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ChristianLibraryJ O U R N A LVolume III No.2November 1997THIS ISSUEFEATURES:■ Star of Wonder■ Growing a Storyteller :Teaching Children toWrite Fiction■ Awakening the Giant■ Triple Your Pleasure,Triple Your Joy :Christmas Books■ ‘Twas the Night BeforeChristmas : Book Nook■ Cooking with Kids : UsingYour Public Library■ Feeding Little Lambs theSeed of Faith : HelenHaidle■ Crafts and HandmadeFun : Using Your PublicLibrary

A Letter from the EditorDear Readers,This has been a month of gratitude for us here at CLJ. Your readersurveys have blessed our hearts again and again, and we thank you fortaking time to communicate with us. Our subscription list continues togrow.Another source of joy has been the addition of Mary Jarvis to ourediting staff. Mary formerly edited all reviews and articles during our firstyear of publication. Then she took a year off, with health problems andthen a move to Oklahoma. In this issue she begins the editing all children’sbook reviews: picture books, children’s fiction, and children’s nonfiction.She will also continue to do her Book Nook column.Change seems to be part and parcel of our existence here at the Heschhousehold. We have sold our home in Grants Pass, and will be moving inabout a month to the central Oregon coast. Check for the new address andphone number in the next issue.You will find our purchasing cooperative order form in the center ofthe magazine. Spring Arbor is in a state of transition, since beingpurchased by Ingram Books, and are presently discussing whether or notthey will serve the small library. We will fill the gap, with some changesfrom our past program. The new structure will include:FASTER SERVICE,SINGLE SHIPMENTS PER ORDER (NO BACK ORDERS),CATALOGING @ 25¢ PER CARD SET, ANDNO MARC RECORDS ON DISK UNTIL WE GET THE NEW VERSION OF OURCOMPUTER SOFTWARE. SIMPLIFIED MARC RECORD PRINTOUTS FOR 10¢ EACH.We thank you for your continued support of the journal, and forsharing it with others.In Christ’s love,Nancy L. HeschEditor and PublisherEDITOR'S CHOICEAs part of CLJ's desire to recommend the bestin Christian literature, we will, from time totime, be offering our Editor's Choiceselections. These are books which our sectioneditors believe possess particular merit andwide application. What follows are briefrecommendations; fuller reviews can be foundin the respective sections. We hope you readand enjoy our Editor's Choice selections.Andrew M. Seddon*Sylvia Stopforth's Young Adult selection isThe Neverending Story, by Michael Ende.Fantasy literature, with its bumblingapprentices and fire-breathing dragons, canoften seem trite and overworked. But MichaelEnde, in The Neverending Story, somehowmanages an original approach to this genre.Bastion Balthazar Bux is not some long-lostprinceling masquerading as a lowly kitchenboy. On the contrary, he is just what heappears to be: an unremarkable, lonely boywho has recently been held back a grade inschool. When he bursts into a secondhandbookstore one afternoon, his only thought is toescape his schoolyard tormenters.But he finds himself strangely drawn to oneparticular book, and is soon immersed in astory in which he, himself, must play a crucialrole. In the end, Bastion's world hasn'tchanged, but he has, for he now knows that thepoint is not to escape life, but to embrace it, tolive it fully. Therein lies true courage.*Ray Legg's Adult Nonfiction choice is RichardFoster's The Celebration of Discipline(HarperSan Francisco). This book presents anin-depth look at different aspects of theChristian life which, if perfected, will drawbelievers into a deeper relationship with God.Solidly evangelical and very thoughtprovoking.*My own selection is Following Jesus by N.T.Wright (Eerdman's). This is, quite simply, oneof the best books on discipleship I have everread. Wright has a way of presenting oldconcepts in refreshing new ways. Forexample, Wright weaves together the messageof Revelation with the hope of Easter. "Wehave become like a garden paved over withstone slabs. Many people live like that; Godhelp us, many of us even choose it, rather thanface the terror and joy of our own hearts, letalone of Calvary and Easter. But Easter is allabout the garden in which stone slabs aremade to look silly..."For a refreshing look at what it means being adisciple of Christ means, I recommendFollowing Jesus.

The Christian Library Journal invitesprospective reviewers and writers to writefor information. The Christian LibraryJournal is published bimonthlySeptember through May by ChristianLibrary Services. Subscriptions $45 peryear; $55 in Canada. Back issues $4.50as supplies last. Bulk postage paid atMedford, Oregon. Indexed in ChristianPeriodical Index. Addresscorrespondence to Christian LibraryJournal, 1101 S. W. Rogue River Ave.,Grants Pass, OR 97526-2736.POSTMASTER: Send address changesto CLJ, 1101 S. W. Rogue River Ave.,Grants Pass, OR 97526-2736. Copyright1997 by Christian Library Services.Phone (541) 479-5277Fax (541)-479-5178Emailnancyhclj@aol.comThe 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 ReviewsCover DesignCover illustration from Silent Night, HolyNight, by Margaret Hodges, illustrated by TimLadwig, ©1997. Reprinted by permission ofWm. B. Eerdman’s.Printed in the U.S.A.T A B L E O FLETTER FROM THE EDITORC O L U M N SC O N T E N T SVolume III No. 2NOVEMBER 1997ChristianLibraryJ O U R N A LInside Front CoverAWord from the Editor Andrew Seddon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2Mary J’s Book Nook Mary Jarvis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3Writing With Kids Georgia Beaverson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5Meet the Author Lorinda K. F. Newton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7Read On, Write On Penny Lent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9A R T I C L E STriple Your Pleasure, Triple Your Joy Judy Driscoll . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10Awakening the Giant Raymond Legg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12Star of Wonder Andrew Seddon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13Cooking with Kids Michele Howe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52Handicrafts with Kids Michele Howe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52R E V I E W SPicture Books Picture Books . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14Children’s Fiction Children’s Fiction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22Children’s Nonfiction Children’s Nonfiction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27Young Adult Fiction Young Adult Fiction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35Young Adult Nonfiction Young Adult Nonfiction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53Adult Fiction Adult Fiction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62Adult Nonfiction Adult Nonfiction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83Classified Advertising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 1 N O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 7

AWord from the Editor: Andrew M. Seddon“It is with books as with men," wrote Voltaire, "a verysmall number play a great part, the rest are lost in themultitude."Last year, for a variety of reasons, I left my browsingand shopping too late, and so didn't complete myselections before the end of Epiphany. So I'll begin thisAdvent with those two: Winter Song, ChristmasReadings by Madeleine L'Engle and Luci Shaw(Shaw); and Jack Hayford's Come...And Behold Him(Multnomah).There are indeed, multitudes of books. Whenever Iwalk into a bookstore - or even my bedroom or office,and see the stacks of volumes waiting for my perusal—I wish I had more time to read.Some books will be worth the reading, others willdisappoint. A few will demand to be read again.The previous year, I also read two books: HerbertO'Driscoll's Emmanuel, Encountering Jesus as Lord(Cowley); and Making All Things New, An Invitation tothe Spiritual Life, by Henri Nouwen(HarperSanFrancisco). The year before that, I onlyread one book for Advent: The Glory of Christ, by R.C. Sproul (Tyndale).Being a member of a liturgical denomination, I like tofollow the calendar of the church year. Coming soonare Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany. I'll take aSaturday or my day off and browse through our churchlibrary and Christian book store to find someappropriate reading for the season. Hopefully, amongthe multitudes of books, I will find those one or twowhich stand out.It is all too easy, among the trappings and hype of theseason, to lose focus; for me, choosing an appropriatebook to study can help avert the clamor of our secularage, and concentrate my mind on the true reality ofChristmas.Whether it be at home, or in the library, I hope you willfind recommendations in these pages to suit every taste.May God be with you all this holy season,N O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 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

“Twas the night before Christmas and allthrough the house, not a creature was stirring,not even a mouse... .”M A R YJ ”’ SBOOK NOOK“Oh for a book and a shady nook,either indoors or out.“ out.”John WilsonThose memorable words come to mind when Irecall childhood celebrations of Christmas. Iwas six years old and my older sister had helpedme memorize the words to that childhoodfavorite. I was posed in front of mygrandparent’s fireplace reciting with great dramaand gusto to the assembled family. Wearing ared plaid jumper and long red socks, matchingbow atop golden curls, I made my debut ontothe world of the stage. My audience was quiteappreciative as I ended the recitation withelaborate curtsies and bows.Christmas is such a beautiful and excitingseason for children and adults alike. It is a timeto remember and build new memories, to loveand be loved, to share and worship the newbornKing. Teachers and parents of children andteens have such a wonderful opportunity tocreate experiences and traditions that will betreasured for a lifetime. It is our responsibilityto instill in children the knowledge of whoChrist is and that the season is about him morethan just about gifts and good food or jinglebells. There is much that we can do that is funand draws the family together, but mostimportant is the birth that we celebrate.By Mary JarvisJill and Stuart Briscoe’s book for adults, MeetHim at the Manger, points to Christ as the realmeaning of Christmas and how God desires ourcelebration to focus on worship and simplicity.Stuart develops scripture, giving lists of ideas torelate the scripture to family life. Jill’s personaltestimony and poetry catches the essence of theseason. This book makes an excellentspringboard for thought and action as parentsguide their family through the season.C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 3 N O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 7

Down through the years literature has aided in drawingyoung and old to the stable in Bethlehem. A classicbook that I was entranced with as a youngster is TheLittlest Angel by Charles Tazwell. It continues to bereprinted because of its universal appeal. Smallchildren identify with the clumsy little cherub anddelight in the Savior’s love.create a special Christmas gift for his granddaughter,Katie, and share it with all the village children. As heshapes the candy sticks, the candymaker thinks of thestaff shepherds used when they went to see the babyJesus. As he paints on the red stripes, he thinks of theblood Jesus shed on the cross. The children aredelighted with the new candy treat and the candy caneis born.A favorite activity in my own classrooms was to readthe Christmas story to the children using a large picturebook. Then we would talk about the different peopleand animals. I would assign youngsters in groups oftwo or three to draw large figures on butcher paper andthen paint and cut them out. There would be a flurry ofactivity as kids worked on the floor in classroom andhall to complete their creations. When the paint haddried and figures of animals, people, and even stars,were cut out and pinned to the largest bulletin board inthe room, we would all stand back to enjoy our efforts.I never ceased to be amazed at how the children hadcaptured the spirit and essence of that first Christmas.Each year was different, whether it was first or fifthgrade. The expressions of their Mary and Joseph werealways delightful. Bright yellow stars shone down oncockeyed lambs and happy cows worshipping the Babe.Students from past years would trickle through the doorto see what the current class had created. This was artthat could not be surpassed in any book or museum.Ruth Bell Graham’s book, One Wintry Night,wonderfully illustrated by Richard Jesse Watson, willfascinate children with the tale of a boy on a snowynight searching for a house his grandpa had built manyyears before in the mountains. He stumbles on thehouse and makes new friends and learns of the firstChristmas and what it resulted in. This book is asuperb introduction of God’s work among the Hebrewsand his ultimate plan for all people.These are just a sampling of a few favorite books thataid in building traditions and memories for children andadults alike as we enter this wonderful season of theyear. Seize the opportunity to celebrate this Christmaswith activities, fellowship, and sharing in ways that willcreate wonderful memories for yourself and thechildren around you. Let those memories point to theChrist Child and be a foundation for life.Find some good books that will stimulate the mind andthe spirit in youngsters. Recent titles that might beuseful for little ones include: Merry Birthday NoraNoel by Ann Dixon, which portrays a family awaitingthe birth of a new baby while celebrating the Advent ofChrist’s birth.The Candymaker’s Gift : Legend of the Candy Cane byHelen Haidle is about a candymaker who wants toN O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 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

GROWING ASTORYTELLER - PART 1TeachingChildren toWrite FictionMost children, no matter what their age,love to listen to and tell stories. Makingup those wild tales and surprising Momand Dad with the outrageous happeningscomes naturally to most kids. Taking thestep from telling to writing stories is easywith the right encouragement andguidance.byGeorgiaBeaversonThe beginning step must,of course, be listening to achild's storytelling. If youare not prepared to listen, achild's natural desire tomake up stories will soondisappear. You canencourage storytelling froman early age by asking achild to "read" a wordlesspicture book to you.Later on, ask the child tomake up a story about hisor her favorite literary orcartoon character. Makeopening up the imaginationan everyday part of yourfamily routine. Your childwill reap the rewards whenhe or she begins to recordthese stories on paper.The next step involvesgetting a child's spoken ormental words down onpaper. If you yourselfaren't much of a writer, this can present amental block for you, the teacher. Manyadults fear writing above almost anythingelse, some to the point of phobia. Butwriting, like other disciplines, consists oftwo things: talent and practice. Withoutpractice, even the most talented writerwill not grow. But with practice, even themost mediocre writer can expressherself. The main thing a parent and/orteacher must avoid is passing onnegative feelings about writing itself.When a child begins to put stories downon paper, don't worry about structure,grammar or spelling. These are sideissues in the beginning. What a teacheror parent should encourage is the act ofgiving those mental thoughts physical lifeon a piece of paper. The more a childwrites, the more fluid the act of puttingwords on paper becomes. That's whymost professional writers write for a setamount of time every day. Because it isan inherently difficult task (even for thosewho love it), a beginner should have thechance just to enjoy the act of writinguntil it becomes an acquired skill.Don't expect too much from beginningfiction writers, no matter what their age.Common mistakes include:lapses in plot logic;"pat" (and sometimes sudden andillogical) endings;convenient introduction ofcharacters who "save the day";assumptions that the reader will fillin any plot gaps;flat or stereotypedcharacterizations; andobviously plagiarized characters,plots and ideas.These are normal and natural mistakes.Instead of looking for perfection, focus onhelping the child enjoy storytelling andopening up the child's imagination.These are both vital skills that take lots ofpractice, and they form the basis for goodfiction writing.Once the child feels comfortable with theact of writing, the time has come to teachhim to fine-tune his stories. Simplywriting the different parts of a story on aC H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 5 N O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 7

lackboard and giving a lecture oneach won't help a child improveher storytelling ability. Help thechild or children learn by doing.Several years ago, I attended achildren's writing seminar at whichan author took charge of a largegroup of budding writers. Insteadof just running down a list of storyparts, the author walked the groupthrough the writing process. Shestarted by asking for suggestionsabout the main character. Was themain character a boy or girl?What did he or she look like?What was his/her family life like?What hobbies did he/she pursue?Who did the main character hangaround with?Then she moved on to plotdevelopment. Every maincharacter needs a problem tosolve, so what is this maincharacter's problem? Why is it aproblem? How does the characterfeel about it? How did thecharacter get into thepredicament? How is thepredicament affecting thecharacter's life, and the lives ofthose around him or her? Howdoes he or she try to solve theproblem?This author taught by helping hergroup of writers ask the rightquestions. By the time herseminar had ended, the group hadwritten a detailed outline of themain character and the plot of their"book." And it was a painless,even exciting, way to learn how toplan ahead and outline thecomplex realities of their inventedworld.asking your fiction writer questionsthat gently point out defects in thecharacterizations in his or herstory. Inquire why the maincharacter changed his or her mind,or why he or she decided topursue a certain course of action.Making observations like, "Wow! Iwas surprised he did that after hetold his best friend he wouldn't!"will make your author think aboutthe actions his character takes andwhy.The same approach works well forplot problems. Asking the howand why questions in a gentle waywill help your writer discoverweaknesses in plot logic andaction. Then allow the child tocorrect the problems in his or herown way. It might meanintroduction of a new character,excising a scene or simplyexplaining things more fully. Butallowing the writer to correct theproblem provides an invaluablelesson in writing fiction.Storytelling on paper can be anexciting experience for a buddingwriter. But a teacher or parentmust be careful first and foremostto encourage the storyteller in thechild! Listen to the tales the childhas to tell, then move on to thediscipline of putting those wordson paper. After the writerbecomes comfortable with that,move on to gently asking the right(write?) questions. The result willbe a child who loves to write!Creative OutlinesI remember learning to writeresearch papers in 5th grade. Myold-fashioned teacher insisted wewrite an outline before she wouldallow us to begin on the projectitself. How I hated that dry-asdustapproach to the excitinginformation I wanted tocommunicate!Outlining a story is just asimportant as outlining a researchpaper. Planning ahead is a vitalskill to impart to a child, and isone that doesn't always comeeasily. But an outline doesn'thave to follow the old-fashionedpoint-by-point approach. Instead,why not teach your writer to usea storyboard to plan out her tale?A storyboard is a graphicrendition of a visual or writtenstory. In planning movies oranimation, the storyboard gives ablow-by-blow account of whathappens in each scene. Itvisually portrays action, plotchanges, characters, and evencamera angles. It is a detailedplan of the action—in otherwords, it's an outline!Use the storyboard approach inhelping young writers plan theirstories. Ask them to visualizeeach event in the story, then draweach of those events in a series ofcomic-book type boxes. Theseboxes will then serve as aguideline for the author as hedoes the actual writing.Visualizing stories in this wayhelps writers avoid lapses in logicand assumptions about what thereader knows. It helps make thetransition from head to paper go alittle smoother and easier.And, it's fun, too!Take a cue from this author andteach through inquiry. Begin byN O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 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

Meet the AuthorFeeding Little Lambs theSeed of Faith:Helen Haidleby Lorinda K. F. Newton"Mom, when do I get to see a green pastor?"asked Helen Haidle's six-year-old son."There's no such thing.""Yes, there is. It's in the Bible."At first, Helen didn't know what her oldestchild was talking about. Finally, she realized hemeant green pastures from the Twenty-ThirdPsalm. So Helen and her husband, David, triedto teach their children, ages three, four, and six,the meaning of this psalm. However, the kidssimply didn't understand many of the words.The parents searched for a children's book onthe Twenty-Third Psalm, but they found none.Then they discovered Phillip Keller's book, AShepherd Looks at the 23rd Psalm. Bytranslating it to their children's level, theHaidles helped them understand this belovedpsalm. Next, they taught it to their thirdthrough fifth grade Sunday-school classes.They kept saying during those years,"Somebody really ought to do a book for kidson the Twenty-Third Psalm."In 1987, the Lord told them they were the onesto write and illustrate that book, and He Is MyShepherd appeared in 1989. This book won the1989 C.S. Lewis Silver Medallion Award.Helen's tenth book, The Candymaker's Gift, wasselected as a finalist for the 1997 GoldMedallion Award, and three of her books haveappeared on the Christian BooksellersAssociation (CBA) best-seller list. HelenHaidle (surname rhymes with cradle), however,never planned to be a writer. Seeking to meetthe spiritual needs of children, she and herhusband ventured into a faith-buildingjourney—learning to produce children's booksthat bless.Learning the craftAfter graduating from Valparaiso University inIndiana with a bachelor of arts in theology,Helen worked for six years in large churches asa Christian-education director. During thistime, she married David. They traveled for awhile, then settled in the Portland, Oregon area.Helen stayed at home after the children wereborn, and David pursued a fine-arts career,creating 5x6, 9x7, and even 11x11-footpaintings. Then, in the mid-80s, his fine-artsoutlets dried up."We felt like the Lord was directing us to dochildren's books, which was a real struggle forus. Me to learn to write, and David to learn toillustrate," Helen said.They spent a year struggling to create He Is MyShepherd, and the Lord confirmed in numerousways that this was the work he called them to."We were to feed his lambs," explained Helen."Those were the words I had in my head."When she got discouraged, she would remindherself that God called many people to dothings they felt they couldn't do, such as Mosesand Gideon.Learning to write didn't come easily to Helen.She still finds it hard work and does numerousrewrites. Sing Me to Sleep was reworked threeto four times, changing the tune and the angleof the story. She rewrote The Candymaker'sGift fifty or sixty times. Two months werespent writing ten lines for a Pocket book. Sherewrites until she captures the essence of hermessage in the fewest words, while maintainingclarity and a vocabulary level a young child canunderstand.Helen and David have now worked on severalbook projects as a team. This teamworkarrangement gives her a unique approach towriting that few authors enjoy. With an inhouseillustrator, she can suggest illustrationideas and copyfit her text around the pictures.When other people illustrate her books, shemisses this interaction and finds the process lessenjoyable. David also offers ideas and critiqueson her text.Working together has its challenges, too.Criticism sometimes leads to hurt feelings, sothey have had to learn to forgive each otherregularly.Their daughter, Elizabeth, has also teamed upwith them. She illustrated all six Pocket booksand did some of the artwork for Angels inAction, The Candymaker's Gift, and The FirstChristmas Tree.Needs to booksAll of the Haidles' book ideas originated fromrecognized needs. For example, they saw thatchildren needed a book on the Twenty-ThirdPsalm and another on to help them understandC H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 7 N O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 7

and share the gospel with others. TheCandymaker's Gift fulfilled this latter need.In 1993, the Haidles began to hand out candycanes to their Sunday-school students. Helenfound the story of the candy cane on the box—how the candy represents Christ's birth, life,death, and resurrection. She thought, “This is awonderful way for children to remembersomething because it is so visual.”The next year, they taught the candy-cane storyto the Sunday-school children, then handed eachchild two candy canes, one to eat, and one toshare with a friend. Many of the childrenshared the candy-cane story with others.Helen told her husband the following January,"The most wonderful thing I have ever done inmy whole life has been to teach children themeaning of the candy cane and to encouragethem to share it."David agreed, then added, "Somebody shouldwrite a book about it."They looked at each other. "Lord, are yougiving us this idea? Are we supposed to dothis?"They wrote and illustrated the book without acontract, though three publishers looked at it.During the nine months they worked on it, theylived solely on savings and royalty checks thatcame every four months. (Because their booksare their only source of income, the Haidleshave learned to live simply: growing andcanning their food, shopping at the Goodwilland garage sales, and cutting their own hair.)They completely relied on the Lord to providefor the family's needs and on his guidance thathe wanted them to produce the book. Finally,Honor Books published it in October 1996.Having this book selected from 550 children'sbooks in the CBA market to be one of five 1997Gold Medallion finalists has thrilled the Haidles.Yet, it isn't sales or recognition that motivatesthem to create books; they seek to touch hearts.Writing God's assignment"God has put a strong desire in our hearts towrite things that will bless children andparents." Helen views this as her assignmentfrom the Lord. When she approaches a newproject, she asks him, "You show us what to do,because I don't want to do anything unlessyou're telling me to do it. Then I want to do itout of faith even though it looks impossible."Many of their projects, such as TheCandymaker's Gift, have looked impossible,because they often didn't know where themoney to live was going to come from. Yet,they happened. "We feel our books givetestimony to God's faithfulness as he showed usto do something, and we stepped out in faith todo it," explained Helen.The Haidles call themselves Inside-OutPublications, using Romans 12:2 as their themeverse: "Do not be conformed any longer to thepattern of this world, but be transformed by therenewing of your mind." Considering theirbooks as seeds, they pray that the Lord will usethem to plant, grow, and encourage the faith ofchildren.A woman once told Helen that she and herdaughters have been reading He Is My Shepherdfor years at bedtime because the girls don't wantto get nightmares when they sleep.Through the Haidles' willingness to obey theLord's call, these girls and many others havefound peace in green pastures.Books by Helen HaidleThe Real 12 Days of ChristmasIllustrated by Celeste HenriquezMultnomah Publishers, September 1997ISBN 1576732010Hardbound $14.99All agesThe First Christmas TreeIllustrated by David Haidle and Elizabeth HaidleBaker Books, July 1997ISBN 080104393XHardbound $14.99PS-Gr. 5God Made MeIllustrated by Rick IncrocciConcordia Publishing House, July 1997ISBN 0570050219Hardbound $5.99PS-Gr. 2A Candy Cane ChristmasIllustrated by Rick IncrocciConcordia Publishing House, July 1997ISBN 0570050235Hardbound $5.99PS-Gr. 2What Would Jesus Do?Illustrated by Kip RichmondMultnomah Publishers, February 1997ISBN 1576730530Hardbound, $ 12.99Chapter book for Gr. K-5CBA Bestseller June 1997 (#2) and July 1997 (#6)The Candymaker's Gift: The Inspirational Legend of the CandyCaneIllustrated by David HaidleHonor Books, 1996ISBN 1562921509Hardbound, $12.99PS-Gr. 51997 Gold Medallion Award finalist(See review in March 1997, p. 21)Angels in Action: What the Bible Says about AngelsIllustrated by David HaidleTommy Nelson Books, 1996ISBN 0785275762Hardbound, $12.99Gr. 2-6(See review in March 1997, p. 35)Sing Me to Sleep and Wake Me with a SongIllustrated by Tish TenudQuestar Publishers, 1996ISBN 0880709227Hardbound, $9.99PSHe Is My Shepherd: The Twenty-Third Psalm for Childrenwith David HaidleIllustrated by David HaidleQuestar Publishers, 1989ISBN 0880702788Hardbound, $9.99PS-Gr. 5C.S. Lewis Silver Medallion Award 1989. Over 60,000 sold.(See review in November 1995, p. 33)Pocket Full seriesIllustrated by Elizabeth HaidleQuestar PublishersBoard book, $5.99PSPocket Full of Prayer, 1995, ISBN 088070795X(See review in January 1996, p. 38)Pocket Full of Psalms, 1995, ISBN 0880707941Pocket Full of Parables, 1995, ISBN 0880707968(See review in March 1996, p. 32)Pocket Full of Praises, 1994, ISBN 0880707127Pocket Full of Proverbs, 1994, ISBN 0880707143CBA Bestseller October 1996 (#9)Pocket Full of Promises, 1994, ISBN 0880707135CBA Bestseller October 1996 (#4) and November 1996 (#6)Future ReleaseSleepy Time Rhymes (tentative title)Harvest House Publishers, January 1998N O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 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

YOUNG WRITERS GET PUBLISHEDChild Life magazine, for ages 9-11, wants articles that encourage imagination, positive health, andlife choices. Fiction is not wanted in 1997 as they are recycling past stories during their 75thanniversary year. Send short poetry, jokes, riddles and drawings. Holiday material is especiallyneeded, with eight months lead-time. Students receive a contributor’s copy and a byline, no cash.Response in three months. Send to editor Lise Hoffman, PO Box 567, Indianapolis, IN 46206-0567.TEENS GET PUBLISHEDRead On,Write On,GetPublishedStudents in grades 8-12 can send quality work to The Claremont Review, 4980 Wesley Rd.,Victoria, B.C. V8Y1Y9. They want first class poetry, plays, short stories for this twice-a-yearjournal. Payment is one copy plus cash, if grants are available.Simultaneous submissions OK, if stated in cover letter. Response in sixweeks. Send typed work only, on any topic, for any age. Be sure to sendIRCs with SAE. Payment is $5 per magazine page for accepted nonfiction,fiction,or poetry. Editors Bill Stenson or Terrence Young prefer writing thatreveals the human condition. No horror, sci-fi, romance, TV clones, or nonliterarywork. Read back issues at your library or send $5.STUDENT CONTESTSFor grades K-12, the "National PTA Reflections Program" theme for Fall1997 is "Wouldn’t It Be Great If…" This program extends beyond the localschool level to regional, state, and national competition, and big rewards.Under 1,000 words of fiction, nonfiction, drama, poetry, or lyrics must beneatly hand-written or typed. Attach signature of authenticity from parent orteacher. Elementary school entries are not penalized for spelling,punctuation, or grammar. At state level, first, second, and third place winners in each categoryreceive $300, $200, $100 respectively, in four grade divisions. Winning writing is published in ananthology, with byline. National winners also get a trip to receive awards, more cash, and books.About 12,000 entries are received nationally, so submit polished projects. Check with your PTA orwrite to the address below.by Penny LentPenny Lent lives in Puyallup,Washington, with her husband, twosons, two orange cats, and assortednorthwest slugs. Lent is a frequentconference and school speaker andhas freelanced over six hundredarticles for radio, magazines, and hernewspaper columns. She is editorand designer of two nationalnewsletters and has authored sevenbooks, including Young Writer’sMarket Manual, Young Writer’sContest Manual and Young Writer’sManuscript Manual fromKaleidoscope Press.Seniors in high school may enter the "Reflections Scholarship Program." They must request anapplication packet by November 30. Up to two entries in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, drama, orlyrics of any length, on any theme can be sent typed or neatly hand-written. Do not send bookreports. The deadline is late January. One winner receives a $750 scholarship. No entry fee.Previously published work is accepted. The winner will be published in an anthology with othercategory winners, with byline. Reprint rights are requested. The student must participate in thisyear’s school reflections program first, then complete a specific essay. A letter ofrecommendation, is required. See packet rules. Request one from 330 N. Wabash Ave., Chicago,IL 60611-3604, or phone 312-787-0977, fax 312-951-6783.WRITER’S WORDS TO KNOW:Byline: The author’s name next to their work, "by Susie Smith"Contributor’s Copy: One or more copies with the writer’s project in itIRC: International Reply Coupons. Get them from the post office, for Canadian return.Lead Time: How far ahead of schedule an editor needs work submittedLiterary: Well read, well written, of quality, interesting, versus casual, commonResponse Time: How long until you hear if your work is acceptedSAE: Self addressed envelope, no postage on it, with IRCs for CanadaSASE: A self addressed, stamped envelope. Always send one for a reply.Simultaneous Submission: Sending the same manuscript to more than one editorC H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 9 N O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 7

TRIPLE YOUR PLEASURE, TRIPLEYOUR JOYby Judy DriscollReturning to the classroomfollowing Thanksgiving is like diving intoa swiftly moving river. Holding mybreath, I leap, all the while praying thatthe current won’t carry me so quickly intoChristmas that I miss the chance to enjoythe ride.In my classroom, I try to keep frombecoming involved in majestic artprojects which tend to overwhelm the joyof Christmas. Instead, I opt for simpleprojects and share with the children thetraditions and customs surroundingChristmas and the bountiful supply ofbooks by authors who share my joy inthis holy season. I say ‘season’ becauseChristmas is a collection of threeinternational gift giving days, all of themcentered on the birth and life of ourSavior.The first international gift givingday is St. Nicholas Day on Dec. 6.Nicholas of Myra, who died Dec. 6, AD343, is one of the most popular saintshonored by Christians. I recommendreading about St. Nicholas in any goodencyclopedia and telling his story to yourchildren. When St. Nicholas is presentedin this way any question about whether heis real or not evaporates.After learning about St. Nicholas,read the famous poem by Clement C.Moore, “The Night Before Christmas,”which has been published in severalforms. My favorite is The RandomHouse version, illustrated by GrandmaMoses, which presents the opportunity toteach some art history along with thepoem. A second rendition popular withchildren is the signed English versionpublished by Galludet/Kendall Green.The second gift-giving day, ofcourse, is Christmas on Dec. 25. InAmerica, Santa Claus brings gifts to littleboys and girls, good and bad alike. Theword ‘Christmas’ comes from the OldEnglish term ‘Cristes maesse’ ( Christ’smass), the festival service of worship heldon December 25 to commemorate thebirth of Jesus Christ.For several centuries the Christianchurch paid little attention to thecelebration of Jesus’ birth. The majorChristian festival was Easter, the day ofhis resurrection. Only gradually as thechurch developed a calendar tocommemorate the major events of the lifeof Christ did it celebrate his birth.Several authors have written excellentchildren’s books presenting Christmastraditions and stories. The most prolificmust be Tomie dePaola.In The Christmas Pageant, dePaolaretells the Christmas story from the Bible.The children in my classroom make thecreche figures which come in pull-outform in the center of the book. Thefigures are for coloring, cutting andsetting up to perform your own pageant ofthe Christmas story, or for use as amanger scene for display.An Early American Christmasintroduces children to the ways of aGerman family settling in Pennsylvania inthe early 1700’s before Christmas beganto be widely celebrated. DePaola has alsoextended his series of flower legends bytelling the Legend of the Poinsettia, astory set in Mexico of a young girl whofails in her attempt to uphold the familyhonor by making a new blanket for theChristmas creche at church on Christmas,but whose faith allows her to bring amiracle to her church family.A third Christmas book by dePaola(who seems to enjoy Christmas as muchas I do) is The Family Christmas TreeBook which introduces the history ofusing evergreens and ornaments in homesduring the holidays. And just in case youwant to round out your dePaola Christmascollection, be sure to find TomieDepaola's Book Of Christmas Carols, acollection of favorite carols presentedN O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 7 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

with music, words, and illustrations, for asingingly beautiful Christmas.For the sheer beauty of herillustrations, don’t miss Susan Jeffers’Silent Night, a quietly awe-filledillustration of the famous Christmascarol. Each year when I turn the pageand the children see the heavens filledwith angels, a gasp fills the room. Thepictures themselves are very relaxing, awonderful way to slow down on a tiringafternoon. The children delight inwatching the pet cat wend its waythrough the streets of Bethlehem to themanger.An excellent sampler of Christmastraditions and traditional stories ofChristmas is Hark! edited by Jane Yolen,Tomie dePaola, and Adam Stemple.Here is a tasty collection of poems,stories, history, and hymns to tempt yourholiday appetite.Anyone who has ever gone throughthe rigors of presenting a Christmaspageant will identify with theillustrations in Jacqueline Rogers’ TheChristmas Pageant. My childrenespecially enjoy the antics of the youngbaby Jesus and chuckle with delightwhen he is finally silenced with amodern day binky.A Christmas pageant never to beforgotten is also the center of the nowtraditional The Best Christmas PageantEver. If you have never read BarbaraRobinson's poignant story of theHerdman family at Christmas, make apoint to read it aloud to your class thisyear. Children and adults of all ages loveit and can identify with at least onecharacter in its down to earth cast.Finally, the third international giftgiving day is Epiphany, Jan. 6, celebratedin the church as the day the Wise Menfound the Christ child in Bethlehem, andthe coming of the Light into the world.In the Philippine Islands, Italy, andSpain, gifts are exchanged on this dayrather than Christmas as a symbol of thegifts the Wise Men brought to the Christchild. In France, an Epiphany gateau isbaked with small gifts hidden inside, atradition I have kept in my classroom.The night before Epiphany isknown as Twelfth Night (Jan. 5), and inEngland the villagers brought their dryChristmas greens to the village square fora community bonfire. In my classroom,this is the day we take down theChristmas decorations and creche,signaling the end of the Christmas seasonand the last day to sing Christmas carols(the Twelve days of Christmas is afavorite). Two books of The TwelveDays of Christmas are Epiphanyfavorites. The first, for its silly depictionof a young girl receiving all the giftsoffered during the twelve days, is by JackKent. The second, because of the detailof the pictures and the traditions of themany countries depicted in itsillustrations, is by Jan Brett. As withother books by this popular author, watchthe borders of the pictures for additionalholiday treats.In my home and classroom, theseason is not complete until we havewatched two classic video tapes: ACharlie Brown Christmas, with Linus’beautiful rendition of the Christmas storyfrom Luke, still brings a tear to my eye;How the Grinch Stole Christmas is astory that, in the midst of its sillylanguage and pictures, drives home thepoint of the spirit of Christmas.AAA---DOOOO--DOR-AY to youand yours this wonderful season!Judy’s Christmas SelectionsBrett, J. THE TWELVE DAYS OFCHRISTMAS. Putnam & Grosset, 1986.ISBN 0-440-84829-6.dePaola, T. AN EARLY AMERICANCHRISTMAS. Holiday House, 1987.ISBN 0-8234-0617-2.dePaola, T. LEGEND OF THEPOINSETTIA. Scholastic, 1994. ISBN0-590-48679-9 pb.dePaola, T. THE CHRISTMASPAGEANT. Winston Press, 1978. ISBN0-86683-605-5 pb.dePaola, T. THE FAMILY CHRISTMASTREE BOOK. Holiday House, 1980.ISBN 0-8234-0535-4dePaola, T. TOMIE DEPAOLA'S BOOKOF CHRISTMAS CAROLS. G.P.Putnam's Sons, 1987. ISBN 0-399-21432-1.Kent, J. JACK KENT'S TWELVE DAYSOF CHRISTMAS. Scholastic, 1973.ISBN 0-590-06163-1 .Moore, C. THE NIGHT BEFORECHRISTMAS. Random House, 1976.ISBN 0-394-80741-3.Moore, C. THE NIGHT BEFORECHRISTMAS. (Signed English)Gallaudet/Kendall Green, 1994. ISBN 1-5636-8020-3.Robinson, B. THE BEST CHRISTMASPAGEANT EVER. Avon Books, 1972.ISBN 0-380-00769-X.Rogers, J. THE CHRISTMAS PAGEANT.Scholastic, 199. ISBN 0-590-44379-8.Seuss. HOW THE GRINCH STOLECHRISTMAS. Random House, 1957.ISBN 0-394-80079-6.Yolen, J., dePaola, T. HARK! G.P.Putnam's Sons, 1991. ,ISBN 0-399-21853-X.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 N O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 7

Awakening The Giant: Mobilizing and Equipping Christians toReclaim Our Nation In This Generation.Areview of Jim Russell’s book by Raymond LeggAwakening the Giant : Mobilizing andEquipping Christians to Reclaim Our Nation inThis Generation. Jim Russell; foreword byCal Thomas. LCCN 96006443. GrandRapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1996.ISBN 310201764, HBB, $15.95.277.3. Christianity--United States, Christianity--Forecasting, Mission of the Church, Church and theworld, United States--Church history--20th century,Church renewal. 175 p.Not long after I became a Christian, adear friend approached me in the fellowshiphall of our church. He proceeded to tell meof another recent convert whom he feltneeded some one-on-one discipleship to helpget his Christian life off to a proper start. Hethen told me he wanted to include me andtold me where and when to meet him. "I amgoing to disciple you," he said, and while hedidn't say it, he implied that I would thankhim for his work at some later point. Isensed a ring of truth in what he said and Isincerely appreciated his desire to see megrow in the faith. But I also recognizedsomething mechanical and rigid in hisapproach from which I recoiled. We neverdid meet and he never brought it up againthough we remained close friends.About the same time, my wife and Iwere developing a relationship with awonderful Christian family who attended thesame Church. We were invited to their houseoften and saw the Christian faith lived outbefore our eyes. The husband and I talked,often late into the night, about the ways theChristian faith impacts daily living, and wediscussed Christianity through the ages (myfriend was a history major).Slowly, I began to appreciate the factthat my conversion had made me part ofsomething larger than I had expected. As aresult of my friend's faith, I also got to seethe power of God displayed first-hand inmiraculous ways. Because of this one family,my wife and I were changed forever withregard to our walk with Christ. Because ofthis one family we learned not only thepersonal implications of living for the Lord,but also the practical implications which thatkind of life can have on everyone andeverything it touches. It seems to me thatAwakening The Giant by Jim Russell,businessman and founder of the Amy WritingAwards, shares a similar focus. But whatmakes Awakening The Giant different fromother books on discipleship? Why is itdifferent from the books which appear with acertain regularity every two to three years?What makes this particular book compelling?I think these questions can be answeredwith one word - perspective. Rather thancreating another once-a-week for x weeks =spiritual growth formula, Russell takes thefocus away from evangelism, with which hesays American Christians have had relativelygood success, and turns it on change throughdiscipleship. Russell says that discipleshipshould begin with the individual in aChristian family where s(he) learns"disciplined study and prayerful sensitivity ina mentoring, tutoring environment." It is hiscontention that developing this type ofenvironment is crucial to moral reclamationof the nation.According to Russell, individualbelievers rekindle within themselves a truedesire to develop their walk with Christ.They accomplish this through traditionalmethods such as prayer, Bible study,fellowship with other believers, and regularevangelistic activity. As individual familymembers are drawn closer to Christ, thefamily unit itself will be strengthenedimmeasurably. As the family is strengthened,so is the church. Combine with this newstrength a rekindled vision of the ministryand mission of the church in local pastorsand the result is a rejuvenated body bothequipped and desirous to effect change on theworld.One key element in Russell's argumentis his desire to get the church out of thepattern of following the lead of the worldrather than assuming a leadership posture.The problem he sees is the tendency ofChristians to allow themselves to be changedby the world rather than changing it. It isthis tendency, Russell contends, which hasresulted in the lack of real discipleship takingplace in the body of Christ. According toRussell, strong individuals, families,churches, and church leaders combine tocreate the environment necessary for changeto come about in America.Another key element in the book isRussell's description of why the church is notmore actively involved in discipleship. Hesays it is because Christians are "skeptical,insensitive, and Biblically illiterate." Theserather harsh charges can be substantiated witha look at the world around us. How couldthe world be in such a shape if the churchwas doing its job?Russell offers help for the Christianwho understands this challenge and wants tomove the church faith out of obscurity. Hecalls it "A SWOT Analysis (strengths,weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) whichallows believers to understand fully theposition and condition of the church, andthen use this understanding to impact theworld.Among the strengths of the Christianfaith noted by Russell are "The Word of God,Prayer, The Holy Spirit, the Authority ofJesus, a National Presence, and giftedpastors." The weaknesses the church needsto overcome are "Biblical illiteracy, Absenceof Vision, Unrighteousness, Discouragement,and Lack of Pastoral Vision." (This last oneis interesting in that Russell also sees giftedpastors as a strength of the American church.)The opportunities to be apprehendedcan be summarized under the headings ofpositive thinking and fresh vision, and thethreats to the church as it moves out ofobscurity can all be tied to Satan and hisdesire to keep it at rest.The book ends with a relatively simpleplan for implementatlon. First, if Christianswant to see their nation changed, they have tobecome personal disciplers at home, inindividual prayer life, and by public example.Second, they must develop the understandingthat discipleship in the church involvesbecoming one with Christ and sharing Hisvision of the world. The final elementRussell admits may be the most difficult:committing to see the project through to theend. If his plan for discipleship of the nationhas any chance of success, it will dependupon the staying power of the body of Christ.Awakening The Giant is a unique book.It has taken a subject familiar to nearly everyChristian and addressed it in a new and freshway. But the greatest contribution of thebook may be the way it provides Christianswith a new set of marching orders which itcan use for fulfilling the Great Commission.For Christians serious about making adifference in their world, Awakening theGiant is a must read.Dr. Raymond Legg is an assistant professor ofEnglish at Bryan College, Tennessee.N O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 7 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

Star ofWonderby Andrew M. SeddonLove was born atChristmas: star and angelgave the sign.Christina RosettiTo choose one wonder from all themyriad phenomena discovered bymodern astronomy would seem animpossible task. Almost daily, itseems, the Hubble space telescopedetects another heavenly jewel.Galaxies, nebulas, supernovas,neutron stars are hidden from ournaked eyes by the sheer immensityof space, yet are found by Hubble'smirror eye.But perhaps choosing is possible,because one star holds a fascinationfor Christians. From the tops ofthousands of Christmas trees,millions of Christmas cards, andunnumbered nativities, the Star ofBethlehem still shines. NoChristmas scene is complete withoutits complement of shepherds, magi,angels, and holy family gatheredtogether by starlight.And yet what was this star that onlyMatthew's gospel mentions, butwhich has inspired poets, painters,and writers?The Hebrews weren't known fortheir astronomical skills. Theesoteric lore of the night skiesbelonged to the Babylonians andlater the Persians. Until fairlymodern times, astronomy wasclosely allied to astrology.Astronomer E.C. Krupp has writtenabout the astronomy of lostcivilizations in Echoes of theAncient Skies. He passes quicklyover the Star of Bethlehem, butnotes, "...real or not, the ChristmasStar has impact. It means new lifeand new order..." Though notspecifically Christian, bookpresents an informative and wellwrittenaccount of how ourancestors viewed the heavens.A different approach is taken byastronomer David Hughes in TheStar of Bethlehem: An Astronomer'sConfirmation. He studies thevarious etiologies suggested for theStar - a supernova, a comet, aconjunction of Jupiter and Venus, afireball or some other ill-definedphenomenon, a legend, or a miracle.His book is well researched anddetailed. His conclusion is that theStar was a conjunction of Jupiterand Saturn occuring in 7 BC.Christian authors Kenneth Boa andWilliam Proctor reach a differentconclusion. Their book The Returnof the Star of Bethlehem, waspublished in 1980, and is lessrigorous and detailed than Hughes'work. Boa and Proctor believe thatthe Star was a manifestation of God'sShekinah Glory. The last quarter ofthe book seeks to connect the Starwith UFO's and End Times events.Hungarian priest and scientistStanley Jaki has an interestingdiscussion of the magnalia Dei(momentous works of God) in hisnew book Bible and Science. Hebelieves the Star was a combinationof a natural nova plus a miracle - amiraculously produced visual imagefor the magi and those who beheldChrist's birth. "God's supernaturalentry into human and physicalreality... was resplendent inmiracles, spiritual as well asphysical."Nuclear scientist Robert Faid,author of several books on scienceand Christianity, votes for a nova inthe constellation Aquila in AScientific Approach to BiblicalMysteries, while Paul Seidl castshis ballot for a miracle (The Earth,the Stars, and the Bible). Respectedand prolific astronomer PatrickMoore concludes, "we have to admitthere is no plausible scientificexplanation for the star ofBethlehem, and it is most unlikelywe will ever find one."Books by Christians on generalastronomy are not common, but oneis Starwatch, by David Block. Thisbeautifully illustrated volumeexplores the glory of the heavens inan understandable manner. Theawesome majesty of the universeleads Block to conclude, "I sincerelyBibliography:Block, David, Starwatch, 1988,Elgin: Lion Pub. Highlyrecommended as an introductionto astronomy by a Christian.Hughes, David, The Star ofBethlehem, 1979, New York:Walker and Co.A detailed but readable account ofthe Star. Moore, Patrick,Passion for Astronomy, 1991,New York: W.W. Norton andCo.Moore has written many booksincluding Armchair Astronomy,Travellers in Space and Time,Astronomer's Stars, and TheGuiness Book of Astronomy. Forchildren he has written TheStarry Sky.Faid, Robert, A ScientificApproach to Biblical Mysteries,1993, Green Forest: New LeafPress. To my mind, Faid perhapsgoes too far in his desire toexplain all biblical miracles interms of natural events, and hisscience is suspect in severalareas.Jaki, Stanley L, Bible andScience, 1997, Front Royal:Christendom Press. Aworthwhile, well thought out bookfrom a Catholic priest who haswritten extensively on therelationship of faith and science.Boa, Kenneth, and WilliamProctor. The Return of the Starof Bethlehem, 1980, Garden City:Doubleday & Co. Inclusion of EndTimes speculations.Krupp, E.C., Echoes of the AncientSkies, 1983, New York: OxfordUniversity Press. Not aChristian book, but interesting.C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 1 3 N O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 7

