, Paula 28Hamilton, Elizabeth 73Jackson, Neta 44Lehman, Yvonne 48Freedom Riddle 34Hauge, Carl 45James, Betsy 28Leimert, Karen Mezek 33Froggy Gets Dressed 18Heart Chaser 46James, Kennon 41Leonard, Elisabeth Anne 74Froggy se Viste 18Heartless Hero 46James, Kennon 40Leppard, Shannon Mason 26From DNA to Dean 75Heiberg, Jeanne 32Japanese Children's Day/Obon Festival 34Let’s Investigate Art 53Frost, Mary Pierce 55Hennessy, B. G. 38Jewel in the Evening Sky 60Letters of Pelagius, Celtic Soul Friend 66Funderburk, Robert 61Hering, Marianne 49Journey Between Two Worlds 41Lewin, Ted 39Gaffney, Virginia 62Hero 46Journeys in Art 53Lewis, J.D. 53Gallup, Tracy 38Hickman, Patricia 57Joy in the Journey 53Liberian Family 41Galvin, Irene Flum 56High Hurdles 48Judson, Karen 52Lidbeck, Karen 27Galvin, Laura Gates 15Hill, David 49Karas, G. Brian 21Life Story of Lester Sumrall 75Gansky, Alton 58Hinds, Kathryn 56Kasper in the Glitter 47Life-Story from Missions 40Gates, Donald 22History of Slavery 55Kauffman, Christmas Carol 47LifeKeys 68Gentle Hills 60Hmong Family 41Keegan, Susan 55Lights, Camera, Action Mysteries 49George Washington Carver, What Do ... 40Hockett, Betty M. 40Kelly, Sheila M. 33Lillegard, Dee 22Giannini, Enzo 34Hoehne, Marcia 30Kennedy, Nancy 69Lingemann, Linda 15Gift of Music 74Holub, Miroslav 73Kent, Deborah 33Lisle, Janet Taylor 25Gil Beckman Mystery 59Honey, They're Playing Our Song 69Khan's Daughter 34Little Swineherd and Other Tales 28Gilge, Jeanette 45Honus and Me 46Kikugawa, Wendy 32Little, Jean 18Girl in the Well 26Hope Beyond 60Kilpatrick, William 72Locke, Thomas 46Give a Dog a Bone 38Horrible Harry and the Dungeon 28Kincaid, Jorie 73Lohans, Alison 45Glaze, Dave 30Hospital Caper 26Kincaid, Ron 73Lohr, Nancy 29Gogerty, Clare 53Howard, Annabelle 27Kingdom of Benin in West Africa 56London, Jonathan 18, 21Going to the Doctor 37Hull, Mary 55Kingdom of God in Africa 70Long Wait 19Golden Age 27Hume, Stephen Eaton 21Kingdom of Heaven Is Like...a Doctor... 67Long, Sylvia 37Golding, Leila Prince 44Hunt, Susan 69Kinsey-Warnock, Natalie 18, 22Lorbiecki, Marybeth 28Goldstein, A. Nancy 43Hurricanes 36Kise, Jane A. G. 68Lots of Dads 33Goodman, Joan Elizabeth 15Hush Little Baby 37Kiss, Andrew 20Louis Pasteur 54Granfield, Linda 33I Can Pray with Jesus 19Klare, Roger 54Lucy Winchester 47Gravett, Christopher 35I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Pie 19Kline, Suzy 28Ludwig Van Beethoven 55Great Achievers 55I Live with Daddy 19Knight's Handbook 35Lund, Jillian 22Great Minds of Science 54I'll Go to School If... 19Knight, Denise D. 74Macht, Norman L. 55J A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8 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