BOOK REVIEWSPICTURE BOOKSAcross the Wide Dark Sea : The MayflowerJourney. Jean Van Leeuwen; illustrated byThomas B. Allen. LCCN 91016926. NewYork: Dial Books for Young Readers/Penguin,1995. ISBN 0803711670, HBB, $15.99.E. Pilgrims (New Plymouth Colony)—Fiction,Massachusetts—History—New Plymouth, 1620-1691—Fiction. unp.Gr. 1—5.Across the Wide Dark Sea chronicles theadventures of Love Brewster, a nine-year-oldboy, as his family crossed the sea on theMayflower. The story is imaginary, but basedupon real events. Love and his family saygoodbye to their home. Along the way, stormscome and friends get sick. Some people evendie. But the terrible journey is worth it to gain thefreedom to worship God in their own way. Afterlanding on Plymouth Rock, the Pilgrims maketheir home and watch winter take more lives.But as the weather warms, so do the hopes of thepeople. With the help of their Indian friends, thePilgrims begin stocking for the next winter.Beautifully illustrated, Across the Wide Dark Seawill certainly entertain children. The simplelanguage also lends itself to young readers.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—4Janyre StockingerStudent, Taylor UniversityGrand Rapids, MichiganAlabaster's Song : Christmas Through the Eyesof an Angel. Max Lucado; illustrated byMichael Garland. LCCN 96014749. Dallas:Word Kids, 1996. ISBN 0849913071, HBB,$14.99.E. Angels—Fiction, Christmas—Fiction. unp.Gr. K-3Does the innocence of a child die as we growolder, or just fade into our memories? We mayget some insight through Alabaster’s Song. MaxLucado has written a tale of a young boy and themagic of Christmas. As this boy watches the treeglistening he notices the angel and begins to talkto him as if he was real. “ Do angels go to bedearly? Do your wings keep you warm? What wasit like in Bethlehem?” Suddenly the angel,Alabaster, was standing there. He knew this wasthe “right” question as Alabaster began to sing.Now as this boy grows older the sound ofAlabaster’s singing becomes very dim andalmost lost, until one day another small boybegins to watch the angel. His son.This is an enchanting story of Christmas throughthe eyes of an angel. A new perspective to manyof us. Max Lucado has taken innocence in achild and expanded it to a sense of wonder.Alabaster was always there, but until beckonedwith the right question, wasn’t really there.Michael Garland adds to the warmth and charmof this book with colorful illustrations that jumpoff the page. The colors and expressions trulyradiate a sense of warmth and glow. The fact thatAlabaster talks with a bit of a lisp, because he ismissing his front teeth, adds a special character tothis book.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—4Marcia Snyder, LibrarianValley Christian SchoolMissoula, MontanaButterfly Boy. By Virginia Kroll; illustratedby Gerardo Suzán. LCCN 95080778.Honesdale, Penn.: Boyds Mills Press, 1997.ISBN 1563973715, HBB, $15.95.E. Butterflies—Fiction, Mexico—Fiction. unp.K—Gr. 2.Quality (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 recommend★ Outstanding Book of its Genre* Acceptability does not refer to doctrinal position, unless the doctrine is anti-Christian.N O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 7 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

PICTURE BOOKSIn Butterfly Boy by Virginia Kroll, Emilio’sgrandfather has suffered a stroke or an illnesswhich has left him unable to speak and physicallyhandicapped. Emilio knows that though hisAbuelo cannot communicate verbally, his mind isstill alive and active. It is Abuelo who firstnotices and struggles to point out the red, brown,and white butterflies fluttering around the whitewall of their garage. Observing these butterfliesbecomes a special activity for Emilio and hisgrandfather. After the butterflies havedisappeared for the winter, Emilio learns thatthey are red admiral butterflies which areespecially attracted to bright white surfaces suchas their garage wall.Emilio and Abuelo eagerly anticipate the returnof spring so they can see their butterflies again.One warm day, Emilio notices that the redadmirals have returned and rushes home to tellhis grandfather. As they prepare to go outside,Abuelo motions for Emilio to look towards thegarage. Instead of the bright white wall whichwill attract the red admirals, father is painting thegarage blue. Disappointment shows in Emilio’seyes and Abuelo’s slumped shoulders. SuddenlyEmilio has an idea. He grabs a white shirt fromthe clothesline and puts it on. Red admiralsflutter near and land on him. Papa is convincedto repaint the garage white so that the wholefamily can enjoy the beauty of the red admirals.Gerardo Suzan’s colorful watercolor illustrationsnot only bring the story of Butterfly Boy to lifebut the thoughts and feelings of the characters aswell. Though Abuelo is limited by hiswheelchair, his mind is full of the flowers, birds,and butterflies that he loves to observe outside.As Abuelo and Emilio watch the red admiralsflutter by, they too are portrayed as flying withbutterfly wings. Emilio’s clothing is filled withstars, clouds, and the sun which reflect his loveand enthusiasm for nature.Butterfly Boy is a beautiful story which willinvolve the readers and teach them new lessonsabout life. Virginia Kroll lovingly communicatesthe need for children and adults to understandthat though a handicapped person or strokevictim may seem lifeless, their mind can still befull of important ideas and feelings. In this story,Emilio does a wonderful job of reading to hisgrandfather and sharing his world with him.Butterfly Boy will also inspire discussions abouthow illustrators can bring an author’s words tolife as children closely examine the watercolorpaintings to better understand why GerardoSuzan portrayed the characters in such a uniqueway. Butterfly Boy will be a story whichchildren will want to listen to over and overagain.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—5Susan RobinsonLibrarianUpper Darby, PennsylvaniaCan You Help Me Find My Smile? By CarlSommer; illustrated by Greg Budwine.(Another Sommer-Time Story.) LCCN96024345. Houston: Advance Publishing,1997. ISBN 1575370557, LIB, $14.95.E. Bears—Fiction, Happiness—Fiction, Conduct oflife—Fiction. 48 p.PS—Gr. 2.Young bear Teddy was born a smiling and happybear, but as he becomes older he loses his smileand becomes a grumpy bear. Seeking variousways to regain his smile Teddy becomesdisheartened when he finds nothing can makehim smile anymore. It is not until Teddy fullyunderstands the wise words of Grandpa bear thathe is restored to his happy former self.Author Carl Sommer develops the theme ofhappiness comes from helping others in acharming, approachable way for young readersin Can You Help Me Find My Smile? GregBudwine’s simple, full page illustrations arebright and engaging.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—5Pam WebbFreelance Writer, Homeschool ParentSandpoint, IdahoCandy Cane Christmas. Helen Haidle;illustrated by Rick Incrocci. St. Louis, Mo.:Concordia Publishing House, 1997. ISBN0570050235, HBB, $5.99.E. Christmas, Candy canes. 32 p.K—Gr. 3.A Candy Cane Christmas explains the meaningof the candy cane, how it represents Jesus Christ.The hard candy reminds us that Jesus is our solidrock. The white candy represents Jesus’ holiness.The shape stands for Jesus, and the staff shapereminds us he is the Good Shepherd. The redstripes represent Jesus’ suffering and death.In the first part of the book, the story is told inpaired rhymes from the candymaker’s viewpoint.The second part describes the meaning of thedifferent elements of the candy cane in prose.This book can serve as a companion book toHelen Haidle’s Candymaker’s Gift (HonorBooks), which is written for an older audience. ACandy Cane Christmas will help young childrenunderstand and learn the meaning of the candycane so they can share God’s Christmas gift,Jesus, with others.Using the same style as he did in God Made Me,Rich Incrocci filled this book with many scenesfrom the life of Jesus and of children learningabout and enjoying candy canes.◆ Quality—3 ❤ Acceptability—5Lorinda K. F. NewtonFreelance WriterKirkland, WashingtonCat's Kittens. Paul and Emma Rogers;illustrated by Sophy Williams. New York:Viking/Penguin, 1996. ISBN 067086255X,HBB, $13.99.E. Cats—Fiction. unp.K—Gr. 3.Cat’s Kittens will soon need to fend forthemselves. As each kitten in turn ventures forth,Cat warns about roads, limbs, dust bins, anddogs. However, the time has not come, not untiltheir tails are fluffier and their ears are fartherapart.In a loving, caring atmosphere Paul and EmmaRogers share growing up and independence asCat’s family of six kittens share life together, theonly life a cat who has always had to fend forherself has ever known.In soft shades and shadowy sketches the familymoves from one activity to another. Even in theunlikely circumstances warmth and caring arefelt.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—5Marie KnauppRetired LibrarianMonmouth, OregonCount! Denise Fleming. LCCN 91025666.New York: Henry Holt and Co., 1997. ISBN0805050817, KBB, $6.95.E. Counting, Animals. unp.Toddler—PS.Count! by Denise Fleming, is a small handful ofdelight. Its well-made board pages turn easilyand will obviously stand up to the frequent, harduse to which a toddler may subject it. Fleming'suse of amusing animals to represent the numbersfrom one to ten, and the strong, bright colors andclean outlines produced by her special techniqueof painting with cotton pulp are eye-pleasing,while the antic poses of the animals will catch theattention of even the most restless toddler.The story in Count! is short and to the point, withonly a few words (ones probably already in atoddler's vocabulary) and one numeral on eachpage: “1... one gnu... hello, gnu! 2... two zebras...jump, zebras! 3... three crocodiles... no, no,crocodiles!” This is important when a book maybecome a favored treasure, lugged everywhereand reread hundreds of times, at times even"read" by the small owner herself.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—5Betty WinslowFree-lance Writer/LibrarianBowling Green Christian AcademyBowling Green, OhioC H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 1 5 N O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 7

PICTURE BOOKSDaisy Is a Mommy. Lisa Kopper. New York:Dutton Children's Books/Penguin, 1996.ISBN 0525457224, HBB, $11.99.E. Dogs—Fiction. unp.PS—K.Daisy the dog is a Mommy. She gets her babiesout of bed, carries them to the kitchen, givesthem breakfast, gives them a bath, and watchesthem play just like any new Mom. But after play,Baby’s Mommy and Daisy and her puppies donot behave the same way. Things rapidly fallapart when clean up time comes. However, naptime finds all five of them enjoying it together onMommy’s big bed.Small children will enjoy this cozy, relaxingstory. Beginning readers could easily share thisbook with a younger brother or sister.◆ Quality—3 ❤ Acceptability—5Marie KnauppRetired LibrarianMonmouth, OregonDancing with the Wind. Written by StantonOrser; illustrated by James Bernardin.LCCN 96038111. Flagstaff: RisingMoon/Northland, 1997. ISBN 0873586395,HBB, $14.95.E. Winds—Fiction, Animals—Fiction. 32 p.K—Gr. 3.“Tonight the wind is blowing hard against myhouse. I lie in bed listening to the walls creak andthe windows shake. ‘I’m afraid,’ I call to myfather. He picks me up and holds me in hisarms...’Did you know,’ he asks, ‘that long agoyou could see the wind?’” So the tale is passed,father to daughter, of the wind who long ago wasa beautiful woman laughing and dancing throughthe forests, herding clouds like sheep and teasingthe animals, waving grass to frighten the rabbit,and snapping dead branches to scare the deer,then laughing, hugging them, and running herbreezes through their fur.Falling in love with the wind’s beauty and power,a hunter traps her and closes her in a bag of skins,stuffed in a large wooden locked box. Withoutthe wind to cool it, the forest becomes stale andheavy, plants dry up without the wind to bring therain, and the animals grow hungry and fearful.Finally, urged on by the porcupine, the animalsdecide to free the wind. It takes the cooperationof all, from the biggest bear to the tiniest tick toaccomplish the task. Freed from her box thewind races through the forest venting her fury bybringing torrential rains to fill the streams andlakes. As she blows the hunter into a creek shelaughs at his weakness and fear and promises thatnever again will he know where and when shewill dance. And with her promise she vanishesinto the trees never to be seen again.Author Stanton Orser weaves a charming legendof the wind which at the same time draws thereader into an understanding of the importance ofthe wind to the delicate balance of nature.Captivating animal illustrations by Seattle artistJames Bernardin add life and expression to thestory. A scientific note as a foreword to the booksets the stage for an understanding of theimportance of the wind to the earth.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—5Judy DriscollTeacher, Christ the King AcademyPoulsbo, WashingtonEmma and the Night Dogs. Susan Bivin Aller;illustrated by Marni Backer LCCN96032823. Morton Grove, Ill.: AlbertWhitman & Co., 1997. ISBN 0807519936,HBB, $14.95.E. Rescue work—Fiction, Search dogs—Fiction,Dogs—Fiction, Lost children—Fiction. 32 p.Gr. 1—4.A small boy is separated from his parents and lostin the woods. Night comes and he laies downand falls asleep. Emma’s Aunt Alice, who withJuno, her search dog, comes to Emma’s house,with several other dogs and handlers, to rest aftersearching all day for the lost boy. In the middleof the night the dogs wake, so Emma takes themout to search. They find the boy not far from thehouse, and take him home.In the preface, Susan Bivin Aller explains thatthis story is inspired by the Connecticut CanineSearch and Rescue, Inc. and gives anexplanation of how search dogs and theirhandlers do their work. Oil paintings by MarniBacker are soft and somewhat impressionistic.Night scenes showing the lost boy are cold anddark. Scenes inside Emma’s home are warm andglowing, providing an interesting contrast. Thismoving story of successful rescue is effectivewithout being graphic about the dangers the boymight face. The story does not just entertain, butalso educates the reader about working dogs andcompassion for others.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—5Karla J. KessellLibrarian, Mount Vernon Nazarene CollegeMount Vernon, OhioEmma's Elephant & Other Favorite AnimalFriends. David Ellwand. New York: DuttonChildren's Books/Penguin, 1997. ISBN0525457925, HBB, $14.99.E. Animals—Pictorial works. unp.K—All.Emma’s Elephant and Other Favorite Animals isa collection of beautiful, full-page, black andwhite photographs of children with their favoriteanimals. Each picture captures the expression ofwonder in eyes and smiles even as the animalposes. Animals include a butterfly, cock-a-too,dog, rabbit, snail, and turkey; yet there is nodispute that “nothing is a big as Emma’selephant.”Children of all ages will enjoy the animals andadults will appreciate the excellent photography.This book will make a valuable addition to theanimal collection in the library.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—5Marie KnauppRetired LibrarianMonmouth, OregonA Gift for the Contessa. By Michael Mele;illustrated by Ronald G. Paolillo. LCCN96042181. Gretna, La.: Pelican PublishingCo., 1997. ISBN 1565542169, HBB, $15.95.E. Gifts—Fiction, Italy—Fiction. unp.Gr. 1—4.The Count is searching for the most beautiful giftfor his wife, the Contessa. Because of herkindness to an old woman, Maybellinda is certainshe will win the prized bag of gold with her gift.Maybellinda starts her trip to Poggibonsi alone,but it is a joyful company that finally arrives tomake the grand presentation. However, theascent to the mountain-top grand villa ends indeep disappointment. As the crowd scatters,Maybellinda is chained to the well. But whenmorning comes all is changed and Maybellinda’swhole family comes to live in the grand villaoverlooking Poggibonsi.All of the places named actually exist and someof the characters are based on people MichaelMele met on a trip through Italy.Children will enjoy the addition of each traveler,and the surprise turn of events as A Gift for theContessa is received. Beautiful illustrationsenhance the events as a poor flower-seller isrewarded for her kindness.This is a simple tale well told that will be readover and over.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—5Marie KnauppRetired LibrarianMonmouth, OregonGod Made Me. Helen Haidle; illustrated byRick Incrocci. St. Louis, Mo.: ConcordiaPublishing House, 1997. ISBN 0570050219,HBB, $5.99.E. Creation. 32 p.PS—Gr. 2.God Made Me thanks God for all our wonderfulbody parts and what they can do: eyes forcounting fireflies, ears for listening to whispers,hands for building sandcastles, feet for jumping,noses for smelling fresh bread, tongues fortasting pickles, voices for singing, and more. Thebook can either be read or sung to the tune of“Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.” Helen Haidle’sN O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 7 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 BOOKSpaired rhymes work well with the tune. Theupbeat, but simple language is similar to herPockets books (Questar).Rich Incrocci’s bright, cartoon watercolorillustrations augment the text well. Each page isfilled with happy children involved in funactivities. Also, children from different racialbackgrounds are depicted in this book.God Made Me will encourage children to thankGod for their different body parts. The song willhelp them to remember the message and putpraise into their hearts.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—5Lorinda NewtonFreelance WriterKirkland, WashingtonThe Great Royal Race. By Carl Sommer;illustrated by Dick Westbrook. LCCN96024346. Houston: Advance Publishing,1997. ISBN 1575370549, LIB, $14.95.E. Princesses—Fiction, Kings, queens, rulers, etc.—Fiction, Running—Fiction. 48 p.PS—Gr. 3.In The Great Royal Race, Carl Sommersmasterfully displays timeless virtues in theageless setting of the choosing of a husband forthe king’s daughter. Through surprises duringthe great race, the three fine suitors, Simon,Thomas, and John, unwittingly display their truefeelings for princess Elizabeth. The onechoosing love rather than money or fame alsobecomes a wise and great king.Bright, action-filled illustrations on each pageenhance the story as the race progresses andsuspense builds to the finish line. Part of theSommer-Time Story Series, this adventure filledstory also communicates the virtues ofperseverance, love, self-acceptance, wisdom ofparents, and much more.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—5Marie KnauppRetired LibrarianMonmouth, OregonJessica Moffat's Silver Locket. By AllenMorgan; illustrated by Michael Martchenko.Toronto, Ont.: Stoddart Kids, 1994. ISBN0773728406, HBB, $12.95.E. Grandparents—Fiction. 32 p.Gr. 3—6.Jessica was seven years old when hergrandmother died. Her mother gave her a locketthat her grandmother always wore. The lockethad been in the family for generations. It wasspecial to Jessica because she missed hergrandmother. She tried to open the locket but itwas stuck shut.Jessica's family needed money. One night whilethey were talking about ways to get some money,Jessica's grandfather remembered his stampcollection. That night he told Jessica about avaluable stamp that he had given hergrandmother years before.The next day when they looked in the stampcollection, the valuable stamp was gone. Jessicacould hardly sleep that night. Where would theyget some money? Would they have to sell theirhouse? If only Jessica could talk to hergrandmother.Then Jessica fell asleep and began to dream. Inher dream she saw her grandmother. Hergrandmother looked young. She followed her tothe bus station where Jessica saw hergrandmother say good-bye to her grandfather.Before he left, Jessica’s grandfather gave hergrandmother his stamp collection. Jessicawatched her grandmother sadly go back home.Then her grandmother did a strange thing. Sheput a stamp that looked like her grandfather inher silver locket.When Jessica woke up she knew where thevaluable stamp was. The locket was opened andJessica saw the hidden stamp. The valuablestamp was sold and Jessica’s family had themoney they needed.Jessica Moffat’s Silver Locket is a heartwarmingstory of a seven-year-old little girl who missesher grandmother. The author skillfully usesJessica's love for her grandmother’s locket tobring the story to a satisfying ending. JessicaMoffat’s Silver Locket is told in the third personinterspersed with colorful pictures that clearlyillustrate the story. The hard back cover willinsure durability of use for any child's collectionof books.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—4Dorcas WalkerFreelance WriterJamestown, TennesseeA Little Salmon for Witness : A Story fromTrinidad. Vashanti Rahaman; illustrated bySandra Speidel. New York: DuttonChildren's Books/Penguin, 1997. ISBN0525675213, HBB, $15.99.E. Trinidad—Fiction. unp.Gr. 1—5.Today is a special day. It is Good Friday, aholiday in Trinidad, and Grandmother’s birthday.Rajiv has no birthday present for Aaji yet, but hehas some ideas. Then he discovers whyGrandmother wants “salmon for witness” andthough it takes the whole day, and going fromone neighbor to another, he comes home with amost wonderful surprise for Aaji.Vashanti Rahaman grew up in the West Indiesand lived in Trinidad. A Little Salmon forWitness shares Caribbean memories andtradition.Homey conversation combined with warm, richpastels projects the atmosphere of a CaribbeanIsland and the glow of caring, familyrelationships. This is a good book to encouragetraditional family values.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—5Marie KnauppRetired LibrarianMonmouth, OregonMoonsnail Song. Sheryl McFarland &Sheena Lott. Victoria, B.C.: Orca BookPublishers, 1994. ISBN 1551430088, HBB,$14.95.E. Seashore—Fiction. unp.K—Gr. 3.Young April has a moonsnail shell that sings toher of the nearby sea. As she sits at her schooldesk, as she skips to school and home again, atdinner and in her bath, April daydreams of thesandy shores where her moonsnail once made itshome.The author, Sheryl McFarlane, has createdApril’s daydream exploration of the seashorenear April’s home. April is preoccupiedthroughout the day with this daydream. Childrenwill identify with April’s daydreams, but thestory would be more appealing had April actuallyvisited the shore experienced the textures, smellsand sights of the ocean.Dreamy watercolors enhance the daydreams ofthe text. Sheena Lott uses color and double pagespreads with smaller insets of the details of eachpart of April’s daydream. This is an effectiveinteraction of visual and verbal stories. Youngchildren will probably enjoy the dreamy qualityof the text and pictures though they may havesome difficulty independently reading the text.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—4Barbara WallSchool Library System Director, Oswego County BOCESMexico, New YorkC H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 1 7 N O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 7

PICTURE BOOKSMy Love for You. Susan L. Roth. New York:Dial Books for Young Readers/Penguin, 1997.ISBN 0803720319, HBB, $12.99.E. Counting books, Friendship—Fiction. unp.PS—Gr. 1.Little folks often ask the significant people intheir lives how much they love them. As muchas a hug? As much as outstretched arms? Now,there is another response possible. A countingbook that touches the heart, My Love for You bySusan L. Roth combines simple text and collageillustrations to hold the attention of the youngestchild, the oldest adult.Two mice explore the boundaries of their love inthis colorful book, along with the help of theiranimal friends. The refrain “my love for you”repeats through the pages, affirming devotion tothe heights, depths, and widths imaginable.The illustrations enliven the text. In her ownwords, Roth explains “to make these collages, Iused many thin papers, some thicker papers,glue, scissors, tweezers, and a little paint for themice.”The prereader and early reader alike will enjoythe simplicity of the text, the repetition of “mylove for you.” It is also a suitable read for theyoung-at-heart.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—5Su HagertyFreelance WriterIssaquah, WashingtonA Night the Stars Danced for Joy. BobHartman; illustrations by Tim Jonke.Colorado Springs: LionPublishing/ChariotVictor, 1996. ISBN0745936849, HBB, $16.95.E. Christmas stories. unp.Gr. 1—Adult.At the end of a long day, a shepherd, his wife andson, wish upon a shooting star. As the shepherdboy wishes a glowing ball forms. The ballbecomes the angel who leads the family to wherebaby Jesus was born. Before the family travels toBethlehem all the stars in the sky become angelswho sing, dance, or play instruments at the birthof the king. Illustrations by Tim Jonke, addnicely to the story capturing the mood throughdarkness and light.A Night the Stars Danced for Joy, by BobHartman seems at first glance to be a children’sbook. Upon further inspection, however, somerather adult themes emerge. While this bookcould make a nice addition to a family’sChristmas library, many points would either beconfusing or lost on younger elementary agechildren. For example, when the mother wisheson the star, she remembers the fights she had withher own mother and continually hears thesevoices reminding her. The mother’s wish is forpeace and to no longer hear the voices. After themother visits Jesus, the voices are gone. Familiesmay also question the suggestion that it is theboy’s wish upon the star that made the angelappear.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—4Elizabeth ColemanFreelance WriterTumwater, WashingtonNo Longer a Dilly Dally. By Carl Sommer;illustrated by Kennon James. (AnotherSommer-Time Story.) LCCN 96024351.Houston: Advance Publishing, 1997. ISBN1575370530, LIB, $14.95.E. Conduct of life—Fiction, Insects—Fiction, Work—Fiction. 48 p.PS—Gr. 1.In an adaptation of the fable of the ants and thegrasshoppers, Carl Sommer, with the help ofillustrator Kennon James, creates the tale of twofamilies of ants, Family Work Play and FamilyDilly Dally. Both families decide to leave thecrowded city and search for a quiet home in thecountry. Family Work Play, as their namedenotes, locates just the right spot to build, gatherfood, and prepare for the long winter. FamilyDilly Dally also lives up to their name, findingtheir dream spot and deciding to vacation a littlebefore building their home. When winter sets in,Family Work Play is enjoying all the comforts ofa well prepared home while Family Dilly Dally isnursing frostbitten fingers and gathering whatlittle food they can manage to find. As springarrives, father Dilly Dally gathers his familyaround and announces that he is no longer a DillyDally, from now on the family will be known asFamily Work First.◆ Quality—3 ❤ Acceptability—5Judy DriscollTeacher, Christ the King AcademyPoulsbo, WashingtonThe Parable of the Lily. By Liz Curtis Higgs;illustrated by Nancy Munger. LCCN96044222. Nashville: Thomas NelsonPublishers, 1997. ISBN 0785272313, HBB,$7.99.E. Parables, Lilies—Fiction, Easter—Fiction. 32 p.K—Adult.In the graphically illustrated story of adisappointing, neglected gift box, Liz CurtisHiggs illustrates in a new way the mystery ofnew life and resurrection. The Parable of the Lilycombines scripture verses, picturing the life ofJesus, with the story of a farmer and the surprisegift to his daughter on a winter day.Younger readers will enjoy the bright, crispillustrations while the story progresses. Eachpicture has its Bible verse that could be used as adevotional thought for the older reader.The story is a valuable resource to explain newlife in the spring, to use with the account of theresurrection, or to explain life after death. Thebook is not bound for heavy usage, but is awonderful story to share.◆ Quality—3 ❤ Acceptability—5Marie KnauppRetired LibrarianMonmouth, OregonPerfect Pancakes If You Please. William Wise;illustrated by Richard Egielski. New York:Dial Books for Young Readers/Penguin, 1997.ISBN 0803714475, HBB, $14.99.E. unp.K—Gr. 2.Felix the King is both greedy and a great lover ofpancakes. Not just any pancake but a perfectpancake, which he sends his royal task force outto find. The man who can make a stack of perfectpancakes which satisfy his greedy palate willreceive his only daughter, Princess Elizabeth, asa bride. As ‘Lizzy’ flees in horror to her motherQueen Ursula, the queen assures her that no onecan make a perfect pancake except perhapsMaximilian, the Evil Inventor who hasn’t beenseen for twenty years. Of course, we all knowthat near the end of the contest Maximilian isgoing to rear his ugly head and invent the perfectpancake. However, we may not be prepared forthe strange little man with a black box whoappears before the king promising a perfectpancake every time the button is pressed. True tohis word, Maximilian’s box performs aspromised, but due to the Princess’ refusal to begiven to the Evil Inventor, King Felix is unable tokeep his word. Maximilian stomps away leavingthe box with the warning that it will be the ruinof the king.Left to its own devices the black box beginschurning out pancakes with such vigor that thekingdom is soon overrun with perfect pancakes.Enter handsome and clever Roderick, the youngscientist who has just invented a flying machine.N O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 7 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 BOOKSWith a little trickery, Roderick is able to trapMaximilian and his black box in the flyingmachine, jettisoning them off into outer space.Of course, every fantasy needs a happy endingand William Wise furnishes his by matching thestrong willed Princess Elizabeth with thehandsome and clever Roderick in a perfectending. Watercolor illustrations by RichardEgielski enhance the sense of humor evident inthe story.◆ Quality—3 ❤ Acceptability—4Judy DriscollTeacher, Christ the King AcademyPoulsbo, WashingtonRead for Me, Mama. By Vashanti Rahaman;illustrated by Lori McElrath-Eslick. LCCN95077784. Honesdale, Penn.: Boyds MillsPress, 1997. ISBN 1563973138, HBB, $14.95.E. Reading—Fiction, Literacy—Fiction. unp.Gr. 1- 5.Read for Me, Mama by Vashanti Rahaman,tackles adult illiteracy, a subject seldom coveredin picture books. When Joseph’s class goes to thelibrary each week, he chooses two books to takehome, an easy one to read to himself and a harderone to have read to him. His mama is awonderful storyteller, but she never reads to him,allowing a neighbor to do so while doing theirlaundry at the laundromat.When Joseph asks Mama to read to him, she tellshim that she doesn’t have time or that he needs togo to bed. When she comes home late from workunexpectedly one day and he is worried, sheapologizes at length, telling him that she didn’tsee the sign at work that explained her changedhours.Finally, one Sunday in church, when the pastorasks if anyone needs prayer, she says yes andadmits that she never learned how to read and shewants to. Mama signs up for reading classes andby the end of the book, she is reading to her son.Joseph’s love for his mother and hers for himshines through the entire book, and the lavish oilpaintings that McElrath-Eslick uses to illustrate itare large and colorful and add to the warmfeeling of the story. Read for Me, Mama wouldbe an excellent way to introduce the ideas ofpraying for even practical needs and theimportance of learning to read, whatever a child’sfuture plans may be.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—5Betty WinslowFreelance WriterLibrarian, Bowling Green Christian AcademyBowling Green, OhioRocking Horse Christmas. By Mary PopeOsborne; paintings by Ned Bittinger. LCCN96001993. New York: Scholastic Press, 1997.ISBN 590929550, HBB, $15.95.E. Christmas—Fiction, Rocking horses—Fiction. unp.K—Gr. 3.The boy finds a rocking horse under theChristmas tree. “I'll call you Shadow,” he said.Mounting his steed, they ride away to wonderfuladventures. Daily they encounter outlaws, thejungles of Africa, or knight of old. The yearspass and the rocking horse is relegated to theattic. Dust and cobwebs cover him and therocking horse longs for the imagination of a childto bring him to life again.Mary Pope Osbourne identifies with the youngwho create their own rich world in theirimagination. She offers hope that dreams cometrue. Artist Ned Bittinger portrays the world of achild's fantasy with colorful tenderness. Childrenwill identify with and return to this book againand again. The cover art of the horse beingcarved by Santa and his helpers is the onlyillusion to Santa Claus.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—4Mary JarvisFrelance WriterPawhuska, OklahomaThe Seven Silly Eaters. Written by Mary AnnHoberman; illustrated by Marla Frazee.LCCN 95018186. San Diego: BrowndeerPress/Harcourt, Brace, 1997. ISBN0152000968, HBB, $15.00.E. Food habits—Fiction, Brothers and sisters—Fiction,Stories in rhyme. 40 p.PS—Gr. 3.Through graphically detailed pictures coupledwith flowing rhythm and rhyme Mary AnnHoberman expertly depicts The Seven SillyEaters as their mother lovingly provides for thewants of the growing appetites of her family.This is a book for reading out loud over and overagain. Many times of sharing will not exhaustthe fascinating details of the activities of agrowing family that are depicted on each page.Peter, Lucy, Jack and Mac, Flo and Fran, andMary Lou surprisingly make a cake when Mrs.Peters goes to bed with exhaustion. Then all iswell that ends well as the whole family celebratesMrs. Peter’s birthday. After this, cookingbecomes a family activity.Mothers and children will appreciate thewhimsical portrayal of hard-to-please appetitesand the utter chaos resulting in a homey feelingof serenity. The exaggerated reality will bringmany chuckles to old and young alike. This bookis too good to miss.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—5Marie KnauppRetired librarianMonmouth, OregonSnow Paws. By Mary Alice Downie;illustrated by Kathryn Naylor. Toronto, Ont.:Stoddart Kids, 1996. ISBN 0773729682,HBB, $12.95.E. Snowmen—Fiction. 24 p.PS—Gr. 3.Sam is a lonely boy in a big city. His brother,Marc, and sister, Nicole, are busy with schooland their own activities. Emilie, their cat, playswith Sam occasionally. Marc and Nicole decideto build Sam a snow playmate. Sam wants asnowcat, and he names him SnowPaws. Sam andSnowPaws travel to many places in the big city atnight. As spring approaches and Sam startsbaseball and recorder lessons, Sam only visitsSnowPaws some afternoons. When SnowPawsmelts, Sam cries. Then Emilie brings home akitten, and Sam names him SnowPaws.Mary Alice Downie’s whimsical story of a boyriding his imaginary snowcat among the stars is afun story. Is Sam asleep or is it magic when theyfly in the city? It is left up to the reader until thestory is almost at an end. Then the readerdiscovers that on evenings when it is too cold fordreaming, Sam stays home. Despite thisincongruity, children will enjoy SnowPaws.Kathryn Naylor’s bright and colorful ink andpigment style illustrations tie in with the storybeautifully. Children will love having the storyread aloud and reading it themselves. They willthink it is fun to have an imaginary snow friendthat flies.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—5Dianne WoodmanFreelance Writer and Homeschool ParentMilpitas, CaliforniaTied Up in Knots. By Carl Sommer;illustrated by Greg Budwine. (AnotherSommer-Time Story.) LCCN 96022014.Houston: Advance Publishing, 1997. ISBN1575370506, LIB, $14.95.C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 1 9 N O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 7

PICTURE BOOKSE. Behavior—Fiction, Sharing—Fiction, Obstinacy—Fiction, Mules—Fiction. 48 p.K—Gr. 3.Part of the Sommer-Time Story Series, Tied Upin Knots effectively illustrates the happinesssharing brings by using two stubborn mules whoare forced to work together.Carl Sommer, a devoted educator andbusinessman has created this fun and easy-toreadcollection of fascinating virtuecommunicating tales. Even as Benny and Sallywill not share, their mules Bossy and Stiffy willnot eat together, that is until Dad has a plan.Action packed illustrations help to communicatethe message with feelings registered in the “eyes”of animals and people portrayed. This book is avaluable resource for communicating the valueof sharing in an easy to understand way.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—5Marie KnauppRetired LibrarianMonmouth, Oregon★Tiger's New Cowboy Boots. Story by IreneMorck; illustrations by Georgia Graham.Red Deer, Alb.: Red Deer College Press/Orca,1996. ISBN 0889951535, HBB, $15.95.E. Cattle drives—Alberta—Fiction, Ranch life—Alberta—Fiction. 32 p.K—Gr. 3.Tiger has never felt like a real cowboy, eventhough he helps with his uncle’s cattle driveevery year. He’s from the city, and until this year,he’s always had to wear tennis shoes. Now Tigerhas real cowboy boots, and he can’t wait to showthem off.When he leaves home, they are shiny, sleek, softand new, and no one notices. By the end of theday, they are scratched, worn, and stained, andfinally his cousin notices them and tells himthey’re just like hers. Tiger smiles withsatisfaction: a real cowboy at last.Irene Morck’s book is filled with fun mishapsand misadventures, as well as the joy ofovercoming adversity, and seeing a difficult taskthrough to the end. It is through this hard workand adversity that Tiger comes to realize thatbeing a real cowboy means much more thanhaving cowboy boots.Children will be inspired by the characters ofTiger and Jessica, and will easily relate to theexcitement Tiger feels about his boots, as well ashis initial disappointment in himself and the selfdeterminationwhich results from it.The illustrations, by Georgia Graham, arestunning. They alone would be worth the price ofthe book. Story and pictures make this book abig winner, especially for little boys and girlswho have their own cowboy dreams.◆ Quality—5Virginia SchnabelFreelance WriterShelton, Washington❤ Acceptability—5Time to Sleep. Denise Fleming. LCCN96037553. New York: Henry Holt and Co.,1997. ISBN 0805037624, HBB, $15.95.E. Winter—Fiction, Animals—Fiction, Hibernation—Fiction. unp.K- Gr. 3.Time to Sleep, by Denise Fleming, is tailor-madefor a bedtime book, as the animals in it, one at atime, conclude that winter has arrived and it istime to sleep. The story has the kind of repetitionthat small children enjoy, with enoughinformation and changes to hold a somewhatolder child's interest.Fleming's use of cotton pulp to paint theillustrations in her books as well as form theactual pages themselves has evolved during herartistic career to become the textured, richlycolored illustrations seen here in Time to Sleep.The bright, cheerful colors and unique approachmakes this a book that even older children andadults can enjoy.Quality- 5 Acceptability—5Betty WinslowFree-lance Writer/Librarian BowlingGreen Christian AcademyBowling Green, OhioToad. Ruth Brown. New York: DuttonChildren's Books/Penguin, 1997. ISBN0525457577, HBB, $14.99.E. Toads—Fiction. unp.PS—Gr. 2.Toad is muddy, mucky, and gooey, and those arejust his more attractive qualities. He also has aproblem. If you study each picture carefully, youcan see a monster sneaking up on Toad. SinceToad is also very slow, the monster snatches himinto its jaws. Toad’s disgusting qualities savehim. The monster spews Toad out in disgust.Still toxic and lumpy, Toad is now safe andhappy.Written and illustrated by Ruth Brown, Toad isdisgustingly adorable. The bold paintingspractically ooze off the page, luring the readerinto the swamp and teaching closer observationthrough camouflage. Brown’s use ofonomatopoetic words along with spatters anddribbles of paint engage the senses. The text isjust slimy and scary enough to have five-yearoldssquealing with delight.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—5Cathleen Sovold JohnsonFreelance WriterDes Moines, WashingtonTreeman. Written by Carmen Agra Deedy;illustrated by Douglas J. Ponte. LCCN93001667. Atlanta: Peachtree Publishers,1993. ISBN 1561450774, HBB, $16.95.E. Jungle animals—Fiction, Trees—Fiction,Christmas—Fiction. 32 p.Gr. 1—2.Deep in the South American rain forest threefriends, a boa named Ana Conda, a sloth namedSlow Jim, and a toucan, Bill, just Bill, are startledone day with a shower of letters and cardsdropped from the sky when a passing plane losesa mail bag. The three friends watch inamazement as a bright card lands on Bill’s bill.We would have recognized it as a Christmascard, but to the friends it was very puzzling.There was a picture on the card of Big Red (SantaClaus) surrounded by presents and his arm on amost unusual tree with bright beautiful “fruit”hanging from it. They have never seen anythinglike it.Bill has a great idea. “You leave this fellowpresents and he leaves you a tree. This is theTreeman!” The friends decide they would like atree like that since the trees in their forest are alldisappearing. If they give gifts to the Treeman,perhaps he will give them one of those trees.Special presents are offered. A special treearrives with an unexpected response.Humorous, colorful illustrations by Douglas J.Ponte will delight children. The tongue-in-cheeknarration by author Carmen Agra Deedy, a nativeof Cuba, subtly weaves in the dilemma of thedestruction of the rain forest. This is not yourtypical Christmas story but teaches a lesson ingratitude.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—4Mary JarvisFreelance WriterPawhuska, OklahomaN O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 7 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 BOOKSWelcome to Bayou Town. By Chérie D.Schadler; illustrated by Ann BiedenharnJones. LCCN 96015572. Gretna, La.: PelicanPublishing Co, 1996. ISBN 1565541618,HBB, $14.95.E. Bayous—Fiction, Animals—Fiction, Louisiana—Fiction, Stories in rhyme. unp.Gr. 2—5.Bayou Town welcomes all who come for a visitor to go shopping. It is a very special placebecause the houses and businesses are built onpiers over the muddy back waters of theMississippi River. We follow a young Acadiangirl as she poles her way through the swamp,going on an errand for her mama. On her trip sheencounters some unusual and beautiful creatureslike a great pelican, a raccoon, and a possumfamily.She is heading for the Seafood Shack that isowned by Mr. Boudreaux, the mayor of BayouTown. He is a jolly man and he. his wife, andson, Toby. have a wonderful time keeping upwith their pet alligator, Alfons. Today Alfons istaking a roll in Mrs. Boudreaux’s onion patch.She has a beautiful garden full of vegetables, buta certain alligator can make a big mess if he isn’tchased away.Everyone joins in the fun of chasing Alfons. Canthey catch the rascal before it’s too late? Laughterand fun fill the air as they play a game ofAlligator-keepaway. But at last it is time for theyoung girl to return to her mama, holding thecrab boil her mama will put into the big cookingpot for dinner.This simple story, Welcome To Bayou Town,introduces some of the characters who live in andaround Bayou Town. This book has beenproduced from the successful puppet theater thatCherie D. Schadler and her husband havebrought to many throughout the South. Done inrhyme, the story gives the reader a good feel forthe kind of broken English/French accents foundaround the New Orleans area. The illustrationsby Ann Biedenharn Jones portray the beauty ofthe back country and the variety of wildlife foundin this interesting geographical area. This storycan be useful for children learning about adifferent culture within the United States.◆ Quality—3 ❤ Acceptability—5Christian PeriodicalIndex AdMary McKinneyFreelance WriterPort Orchard, WashingtonC H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 2 1 N O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 7

BOOK REVIEWSCHILDREN’S FICTIONThe Blue and the Gray. Eve Bunting;illustrated by Ned Bittinger. New York:Scholastic Press, 1996. ISBN 0590601970,HBB, $14.95.F. United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Fiction, Friendship—Fiction, Dwellings—Fiction, Afro-Americans—Fiction, Stories in rhyme.Gr. 3—5.Ned Bittinger’s oil on primed linen picturesweave together two time periods in The Blue andthe Gray by Eve Bunting. Activities of todaycontrast vividly with 1862 battlefield scenesbetween the Union Blue and the ConfederateGray forces in this intermediate picture book.The disjointed text jumps abruptly between ahousing construction site on the edge of a CivilWar battleground and a description of a battlebetween the Yankees and Rebels. Two friends,one white, one black, listen to the story told bythe former’s father. The children are encouragedto “remember and revere...so many battlegroundshave disappeared without a name.”Text description concerns include phrases such as“soaked the grass with blood,” “field of bones,”“ripped legs and arms away,” and “moans andcries.”Battle illustrations of swords drawn, rifles aimed,flags burning, cannons firing, and woundedsoldiers may also concern some readers. If usedas a read-aloud book to accompany a study of theCivil War, be prepared to identify flags, to knowwho the Northern general and Southern captainwere, and to explain the meaning of words like“hillocky,” “hummocky,” and “shinnies.”The suggestions for further reading listed includepicture books, nonfiction materials, and poetrywhich are useful. One title listed is Pink and Sayby Patrica Polacco which is a nice complement tothe above title.◆ Quality—2 ❤ Acceptability—3Carolyn Jo BallardLibrarianZ. J. Loussac Public LibraryAnchorage, AlaskaThe Butterfly Lion. Michael Morpurgo.LCCN 96052797. New York: Viking/Penguin,1997. ISBN 0670874612, HBB, $14.99.F. Lions—Fiction, England—Fiction. 90 p.Gr. 3—5.The Butterfly Lion, by Michael Morpurgo, is thestory of a homesick, ten-year-old boy stuck in adesperately dismal boarding school. Deciding torun away home, the boy ducks through a fencedgate to avoid detection from a passing car.Within the walls of the garden, the boy meets anelderly woman and her dog. She invites him infor tea and scones. It is then that the story of theButterfly Lion is told.The story is about another young English boy,Bertie, growing up isolated and sheltered on theAfrican savanna. One day, he spies a mother lionand her white cub. The mother is killed byBertie’s father. Bertie breaks the rule aboutstaying within the compound and saves the whitecub from hyenas. He raises the cub until hisfather tell him that he will be sent to boardingschool and the lion is to be sold to a circus.Bertie defies his father and sets the cub free.Ultimately the young cub is bought by the circusowner. The young eight-year-old vows tosomeday find the lion again.The woman tells of the secret friendship sheshared with Bertie which spanned the yearsthrough separation and war ending in marriage.It is a sweet story of love and devotion. There isa curse of “merry hell to pay,” and there is noremorse for having defied his father. Thechildren in the story are abandoned by the adultsaround them and the neglect filters through to thelack of emotion the children show of the death oftheir respective parents.The story is simple yet poignant in its message oflove. The ending has a ghost-like element that issurprising yet not objectionable. It is not a longstory, and would make a good read aloud storyfor all school age children. The emotions thatrise to the surface could then be discussed.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—4Joanne M. HafflyFreelance Writer and Homeschool MotherGig Harbor, WashingtonThe Disappearing Card Trick. Vicki BergerErwin. (Elizabeth Bryan Mysteries; 1.)LCCN 95022850. St. Louis, Mo.: ConcordiaPublishing House, 1996. ISBN 0570048354,PAP, $4.99.F. Baseball cards—Fiction, Baseball—Fiction,Christian life—Fiction, Mystery and detective stories.112 p.——The Case of the Questionable Cousin.Vicki Berger Erwin. (Elizabeth BryanMysteries; 2.) LCCN 95022849. St. Louis,Mo.: Concordia Publishing House, 1996.ISBN 0570048362, PAP, $4.99.F. Christian life—Fiction, Mystery and detectivestories, Science projects—Fiction. 111 p.——The Catnapping Caper. Vicki BergerErwin. (Elizabeth Bryan Mysteries; 3.)LCCN 96033840. St. Louis, Mo.: ConcordiaPublishing House, 1996. ISBN 0570048702,PAP, $4.99.F. Christian life—Fiction, Mystery and detectivestories, Cats—Fiction. 109 p.Gr. 4—6.Elizabeth gets to know more about the world ofbaseball cards in The Disappearing Card Trick.Her father’s collection contains one particularlyvaluable card. When she is invited to go to abaseball card show, she takes the card, againsther mother’s wishes, to see what it is worth. Sheforgets her purse, and when it is recovered, sherealizes that the card has been replaced by a fake.She ends up is some danger, but uncovers thecounterfeiter’s plan and is saved just in time.The Case of the Questionable Cousin beginswhen twelve-year-old Elizabeth Bryan and herbest friend, Meghan, are getting ready for thescience fair. A stranger knocks at the door. Sheturns out to be Aunt Nan’s niece, Dede, who hascome for a visit. Aunt Nan is a neighbor thatMike and Elizabeth have adopted as part of theirfamily. This “cousin” does some strange things.When Dede disappears in a time of need,Elizabeth discovers her real plan to rob Aunt Nanof her valuables.In The Capnapping Caper, Elizabeth happensupon an old used bookstore and its owner, Teresa,who has lost a very valuable cat that lives in thestore. Elizabeth gets a job delivering books forthe bookstore clients and tries to figure out whathappened to Teresa’s brother, Gregory, and thecats that are disappearing. She discovers wherethe ransom money will be delivered and rescuesthe cats in time for one of them to give birth.This series has very definite flavors of the NancyDrew books by Carolyn Keene, only with atwelve-year-old heroine. The plots are prettysimplistic and the characterizations stereotypical.She does pray and ask God for help in her variousdifficulties and dangers, but she seems to have notrouble disobeying and lying to her mother. HerN O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 7 2 2 C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L