INDEXMacMillan, Dianne M. 34O'Neal, Debbie Trafton 19Reynolds, Marilynn 20Smith., Linda Wasmer 54Man with the Bird on His Head 54Odyssey 27, 29Ribbons of Steel 59, 60Smithsonian Oceanic Collection 15, 37Mann, Brenda 30Ogden, Sam 37Richmond Chronicles 62Smithsonian's Backyard 15, 17Marchesi, Stephen 27Oke, Janette 30, 43, 59Riddell, Chris 47Snelling, Lauraine 48, 61Marie Curie's Search for Radium 40Olympic Dreams 48Ridley, Philip 47Sody Sallyratus 22Massi, Jeri 42Olympics! 38Roaring Waters 52Somerville, Louisa 53Master Maid 35On Guard 29Robert Louis Stevenson 55Sommer, Carl 21McCallum, Stephen 20One Giant Leap 29Roberts, John 48Sorensen, Henri 18McCullough, Donald W. 65One Grain of Rice 35Robertson, Judy 71Spaulding, Dean T. 36McDaniel, Melissa 55One Home at a Time 71Rocky Mountain Memories Series 62Spectrum Chronicles 46McDermott, Mike 25Osterhaus, James F. 68Roper, Gayle 58Speedsters 28McKissack, Patricia C. 43Pate, C. Marvin 65Ross, Alice 27Speirs, John 38Medearis, Angela Shelf 34Patterson, Lance 50Ross, Kent 27Spenceley, Annabel 53Mexican Independence Day/Cinco de Mayo 34Peabody Adventure Series 42Rossiter, Nan Parson 21Spirin, Gennady 39Mexican Revolution 55Peacocke, Arthur 75Rotner, Shelley 33Spirituality of St. Patrick 71Mexican War of Independence 55Pella, Judith 59, 60Rottman, S.L. 46Spotty 22Milelli, Pascal 21Pelts & Promises 29Rugby & Rosie 21SpringSong Books 44Millar, Heather 56People in Art 53Rumble in the Jungle 21Star-spangled Banner 33Minatra, MaryAnn 57, 60Persian Empire 56Run with the Vision 70Stark, David 68Miss Kitty Mystery 26Peterson, Julienne 34Rush, John 54Stauffacher, Sue 48Modern Creation Trilogy 66Peterson, Tracie 59, 60Ruurs, Margriet 20Stearns, Amy 70Monfried, Lucia 28Petricic, Dusan 16S'Gana the Black Whale 48Stearns, Bill 70Monson, A. M. 23Pettifor, Grace 30Saints and Angels All Around 52Stein, R. Conrad 56Morley, Taia 19Phantom Gardener 29Samson, Lisa 58Story Dance 22Morris, Gilbert 61Picture of Freedom 43Sangster, Thelma 54Sudanese Family 41Morris, Henry M. 66Picture Perfect 48Satterfield, Barbara 22Summer of Stanley 22Morris, John D. 66Polkinghorne, John 69Schachner, Judith Byron 19, 23Summer Surprise 26Mountain Alphabet 20Pollema-Cahill, Phyllis 17Schaeffer, Edith 68Sumrall, Lester 75Mr. Lincoln's Whiskers 41Pordy's Prickly Problem 30Schneider, Mical 43Sunflower Girl 30Munsinger, Lynn 23Presidency of the United States 52Schrock, Mildred 45Supreme Court of the United States 52Munsterberg, Peggy 38President's Day 34Science Book/Girls/Other Intelligent Beings 35Sweetbriar Series 61Murphy, Nora 41Puddles 21Science Stories Series 40Sweetbriar Summer 61My Backpack 20Quarks, Chaos & Christianity 69Scott, Brad 67Symbolic Garden 67My Dog Never Says Please 20Rainbow Bay 21Sea Watch 39Take It Easy 49My Palace of Leaves in Sarajevo 28Rainey, Dennis 71Shakespeare, William 39Tangle Talk 22Mystery of Black Mesa 48Raney, Deborah 60Shaw, Brian 37Tauss, Herbert 28Namioka, Lensey 50Rao, Linda Rae 59Shaw, Mark R. 70Taylor, George 53Napoli, Donna Jo 29Rau, Dana Meachen 29She Calls Me Daddy 72Teckentrup, Britta 21Natti, Susanna 31Rawls, Wilson 50Shedding Life 73Tempest 39Nelson, Hilber 32Reczuch, Karen 17Shepard, Aaron 35Tenderness and Fire 61New Land 20Red River of the North 61Shipman, Ronnie Walter 19Tessler, Stephanie Gordon 23Nikola-Lisa, W. 22Redford, J. A. C. 76Shirley, Jean 55Thanksgiving Day 34Nineteenth-Cen. American Women Writers 74Reid, Mary Carpenter 29Should I Home School? 73That the World May Know 65No More Animals! 28Remkiewicz, Frank 18, 28Silverman, Robin Landew 41The Abbey Series 58No One Will Ever Know 21Rendezvous with Destiny 60Sjogren, Bob 70This for That 35No Regrets 71Rey, H. A. 22Sloat, Teri 22This Little Pig 30Nolan, Dennis 39Rey, Margret 22Smith, Jane Stuart 74Thomas, Mack 32C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 8 3 J A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8

INDEXThomas, Naturi 23Under the Southern Moon 62What Shall I Dream? 23Wittmann, Patricia 16Thompson, Ellen 30Using Literature to Learn America's Story 33What's So Amazing About Grace? 66Wojciechowski, Susan 26Thomson, Margaret H. 67Valley of the Broken Cherry Trees 50Where Are You, Little Zack? 23Wolfe, Gregory 72Thornton, Peter J. 18Van de Weyer, Robert 66Where the Red Fern Grows 50Wolfe, Suzanne M. 72Through the Eyes of Jesus 32Van Leeuwen, Jean 18, 23Where the Wild Rose Blooms 62Wolgemuth, Robert 72Thundering Earth 52Vander Laan, Raynard 65Whirling Winds 52Womack, Alfred 37Tides of War 44Vigna, Judith 19Whispers of Moonlight 62Women of the West 59Time of War 61Viking Easy-to-read 31White Dove Romances 48Women Who Changed the Heart ...City 70Timmerman, John H. 67Village of the Vampire Cat 50White, Keinyo 23World History Series 55To Know Her by Name 62Virtual Cody 30Whiteside, Lesley 71Wubbels, Lance 60Toker, Norman 50Wales, Johnny 18Who Took Henry and Mr. Z? 30Wyatt, Valerie 35Torn Veil 54Walker, Laura Jensen 72Who's New at the Zoo 30Yancey, Philip 66Tortoise Brings the Mail 22Walks in Beauty 50Wick, Lori 62Yep, Laurence 34Touch the Sky Summer 23Wanted : Best Friend 23Wick, Walter 36Yolen, Jane 39Tower, the Mask, and the Grave 62Ward, John 34Wickham, Martha 27Young Cam Jansen/Dinosaur Game 31Trailblazer Books 44Waring, Diana 53Wilbee, Brenda 61Young Cam Jansen/Lost Tooth 31Trains, Planes, & Other Fun Things 25Waring, Isaac 53W. Shakespeare's/Midsum. Night's Dream 39Young Cam Jansen/Missing Cookie 31Trivialization of God 65Watching Our Feathered Friends 36Williams, Laura E. 43Young Mozart 41Trouble Shooting 49Watts Riot 55Williams, Suzanne 20Young Underground 45True Woman 69Weiman, Jon 15Wilma Unlimited 40Young, Dan 16Tseng, Jean 34Welcome All Wonders 76Wilson, Budge 19Young, Karen Romano 37Tseng, Mou-Sien 34Wells, Rosemary 16Wilson, Janet 33Zane Grey Western Classics 51Two Cities, Two Loves 69Wells, Stephen 27Wings of Gold 50Zane Grey's The Arizona Raiders 51Uglow, Loyd 41Wellwood, Jackie 73Winnick, Karen 41Zane Grey's The Mysterious Rider 51Uh-oh! It's Mama's Birthday 23Westbrook, Dick 21Wismar, Gregory J. 52Zeinert, Karen 56J A N U A R Y , 1 9 9 8 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

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ISSN 1097-1262