CHILDREN’S FICTIONadventures are dangerous involvement for one soyoung.◆ Quality—3 ❤ Acceptability—4Judy BelcherSylvan Way Christian SchoolBremerton, Washingtonemotions she experiences as she grows intoyoung adulthood. The Christian emphasis flowsnaturally into the storyline. One of Hattie’sparticular concerns is that her friend, Miriam, aJewish girl, should have the chance to trust Christas her Messiah.Note: For a review of Hattie Marshall and the ProwlingPanther, Book 1 in this series, see the November, 1995, issueof the Christian Library Journal.◆ Quality—5Donna BrownChurch LibrarianPortland, Oregon❤ Acceptability—5The Great Stone Face. Nathaniel Hawthorne;adapted by Penelope J. Stokes; illustrated byGreg Dearth. Colorado Springs:ChariotVictor Publishing, 1997. ISBN156476544X, HBB, $14.99.F. Integrity—Fiction, Love—Fiction. 40 p.Gr. 1—Adult.Throughout his life Ernest has heard theprophecy of the great stone face that overlooksthe valley where he lives. Ernest waits and waitsfor the great man whose face is like the onecarved in the mountain. In the end, it is Ernest,through his gentle, pure, and virtuous life who isthe great stone face.Matching perfectly with the story are illustrationsby Greg Dearth. Each detailed drawing seems tobe carved onto the page, enhancing the story.The Great Stone Face by Nathaniel Hawthorne,adapted by Penelope J. Stokes, would work verywell for family devotions. Although a bit lengthyand mature for preschool age children, some ofthe more difficult vocabulary words and ideaswould prove to be a nice challenge for olderelementary. A pleasant moral tale that adults andchildren will both enjoy.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—5Elizabeth ColemanFreelance WriterTumwater, WashingtonHattie Marshall and the Dangerous Fire.Debra Smith. (Hattie Marshall FrontierAdventure Series; 2.) LCCN 95039921.Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books, 1995. ISBN0891078797, PAP, $4.99.F. Christian life—Fiction, Texas—Fiction. 143 p.——Hattie Marshall and the MysteriousStrangers. Debra Smith. (Hattie MarshallFrontier Adventure Series; 3.) LCCN95045121. Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books,1996. ISBN 0891078789, PAP, $4.99.F. Christian life—Fiction, Frontier and pioneer life—Fiction, Caddo Indians—Fiction, Louisiana—Fiction.144 p.Gr. 4—8.Twelve-year-old Hattie starts to worry when hernewly-married sister comes back home to live inHattie Marshall and the Dangerous Fire. IsRosalie going to force her way back into Hattie’sroom and take over? Hattie enlists the help of hertwo best friends, Eric and Miriam, in her plan toreunite the newlyweds.First, she must follow Lester, Rosalie’s husband,to find out where he’s going at night. Thispursuit exposes Hattie and her friends to adangerous situation when a forest fire threatensthem and their families.Texas celebrates the Fourth of July in a big way,but in the midst of the celebration Hattie’s motherreceives an urgent telegram.Hattie Marshall and the Mysterious Strangersopens with a call for help from Hattie’s uncle.His wife and children are sick with the chickenpox. Hattie, along with her mother andgrandmother, sets out to help. Hattie’s friend,Eric, goes with them for extra help andprotection.Upon her arrival, Hattie faces some hard workand difficult emotions. She and Eric, the best offriends, suddenly can’t stop arguing. Thingsbecome more complicated when Hattie discoversa family living near her aunt and uncle’s farm.Hattie is drawn to the family and wants tobecome friends but the grandmother is verysuspicious of strangers. Finally earning theirtrust, Hattie discovers that the grandmother hasbeen keeping a secret.Debra Smith writes an exciting and involvingtale of a girl growing up in Texas during itsfrontier days. Her characters and plot areexciting and believable. The reader canempathize with Hattie and with the struggles andHawk Hill. By Suzie Gilbert; illustrated bySylvia Long. LCCN 96005214. SanFrancisco: Chronicle Books, 1996. ISBN0811808394, HBB, $14.95.F. Hawks—Fiction, Friendship—Fiction, Moving,Household—Fiction. 40 p.Gr. 1—6Pete’s family has moved to a new town. Leavesare changing colors and Pete still has no friendsat his new school. In fact, he never seems to beable to think of something to say to any of thekids he meets. It just isn’t the same in this newplace without his best friend. One day Pete triesa new road home and discovers a wonderfulplace, Hawk Hill, where he can lay back andwatch the birds swoop and dive. One day, whilewalking home, Pete discovers a barn andfarmhouse where an older woman named Maryhas an animal hospital for birds injured in man’senvironment. Thus begins Pete’s new life.There are two stories in this intelligent andattractive picture book. The first is the story of alonely boy who discovers a special friend and thejoy of caring for animals. The second story isabout our environment and the effect it has onwild birds. Although this is a picture bookformat, the appeal of the two intertwined storiesspans all age groups. As Pete helps to treatwounded birds, he learns to love his new home.Sylvia Long illustrates Hawk Hill in vividwatercolors. Pages of large framed picturesC H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 2 3 N O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 7

CHILDREN’S FICTIONalternate with small detailed paintings. Twodouble page spreads emphasize pivotal points inthe story. Each watercolor is detailed andaccurate helping the reader to visualize andunderstand the beauty of America’s raptors, orbirds of prey. Included at the end of the book isa glossary of all the birds named in the text withinformation about habitats and prey. Children ofall ages will empathize with Pete and enjoy theenvironmental story. Young children will havedifficulty reading this book independently.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—5Barbara WallSchool Library System DirectorOswego County BOCESMexico, New YorkHurry, Murray, Hurry! Bob Keeshan;illustrated by Chad Peterson. LCCN95040505. Minneapolis: Fairview Press,1996. ISBN 0925190845, HBB, $14.95.F. Time—Fiction, Environmental protection—Fiction.28 p.Gr. 1—5.All around Murray, people are rushing. Quick!Do this. Quick! Do that. Murray is nine yearsold and is in no hurry to be ten. Everyone rushesexcept his friend in third grade, Henrietta.Henrietta also enjoys taking her time.Because Murray and Henrietta take their time todo their weekly test in third grade, they are thelast to finish but they are also the only kids to getperfect scores.Murray and Henrietta don’t do all things slowly.They can really hustle when they are playingbaseball. The children’s parents try to hurry themthrough chores, shopping, and even eating icecream. The children remind their parents thatthey are in no hurry to grow up, that they want toenjoy their days, one at a time.What a good reminder for us adults as we read toour children, or as they read to us, that we, too,need to enjoy the present.Bob Keeshan of “Captain Kangaroo” fame is theauthor. Illustrations by Chad Peterson enhancethe story.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—4Barbara TaenzlerFreelance Writer and Book ReviewerGlenwood, IowaKayuktuk : An Arctic Quest. By Brian Heinz;illustrations by Jon Van Zyle. LCCN94044526. San Francisco: Chronicle Books,1996. ISBN 0811804119, HBB, $14.95.F. Arctic regions—Fiction. 40 p.PS—Gr. 4.Brian Heinz tells the story of Aknik, an Inupiatboy, who struggles to prove himself to be asuccessful hunter. He snares ptarmigan, but thebirds disappear from his trap before he arrives toclaim his catch. Older boys tease Aknik and heis not included in the whale hunt because he mustprove himself first. The Shaman advises Aknikthat he must bring home evidence of the thief thatis robbing his traps. Aknik sets out to catch thethief red-handed. He discovers that a grey fox isthe culprit. Because she is a mother, with cubs tofeed, Aknik does not kill her for the evidence, butfinds an alternative way to prove the truth.Paintings by Jon Van Zyle vividly convey theharshness and beauty of Aknik’s world. Aglossary provides pronunciation and definitionfor native (Inupiat) words used in the text. Theidea that Aknik faces a mother fox and her kitswithin close range and she does not show anyaggressive or protective behavior is unlikely.Also, the community’s satisfaction with Aknik’sproof that he caught birds, even though he hadnothing to show for it, does not ring true.Success would be measured by the actual catch,not the ones that got away.◆ Quality—3 ❤ Acceptability—5Karla J. KessellLibrarian, Mount Vernon Nazarene CollegeMount Vernon, OhioThe Lost Prince. Peggy Downing; illustratedby Sherry Neidigh. LCCN 95019932.Greenville, S.C.: Bob Jones University Press,1995. ISBN 0890848343, PAP, $6.49.F. Fantasy, Christian life—Fiction. 216 p.Gr. 3—6.The Lost Prince by Peggy Downing, Segra andBrill, two young children, set off on a newadventures. After the revolution that has finallyfreed their homeland of the evil EmperorImmane, Segra longs to find her parents, andBrill wants to search for Exitorn’s lost prince.Along the way, they encounter dangers fromrobbers, stormy weather on the sea, and muchmore. Aid comes to them on several occasions inthe unlikely form of a beautiful large meladorabird named Stargull.This exciting adventure story is a wholesomebook for young readers. The print is large. Thedialogue and storyline are simple and easy tounderstand, and sprinkled throughout are pen andink drawings of the action.Peggy Downing has written several other booksand stories for children, including Brill ofExitorn, to which this book is a sequel. Childrenmay want to read them in order to get thecomplete flow of action.◆ Quality—3 ❤ Acceptability—5Gayle Chessman Haberman, TeacherWest Hills Christian School,Portland, OregonMelanie and the Cruise Caper. Elaine L.Schulte. (The Twelve Candles Club; 10.)LCCN 96025323. Minneapolis: BethanyHouse Publishers, 1996. ISBN 1556615388,PAP, $5.99.F. Clubs—Fiction, Christian life—Fiction. 127 p.Gr. 4—6.Twelve-year-old Melanie Lin is the newestmember of The Twelve Candles Club. HerChinese- American aunt has a friend in the travelbusiness who got stuck at the last minute tryingto provide child care for a cruise in theCaribbean. Melanie enlists the help of herfriends in the club, and they end up taking care ofand entertaining many kids on the cruise boat.Each of the girls has special talents that help withher responsibilities. Coincidentally, a man theyhad met previously appears on the trip with hisgrandchildren. He and a couple of members ofthe crew attempt to smuggle drugs into theUnited States. The Twelve Candles Club girlsare attuned to the possible difficulties and lead inthe capture of the drugs and the smugglers.While the idea of twelve-year-olds beingresponsible for children on a cruise and thecoincidence that the very same man they hadinteracted with in California is on the cruise arehighly improbable, these ideas are developed in aenjoyable way and do draw the reader into thestory. The girls pray together and depend on Godfor wisdom and peace in the midst of theirdifficulties and fears. This series would haveappeal to those interested in Babysitter Club typebooks.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—5Judy BelcherTeacher, Sylvan Way Christian SchoolBremerton, WashingtonThe Mystery of the Haunted Lighthouse.Elspeth Campbell Murphy; illustrated by JoeNordstrom. (Three Cousins Detective Club;7.) LCCN 95043837. Minneapolis: BethanyHouse Publishers, 1995. ISBN 155661411X,PAP, $3.99.F. Mystery and detective stories, Cousins—Fiction,Christian life—Fiction. 63 p.N O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 7 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

CHILDREN’S FICTION——The Mystery of the Dolphin Detective.Elspeth Campbell Murphy; illustrated by JoeNordstrom. (Three Cousins Detective Club;8.) LCCN 95045258. Minneapolis: BethanyHouse Publishers, 1995. ISBN 1556614128,PAP, $3.99.F. Mystery and detective stories, Cousins—Fiction,Christian life—Fiction. 62 p.——The Mystery of the Eagle Feather.Elspeth Campbell Murphy; illustrated by JoeNordstrom. (Three Cousins Detective Club;9.) LCCN 95045260. Minneapolis: BethanyHouse Publishers, 1995. ISBN 1556614136,PAP, $3.99.F. Mystery and detective stories, Cousins—Fiction,Christian life—Fiction. 62 p.——The Mystery of the Gingerbread House.Elspeth Campbell Murphy; illustrated by JoeNordstrom. (Three Cousins Detective Club;13.) LCCN 96045911. Minneapolis: BethanyHouse Publishers, 1997. ISBN 1556618514,PAP, $3.99.F. Mystery and detective stories, Cousins—Fiction,Christian life—Fiction, Clubs—Fiction. 59 p.——The Mystery of the Zoo Camp. ElspethCampbell Murphy; illustrated by JoeNordstrom. (Three Cousins Detective Club;14.) LCCN 6045912. Minneapolis: BethanyHouse Publishers, 1997. ISBN 1556618522,PAP, $3.99.F. Mystery and detective stories, Cousins—Fiction,Christian life—Fiction, Clubs—Fiction, Zoos—Fiction,Snakes—Fiction. 61 p.——The Mystery of the Goldfish Pond.Elspeth Campbell Murphy; illustrated by JoeNordstrom. (Three Cousins Detective Club;15.) LCCN 97004645. Minneapolis: BethanyHouse Publishers, 1997. ISBN 1556618530,PAP, $3.99.F. Mystery and detective stories, Cousins—Fiction,Christian life—Fiction, Clubs—Fiction. 63 p.Gr. 2—5Ten-year-old cousins, Sarah-Jane Cooper,Timothy Dawson and Titus McKay form theirown club for the purpose of solving mysteries.The Mystery of the Haunted Lighthouse. Thethree cousins take an “educational vacation” withSarah-Jane’s parents. They help a family friendinvestigate a mystery surrounding the lighthousethat he wants to purchase. Meanwhile, Sarah-Jane’s father teaches them all about the history oflighthouses.The Mystery of the Dolphin Detective. Titus’wish to “swim with the dolphins” at a dolphinstudy center is about to come true. But before hegets his chance he slips and sprains an ankle,leading the three cousins into a new mystery.The Mystery of the Eagle Feather. Timothy’spen-pal, an Indian boy named Anthony Twotrees,sparks the idea for the cousins’ nextvacation. They attend an Indian powwow andlearn that a special eagle feather fan, belonging toAnthony’s uncle, is missing.The Mystery of the Gingerbread House. SarahJane’s interest is Victorian houses gets the threecousins embroiled in a mystery involving twogirls from a hundred years in the past and their“letter to the future”.The Mystery of the Zoo Camp. Titus lovessnakes. His two cousins are not so enthusiastic.But all three are on their way to the zoo and amystery involving a missing snake and adiamond ring!The Mystery of the Goldfish Pond. After singingat a retirement dinner for his father’s boss,Timothy and his cousins go outside to explore theformal gardens. While there, they overhearsnatches of a mysterious conversation and go towork trying to figure out what it means.This series is designed for seven to ten-year-oldsreading their first chapter books. Large print andshort chapters with black and white illustrationswill appeal to younger readers.Each of the books contain an independent story,illustrating a Christian value or Bible verse.Background information on the previousadventures of the three cousins is included ineach book, bringing new readers up to date.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—5Donna BrownChurch LibrarianPortland, OregonSing and Play Music Video. Loveland, Colo.:Group Productions, 1996. ISBN 1559455829,VID, $14.99. ISBN 1559457783, CAS, $5.99.782.42. Songs. 1 videocassette, 30 min., color. 1audiocassette, 30 min.——Sing and Play Jamboree. Loveland,Colo.: Group Productions, 1996. ISBN0764497030, VID, $14.99. ISBN 0764497081,CAS, $9.99.782.42. Songs. 1 videocassette, 25 min., color. 1audiocassette, 30 min.——Chadder's Wild Frontier Adventure.Loveland, Colo.: Group Productions, 1997.ISBN 0764497014, VID, $14.99.F. Western fiction. 1 videocassette, 45 min., color.PS—Gr. 5.The first video, Sing and Play, is set on board TheBig Red Boat amid Caribbean and Floridascenery. Short praise songs are sung and set inmotion by a crew of enthusiastic kids. The brightjoyful singing make up for the repetitiouschoreography. The praise songs are short enoughto learn easily and keep even young audiencemember’s attention. A lyric sheet with activitiesis included. Also in audiocassette◆ Quality—3 ❤ Acceptability—5Sing and Play Jamboree is shot againstMissouri’s family theme park, Silver Dollar City.Clever video graphics combined with costumedchildren singing a wide variety of praise songsmake this a boredom buster. Chadder, theChipmunk, an engaging little puppet and hisSouthern belle friend, Scarlet, introduce eachsong with small bits of scripture wisdom alongwith humor. The video comes with a lyric andactivity guide booklet, making it useful in theclassroom or at home. Also in audiocassette.◆ Quality—3 ❤ Acceptability—5Chadder’s Wild Frontier Adventure is also set inSilver Dollar City. Chadder’s Adventure isalmost an hour long and will capture olderchildren attention, as well as entertaining ayounger audience. There is less singing andmore drama as Chadder the Chipmunk has toface Wallace Jaw, the meanest kid in the world, ina showdown at high noon. How will thediminutive Chadder face up to this challenge isthe question. With his friend Scarlet’sencouragement Chadder tries to solve hisdilemma as Jesus would.Fun and funny and full of nuggets of spiritualwisdom, Chadder’s Wild Frontier Adventure issure to be a video requested often, and workswell in lessons focusing on facing our fears andshowing God’s love. This also comes with anactivity booklet filled with a wide variety ofideas.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—5Pam WebbLibrarianSandpoint Community Christian SchoolSandpoint, IdahoSwiss Holiday. Elizabeth Yates; edited byGloria Repp. LCCN 96029206. Greenville,S.C.: Bob Jones University Press, 1996. ISBN0890848890, PAP, $6.49.F. Switzerland—Fiction, Mountaineering—Fiction.154 p.Gr. 4—7.Newbery Medal winner, Elizabeth Yates bringsthe Swiss Alps to life through her book, SwissHoliday. Brother and sister, Michael and Merry,learn to respect and cherish the challenging peakof the Wildhorn in the Bernese Oberland ofSwitzerland. Michael and Merry are invited on amountain climbing adventure by theirmountaineering uncle. Novices tomountaineering, Michael and Merry learn thearduous skill of mountain climbing as they movefrom scaling steep slopes to more challengingheights. Their summer’s ambition is to climb the10,100-foot peak of the Wildhorn.Readers of Swiss Holiday will learn the tools andtechniques of mountain climbing from the authorwho herself is an adept mountaineer and hasclimbed the Wildhorn. There is a realistic pace atwhich the children learn to climb and tacklehigher heights. Michael and Merry learn to useC H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 2 5 N O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 7

CHILDREN’S FICTIONtheir mind as well as their feet and hands as theycarefully confront each new challenge. Thedanger of mountaineering is portrayed throughan accident that befalls even their skilled uncle.Younger readers will appreciate Merry’s effort toprove to her parents and brother that she iscapable of mountain climbing despite her youngage. In the end, Merry turns out to be a bettermountaineer than her older brother.Bob Jones University Press has reprinted SwissHoliday which was originally published in 1938.The large print and realistic black-and-whitepencil drawings make this book appealing toyoung readers. Challenging vocabularysprinkled throughout the story will motivatereaders to learn new words. Elizabeth Yate’sSwiss Holiday will thrill children who enjoyreading outdoor adventures.◆ Quality—3 ❤ Acceptability—5Susan RobinsonLibrarianUpper Darby, PennsylvaniaThunder Ice. Alison Acheson. Regina, Sask.:Coteau Books, 1996. ISBN 1550501054, PAP,$6.95.F. Canada—History—Fiction. 143 p.Gr. 3—8.Oliver Tate is a young boy growing up inNorthern Canada during the 1879. Newlyimmigrated from England, the family struggles tosurvive in the mining town. A family feudthreatens to break apart Oliver’s father and UncleWill, and soon Oliver finds himself at odds withhis cousin Bert. In an act of courage, Oliver isable to sound the alarm regarding a town crisis.Oliver swallows his pride and finally mends hisdisagreement with his cousin.Thunder Ice is set in a mining town. Thelanguage scattered through out the book reflectsthis with an occasional curse. Oliver curses andfeels immediate remorse for his actions. Hestruggles to accept his father’s decisions and attimes chooses to disobey. The disobediencecarries a price and Oliver learns the price ofpride. The author, Alison Acheson, captures thespirit of a young boy struggling with hisconscience.There is an occasional reference to the churchand his uncle’s habit of walking out during thesermon—“usually when the weather was warmand fishing in the lake just too inviting.” Oliverand his cousin Bert are also caught in an attemptto peek into the window of the town saloondancer. The author has given a human face to thevarious individuals that make up a mining town.Oliver is aware of his father’s disapproval of thegambling and drinking that occurs in the town.Yet in the end, his father takes a job that movesthe family to town.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—3Joanne M. HafflyFreelance Writer and Homeschool MotherGig Harbor, WashingtonOrca 1/2 page adN O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 7 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

BOOK REVIEWSCHILDREN’S NONFICTION000’s — General InformationBooks Children Love : A Guide to the BestChildren's Literature. Elizabeth LarawayWilson; foreword by Susan SchaefferMaccaulay. LCCN 87070459. Westchester,Ill.: Crossway Books, 1987. ISBN0891074414, PAP, $14.99.011.62. Books. 330 p.Adult.Books Children Love is an annotated guide toquality children’s books for parents who wanttheir children to experience life throughwholesome literature. Elizabeth Wilsondeveloped this guide based on the need forfamilies to share and discuss literature whichportrays the world around them but will notundermine Christian values.The children’s literature included in BooksChildren Love were selected based on threecriteria. First, these books are enjoyable to readand will hold a child’s interest. Secondly, thebooks are well written. Third, though the authorsmay be Christian or non-Christian, the booksthemselves do not hold viewpoints deviant frombasic Judeo-Christian morals and ethics.Books Children Love is organized by genre andtopic from animals to science and technology.The annotations under each category arearranged alphabetically by author (exceptbiographies which are arranged by the person thebook is about). Reading levels are clearlymarked, but one must look through all theannotations in each category to find theappropriate books on your child’s level. Thisguide is not meant to be exhaustive or up-to-date,but it is a good place to start for families seekingquality children’s literature.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—5Susan RobinsonLibrarianUpper Darby, Pennsylvania200’s — ReligionReal Kids, Real Adventures : True Stories 5. ByDeborah Morris. (Real Kids, RealAdventures; 5.) LCCN 94011741. Nashville:Broadman & Holman, 1995. ISBN0805440550, PAP, $4.99.209. Christian biography—United States, Children—United States—Biography. 111 p.——Real Kids, Real Adventures : True Stories6. By Deborah Morris. (Real Kids, RealAdventures; 6.) LCCN 94011741. Nashville:Broadman & Holman, 1995. ISBN0805440569, PAP, $4.99.209. Children—United States—Biography. 101 p.New titles; see series reviews in CLJ, Nov. 95 (1-2), Jan.96 (3-4).Genesis. Art by Ed Young ; adapted from theKing James version. LCCN 94018698. NewYork: Laura Geringer Books/HarperCollins,1997. ISBN 0060253568, HBB, $16.95.222. Creation. unp.All ages.In Genesis, the Spirit of God hovers over the faceof the deep, bringing life and light out ofemptiness. Similarly, Ed Young’s illustrations ofcreation draw meaning and purpose out ofbrooding shades. Birds and fish emerge from adusky palette brushed by a fiery dawn. A herd ofwispy beasts gallop from the hand of God.The images invite the imagination to explore thetruth sketched in the first few verses of the Bible.The simplicity of text combined with thesophistication of the artwork create a picturebook that spans the ages.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—5Melinda TorgersonFreelance WriterNewport, Washington★One Wintry Night. Ruth Bell Graham;illustrated by Richard Jesse Watson. LCCN91048107. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1994.ISBN 0801038480, HBB, $25.00. ISBN080103003X, CAS, $12.99.232.92. Jesus Christ—Nativity, Christmas. 71 p.Gr. 2—5.Caught in a sudden mountain snowstorm, youngZeb finds refuge in a cabin his grandfather builtyears before. The kind woman living in the cabinwith dogs and a cat gives him a warm welcome.She makes him comfortable for his stay whilesnow continues to fall. It is the Christmas seasonand she has a present for him, a beautiful walkingstick that had belonged to his grandfather. Shetells him a wonderful Christmas story that startswith creation and concludes with the resurrectionof Jesus.Ruth Bell Graham, wife of evangelist BillyGraham, has done a masterful job blendingcontemporary life with the history of God's lovein the biblical record. She immediately capturesthe imagination with the tale of young Zeb'splight and continues to hold it with her artfultelling of the story of God's redemption.The exquisite color illustrations by awardwinning artist Richard Jesse Watson elevate thisbook to a classic that will be read again andagain. The artist spent four years rendering theillustrations and they are truly outstanding.A cassette tape of the story, narrated by Mrs.Graham's daughter Gigi Graham Tchividjian,offers a captivating reading/listening experience.This is a marvelous book for a youngsterunfamiliar with the gospel or those who haveknown it from the cradle. Both text and art willcaptivate young minds.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—5Mary JarvisFrelance WriterPawhuska, OklahomaC H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 2 7 N O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 7

CHILDREN’S NONFICTIONThe Way to Bethlehem. Text by Inos Biffi;illustrations by Franco Vignazia. LCCN97021274. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdman'sPublishing, 1997. ISBN 0802851592, HBB,$14.00.232.92. Jesus Christ—Nativity, Christmas. 47 p.All ages.The Way to Bethlehem helps both young and oldremember and focus on the real reason forChristmas. Author Inos Biffi simply buttastefully tells the Christmas story using what theBible says to continually draw us to Jesus. InosBiffi walks us through the announcement of theangel Gabriel, the birth of Jesus, the flight intoEgypt, and finally the return from Egypt intoNazareth.Near the end of the book, Inos Biffi tells us aboutthe saints of the Christmas season—Mary,Joseph, Saint Stephen, Saint John, Saint ThomasBecker, and others—to help us remember theirexample and that we too can become a powerfultool in the hands of God.Illustrations by Franco Vignazia have a classical,medieval aura to aid in the telling of theunforgettable Christmas story. The illustrationsthemselves express in their unique way theawesomeness of the birth of Christ.This book will help remind us of the birth ofChrist and why he came.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—5Elizabeth HeschHigh School StudentGrants Pass, Oregon103 Questions Children Ask About Right fromWrong. David R. Veerman . . . [et al.] LCCN95024130. Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale HousePublishers, 1995. ISBN 0842345957, PAP,$9.99.241. Christian education of children, Christian ethics—Study and teaching, Children—Conduct of life,Children—Religious life, Christian education—Hometraining. 240 p.Adult.This book is for any parent who wants to “Trainup a child in the way they should go.” The groupof six authors of 103 Questions Children Askabout Right From Wrong, have gathered a superbcollection of the “Big” questions children ask.These are real questions answered logically withscriptural verses verifying the answers. Thebook also has related questions and helpful hintsfor parents as they answer the questions. Thequestions are divided into ten practicalcategories.A forward by Josh McDowell helps provideparents with a way to assess choices that childrenhave. Relevant black and white cartoonsaccompany each question. This is a book thatcan be studied with children, and its formatallows parents to cover a few ideas each day ifthey desire. It is relevant in helping preparestudents with solid answers for they questionsthey will encounter in the contemporary world.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—5Paula Stewart MarksPrincipal, Morning Star Christian SchoolBend, Oregon300’s — Social SciencesKate Shelley : Bound for Legend. Robert D.San Souci; paintings by Max Ginsburg.LCCN 93020438. New York: Dial Books forYoung Readers/Penguin, 1995. ISBN0803712901, LIB, $14.89.363.12. Shelley, Kate, Railroads—Accidents. unp.K—Gr. 7.Kate Shelley : Bound for Legend is a retelling ofthe story of a young girl’s heroic efforts to stop awest bound train after a railroad bridge goes outin a storm. She also leads rescuers to men whohad fallen in the river when the east bound traincrashed. A map at the beginning of the workhelps the reader place the events of the story in aphysical context. Historical sources used forresearch and additional information arementioned in the author’s note at the end of thebook.Paintings illustrate the work; the texture andcolor add to the mood and are realistic andeffective. The use of light and shadow on thecover, as well as the subtitle, give a sense ofintrigue and invite the reader into the story.Picturesque language in the narrative holdsreader interest. In places information isconveyed in snippets of dialogue used as aflashback. While the details given are anaddition to the story, they could have beenincorporated more effectively, as the dialogueslows the pace and detracts from the strongdescriptive narrative.Children ages five to ten will enjoy this bookread aloud; older students can read it on theirown. Readers of all ages will appreciate thedrama conveyed by the artwork.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—5Tracie MabryFreelance WriterVancouver, WashingtonChristmas : An Annual Treasury. Vol. 67LCCN 94074169. Minneapolis: AugsburgFortress, 1997. ISBN 0806689900, HBB,$19.99.394.2. Christmas. 64 p.K—Adult.If you are looking for a resource with ideas andstories for a meaningful Christmas, thisanthology will be quite helpful. Publishedannually since 1931, this volume brings togetherthe sacred Christmas story, customs, andtraditions of the season. This year's edition offersmemories of Christmas in America. Take anostalgic journey back to earlier days. Ideas andstories abound. Have your own Christmaspageant. Enjoy beautiful art and poetry. ExploreChristmas fifty years ago and share your ownmemories. Make beautiful handcraftedChristmas gifts and cook delicious recipes.There are activities and stories that will intriguechildren as well as adults.Colorful artwork and photographs enhance thetext. In addition to titles, the table of contentsoutlines the nature of the material listed. At theconclusion of the book is a page to include yourown personal Christmas memories. This is abeautiful and useful book to use for manyChristmases.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—5Mary JarvisFreelance WriterPawhuska, OklahomaThe First Christmas Tree : A Legend fromLong Ago. Helen Haidle; illustrated by DavidHaidle & Elizabeth Haidle. Grand Rapids:New Kids Media/Baker Books, 1997. ISBN080104393X, HBB, $14.99.394.2. Christmas—Fiction, Christmas trees. unp.PS—Gr. 3All the woodland creatures scurry about tocollect gifts for the coming of the King’s Son.The littlest fir frets that he has nothing to offer,but helps those animals forgotten during thebustling preparations. When God’s Son arrives,all go to the stable to present their gifts. The littletree carries only those animals he helped. Godblesses him for his serving heart by making himglow with the stars of heaven.Helen Haidle draws on an old legend found in amonastery in Sicily to create The First ChristmasTree: A Legend from Long Ago. Weavingtogether the traditional storybook theme of theunderdog gaining recognition at the end and theChristian virtue of humble servanthood, theauthor creates an endearing story. Children willenjoy the blend of realistic animals and fairy taleN O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 7 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 NONFICTIONtrees with faces in the watercolor illustrations,which augment the story well.As in The Candymaker’s Gift, Haidle provides an“Ideas for Parents” section in the back that listsactivities for families to do to help them focus onthe true meaning of Christmas.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—5Lorinda K. F. NewtonFreelance WriterKirkland, WashingtonSong of the Morning : Easter Stories andPoems for Children. A special collectioncompiled by Pat Alexander; illustrated byRobin Lawrie. Colorado Springs: LionPublishing/ChariotVictor, 1997. ISBN074593742X, HBB, $15.99.394.2. Easter stories, Easter poetry. 191 p.Gr. 6—Adult.Pat Alexander does a masterful job leadingyoung readers along the path of Christ’s greatwork on the Cross via stories, poems, and Bibleexcerpts. This book is filled with nine sections ofselected readings. Each section concentrates ona specific point of Christ’s journey toresurrection. Alexander has taken great literaryworks from masters of storytelling such as C.S.Lewis, Arthur Scholey, Angela Elwell Hunt,Charles Dickens, Emily Dickinson and Corrieten Boom, among many others.This author/editor also compiles theseheartrending tales in such a way as to build to acrescendo the hope of the resurrection. Herstories often have an English flavor as some ofthe writers are from across the seas and lend theirown native colors and traditions to their writing.A few of the selected themes in this book include:How Things Began, The Rescue Plan, TheSaddest Day, The Greatest Love and A NewBeginning. Readers of all ages will sit enthralledwith tale after tale of stories as they come to life.Each one brings us a bit nearer to understandingthe great sacrifice Christ made for us all.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—5Michele HoweFreelance Writer and Homeschool MotherLaSalle, MichiganMr. Pak Buys a Story. Carol Farley;illustrated by Benrei Huang. LCCN96034411. Morton Grove, Ill.: AlbertWhitman & Co., 1997. ISBN 0807551783,HBB, $15.95.398.2. Folklore—Korea. 32 p.PS—Gr. 2.Mr. Pak is the servant of a wealthy couple, Mr.and Mrs. Kim, who get bored living out in thecountryside. They decide to send Mr. Pak intotown to buy an entertaining story. Mr. Pak meetsa thief along the way who tricks him into payingfor a story which he spontaneously makes up ashe watches a stork. The unimaginative thiefdescribes the storks actions with simplestatements, “He stands up,” “He walks forward,”“He flees,” etc. There is no introduction ornarration, only a string of statements. In thisway, Mr. Pak memorizes the story and takes itback to his master. Mr. Pak tells the story to thecouple and they marvel at its meaning. Althoughit seems odd, they ask to hear it again and againuntil they have it memorized and tell it over andover themselves. One night the same thief comesto rob Mr. Kim’s house. He is spooked by thestory that he has forgotten which describes hisactions now, “He stands up,” “He walksforward,” “He flees.” Thinking someone iswatching him, he runs away without harming theKims or Mr. Pak.Benrei Huang’s vibrant illustrations will hold thephysical eye of readers while the story woven byFarley draws pictures in their mind’s eye. Farleydescribes how she gleaned the story from hertime spent in Seoul, Korea.This is an old folktale retold in a masterful way.Farley and Huang have created an enchantingstory which will hold the attention of readers ofall ages.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—4Carol M. JonesChildren’s LibrarianChampaign, IllinoisThe Heart of a Friendship : An East AfricanFolktale. Retold by H. J. Arrington;illustrated by JoAnn E. Kitchel. LCCN96042238. Gretna, La.: Pelican PublishingCo, 1997. ISBN 156554224X, HBB, $14.95.398.2. Folklore—Africa, East. unp.Gr. 1—3.Taki the monkey lives near the coast of Kenya,high up in a mango tree. All day long he watchesthe river below him, and enjoys the deliciousfruit of his tree. One day, Baku the crocodileswims by and decides to ask Taki for a piece ofhis fruit. Thus begins a friendship between theunlikely pair.Every day, Baku swims by and the twocompanions eat fruit and talk, and theirfriendship continues to grow. Until Baku playsan evil trick on Taki. Now Taki must turn hisback on their friendship, and find a way to savehis own life.This East African folktale, retold by H. J.Arrington, and illustrated by JoAnn E. Kitchel,is a simple moral tale which portrays theimportance of loyalty in friendship. While thetheme itself has potential, the language chosen islacking in richness and depth, and phrases suchas “yum, yum, yum”, “chomp, chomp, chomp”,seem to be directed toward preschoolers.However, the complexity of the theme wouldmake the book unsuitable for preschoolers. Alsoportrayed in the story is the idea that two wrongsmake a right, which might prove confusing tochildren who have been taught from a biblicalperspective.Kitchel’s illustrations are colorful, fun, andsimplistic, which makes them appealing to theyounger set, although they lack the details thatolder picture book readers often look for. Theenjoyment of the images is lessened by thechoice of the soft, glossy paper which the book isprinted on. This lower quality paper is easilybent.◆ Quality—2 ❤ Acceptability—3Virginia SchnabelFreelance WriterShelton, WashingtonToo Many Suns. Julie Lawson; illustrated byMartin Springett. Toronto, Ont.: StoddartKids, 1995. ISBN 077372897X, HBB, $14.95.398.2. Mythology—China. 32 p.K—Gr. 6.Old Chinese mythology about the sun and afarmer with ten sons is combined by JulieLawson in her picture book, Too Many Suns.Although all ten sons work faithfully each day onthe farm, only the younger brother loves the sunand plans someday to paint all the colors he sees.Because of this, he spends as much time aspossible in the sunshine.The ten Sun Brothers, however, take turns eachday lighting the world. Then one day they decideto all shine together. Only the smallest sunrealizes this is going against the “way of things,”so he begs his brothers to stop as the farm of TenBrothers becomes hot and dry.Finally the action of the Immortal Archer is ableto return the fields and streams to “the way ofthings” as only the youngest sun is left to light theworld. Then true to his dream, one day theyoungest brother leaves the farm to paint the sun.Dragons, bold circles, and lines combine toportray the sons and suns in their contrastingactivities. This books is a good resource for usein exploring Chinese mythology or just to readfor pleasure.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—4Marie KnauppRetired LibrarianMonmouth, OregonSmoky Mountain Rose : An AppalachianCinderella. By Alan Schroeder; pictures byBrad Sneed. LCCN 92001250. New York:Dial Books for Young Readers/Penguin, 1997.ISBN 0803717342, HBB, $14.99.398.21. Fairy tales, Folklore—France. unp.PS—Gr. 5.Smoky Mountain Rose is a new twist on afamiliar fairy tale. The Appalachian slantintroduces readers to a small area of America’sC H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 2 9 N O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 7

CHILDREN’S NONFICTIONcultural diversity. At the same time, this retellingof Cinderella is timeless, not tied to aspecific time. An author’s note at the beginningof the work gives some background of Americanversions of the fairy tale.Research is evident, especially in the use ofcolorful dialect. Some readers may have troublewith the vocabulary, but the dialogue is naturaland easy to read. This version is true to theoriginal tale, with fun twists on the details. Theauthor keeps the reader guessing, with interestingsurprises. The unusual elements stay true to thesetting, and the story flows smoothly, plausiblefrom beginning to end.The watercolor illustrations stand alongside thestory, enhancing the mood with soft lines andmuted colors. There is one picture with anawkward perspective that is slightly disruptive tothe story. The “happily-ever-after” ending issatisfying, although readers may not accept thestep-sisters being nice to Rose “from then on.”This vibrant picture book may be read aloud tochildren ages four to eight; school age readerswill be able to read it on their own. SmokyMountain Rose is a welcome addition to the retellingof fairy tales, and cultural studies as well.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—5Tracie MabryFreelance WriterVancouver, Washington500’s — Natural ScienceSuper Science Concoctions : 50 MysteriousMixtures for Fabulous Fun. Jill FrankelHauser; illustrations by Michael Kline. (KidsCan!®.) LCCN 95047894. Charlotte, Vt.:Williamson Publishing, 1997. ISBN1885593023, PAP, $12.95.500.2. Science—Experiments, Mixtures—Experiments, Experiments. 160 p.Gr. 1—7.Jill Frankel Hauser has developed sciencemixtures and presents them in an intriguingmanner. Each concoction has a list of itemsneeded to perform the experiment. In addition,she furnishes technical follow-up on many of thetopics for inquisitive young scientists. Theillustrations complement the text and clarifyprocedures or instructions. Hauser begins SuperScience Concoctions with safety guidelines andpractical suggestions on techniques andobtaining the needed supplies.Super Science Concoctions will be a springboardfor the scientific inquiry process of children. Theadded notes in several recurring sections willsatisfy the eager learner as well as make theconcepts applicable by a teacher or parent. Eachmixture is accompanied by information of sometype explaining the scientific principle(s) atwork. The instructions are easy to follow and theconcoctions I tried, Blobber and Puffy ProteinMeringue, worked beautifully. The safetyguidelines and consistent illustrations to indicate“Okay to Eat” and “Hot! Get Help” providerealistic advice, and are likely to be heeded sincethey are not overused. Most of the instructionscould readily be followed by any child who canread them.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—5Carol M. Jones, MLISLibrarianChampaign-Urbana, IllinoisElephant Seals. By Sylvia A. Johnson;photographs by Frans Lanting. (LernerNatural Science Book.) LCCN 88012924.Minneapolis: Lerner Publications, 1989.ISBN 0822514877, HBB, $16.95. Orderdirect: 800-328-4929.599.74. Northern elephant seal, Seals (Animals). 48 p.PS—Gr. 5.Along the beach of Año Nuevo Island near thecoast of California, the elephant seal is making acomeback from near extinction. Elephant Sealswere hunted like the whales for their blubberduring the 1800’s. Federal laws have beenpassed to protect the seals and slowly the numberof elephant seals have reached over one hundredthousand. The book handles the issue of sealslaughter informatively, leaving the readeruntainted by environmental emotionalism.The author of Elephant Seals, Sylvia A. Johnson,has taken the delicate task of describing the lifecycle of the Northern Elephant Seal with graceand discretion. Filled with unusual words suchas “proboscis,” “pinnipeds,” and“weaners,”Elephant Seals covers the differentstages of growth including battling for colonyhierarchy, mating, gestation, weaning, andgeneral daily life for the Elephant Seals along thebeaches of Año Nuevo Island.Elephant Seals has won the Children’s ScienceBook Award from The New York Academy ofSciences. Directed at fourth grade readers andhigher, it is a good read aloud book for youngerchildren with an enthusiasm for animal life. Thecolor photographs are good and relate well to thetext of the book. Throughout the book, boldwords are seen. Definitions are found for thesewords in the glossary at the end of the book. Aone page index follows the glossary.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—5Joanne M. HafflyFreelance Writer and Homeschool MotherGig Harbor, Washington600’s — Technology★From Head to Toe. Eric Carle. LCCN95053141. New York: HarperCollinsPublishers, 1997. ISBN 0060235160, HBB,$16.95.613.7. Exercise, Physical fitness. unp.PS—Gr. 2Eric Carle takes a simple thought, stretches it,expands it, and creates another perennial favoritefor young active children and their readingadults. This book is called From Head to Toe.The movements proposed, head to toe in asequential pattern, encourage children to imitatethe animals in the illustrations while actuallyexercising their own bodies and minds.From Head to Toe is a picture book with lavishlycolored animals and children from many ethnicgroups. The backdrop for the illustrations is starkwhite, perhaps announcing that geography has nobearing on the pleasure of moving our bodiesfrom head to toe!The pictures help the younger child “read” thetext, the repetition of the writing style, anotherplus. “I am a crocodile and I wriggle my hips.Can you do it? I can do it!”Eric Carle is also the author of The GrouchyLadybug, Do You Want to Be My Friend? TheSecret Birthday Message, The Mixed-UpChameleon, The Very Busy Spider, The VeryQuiet Cricket, Draw Me a Star, The Very LonelyFire-fly, and Papa, Please Get the Moon For Me.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—5Su HagertyFreelance WriterIssaquah, WashingtonPowerhouse : Inside a Nuclear Power Plant.By Charlotte Wilcox; photographs by JerryBoucher. LCCN 95009200. Minneapolis:Carolrhoda Books/Lerner, 1995. ISBN087614945X, LIB, $16.95. ISBN 0876149794,PAP, $7.95. Order direct: 800-328-4929.621.48. Nuclear power plants. 48 p.PS—Gr. 5.Charlotte Wilcox presents a clear and thoroughexplanation of nuclear power generation. Thetext progresses logically from a basic descriptionof nuclear energy through the structure andprocess of turning nuclear radiation intoelectricity and disposition of nuclear waste.Excellent photos of the Prairie Island nuclearpower plant by Jerry Boucher and diagrams ofatomic level processes contribute to the clarity ofthis text. A glossary and an index are included.Vocabulary which may be new to the readerappears in bold type the first time it is used in thetext and is listed in the glossary and indexed.Nuclear power is presented in an objectivemanner, including the concerns regarding safetyand nuclear waste. However, the ecologicalN O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 7 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 NONFICTIONimpact of warm water released into waterwaysafter use in the power plant is not addressed.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—5Karla J. KessellLibrarian, Mount Vernon Nazarene CollegeMount Vernon, OhioOrcas Around Me : My Alaskan Summer.Debra Page; illustrated by Leslie W. Bowman.LCCN 95052647. Morton Grove, Ill.: AlbertWhitman & Co., 1997. ISBN 0807561371,HBB, $15.95.639.2. Family life—Alaska, Salmon fishing—Alaska,Killer whale—Alaska. 40 p.Gr. 1—5.Debra Page gives a fascinating, true account,using her own son as the storyteller in OrcasAround Me. This is the story of Taiga, a boy bornin Alaska, whose parents are Salmon fishers.Although he goes to school in Fairbanks, duringthe summer, he helps his parents troll for salmonin the North Pacific Ocean. What is it like havingparents with fishing boats? How would youspend your day? What animals and wildlife arepart of your normal environment? And what is itlike when one day you are surrounded by a wholepod of Orcas?This book is entertaining as well as enlightening.The watercolor illustrations by Leslie Bowmanare realistic. The glossary at the end of the bookgives helpful definitions of Alaskan wildlife.Two maps give pertinent details of the area.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—5Paula Stewart MarksPrincipal, Morning Star Christian SchoolBend, Oregon700’s — The ArtsThe First Christmas Origami. Geneva CobbIijima. LCCN 93013173. Nashville: ThomasNelson Publishers, 1993. ISBN 0840735448,PAP, $8.99. Order direct: G. Iijima, 20349 S.Leland Rd., Oregon City, OR 97045.736. Origami, Crèches (Nativity scenes), JesusChrist—Nativity. 72 p.Gr. 3—7.A beautiful narration of the Christmas story byGeneva Cob Iijima faithfully offers a fresh lookat the birth of the Savior plus teaching adults andchildren how to create a nativity scene inorigami, the art of paper folding. Ideal for homeor classroom, each of the ten chapters offers anintimate view into the events and feelings of thishistoric moment. A comment or question endseach chapter linking the centuries old story to thepresent. A simple, stylized drawing at thebeginning of each chapter sets the stage for thenarration. Following the chapters are completeillustrated directions for creating the relatedfigure in origami. A nativity scene will becompleted at the culmination of reading thebook.Instructions are clear and will guide you step-bystepthrough the process of origami. Neededmaterials and terms are listed at the beginning ofthe book. A color photograph of the nativityscene is on the cover of the book.Geneva Iijima and her husband were part of theUS Embassy in Tokyo during the 1970's whenshe learned the art of origami. She has taught thisancient art to her own children and numerousclasses. Children and adults will cherish thestory and activities in a new way through thisexcellent book.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—5Mary JarvisFreelance WriterPawhuska, OklahomaThe Make-something Club Is Back : More Funwith Crafts, Food, and Gifts. By FrancesZweifel; illustrated by Ann Schweninger.LCCN 96021438. New York: Viking/Penguin,1997. ISBN 0670867276, HBB, $14.99.745.5. Handicraft, Cookery. 32 p.Gr. 2—9.Winky, Skipper, and Tag are a raccoon and twosquirrels respectively. The theme is looselypulled together in cartoon fashion as the Make-Something Club members show the young readerhow to make one craft or food item per month fortwelve months.From aluminum Light Catchers to Pomanders,Honey-Butter Toasties to Crunchy Stuffed Dates,the book provides very simple projects for thepreschoolers in your household. Most of theitems needed for the projects can be found in thekitchen or bought inexpensively. I found thebook to be quite costly for only twelve basiccrafts.The illustrations are colorful and eye-catching.The directions for the projects are illustratedeffectively allowing nonreaders to follow alongside.This book would work well in a library settingwhere many families could have the opportunityto enjoy this project book.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—5Joanne M. HafflyFreelance Writer and Homeschool MotherGig Harbor, WashingtonSilent Night : The Song from Heaven. LindaGranfield; art by Nelly and Ernst Hofer.Toronto, Ont.: Tundra Books, 1997. ISBN0887763952, HBB, $15.95.782.28. Gruber, Franz Xaver, 1787-1863. Silent night,holy night, Mohr, Joseph, 1702-1848. Silent night, holynight, Carols—History and criticism. unp.PS—Adult.The year is 1818. In the town of Oberndorf,Austria, at the Church of St. Nicola, preparationsare underway for the celebration of our Savior'sbirth. Fresh pine boughs are brought into thechurch to scent the air, the creche is lovinglyrestored, and candles are lit. Only the hushedwhispers of curious children disturb the silence.But where is the music? Could it be that hungrymice have eaten holes in the organ's bellows, orthat rust has silenced the glorious pipes?Whatever the reason, the organ has lost its voice,just as Father Mohr has finished writing somenew verses in honor of the Christ-child.He asks Franz Gruber, the organist, to compose asong for voice and guitar, to accompany hiswords. This inspired song, known to us as"Silent Night," is sung by Christians around theworld today.Lisa Granfield's writing style is quiet, yet rich,perfectly evoking the wonder of Christmas Eve.Her book, Silent Night: The Song From Heaven,ends with additional background material aboutthis beloved hymn, including a touching storyinvolving a brief respite for enemy troops whoput aside their guns in order to celebrateChristmas Eve, 1914.C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 3 1 N O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 7

CHILDREN’S NONFICTIONThis lovely book is illustrated with cut-paperimages known as scherenschnitt, a form of folkart that was popular in Father Mohr's day. Thesestriking images are presented in black and gold,and are breathtakingly beautiful in their intricatedetail.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—5Sylvia StopforthLibrarian, Trinity Western UniversityLangley, British ColumbiaSilent Night : The Song and Its Story. Writtenby Margaret Hodges; illustrated by TimLadwig. LCCN 97016408. Grand Rapids:Eerdmans Books for Young Reader, 1997.ISBN 080285138X, HBB, $17.00.782.28. Gruber, Franz Xaver, 1787-1863. Silent night,holy night; Mohr, Joseph, 1702-1848. Silent night, holynight, Carols—History and criticism. unp.K—Gr. 2.It is Christmas Eve in the Austrian village ofOberndorf and the air is tingling with excitement,for tonight will be the Christmas service. All theboys and girls of the village choir gatherenthusiastically to rehearse their music with theorganist Herr Gruber. But to everyone’s dismay,the organ moans and sighs and won’t makemusic. Sadly, Franz Gruber sends thedisappointed children home, for there will be nomusic for Christmas Mass.Later that afternoon, Father Mohr sits ponderingwhat he can do with the sudden turn of events.That night, Joseph Mohr picks up his quill andwrites the beloved words of one of the world’sbest -loved Christmas songs, “Silent Night.”Franz Gruber composes a sweet, pure tune thatenhances and lifts the words.Author Margaret Hodges warmly tells the storyof how “Silent Night” came to be; how it spreadwith the aid of the Strasser family, the Rainers,and John Freeman Young; and how it wrappedpeople together and overcame even the barrier ofwar.With soft, glowing illustrations by Tim Ladwig,Silent Night beautifully creates a deepappreciation for the power of the song.A wonderful book to read during Christmas tobring a song alive and to help children becomeaware of its origin.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—5Elizabeth HeschHigh School StudentGrants Pass, OregonRainy Day Play! Nancy Fusco Castaldo;illustrations by Loretta Braren. (A LittleHands® Book; 5.) LCCN 95050477.Charlotte, Vt.: Williamson Publishing, 1996.ISBN 1885593007, PAP, $12.95.790.1. Creative activities and seatwork, Amusements.144 p.PS—Gr. 2.Nancy Fusco Castaldo suggests activities forcreativity and intellectual stimulation. Sheoutlines activities that appeal to varied learningstyles and interests. There are imaginationgames, reading themes, word plays, crafts,writing suggestions, physical activities, and otherfascinating spin-offs of old favorites (likepainting with a toothbrush). The instructionsprovided are easy to follow and most includeextensions of the activity (like comparing thetoothbrush pattern to that of a feather) for furtherapplication. Fusco’s initial note to grownups isrealistic and inspires grownups to provideeducational and fun, yet simple situations toprevent boredom on rainy days.Rainy Day Play! includes a balanced variety ofactivities for indoor days. The variety of learningstyles represented will provide endless fun forchildren doing the activities. The illustrations areblack and whiteline drawings. The span ofactivities means that some require additionalsupplies, but others require only people andactive imaginations!◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—5Carol M. JonesChildren’s LibrarianChampaign, Ilinois800’s —LiteratureThe Book of Little Folk : Faery Stories andPoems from Around the World. Lauren A.Mills. LCCN 96022459. New York: DialBooks/Penguin, 1997. ISBN 0803714580,HBB, $23.99.808.8. Fairy tales, Poetry, Fairies. 134 p.All ages.Author and artist Lauren Mills has done amasterful job in her collection, The Book of LittleFolk, Fairy Stories and Poems from Around theWorld. The reader is transported around theworld from the United States to Swaziland andon to Naidu, Sarojini, on the wings of fairies,from the familiar Tom Thumb and Thumbelina tothe not so familiar but fascinating Laka and theMenehunes of Hawaii and Vasilisa the Beautifulof Russia.In an afterward, Lauren Mills has explained howand why she decided to preserve the languageintact in some stories and to preserve the storybut focus on a different slant in other stories.These notes make the volume not only quiet,bedtime reading for children, but a study in fairytales for adults. The quiet, yet entrancing, pasteldrawings entice the reader into the world offantasy. Be aware that in any exploration of littlefolk there is the inevitable tussle between goodand evil and the drawings true to form depictboth in believable yet fanciful tones.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—4Judy DriscollTeacher, Christ the King AcademyPoulsbo, WashingtonThe Goof Who Invented Homework and OtherSchool Poems. Kalli Dakos; illustrated byDenise Brunkus. LCCN 95038294. NewYork: Dial Books for Young Readers/Penguin,1996. ISBN 0803719280, HBB, $13.99.811. Schools—Poetry, American poetry. 74 p.Gr. 3—6.Kalli Dakos creates a bridge of understandingbetween teacher and student in her collection ofpoetry, The Goof Who Invented Homework andOther School Poems. Through rhyme and freeverse, Dakos offers the funny side of school, plusschool fears and foibles.Dakos uses humor to capture the middle gradereader’s attention. She then writes weightymatter into the funny midst. Denise Brunkus’spot illustrations accompany the poetry andreinforce the humor. Some poems are short,other run many pages. A few link and refer backto others. The reader listens to Jack’s confession.Jack forgot to feed the class goldfish and killed it.“No matter what anyone says, I’m responsible.”Most moving is the poem, “Back Away! BackAway!” Carol is sick and dying and still does herhomework. No one befriends her to her deathexcept the narrator. Readers may be moved totears, but the poet tells in another poem that’sokay because,“Sometimes good booksAre very sad,Because life is often sad.”Middle grade readers will love poetry ifintroduced to Kalli Dakos’ work. Buyers shouldbe aware there is an inclusion of two ghost poemsin the collection.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—4Lorie Ann GroverFreelance WriterKent, WashingtonN O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 7 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 NONFICTIONSweet Dreams of the Wild : Poems for Bedtime.By Rebecca Kai Dotlich; illustrated byKatharine Dodge. LCCN 94060259.Honesdale, Penn.: Wordsong/Boyds MillsPress, 1996. ISBN 1563971801, HBB, $15.95.811.54. Animals—Poetry. 32 p.PS—K.Sweet Dreams of the Wild, Poems for Bedtime byRebecca Kai Dotlich will offer quiet and peace atthe end of your day. Snuggle down with yourchild and this book to enjoy poetry together.Dotlich asks “As the moon unwinds its silverthread do sleepy children know where wildanimals sleep?” The animals and insects in turndisclose their sleeping spots. Each poemconcludes with: “I cuddle up tight with sweetdreams of the wild and THAT’S where I sleepsleepy child.”Katharine Dodge has illustrated Dotlich’s poetrywith a soft application of colored pencil. Sheuses some impressed lines to capture naturaltextures. Her sensitivity and delicate renderingstake us into the squirrel’s nest and out to thecow’s pasture. A sense of night is lost in somelayouts due to lack of contrast and the presenceof multiple colors and light. Other spreads doachieve night and moonlight simultaneously.Sweet Dreams of the Wild is a great poetry picturebook for the two to five year old.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—5Lorie Ann GroverFreelance WriterKent, WashingtonMiracles of Christmas. LCCN 97015467.Wheaton, Ill.: Harold Shaw Publishers, 1997.ISBN 087788563X, HBB, $16.99.813. Christmas stories, American; Christmas stories,English. 143 p.All ages.“All who enter here must bring a gift...Your giftmust be the essence of yourself. It must besomething precious to your soul,” says the angelGabriel.Gaspar confidently says, “ I have brought bars ofthe purest gold.” He then enters the manger andkneels to give the child the gold, but to hisdismay, the gold had turned into a hammer.“What you hold in your hands is the hammer ofgreed,” says the angel.Gaspar turns away in shame and wants to leave,for he knows the angel is right—he is greedy.“...you have not offered your gift,” says theangel.Gaspar slowly gives the ugly hammer to Jesusand leaves, feeling free at last.“The Secret of the Gifts” by Paul Fluckebeautifully tells the “complete story of the threewise men Gaspar, Melchior, and Balthasar whobrought gifts to Jesus. But instead of leavinggold, frankincense, and myrrh, they left behindtheir greed, bitterness, and fears.This story is one of many in The Miracles ofChristmas, a collection of heart touching storiesby Patricia St. James, Katherine Paterson, AgathaChristie, and more. Each story is about everydaypeople who felt a miracle in their lives duringChristmas. Miracles of healing in a family,changed hearts, chance encounters, and love.The Miracles of Christmas reveals God’s loveand presence in our lives and helps us toremember Jesus during Christmas.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—5Elizabeth HeschHigh School StudentGrants Pass, Oregon’Twas the Night B'fore Christmas : An African-American Version. Clement C. Moore; retoldand illustrated by Melodye Rosales. LCCN95053236. New York: Scholastic Press, 1996.ISBN 0590739441, HBB, $12.95.888. Afro-Americans—Poetry, Santa Claus—Poetry,Christmas—Poetry, American poetry, Narrative poetry.unp.PS—Gr. 1.Melody Rosales has retold Clement ClarkMoore's familiar poem "A Visit from St.Nicholas" with an African American slant. Herblack characters live on a small dairy farm inNorth Carolina near the turn of the century.Words are changed to capture the essence andflavor of this setting. Her richly detailed oilpaintings convey the warmth and joy of theholiday. This is an excellent example of a classicpiece of literature being adapted to fit anotherrace and culture.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—4Mary JarvisFreelance WriterPawhuska, Oklahoma900’s—History, Geography, andBiographyThe Road to Seneca Falls : A Story AboutElizabeth Cady Stanton. By Gwenyth Swain;illustrations by Mary O'Keefe Young. (ACarolrhoda Creative Minds Book.) LCCN96007387. Minneapolis: CarolrhodaBooks/Lerner, 1996. ISBN 0876149476, HBB,$14.95. Order direct: 800-328-4929.921 (305.42). Women—Biography, Stanton, ElizabethCady, 1815-1902, Feminists, Women's rights—History.64 p.——Birds in the Bushes : A Story AboutMargaret Morse Nice. By Julie Dunlap;illustrations by Ralph L. Ramstad. (ACarolrhoda Creative Minds Book.) LCCN95025001. Minneapolis: CarolrhodaBooks/Lerner, 1996. ISBN 1575050064, HBB,$14.95. Order direct: 800-328-4929.921 (598). Women—Biography, Nice, Margaret Morse.64 p.——A Head Full of Notions : A Story AboutRobert Fulton. By Andy russell Bowen;illustrations by Lisa Harvey. (A CarolrhodaCreative Minds Book.) LCCN 96005752.Minneapolis: Carolrhoda Books/Lerner,1997. ISBN 0876148763, HBB, $14.95. Orderdirect: 800-328-4929.921 (623.8). Fulton, Robert, 1765-1815, Inventors,Steamboats—History. 64 p.——Her Piano Sang : A Story About ClaraSchumann. By Barbara Allman; illustrationsby Shelly O. Haas. (A Carolrhoda CreativeMinds Book.) LCCN 96018217.Minneapolis: Carolrhoda Books/Lerner,1997. ISBN 1575050129, HBB, $14.95. Orderdirect: 800-328-4929.921 (786.2). Schumann, Clara, 1819-1896, Pianists,Composers, Women—Biography. 64 p.Gr. 2—5.Titles included in the Creative Minds Series aremusician/pianist Clara Schuman in Her PianoSang; the inventor of “the Clermont,” RobertFulton, in A Head Full of Notions; ornithologist/biologist Margaret Morse Nice, in Birds in theBushes; and suffragist Elizabeth Cady Stanton inThe Road to Seneca Falls. The series is includedon the PLA/All Top Titles for New Adult Readersand many of the other titles are on theOutstanding Science and Social Studies TradeBook Lists for Children.Each of the books includes an index andbibliography, although in the case of theSchuman bibliography, the audience seems to beadults rather than the middle grade reader. Thestory of the subject is told in about sixty pages,not including the index and bibliography.These biographies are full of readable, shortparagraphs and chapters that move the storyalong. Biographies are told as stories and so arepopular with middle grade readers. Enoughvariety of subject matter and titles, about threedozen, are included that a class could use justthese when reading biographies.Illustrations for the books are pencil drawingsand, while not outstanding, are adequate thoughlacking in color. Bindings are reinforced so thebooks will last through several years of use.Covers and dust jackets have attractive, colored,eye-catching illustrations. Paperback editionsare also available. These will be useful additionsto school libraries.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—4C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 3 3 N O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 7

CHILDREN’S NONFICTIONLeslie Greaves RadloffTeacher/LibrarianEmanuel Lutheran School(WELS)W. St. Paul, MinnesotaClyde Tombaugh and the Search for Planet X.By Margaret K. Wetterer; illustrations byLaurie A. Caple. (Carolrhoda On My OwnBooks.) LCCN 96002056. Minneapolis:Carolrhoda Books/Lerner, 1996. ISBN0876148933, HBB, $13.95. Order direct: 800-328-4929.921 (520). Tombaugh, Clyde William, 1906-,Astronomers, Pluto (Planet). 48 p.Gr. 2—5.Persistence, perseverance, and dedicationdescribe the discoverer of Pluto, ClydeTombaugh, who recently died. In this “On MyOwn Biography,” Margaret K. Wetterer, theauthor of Kate Shelley and the Midnight Express,introduces Tombaugh to young readers.Tombaugh’s uncle shared his love of astronomywith Clyde and his family when they lived inIllinois. After the family moved to Kansas, theuncle encouraged Clyde to keep on studying thestars. The final episode describes his meticulouswork, while at the Lowell Observatory inArizona studying photograph after photograph tofind Planet X, as Pluto was called.Short chapters and lively text allow readers tosense Clyde’ s disappointment of seeing the hopeof going away to school crushed when a violentstorm destroys his family’s oat crop in Kansas.Sale of the crop would have provided moneyneeded to study astronomy in college. Readersalso understand the commitment to that dream ashe continues to study on his own and his joywhen receiving a letter from the head ofArizona’s Lowell Observatory inviting him tocome and work there reading photographs.In the early part of the century astronomers,among them Percival Lowell for whom theLowell Observatory in Arizona was named, weresearching for “Planet X” as Pluto was thencalled. Clyde Tombaugh was part of thisresearch and ultimately became the only personleft searching when all others gave up. Readerssense the tedium of this search in the text as wellas the illustration which shows Tombaugh poringover the photographs, called blink comparatorsby astronomers, inch by inch until finding themovement of a tiny spot: the illusive Planet X.Years later whenever Tombaugh spoke of thediscovery of Pluto, the thrill was still in his voice.These short paragraphs and chapters are ideal forstudents moving into “chapter books.” Pages arebalanced with text and pastel colored illustrationsdone by Laurie A. Caple in muted colors. Toshow readers how astronomers use sky maps totrack objects, she shows, through drawings, twoof the “blinks” Tombaugh studied looking forPlanet X. Readers will get of a sense of howpainstakingly astronomers comb these lookingfor changes. For those of us with untrained eyes,arrows point out the movement of a white spot oneach page and show the movement across thefield. The text lends itself well to reading aloudand is short enough that teachers could use it tointroduce biographies, scientists, or astronomy tostudents in lower or middle grades. A brieftimeline of events in Tombaugh’s life is included.This will be a good addition to school libraries.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—4Leslie Greaves RadloffTeacher/LibrarianEmanuel Lutheran School(WELS)W. St. Paul, MinnesotaEleanor. Barbara Cooney. LCCN 96007723.New York: Viking/Penguin, 1996. ISBN0670861596, HBB, $15.99.921 (973.917). Roosevelt, Eleanor, 1884-1962—Childhood and youth, First ladies. unp.K—Gr. 2.“From the beginning the baby was adisappointment to her mother.” So beginsBarbara Cooney in her book, Eleanor.Researched for three years, Cooney captures thepoignant moments in our former first lady’schildhood.Cooney gives bare truths that move the reader tohave compassion for Eleanor. Her mother calledher “Granny, because she is so funny and oldfashioned looking.” “How beautiful her motherwas! But Eleanor was not.” Her father leaves heroutside a pub with their three dogs and forgetsEleanor.Cooney shows children that fears often growfrom a personal experience. Eleanor fearedwater due to her escape from a sinking steamer.Other experiences can shape or focus a person’spursuits later in life. Eleanor visited the poorestlevels of New Your City as a child and thendevoted her life to helping the disadvantaged.Most importantly, Cooney illustrates the powerof a loving nurturer to effect growth and changein another person.Barbara Cooney’s paintings are in keeping withher previous Caldecott Award winning picturebooks. Through her text and emotionallyevoking illustrations, we see Eleanor’s life.Cooney has done justice to the memory ofEleanor Roosevelt.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—5Lorie Ann GroverFreelance WriterKent, WashingtonUkraine : A New Independence. Rebecca Clay.(Exploring Cultures of the World.) LCCN96019002. New York: BenchmarkBooks/Marshall Cavendish, 1997. ISBN0761403345, HBB, $17.95.947. Ukraine. 64 p.——Korea : The High and BeautifulPeninsula. Dean W. Collinwood. (ExploringCultures of the World.) LCCN 96020602.New York: Benchmark Books/MarshallCavendish, 1997. ISBN 076140337X, HBB,$17.95.947. Korea. 64 p.——Iran : Land of the Peacock Throne.William Spencer. (Exploring Cultures of theWorld.) LCCN 96022455. New York:Benchmark Books/Marshall Cavendish, 1997.ISBN 0761403361, HBB, $17.95.955. Iran. 64 p.——South Africa : A Tapestry of Peoples andTraditions. Jacqueline Drobis Meisel.(Exploring Cultures of the World.) LCCN96018997. New York: BenchmarkBooks/Marshall Cavendish, 1997. ISBN0761403353, HBB, $17.95.968. South Africa. 64 p.——Chile : Where the Land Ends. ByMarianne Pickering. (Exploring Cultures ofthe World.) LCCN 96019989. New York:Benchmark Books/Marshall Cavendish, 1997.ISBN 0761403337, HBB, $17.95.983. Chile. 64 p.Gr. 3—6 .Rebecca Clay has brought the Ukraine to life inthis book by interspersing text with beautifulcolor pictures and maps. A brief history of theUkraine and its place in the former Soviet Unionhelps readers understand the present politicalsituation while explaining the life and customs ofUkrainian-Americans. New and unfamiliarwords have pronunciations in parenthesis withinthe text and in a glossary. There is a coloredreproduction of the flag, some statistics, and anindex with boldface type for pages withillustrations. A short reading list is included.There is a clear brief explanation of the Cyrillicalphabet. Phonetic spellings help withpronunciation.Readers will find this volume and others in theseries useful for research for social studiesprojects. Middle grade readers will like the shortparagraphs which get the needed informationacross. Chapters focus on Geography andHistory; The People; Family Life, Festivals, andFood(recipes are included); School andRecreation; and The Arts (examples alsoincluded). Maps, while not detailed, are clear.Each volume ends with Country Facts which willbe handy for those needing information forreports. Bindings are sturdy. These areworthwhile volumes for school libraries.Each title is by a different author and severalhave lived in the countries they write about.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—4N O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 7 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

BOOK REVIEWSYOUNG ADULT FICTION★The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Mark Twain;illustrated by Claude Lapointe. (The WholeStory Series.) New York: Viking/Penguin,1995. ISBN 0670869848, HBB, $23.99.F. Humorous stories. 284 p.Gr. 4—Adult.The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain is,of course, a classic. The popular story is madeeven more appealing with the inclusion of cleverfull color illustrations by Claude Lapointe. Theilluminating side notes about the era give readersthe opportunity of learning about life prior to theCivil War.Tom Sawyer. His adventures include ordinarymischief (faking illness to skip school); cunningdeceit (trading scripture tickets to win a Bible);bravado (witnessing a murder at midnight in thetown’s graveyard); absolute excitement(discovering a hidden treasure); along with thesoulful adventure of love, meaning Tom’s seriousattempts to court Becky Thatcher.Twain has found himself on the banned list fromtime to time. His writing has been consideredracist (slaves are “niggers”), and the colorfullanguage and customs used by the book’scharacters (a curse now and then, along withother singular expressions and beliefs) mightoffend some. And yet it is hard to ignore Twain’scontribution to American literature. Readers oftoday would be missing out if they were to leaveTom Sawyer off the shelves, especially when hecomes in such an attractive edition.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—4Pam WebbFreelance Writer, LibrarianSandpoint Community Christian SchoolSandpoint, IdahoAnnie's Choice. Clara Gillow Clark. LCCN91077602. Honesdale, Penn.: Boyds MillsPress, 1993. ISBN 1563970538, HBB, $14.95.ISBN 1563975610, PAP, $7.95.F. United States—History—1919-1933—Fiction. 196p.Gr. 6—8.Annie’s Choice, by Clara Gillow Clark, tells thetale of young Annie living in the 1920’s. She isa girl of unusual intelligence and maturity for aneighth grader, and she has a dream—a dream ofgoing on to high school. Her teacher, MissAWord from the Editor: Sylvia StopforthBane or blessing, the Internet is here to stay, and asa source of information, it is unparalleled.So, we click and double-click; we scroll and scan;we wrestle with search engines and we mutter toourselves. In the end, what do we find? A smallline of print cheerfully informing us that ourrequest has resulted in 93,112 hits. A bit daunting,but surely the desired information is in there,somewhere. So, like Horton the elephant, we sighresignedly and set ourselves to sifting through theendless piles of dust specks in search of the Whos.And sometimes, we find them . . .But there is an easier way. Certain dedicatedindividuals have taken the time and trouble tolocate, evaluate, and link Websites on manydifferent subjects.The sites listed below, for example, will proveuseful starting points for those working with,nurturing, and trying to relate to Young Adults.Each site has been examined with the followingcriteria in mind: content, organization, currency,and reliability in terms of affiliation orsponsorship.I hope that these Web Sites prove useful.Please note that the urls were correct as of August30, 1997.Happy surfing!1. YALSAhttp:/www.ala.org/yalsa/This site for the Young Adult Library ServicesAssociation, a branch of the American LibraryAssociation, includes resources and contact information,as well as booklists, awards, and links to sites for youngadults.2. Booklisthttp:/www.ala.org/booklist/index.htmlPublished by the ALA, Booklist is a respected journalproviding articles and reviews of books and electronicmedia.3. Young Adult Librarian’s Help/Homepagehttp:/www.kcpl.lib.mo.us/ya/This site presents a plethora of links to Web pages ofinterest to young adults, author interviews, articles oneverything from basketball to Shakespeare, and resourcesfor educators.4. Web Sites for Librarians Working with Children andYoung Adultshttp:/skyways.lib.ks.us/kansas/nekls/children/libraria.htmLinks on this page are subdivided into categories titles“Public Librarians,” “School Librarians,” and“Homeschooling Resources.”5. Virtual YAhttp://members.aol.com/naughyde/publibya.htmHere one can find frequently updated links to publiclibraries in North America with YA Web pages.6. The Children’s Literature Web Guidehttp://www.ucalgary.ca/~dkbrown/One of the most comprehensive collections of links toWeb sites related to children and literature, this guideincludes resources for parents, teachers, writers,illustrators, storytellers, and, of course, children.7. The ALAN Reviewhttp://scholar.lib.vt.edu/ejournals/ALAN/winter97/w97-toc.htmlPublished by the Assembly on Literature for Adolescents,National Council of Teachers of English, this electronicjournal provides articles on various issues related to YAliterature and its use in the classroom.8. How Novel!http://www.lights.com/This site includes annotations, reviews, and publisherinformation for YA Canadian literature, as wellbiographical information for 150 authors. Access bygenre, subject, author, and title is provided.9. Christian Kid’s Linkshttp://netministries.org/kids.htmlsAccording to the composer of this site, its links are“appropriate for kids and are devotional, educational, orjust plain fun.”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 N O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 7

YOUNG ADULTFICTIONOsborne, has this same dream for Annie,knowing full well her great capabilities, andhopes to assist in making this dream come topass.Of course, there is an obstacle. Annie, being theoldest daughter still at home with her family onthe farm, is needed to help with the farm workand care for the younger children. That obstaclebecomes even greater when Annie realizes thatanother baby is on the way. Permission is finallygiven by her parents, but a dilemma arises.Annie’s mother is so weak from the difficult birthof the child that it will, in all probability, be a fullyear before she will be strong enough to tackleher entire responsibility in their home. Anniemust make a decision, based not only on her owndesires but on the good of her family. Shechooses to stay at home.Interwoven with the main plot is another whichrevolves around the issue of censorship in the oneroom schoolhouse that Annie attends. The localpastor is appalled that Miss Osborne allows thechildren to read Treasure Island with its “Yo, ho,ho and a bottle of rum.” He is determined to usethis as a reason for ousting Miss Osborne fromher job. Annie proves herself to be determinedand able to stand up for her convictions, but theconclusion may not be one that pleases allChristian readers.Annie’s Choice is well written for ten to twelveyear-olds,has strong moral themes, and will havea great appeal to the age group for which it iswritten. Because of the slant on the alcoholissue, teachers, librarians and parents may wishto preview this title.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—4Ceil CareyMiddle School LibrarianPlano, IllinoisAnother Day. Marilyn Sachs. LCCN96045482. New York: Dutton Children'sBooks/Penguin, 1997. ISBN 0525457879,HBB, $15.99.F. Divorce—Fiction, Grandmothers—Fiction, Jews—United States—Fiction. 180 p.Gr. 6—9Breaking up is not only hard to do, it’sdevastating. Just ask Olivia Diamond;everything about her world seems to bechanging, falling apart, and disappearing. Italmost seems like a bad soap opera. First, hermother moves out on Olivia and her father.Then, Grandpa Diamond dies and Grandmaretreats into a world of her own. Olivia’s fatherdoes his own retreating into a world of computerswhere you only have to point and click to solveyour problems. Is it any wonder Olivia’s gradesare falling? In the face of mass betrayal by theadults in her family, Olivia tries to salvagesomething by getting some tutoring from afellow student, cute Ron Kramer. For all herefforts, life goes from bad to worse for Olivia,until a misunderstanding makes her the owner ofthe one animal she is deathly afraid of, a dog. AsOlivia focuses on the needs of her new pet, shelearns to deal with her pain and that of the adultsaround her.Marilyn Sachs is a prolific and popular writer ofchildren’s books. Her books usually fall into thecategory of modern realism and Another Day iscertainly one of them, containing the prerequisiteteenager with multiple, crushing problems withnot a competent adult to be found. Olivia ispresented as a very angry young lady and thereader is strongly encouraged to sympathize withher as she tells off the various adults who have sogrievously failed her. Disturbing as this behavioris, even more so is the lack of a real solution toher problems. Yes, a few of the adults developsome backbone and begin to pay attention, butOlivia’s primary solution is to escape herproblems by lavishing attention on her newlyacquired pet. Even the author seems to indicatethat this approach is not a real solution, endingthe story with a distinct absence of closure . Asa result, the reader can not be faulted for beingconfused about what the author is trying to sayabout life and the family.For the Christian, an interesting facet of this bookis the glimpse it gives of modern Jewish familylife. The weekly cycle of Shabbat and theconsciously Jewish identity of the characters arenot often encountered in children’s fiction.Recommended as a book to discuss withstudents.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—3Pamela A. ToddChalcedon Christian SchoolAtlanta, GeorgiaAnywhere But Here. Adele Dueck. Red Deer,Alb.: Red Deer College Press/Orca, 1996.ISBN 0889951470, PAP, $8.95.F. Mystery and detective stories. 111 p.Gr. 4—6.Unlike her classmates, eleven-year old MarjorieFriesen was not looking forward to summervacation. The summer seemed to stretch forwardendlessly, but what good was that when your bestfriend has moved away and you’re part of afarming family that is always short on cash andlives and breathes work, work and more work?“No good at all,” in Marjorie’s opinion. The onlyinteresting thing that seems to be happening onthe wind-swept plains of Saskatchewan are themysterious thefts of pesticides and other farmingchemicals from several small towns in the area.Free for the afternoon, Marjorie rides her bike outto her favorite spot near an unused barn only tofind it invaded by her pesky, new neighbor, CraigGeller, who wants to explore the old barn. Oncethe pair find a way inside, they find stacks ofpesticides. Why would Marjorie’s father storehis chemicals way out here they wonder? Whenthe containers are gone the next day, the twoshrug it off, but that night, more chemicals arereported stolen and more chemicals show up inthe old barn. Realizing they’ve stumbled uponthe thieves’ hide-out, Craig is determined to findout who they are, but Marjorie is afraid she mayalready know.The title of Adele Dueck’s book, Anywhere ButHere, is descriptive of her story on several levels.It typifies Marjorie’s attitude about her life on thefarm as she dreams about the easier life that herfriend is living in a big city, away from moneytroubles and the incessant drudgery of farm life.Then, when she fears that her father hassuccumbed to theft to meet the bills, she wishesthat the stolen pesticides were anywhere else aswell. Dueck’s book deals with the feelings ofwanting to live another life than the one God hasgiven by involving her characters in an excitingmystery rather than solving the basic problem ofdiscontentment. The reader is left to wonderwhat Marjorie will do next summer.At times Dueck’s characters act more maturelythan would be expected for eleven-year olds, butthe solution they arrive at is believable. Thereare not very many mystery stories for children setin farming communities. Anywhere But Herewill certainly appeal to children from rural areasbut its theme is universal, reaching any child,wherever they might live.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—4Pamela A. ToddChalcedon Christian SchoolAtlanta, GeorgiaArby Jenkins. Sharon Hambrick; illustratedby Mike McDermott. LCCN 96017175.Greenville, S.C.: Bob Jones University Press,1996. ISBN 0890848793, PAP, $6.49.F. Names, Personal—Fiction, Schools—Fiction,Friendship—Fiction, Family life—Fiction, Conduct oflife—Fiction. 119 p.Gr. 5—9.Rutherford Beauregard is an awkward name evenfor a graduating sixth grader. Arby, as he isknown at Greenhaven Christian Elementary,dreads the day the truth will be discovered.Worse yet is the Spring Ball. Humiliation overhis name and athletic inability teaches Arby thedifference between what must be accepted andwhat can be changed. By accepting himself, helearns to value the differences in others. Thechallenge of change reveals his hidden strengths.Sharon Hambrick’s strength in Arby Jenkins isher ability to capture the awkward moments ofpreadolescent life in a sympathetic and realisticstyle. She does lean on the stereotypical motherwho stays home and bakes cookies, but thecharacters all develop depth through the insightand wisdom that is laced through the tension.The reader will come away with a sense ofencouragement and hope.◆ Quality—3 ❤ Acceptability—5C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 3 6 S E P T E M B E R , 1 9 9 7

YOUNG ADULTFICTIONMelinda TorgersonFreelance WriterNewport, WashingtonCamp Sierra Secret. Esther G. Wilkison.Greenville, S.C.: Bob Jones University Press,1996. ISBN 0890848777, PAP, $6.49.F. Fathers and daughters—Fiction, Camps—Fiction.101 p.Gr. 5—8.At the beginning of the summer, LynetteSanderson leaves her home in Chicago to work atCamp Sierra in California. Her mother had diedthree months before and her father is very distantand non-communicative towards her. Hearranges this trip after a mysterious phone call,and insists that she leave, allowing her noopportunity for input. When she arrives inCalifornia, she meets “Aunt Pearl,” who takesher under her wing and seems very excited aboutLynette helping in the dining hall for the summer.Lynette works very hard and learns about (thislife and place that are very foreign to her. She isobviously struggling with some bitternesstowards God because of her situation, and shefinds great love, patience, and support from thecamp staff and from her friend, Vonda, at home.Because of a letter addressed to Aunt Pearl thatshe intercepts, and a picture of her and hermother that she brought with her, Lynettediscovers her mother’s relationship to thesepeople and uncovers the Camp Sierra Secret,after which Esther Wilkison’s novel is named. Itseems that Lynette was born out of wedlock, andher mother lived a life of disgrace because herparents were missionaries and she felt this wouldaffect their witness and ministry.At the end of the story, Lynette’s grandparentsplan to return from the mission field and adopther.The author is obviously very familiar with camplife and its difficulties and joys. In fact, thiswould be a good book for a person training forsuch work to read and enjoy. Characterdescriptions are healthy and well developed. Thereader comes to know some of these folks prettywell. The style is straightforward and realistic, sothat by the end of the story, the reader is hooked.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—4Judy BelcherSylvan Way Christian SchoolBremerton, WashingtonClose Your Eyes. Robin Jones Gunn. (TheSierra Jensen Series; 4.) LCCN 96020938.Colorado Springs: Focus on the FamilyPublishing, 1996. ISBN 1561794872, PAP,$5.99.F. Christian life—Fiction. 139 p.Gr. 7—10.“It’s a God-thing,” Sierra is often quoted assaying. Like many sixteen-year-olds, SierraJensen thinks she’s got her life all figured out.Amy is her tried and true pal. Randy, her faithfulstudy-buddy, is just a friend. Paul, whom she metin London in a previous book, well, he’s going tobe something more. Tre, newly arrived fromCambodia and a poor speaker of English, is justsomeone to help complete the requiredassignment of volunteering at the shelter, andTawni, her older, adopted sister, she’ll neverunderstand.But soon, things don’t seem so cut and dried.Amy starts telling Sierra’s secrets, and peoplebegin calling Sierra and Randy a couple. Paulsurprises her by turning up at the shelter, and Tredecides to accept Christ after listening to Sierra’srendition of the Prodigal Son. Finally, Tawnidecides to take up modeling and move away.Sierra must realize that her “God-things” maynot really be what she thinks they are, and that hehas a much better plan for her than even sheherself can imagine.Close Your Eyes, by Robin Gunn, is a goodalternative to many of the romances for teenstoday. Sierra is firmly grounded in her faith, andher family is a model of loving Christianity.Written in an easy, realistic tone, the book movesalong quickly. It’s point—let God take control ofyour life—is made clearly, but not in an overlypreachy way. Its conclusion introduces thecontemporary Christian group, Sierra, to thestoryline. A brief factual description is alsoincluded. The reader leaves the book with afeeling of completion, but there is room for thestory to continue.Conservative Christians may feel the emphasisshould be placed more on the work of the Spiritthan on a person’s acceptance of Christ by his orher own power.◆ Quality—3 ❤ Acceptability—4Ann M. PonathTeacher/ Librarian, Christ Lutheran SchoolNo. St. Paul, MinnesotaThe Courtship. Stories by Budge Wilson.Toronto, Ont.: Stoddart Kids, 1997. ISBN077367456X, PAP, $5.95.F. Short stories. 151 p.Gr. 8—Adult.Nine quirky, quiet yet engaging stories make upBudge Wilson’s latest collection of short stories.Ms. Wilson writes smoothly and well, drawingthe reading bit-by-bit into her protagonists’worlds, feelings and experiences. She createsempathy and insight into her characters, and thereader leaves each story with a slightly changedviewpoint. Ms. Wilson invites her readers tolook below the calm surface of everyday life andexperience both the wondrous and thedevastating.Her stories focus on love and relationships withinthe family and its environs. The reader meetsMrs. Garibaldi, an elderly lady, more-or-lessdeserted by her son, who finds a new andunexpected way to cope with her loneliness andneed for affection. Ms. Wilson introducesCharles, a father intent on avoiding the obviousmistakes of his own father, only to fall prey tothem in a slightly different way. She goes on toreveal the private desolation of a young girl’sruined birthday party in “The Dress.”Ms. Wilson is a careful observer of everydaylife, with all its joys and desolations. The storiesare mature, simple enough for middle-schoolers,yet full of depth and insight. This collectionwould be a great read for a book club, readersgroup or literature discussion. There’s a lot totalk about and discover in each of the nine storiescontained in The Courtship.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—5Georgia BeaversonFreelance WriterMadison, WisconsinDaughter of the Covenants. By Anna MarieDahlquist. LCCN 94076457. Kingsburg,Calif.: Kings River Publications, 1994. ISBN0964126109, PAP, $7.95. Order direct: King'sRiver Publications, 1643 Winter St.,Kingsburg, CA 93631.F. New Orleans—Fiction. 200 p.Gr. 6—Adult.Daughter of the Covenants, by Anna MarieDahlquist, is set in the turbulent times of the CivilWar. Aminister’s daughter, Mary Henderson,finds herself defending her father’s stand onslavery. Will he be ousted from his pulpit forairing his views? Will his church be taken fromhim because he openly prays for the Northernoccupying troops and their leaders? Thesequestions and more abound in this nineteen-yearold’smind.From one day to the next, profound changesoccur in Mary’s secure world. Disgruntledchurch board members whisper untold secretsabout her mother’s heritage and emotionalC H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 3 7 N O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 7

YOUNG ADULTFICTIONstability. Mary begins to wonder what secrets hermother hides.Her dreams of becoming a concert pianist areslowly dashed as hard times descend upon theentire Henderson family. Only Mary seemsstrong enough, both in mind and body, to hold thefamily together. If there is not enough for Maryto concern herself with, a young man of adifferent religion comes calling and Mary’s heartstruggles to be true to Christ as she develops anaffection for this newcomer.Day by day, Mary learns to turn her fears intotriumphs as she leans on God and His Word. Herlife’s calling becomes more clear as she obeysHim one day at a time. Her family’s secrets too,come to light in due time. In the end, Mary haslearned valuable lessons which will carry herthrough life’s inevitable struggles.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—5Michele HoweFreelance Writer and Homeschool MotherLaSalle, MichiganDeadline. Hilda Stahl. (Amber AinslieDetective Series; 1.) Elkhart, Ind.: BethelPublishing, 1989. ISBN 0934998337, PAP,$5.99.F. Mystery and detective stories. 154 p.——Abducted. (Amber Ainslie DetectiveSeries; 2.) Out of print.——Undercover. Hilda Stahl. (Amber AinslieDetective Series; 3.) Elkhart, Ind.: BethelPublishing, 1990. ISBN 093499837X, PAP,$5.99.F. Mystery and detective stories. 172 p.——Blackmail. Hilda Stahl. (Amber AinslieDetective Series; 4.) Elkhart, Ind.: BethelPublishing, 1990. ISBN 093499840X, PAP,$5.99.F. Mystery and detective stories. 174 p.Gr. 7—12.Deadline, the first book of the Amber AinslieDetective Series, is a thriller by anyone’sstandards. Amber Ainslie is a red-haired privateinvestigator whose first mystery has a fast-pacedbeginning and draws the reader through to a greatand satisfying conclusion.The mystery begins when Carla Reidel, editor ofa popular women’s magazine, receives a shortstory, as a contest entry, that threatens her life anddredges up the past she would like to forget. Twoyears before, her fiancé was killed in a car crashwhen the brakes of the car he was driving failed.The contest entry not only alludes to the crash,but also raises the question of whether or not itwas murder. Amber is hired to investigate thecase and discover the true cause and reason forMark’s death. Hilda Stahl spins an exciting tale,skillfully weaving in a salvation message andconcluding her story with a fulfilling ending.Book 3, Undercover, is a fun and enjoyable bookto read. What it lacks in terms of the intensity ofthe previous two books, it makes up for with itsintricacies of plot.In this volume, Molly Lynn Dupree, a newspaperreporter, accepts a position with Quinn Mathis.Molly is hired as a nanny for Quinn’s two nieces,whose parents have just been killed in anautomobile accident. The only problem is thatMolly has accepted the position under falsepretenses. She wants to scoop the story on thereal reason for the accident, and Quinn has noidea that she is really a reporter. The plotthickens on the day she begins, only to discoverthat Amber Ainslie is also working undercover inQuinn’s household.This book is filled with action, suspense, a greatplot, and more than a little romance. Some of thedialogue between Molly and Quinn is a littlequestionable in that he comes across as thestrong-willed male, and she, the weaker sex.Blackmail opens with Amber praying for wisdomin what turns out to be the most stunning mysteryof this series. This book is a spellbinding accountof a national tragedy: child pornography.The drama begins when Sara Palmer, a Christianwoman who had an out-of-wedlock baby whenshe was fourteen, discovers her seedy brotherGeorge has resurfaced in her life and may notonly know where her child is, but may also beconnected in some way to child pornography.Her worst fears come true when he demandsmoney to tell her of the safety and location of thechild she hasn’t seen since birth. During Sara’sheight of desperation, Amber and Sara meet inchurch and, as she attempts to help Sara, Amberstumbles into the deadly world of childpornography. Her only goal is to save thechildren involved and bring those responsible tojustice.Stahl tackles the controversial subjects of teenpregnancy, the sale of children, and childpornography in this captivating novel. Shehandles the topics well by instructing her readersthrough the actions of the characters, rather thanpreaching. This book would definitely be formature readers at the junior high level.Hilda Stahl will captivate her readers with thelaunch of this new series.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—4Karen OrfitelliFreelance WriterManchester, ConnecticutA Distant Enemy. Deb Vanasse. LCCN96023428. New York: LodestarBooks/Dutton/Penguin, 1997. ISBN0525675493, HBB, $16.99.F. Yupik Eskimos—Ethnic identity—Fiction,Eskimos—Ethnic identity—Fiction, Alaska—Fiction.179 p.Gr. 8—12.Joseph, a teenager who is part Eskimo and partwhite, is forced to confront the cultural conflictsthat surface within himself and in his remotevillage on the tundra when the lifestyle andvalues taught by his Eskimo family andcommunity clash with federal governmentregulations.In A Distant Enemy, Vanasse provides aseemingly neat, tidy plot but leaves some issuesunresolved. Mr. Townsend, the newly-arrivedwhite English teacher, observes a rebelliousJoseph slashing plane tires. The teacher developsa payment plan for the damage, and Joseph reactsby spreading false rumors about him. Therumors are publicly dispelled when Mr.Townsend stands up for himself in the classroom.Joseph must then get a job to pay back thedamages. While he is working, money goesmissing from the cash drawer and Joseph loseshis job. Each incident increases Joseph’s inneranger and turmoil.In addition to dealing with cultural changes,Joseph is forced to examine the many sources ofhis anger, which include: anger about his father’sabandonment of his family, anger about thefederal regulations, anger at being caught in anact of vandalism in retaliation for the regulations,anger at all whites in general despite being halfwhite himself, anger when positions are reversedand he is falsely accused, and finally, the fit ofanger which causes him to run away.A near brush with death and caring family andfriends in both cultures help Joseph along theroad to recovery and provide new perceptions forgrowth and understanding. Right and wrong,truth, honesty, loyalty, strong family nurturing,and friendship are major elements of thisexcellent coming-of-age novel.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—5Patricia BraunLibrary Media SpecialistWilmette Junior HighWilmette, IllinoisThe Drummer Boy of Vicksburg. G. CliftonWisler. LCCN 96021184. New York:Lodestar Books/Dutton/Penguin, 1997. ISBN052567537X, HBB, $15.99.F. United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Fiction, Heroes—Fiction. 133 p.Gr. 7-12The Drummer Boy of Vicksburg, G. CliftonWisler’s first person account of twelve-year-oldOrion Howe, is the fictionalized narrative of aC H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 3 8 S E P T E M B E R , 1 9 9 7

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Facts on File.0816037027, PAP _____@ $19.95_______Atonement Child. Rivers, Francine. Tyndale House Publishers.0842300414, PAP _____@ $16.97_______Attack of the Amazons. Morris, Gilbert. Moody Press.0802436919, PAP _____@ $5.99_______Awakening the Giant. Russell, Jim. Zondervan PublishingHouse.0310201764, HBB _____@ $15.99_______Beyond the Minarets. Finnie, Kellsye M. Christian LiteratureCrusade.0875089690, PAP _____@ $5.95_______Blackmail. Stahl, Hilda. Bethel Publishing.093499840X, PAP _____@ $5.99_______Blind Faith. Pella, Judith. Bethany House.1556618808, PAP _____@ $8.99_______Blue and the Gray. Bunting, Eve. Scholastic Press.0590601970, HBB _____@ $14.95_______Book of Little Folk. Mills, Lauren A. Dial Books, Penguin.0803714580, HBB _____@ $23.99_______Books Children Love. Wilson, Elizabeth Laraway. CrosswayBooks.0891074414, PAP _____@ $14.99_______Bound for Glory. Candaele, Kerry. Chelsea House Publishers.0791026876, PAP _____@ $8.95_______Bound for Glory. Candaele, Kerry. Chelsea House Publishers.0791022617, HBB _____@ $19.95_______Butterfly Boy. Kroll, Virginia. Boyds Mills Press.1563973715, HBB _____@ $15.95_______Butterfly Lion. Morpurgo, Michael. Viking, Penguin.0670874612, HBB _____@ $14.99_______Camp Sierra Secret. Wilkison, Esther G. Bob Jones UniversityPress.0890848777, PAP _____@ $6.49_______C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 3 9 N O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 7

ORDER FORMCan You Help Me Find My Smile?. Sommer, Carl. AdvancePublishing.1575370557, LIB _____@ $14.95_______Cancer Lives at Our House. Hoek, Beatrice Hofman. BakerBooks.0801057353, PAP _____@ $8.99_______Candy Cane Christmas. Haidle, Helen. Concordia PublishingHouse.0570050235, HBB _____@ $5.99_______Capital Punishment. Gottfried, Ted. Enslow Publishers.0894908995, HBB _____@ $18.95_______Case of the Questionable Cousin. Erwin, Vicki Berger.Concordia Publishing House.0570048362, PAP _____@ $4.99_______Cat’s Kittens. Rogers, Paul. Viking, Penguin.067086255X, HBB _____@ $13.99_______Catnapping Caper. Erwin, Vicki Berger. Concordia PublishingHouse.0570048702, PAP _____@ $4.99_______Caves That Time Forgot. Morris, Gilbert. Moody Press.0802436846, PAP _____@ $5.99_______Chadder’s Wild Frontier Adventure. Group Productions.0764497014, VID _____@ $14.99_______Chile. Pickering, Marianne. Benchmark Books, MarshallCavendish.0761403337, HBB _____@ $17.95_______Christian Child-Rearing.. Meier, Paul D. Baker Books.080105611X, PAP _____@ $10.99_______Christian Cyberspace Companion. Baker, Jason D. BakerBooks.0801057388, PAP _____@ $15.99_______Christmas : An Annual Treasury. Augsburg.0806689900, HBB _____@ $19.99_______Close Your Eyes. Gunn, Robin Jones. Focus on the FamilyPublishing.1561794872, PAP _____@ $5.99_______Colombian Jungle Escape. Dulka, Ed. Christian LiteratureCrusade.0875080928, PAP _____@ $5.95_______Count. Fleming, Denise. Henry Holt and Co.0805050817, KBB _____@ $6.95_______Courtship. Wilson, Budge. Stoddart Kids.077367456X, PAP _____@ $5.95_______Creating Love. Kuzma, Kay. Pacific Press Publishing Assn,Pacific Press Publishing Assn.0816313822, PAP _____@ $11.99_______Daisy Is a Mommy. Kopper, Lisa. Dutton Children’s Books,Penguin.0525457224, HBB _____@ $11.99_______Dancing with the Wind. Orser, Stanton. Rising Moon,Northland Publishing.0873586395, HBB _____@ $14.95_______Deadline. Stahl, Hilda. Bethel Publishing.0934998337, PAP _____@ $5.99_______Disappearing Card Trick. Erwin, Vicki Berger. ConcordiaPublishing House.0570048354, PAP _____@ $4.99_______Distant Dreams. Pella, Judith. Bethany House.155661862X, PAP _____@ $9.99_______Distant Enemy. Vanasse, Deb. Lodestar Books/Dutton,Penguin.0525675493, HBB _____@ $16.99_______Drummer Boy of Vicksburg. Wisler, G. Clifton. LodestarBooks/Dutton, Penguin.052567537X, HBB _____@ $15.99_______Drums of Change. Oke, Janette. Bethany House.1556618123, PAP _____@ $8.99_______Dust of the Earth. Hess, Donna Lynn. Bob Jones UniversityPress.0890847630, PAP _____@ $6.49_______Early Explorers of North America. Wilbur, C. Keith. ChelseaHouse Publishers.0791045315, HBB _____@ $19.95_______Eleanor. Cooney, Barbara. Viking, Penguin.0670861596, HBB _____@ $15.99_______Emma and the Night Dogs. Aller, Susan Bivin. AlbertWhitman & Co.0807519936, HBB _____@ $14.95_______Emma’s Elephant & Other .. Ellwand, David. DuttonChildren’s Books, Penguin.0525457925, HBB _____@ $14.99_______Empress of the Underworld. Morris, Gilbert. Moody Press.0802436862, PAP _____@ $5.99_______End of Days. Dolan, David. Fleming H. Revell, Baker Books.0800756304, PAP _____@ $10.99_______Entangled. Peterson, Tracie. Bethany House.1556619367, PAP _____@ $8.99_______Escape with the Dream Maker. Morris, Gilbert. Moody Press.0802436927, PAP _____@ $5.99_______Eyes of Tenderness. Rice, Helen Steiner. Fleming H. Revell,Baker Books.0800717376, HBB _____@ $19.99_______Fall of the Red Star. Szablya, Helen M. Boyds Mills Press.1563974193, HBB _____@ $15.95_______Families That Play Together Stay Together. Partow, Cameron.Bethany House.1556617119, PAP _____@ $8.99_______Fathers & Daughters. Schreur, Jack. Victor Books,Chariot/Victor.1564765814, PAP _____@ $10.99_______Favorite Norse Myths. Osborne, Mary Pope. Scholastic.0590480464, HBB _____@ $17.95_______Fiery Vision. Cox, Clinton. Scholastic Press.0590475746, HBB _____@ $15.95_______Final Kingdom. Morris, Gilbert. Moody Press.0802436935, PAP _____@ $5.99_______First Christmas Origami. Iijima, Geneva Cobb. ThomasNelson Publishers, Thomas Nelson Publishers.0840735448, PAP _____@ $8.99_______First Christmas Tree. Haidle, Helen. New Kids Media, BakerBooks.080104393X, HBB _____@ $14.99_______Flight of the Eagles. Morris, Gilbert. Moody Press.0802436811, PAP _____@ $5.99_______Following Jesus. Wright, N. T. Wm. B. Eerdman’s.0802841325, PAP _____@ $12.00_______Foundling. Hayner, Linda. Bob Jones University Press.0890849412, PAP _____@ $6.49_______Freedom in White Mittens. Phillips, Raelene. BethelPublishing.0934998280, PAP _____@ $5.99_______Freedom’s Destiny Fulfilled. Phillips, Raelene. BethelPublishing.0934998361, PAP _____@ $5.99_______Freedom’s Tremendous Cost. Phillips, Raelene. BethelPublishing.0934998477, PAP _____@ $5.99_______Friends for the Journey. L’Engle, Madeleine. ServantPublications.0892839864, HBB _____@ $16.99_______From Head to Toe. Carle, Eric. HarperCollins Publishers.0060235160, HBB _____@ $16.95_______Front Porch Parenting. Simon, Mary Manz. Chariot/Victor.0781403065, PAP _____@ $11.99_______Frontier Physician. Jordan, Nancy. Epicenter Press, AlaskaNorthwest.0945397526, PAP _____@ $14.95_______Gates of Neptune. Morris, Gilbert. Moody Press.080243682X, PAP _____@ $5.99_______Gathering Storm. Sisson, Mary Barr. Chelsea HousePublishers.0791026787, PAP _____@ $8.95_______Gathering Storm. Sisson, Mary Barr. Chelsea HousePublishers.0791022528, HBB _____@ $19.95_______Genesis. Young, Ed. Laura Geringer Books, HarperCollins.0060253568, HBB _____@ $16.95_______Gentle Touch. Hunt, Angela Elwell. Bethany House.1556619448, PAP _____@ $8.99_______Gently Touch Sheela Jenkins. Stahl, Hilda. Bethel Publishing.0934998329, PAP _____@ $6.99_______Georgia. Spilling, Michael. Marshall Cavendish.0761406913, HBB _____@ $23.95_______Geronimo. Hermann, Spring. Enslow Publishers.0894908642, HBB _____@ $18.95_______Gift for the Contessa. Mele, Michael. Pelican Publishing Co.1565542169, HBB _____@ $15.95_______Gift of Peace. Bernardin, Joseph Louis. Loyola Press.0829409556, HBB _____@ $17.95_______Glendalough. Rodgers, Michael. Morehouse Publishing.0819216941, PAP _____@ $10.95_______God Made Me. Haidle, Helen. Concordia Publishing House.0570050219, HBB _____@ $5.99_______Gold Cord. Carmichael, Amy. Christian Literature Crusade.0875080685, PAP _____@ $10.95_______Golden Sunbeam. Bender, Carrie. Herald Press.0836190556, PAP _____@ $7.99_______Goof Who Invented Homework.. Dakos, Kalli. Dial Books forYoung Readers, Penguin.0803719280, HBB _____@ $13.99_______Government and Politics. Havens, John C. Chelsea HousePublishers.079102847X, HBB _____@ $19.95_______Grab Hands and Run. Temple, Frances. Orchard Books,Orchard Books.0531054802, HBB _____@ $15.95_______Grandparenting. Endicott, Irene. Broadman & Holman.0805462007, PAP _____@ $13.99_______Great Royal Race. Sommer, Carl. Advance Publishing.1575370549, LIB _____@ $14.95_______Great Stone Face. Hawthorne, Nathaniel. Chariot/Victor.156476544X, HBB _____@ $14.99_______Hartford. Hunt, Angela Elwell. Tyndale House Publishers.0842320148, PAP _____@ $11.99_______Hattie Marshall..Dangerous Fire. Smith, Debra. CrosswayBooks.0891078797, PAP _____@ $4.99_______Hattie Marshall..Mysterious Strangers. Smith, Debra.Crossway Books.0891078789, PAP _____@ $4.99_______Hawk Hill. Gilbert, Suzie. Chronicle Books.0811808394, HBB _____@ $14.95_______Heart Like His. Pippert, Rebecca Manley. Crossway Books.0891079068, CAS _____@ $14.99_______Heart Like His. Pippert, Rebecca Manley. Crossway Books.0891077693, HBB _____@ $19.99_______N O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 7 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

YOUNG ADULTFICTIONreal-life story. Orion sees his father and ten-yearoldbrother leave for the army as fife player anddrummer boy while he is sent to live with hisgrandmother so he can continue going to school.After watching classmates and teachers leave oneafter another, he travels hundreds of miles to findhis father and brother in Memphis and join theUnion forces. From his position as a drummerboy, Orion shows the reality of life in an armycamp, facing the fear of marching into battle, andthe endless periods of waiting.The book concludes with the battle that made ahero of Orion and caused General Sherman towrite to Secretary of War Stanton asking that“something be done for... Orion P. Howe ofWaukegan, Illinois.”Wisler does a masterful job of researching anddescriptively writing about the Civil Warincluding the details of battles and names ofpeople and places that are familiar. He thenweaves the facts in with the fictionalized story togive a realistic and inspiring account of a realhero.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—5Esther Knaupp, LibrarianSantiam Christian SchoolCorvallis, OregonDust of the Earth. Donna Lynn Hess. LCCN94026132. Greenville, S.C.: Bob JonesUniversity Press, 1994. ISBN 0890847630,PAP, $6.49.F. Pace, J. T., 1923- —Fiction, Afro-Americans—Fiction, Literacy—Fiction. 197 p.Gr. 6—8.Dust of the Earth is a work of biographicalfiction based on the life of J.T. Pace, a blacksharecropper’s son from the South. He makes anamazing journey from a small boy, whosestuttering kept him from school and literacy, to asuccessful adult, speaking in front of large groupsand meeting the likes of First Lady, BarbaraBush. But his greatest accomplishment lies inknowing Jesus Christ as Savior and being able toread God’s Word.This book, then, is the story of his lifeexperiences and of the people who contributed tothat life and the man he became, including hisparents and sister, his best friends, Dover andJake, and, of course, his wife and her parents.Although fictionalized, JT’s story conveysaccurately his life’s struggle and victory.Much of the dialogue reflects region and cultureby the use of dialect. This is used as an indicatorof illiteracy and ignorance and is in no way areflection of racial issues. Told in the thirdperson, through almost continuous dialogue, thisbook is a fast and engaging read.Filled with many references to salvation, Dust ofthe Earth, by Donna Lynn Hess, will appeal toyoung people as a biography that will uplift andgive encouragement.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—5Ceil CareyMiddle School LibrarianPlano, IllinoisThe Fall of the Red Star. Helen M. Szablyaand Peggy King Anderson LCCN 95076351.Honesdale, Penn.: Boyds Mills Press, 1996.ISBN 1563974193, HBB, $15.95.F. Hungary—History—Revolution, 1956—Fiction.166 p.Gr. 5—8.In one horrible night in 1948, six-year-oldStephen’s secure life was shattered. The ancientnation of Hungary was being brought to heel bythe Soviet Union with the help of the AVO, thehated Hungarian secret police. That night, theAVO came for his father and Stephen’s futurewas forever changed.It is now 1956 and the grip of the Soviets seemsimpossibly tight; even gatherings such as the BoyScouts are outlawed. Now fourteen, Stephen andhis friends dream of freedom as they quietly rebelin little ways against the status quo. Then, oneday, his friend Pauli comes late to school with abundle of flyers demanding freedom from Sovietoppression and carrying news of demonstrationsforming in the public squares of Budapest. Whenthe AVO fires into the demonstrators, Stephenfinds himself fighting for his life and his country,as much a soldier as any grown man. The horrorsof war and the hope for freedom combine to driveStephen forward through the chaos as all he hasknown disintegrates around him with the Fall ofthe Red Star.Most Americans know nothing of the valiantstand of the Hungarian people against Soviettyranny in the 1950’s. Helen M. Szblya livedthrough that brave and terrible time. Now, fortyyears later, she gives young readers a taste of itby telling the story of Hungarian teens. Szablyaand Anderson weave a tense, dialog-driven storywith a pace that echoes the intensity of that briefweek-and-a-half of freedom in 1956. Stephen,the protagonist, is transformed quickly fromschool-boy into a freedom fighter who is shockedby the blood on his hands and the deeds he findshimself capable of. The rest of his family andfriends are well-drawn, as is their strong faith inGod’s care during the short-lived revolution andtheir subsequent escape from Hungary.The Fall of the Red Star has great potential as adiscussion starter as it raises questionsconcerning politics, theology, and ethics throughthe decisions of its characters and the rapidity ofevents. Highly recommended for all early tomiddle teens.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—5Pamela ToddChalcedon Christian SchoolAtlanta, GeorgiaFlight of the Eagles. Gilbert Morris. (TheSeven Sleepers Series; 1.) Chicago: MoodyPress, 1994. ISBN 0802436811, PAP, $5.99.F. Fantasy. 182 p.——The Gates of Neptune. Gilbert Morris.(The Seven Sleepers Series; 2.) Chicago:Moody Press, 1994. ISBN 080243682X, PAP,$5.99.F. Fantasy. 150 p.——The Sword of Camelot. Gilbert Morris.(The Seven Sleepers Series; 3.) Chicago:Moody Press, 1995. ISBN 0802436838, PAP,$5.99.F. Fantasy. 172 p.——The Caves That Time Forgot. GilbertMorris. (The Seven Sleepers Series; 4.)Chicago: Moody Press, 1995. ISBN0802436846, PAP, $5.99.F. Fantasy. 144 p.——The Winged Raiders of the Desert.Gilbert Morris. (The Seven Sleepers Series;5.) Chicago: Moody Press, 1995. ISBN0802436854, PAP, $5.99.F. Fantasy. 135 p.——The Empress of the Underworld. GilbertMorris. (The Seven Sleepers Series; 6.)Chicago: Moody Press, 1996. ISBN0802436862, PAP, $5.99.F. Fantasy. 153 p.——Voyage of the Dolphin. Gilbert Morris.(The Seven Sleepers Series; 7.) Chicago:Moody Press, 1996. ISBN 0802436870, PAP,$5.99.F. Fantasy. 160 p.——Attack of the Amazons. Gilbert Morris.(The Seven Sleepers Series; 8.) Chicago:Moody Press, 1996. ISBN 0802436919, PAP,$5.99.F. Fantasy. 165 p.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 N O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 7

YOUNG ADULTFICTION——Escape with the Dream Maker. GilbertMorris. (The Seven Sleepers Series; 9.)Chicago: Moody Press, 1997. ISBN0802436927, PAP, $5.99.F. Fantasy. 166 p.——The Final Kingdom. Gilbert Morris.(The Seven Sleepers Series; 10.) Chicago:Moody Press, 1997. ISBN 0802436935, PAP,$5.99.F. Fantasy. 166 p.Gr. 6—11.Prolific author Gilbert Morris departs from hisusual style of writing realistic novels and writesabout the future in his young adult fiction seriesThe Seven Sleepers. Although the books are thinin plot the series should appeal to reluctantreaders. The main characters are teenagersranging in ages and temperaments. They areportrayed as real and likable in their faults andstrengths. Allegorical in its telling this series willdraw in readers who enjoyed the Narnia seriesbut have grown beyond it. Each book centersaround a given mission, and although the bookscan be read separately they are best read in orderas there is progressive character growth.In Flight of the Eagles, the first of the series,readers learn the earth has been forever changedby nuclear war. Foreseeing this event seventeenagers have been placed in sleep capsules toawaken fifty years later. Together the SevenSleepers must fight against the dark forces ofNuworld while learning to trust in themselvesand their mysterious guide Goel (which in theOld Testament is a name given to God meaningRedeemer).The Gates of Neptune find the Sleepers in anundersea kingdom where they must battle againstthe dark forces which were set in motion bybetrayal. Trust, believing in something when noone else does, is an important truth shown in thisstory.The Sword of Camelot is a King Arthur revisitedadventure full of action. Reb the southerncowboy, revels in this element of horses andquests, only to have his courage and beliefstested when his own strength fails him. He learnsthe importance of the strength given through faithand friends.In The Caves That Time Forgot the Sleepers aresent to a prehistoric society where they must dealwith ignorance, which is almost as deadly as thedangers of lethal beasts and neighboring warringtribes. The Sleepers have the mission of winningthe Cave Dwellers to the side of Goel while theyalso instruct them in methods of survival. Soulwinning is not easy, especially when up againstfighting for your life against dinosaurs.In The Winged Raiders of the Desert the Sleepersfind themselves held as slaves among a fiercepeople who have mastered winged flight. Jakethe loner, learns humility through his captivity,while the other Sleepers gain their captors trust,if not respect, through their servant attitude.The Empress of the Underworld has the Sleepersbeneath Nuworld where an cruel sorceress hasenslaved the people to work the mines. TheSleepers learn how hate and violence only begetsthe same, and how love and compassion cantriumph in the most trying of circumstances.The Sleepers are hired to deliver Dawn, thespoiled daughter of a rich merchant to marry aking on a faraway island in Voyage of theDolphin. They are shipwrecked in a fierce stormand find themselves among giants, forced to liveas sideshow entertainment until they make theirescape. Dawn begins a dramatic change as shehas to face hardships, realizing it takes teamworkto overcome the worst of situations.Fierce women warriors enslave the Sleepers inAttack of the Amazons. The idea of what happenswhen women take total control of a society isexplored. The ultimate point being made menand women were intended to work together,combining one another’s strengths to overcomegiven weaknesses. Morris also illustrates howperceived gender stereotypes don’t always holdup in actuality.The struggle with recreational addiction isaddressed in Escape with the Dream Maker whenthe Sleepers meet up with an inventor who showsthem how to plug into a dream manipulationmachine. Escaping from painful, unpleasantsituations with recreational pleasures andpursuits can have grievous consequences, as theSleepers individually discover.The Final Kingdom ends the series as Goel callstogether all his followers to do battle against theDark Lord. However, Goel needs more supportfor this final battle and sends forth the Sleepers tobring reinforcements from the Land of Ice, theCaverns of Doom, and the Land of Magicians.This is by far the most challenging and dangerousof all their assignments since it appears one oftheir guides is an informer for the Dark Lord.Once again the Sleepers use the power of love tohold evil in check.Overall series rating:◆ Quality—3 ❤ Acceptability—5Pam WebbLibrarianSandpoint Community Christian SchoolSandpoint, Idaho★The Foundling. Linda Hayner. LCCN 97010574.Greenville, S.C.: Bob Jones University Press,1997. ISBN 0890849412, PAP, $6.49.F. Abandoned children—Fiction, Apprentices—Fiction,Mothers and sons—Fiction,Gr. 10—Adult.Life in England in 1644 was uncertain at best,even for those comfortably situated in life. War,disease, financial disaster or debt could changeone’s life in an instant. For those without theprotection of family or wealth, life wasprecarious, often mean. Survival depended on afortuitous combination of a strong constitution,native wit and the mercy of those with means.The Foundling, by Linda Hayner, takes thereader into that era and into the life of Willy,abandoned by his mother on the steps of St.Pancras parish church, and those whose lives hetouches. Through his eyes we see the daily livesof the middle and lower classes of seventeenthcentury England as Willy grows from a waif offour to a young apprentice of sixteen during oneof the most exciting yet chaotic times in thecountry’s history.The Founding is an extremely well conceivedand written book. The conditions of the time aresubtly, yet masterfully conveyed in growingdetail as the main character matures. The mainand supporting characters are complex andvaried, having a vitality that attracts the reader’scuriosity. The most admirable aspect of the bookis its fidelity to the portrayal of the sovereign, yetinvisible, hand of God in the events of the timeand the lives of the characters. Rarely is thisachieved with such artistry. Highlyrecommended.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—5Pamela A. ToddChalcedon Christian SchoolAtlanta, GeorgiaFreedom in White Mittens. Raelene Phillips.(Freedom Series; 1.) Elkhart, Ind.: BethelPublishing, 1987. ISBN 0934998280, PAP,$5.99.F. Immigrants—Fiction, Indentured servants—Fiction.186 p.——Freedom's Destiny Fulfilled. RaelenePhillips. (Freedom Series; 2.) Elkhart, Ind.:Bethel Publishing, 1989. ISBN 0934998361,PAP, $5.99.F. Pioneers—Fiction. 164 p.——Freedom's Tremendous Cost. RaelenePhillips. (Freedom Series; 3.) Elkhart, Ind.:Bethel Publishing, 1993. ISBN 0934998477,PAP, $5.99.F. Ohio—Fiction. 155 p.Gr. 5—Adult.When William, son of the Lord of Stivers’ Castle,falls in love with Hannah Duffy, an orphanedservant girl, they realize that their future lies inAmerica. They steal away by night to travel fromGermany to Amsterdam, where they plan to sailfor America as indentured slaves. As they board,Hannah presents Will with a pair of white mittensN O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 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 ADULTFICTIONshe has knitted for him, and tells him toremember the girl who loves him and waits tobecome his wife.When they arrive in Virginia, Hannah isindentured to a loving family she has befriendedon the ship, but Will is purchased to work in thecotton fields by a very cruel man. As theyseparate, they agree to meet by the church in fouryears. At their reunion, it is only the whitemittens that cause Hannah to recognize her Willafter his cruel treatment.Raelene Phillips has researched the time periodbetween 1752 and 1820 very well and has beenable to keep the facts of the story quite accurate.She uses her two main characters in Freedom inWhite Mittens to contrast the treatment ofindentured servants. The reader is drawn alongthrough the story, wondering how the two youngpeople will be reunited.Freedom’s Destiny Fulfilled continues the storyof Hannah and Will several years later. Norfolkhas grown so much that the family decides tomove West to Ohio. The white mittens continueto play a part in this story as they are made into ababy’s sweater and later used to mark the graveof a son who died fighting for freedom.Phillips’ third book, Freedom’s Tremendous Cost,portrays the risks and blessings of theUnderground Railroad in Ohio at the beginningof the nineteenth century. Amber, a young slavegirl fleeing from a southern plantation, is helpedalong the way as the Stivers family risk theirlives for the freedom of others.These three books could stand alone but thereader will wish to know the whole story of thisfamily who longed for freedom.◆ Quality—3 ❤ Acceptability—5Patricia PerryRetired LibrarianWesterville, OhioGently Touch Sheela Jenkins. Hilda Stahl.Elkhart, Ind.: Bethel Publishing, 1989. ISBN0934998329, PAP, $6.99.F. Child abuse—Fiction. 200 p.Gr. 11—Adult.When Sheela Jenkins, weighed down with hatredand inability to forgive, unwillingly feelsattracted to her employer, Aaron Brooks, sheadopts a stand-offish mode because of past hurtsthat remain like a brick wall before her. Addie, alittle girl from a nearby apartment, makesSheela’s childhood memories even more vivid.Wade, a friend of Sheela’s mother, Bobby, findsSheela and demands she see her mother, who is apatient in the hospital. Sheela refuses. Later sherelents and goes to the hospital, but she cannotbring herself to speak to Bobby after all. Whilethere, Sheela unexpectedly meets hergrandmother, another sad link to previous years.At last Sheela admits her interest in Aaron.Following an unpleasant scene at his family’sThanksgiving dinner, he hears the truth fromSheela. She opens her heart to Aaron and also toChrist, who lifts the burden of her past. Akidnapping and plans to help Addie and hermother out of their abusive cycle, brings theconflicts to a predictable close.Because the story unfolds quickly, and Stahlresolves everything within 200 pages, she tellsmuch that readers might instead like to see. Thisreduces the book’s literary quality.Throughout Gently Touch Sheela Jenkins, Stahlhandles the child-abuse theme carefully andhonestly. She has developed real-life characters.Sheela, Addie, and Aaron create empathy inreaders’ minds, while other characters evokesympathy and disgust. Minor characters add alighter note, which provides some relief from theconflict.With occasional glimpses into Sheela’schildhood, Stahl shows the traumatic effects ofthe cycle which often travels from generation togeneration. The power of prayer and forgivenessfrom God, who in turn gives freedom from thepast, offers a positive note to a difficult subject.◆ Quality—3 ❤ Acceptability—5Betty M. HockettFreelance Writer, Writing Teacher, SpeakerNewberg, OregonA Golden Sunbeam. Carrie Bender.(Miriam’s Journal; 5.) LCCN 96025796.Scottdale, Penn.: Herald Press, 1996. ISBN0836190556, PAP, $7.99.F. Farm life—Pennsylvania—Fiction, Amish—Pennsylvania—Fiction, Married women—Pennsylvania—Fiction. 192 p.Gr. 9—Adult.“Now is the only time you own.Live, love toil with a will.Place no faith in tomorrow.The hands may then be still.”This short poem seems to sum up the attitudesand purposes of the Amish community. Takingdelight in the smallest blessing of a robin’s song,yet striving to be pure and Christ-like in even themost traumatic events life can bring, these simplefolk inspire the reader to pursue a good, healthy,and productive life.Miriam recalls her daily routines and evenincludes some recipes that are especially yummy.The encouragement and strength she exhibits intrusting God through difficult circumstances isbalanced with her “humanness” as she chooses toset aside her worrying and wondering, and let theLord work out the details. We find a thoughtful,homey portrayal of life that is both peaceful andcomforting to the soul to read about. Evenduring the stressful times, such as missing lovedones who have moved far away, or coping withmysterious happenings on the farm, Miriamencourages everyone to rest in him. Throughlessons that are often difficult, the reader willdiscover that God truly honors the heart that ispure and works in everything for God.Being true to form, Carrie Bender has producedanother quality book of simplicity and honor. AGolden Sunbeam will surely not only allow thereader to find “a quiet place of rest” in itsreading, but will also warm the heart towardsfamily and friends, and encourage the reader todo all for the glory of God.◆ Quality—3 ❤ Acceptability—5Mary McKinneyFreelance WriterPort Orchard, WashingtonGrab Hands and Run. Frances Temple. NewYork: Orchard Books, 1993. ISBN0531054802, HBB, $15.95.F. El Salvador—Fiction, Refugees—Fiction. 176 p.Gr. 6—10.“Leave and don’t come back. If not, you die,”read the note stuck under Felipe’s front door. Heknew what that meant. His father, Jacinto, hadbeen kidnapped, and would probably be thevictim of a political murder for speaking outagainst the government of El Salvador. The onlyhope for Felipe, his sister Romy, and their motheris to flee to Canada as Jacinto had instructedthem. Perhaps Jacinto would find a way to jointhem there—if he was still alive.Desperate, Felipe, Romy, and their mother gatherwhat few things they can carry, and pay anoutrageous amount to cross the border intoGuatemala without the proper papers. Armedwith names and locations of safe havens fromtheir friends, they make their way steadily towardthe United States border. They brave gravedangers and endure many hardships, only to findthemselves interred in a camp for illegal aliens atthe Mexican border.Discouraged and near defeat, the family receivesword there that Felipe’s father is indeed dead.Although this is grievous news, it provides themwith the proof they need to show that they wouldbe killed if they returned to El Salvador.Arrangements are made for them to stay in thehome of a Wisconsin family for six months untilthey finally receive papers granting themCanadian citizenship.According to Francis Temple, author of GrabHands and Run, the story is fiction, but it isinformed by the experiences of a Salvadoranfamily who lived with her family while waitingfor Canadian citizenship. She only hints at thepolitical dangers, such as death ordismemberment, faced by ordinary Salvadorans.Even Felipe does not know much about hisfather’s activities, and it is his ignorance thatkeeps him safe.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 N O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 7

YOUNG ADULTFICTIONTemple describes the corruption of the military,which forcibly takes boys as young as twelve tobe soldiers, and she speaks of the guerrillas ormuchachos, who defend the peasants from thelandowners and the military. Mention is made ofthe fact that the United States supplies ElSalvador with the guns used to kills its citizens,but the author also points out that manyAmericans are trying to change such policies.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—5Sherri BeelerTeacher, Cascade Christian High SchoolMedford, OregonHartford. Angela Elwell Hunt. (Keepers ofthe Ring; 3.) LCCN 97000162. Wheaton, Ill.:Tyndale House Publishers, 1996. ISBN0842320148, PAP, $11.99.F. Hartford (Conn.)—History—Colonial period, ca.1600-1775—Fiction, Connecticut—History—Colonialperiod, ca. 1600-1775—Fiction, Indians of NorthAmerica—Connecticut—Fiction, Pequot War, 1636-1638—Fiction. 350 p.——Rehoboth. Angela Elwell Hunt. (Keepersof the Ring; 4.) LCCN 96011716. Wheaton,Ill.: Tyndale House Publishers, 1997. ISBN0842320156, PAP, $11.99.F. New England—History—Fiction, King Philip’s War,1675-1676—Fiction. 356 p.Gr. 9—12.Hartford, by Angela Elwell Hunt, describesDavid and Taregan as identical twins whosepersonalities are as different as fire and water.The twins are half Indian and half English, andunlike Taregan, Daniel is restless and dissatisfiedwith being a Christian and living an Indianlifestyle. When Garvin Black gives Daniel theopportunity to serve as a scout for Englishmenseeking revenge on the Pequot Indians, Danieljumps at the opportunity to leave his home andfamily. Unfortunately, this decision leads Danielto unwittingly send his father into slavery, andcauses the death of many Indians who wereconsidered family friends.Realizing what Daniel has done, Taregan and hismother, Gilda, run to the tribe of Taregan’sbetrothed, Dena, to warn them of the attack thatis sure to come. Many of their Indian friendsescape, but Taregan, Gilda, and Dena are amongthose captured and sold into slavery.Taregan serves nine years as a slave in Barbadosbefore earning his freedom and returning toHartford to marry Dena. Upon his arrival,Taregan finds that he has been framed for amurder committed by Daniel, and Taregan iscondemned to hang. The Lord works inTaregan’s heart to remove all bitterness and hatefor Daniel’s past betrayal of his family, and forthis second betrayal.Daniel, hating the wicked man he has become,attempts to atone for his past offenses bydrugging Taregan and secretly taking his place atthe hanging. Taregan makes his peace with hisdead brother by assuming Daniel’s name, and heand Dena live a fulfilled life together.Rehoboth, Book IV in the Keepers of the Ringseries, picks up the story with Taregan andDena’s half-breed children, Mojag and Aiyana.As the English push more and more into Indianterritory, conflict becomes inevitable. Mojagfeels the Lord’s calling to live with Metacomet,or “King Phillip,” and to share the gospel withthe Wampanoeg Indians. He takes an Indian wifeand lives to see the complete destruction of theWampanoeg people through war with theEnglish.Aiyana, a servant in the home of MatthewGlazier, falls in love with his son Forest. Theirlove endures many trials, including Aiyana’sexile on Deer Island with the other ChristianIndians during the war, and Forest’s capture bythe Wampanoeg Indians. Aiyana escapes tosearch for him, and they are eventually reunited,with Mojag’s help.Although Hartford and Rehoboth both exhibitstereotypically gorgeous heroes and heroineswho fall in love at first sight, both books are wellwritten from a historical perspective. Hunt oftenincludes actual excerpts of manuscripts from the1600’s, and famous historical personages appearfrequently throughout both novels. The rigidityof the Puritan faith and its condemnation of otherraces and lifestyles is strongly contrasted withthat of Christians who freely recognized that theIndians were as much in need of a Savior asanyone, and were deserving of the chance toaccept the gospel without changing their entireway of life.Hunt clearly demonstrates the conflict and hatredthat results when people don’t make the effort tounderstand and truly listen to those who mightseem “different.” Hunt reminds us that we mustnot isolate ourselves and our faith, as manyPuritans did. Instead, we should be willing, likeMojag, to go beyond our “comfort zone” andshare our faith with the world around us.The books in the Keepers of the Ring Series arebest enjoyed read in order, although each bookeasily stands on its own.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—5Sherri BeelerTeacher, Cascade Christian High SchoolMedford, OregonChristian Library Servicesis looking forwell-read personswho alsolike to writeNeeded to reviewVARIOUS GENRESOFLITERATUREforChristian LibraryJournal.Write for guidelines:Christian Library Services1101 S.W. Rogue River AvenueGrants Pass, OR 97526-2736Email: nancyhclj@aol.comN O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 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 ADULTFICTIONA Hound for Hannah. Eric Wiggin.(Hannah’s Island Series; 1.) Lynnwood,Wash.: Emerald Books, 1995. ISBN1883002249, PAP, $5.99.F. Dogs—Fiction, Christian life—Fiction. 152 p.——The Mystery of the Sunken Steamboat.Eric Wiggin. (Hannah’s Island Series; 2.)Lynnwood, Wash.: Emerald Books, 1995.ISBN 1883002257, PAP, $5.99.F. Christian life—Fiction, Shipwrecks—Fiction,Steamboats—Fiction. 144 p.——The Mysterious Stranger. Eric Wiggin.(Hannah’s Island Series; 3.) Lynnwood,Wash.: Emerald Books, 1995. ISBN1883002265, PAP, $5.99.F. Christian life—Fiction, Pigs—Fiction. 144 p.Gr. 4—8.How could Hannah’s father even considerdestroying the new puppies born to their hounddog, Missy? True, they couldn’t afford to feed allfour of them, but wasn’t it downright murder tokill the innocent pups? Hannah began to prayand, much to her relief, found that her father wasas concerned as she was about their welfare.After claiming one of the pups, Hunter, for herown, Hannah is able to find good homes for theother three puppies as well.The Parmenter family owns a small hotel thatcaters to those interested in hunting and fishing inthe wilderness area of Beaver Island, Maine.Even though there is no electricity, and the lakeremains frozen until after the Easter holidays,Hannah and her brother, Walter, love living there.They learn many skills of survival that citifiedpeople have long forgotten. But when her hounddog Hunter disappears, Hannah begins to wishfor a more sophisticated means of tracking downher favorite pet. Through many tears, Hannahfinally surrenders to the Lord, and is rewardedwith the return of Hunter.The second book in the Hannah’s Island series,The Mystery of the Sunken Steamboat, brings tolight the excitement and danger of attempting toexplore and retrieve treasures hidden in the frigidwaters of Moosehead Lake. Not only doesHannah’s and Walt’s discovery bring distinctionand interest to their area, but it produces somevery fascinating and valued treasures.Unfortunately, along with the promise of “fameand fortune” comes a dark mystery andunexpected peril.Beaver Island again offers adventure andsuspense as the third book, The MysteriousStranger, reveals unsettling happenings at the oldabandoned Sampson place near the Parmenter’sHotel. Threats and anger, as well as a parcel ofexotic “porkers,” stir Hannah’s curiosity as shedetermines to resolve the trouble with unfriendlyneighbors. Hannah’s family shares provisionsand, best of all, friendship with the lonely andrather strange Mr. Sampson. Their willingnessto reach out and help is rewarded by a turnaboutin assistance when Mr. Parmenter is laid up witha broken leg. At last the Sampson family is wellon its way to becoming a functional, committedpart of the Beaver Island community.Eric Wiggin produces an interesting series thatnot only offers exciting adventures but gives thereader a good feel for the lifestyle of those on thesmall Maine island. He weaves the importanceof trusting the Lord into his stories very naturally,allowing the circumstances themselves toproduce the need to include God and hisprovision in each situation. This series offersgood, wholesome reading for preteens.◆ Quality—3 ❤ Acceptability—5Mary McKinneyFreelance WriterPort Orchard, WashingtonThe Ice Queen. Lissa Halls Johnson. (TheChina Tate Series; 6.) LCCN 96007475.Colorado Springs: Focus on the FamilyPublishing, 1996. ISBN 1561794775, PAP,$5.99.F. Camps—Fiction, Christian life—Fiction. 166 p.Gr. 8—12.“Of course I’m nervous. I’ve never been acounselor before.” China Jasmine Tate, whodoesn’t much like ten-year-olds, wishes she hadnever agreed to this week of counseling at CampCrazy Bear. Her best friend, Deedee Kiersey,tries to console her. But China still wonders,“what if I mess up? What if I’m the world’s worstcounselor?” Nevertheless, as she settles into herassigned tent, China asks God to help her make adifference in at least one girl’s life during camp.China agonizes when she discovers that Heather,who already considers China a “slum child,” willhead up the tent next to hers. The ten-year-oldsarrive, and China’s misgivings escalate. Shedecides, though, that God obviously plans tochange Irene, the smelly, untidy, unresponsivegirl, with her “presence as a counselor.”Constantly flirting with the male counselors,Heather complicates camp life for China,Deedee, and their campers. They struggle withher behavior, especially when she runs away andthen later gets media attention because she liesabout what really happened. China and Deedeemake a crucial decision the day Heather does notreturn from a hike.God answers China’s prayers, and one girl’s lifebegins to change, though everything happensmuch differently than China had expected.In The Ice Queen, Johnson has created interestingcharacters who act appropriately for their agegroups. Out-of-the-ordinary situations and goodwriting keep the reader’s interest throughout.This true-to-life, exciting camp story, the sixth inthe China Tate Series, presents the ideal backdropfor Christian teaching, and will appeal to youngteens concerned with boys, clothes, appearance,and doing something worthwhile for God.◆ Quality—5❤ Acceptability—5Betty M. HockettFreelance Writer, Writing Teacher, SpeakerNewberg, OregonThe Iron Ring. Lloyd Alexander. New York:Dutton Children’s Books/Penguin, 1997.ISBN 0525455973, HBB, $16.99.F. Fantasy. 283 p.Gr. 6—12.Like a fine jeweler, master storyteller LloydAlexander crafts a lovely necklace of a novel inThe Iron Ring. Drawing on the cultural traditionsof India, Alexander tells the story of Tamar, ayoung king and warrior who seeks to keep hisdharma (code of conduct/honor) intact when heloses a game of chance to a mysterious visitingking. Having staked his life on the game, Tamarsets out on a quest to offer it back to Jaya, hisone-time guest.Tamar collects friends and helpers—and theirstories—on his journey. The novel is constructedlike a beautiful necklace of stories. Each chapterpresents a character’s story like a unique jewel,and the cumulative effect is wonderful.Alexander examines many differentphilosophies, codes of conduct, and loyalties inThe Iron Ring. The resulting book glows as thereader reflects on its many viewpoints.This would make an excellent read-aloud bookfor a class or family time. The only objection areader might have is the Eastern philosophicalbase, but that is a natural and very necessary partof the story.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—5Georgia BeaversonFreelance WriterMadison, WisconsinJames Printer : A Novel of Rebellion. PaulSamuel Jacobs. New York: Scholastic Press,1997. ISBN 0590163817, HBB, $15.95.F. Printer, James—Fiction, Indians of North America—Fiction. 220 p.Gr. 5—12.With clear prose and an accessible style, PaulJacobs tells the bittersweet story of James Printer,a Nipmuck Indian. James becomes apprenticedto Samuel Green, an important Cambridge,Massachusetts, printer of the mid-1600s.Although he takes his name, God, language, craft,and allegiance from the English, Jamesdiscovers during a local war between the Englishand the Indians that wartime allegiance has adifferent meaning—and cost—from peacetimeloyalty.The story is told by Samuel Green’s “printer’sdevil,” his eleven-year-old son Bartholomew. Astep below apprentice, Bartholomew and hislively cousin Annie learn the printing trade fromJames Printer. James’ natural way with type andC H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 4 7 N O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 7

YOUNG ADULTFICTIONpatient teaching endear him to the two children.Through Bartholomew’s eyes, the reader seesJames and the other Indians in the book aspeople, not stereotyped savages.The real James Printer actually lived inCambridge and was apprenticed to SamuelGreen. Mr. Jacobs has constructed a sensitive,multi-faceted story around the scant historicalfacts available. Scholastic Press did a wonderfuljob giving the book’s print, art, paper, andbinding a 17th century feel. The book is a joy tohold, and an excellent read.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—5Georgia BeaversonFreelance WriterMadison, WisconsinKnights of Evermore. Scott & Renee Pinzon.Elkhart, Ind.: Bethel Publishing, 1994. ISBN0934998566, PAP, $5.99.F. Knights and knighthood—Fiction. 201 p.Gr. 5—8.Knights of Evermore can be read at two levels:first, as series of adventures similar to the storiesof the knights of Arthur’s round table and,secondly, as an allegory. Either way it makesgood reading and provides a base for excellentdiscussions about values.Each chapter is a self-contained adventureepisode centering on the battle of good versusevil and emphasizing a value like truth, honesty,or loyalty. Depending on the behavior of ourhero, Gulliver, the battle progresses or slidesback a little. His faithfulness and his ideal ofserving the High King are plot elements which tiethe tales together.Gulliver begins as a foot soldier serving the HighKing of Evermore, and dreaming of achievingknighthood someday. Along the way heencounters many adventures. In one episode, forexample, all the other soldiers are frittering timeaway off the job when no one can see them. ButGulliver works to serve, and not because he canbe seen working. In the end he is promoted tosquire for his loyalty and because he was “able tobe seen.”In another chapter he faces failure becauseinstead of using a sword, he reads what is writtenon it, and evil gets away. Our squire losesanother chance to save many when he spends toomuch time before a violent storm trying to getjust one stubborn peasant to cross the moat tosafety. Through a system of setbacks andrewards our hero does finally achieve knighthoodand a new name: Denemir, meaning “faithfulone.”The second half of the tales are about Denemir asa knight in his High King’s service. In the end,he meets the Captain of the Host in person and isthanked for a job well done. However this maynot be the last of Denemir; the open endingindicates that another volume from the Pinzonscould be forthcoming.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—5Patricia BraunLibrary Media SpecialistWilmette Junior High SchoolWilmette, IllinoisLily Vanessa and the Pet Panic. Elaine L.Schulte. (The Twelve Candles Club; 11.)LCCN 96045835. Minneapolis: BethanyHouse Publishers, 1997. ISBN 1556615396,PAP, $5.99.F. Christian life—Fiction, Clubs—Fiction,Moneymaking projects—Fiction, Afro-Americans—Fiction. 125 p.Gr. 4—8.More adventures abound for the Twelve CandlesClub. Newcomer Lily Vanessa introduces herselfand Cat to the girls during one of their Saturdaymorning Clubbers meetings for neighborhoodchildren. It doesn’t take long for Lily Vanessa tosense how different she is from the other girls. Insome small, insignificant ways and in oneobvious way. Lily Vanessa is Afro-American andher Aunt and Uncle are the only black familyliving in the neighborhood.As Lily Vanessa attempts to find a home for Cat,she likewise tries to discover a place that fits forher within this group of girls. “Lily Vanessa andthe Pet Panic” does indeed begin a panic withinthe girls’ hearts as they learn a lesson inacceptance while simultaneously doing a gooddeed for an elderly neighbor.Author Elaine Schulte does a fine job weavinginto her imaginative stories a deeper, take-awaylesson for readers to apply in their own lives.This book has a colorful picture on its bindingand its 125 pages are easy reading. Schulte’s useof dialogue is age appropriate and brings to lifeeach character’s personality. With eachsucceeding Twelve Candles Club book, readersget to know their favorite girls in a more in-depthway.See also: Melanie and the Modeling Mess; 5,Bridesmaid Blues for Becky; 6, Double Troublefor Jess McColl; 7 in the November, 1996 CLJ.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—5Michele HoweFreelance Writer/Homeschool MotherLaSalle, MichiganLotta’s Progress. Norma Johnston. LCCN96036023. New York: Avon Books, 1997.ISBN 0380973677, HBB, $14.00.F. Alcott, Louisa May, 1832-1888—Family—Fiction,German Americans—Fiction, Immigrants—Fiction,Boston (Mass.)—Fiction. 155 p.Gr. 6—9.In Lotta’s Progress, twelve-year-old Lotta, aGerman immigrant, must deal with manydisappointments in her new home. She questionsher parents’ wisdom in bringing the family toBoston. Ridiculed because of her accent anddress, Lotta resents school. Her father, frustratedat his low-paying job, abandons the family, andKarl, her older brother, is thrown in jail.In the midst of this turmoil, and struggling tosurvive, Lotta meets the Alcott family. Acceptinghelp from others is new to her, but with the aid ofthe Alcotts, she’s challenged to rise above hercircumstances and set personal goals.A fire in Lotta’s one-room home engulfs her inremorse. Through the Alcott’s counseling sherealizes she’s innocent of causing the fire. Peacecomes when the demons of fear and guilt leave.Guided by clues in Louisa’s stories, as well as hermother’s unpublished journals and social workreports, Johnston creates a book that is morehistory than fiction; she includes actual eventsfrom Louisa Alcott’s family life. We learn oftheir religious background and Mr. Alcott’slifetime struggle with rejection because of hisphilosophies. We learn of failed attempts atstarting schools, and see his fun-loving side whenhe teaches his daughters the alphabet bycontorting his body to form the letters!Johnston devotes much time to moral values,particularly emphasizing the concepts ofpersonal worth and sharing with others. Lotta isuncomfortable with the Alcott’s ability to expressfeelings, and with the idea of women supportingthe family.German terms sprinkled throughout add theflavor of reality to an immigrant’s struggle.Norma Johnston defines terms through contextand expertly uses onomatopoetic technique. Sheis adept with vivid descriptions, not only ofcharacters, but of living conditions and dialogue.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—5Carolyn HearingFreelance WriterVirginia, MinnesotaMandy. Mary Christner Borntrager. (Ellie’sPeople; 9.) LCCN 96002461. Scottdale,Penn.: Herald Press, 1996. ISBN 0836190467,PAP, $7.99.N O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 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 ADULTFICTIONF. Amish—Fiction. 144 p.——Annie. Mary Christner Borntrager.(Ellie’s People; 10.) LCCN 96050126.Scottdale, Penn.: Herald Press, 1997. ISBN083619070X, PAP, $7.99.F. Amish—Fiction. 144 p.Gr. 6—12Author Mary Borntrager grew up in an Amishhome and community; thus her fictionalcharacters in the book Mandy are right on target.Young Mandy is part of a close-knit Amishfamily whose lives are profoundly changed whenMandy’s mother has a baby boy. Mandy’s fiveolder sisters and herself are thrilled to welcomeinto their family a boy. But soon after littleLloyd’s birth, the family notices somethingwrong. After the doctor’s visit to their home,Mother is crying and Father is distraught. “ Whatis the matter?” Mandy wonders.Baby Lloydie is a Downs Syndrome baby and hiscare proves to be a thorn to Mandy. Inwardly, shesometimes resents his tagging along and theconstant attention she must provide him. Mandynurses these ill feelings toward her brother in asecret way. Then Lloydie takes ill and dies.Mandy must find a way to overcome her guiltand shame. Only God can help her work throughher inner struggles.Schulte brings alive the family life of the Amishcommunities. Each dialogue is peppered withsome Pennsylvania Dutch phrases and thentranslated for the reader. This German accentadds some extra interest to the “Ellie’s People”series. Mandy is about 140 pages in length andthe reading is interesting and full ofhistorical/social customs and traditions carriedon by the Amish folk. This series, written by aninsider, provides those outside the Amishcommunity with a reverent look into the deepcommitment to God and His Word lived out bythe Amish.Annie, the tenth book in the “Ellie’s People”series, introduces us to a non-Amish girl namedPearlie Mae. Her father is missing and hermother leaves Pearlie Mae with a neighboringAmish family while she searches for herhusband. Life for Pearlie Mae changes in bigways as she is eventually adopted into theircommunity on a permanent basis. Pearlie Maegains not only a new family, but a new name aswell. Learning to be Amish takes Pearlie Maetime and introspection as she goes from girlhoodto young womanhood.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—5Michele HoweFreelance Writer/Homeschool MotherLaSalle, MichiganMountain Madness. Catherine Marshall;adapted by C. Archer. (Christy FictionSeries; 9.) LCCN 96038918. Nashville:Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1997. ISBN0849939607, PAP, $4.99.F. Teachers—Fiction, Mountain life—Fiction,Christian life—Fiction. 113 p.Gr. 6—Adult.Christy, a young school teacher, continuallyencounters the old wives’ tales and superstitionsof her beloved mountain people. In MountainMadness, by Marshall and Archer, Christy mustface her own fears as well as downplay those ofthe children under her care. When some childrenfind a dead, bloody animal on their school naturewalk, talk of the Boggin abounds. Thismysterious creature who eats children, scaresadults, and warns off trespassers must be makinga reappearance.As Christy challenges her youngsters to look forthe logical explanation, she herself becomestroubled. Just who did throw the hornets’ nest atthe men working on the telephone wires? Whosetracks were found up and down the side of themountain? Admitting to some trepidation toherself alone, Christy decides to prove the fallacyof the Boggin by facing her fear head on.As Christy makes her way up the mountain on asolitary trek, rain and steep slopes cause anaccident. A tree has fallen and trapped the youngteacher alone and afraid near the top of themountain. Who will come to her aid? None otherthan the Boggin himself. Christy must then trulyface her fears and unravel the mystery of thisstrange creature. As Christy writes in her diary,“God alone can help us face our fears.” And hedoes.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—5Michele HoweFreelance Writer and Homeschool MotherLaSalle, MichiganNellie Bishop. Clara Gillow Clark. LCCN95076355. Honesdale, Penn: Boyds MillsPress, 1996. ISBN 1563974916, HBB, $14.95.F. Canals—Pennsylvania—Fiction, Pennsylvania—History—1783-1865—Fiction. 128 p.Gr. 6—8.Nellie Bishop is a fictional character whose storyis based on the life of Clark’s great-grandmother.This historical novel is set in an Irish shantytownin the coal country of Pennsylvania around theyear 1880. The story opens when Nellie,thirteen, has finished school and reached the ageof eligibility for marriage—or at least the age tobe sold off to the highest bidder. Her only valueto her parents is the amount of coins they will getfor matchmaking her, as they did her oldersisters. When Nellie flees a local dance whereshe is “on show” to local canal laborers, herfather chooses to auction her in a poker game toJefferson Martin, the local produce farmer. Thelifestyle is not one given to trust or kindness. Yetin the end those qualities prevail.Nellie also has a younger brother, Willie, whosemain claim to fame is pick-pocketing. Theirshantytown is down the road from the affluentpart of town where one can go to observe thedifferences between the haves and have-nots.Nellie longs for the lifestyle she does not have,and like any spunky heroine determines to get it.The book only spans a few days, but the paths ofNellie and Jefferson cross frequently, and healways saves Nellie and/or Willie frominvolvement in a questionable escapade.Jefferson, the hero, has all the right values inplace, including honesty, diligence, and integrity.He understands the need to provide Nellie withthe freedom of choice even in a limited way, andis willing to assume responsibility for givingWillie a new beginning too. The plot anddialogue are natural.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—5Patricia BraunLibrary Media SpecialistWilmette Junior High SchoolWilmette, IllinoisThe Neverending Story. Michael Ende;translated by Ralph Manheim. New York:Dutton Children’s Books/Penguin, 1997.ISBN 0525457585, HBB, $15.99.F. Fantasy. 396 p.Gr. 6—Adult.Written in a form similar to the works of J.R.R.Tolkien, The Neverending Story, by Ende andManheim, just keeps getting better and better.The author somehow finds new ways to intriguethe reader with his flavorful descriptions ofunheard-of creatures and lands.We begin our journey with an unhappy boynamed Bastian who steals a book from abookseller and then hides away in his school’sattic to read it. Being written from two vantagepoints—Bastian’s as he opens the book andreads, and the story within the book itself—thisnovel is a unique change of pace. Bastian learnsmany lessons about himself while he sits readingThe Neverending Story. He cries out, he cheers,he mourns. Then, without warning, he findshimself part of the story.Incredible, but true. Bastian must choosebetween sitting snugly in his hiding place orrisking all to come to the rescue of the Princess.Risk all he does, and Bastian soon learns that lifein the book is very different from his formerunhappy existence. Greeted as King, Bastian iswell-loved and popular. Even his physicalappearance changes for the better...or does it? Inthe end, Bastian must once again decide whetheror not to lose all—including his newpopularity—for the sake of newfound friends; ishe willing to make this sacrifice? Read and findout.C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 4 9 N O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 7

YOUNG ADULTFICTION◆ Quality—4❤ Acceptability—5Michele HoweFreelance Writer and Homeschool MotherLaSalle, MichiganThe Night Voyagers. Donn Kushner. Toronto,Ont.: Lester/Stoddart, 1995. ISBN1895555698, HBB, $12.95.F. Refugees—Central America—Fiction. 220 p.Gr. 6—Adult.How many immigrants actually do risk their verylives coming to America? This book, by DonnKushner, explores this question from a boy’sperspective. Manuel sees his own fatherdisappear. He hears threats to his family. Hismother escapes in the night with his older brotherand himself. They head for theMexican/American border and, to their surprise,find an entire underground network in place toassist them.Manuel, who has stopped speaking, sees hisfather at each new stop they make along theirjourney. He also sees two young friends who tagalong and make imaginary conversation withhim. As the boy and his family travel into theUnited States, a riot in which his brother isinvolved forces them to move further North. Asthey do, they are befriended by a grocer whosends them to a safe haven in Canada.The border patrol makes for yet anotherharrowing experience for Manuel and his motherand brother. Once inside the Canadian border,they are taken into a private hotel ashousekeepers. The journey ends here. The timehas come for Manuel’s father to stop making hisappearances to Manuel. At last, the boy speaksout, but only to save his brother’s life...andperhaps his own.The Night Voyagers gives us a better look into theterrors of living in some foreign countries. In thisregard, this book is well written. However, theauthor peppers his narratives with descriptions ofcruel soldiers and devilish rituals which take onevil aspects.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—4Michele HoweFreelance Writer and Homeschool MotherLaSalle, MichiganA Place Not Home. Eva Wiseman. Toronto,Ont.: Stoddart Kids, 1996. ISBN 0773758348,PAP, $5.95.F. Hungary—Fiction, Hungarian Revolution, 1956—Fiction. 177 p.Gr. 7—12.Eva Wiseman’s A Place Not Home is an excitingaccount of a family’s pilgrimage from Hungaryto their new home in Canada. A post World WarII wave of anti-Semitism has infiltrated Hungaryand the family must leave their beloved land andnearly all of their earthly possessions. Nelly andher family are Jewish.The story is told through the eyes of thirteenyear-oldNelly and is bound to captivate anyyoung reader. The adventures the family enduresduring their escape and on board the vessel thatwill eventually bring them to freedom, areinteresting and well written.This book would provide curriculum enrichmentfor any English or history class. Wisemanweaves solid lessons of the Communists and theHungarian Revolution thoughout this fast-pacedbook.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—5Karen OrfitelliFreelance WriterManchester, ConnecticutPromise Me the Moon. Joyce Annette Barnes.LCCN 95053085. New York: Dial Books forYoung Readers/Penguin, 1997. ISBN0803717989, HBB, $14.99.F. Afro-Americans—Fiction, Parent and child—Fiction, Schools—Fiction. 171 p.Gr. 6—8.Promise Me the Moon, by Joyce Barnes, is a welldone and true-to-life sequel to The Baby Grand,The Moon in July, and Me. Annie Armstrong isnow thirteen and suffering the growing pains thatcan be found in eighth grade. She is known as an“egghead,” and is enrolled in an advancedscience seminar where she finds herself the onlygirl. Her boyfriend, Claude, is now in highschool where he discovers other girls besidesAnnie; this causes predictable problems in theirrelationship.The story is told in the first person and reveals themisconceptions of life as perceived by a teen.For example, there is solid family support asAnnie’s parents work for the betterment of theirchild. Her misconception is they are preoccupiedwith their work and do not care what happens inher life.There is a focus on normal daily girl-talk,including frankness, without crudeness orvulgarity, about the physical changesaccompanying puberty. The book is positive andpredictable, and Annie grows and matures whilecontinuing work toward her dream of becominga black female NASA astronaut.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—5Patricia BraunLibrary Media SpecialistWilmette Junior HighWilmette, IllinoisPromise Song. Linda Holeman. Toronto,Ont.: Tundra Books, 1997. ISBN 0887763871,PAP, $7.95.F. Orphans—Fiction, Orphan trains—Canada—Fiction.260 p.Gr. 8—Adult.In the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, 80,000children were sent from orphanages in Britain toCanada to be adopted. The experiences of thesechildren differed greatly; the sad plight of onegirl, Rosetta, is chronicled in Promise Song, awork of historical fiction.Fifteen-year-old Rosetta has been led to believethat she and her younger sister, Flora, will neverbe separated. However, Rosetta is actually takenaway to live with a family on the plains ofAlberta, where she works like their servant. Shehas great dreams of finishing her education andbecoming a teacher, but she lives in a verydifficult situation, and must work very hard. Sheeventually befriends her boss’s young wife, andthrough the intervention of a loving neighbor isreleased to go find her sister.Even those unfamiliar with the historical contextof the story will find themselves drawn deeplyinto the fears and heartaches of the maincharacter. Life on the plains was arduous andlonely. The young heroine is portrayed as a gutsyand intelligent girl. In the course of the story, shehelps in the delivery of a baby, and is nearlyraped by a hired man. While both events arewritten about in a straightforward manner thatdefinitely adds to the story, and neither isdescribed in a sensationalized or explicit manner,these elements make this book more acceptablefor the slightly older reader.Linda Holeman is a skillful storyteller who keepsthe reader absorbed and emotionally involved.She describes the actions and interactions of thecharacters masterfully. The courage andpersistence of the main character are a worthymodel for young people today.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—4Judy BelcherSylvan Way Christian SchoolBremerton, WashingtonN O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 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 ADULTFICTIONRed Sky at Morning. Andrea Wyman. LCCN91055029. New York: Avon Books, 1991.ISBN 038072877X, PAP, $3.99.F. Indiana—Fiction. 182 p.Gr. 6—12.Separated by the seemingly endless prairies fromher father, by death from her mother, and byeconomic hardship from her sister, Calista is leftto manage the Indiana farm with her ailinggrandfather. She longs for her father to return toset things right, but has he betrayed her trust? Hearrives with the storm, and right away she knowssomething has changed.Red Sky at Morning is Andrea Wyman’s firstnovel. Her sharp, uncluttered style vividlyportrays the sparseness of rural life in 1909. Thedialogue is peppered with German phrases whichare translated in the glossary. The emotionalcurrent sweeps the reader to the stormy climax,and leaves the reader anticipating a second novelwhich will hopefully continue the drama.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—5Melinda TorgersonFreelance WriterNewport, WashingtonThe Rivers of Judah. Catherine Farnes.LCCN 94042661. Greenville, S.C.: Bob JonesUniversity Press, 1996. ISBN 0890848645,PAP, $6.49.F. Christian life—Fiction, Friendship—Fiction. 133 p.Gr. 6—10.Church politics! At fifteen, Rebekah is not tooyoung to know how it is played. Her father is anassistant pastor at a church that has experiencedmore than its share of difficulties. Now, they areawaiting the arrival of a new pastor and hisfamily. A new pastor meant a new beginning,didn’t it? At first, all seems well, but after a fewmonths under Pastor Ewen’s leadership, thechurch board is locked in a power struggle thatthreatens to tear the church apart. Ugly rumorsabout the Ewens ripple throughout thecongregation, centering on Judah, the Pastor’syounger son and Rebekah’s close friend.As the situation swirls out of control, Rebekahstruggles with her growing love for Judah and herfaith in the promises of a sovereign God. Finally,in the face of multiple tragedies, Rebekah, Judah,and the entire congregation come to see that “inall things God works for the good of those wholove him, who have been called according to hispurpose.”Caroline Farnes’s experiences as a mother and asthe wife of a youth pastor are very evident in thishonestly written book. She succeeds in creatingbelievable teens who are serious about theirrelationship with God and about living their faith.The dialog is tight and realistic. The emotionaland spiritual struggles her characters experienceare the tough, within-the-church ones that mostChristian fiction ignores.The Rivers of Judah would be a great book for ayouth group to read together and discuss. Eachchapter deals with topics that are directly in touchwith teen concerns about how they should dealfaithfully with the trials of life. As Rebekah saysin frustration one day, “It’s not supposed to belike this!” But it is and, as Rebekah discovers,sovereignly so.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—5Pamela ToddChalcedon Christian SchoolAtlanta, GeorgiaSara. Eva Gibson. (SpringSong books.)LCCN 84071717. Minneapolis: BethanyHouse Publishers, 1996. ISBN 1556617356,PAP, $4.99.F. Twins—Fiction, Christian life—Fiction, Lovestories. 157 p.——Leslie. Jeanne Anders. (SpringSongbooks.) LCCN 86072892. Minneapolis:Bethany House Publishers, 1996. ISBN1556617364, PAP, $4.99.F. Twins—Fiction, Christian life—Fiction, Lovestories. 187 p.Gr. 9—Adult.Through a series of bad decisions and seeminglysmall rebellions, sixteen-year-old Sara Faulknerhas gotten in way over her head. She is theprotagonist of Eva Gibson’s book, Sara. Withthe help of her friend, Matt Roberts, and herparents, Sara finds her way back to a strongrelationship with Christ, but not before puttingeveryone she knows in serious danger.Leslie Bennett, mourning the death of her sister,discovers that her twin not only had somedangerous enemies, but a four-week-old infant aswell. Ignoring the law, Leslie takes to the roadand tries to forge a new life with the baby.Through a series of well-intended lies, Leslieputs everyone in her new life in danger. Leslie,by Jeanne Anders, deals with many societalproblems, such as drug use and teen pregnancy,in a constructive Christian way.Sara and Leslie both provide positive rolemodels for young female readers. The maincharacters are committed Christians forced bytheir own choices to re-examine their levels offaith. Often the choices they make seem like theright thing to do at the time, even though theymay involve lying or other questionable actions.But they discover that when you are followingChrist there are few gray areas.The main characters have their relationship toChrist back on track before they enter into anymale-female relationships. These books in theSpringSong series provide a standard for readersto follow in many areas.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—5Elizabeth ColemanFreelance WriterTumwater, WashingtonSecrets of Walden Rising. Allan Baillie.LCCN 96060884. New York: Viking/Penguin,1996. ISBN 0670873519, HBB, $13.99.F. Australia—Fiction. 168 p.Gr. 6—9.Brendan is an outsider, a “Pom” in the local slangof a dry and dying Australian town. He and hisfather had moved to Australia to get a fresh start,but to Brendan, it seems more like a dead-end.His only relief from the turmoil at school is thepatch of peaceful green forest outside town onthe edge of a reservoir. During one retreat there,Brendan notices a strange bird standing in thedeep water. He discovers that it is not a bird atall, but a weathervane atop a hotel in an old goldminingtown flooded half a century before, whenthe reservoir was built.Curious about the town, yet unwilling to sharehis discovery, Brendan investigates the talesabout Walden as it slowly emerges from thewater, due to a severe drought. He soon findsthat, far from being romantic, Walden’s rising isbringing its dark past into the present.Allan Baillie’s Secrets of Walden Rising is acoming-of-age novel typical of the last twentyyears. It is well crafted in that all the pieces ofthe plot come together nicely and a strong senseof time and place are delivered. Unfortunately,the characters lack originality and are almoststereotypical; the cast includes themisunderstood bully, the town crazy with adeadly secret, the psychologically haunted newkid in town, the distant fathers and absentmothers.As with most novels of this type, God does notenter the picture and godly spiritual currents arenon-existent. On the other hand, the evil inmen’s hearts is clearly portrayed as the maincharacter uncovers layer upon layer of deceit,greed and murder that go back over a century toWalden’s founding.The book’s conclusion is especially disturbing.Forced to kill a gold-hungry murderer to savetheir own lives, Brendan and Bago, Brendan’sformer enemy and current compatriot, deal withtheir deed in a detached manner quite divorcedfrom its horrible reality. The author ends with nosense of redemption and the reader is left towonder if the cycle of sin has been broken orwhether Walden has claimed more sons.◆ Quality—3 ❤ Acceptability—3Pamela ToddChalcedon Christian SchoolAtlanta, GeorgiaC H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 5 1 N O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 7

YOUNG ADULTFICTIONStranger on the Line. Marilyn Halvorson.Toronto, Ont.: Stoddart Kids, 1997. ISBN0773674578, PAP, $5.95.F. Western fiction. 182 p.Gr. 7—12.Marilyn Halvorson’s third book about SteveGarret, Stranger on the Line, is set in westernCanada. Steve has two problems that keep himon the run; a drug dealer named Romero who isout to kill him, and the law. The main actioncenters around the Calgary Stampede, whereSteve races a chuckwagon team of horses.Told in the first person, the language is colorful,but never profane. The tough cowboy drawl,with its sarcastic undertone, is well done. Oneaction scene is mildly violent, but ends withSteve making a decision not to kill his enemy.The character as well as the details arebelievable, and it is not surprising to learn theauthor runs a cattle ranch in Alberta.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—4Cathleen Sovold JohnsonFreelance WriterDes Moines, WashingtonThe Woman in the Wall. Patrice Kindl. LCCN96024567. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1997.ISBN 0395830141, HBB, $14.95.F. Bashfulness—Fiction, Self-confidence—Fiction.185 p.Gr. 7—9.In The Woman in the Wall, fourteen-year-oldAnna tells the story of her life. Anna lives withher mother and two sisters, one older and oneyounger. Her father simply disappeared one dayand was never heard from again. Anna is sosmall and shy that she, too, is in danger of simplydisappearing. The thought of going out of thehouse to enter first grade is so traumatizing thatshe does indeed disappear—into the woodworkof the house.For years Anna exists as a hidden presence in thehouse, building secret passageways and hiddenrooms in which she can live separated and safefrom the threatening world. Her family, nothaving seen Anna in years, begins to forget thatshe even exists. The discovery that her mother isabout to remarry and move to a new home forcesAnna to come out of her exile and take her placein the family once again.This work of fantasy will require a substantialsuspension of belief initially, but once oneaccepts the fact that Anna can fall into a visitingsocial worker’s purse unnoticed, the rest will besimple. Patrice Kindl presents an interestingsetting in which issues of shyness, vulnerability,and coming of age are considered.As pure entertainment, this book lacks substance;however, it could be used to open parent/childdiscussions regarding the difficulties of pubertyand social awkwardness. Female puberty isdiscussed in some detail, and the main characterequates having survived puberty withwomanhood.◆ Quality—3 ❤ Acceptability—4Karla J. KessellLibrarian, Mount Vernon Nazarene CollegeMount Vernon, OhioUsing Your Public Library : Books You Can Useby Michele HoweCooking With KidsCrafts and Handmade Fun1. Natha, Jean. The Children's Jewish Holiday Kitchen. Schocken Books, 1987.Historical information and recipes with simple instructions for each major Jewishholiday.2. Noad, Susan Strand. Recipes For Science Fun. Franklin Watts, 1979. Interestingselection of recipes for combining food and science.3. Cunningham, Marion. Cooking With Children. Alfred A. Knopf, 1995. Instructionsin kitchen basics for the serious learner age seven and up.4. D'Amico, Joan. The Math Chef. John Wiley and Sons, 1997. Over 60 mathactivities and recipes for kids to try and enjoy.5. Pulleyn, Micah. Kids in the Kitchen. Sterling/Lark Book, 1994. 100 healthyrecipes with colorful photos to entice the imagination/appetite.6. Beitch, Beverly and Harms, Thelma. Cook and Learn, Pictorial Single PortionRecipes. Addison-Wesley Publishers, 1981. Flip book with fun pictures depicting thehow-tos in kitchen creations.7. Editors. Holiday Cooking Around the World. Lerner Publications, 1988. Easymenu planning with ethnic specialties.8. Walker, Barbara. The Little House Cookbook. Harper and Row, 1995. Completewith excerpts from the Little House books and traditional homestead style recipes.9. Willan, Anne. Look and Cook Classic Breads. Dorling Kindersley, 1995. Beautifulcolor photos help simply the bread making process into easy-to-do steps.1. Metcalf, Harlan G. Whittling, Whistles and Thingamajigs: Pioneer Book of NatureCrafts and Recreation Arts. Stackpole Books, 1974. Historic and fascinating examplesof an earlier and simpler time.2. Sirett, Dawn. My First Paint Book: Life-size Guide to Painting Activities. DorlingKindersley, 1994. Bright diagrams and fun filled pictures entice children and adults totry their hand at creating a masterpiece.3. Wallace, Mary. I Can Make Nature Crafts. Owl Books, 1996. Utilize nature'ssupply of twigs, leaves, grasses to make unusual crafted items.4. Greenoff, Jane. Our World in Cross Stitch. David and Charles, 1993. Contains 12easy cross stitch projects for kids to work on independently.5. Souter, Gillian. Naturecrafts: 50 Extraordinary Gifts and Projects, Step by Step.Crown Trade Paperbacks, 1996. A wide variety of ideas for the entire family toexperiment with and enjoy.6. Kohl, Mary Ann F. Scribble Cookies. Bright Ring Publishing, 1985. An A to Zindex of interesting crafts projects.7. McGraw, Sheila. Gifts Kids Can Make. Firefly Books, 1994. Inexpensive projectsto make and give away or keep as homemade treasures.8. Drake, Jane and Love, Ann. The Kids' Summer Handbook. Ticknor and Fields,1994. Contains hundreds of outdoor/indoor ideas for summer fun and a wide variety ofunusual nature facts.10. Willan, Anne. Look and Cook Splendid Soups. Dorling Kindersley, 1994.Photographs of the entire soup making process makes cooking an easy task.N O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 7 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

BOOK REVIEWSYOUNG ADULT NONFICTION200’s — ReligionQuest for Love. Elisabeth Elliot. LCCN96006791. Grand Rapids: Fleming H.Revell/Baker Books, 1996. ISBN 0800756053,PAP, $10.99.248.4. Love—Religious aspects—Christianity,Courtship—Religious aspects—Christianity,Marriage—Religious aspects—Christianity. 269 p.Gr. 10—Adult.The quest for love lingers as a challenging coursefor all to navigate. Taking our cues from secularinfluences (TV and movies), we wrestle, in manycases, without the once dependable context ofhome and family in which to learn about love.Furthermore, feminist doctrine, scorned traditionand moral blindness blur our picture of defininglove.In spite of this negative scenario, Elisabeth Elliotfinds “in every generation there are those whonot only hunger for the truth, but also searchdesperately for a high, even‘impossibly’ highstandard.”She shares personal accounts of those whosesearch for love give us reason to praise God.Christians who were obedient to God’s principlessuch as: Hudson and Maria Taylor and John andBetty Stam, missionaries whose lives still impactus. Mrs. Elliot draws from her own story of“waiting on God” and others who write to her.Readers identify easily with the struggles ofwaiting on God for the right person. The biblicalprinciples of allowing men to initiaterelationships, remaining pure, and keeping ouremotions and behavior in check are illustrated.Elisabeth Elliot is adept at challenging us anddraws from her proven understanding of God’sword to bring conviction to our sometimes feebleChristian thinking. “We cannot know Christ andthe power of his resurrection without thefellowship of his suffering.” Finding love in ourlives often requires suffering. Why are we sosurprised?Rich and deep, yet practical and obtainable,Quest for Love leaves us encouraged that Godstands ready to sustain us as we wait on hisperfect will for each of us.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—5Carolyn HearingFreelance WriterVirginia, MinnesotaFavorite Norse Myths. Mary Pope Osborne;illustrated by Troy Howell. New York:Scholastic Press, 1996. ISBN 0590480464,HBB, $17.95.293. Mythology, Norse. 88 p.Gr. 7—Adult.There is a vast void between Ginnungagap—thenAudumla, a huge cow, who licks the giant Burifrom an iceberg. This is how the world, as theancient Norsemen imagine it, begins. Enteringthis strange world, the reader meets humanactinggods, giants who aren’t always huge,monsters, godlike humans, magic: Thor, hishammer, and his wife, Sif of the truly goldenhair; the flying, eight-legged horse Sleipnir;wicked, attractive Loki; Skadi, who chooses herhusband by his beautiful feet; Balder thewinsome, good god whom no one can retrievefrom death.Centuries ago Icelanders recorded the Norsemyths in two books, the Older/Poetic Edda andthe Younger/Prose Edda.Because Osborne believes that myths belong toall of us, her aim in Favorite Norse Myths is togive a scholarly, interesting presentation of a fewstories from the Eddas. The introductionpresents a brief history of Viking Iceland, theEddas, and the myths. The epilogue ties themyths to the Vikings, explains the Eddas further,and gives a useful glossary. These two chaptersbriefly mention that in 1000 A.D. all of Icelandadopted Christianity and replaced their mythswith the Bible. A relevant quotation from one ofthe Eddas begins the imaginative and earpleasingretelling of each myth. Reading thembrings to mind some modern science fiction andfantasy stories, notably those written by Tolkien.The eye-catching acrylic and oil washillustrations are unique. For each of the myths,artist Troy Howell scratched a primitive Vikingline drawing onto tag board, painting over thisthe modern representation of the story.◆ Quality—3 ❤ Acceptability—4Donna EggettCrisis Pregnancy CenterCounselor/Administrative AssistantMaiden, North Carolina300’s — Social SciencesIndustry and Business. Linda Leuzzi. (Life inAmerica 100 Years Ago.) LCCN 96045199.Philadelphia: Chelsea House Publishers,1997. ISBN 0791028461, HBB, $19.95.338. Industries—History, Inventors, Labor unions—History. 96 p.——Manners and Customs. Jim Barmeier.(Life in America 100 Years Ago.) LCCN95024735. Philadelphia: Chelsea HousePublishers, 1996. ISBN 0791028445, HBB,$19.95.391. United States—Social life and customs—1865-1918. 100 p.——Government and Politics. John C.Havens. (Life in America 100 Years Ago.)LCCN 96035234. Philadelphia: ChelseaHouse Publishers, 1996. ISBN 079102847X,HBB, $19.95.973. United States—Politics and government—1865-1900. 96 p.Gr. 6-9Industry and Business by Linda Leuzzi gives agood thumbnail sketch of the personalities andforces at work, both together and against eachother, at the end of the last century. The use ofthe interplay of the lives of the inventors, theindustrialists, members of the work force and theunion leaders to tell the story of theindustrialization of America successfully drawsthe reader into the drama of the era.Fresh from the military and ideological victorywon in the Civil War, the national government inWashington D.C. plunged into the remaking ofAmerica. Government and Politics by John C.Havens provides a much needed glimpse into thepolitical turmoil at the end of the nineteenthcentury. Readers may be surprised at theradicalism of the presidents of this era and therough and tumble practice of politics. Believersin limited government be advised: the growthand reach of the federal government is treatedwith approval rather than caution.Looking at the end of the nineteenth century witha politically correct, late twentieth century eye,the author of Manners and Customs, JimBarmeier, finds little to approve. Work, leisure,fashion, marriage, politics and education arediscussed but given only superficial treatment.C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 5 3 N O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 7

YOUNG ADULTNONFICTIONThe place and influence of religion is completelyignored.Chelsea House Publishers are well known forpublishing original and highly informative serieson a wide variety of topics. Life in America 100Years Ago exhibits several strengths common tothis publisher’s other offerings: a bibliographyfor further reading into the subject, indexing ofsubjects and people covered and illustrations thatput other reference books to shame. The styleand approach taken to its subject are, in all butManners and Customs, fresh and full of humaninterest stories that make the time period comealive. This is not your musty, old history text.All that being said, the books do have someglaring faults. Government and Politics containssome inaccuracies, the most obvious being theattribution of the playing of the “Bloody Shirt”card to southern congressmen after the Civil War(p.18). Another doubtful technique is the use ofa portion of Sinclair’s novel The Jungle to verifyaccusations against the meat-packing industry(p.83). Industry and Business goes into somedetail about the unsavory practices ofbusinessmen and industry but neglects tomention the socialist origins and philosophies ofmost union leaders and organizers and theirendorsement of violence to attain their ends.Most disappointing was the book Manners andCustoms which exhibited no feeling for itssubject, no attempt to explain the background ofwhat it was discussing, and no notice of the greatinfluence of the church and mission societies ofthe time. Life in America 100 Years Ago fills agreat gap in the presentation of American historyfor the middle school years. It provides an easilyaccessible resource for students and anentertaining glimpse of the American past for thecurious.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—4Pamela ToddChalcedon Christian SchoolDunwoody, GeorgiaCapital Punishment : The Death PenaltyDebate. Ted Gottfried. (Issues in Focus.)LCCN 96022719. Springfield, N.J.: EnslowPublishers, 1997. ISBN 0894908995, HBB,$18.95.345.73. Capital punishment. 128 p.Gr. 6—8.The death penalty in the United States today is astate right and is not uniform throughout thecountry as it is in other nations. The openingchapters deal with the history of capitalpunishment laws rather than with convictedcriminals. Case studies are given only toilluminate the law discussed and not to highlightthe crime. They break the monotony of facts butare not vital to the comments being discussed. Inthe end, the issue remains unresolved with apersonal note to the reader regarding the risingcrime rate and statistics for the reader to note.The quality and acceptability of this title is not ashigh as other titles in the series because somepictures are placed near but not always next tothe pertinent related data. For example, BenFranklin’s portrait is opposite the biography pagefor Benjamin Rush whose photo is on thefollowing page. Charts appear to be thrown intothe text to break lengthy explanations of legalfacts. They would have more merit collected inan appendix. Yet for all the faults, theinformation could be beneficial to readers doingresearch on the capital punishment issue.◆ Quality—3 ❤ Acceptability—5Patricia BraunLibrary Media SpecialistWilmette Junior High SchoolWilmette, IllinoisThe Holocaust : Understanding andRemembering. Helen Strahinich. (Issues inFocus.) LCCN 96001889. Springfield, N.J.:Enslow Publishers, 1996. ISBN 0894907255,HBB, $18.95.940.53. Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945), World War,1939—1945—Jews. 112 p.; 24 cm.Gr. 6—8.Strahinich strives to maintain impartiality whichseems impossible when relating the factsregarding the holocaust. She allows the numbersto speak for themselves. The book opens withconditions in Germany pre-Hitler, his rise topower, and Hitler’s known program for Aryansupremacy providing the backdrop towardunderstanding the holocaust. The years of Nazipersecution are described and followed withdescriptions of the camps themselves, and actsdone in the name of medical experimentation.While the emphasis is on the Jewish annihilationfrom the books onset it is noted that Jews onlycomprise one half of those killed. After a chapterdiscussion about Jewish pogroms, the othervictims are also given a chapter. They sufferedthe same indignities and death but are not alwaysgiven equal space in other titles on this subject.Rescuers and their stories are summarized inanother chapter. The last chapter discusses thecontinuing prejudice in the world today andprovides open-ended questions for the reader toconsider regarding each issue. Photos areminimal and do not disrupt the flow of factualinformation.A list of holocaust museums, glossary,bibliography, chapter notes, appendix, and indexwill be useful for the researcher.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—5Patricia BraunLibrary Media SpecialistWilmette Junior High SchoolWilmette, Illinois500’s — Natural ScienceGenetic Engineering : Progress or Peril?Linda Tagliaferro. (Pro/Con.) LCCN95012687. Minneapolis: Lerner Publications,1997. ISBN 0822526107, HBB, $14.96.575.1. Bioethics, Genetic engineering. 128 p.Gr. 6—8.In the forward, the series editor, Mary Winget,implores the reader to be concerned enough tocollect all the data about genetic engineeringbefore making a personal decision regarding theissue. She expresses equal concern interpretingdata based on individual values. This providesthe rationale for the pro/con series of which thisvolume is part.In this book Tagliaferro succeeds in raisingawareness of the issue regarding geneticengineering. She includes all types of livingorganisms, explains cell structure and basic andmutant DNA. Plants, animals, humans—sciencecan alter them all. Success stories from each areaprovide the foundation for the pro arguments.Immediately following each case of geneticengineering moral issues and ethics are presentedregarding use/misuse/abuse of the newtechnology and the potential for too widespreaduse.Human manipulation of evolution is describedwhich could cause those with strong creationismviews to avoid this book. While this is a concern,as the introduction explains, you need tounderstand the issue to take a side and build yourcase. This author attempts to remain impartial.The only partiality shown is the selection of thequestions included related to pros/cons. Theremay be more issues at stake than those identified.The book does not state that genetic engineeringis right, only that it exists. The issue is a scaryone. Questions are raised. Answers are notimmediately available. The reader will be part ofdecision-making regarding the issue in the yearsahead.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—4N O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 7 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 ADULTNONFICTIONPatricia BraunLibrary Media SpecialistWilmette Junior HighWilmette, Illinois600’s — TechnologyJust What the Doctor Ordered : The History ofAmerican Medicine. Brandon Marie Miller.LCCN 95051491. Minneapolis: LernerPublications, 1997. ISBN 082251737X, HBB,$15.95.610. Medicine—History. 88 p.Gr. 5—8.This fascinating history of the medical professionin the United States begins with a chaptersummarizing Native American medicine ritualsand taboos. Exposure of the Indians to Europeandiseases including smallpox often had a deadlyeffect as reviewed in the history of white man’ssettlement in colonial America beginning atJamestown. The distance to European medicalschools from the new world created a need fornew health related professions such a themidwife and apprentice doctor. In the 1700’s asmedical knowledge advanced so did recognitionof the need to cleanliness and the effect ofenvironment on healing.While gaps exist in the chronology, each chapteraddresses a major aspect of medical growthproviding a sound base for beginning researchwork. Depth is not present but this is a goodstarting point for the inquisitive. Uniquephenomenon like the frontier medicine show andits elixirs are included. One chapter reviewsmedical school requirements and the need forprofessional reform. Bibliography and index areincluded.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—5Patricia BraunLibrary Media SpecialistWilmette Junior High SchoolWilmette, Illinois700’s — The Arts and RecreationMusical Memories of Laura Ingalls Wilder.Written and edited by William T. Anderson;color photography by Leslie A. Kelly.(History Alive Through Music.) Elkton, Md.:Holly Hall Publishing, 1991-2. ISBN1888306262, KIT, $19.99.780.9. Music, Wilder, Laura Ingalls, Folk songs,Wilder, Laura Ingalls. 1 booklet, 53 p.; 1 audiocassette.—— America, 1750-1890 : The Heart of a NewLand. (History Alive Through Music.)Elkton, Md.: Holly Hall Publishing, 1990.ISBN 1888306246, KIT, $19.99.780.9. Music, History—United States, Folk songs. 1booklet, 76 p.; 1 audiocassette.——Westward Ho! : The Heart of the Old West.Written by Diana Waring; with illustrationsfrom American History. (History AliveThrough Music.) Elkton, Md.: Holly HallPublishing, 1990. ISBN 1888306254, KIT,$19.99.780.9. Music, History—United States—Westwardmovement, Folk songs. 1 booklet, 73 p.; 1audiocassette.Gr. 2—Adult.Did you know that Yankee Doodle was originallywritten by the British to mock the colonists? Orthat a single cow was worth $40-50 dollars outEast after the Civil War? Did you realize that onein three Confederate brothers, fathers, husbands,uncles, and friends died in that conflict? That agooey duck is an ugly ten-pound long neck clam;or that Laura Ingalls Wilder’s daughter wasnamed after the prairie rose?What better way to bring history alive thanthrough songs and the stories behind them? Inthis series, this creative idea is delightfullycarried out. Each book is divided into twosections: short essays on each song sharing thestories of history in a simple and interesting wayand the Sheet Music Section which givescomplete lyrics, the notated melody line andguitar chords. A few of the numbers included inMusical Memories require a high soprano singer.Black and white illustrations and actual photos ofthe period decorate the first two books. Fullcolor photographs of places dear to Wilder’sheart and other pictures of historical significancefill Musical Memories.The tapes offer a wide variety of musical stylesand singers and different instrumentalaccompaniments. Listening and joining in onone more chorus of “She’ll Be Coming Aroundthe Mountain” or “Strawberry Roan” is fun andeducational. Whether you’re five or forty-nine,in the car or the classroom, this music really doesbring history to life.◆ Quality—4 Acceptability-5Ann M. Ponath,Teacher/Librarian, Christ Lutheran SchoolNo. St. Paul, Minnesota800’s — LiteratureIf Sarah Will Take Me. Poem by DaveBouchard; paintings by Robb TerrenceDunfield. Victoria, B.C.: Orca BookPublishers, 1997. ISBN 1551430819, HBB,$16.95.811. Dunfield, Robb Terrence, 1959—Poetry,Physically handicapped—Poetry. 32 p.Gr. 6—Adult.Robb Dunfield is an inspiring motivationalspeaker and accomplished artist. He has alsobeen a ventilator-dependent quadriplegic since hewas nineteen. His reflective paintings illustrate IfSarah Will Take Me, a poem written for him byDave Bouchard.Anticipation and wistfulness balance gracefullyas Dave describes Robb’s desire to share the joyof living that circumstances have taught him.The paintings portray the richness that hisdisability has enabled him to perceive.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—5Melinda TorgersonFreelance WriterNewport, WashingtonTo Serve a Higher King. Donna Hess andDawn Watkins. Greenville, S.C.: Bob JonesUniversity Press, 1991. ISBN , VID, $19.95.812. Tyndale, William, Bible—History. 1videocassette, VHS, color, 55 minutesGr. 9—Adult.To Serve a Higher King is a dramatization of thelife of scholar William Tyndale. Set in the early1500’s, Tyndale battles against the restrictions ofthe Catholic church in his efforts to translate theBible into English. Tyndale’s desire is to see thatevery plowman has in his hands a copy of theHoly Bible.This work takes William far from London andinto hiding in a German “cell”. Throughout theyears, Tyndale preservers until he has completedhis translation. Trouble from the King areconstant and treachery abounds when he isturned in by a trusted friend and thrown intoprison. He dies in that same prison while writingto friends that finally he is free at last.This fifty-five minute production is a stage playproduced by the Bob Jones University Press.The actors’ customes and stages were well doneand in keeping with times. Some of the dialoguewas halting and some uncomfortable momentspassed when it appeared the actors were not quiteon que. Still, taken as a whole, this play doesoutline the life William Tyndale in an interestingmanner.◆ Quality—3 ❤ Acceptability—5Michele HoweFreelance Writer/Homeschool MotherLaSalle, MichiganKing Lear. William Shakespeare. Greenville,S.C.: Bob Jones University Press, 1991. ISBN157924016X, VID, $19.95.822.3. English drama, Historical drama. 1videocassette, VHS, color, 120 minutesGr. 9—Adult.Bob Jones University Press took on a difficultassignment in bringing King Lear to the stage.Dr. Bob Jones himself takes on the lead role ofKing Lear, the tyrant father to three daughters.King Lear gives away his kingdom to his two sly,self-serving daughters and their husbands. Hecasts away Cordelia, the only true hearted childC H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 5 5 N O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 7

YOUNG ADULTNONFICTIONhe has. As times goes on, King Lear begins tosee the seeds of treachery bud and blossomwithin his two eldest daughters’ acts.Appealing to their sense of love and loyalty hasan opposite effect and King Lear is cast out. Hismind becomes crazed as he searches for solace.Others who stand against Lear’s daughters arelikewise brought into judgment. When theevildoers lust for power and greed reachesitspeak, a long unavenged knight turns the tableson the evil sisters and their husbands. Finally,Cordelia is able to bring comfort to her father, butonly for a short time. One of the last evil plotsspawned by her sisters will in the end take evenCordelia’s life and that of King Lear.This two hour, color production is fascinating.Bob Jones University Press has done a terrificwork in presenting all the pomp and ceremonyone would expect in a Shakespearean production.The customs and scenery captured theimagination. Dr. Bob Jones plays a convincingKing Lear and his family and subjects are alsotalented Shakespearean actors. The dialogueflows naturally and the comic effectsShakespeare interspersed within his writingarewelcome changes of pace to the dark side ofthis tragic tale.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—5Michele HoweFreelance Writer/Homeschool MotherLaSalle, Michigan900’s — History, Geography, andBiographyAtlas of American History. Updated ed.Robert H. Ferrell and Richard Natkiel.LCCN 92043334. New York: Facts on File,1993. ISBN 0816037027, PAP, $19.95.911.73. United States—Historical geography—Maps.192 p.Grade 7—Adult.Illustrations and maps are of exceptional printquality in this Facts on File publication, but thetext overwhelms the term “atlas” in the title. Achronological account of American history fromcolonial times through the Gulf War of 1991 andthe elections of 1992 is given. The text of theatlas is well written and detailed, but itovershadows the maps in the detail of thehistorical events. The maps and charts, as well asillustrations of key figures in American history,(some in full color) are clear and of good quality,but some have only marginal relevance to thework, as an atlas.As an example, the section on “Expansion andCivil War” begins with a two-page line drawingon the Battle of Shiloh, it is followed by onlythirty-four maps (several three to the page) on thefollowing thirty-one pages of text. The rest of theillustrations (thirty-three photos) feature variouspersons, events or locations that are relevant tothe section. All are labeled to help place them inthe historical flow, but photos and text dominatefor the most part. An index to both text andillustrations is helpful. Overall a disappointmentfrom such a well known publisher. An alternateselection would be the Hammond Atlas of UnitedStates History, New, Revised and ExpandedEdition (various printings.)◆ Quality—3 ❤ Acceptability—4Henry TerrillSerials Librarian, Harding UniversitySearcy, ArkansasBeyond the Minarets : A Biography of HenryMartyn. Kellsye M. Finnie; foreword byBishop Dehqani-Tafti. Fort Washington,Penn.: Christian Literature Crusade, n.d.ISBN 0875089690, PAP, $5.95.921 (266). Missionaries—Biography. 185 p.Gr. 8—Adult.Beyond the Minarets is a biography of HenryMartyn, missionary in the early 1800’s. A youngman from England, educated at St. John’sCollege in Cambridge, Henry Martyn could havehad a prosperous career in any number of fields.But he chose to dedicate his life to the Lord’swork in India. Martyn was specifically interestedin translation work similar to what WilliamCarey was doing.To travel to India, Martyn joined the Britishmilitary as a chaplain. While the chaplaincywould have been enough work for most men,Martyn dedicated every spare minute totranslating the Scriptures into Urdu, Arabic andPersian. Translation seemed to be an area whereMartyn was especially gifted, even though poorhealth often necessitated periods of rest.In India, Henry Martyn held Sunday services(including distribution of alms) for beggars onSundays, Bible studies for soldiers during theweek, and a variety of other ministries. Overtime Henry acquired an intense desire to visitArabia and Persia for himself and to fine-tine histranslations.Henry Martyn’s contribution in his seven shortyears as a missionary revolved around histranslation work. As an orator, he was sufficientbut not outstanding. His work with people wasbest done on a one-to-one or small group basis.With his translation work as a backdrop, Henrywould engage the most learned of Muslims indiscussions about religion, often earning theirrespect.While Beyond the Minarets does a thorough jobof relating facts about Henry Martyn’s life, moredialogue and character development would havehelped raise the reading interest level.◆ Quality—2 ❤ Acceptability—5Barbara BeyerACSI Missions Project CoordinatorColorado Springs, ColoradoBurgess of Guatemala. 2nd ed. By AnnaMarie Dahlquist. LCCN 95094881.Kingsburg, Calif.: Kings River Publications,1995. ISBN 0964126117, PAP, $6.95. Orderdirect: King's River Publications, 1643Winter St., Kingsburg, CA 93631.921 (266). Burgess, Paul, Missionaries—Guatemala—Biography. 172 p.Gr. 8—Adult.Paul Burgess was born in the United States in1886, grew up in the west, and developed a lovefor the Indian people. As an adult he wanted tobe a missionary, taking the Word to the Indians ofGuatemala.This book is a record of Paul Burgess’ life frombirth to death. It shows clearly how much oneman (and his wife) can accomplish in a lifetime.It shows how even nagging physical weakness,lack of funds, and misunderstandings can all beused by God. Paul and his wife, Dora, set out tobe educators in Guatemala—and many yearslater could see how God has allowed them thisdream, even though he takes away their originalpositions as educators.The Burgess’ work with people acrossdenominational lines, social lines and economiclines. They live in the part of town where their“flock” is located, even though strongly advisedagainst it. Paul is a life-long learner. He growsfrom a socialistic view as a young man to astrong opponent of socialism. He is a preacher,publisher, and prisoner at various timesthroughout his busy lifetime. His wife, Dora,finds her love in translation work and caring forthe people around her.While this book doesn’t have a lot of action bytoday’s standards, it is inspiring to see thededication of this couple and their love for theGuatemalan people.◆ Quality—3 ❤ Acceptability—5Barbara BeyerACSI Missions Project CoordinatorColorado Springs, ColoradoColombian Jungle Escape. By Ed and DoreenDulka. Fort Washington, Penn.: ChristianLiterature Crusade, 1992. ISBN 0875080928,PAP, $5.95.921 (266). Dulka, Ed, Dulka, Doreen, Missionaries—Biography. 175 p.Gr. 5—Adult.Imagine floating in 27-foot log crafted into acanoe which is skillfully driven by an Indian upthe Amazon river. Imagine living in a houseconsisting of a thatched roof and poles, andsleeping in a hammock with mosquito nettingC H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 5 6 S E P T E M B E R , 1 9 9 7

YOUNG ADULTNONFICTIONwrapped around you. Life in the Amazon regionwas very interesting and challenging to the Dulkafamily as they moved there to take the gospel tothe Carapana Indian tribe.Colombian Jungle Escape is the true story of Edand Doreen Dulka and their children as they liveddeep in the Amazon as missionaries. It is also thestory of how their family had to escape fromarmed communist guerrillas who wanted to drivethem out of Colombia.This book clearly shows the everyday life,struggles and triumphs of missionary service. Itgives an inside look at living in the AmazonRiver Valley. It also shows just what trulydedicated people will do to serve their God.◆ Quality—3 ❤ Acceptability—5Barbara BeyerACSI Missions Project CoordinatorColorado Springs, ColoradoGold Cord : The Story of a Fellowship. AmyCarmichael. Fort Washington, Penn.:Christian Literature Crusade, 1996. ISBN0875080685, PAP, $10.95.921 (266). Carmichael, Amy, Missionaries—Biography. 413 p.Gr. 9—Adult.Amy Carmichael is a legend amongmissionaries. Her life and ministry in India arethe story of God’s miraculous working through adedicated servant. Gold Cord is AmyCarmichael’s story of the DohnavurFellowship—a group of Indian men and womenwho work together in the South of India toprovide a home for needy children. AmyCarmichael wrote the story in the early 20thcentury, as the Fellowship was being shaped byGod. The Fellowship still exists and is activelyserving God today.These Christian missionaries didn’t go to India inorder to accomplish all that they did. They wentto be used by God. And when he called them tosave the young girls from the pagan temples, theydid. When he called them to begin saving youngboys, they did. When he directed them to beginmedical work, they did. When he placed IndianChristians alongside them, they worked together.Gold Cord tells the story of how God moved inIndia in the early 1900’s, and of his faithfulservants who followed his direction.Anyone interested in missions work wouldbenefit from reading Gold Cord. While not themain story being told, every missionarycandidate should read of these people whosought God’s direction in everything. The onlydifficulty with this book is that it seems to be partof a larger story Miss Carmichael has toldthroughout her other books, as she refers to themin Gold Cord. The reader would do well to haveat least a working knowledge of Amy Carmichaelbefore reading Gold Cord Also, the reader needsto be willing to read closely because, while thestyle of writing is “older” than the modern readeris probably prepared for, the content is wellworth seeking out.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—5Barbara BeyerACSI Missions Project CoordinatorColorado Springs, ColoradoIncessant Drumbeat : Trial & Triumph in IrianJaya. By Mary Beth Lagerborg; foreword byDon Richardson. Fort Washington, Penn.:Christian Literature Crusade, 1992. ISBN0875089682, PAP, $8.95.921 (266). Rascher, Larry, Rascher, Shirley,Missionaries—Biography. 235 p.Gr. 6—Adult.Mary Beth Lagerborg knows how to tell a goodstory. And Larry and Shirley Rascher’s life is agreat story to tell. The Raschers lived asmissionaries for over two decades among tribalpeople on the island of what is now Irian Jaya.Perhaps not the stereotypical church-plantingmissionary, Larry had a gift for building. Andboth Larry and Shirley had a gift for livingamong the tribal people, accepting them andbeing accepted by them. The Rascher’s alsoraised several children who loved the freedomand adventure of life among the natives.Incessant Drumbeat tells the day-to-day love andlaughter of a family living for Christ. It alsowalks the reader through the devastatinghardships the Rascher family endured. Sixteenpages of black and white photos are tucked in themiddle of this book, giving faces to thesometimes unusual names.With a you-are-there clarity, see Shirley raisingkids, doctoring, and later managing a book store.See Larry also helping raise kids, as well asbuilding, boating, and evangelizing. IncessantDrumbeat gives a clear look into MK schoolssuch as Sentani and Faith Academy where theRascher children attended. While showing thepain of a family separated, it shows how positivethe Christian schooling was. This book alsoshows how good ties back home can be thelifeline for missionaries abroad.If you’re looking for a peek into jungle lifeamong former cannibals, this is a great choice.Where some missionary biographies just tell thefacts (and a lot about moving from here to there),Incessant Drumbeat tells of the life of anAmerican family among primitive people.Though their mission did move them around inthe area some, the Rascher’s tried hard to stay intouch with the people they had lived among. Andthe results are touching.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—5Barbara BeyerACSI Missions Project CoordinatorColorado Springs, ColoradoAn Ordinary Woman’s Extraordinary Faith :The Autobiography of Patricia St. John.Patricia St. John. LCCN 95044552.Wheaton, Ill.: Harold Shaw Publishers, 1993.ISBN 0877887519, PAP, $11.99.921 (266). St. John, Patricia Mary, 1919-1992,Missionaries, Medical—Biography, Nurses—Biography, Women missionaries—Biography. 311 p.Gr. 6—Adult.If you have ever heard of Patricia St. John or thewell-known book, Treasures of the Snow, readingAn Ordinary Woman’s Extraordinary Faith, willinspire you to know more about both.The book is written by St. John herself as areflection of the unusual life she lived. At firstglance it appears mis-titled. Patricia St. John isnot an ordinary woman. But in following alongwith the retelling of her life, we find that she is nomore extraordinary then anyone else, other thanthe area of her faith. In humility, thinking herselfonly ordinary, God finds room to move and toaccomplish great things.She lives by many words of wisdom and one ofher favorites is, “While one cannot doeverything, we mustn’t do nothing.” With acompassionate heart she reaches out to peoplefrom all races and countries, forever findinggrace to care, to act, to love, to do something.Patricia St. John makes her life available for theLord to use, and use her he does. Not only as aworker herself, but her passion for writing andothers’ achievements gives us many otherpublications which are referred to throughout thebook.St. John begins with an overview of herchildhood, skimming over events that arecovered in Treasures of the Snow and others.Interspersing her narration with sometimescomical, sometimes touching moments they giveus a feel for the varied life she led.Photos are found in the center of the book; mapsat the back guide us through the numerouscountries she visited.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 N O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 7

YOUNG ADULTNONFICTIONPatricia’s sister Hazel finishes the book, a tributeto the life that ended August 1992. A poemcloses recognizing Miss St. John’s example inthe Christian race. “She never rushed ahead, butconstantly—with a steady pace—remained thesetter of the pace.”◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—5Jannet HoeffnerFreelance WriterPrairie City, OregonShifting Gears : A Cycling Adventure AcrossSouth America Leads to Mission Service inEngland. Gary Bishop. Birmingham, Ala.:New Hope Publishers, 1991. ISBN1563090171, PAP, $7.95. Order direct: 800-968-7301.921 (266). Bishop, Gary, Christian life, Missionaries—Biography. 190 p.Gr. 6—Adult.Growing up in New Zealand, Gary was contentwith life, but not challenged. Once out of schooland working, he met a friend with a dream of atremendously challenging bicycle trip. It didn’ttake much to convince Gary to join him andanother man on the treacherous journey.Bicycling can be grueling exercise, but nevermore so than when bicycling through the plains,mountains, deserts and swamps of SouthAmerica. Shifting Gears is the fascinating truestory of three friends who take on the challengeto bicycle from the southernmost tip of SouthAmerica to northernmost Alaska.The chapters about traveling through the swampswere perhaps the most graphic. The constantwetness, rotting their clothes and causing mucusto cover their eyes, can make a very sensitivereader squirm. Having to hack throughseemingly endless undergrowth, the bikers onlycovered a few miles a day in this terrain.See how God stopped them short of their goaland what adventure he had planned for theirlives. The final few chapters of this book, tellingabout Gary’s preparation for the ministry, maynot seem as exciting as the bicycling trip, butthey do show how God can manage every step ofour journey through life.◆ Quality—3 ❤ Acceptability—5Barbara BeyerACSI Missions Project CoordinatorColorado Springs, ColoradoWilliam Carey : Missionary Pioneer. KellsyeM. Finnie; illustrations by John Finnie. FortWashington, Penn.: Christian LiteratureCrusade, 1986. ISBN 0875081878, PAP,$4.95.921 (266). Carey, William, Missionaries—Biography.156 p.Gr. 6—Adult.William Carey is perhaps the most famous of thepioneer missionaries to India, with many bookswritten about his life. This 156-page book,William Carey : Missionary Pioneer, is anexcellent choice! Kellsye Finnie does anexcellent job of capsulizing William Carey’s lifestory.This book clearly shows how the Lord developeda love for the Indian people in William Carey’slife, long before he went there. After publishingEnquiry to convince the civilized world of theneed to evangelize heathens, Carey helpedestablish a missionary society to send outmissionaries, of which he was the first.India wasn’t open to missionaries when he went,so Carey established a tent-making ministry notrequiring a long-term investment by themissionary society, and establishing himself as abusinessman in the eyes of the government.Carey ran an indigo factory, lectured at a collegeand helped establish a school and Christiancollege, too. In his “spare time” William Careytranslated the Bible into several orientallanguages, taught the gospel, and was a dedicatedhusband and father. After leaving England forIndia early in his life, Carey never again returnedto England but was totally dedicated to his lifeand ministry in India.William Carey’s life, perhaps more than anyother, shows what God can do when one is totallycommitted to God’s call and expects great thingsfrom God. Whether it’s for a book report,international study or just looking for a goodbook to read, William Carey : MissionaryPioneer is a book worth choosing.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—5Barbara BeyerACSI Missions Project CoordinatorColorado Springs, ColoradoThe Man Who Created Narnia : The Story of C.S. Lewis. Michael Coren. LCCN 96023698.Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdman’s, 1996.ISBN 0802838227, HBB, $22.00.921 (823). Lewis, C.S. (Clive Staples), 1898-1963—Biography, Authors, English—20th Century—Biography, Church of England—England—Biography,Christian biography—England. 140 p.Gr. 5—Adult.The works of C.S. Lewis reveal the true powerof the imagination: it is not to create talkinganimals, or enchanted woods, but to makeaccessible the most inaccessible of truths. In TheLion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, for example,Lewis’s allegory of the crucifixion allows evenyoung readers to begin to grasp the magnitude ofChrist’s sacrifice, and the glory of his triumph.Having fallen in love with the Narnia series,young readers often wish to know more about theman behind the stories. Unfortunately, mostbiographies are written for an adult audience, andso are of little use to Lewis’ younger admirers.Michael Coren’s biography, on the other hand,can be enjoyed by children as well as adults. Hisstyle of writing is matter-of-fact and highlyreadable. There is no pretense to scholarlydebate, but rather a simple account of the life ofthis extraordinary man. Coren treats his subjectwith great respect, yet refuses to make a saint outof a man who enjoyed lively debate and the oddpint of beer.The book opens with a look at Lewis’s childhoodand education, and his early rejection ofChristianity. The reader is then acquainted withLewis’s wartime experiences, his career as aneducator, lecturer, and writer, and his reluctantbut decisive return to Christyianity. Corenconcludes with a brief look at Lewis’sunexpected and belated romance with JoyDavidman, and with his grief at her death.A synopsis of the Narnia series is worked into thetext, as is a chronology of Narnian versus “real”time. Coren also provides a chronology ofLewis’s life, a list of books by and about him, anda useful index.The Man Who Created Narnia is beautifully laidout. Each chapter begins with a page that isblank but for a brief quotation from Lewis’swritings. Large, well-selected black-and-whitephotographs break up the text, and are so welllabelledthat the casual reader can follow thenarrative simply by browsing through thephotographs and reading their captions.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—5Sylvia StopforthLibrarian, Trinity Western UniversityLangley, British ColumbiaN O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 7 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

YOUNG ADULTNONFICTIONFiery Vision : The Life and Death of JohnBrown. Clinton Cox. LCCN 96021368. NewYork: Scholastic Press, 1997. ISBN0590475746, HBB, $15.95.921 (973.7). Abolitionists, Brown, John. 230 p.Gr. 7—Adult.Clinton Cox, details a vivid picture, of JohnBrown’s early life, his faith, and his turmoil incoming to grips with the slavery question. FieryVision helps the reader to visualize the issues thatchanged John Brown and brought him to thebelief that violent acts could only be met withviolent acts. The final issue, in 1859, holdingHarper’s Ferry armory for twenty hours, helpedbring the slavery issue into focus for the rest ofthe country. At the beginning of John Brown’slife in 1800, there were one million slaves. At theend of his life when he was tried for treason,there were four million slaves.This book clarifies the economic issues as well asthe social and religious views of the pre-CivilWar time. It is a carefully researched book andthe black and white pictures have been carefullyselected to give credibility to the text.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—5Paula Stewart MarksPrincipal, Morning Star Christian SchoolBend, OregonGeronimo : Apache Freedom Fighter. SpringHermann. (Native American Biographies.)LCCN 96025703. Springfield, N.J.: EnslowPublishers, 1997. ISBN 0894908642, HBB,$18.95.921 (979). Apache Indians—Biography, Indians ofNorth America—Biography, Geronimo, 1829-1909.128 p.Gr. 4—Adult.Geronimo—this name brings forth an image ofsomeone who goes forth and does not give upeasily. Author Spring Hermann explores theperson behind the image in her biography of thisApache warrior and tribal leader.Filled with fascinating detail and first handaccounts, many in Geronimo’s own words, helpreaders learn how a young Apache namedGoyahkla became the feared warrior Geronimo.The book’s inclusion of a chronology, chapternotes, glossary, and bibliography make forhelpful study aides.◆ Quality—3 ❤ Acceptability—5Pam WebbFreelance Writer, Homeschool ParentSandpoint, IdahoArmenia. Sakina Dhilawala. (Cultures of theWorld.) LCCN 96030046. New York:Marshall Cavendish, 1997. ISBN0761406832, HBB, $23.95.945.56. Armenia. 128 p.——Georgia. Michael Spilling. (Cultures ofthe World.) LCCN 97016570. New York:Marshall Cavendish, 1998. ISBN0761406913, HBB, $23.95.947.58. Georgia (Republic). 128 p.——Ukraine. Volodymyr Bassis. (Cultures ofthe World.) LCCN 96040207. New York:Marshall Cavendish, 1997. ISBN0761406840, HBB, $23.95.947.7. Ukraine. 128 p.——Lithuania. Sakina Kagda. (Cultures ofthe World.) LCCN 96029460. New York:Marshall Cavendish, 1997. ISBN0761406816, HBB, $23.95.947.93. Lithuania. 128 p.——Luxembourg. Patricia Sheehan.(Cultures of the World.) LCCN 96053367.New York: Marshall Cavendish, 1997. ISBN0761406859, HBB, $23.95.949.35. Luxembourg. 128 p.——Hong Kong. Falaq Kagda. (Cultures ofthe World.) LCCN 97015885. New York:Marshall Cavendish, 1998. ISBN0761406921, HBB, $23.95.951.25. Hong Kong. 128 p.——Laos. Stephen Mansfield. (Cultures ofthe World.) LCCN 97016568. New York:Marshall Cavendish, 1998. ISBN0761406891, HBB, $23.95.959.4. Laos. 128 p.——Tunisia. Roslind Varghese Brown.(Cultures of the World.) LCCN 97015883.New York: Marshall Cavendish, 1997. ISBN0761406905, HBB, $23.95.961.1. Tunisia. 128 p.——Algeria. Falaq Kagda. (Cultures of theWorld.) LCCN 96040373. New York:Marshall Cavendish, 1997. ISBN0761406808, HBB, $23.95.965. Algeria. 128 p.——Zambia. Timothy Holmes. (Cultures ofthe World.) LCCN 97022298. New York:Marshall Cavendish, 1998. ISBN0761406948, HBB, $23.95.968.94. Zambia. 128 p.——Madagascar. Jay Heale. (Cultures of theWorld.) LCCN 97016569. New York:Marshall Cavendish, 1998. ISBN076140693X, HBB, $23.95.969.1. Madagascar. 128 p.——Tahiti. Roseline NgCheong-Lunn.(Cultures of the World.) LCCN 96040213.New York: Marshall Cavendish, 1997. ISBN0761406824, HBB, $23.95.996.2. Tahiti. 128 p.New titles in a series reviewed in CLJ, Mar.96.Early Explorers of North America. C. KeithWilbur. (Illustrated Living History Series.)LCCN 96043019. Philadelphia: ChelseaHouse Publishers, 1996. ISBN 0791045315,HBB, $19.95.970.01. America—Discovery and exploration. 140 p.Gr. 5—Adult.Those studying pre-Columbian history of NorthAmerica through the beginning of the 17thcentury will enjoy the work of author C. KeithWilbur in this volume of the Illustrated LivingHistory Series. Readers will explore the Stone,Bronze, and Iron Ages before the Vikings and seedrawings of early Chippewa word pictures aswell as spear heads and tools. Other ages andexplorers treated in this history are the Vikings,Bjarni Herjolfsson, Leif Erickson, and Karlsefni,John Cabot of England, Fernandes and GasperCorte-Real from Portugal, Vespucci, Magellan,Ponce de Leon, de Vaca, de Soto, VerrazzanoCartier, and finally, Raleigh.In addition to explorers, some chapters aredevoted to styles and changes in explorer’s ships,various ages and cultures of native Americantribes, the Grand Bank Fisheries, settlements atRoanoke, Chesapeake Bay, and Jamestown. Thistext, while filled with interesting information, isdifficult to read due to the choice of print whichresembles hand printing with stylized serifs. Thevolume is indexed, contains an extensivebibliography, and includes a list by state andprovince of historic sites to visit.◆ Quality—3 ❤ Acceptability—4Judy DriscollTeacher, Christ the King AcademyPoulsbo, WashingtonC H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 5 9 N O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 7

YOUNG ADULTNONFICTIONBound for Glory, 1910-1930 : From the GreatMigration to the Harlem Renaissance. KerryCandaele. (Milestones in Black AmericanHistory.) LCCN 95024514. Philadelphia:Chelsea House Publishers, 1996. ISBN0791022617, HBB, $19.95. ISBN 0791026876,PAP, $8.95.973. Afro-Americans—Civil rights, Afro-Americans—Social conditions. 120 p.——Struggle and Love, 1972-1997 : From theGary Convention to the Aftermath of theMillion Man March. Mary Hull. (Milestonesin Black American History.) LCCN96030513. Philadelphia: Chelsea HousePublishers, 1996. ISBN 0791026884, PAP,$8.95. ISBN 0791022625, HBB, $19.95.973. Afro-Americans—Civil rights, Afro-Americans—Social conditions—1975-. 118 p.——The Gathering Storm, 1787-1829 : Fromthe Framing of the Constitution to Walker’sAppeal. Mary Barr Sisson. (Milestones inBlack American History.) LCCN 95033528.Philadelphia: Chelsea House Publishers,1996. ISBN 0791022528, HBB, $19.95. ISBN0791026787, PAP, $8.95.973. Slavery, Afro-Americans—History—To 1863.118 p.Gr. 7—12.Milestones in Black American History is a 16volume set with each volume exploring adifferent period in the history of AfricanAmericans. The books are amply illustrated withblack and white line drawings, paintings, andphotographs. These volumes are appropriate forupper elementary through middle school, andprovide information that would be useful to highschool researchers. Each volume has a timelineof milestones in the front, is indexed, andprovides a “further reading” list as well.These three volumes reviewed contain a detailedhistory of the black experience in post colonialUnited States. Early efforts to stop the slavetrade by whites and free blacks began evenbefore the Constitutional Convention. Therewere ministers, newspapermen and independentmerchants among the free blacks, all of who useddifferent methods to work for freedom of slavesand an end to the slave trade.Most of us are familiar with the expression“black pride” today, but few realize that blackpride became a rallying cry in the 1920’sespecially in Harlem where black cultureflourished, a kind of Renaissance. In the yearssince 1970, there have been different struggles: toachieve economic empowerment, to establish aunified leadership in the Black community; tocreate true equality of life between the black andwhite communities. The chronological formatand clear writing style makes the volumes easierto read than most histories.Each of the reviewed volumes takes care topresent a balanced view of a history that has beenlargely ignored. One way to foster understandingand acceptance of the differences in the BlackAmerican culture is to present the history of thatculture in a straightforward and non-judgmentalmanner. The reader will be invited to explore theaccomplishments of slaves, former slaves, andtheir present day descendents. Students willlearn that black Americans have made substantialcontributions to our culture.This objective approach to black history helps usto understand the issues facing our society today.The challenge with history is not to judge andplace blame. The challenge is to provideaccurate information in an unbiased fashion,which I believe, has been achieved in thesevolumes. My only reservation is that of separatehistories. Even with a balanced history such asthis, creating separate histories for differentaspects of the total American history seems todefeat the equality we are trying to create.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—4Barbara WallSchool Library System DirectorOswego County BOCESMexico, New YorkThe United States in the 19th Century. DavidRubel. (Scholastic Timelines.) LCCN96008701. New York: Scholastic Press, 1996.ISBN 0590725645, HBB, $18.95.973.5. United States—History—19th century—Chronology, History, Modern—19th century—Chronology. 192 p.Gr. 3—Adult.If you’ve ever wondered when graham crackerswere invented or who patented the firstrefrigerator look no farther than The UnitedStates in the 19th Century. David Rubel hascaptured brief paragraph snapshots of life,politics, arts and entertainment, and science andtechnology in ten different eras of the 19thcentury. His eras include Federalism, The Era ofGood Feelings, Jacksonian Democracy,Industrialization, Manifest Destiny, A HouseDivided, The Civil War, Reconstruction, TheGilded Age, and The Gay Nineties. Each era isintroduced with a brief overview followed byten-twelve pages of timeline. Whereas mostevents are treated in short paragraphs, onesubject on each double page spread is treated tomore extensive coverage with photographs, mapsand more detail, i.e. the Louisiana Purchase.The book contains table of contents, glossary,index and an introduction on how to use thebook. History buffs and trivia seekers alike willspend hours pouring over these fascinating pageswith their easy to follow and attractive layouts.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—5Judy DriscollChrist the King AcademyPoulsbo, WashingtonDon’t forget to get your readers involved in theChildren’s Crown and Lamplighter Awards.See your September issue of CLJ for details.N O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 7 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

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BOOK REVIEWSADULT FICTIONThe Allies. Jack Cavanaugh. (An AmericanFamily Portrait; 6.) Colorado Springs:ChariotVictor Publishing, 1997. ISBN1564765881, PAP, $11.99.F. World War, 1914-1919—Fiction. 462 p.Gr. 10—Adult.Jack Cavanaugh’s The Allies, sixth of AmericanFamily Portrait series, continues with the nextgeneration in the Morgan family. Jesse Morgan’swife Katie accompanies their daughter Emily toEngland where she plans to be a missionary withthe London Missionary Society. Just in sight ofthe Irish coast, their luxury liner is torpedoed bya German U-boat. Miraculously both aresurvivors of the Lusitania.Meanwhile, Emily’s brother Johnny, manages tosurvive despite his dare-devil life style as anaeroplane pilot. After helping the U.S. armytrack down the bandit Poncho Villa, Johnny isrecommended for army flying school. Despitehis arrogance, he is sent to Europe to help in theAllied effort.Back home, Jesse has been an assistant toSecretary of State William Jennings Bryan.Bryan resigns after President Wilson declareswar on Germany and requests that Jesse continuea special assignment for the President to uncovera German espionage ring operating in New York.In England, Emily is rejected by the missionsociety and becomes a volunteer nurse workingfor the Red Cross as an ambulance driver on thefront. When Jessie uncovers the identity of aGerman spy who turns out to be Katie’scompanion, he comes to England to warn her.Many references to actual events and individualsfrom history make them come alive for thereader. Much of the story is dedicated to thestruggles of the main characters. Emily struggleswith her self-worth when her dream to be amissionary is crushed. Johnny’s selfishindependence is finally broken as he sees his bestfriend die and he comes to grips with the guilt hefeels for putting his own glory above the life ofhis friend.A Note from the Editor: by Mary McKinneyThe message of The Allies once again confirmsthe faithfulness of God to lovingly direct ourlives even in the most difficult circumstances.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—5Esther Knaupp, LibrarianSantiam Christian SchoolCorvallis, OregonArrow of the Almighty. Gilbert Morris. (TheLiberty Bell; 4.) LCCN 97021200.Minneapolis: Bethany House Publishers,1997. ISBN 155661568X, PAP, $9.99.F. United States—History—1775-1783, Revolution—Fiction. 302 p.Gr. 9-Adult.Gilbert Morris’ Arrow of the Almighty starts inNovember of 1776, with the plot centeringaround Micah Bradford. In the midst of carryingmessages for the patriots, Micah meets andbecomes interested in Sarah Dennison. Sarahfeels trapped by her wealthy parents who aretrying to get her married off to the wealthy butarrogant widower, Silas Potter.Good night,sweetPrince.May flights ofangels wing theeon thy way.Having just viewed Shakespeare’s Hamlet, I cameaway enthralled by the richness of the languageused. Words that not only portrayed action andthoughts, but somehow painted lush pictures of theculture, mood and philosophy of sixteenth centuryEngland.I realize that Shakespearean language is a bitheavy for the norm today, but it does remind me ofone reason why I began to write—admiration forthe power of the written word. Nothing thrills memore than to be able to communicate somepoignant lesson that will enable others to savor allthat life has to offer. Reading such prose can bringdelight to the soul. What a wonderful avenue oflecture and reason is a good book!Although fiction can be conceived as unreality—the avid reader appreciates the story line thatallows for a key element of surprise, and when it’sdiscovered finds worth in every moment of itsdelicious musing. Some call us escapists—and ifan intricately woven tale seems bigger than life,then what fun to challenge life itself in thepossibilities.Granted that not all books deserve great applause,and I believe that writer and reader alike muststrive to discover those special few that standabove the rest. But that does not nullify thereading of other books, for I believe that each hasits place, even if it teaches us not to pick upanother of similar design.Francis Bacon in his Essays states this succinctly:“Some books are to be tasted, others to beswallowed, and some few to be chewed anddigested.”I spent three years teaching literature in a privatehigh school in Izmir, Turkey. These Turkishstudents not only learned to appreciate greatauthors and their work, but became adept atcommunicating their hopes and dreams in English,a second language! I was duly impressed andrealized that good literature crosses all barriers asdoes the desire to convey worth to others. We’renot so different, we humans, and if we can find away to enrich the souls of fellow beings, thenwe’re allowing ourselves to be a blessing even aswe are blessed.Books are an avenue of expression that allows boththe writer and the reader to share like experiences,emotions and goals. Lofty ideals can come withinone’s grasp as the spirit behind the compositionlifts, encourages and inspires the reader. CharlesW. Eliot has this to say of books: “They are thequietest and most constant of friends; they are themost accessible and wisest of counselors, and themost patient of teachers.”Of course, on should never speak of inspirationand wisdom without giving acknowledgment to thegreatest of all books, the holy Bible. To me, tolaunch from the solid foundational truths of Godand discover that sweet communion of ideas linkedwith integrity and truth is a most enrichingexperience indeed!N O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 7 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

ADULTFICTIONMicah’s life is further complicated by KeturahBurns whose mother, a camp follower, diesleaving her defenseless. Feeling responsible forher, he finally takes her to live with his familywhere she feels loved and accepted for the firsttime in her life.The action in the story is split between theprogress of the Revolutionary War and Micah’sinvolvement with the two young ladies for whomhe cares.The story, which refers to numerous events andpeople from the history of the beginning of ournation, shows the miraculous hand of God atwork in the battles and Godly leaders. The needfor the wisdom of God in everyday life is alsoemphasized in the fictionalized life of MicahBradford and his family. Gilbert Morris showsour need for God in the everyday events anddecisions of life.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—5Esther Knaupp, LibrarianSantiam Christian SchoolCorvallis, OregonThe Atonement Child. Francine Rivers.LCCN 96040212. Wheaton, Ill.: TyndaleHouse Publishers, 1997. ISBN 0842300414,PAP, $16.97.F. Rape—Fiction, Abortion—Fiction. 376 p.Gr. 11—Adult.Things were going great for Dynah Carey. Shehad loving and supportive Christian parents, shehad an enjoyable job at a retirement home, sheattended a Christian college, and she wasengaged to be married to the best-looking, mostspiritual guy on campus. Things were goinggreat for Dynah Carey—until the night she gotraped.Reeling with physical, emotional, and spiritualpain, Dynah keeps the rape a secret from herparents, even when she becomes pregnant fromit. As she struggles with how to respond to herpregnancy, Dynah is torn between what she hasalways believed—that abortion is wrong—andher friends’ encouragement to have an abortion.After all, she doesn’t want to bear the child of arapist.Dynah is quietly dismissed from her college andher return home and admission of the rape andpregnancy stirs up old memories for her mother,who had an abortion when she was a youngwoman. This issue renews old conflicts betweenDynah’s mom and dad. They argue bitterly, andfind themselves considering divorce. Dynahcannot endure the increasing tension in her home.She leaves town and finds a job, ultimatelyrenewing her trust in God’s word, which allowsher to bring the message of redemption andhealing to an abortionist and his wife, to herparents and grandmother, and to Joe, a faithfulcollege friend who stands by Dynah through allthe trauma. Dynah gives birth to a beautiful girl,and finds in Joe a godly man who truly loves herand her child.The Atonement Child, by Francine Rivers, is apowerful story that speaks straight to the heart ofthe abortion issue, describing it from a myriad ofperspectives, and detailing the multitude ofpeople abortion affects. Sensitively written, theacts of rape and abortion are mentioned, but arenot detailed. The conflict and confusion thatDynah endures, the irrational guilt she feels, thespiritual struggle she undergoes, and theabandonment she feels from those who shouldsupport her are heartbreakingly real. But theoverwhelming message speaks of God’sredemption, forgiveness, and healing.Rivers includes a letter to readers who may havehad personal experience with abortion, and shepresents the biblical message of salvation andhealing that the Lord can provide. Rivers alsoincludes a table of postabortion counseling andsupport groups. Mild use of slang occurs four orfive times in the book, and drinking alcohol inmoderation is evident once.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—5Sherri BeelerTeacher, Cascade Christian High SchoolMedford, OregonBlind Faith. Judith Pella. (Portraits.)Minneapolis: Bethany House Publishers,1996. ISBN 1556618808, PAP, $8.99.F. Romance stories. 303 p.Adult.Irene Lorenzo has one major regret-that shemarried Greg Mitchell too quickly. Blind Faithactually opens eleven years later, one year afterGreg divorced Irene. She now leads a new life,supporting herself and her two young sonsworking at a graphic design firm. Then Greg ismysteriously murdered, and Irene meets JoelCostain-a successful attorney who happens to beblind, but more importantly, who discovers thathe is Greg’s blood brother. Consequently, Joelsolicits Irene’s help in solving the case. Behindthe main plot is the story of Joel and Greg’sbiological father, Charlie Sullivan, recentlyreleased from prison with failing health, whoplots revenge against the powerful man who wasa double-crosser years earlier.Author Judith Pella manages to reveal her themeof reconciliation by the end of Blind Faith. Themain character, Irene, starts out rebelling againstGod, believing that he failed to protect her froma bad marriage; ultimately, she recognizes herneed for God. Joel encourages Irene to return toher faith, explaining to her that “Now we see asthrough a glass darkly, but then face to face.”Later, in private reflection, “[Irene realized] itwas a verse with a multilevel message...Comingto see God face to face, with one’s own feelingsand motives laid bare, hiding nothing from him,seeking to fully understand our innermost being(p.255).”Blind Faith revolves around fresh, interestingcharacters and multiple points-of-view. In fact,it’s the characters who redeem this book, as Pellatends to end most of her chapters with a sense ofclosure and doesn’t give us enough incentive togo on, making it too easy for a reader to put thebook down. Also, Pella retells too many timesIrene’s regret over her “rush into marriage” toGreg. Another troublesome point is that Pellaseems to introduce Irene as a strong Christianwho has drifted away from the Lord. Byallowing Irene’s spiritual malaise to persistthrough most of the book, Pella risks appearingas if she endorses this type of relationship withGod and providing readers with justification fortheir own walking astray. On the other hand,Pella does a good job revealing Joel Costain’sfaith, as well as an excellent job showing us hispersonal challenges with blindness. She buildsthe relationship between him and Irene withbelievable tenderness.◆ Quality—3 ❤ Acceptability—3Kimn Swenson GollnickWriter, SpeakerMarysville, WashingtonThe End of Days. David Dolan. LCCN96051666. Grand Rapids: Fleming H.Revell/Baker Books, 1997. ISBN 0800756304,PAP, $10.99.F. Imaginary wars and battles—Fiction, SecondAdvent—Fiction. 330 p.Adult.The End of Days, by David Dolan, envisions thefinal days of the earth as we now know it tellingthe story of Eli Ben-David, a completed Jew. Wesee him as one of the “sealed” Jews, a disciple ofthe Two Witnesses, Yochanan and Natan-el. Eli’smission is “to warn humanity about the judgmentto come and to assist Yeshua’s earthly body in thedifficult days just before he returns” (p. 121).Eli’s evil, decadent counterpart, the anti-Christ inthe story, is simply known as Andre.Fulfilled prophecy bursts from the pages,sometimes referenced with Biblical chapter andverse, and Dolan uses contemporary events suchas the capture of the Golan Heights in 1967, as afulcrum for future events. His background as ajournalist shows its influence on his style whichreads like series of newspaper articles that couldstand alone, but lacks a sufficiently developedstory-line to hold the interest of one not a devoteeof the apocalyptic fiction. His situations arewell-founded in prophecy, but the narrative stylelacks the quality of, say, Frank Peretti, whomreaders might find more entertaining.The reader should be aware of references tohomosexuality (p. 250) and some description ofviolence (p.227).◆ Quality—3 ❤ Acceptability—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 N O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 7

ADULTFICTIONSu HagertyFreelance WriterIssaquah, WashingtonEntangled. Tracie Peterson. (Portraits.)LCCN 96045849. Minneapolis: BethanyHouse Publishers, 1997. ISBN 1556619367,PAP, $8.99.F. Love stories, Christian life—Fiction. 254 p.——Gentle Touch. Angela Elwell Hunt.(Portraits.) Minneapolis: Bethany HousePublishers, 1997. ISBN 1556619448, PAP,$8.99.F. Love stories, Christian life—Fiction. 251 p.Gr. 10—Adult.Cara Kessler, a young widow, is bullied intorunning for Lieutenant Governor for the state ofKansas. She is still living as if her late husbandwere alive, but the events of the election and thedevelopment of a relationship propel her to moveon with her life. Entangled, by Tracie Peterson,also provides intrigue as Cara discovers thehorrifying truth about her running mate.In Gentle Touch, by Angela Hunt, oncology nurseJacqueline Wilkes discovers she has breastcancer. Only twenty-eight, Jacqueline has no oneto turn to. Her own mother died not long ago ofbreast cancer. Her father is remarried and distant.Jacqueline has been so focused on her career thatshe has few friends, and as a result she is forcedto accept help from the one man she despises.Both stories have somewhat convoluted plots.Gentle Touch, however, does a great job ofpresenting the shock and horror of breast cancerin a very realistic way. Strong Christian themesand characters are evident in both books. Themain character’s romance is very clean. Minorcharacters, however, are involved in extramaritalaffairs, rape, and out-of-wedlock birth,particularly in Entangled. These characters arepresented in a negative light, and often turn to aChristian character for guidance.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—5Elizabeth ColemanFreelance WriterTumwater, WashingtonIn Honor Bound. DeAnna Julie Dodson.LCCN 96047327. Wheaton, Ill.: CrosswayBooks, 1997. ISBN 0891079092, PAP, $11.99.F. Middle Ages—Fiction. 320 p.Adult.Prince Philip, a sensitive and moral young manfighting upstream against the tide of evils thatabounded in life at court finds his faith beingshaken to the core. The love of his life, a lowborn but faithful wife and maid has been accusedof being a witch and poisoning an heir to thethrone, thus being sentenced to burn at the stake.Turning hard and cynical against God for notsaving his wife, Philip is forced by his father theking into a marriage alliance. PrincessRosalynde vows to God that with his help shewill love Prince Philip in spite of his coldtreatment and the vow that he claims he is stillbound to for his first wife. Unable to understandthis selfless love that Rosalynde continues toshow him even when he repays her withaloofness, Philip begins to question this honorthat he feels bound to. The crisis comes when theprotection of the kingdom from bitter enemiesfalls upon his shoulders. Will he go forward inhis own strength, or will he finally surrendereverything to God?In Honor Bound by DeAnna Julie Dodson is astory that is full of feeling, lively, and veryromantic. The characters are faced with choicesbetween good and evil and the consequences ofthose choices are reaped in full. There are anumber of intimate scenes and though they aretastefully done this is a book for mature readers.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—5Debbie LindsayHome school ParentEatonville, WashingtonThe Jeweller’s Shop : A Modern Mystery. ByKarol Wojtyla. Chandler, Ariz.: P.A.C. andAlliance/Bridgestone, 1988. VID, $19.99.F. Marriage—Fiction, Poland—History—Fiction. 1videocassette, 88 min., colorGr. 10—Adult.The Jeweller’s Shop, has been translated intotwenty-two languages and sold millions of copiesin book form. As a video, it seems to have lostsome of the heart warming focus that the storyoriginally had. The main story follows twocouples, one with a depth of love andcommitment, the other more shallow and selfseeking.The husband of the committed couple iskilled during the war, and his wife raises their sonwhile overcoming hardship. The shallow coupleflee the war, are financially successful, but neverachieve a real loving commitment. Theirdaughter, after meeting the first couple’s son,searches for what real love means. Her searchbrings her back to the old country where amystical Jeweler helps her understand what realcommitment is all about.Touted as a modern mystery, this film seemssomewhat mystical rather that mysterious.Although it has an excellent cast, the acting isstilted.◆ Quality—3 ❤ Acceptability—4Paula Stewart MarksPrincipal, Morning Star Christian SchoolBend, OregonLight the Night. John Culea. LCCN96009833. Colorado Springs: ChariotVictorPublishing, 1997. ISBN 0781402964, PAP,$11.99.F. Los Angeles—Fiction, Gangs—Fiction. 389 p.Gr. 9—Adult.Caught in a fight out between rival gangs, theinnocent citizens of L.A. constantly findthemselves in danger. As a television anchor,Paul Thomas is used to reporting on the violencethat defines L.A. until one day the story changes.Thomas’ station reports that the annual “Light theNight” had lowered crime. To fill time, Thomaschallenges the citizens to have Light the Nightevery night.With an off-hand remark Thomas starts arevolution to take back L.A. But the gangs won’tgo down quietly. The gangs retaliate taking thelives of leaders all over the city. Then theykipnap Thomas’ wife. In the end, Thomas’Christian influence flushes the evil out of L.A.Although Light the Night does contain someviolence, it is a fabulous story of goodconquering evil.Light the Night is John Culea’s first book but hewrites from experience. As a co-anchor in SanDiego, Culea gives amazingly accurate insightsinto the television world. The pace is sometimesslow but the read is worth the wait. With writingstrikingly similar in style and content to FrankPeretti’s more recent publications, Culea is anauthor to watch for in the future.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—5Janyre StockingerStudent, Taylor UniversityGrand Rapids, MichiganMasquerade. B.J. Hoff. (Portraits.) LCCN96025287. Minneapolis: Bethany HousePublishers, 1996. ISBN 1556618603, PAP,$8.99.F. Romance stories. 222 p.Adult.In Masquerade, B.J. Hoff allows a major flaw ina potentially enjoyable story. Most of the book iswritten from the heroine’s point of view, but theauthor keeps us in the dark about her heroine’s“secret mission” until late in the story-as if tocompensate for a thin plot, Hoff essentially“creates” a mystery by withholding information.The story revolves around journalist Danni St.John’s employment at (and her plan toinvestigate) the Colony. This communal cultgroup, although completely fictional, eerilyforeshadows the Heaven’s Gate cult that madenational news this year (making for interestingand timely reading in this regard). St. John ishired by the cult’s leader, Reverend Ra, tomanage the compound’s community newspaper.St. John accepts the job under the pretense thatshe’s interested in the cult. Thus the title,Masquerade.N O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 7 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

ADULTFICTIONOn her first night in town, St. John runs into thehandsome, brooding Sheriff Logan McGarey,who questions her involvement with the Colony.Further contact allows them to get to know eachother better, except for St. John’s investigation ofthe cult. Logan becomes frustrated that shewon’t let him in on her secret. (What is shelooking for? What does she hope to accomplish?What does she know about the Colony that droveher to investigate in the first place?) Logan,beginning to care about her, warns St. John to becareful. Eventually, a major scene occurs, hermotives are revealed, and her life is endangered.Hoff succeeds in creating tantalizing charactersusing an interesting and timely backdrop, theinherent dangers of a cult. However, it seemsunrealistic for a large, organized cult such asHoff’s “Colony” to hire someone from theoutside to manage their newspaper, or that intheir background check they would fail touncover St. John’s identity as a hard-hittinginvestigative journalist, or any of her Christianties.Another faux pas appears later in the book whenHoff describes how St. John gains criticalinformation while accessing one of the cult’smain computers. The system requires apassword, so, “On a whim,” Hoff writes, “[St.John] tried the numerical code for Reverend Ra’slegal name, and she was in!” Numerical code?Hoff doesn’t explain. We are not even aware ofReverend Ra’s legal name until now, nor how St.John knew it.It’s too bad some of these technical problemsweren’t caught before the book went intoproduction. The best thing about Masquerade isDanni St. John’s consistant faith, even whileworking at the Colony. In fact, there’s a scene inwhich St. John explains the Gospel to herassistant, a young cult member; it’s excellent.◆ Quality—3 ❤ Acceptability—5Kimn Swenson GollnickWriter, SpeakerMarysville, Washington★The Messenger. T. Davis Bunn. LCCN95000482. Minneapolis: Bethany HousePublishers, 1995. ISBN 1556616694, HBB,$11.99.F. Angels—Fiction. 140 p.Gr. 10—AdultT. Davis Bunn, in The Messager, writes abeautiful parable about the angel, Ariel, who ison her first mission to earth. When a pick-pocketinadvertently lifts her re-entrance card to heaven,she learns the value of trust and prayer. The thief,likewise, finds himself learning about who he canreally trust. His new possession seems to drawthe wrong powers who desire entry into theKingdom in order to cause chaos. Theculmination of the mix-up shows that God worksthrough all things for our best. This small book,only 140 pages, is a delight to read. It isextremely well written, heartwarming andthought provoking. It would make an excellentgift for anyone who likes angels.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—5Paula Stewart MarksPrincipal, Morning Star Christian SchoolBend, OregonA New Beginning. Michael Phillips. (TheJournals of Corrie & Christopher; 2.) LCCN96045914. Minneapolis: Bethany HousePublishers, 1997. ISBN 1556619332, PAP,$9.99.F. California—Fiction, Marriage—Fiction. 231 p.Gr. 9—Adult.The life of Corrie Hollister Braxton continues inthis second of the Corrie and Christopher series.All of the well-loved characters return—Corrie’sfamily and members of the town of MiracleSprings.This particular story focuses on ChristopherBraxton, Corrie’s husband of two years, and hisrelationship to the persons of Miracle Springs.Christopher is faced with a major decision—whether to return with Corrie to the East or tostay in Miracle Springs. As Christopher makesplans, circumstances occur that show him andCorrie that God is in control and has a purposefor each of their lives. Christopher is given theopportunity to share the story of his painfulchildhood, and demonstrates to others how toallow God to heal past hurts in their lives. Corriereflects the trust in God and in her husband, evenin difficult and changing times.In A New Beginning, the author, Michael Phillips,shows a clear path of how to leave the pastbehind and develop a “father—son” relationshipwith God. This is very relevant to the lives ofreaders today. As in his past writings, God’s loveand life-changing power in the lives of hischaracters is shown. In comparison to the othersin this series, this work has a great deal lessaction and life-changing happenings. Rather, alarge portion of the story is devoted to sermontypenarration. For example, there are entirechapters devoted to topics such as “Who God Is”,“What comprises Faith”, etc. Because of this,although the spiritual truths are beneficial, thestory does not easily capture the reader’sattention and is somewhat dry.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—5Tammy WilliamsSocial Worker/HomemakerPort Orchard, WashingtonOver the Misty Mountains. Gilbert Morris &Aaron McCarver. (The Spirit of Appalachia;1.) LCCN 96045907. Minneapolis: BethanyHouse Publishers, 1997. ISBN 1556618859,PAP, $9.99.F. Appalachian Mountains—Fiction, Frontier andpioneer life—Fiction. 346 p.Gr. 10—Adult.Lashing out in anger against God for allowing hiswife to die after the birth of their first born son,Josh Spencer tries to flee the painful memories.Leaving the care of his infant son to his parents,Josh heads west to the wilds of the AppalachiaMountains. Befriending an Indian who saves hislife and gives him the nickname of Hawk, he triesto loose himself in the rigors of wildernesssurvival. Coerced into leading a wagon trainwest, Hawk returns home for a visit and isconfronted by the frank and bitter questions ofhis now teenage son. Hawk insists that this wasthe best situation and leaves for the wagon trainunsettled by the visit.During the trip Hawk once again must facedeath; that of a good friend who leaves behind awife and two children. The bold faith of thewidow during her hardship slowly begins tocrack the tough shell that Hawk has placedaround himself against God.Over the Misty Mountains is the first book in thenew Spirit of Appalachia Series by GilbertMorris in team work with Aaron McCarver. Theauthors recapture the spirit of the early days ofAmerica when life was fragile and survival wasrough.Those familiar with Gilbert Morris’s style willfind this story full of action, history, faith, andromance.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—5Debbie LindsayHome school ParentEatonville, WashingtonRed Sky in Mourning. Patricia H. Rushford.(Helen Bradley Mysteries; 2.) LCCN97021117. Minneapolis: Bethany HousePublishers, 1997. ISBN 1556617313, PAP,$9.99.C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 6 5 N O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 7

ADULTFICTIONF. Washington (State)—Fiction, Mystery and detectivestories. 239 p.Gr. 11—Adult.Helen Bradley, travel writer and former policeofficer, tells her husband good-bye and headsnorth to Washington State. Writing a guidebookfor the Long Beach Peninsula appeals to her, butshe determines to discover the truth about thedeath of Isabelle Dupont, the guidebook’soriginal author.Soon she makes friends with Peninsula residents,and as the plot takes hold full-force, Helenrealizes Isabelle died because she had stumbledonto a secret. Helen feels certain the same endcould come to her, also.Following a fatal boat explosion, a hit-over-theheadfor Helen, loss of her writing project notes,her husband’s disappearance, and another breakinafter which her laptop computer goes missing,the questions multiply. One night, to satisfy hercuriosity, Helen stealthily boards a boat. Thereshe overhears a confession of murder and quicklymoves into a lifesaving mode. She and thevictim soon have everything under control. Or sothey think. Finally, while still on the boat Helenfinds out the answers to all her questions.With Red Sky in Mourning, Rushford once againproves herself worthy of notice among mysterywriters. Details about Helen’s background,included in an unobtrusive way that does notinterfere with the story, satisfy readers who havenot yet read the first book in the Helen Bradleyseries or the Jennie McGrady books in whichHelen plays an important role.Excitement and suspense fill every chapter, if notevery page. Rushford’s good descriptions drawthe reader into the Washington coastal setting aswell as into the lively action. Good developmentturns the characters into friends of the readers aswell as of Helen, who meets most of them for thefirst time as she begins this writing project.Helen shares her testimony in appropriate waysthat would not offend non-believers.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—5Betty M. HockettFreelance Writer, Writing Teacher, SpeakerNewberg, OregonThe Secrets of Barneveld Calvary. JamesCalvin Schaap. LCCN 96037305. GrandRapids: Baker Books, 1997. ISBN0801057558, PAP, $11.99.F. Christian fiction, American, Barneveld Calvary. 190p.Adult.This interesting, and slightly haunting littlevolume, The Secrets of Barneveld Calvary,claims in its title to be “a work of fiction.” Thisshort collection of stories has basically changedthe names to protect the innocent. The Secrets ofBarneveld Calvary, by James Calvin Schaap,takes ordinary small-town church people,narrows in on particular facets of their lives, andbrings to life with somewhat extraordinary detailand skill, a colorful tapestry of their personaljoys, sorrows, struggles, and triumphs. JamesSchaap is the pastor of a small church in acountry setting in heartland America, and hegives us brief glimpses into the “baby steps” ofsome of his parishioners as they journey in theirpersonal relationship with their God. I have nodoubt that each of the eight stories is very real.Readers may find themselves frustrated andtroubled as they may tend to be judgementaltowards some of the characters whose faith is tooshallow and weak. In other places they may feelan unsettled and disturbing sense of, “there butfor the grace of God go I”, as they identifypersonally with other aspects of these people’slives. And some of the stories touch a chord ofwarmth and goodness. This is definitely a bookto evoke emotions, sometimes with tenderness,sometimes with great depth of conviction andpassion.The Secrets of Barneveld Calvary is a book for amature reading audience. Because the charactersare real, they deal with real temptations, realfailures, real sin. A gay son, date rape, andinfidelity are just a few of the issues addressed.On the other hand, interwoven in all of the storiesis the character’s approach to reconciliation,forgiveness, mercy, and a personal encounterwith God. I say “approach” because in someinstances the reader may yearn for the fictionalaspects of the book to grab hold and carry thecharacters higher into spiritual victory andtriumph. But these are real stories, and “babysteps” are just that—baby steps of faith,frustratingly short of where we’d like to see themsometimes.Almost anyone can identify with at least someaspects of Barneveld Calvary. We know storieslike these from our own lives and the lives ofthose around us. That is what gives the book itscharm. It’s a very real and unvarnished approachto writing about the human frailty that we allface.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—5Gayle Chessman Haberman, TeacherWest Hills Christian School,Portland, OregonShadow of Fear. Jane Peart. (EdgecliffeManor Mysteries.) LCCN 96014568. GrandRapids: Fleming H. Revell/Baker Books,1996. ISBN 0800755979, PAP, $10.99.F. Young women—England—Fiction, Mystery anddetective stories. 176 p.——Web of Deception. Jane Peart.(Edgecliffe Manor Mysteries.) LCCN95049284. Grand Rapids: Fleming H.Revell/Baker Books, 1996. ISBN 0800755987,PAP, $10.99.F. Young women—England—Fiction, Governesses—England—Fiction, Mystery and detective stories. 204p.Gr. 9—Adult.At the death bed of her mother, Challys promisesto take her little half brother, Ty and escape theindifference and oppression of her stepfather whohas reduced the family to poverty. Due to a stagecoach accident and the loss of the little funds andpossessions they were able to escape with,Challys is forced to stay at an inn and work as amaid to pay the debt incurred for the care of herbrother who has fallen ill from the accident.Will Challys be able to pay the debt that thedishonest innkeeper and his wife continue toincrease? How will she be able to save enoughmoney to take her brother and leave so they canresume their journey?Shadow of Fear is cleverly written in the firstperson so the reader becomes caught up into thecharacter from the beginning. Jane Peart, wellknown author of the Brides of Montclair, OrphanTrain West and International Romance series,introduces the new Edgecliffe Manor Mysterieswith Shadow of Fear and Web of Deception.In Web of Deception, twenty-year-old Rachelfinds herself virtually homeless and penniless asshe contemplates the decision as to what to dosince the death of her father. As vicar of a parishhis support helped supplement what little shemade being a teacher at the young ladiesacademy. Rachel ventures out by applying for aposition as a governess to a widower’s twochildren while he is abroad on business. Shesoon finds herself perplexed by the arrival andunusual behavior of Mr. Venable’s sister-in-law.Web of Deception is not a sequel to Shadow ofFear and is written in the third person. With atouch of romance and mystery both stories arepredictable and though the spirituality of thecharacters are not an integral part of the plot, thebooks do make for wholesome leisure reading.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—5Debbie LindsayHome school ParentEatonville, WashingtonThe Shunning. Beverly Lewis. (The Heritageof Lancaster County; 1.) LCCN 97004648.Minneapolis: Bethany House Publishers,1997. ISBN 1556618662, PAP, $9.99.F. Amish—Fiction. 283 p.Gr. 9—Adult.Music welled up inside Katie’s heart and beggedto be poured out in song, but this was forbidden.So were her longings for braided hair, andbrightly colored dresses made of rich fabrics.N O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 7 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

ADULTFICTIONSuch things were not for the Amish. Theirs weresimple traditions—the Old Ways, passed downfrom generation to generation, accepted andfollowed unquestioningly as to what was goodand right for the Plain people. But Katie hadalways struggled with these things. She trulywanted to be a good Amish wife and mother forher soon-to-be husband, a widower with fivechildren. She had publically submitted to theAmish faith by accepting the kneeling baptism atchurch, but this did not relieve the inner battleshe endured daily with her secret desires.When Katie finds a pink satin baby dress in theattic shortly before her wedding, she uncovers asecret that her parents have kept from her fortwenty-two years—she is not truly Amish.Through an unusual set of circumstances, Katiewas born to an English girl and adopted at birth.To Katie, this seems to explain why she hasalways been different.On her wedding day, Katie realizes she can nolonger continue living a lie, hiding secretlongings and making confessions for sins shedoes not truly repent of. In a bold and difficultmove, Katie leaves her fiance at the weddingaltar, knowing that she must now endure the dieMeinding or “shunning” from her Amishcommunity. No one is allowed to speak to her oracknowledge her. After six weeks of isolation,even in the midst of living with her own family,Katie decides she must leave home and searchfor her birth mother, and for her own identity aswell.Although the outcome of the book is somewhatpredictable, The Shunning, by Beverly Lewis, issensatively written in first person and easilydraws the reader into Katie’s secret spiritualstruggle. The author portrays the Amish lifestyleand beliefs with understanding and respect, butthrough Katie, questions whether the Amish faithis based on the traditions of man or on the Wordof God. The Shunning leaves the readerwondering if Katie will be able to locate her birthmother, (who is terminally ill) before it is toolate, and if she will ever be reunited with herchildhood sweetheart who everyone mistakenlybelieves to be dead. Fortunately, The Shunning isthe first in The Heritage of Lancaster Countyseries, so readers may expect more books aboutKatie to follow.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—5Sherri BeelerTeacher, Cascade Christian High SchoolMedford, OregonThe Sign of the Cross. David Horton.Colorado Springs: ChariotVictor Publishing,1997. ISBN 156476611X, PAP, $0.00.F. 352 p.Gr. 10—Adult.Having its setting in war-torn Europe in the year1943, David Horton’s The Sign of the Crosscontinues the story begun in A Legion of Honor.The reader is plunged into the depths of theprison cell of French resistance worker MarcelBoussant.Horton causes the reader to feel the raw fear ofthe prisoners as they await interrogation by theinfamous Klaus Barbie. The element of mysteryis present with unanswered questions about oneof the prisoners to whom he continues to allude.Other characters in the book include Jewishrefugees fleeing for their lives from the Nazis andthe French secret police.This gripping story of life and death, hope andhopelessness, shows the real heroes who werewilling to stand up for what is right even thoughit means sacrificing their lives. The struggle ofthe young Jewess widow Isabelle Karmazin whohas escaped into Switzerland continues. In thisssecond book, Isabelle is forced to choosebetween staying in Europe with Marcel, who hasescaped from prison, and going to Americawhich has become her dreamland and the ideal,problem-free world.Marcel, in turn, struggles with the guilt of havingbetrayed his brothers in the resistance while hewas being tortured. He also must acceptIsabelle’s decision to go to America even thoughit means he will never see her again.Through his excellent development of charactersand vivid descriptions of prejudice and suffering,Horton allows the reader to feel the devastationfaced by the Jews during the days of NaziGermany. Through the conversations andthoughts of the characters, issues of faith anddependence on God are examined and resolved.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—5Esther KnauppLibrarianSantiam Christian SchoolCorvallis, OregonThe Silver Star. Gilbert Morris. (The Houseof Winslow; 20.) LCCN 97004647.Minneapolis: Bethany House Publishers,1997. ISBN 1556616880, PAP, $9.99.F. Hollywood (Calif.)—Fiction, Motion pictures—Fiction. 333 p.Gr. 10—Adult.The Silver Star is the latest installment in theHouse of Winslow series by Gilbert Morris. Aswith his other series Morris is able to weavetogether several stories within a book.Considering this is book twenty, readersunfamiliar with the House of Winslow series willbe relieved to know Morris sketches in enoughbackground information on other characters sothe book can stand alone in its reading.Set in the early 1900’s, the story centers onbeautiful, talented Priscilla Winslow who tradesthe stages of New York for the fledglingCalifornia movie industry. Priscilla tries toescape her past as she struggles with trying tofollow her dreams of being a successful actresswhile trying to live out Godly principles.The other main character is Andrew Winslowwho leaves the mission field to pastor theimpressive Faith Temple. His family, especiallyhis wife, suffers neglect in his rise as pastor of alarge and successful church.Morris covers a couple of important issues. Onebeing of how living a full Christian life meansmaking choices, some being sacrifical. Anotherissue covered with sensitivity is the affects of anextra-marital affair, especially in a Christianmarriage.◆ Quality—3 ❤ Acceptability—5Pam WebbFreelance Writer, Homeschool ParentSandpoint, IdahoStillpoint. Marilyn Kok. (Portraits.) LCCN96025294. Minneapolis: Bethany HousePublishers, 1996. ISBN 1556618212, PAP,$8.99.F. Romance stories. 254 p.Adult.The author uses her background as the daughterof missionary parents to give exotic color to thestory, set in Hong Kong. The story’s heroine,Kylie Austin, manages the Hong Kong branch ofa large import/export firm dealing in fine arts,specifically porcelain reproductions. Thisprovides fascinating additional interest.When an employee turns up missing, thecompany’s vice president Jack Sullivan flies outfrom the States to meet with Kylie. Later, whilethey inspect a shipment in the warehousetogether, they discover something odd. Kyliedecides to take two of the suspicious porcelainpieces for analysis, and in spite of Jack’swarning, she doggedly follows procedure bysigning a form at the office for the items.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 N O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 7

ADULTFICTIONThis doesn’t ring true to Kylie’s smart andperceptive nature. Kylie knew it was dangerous(a warehouse employee was missing and feared avictim of foul play), and she had enoughsuspicion and authority to just take the pieceswithout signing for them.As she and Jack try to uncover what, if anything,is going on at the warehouse, and to find out thewhereabouts of the missing employee, theirfeelings for each other grow. The attractionbetween the two allows just enough tension tomake their final admission of love satisfying.One passage may trouble some readers regardingvarious translations of the Bible. Jack ends upunconscious in the hospital and Kylie finds aBible in the bedside table, “an old version,” andshe “frowned,” requesting a “newer version” anda nurse gets her a New International Version.This seems an unfounded “point” about Bibleversions.Jack recovers, they continue their covertinvestigation and even weather out a Hong Kongtyphoon together. Stillpoint successfully blendsglamor and danger with an exciting setting, adeveloping romance, and two people’s love forGod. We learn that when everything else swirlsaround us in confusion and turmoil, Jesus Christis our stillpoint in the storm.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—4Kimn Swenson GollnickWriter, SpeakerMarysville, WashingtonThese High Green Hills. Jan Karon. (TheMitford Years; 3.) LCCN 96019585.Colorado Springs: LionPublishing/ChariotVictor, 1996. ISBN0745937411, PAP, $11.95.F. City and town life—Fiction, Episcopal church—Clergy—Fiction. 333 p.Gr. 12—Adult.Written in the style of Miss Reed, Jan Karon’sThese High Green Hills is a book the reader willnot want to see come to an end. This third bookin The Mitford Years series begins shortly afterFather Tim’s marriage at “age sixtysomething” tohis next-door-neighbor Cynthia.The people who come to life through Jan Karon’spen are taken from her own childhood days inNorth Carolina. The story is woven around thelife of the parish priest and his new wife andincludes much about his “adopted son” Dooleywho is now in a boys school facing struggles ofhis own. Other beloved characters include thenewspaper editor, the doctor, the hairdresser, andMiss Sadie, the wealthy church patron.Just as in real life the story is filled with everydayroutine along with some surprises and absolutelyhilarious situations. The themes found inKaron’s writing relate to those on the edge ofretirement, people in the middle of active careers,and young people, especially those who strugglewith feeling unloved and unwanted.The homey wisdom given throughout the pagesgives the reader much to think about long afterthe book has been closed.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—5Esther KnauppLibrarianSantiam Christian SchoolCorvallis, OregonThe Throne of Tara. John Desjarlais. LCCN90080614. Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books,1990. ISBN 0891075747, PAP, $8.95.F. Columba, Saint, 521-597—Fiction, Ireland—History—To 1172—Fiction. 248 p.Gr. 7—Adult.John Desjarlais introduces the reader to thehistorically-based story of Ireland’s Columba ofIona. Set in the sixth century, Columba(Columcille to his Irish contemporaries) wasborn to be a warrior, Crimthann the Wolf. But hisChristian mother prays that he will bring an endto the wars that tear his country apart and becomeColumcille, the Dove, who brings the gospel ofpeace.Desjarlais is a marvelous writer. His prose, bornout of years as an associate producer forInterVarsity’s Twentyonehundred Productions, ispolished, liquid and glowing. He has a sure handwhen it comes to historical detail; his research isobvious but never comes across as an intrusioninto the story. Instead, historical facts buttressthe story of Columcille, making a powerful andbelievable adventure come alive for the reader.The book should appeal to anyone, since itcombines a variety of genre styles, such ashistorical romance, mystery, adventure and justplain good story-telling. It’s exciting to readabout a saint who was also a sinner and whomight have chosen a different path. Instead, theworld was changed as the Wolf turned from warto promote the peace of Christ in the war-tornsixth-century world of Columcille, the Dove ofIreland.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—5Georgia BeaversonFreelance WriterMadison, WisconsinWhere the Fire Burns. By Anne de Graaf.(The Hidden Harvest; 2.) Minneapolis:Bethany House Publishers, 1997. ISBN1556616198, PAP, $9.99.F. Poland—Fiction. 352 p.Adult.In Where the Fire Burns, Anne DeGraff presentsa well-written, exciting portrayal of occupiedPoland, covering the years from 1952-1976. Sherelates the story of three different people andeventually weaves the narrative together. Menpounding at the door, father arrested for keepinga contraband Bible; thus begins Jasiu’s story, thestory of a young boy whose family follows Christwhile under Soviet rule. In Boston, Amycelebrates her birthday ostracised by her friendsbecause of her family’s activities. Then there isJacek Duch a spy who works with thecommunists who control Poland.This book contains well-researched historicalbackground, finely drawn characters, and aninteresting love triangle. Even though this bookis the second of the series it backtracks well andcan be read alone.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—5Paula Stewart MarksPrincipal, Morning Star Christian SchoolBend, OregonN O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 7 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

BOOK REVIEWSADULT NONFICTION000’s — General Information★Christian Cyberspace Companion : A Guide tothe Internet and Christian Online Resources.Jason D. Baker. Grand Rapids: Baker Books,1996. ISBN 0801057388, PAP, $15.99.004.6. Internet computer network. 250 p.Adult.Potential Internet users will find a wealth ofinformation in Jason Baker’s ChristianCyberspace Companion: A Guide to the Internetand Christian Online Resources. Experiencedusers will also glean useful tidbits in hisdescriptive analogies and comparisons. In thisbook, Baker relates the history of ARPAnet andhow it led to today’s private sector Internet.Concise definitions will enlighten users aboutservice providers, publishing individual webpages, differences between the World Wide Weband other Internet utilities. Baker realisticallyrelates facts about privacy, pornography, andperspective. He notes that privacy is notgenerally lost on the Internet, but rather easilymaintained almost to a fault. Pornography ispresent on the web, but also can be filtered withsoftware which he describes. Bakeracknowledges that some persons are obviouslyusing the Internet for evil, but Christians must bethe salt and light in this arena as we arecommanded.This comprehensive guide is superbly writtenand is easy to read and understand. Baker usesanalogies which will illustrate what the Internetis and what is does. Another feature of thispublication is the directory of Christian relatedsites in Appendix C. Baker also gives the webaddress where the updated version can be viewedshould changes be made after publication (whichthey will in the ever-changing world of the web).One warning he gives which must be heeded isthat heavy Internet use can rack up quite a bill tounsuspecting new users. Check out what you arepaying for before you log long hours learning.Many providers now offer unlimited use for a setfee—this may definitely be the way to go.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—5Carol M. Jones, MLISLibrarianAustin, TexasA Note from the Editor: by Ray LeggTo Read or Not to Read, That is theQuestion.I started traveling when I was in the military.Thanks to the Navy, I was able tocircumnavigate the globe and visit faraway,exotic places. Since our marriage in 1972,my wife and I have moved several times andwe have even had the dubious honor of takingdriver’s tests in five different states. Witheach move came struggles and beinguprooted, but there also came newopportunities to explore further the land wecall home.I will never forget my wife’s reaction toKansas as she looked across the flat expanseof the landscape and remarked, “I didn’tknow there was this much sky in the wholeworld!” Nor will I forget the beauty of thehills in West Virginia, or the lights ofdowntown Chicago as they seemed to warmeven the coldest nights, or the NorthernLights above the horizon in North Dakota.And who could forget the tranquil sound ofthe surf off Cape Hatteras in early June or thestifling July heat in Savannah? Or spring inProvidence? Or the desert outside Yuma? Orthe icebergs north of the Antarctic Circle and35 foot swells off Cape Horne? Or any of theother wonderful things God has given man toenjoy?I am the first to admit that I have beenfortunate, and in answer to those who ask,“what of the people who are not able to getabout as you have?” and “Is it possible forthem to venture out as you have been able todo?” my response is a resounding yes! Atleast according to Emily Dickinson it is.From the pen of one who spent most of herlife in Amherst, Massachusetts, come thewords,There is no frigate like a bookTo take us lands away,Nor any courserslike a page of prancing poetry.”What Dickinson is saying is that all peoplehave the opportunity to move outside theirspheres of existence—and the vehicle for thatmove is reading: reading books, reading proseand poetry. Combined with even the mostunderdeveloped imagination, books have thepower to transform the dullest routine into anadventure, a quest, or a chance to experiencethings never before accessible to most of us.Books allow us to learn of people we willnever meet. They teach us how to deal withsituations we may never encounter, and theyhelp us learn that there is so much more to theworld than what we see within the confines ofour individual bailiwicks. Books enrich ourlives give us a sense of community withreaders everywhere.But, unfortunately, there is much we cannotor should not read as well. That is where I,and the Christian Library Journal, come in.Because it is not possible for the readingpublic to keep up with all the new booksbeing produced, we take it upon ourselves toread as much as we can for you and makerecommendations about what we think youwill like and what we think will be helpful toyou. And by helpful I mean everything from“stimulating you to love and good works” asyou progress in your walk with the Lord, tomaking you laugh or cry, or causing you tothink seriously about things you have notconsidered before—to see the world from anew perspective. We may even acquaint youwith tools which will help make life a biteasier along the way.C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 6 9 N O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 7

ADULTNONFICTION100’s — Philosophy and PsychologyCancer Lives at Our House : Help for theFamily. Beatrice Hofman Hoek; withMelanie Jongsma. LCCN 96009230. GrandRapids: Baker Books, 1997. ISBN0801057353, PAP, $8.99.155.9. Cancer—Patients—Family relationships. 96 p.Adult.Quite a few books have been written aboutsurviving cancer, including Surrender or Fight:One Woman’s Victory Over Cancer, by BeatriceHofman Hoek. Cancer Lives at Our House,Hoek’s second book, goes beyond the survivor’ sexperiences to address those of the survivor’sfamily.As the foreword says, “The impact of this diseaseon the patient’s family is often considered quitesecondary, but it is more than a footnote to theunfolding experience of the cancer sufferer...Afamily member’s cancer is often as traumatic apersonal experience as it is for the patient...Thisbook is not about cancer. It is about life—a lifeto be celebrated, enjoyed, and someday left for aneven better life.”Hoek covers many aspects of being part of acancer survivor’ s family in such chapters as“The Invisible Victims,” “Dealing With Denial,”“Facing Fear,” and Let’s Talk About it.” Shestresses the importance of dealing with the canceras a family and of leaning on God throughout theordeal. One important chapter is “Help From theClassroom,” in which Hoek explains to teachersof children from cancer survivors’ families howto support and help them during school.Hoek has many good thoughts and ideas on how,as a family, to go beyond simply surviving cancerto growing stronger in the process. While notdenying the real pain, grief, and anger suchfamilies may go through, she encourages thereader to keep her eyes on the ultimate source ofvictory: Jesus. Hoek puts it well in her epilogue:“Our lives have been touched and personallychanged by the cancer experience. But it hasbeen a joy to watch God take a devastating lifethreateningexperience and work it out forsomething positive and good.”◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—5Betty WinslowFreelance WriterLibrarian, Bowling Green Christian AcademyBowling Green, OhioTo Forgive Is Human : How to Put Your Past inthe Past. Michael E. McCullough; Steven J.Sandage; Everett L. Worthington Jr. LCCN96046371. Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsityPress, 1997. ISBN 0830816836, PAP, $12.99.158.2. Forgiveness, Interpersonal relations. 240 p.Adult.“Psychological research on forgiveness is easilyharmonized with traditional Christian theology”assert the authors of this book. As one of fewChristian references, they give the Hebrew visionof forgiveness as a covenant with God (He’dforgive them if they’d forgive others. Jesus wentfurther to teach that our relationships would bedefined by recognition of God’s forgiving lovefor us and the world, not limited to our owneconomic or religious class).The book explores four basic themes to helpexpand the readers understanding of forgiveness.Those themes are (1) that it involves the entireperson, (2) requires empathy, (3) that it isrelational, and (4) that it requires commitment.Part of the focus of To Forgive is Human is onresearch that attempts to answer questions aboutthe relationship between forgiveness and ourrelationships, mental and physical health. Thisbook encourages the reader to look at benefits offorgiveness and how it relates to moral sense,thought, memory, motivation, guilt and shame.Illustrative stories are taken from authorspersonal or counseling experiences.The book examines giving and receivingforgiveness from the viewpoint of our need toprotect ourselves vs. our need for relationship.While the Christian forgiver motivated by a wishto please God is acknowledged, the role of prayerand a relationship with God is minimally treated.Some practical guidelines and exercises forthinking your way through barriers to asking foror giving forgiveness are given. Some of thesepertain to rearing forgiving children. Readers areencouraged that learning skills and beingpersistent can eventually enable us to develop amore forgiving character.◆ Quality—3 ❤ Acceptability—5Carol Taylor M.S.W.Freelance writerPoulsbo, WashingtonPlaying God? : Dissecting Biomedical Ethicsand Manipulating the Body. Edited by R. C.Sproul, Jr. LCCN 96035213. Grand Rapids:Ligonier Ministries/Baker Books, 1997. ISBN0801057256, PAP, $10.99.174.2. Medical ethics, Christian ethics.Adult.Playing God, edited by R.C. Sproul jr, issubtitled, “Dissecting Biomedical Ethics andManipulating the Body,” combining titles of thebook’s two sections. The slender size of the book(96 pages including study questions), made meexpect a similarly slender content. WhilePlaying God is not, by any stretch of theimagination, a textbook, it is far from a quickread.Fifteen short chapters by a dozen authors(including Nigel Cameron, J.P. Moreland, andR.C. Sproul) address biomedical ethical issuesincluding euthanasia, abortion, geneticengineering, consumerism, biomedicaltechnology, and legal issues, as well as theunderlying ethical and moral concepts involved.Playing God is written specifically for aChristian audience. Heavy reference is made toScripture, and the sanctity of life. Anothercentral idea is expressed by Ken Myers, “Scienceand technology are good gifts of God to sinfulpeople, who are capable of discovering ways tomisuse even the best gifts” (p.80).Among the issues raised in the book are sellingour souls to rebuild our bodies, commercializingthe body, changing our viewpoint from the sacredto the secular, and the confusion over legal andmoral rights. Writes Mike Malone, “Thepreoccupation with the material world,specifically the body and its preservation, or themalicious destruction of the body when it nolonger serves our purposes, will lead to theatrophy and death of the inner world of the soul”(p.85).In a book this size, extended discussion isimpossible. But many of the ideas and conceptsare not examined in the detail I would havepreferred; a more extended treatment of theseareas would have been helpful. The book alsocontains a number of generalizations, and not allreaders will agree with all the author’sconclusions. Playing God is a book of starters,designed to stimulate interest, discussion, and indepthreading. The authors avoid detailedtechnical language and keep the book accessibleto lay readers. For a general audience, perhaps ina church study group, Playing God should serveits purpose well.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—5Andrew M. SeddonPhysician, AuthorBillings, Montana200’s — ReligionPrecious in His Sight : Childhood andChildren. Roy B. Zuck. LCCN 96025788.Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1996. ISBN0801057159, PAP, $19.99.220.8. Children. 279 p.Adult.Today’s children have desperate physical,emotional, spiritual, and social problems. Theircaring adults need help! Starting with Jesus’scall to “let the little children come to me,” usingpersonal experience, statistics and quotationsfrom credible sources, as well as interviews withN O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 7 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

ADULTNONFICTIONthose personally involved, Precious In His Sightdiscusses these deep needs of children and theones who work with them. Engrossing chaptersfocusing on innumerable Bible texts giverelevant, workable solutions to these needs.Though not strictly a self-help book, each chapterin Precious In His Sight uses the Bible tothoroughly study subject areas such as childbirth,growth stages, role of children in the family,obedience and disobedience, and parentalresponsibility. Formatted for either individual,home, or classroom applications, it is useful toboth parents and professionals, secular orreligious.Senior Professor Emeritus Roy Zuck capablyuses history to help the reader understand theBible era. Succinctly presented, the informationcontained in Precious in His Sight isunderstandable, thought-provoking, andcontemporary. Zuck is a family man. Hiswriting displays understanding and love forpeople of all ages, yet speaks truth with noapology. There are many footnotes, usable if youwant them, unobtrusive if you don’t. There arealso four useful indices conclude this book:subjects, names, biblical names, scripturereferences. Six tables scattered throughout thetext aid study by summarizing large groups ofrelated information.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—5Donna EggettCrisis Pregnancy Center Counselor/Administrative AssistantMaiden, North CarolinaUnsolved Miracles. Compiled by John VanDiest. LCCN 97019581. Sisters, Ore.:Multnomah Publishers, 1997. ISBN1576731502, HBB, $14.99.231.7. Miracles, Angels, Healing—Religious aspects,Religious biography. 266 p.Gr. 8—Adult.Do miracles still happen today? Van Diest, abook publisher for over 25 years, shares amazingaccounts that defy explanation and encouragesreaders to decide for themselves. His compellingcollection includes stories by respected peoplelike Billy Graham, James Dobson, Corrie tenBoom, Mother Teresa and others. Van Diestorganizes miracles by seven subjects: destiny,provision, angels, everyday life, prayer, healing,and changed lives, with a brief introduction toeach section. The two greatest miracles are savedfor last—pointing readers to the God of miracles.A strength of this book is the criteria for selectingstories: high credibility of the source, no“natural” explanation, uniqueness and variety insupernatural intervention. These short,interesting accounts go beyond entertainmentand intrigue to strengthen the reader’s faith.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—5Lydia E. HarrisFreelance Writer, Former TeacherSeattle, WashingtonTo Heaven and Back : True Stories of ThoseWho Have Made the Journey. Rita Bennett;foreword by Jack Hayford. LCCN 97014381.Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House,1997. ISBN 031021078X, PAP, $10.99.236. Near-death experiences—Religious aspects—Christianity. 208 p.Adult.To Heaven and Back appeals to our naturalcuriosity and search for answers to questionsabout heaven and the afterlife. In part one,Bennett, cofounder of the Christian RenewalAssociation, lays the foundation by discussingcontroversies and differing views of near-deathexperiences (NDEs.) She states, “This is not abook advocating wholesale acceptance of NDEs,nor is it a book of wholesale rejection of NDEs.It is a book using God’s Word and Spirit as theplumb line of what to accept.”The middle portion relates seven intriguing neardeathexperiences of both Christians and non-Christians whose lives were changed by aglimpse of heaven. Each story ends with theauthor’s reflection of the NDE and a healingprayer for personal application.The final portion provides a biblical descriptionof heaven, the crowns and gifts given as rewards,and the marriage supper of the Lamb.Emphasized throughout the book is the need toprepare for life after death by inviting Jesus intoyour life. The concluding chapter, “Ready forLife,” offers comfort and hope for those dealingwith death and loss. A short recommendedreading list is included.Since the subject of NDEs is controversial, foranother view by a Christian cardiologist,consider reading Dr. H. Leon Greene’s book, IfI Should Wake Before I Die (CrosswayBooks,1997), reviewed below.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—5Lydia E. HarrisFreelance Writer, Former TeacherSeattle, WashingtonIf I Should Wake Before I Die : The Medicaland Biblical Truth About Near-deathExperiences. H. Leon Greene, M.D. LCCN96041250. Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books,1997. ISBN 0891078916, PAP, $12.99.236.1. Near-death experiences—Religious aspects—Christianity. 334 p.Adult.Near Death Experiences have become the subjectof many recent popular books, but Greene’svolume is different than most. He holds the viewthat NDE’s and also Out of Body Experiences aregreedy attempts at publicity at best and seriouslymisleading theologically at worst.One of the strengths of this book is Greene’sbackground. A Christian cardiologist, he has hadthe opportunity to evaluate twenty year’s worthof patients. After careful evaluation, hedetermined that his patients do not report NDE’sbecause, “we found that anyone who had a truecardiac arrest had total amnesia for the event” (p.189). Greene then gives the medical backgroundto substantiate this amnesia.Being a physician-researcher he admits that,“most physicians, and physician-researchers inparticular, tend to scoff at any concept thatsmacks of the spiritual or that suggests adimension outside the precisely measurableworld of scientific medicine” (p. 124). Greenehas an open mind though and tries to see if theNDE can teach us anything about our God.His thorough bibliography and scripture indexesadd credibility and strength to the book.A factor that may reduce the accessibility of thebook is the lengthy and highly technical medicalsection. Although clearly needed to prove andvalidate his claims, the level is higher than mostreaders can follow.Addressing a timely social concern, Greenestates, “a further danger arising from the cult ofthe overwhelmingly pleasant NDE is thepossibility that it could bring our society closer toeuthanasia” (p. 116). If people buy into thisbelief that no decision for Christ is requiredduring life because everything is euphoric at theend anyway, they will miss out on true eternity.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—5Anita Goldman HorningLiterary AnalystLawrenceville, GeorgiaLittle Foxes That Spoil the Vines. W. BarryMiller. LCCN 96078091. Scottdale, Penn.:Herald Press, 1996. ISBN 0836190564, PAP,$6.99.241. Sin, Venial. 104 p.Adult.Just as Song of Solomon 2:15 states, little Israelifoxes really do eat the grapes and spoil the vines.Extrapolating from this reality, Miller takes astrong look at the little foxy sins that spoil thefruit, vines and tendrils of our lives. He takes uson a remedial fox hunt with King Jesus as weconsider small, joy clogging sins such as hurtfulwords, anger, depression, envy. “Get rid of thelittle fox, and you will have no trouble with itgrowing larger.” (p.22)This book can be read on several levels. It is abook of biblical, secular, and classical quotations.Taking a look at sins of the emotions, it usesmany emotionally appealing word allegories,colors, songs, verse, changes in type and spacing.Each chapter introduces a particular foxy sinthrough color and scripture, presents the fox’sburrows and attacks within the reader’s life thenguides him or her into soul searching meditation,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 N O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 7

ADULTNONFICTIONgiving scriptural prescriptions for the control ofthat particular fox all geared toward the renewalof a strained or broken relationship with theLord. Thus each chapter reads as an individualunit. Yet, the whole book is interesting andconcise, readable in one sitting. Drawing fromhis background as a minister and an educationalconsultant, Miller presents Little Foxes in aformat easily adaptable for group Bible study.Plain, forthright, poetic phrasing sets this bookapart from many other volumes in this genre.Written to a thinking audience, it states thesubject then leaves all decisions to the individualreader. Introducing pertinent information,Miller’s preface is an important beginning to thebook. Included with the Notes is a thorough listof works cited.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—5Donna EggettCrisis Pregnancy Center Counselor/Administrative AssistantMaiden, North CarolinaCreating Love : Principles That WillRevolutionize Your Relationships and TurnObnoxious People into Lovable Ones. KayKuzma. LCCN 96047976. Nampa, Ida.:Pacific Press Publishing Assn, 1997. ISBN0816313822, PAP, $11.99.241. Love—Religious aspects—Christianity, Christianlife—Seventh-day Adventist authors. 224 p.Adult.Based on 1 Corinthians 13, author Kay Kuzma,Ed.D., shares her experiences with readers onhow to implement Christ’s teachings. Dr.Kuzma has defined and distributed the fifteencharacteristics of love into an acronym, CRAFT:Care, Respect, Acceptance, Forgiveness andTrust. Chapters are dedicated to personal storiesof growth and insight.A child development and family-life specialist,Dr. Kuzma gives the reader many tools toincorporate into our daily lives. In the beginningof Creating Love, the author defines for us whatlove is and what love is not. She gives us a visualimage of a love cup. How it can be filled andemptied and even sadly cracked. The visualimage is tangible even to my young children. Wewere able to list out our own observations on howto fill or empty someone’s cup. The children asyoung as three understand this principle.Like any book based on human experience andinterpretation, Creating Love offers opinions andsolutions to problems that others may disagreewith. I found some of the psychologicalstatements such as “You feel” and “I feel” and theterm “warm fuzzies” to be mildly irritating, yetthe author was able to give honest andheartwarming testimony based on her years ofexperience with hurting individuals and theirfamilies.This book beckons one to brew a pot of tea andfind a quiet moment to enjoy precious bits ofwisdom.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—5Joanne M. HafflyFreelance Writer and Homeschool MotherGig Harbor, WashingtonSee the Wind, Mommy? : Sensing God’sPresence Through the Lives of Your Children.Marsha Crockett. LCCN 95052262. GrandRapids: Baker Books, 1996. ISBN0801011000, HBB, $13.99.242. Mothers—Religious life, Children—Religiouslife, Presence of God, Spiritual life—Christianity.Adult.Hidden inside this little gift book is an effectivetwelve-week daily devotional tool for mothers ofyoung children. Each chapter begins with ananecdote from Marsha Crockett’s journal—anexperience she had with her small daughters, andwhat God taught her through it. The seven dailydevotions which follow are brief enough tocomplete in moments stolen between motheringresponsibilities. The first six consist of a keyscriptural verse, and a key thought—a questionapplying the verse to the reader’s life. Theseventh day’s devotion is a prayer relating to theweek’s theme. Each week there’s a new To Dolist—ideas to help the reader walk with the Lordor make new memories with her children. Thereis also My Turn space for the reader to record herown insights, thoughts, or anecdotes.The overall theme of See the Wind, Mommy isthat our circumstances—including childrenunderfoot—are not obstacles to intimacy withGod, but rather the stepping stones to Him.Crockett provides an excellent model as she turnsthe stories about her little girls into modern-dayparables.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—5Andrea R. HuelsenbeckFreelance WriterTempe, ArizonaWhen Mothers Pray. Cheri Fuller. Sisters,Ore.: Multnomah Publishers, 1997. ISBN1576730409, PAP, $12.99.248.3. Prayer—Christianity, Mothers and sons,Mothers and daughters. 224 p.Adult.“When moms pray, mountains move,”writesCheri Fuller in her inspirational new release,When Mothers Pray. “Our prayers make ahighway for God to come and bring His salvationand intervention.”This book abounds with true stories of answeredprayers from Fuller’s life, lives of mothers inhistory, and today’s moms praying worldwidethrough Moms In Touch International, anorganization of moms praying for their childrenand schools in over 80 countries.*One of the book’s strong points is its practicaladvice. Most chapters end with a section called“Putting Feet to Our Prayers.” Whether you havetoddlers, teens, college students, orgrandchildren, you’ll find helpful suggestions tomotivate and equip you to pray for children atthat stage. Mothers of prodigals will find specialhope to persevere.You’ll learn how to effectively pray scriptureverses for your children and how to unleashGod’s power through united prayer with others.There’s help to overcome hurdles as lack of time,discouragement, releasing your children, andpersevering in prayer. As you grow in prayer,you are encouraged to enlarge your focus toinclude schools, neighborhoods, and worldwiderevival.Fuller writes, “When the love of a mother for herchild is connected with God’s power throughprayer, an irresistible force is released thatchanges people (including us!), situations,schools, and even communities.”The final chapter reveals how those who pray arealso changed: “We learn to let go with grace, ouranxiety and heaviness are lifted, peace returns.We see God acting among us. We see Hisfaithfulness.”Although aimed at mothers, everyone with aheart for children and prayer may benefit fromreading When Mothers Pray.* To contact Moms In Touch: 1-800-949-MOMS.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—5Lydia E. HarrisFreelance Writer, Former TeacherSeattle, WashingtonPrayer : The Great Adventure. DavidJeremiah. LCCN 97020802. Sisters, Ore.:Multnomah Publishers, 1997. ISBN1576731316, HBB, $18.99.248.3. Prayer—Christianity. 263 p.Adult.When David Jeremiah, pastor and radio host,learns he has cancer, prayer takes on greaterurgency in his life. He shares personaldiscoveries and biblical truths in an effectiveteaching style, inviting readers to join theadventure.Written in three parts, “The Adventure Begins”considers Jesus’ general teachings on prayer andanswers commonly asked questions. The majorportion, “Digging for Gold,” mines preciousnuggets from The Lord’s Prayer. Finally, “SeeHow it Glitters,” teaches prayer lessons fromJohn chapter seventeen. This portion concludeswith a map to buried treasure: the life-changingdiscipline of journaling. The fresh, candidsnippets from Jeremiah’s prayer journal are aN O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 7 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

ADULTNONFICTIONstrength of the book, though not always placedwhere they relate to page content.This book provides tangible help to launchreaders into their own “great adventure.” Helpfulresources include books on prayer, scriptural andtopical indexes.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—5Lydia E. HarrisFreelance Writer, Former TeacherSeattle, Washington★Glendalough : A Celtic Pilgrimage. MichaelRodgers & Marcus Losack. LCCN 97021290.Harrisburg, Penn.: Morehouse Publishing,1996. ISBN 0819216941, PAP, $10.95.248.4. Christian pilgrims and pilgrimages—Ireland,Celtic Christianity. 144 p.Adult.“Here we may like to ask permission, withrespect, to enter the ancient and holy place ofpilgrimage, opening ourselves to its mystery andmagic.” (p. 14) The tone of wonder and seekingfor inner knowledge through the pilgrimage toGlendalough (Ireland) and its surroundings isforemost in the writings of Michael Rodgers andMarcus Losack, Glendalough. St. Caoimhin(Kevin) founded a monastery there in the 7thCentury, an inclusive community with a place foreveryone to be useful. The author-priests guideus into that community leading us past thephysical site to the lesson they arecommunicating. For example, St. Kevin’s Well,a place of stillness with the source undisturbed islikened to baptism. “It is the inner eye wedepend on for clarity of vision and discernment,so we might see the real meaning of our lives.”(p. 119)There is a profound richness in the imagery andfactual writing of Rodgers and Losack thatinvites meditation long after the reading is ended.They are Psalms that pulse with life, having beengiven connection with the geographic locationand the spiritual application. The authors includelegend, poetry, both contemporary and ancient,and suppositions based on current architecture.One may question the segue from St. Kevin toSt. Laurence O’Toole, the final chapter telling ofthe change of the structure of the church from themedieval to diocesan system.Glendalough is a spiritual meditation intendedfor the reader who is seeking a change.Therefore, it may serve a limited audience.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—5Su HagertyFreelance WriterIssaquah, WashingtonA Heart Like His : The Shaping of Character inthe Choices of Life. Rebecca Manley Pippert.LCCN 96018525. Wheaton, Ill.: CrosswayBooks, 1996. ISBN 0891077693, HBB, $19.99.ISBN 0891079068, CAS, $14.99.248.4. Christian life, Trust in God, Witness bearing.236 p.Gr. 9—Adult.How do we respond when a friend betrays us? Orwhen a loved one dies? Or when the job we’vecounted on goes to someone else? Do we chooselove or hate, hope or despair? Do we decide tocelebrate the other’s gain, or let envy eat away atus?In A Heart Like His, Rebecca Manley Pippertunderscores the fact that the choices we make inadversity ultimately shape our character, and ifwe turn to God in trust and obedience, rather thanfollow our natural inclination, he will use thedifficult times to make us into the person heintends us to be—a man or woman with a heartlike his.Pippert’s teaching centers on 1 Samuel in the OldTestament and the story of David before hebecame king. Readers follow David from histriumph over Goliath through his fourteen yearsof deprivation and exile in the wilderness with ajealous King Saul in murderous pursuit.Throughout the narrative, Pippert highlights thecontrast between the two main characters in thestory. Saul circumventing God and following apath to his own destruction. Davidacknowledging his dependency on God andgrowing in goodness and strength and trust.While David and Saul occupy center stage in thestudy, Pippert also explores the characters ofJonathan, Saul’s son and David’s best friend, andAbigail, whose courage and humility save Davidfrom committing a murderous act of revenge.Pippert, best-selling author of Out of theSaltshaker, combines educated insights withpractical helps to assist readers along life’sdifficult way. By book’s end, the reader findsthat he or she has a fuller understanding of howto deal with envy, anger, rebellion, fear, hatred,and despair because of the way Pippert uses thestory to relate contemporary experiences to whatis being read. Each chapter also contains a shortlist of questions and reflections for furtherconsideration.Pippert’s pointers are plentiful and memorable.For example, she tells us that submission to Godrequires a certain detached attitude that refuses tosee people, jobs, or personal reputation as rightsor possessions, but rather as gifts from God. Shecomments that meekness isn’t weakness but“harnessed strength.” And of sin she says it notonly robs us of our dignity and power and“dehumanizes” us, it is also “downright boring”and has all been done before.Praise for A Heart Like His must be temperedthough by noting that the author fails at times tokeep the reader centered on her main theme. Heraudience tends to wander off on severalcompelling subthemes. In the main, though, thedifficulties are worth dealing with. Onecompelling reason for putting and keeping thisbook on your bookshelf is that it is a handycompendium on sin and its remedies.◆ Quality—3 ❤ Acceptability—5Nancy B. ClarkeFreelance WriterSun City, ArizonaA Little Child Shall Lead Them : HopefulParenting in a Confused World. JohannChristoph Arnold. LCCN 96023805.Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Press, 1996.ISBN 0874860784, PAP, $12.99.248.8. Christian education of children, Parenting,Family, Bruderhof Communities—Education. 193 p.Adult.Imagine sitting in a comfortable chair withscones and tea listening to your loving fathershare his thoughts on raising children. Fromcontroversial subjects like sex education andspanking to bed wetting and schooling, authorJohann Christoph Arnold teaches parents theessence of loving God’s children.He writes in the introduction, “In a world that hasgrown increasingly cold and unchildlike, it is noeasy thing to raise even one child, to guide him orher through the early years and the turmoil ofadolescence. Yet whenever we open our hearts tothe little ones around us, and whenever we stopto listen to them, we will discover that thechallenges and trials they bring with them arealways outweighed by greater joys andblessings.”Formatted in thirty-six brief chapters, A LittleChild Shall Lead Them is a series of informallectures directed at young parents. Arnold shareshis philosophy of life and his love for childrenradiates throughout the book. He quotes oftenfrom his father and grandfather, men he respectedand loved deeply.Johann Christoph Arnold is an active member ofBruderhof. Bruderhof is a Christian communalliving community based on Christ’s Sermon onthe Mount, emphasizing simplicity, purity,brotherhood, mutual service, and nonviolence.He is the father of eight children and fourteengrandchildren.I found myself wanting to hold my childrenlonger and thank God for being given theprivilege of caring for his children. This bookwould make an excellent gift for new parents.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—5Joanne M. HafflyFreelance Writer and Homeschool MotherGig Harbor, WashingtonC H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 7 3 N O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 7

ADULTNONFICTIONOzzie & Harriet Had a Scriptwriter : MakingTough Choices with Your Teens in the RealWorld. By David R. Veerman. LCCN95039471. Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale HousePublishers, 1996. ISBN 0842347860, PAP,$10.99.248.8. Family—Religious life, Parenting—Religiousaspects—Christianity, Child rearing—Religiousaspects—Christianity. 272 p.Adult.“Setting the standard” seems to be the key phraseto successful parenting. In almost every situationthat life can throw at us, there is a biblical, moralstandard that can help us to make those rightchoices. Choices inevitably come our way indozens of situations every day. What we choosewill either encourage a lifestyle of integrity andhonor, or fall into the world system of deceptionand gaining self fulfillment at someone else’sexpense. This parental handbook will helpparents help their children make those choices ofright living!David Veerman gives straight forward advice inhow to deal with many of the common situationsthat arise within families. An obvious but not-so-easy to do solution is to set your standards, yourrules, early in your children’s lives. If they growup having to recognize and obey certainstandards, it will be much easier to maintain asemblance of order when the turbulent teen yearsarrive. As rules relax and perhaps change withthe age of the children, there must still be aquality of standard that does not change,especially when it comes to honoring the Lord,whether it be attending church regularly or just indaily lifestyle.This handbook reflects on the days of earlytelevision and the ideal family, Ozie and HarrietNelson. But just realizing that times havedrastically changed from those early TV days, isnot enough. One must be aware that it is possibleto still meet the challenge of parenting andsucceed, with God’s help. Thus prayer isemphasized as an all-important foundation inraising children. Good sense, reliance on God,consistency in living the right lifestyle as parents,all work towards the success of having sons anddaughters who also succeed in life and maintainproper standards that the parents so want to instillwithin their precious prodigy!Veerman not only deals with difficult issues andshares how to avoid possible trouble, he stepsinto the realm of facing rebellious teens evenafter “all the right things” were done. He assuresthe reader that the word “normal” usually stillapplies and that there are some very constructiveactions that parents can do to help draw the childback to acceptable behavior and choices. Hopelooms large in this useful guidebook, and withthe application of prayer to affirm that solidfoundation in Christ, parents can look forward toraising children with joy and expectancy!◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—5Mary McKinneyFreelance WriterPort Orchard, WashingtonFollowing Jesus : Biblical Reflections onDiscipleship. N. T. Wright. LCCN 95030797.Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdman’s, 1995.ISBN 0802841325, PAP, $12.00.252. Christian life—Sermons, Jesus Christ—Personand offices—Sermons, Sermons, American. 127 p.Gr. 10—Adult.The slender size of this book belies its deepcontent. N.T. Wright is dean of England’sLichfield cathedral, a respected New Testamentscholar, and author of several previous books,including The Original Jesus, a counter to theJesus Seminar’s secularization of Jesus.Following Jesus is based on a series of sermonsWright gave at Lichfield.The first section of the book presents overviewsof the themes of several New Testament books:Hebrews (the final sacrifice), Colossians (thebattle won), Matthew (the kingdom of the Son ofMan), John (the glory of God), Mark (the servantking), and Revelation (a world reborn). Thesecond section deals with selected topics—resurrection, renewing the mind, temptation,heaven and hell.Wright states his purpose clearly saying, “Thelonger you look at Jesus, the more you will wantto serve him in this world...the true Jesus issummoning you to follow him, to a life ofdiscipleship” (ix). Surely our world is in soreneed of those who would be Christ’s disciples.Those interested in heeding the summons todiscipleship should find Wright’s book anexcellent starting point. Those on the path oughtto find refreshment and encouragement. I foundthe chapter on Revelation particularly profound,as Wright weaves in the hope and victory ofEaster. Wright treats his topics in a lucid, fluentmanner, rich with fresh, but thoroughly biblicalinsights.This is a book to be read, re-read, pondered, andlived.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—5Andrew M. SeddonPhysician, AuthorBillings, MontanaThe Road to Canterbury : A ModernPilgrimage. Shirley Du Boulay; illustrated byUrsula Sieger. LCCN 95022775. Harrisburg,Penn.: Morehouse Publishers, 1994. ISBN0819216453, PAP, $14.95.263. Christian pilgrims and pilgrimages—England—Winchester, Christian pilgrims and pilgrimages—England—Canterbury, Du Boulay, Shirley—Journeys—England, Catholics—England—Biography, England—Description and travel. 248 p.Adult.The words “pilgrimage” and “journey” havebecome popular (and possibly overused) imagesfor the Christian life. But relatively few peoplehave the means, desire, or opportunity to take aphysical pilgrimage of the sort common in theMiddle Ages to one of Christianity’s holy sites.One who did, however, was Shirley du Boulay, aconvert to Roman Catholicism fromAnglicanism, who walked the Pilgrim’s Wayfrom Winchester to Canterbury.Du Boulay details her experiences in The Road toCanterbury, which contains insights into her ownspiritual journey, as well as the changes wroughtin her by following the pilgrims’ footsteps. Thebook also contains many fascinating, little knowndetails of the Pilgrim’s Way. While I have visitedboth Winchester and Canterbury, I haven’twalked the Way; but I felt I could have in DuBoulay’s capable hands. Her easy style ofwriting makes for enjoyable reading.That aside, I found myself disappointed that herspiritual reflections weren’t up to the samecaliber. At times, Du Boulay venturesdangerously close to the notion that all roads—not necessarily Christian—lead to God.Still, The Road to Canterbury might beespecially enjoyable for those contemplating apilgrimage.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—3Andrew M. SeddonPhysician, AuthorBillings, MontanaThe Mythical Quest : In Search of Adventure,Romance & Enlightenment. Stories byRosalind Kerven; introduction by PenelopeLively; with introductory text and notes byJanet Benoy, Graham Hutt, Jerry Losty, ScotMcKendrick, Geoffrey West. Rohnert Park,Calif.: Pomegranate Artbooks, 1996. ISBN0764900080, HBB, $24.95.398.2. Legends, Mythology. 112 p.Adult.There are certain myths and legends that are somuch a part of our tradition that they permeateour language, literature, and art. Although wemay not “agree” with some of these tales on aphilosophical level, to be familiar with themgreatly enriches our cultural experience. Butwhen confronted with massive tomes and archaiclanguage, cultural enrichment is oftenN O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 7 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

ADULTNONFICTIONinsufficient motivation. If only someone couldprovide a readable summary of these great tales,without diminishing them in any way.In The Mythical Quest, Rosalind Kerven doesjust that; she offers vivid retellings of ten of themost famous myths of all time. These includeThe Seven Voyages of Sinbad the Sailor, TheQuest for the Holy Grail, and The Epic ofGilgamesh. Her style preserves the flavor of theoriginal, but dispenses with the stumwblingblocks of unfamiliar language and dauntinglength, each story spanning eight-to-ten pages.Curators from the British Library have preparedan introduction for each tale which places it in itsoriginal historical context and discusses its moresalient features. Significant references to thesetales by later writers or composers are alsodiscussed.The illustrations are lavish; sculptures, etchings,and pages from illuminated manuscripts BritishLibrary are reproduced in brilliant color anddetail. Extensive notes on works used areincluded, and the book closes with a suggestreading list, organized by the titles of the myths.Some of the stories deal with adult themes, suchas chastity and physical love, and there are one ortwo occurrences of nudity in the artwork.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—4Sylvia StopforthLibrarian, Trinity Western UniversityLangley, British Columbia600’s — TechnologyWrong Medicine : Doctors, Patients, and FutileTreatment. Lawrence J. Schneiderman andNancy S. Jecker. LCCN 94038799.Baltimore: Johns Hopkins Univ. Press, 1995.ISBN 0801850363, HBB, $25.95.610.69. Medical ethics, Surgery, Unnecessary,Medicine—Decision making. 200 p.Adult.The problem of medical futility confrontsfamilies, patients, and physicians, in multiplemedical settings. When is enough, enough? Orwhen is enough too much? When do treatmentscease to provide benefit and merely prolong theinevitable, often at great financial or human cost?The question of futile treatment lies at the heartof Wrong Medicine by Lawrence J.Schneiderman M.D., and Nancy S. Jecker Ph.D.Using several examples, the first of which is thecase of Nancy Cruzan, maintained in a persistentvegetative state for seven years. The authorsdiscuss the goal of medicine, both historicallyand Hippocratically considered to benormative—restoring health and alleviatingsuffering. It was not until recent times did thenotion of prolonging life take on an indefiniteaspect regardless of physical, emotional, orfinancial cost.After defining futility, the authors discuss thehuman and medical factors that make it difficultfor physicians to refuse futile treatment, whypatients and families want “everything done,”and why they recommend we say no to futiletreatment. Schneiderman’s and Jecker’soverriding concern is for the patient, and theydeplore cases of “medicine run amok” wherepatients are lost in technological or legal mazeswhere care is fragmented.Wrong Medicine is not written from a specificallyChristian perspective, but it is Hippocraticallybased. Its easily readable style is free fromtechnical jargon, and should be accessible to layreaders as well as medical personnel. The bookwould be of particular values for medicalstudents, interns, and residents at the beginningof their careers, who are often thrust intosituations for which they have little training orpreparation.Whether or not all their conclusions are accepted,the authors make a case for examining attitudestowards medical treatments that are suspect,degrading, and which may cause more sufferingthan they prevent.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—4Andrew M. SeddonPhysician and AuthorBillings, MontanaChristian Child-Rearing and PersonalityDeveloment. Paul D. Meier, Donald E.Ratcliff, and Frederick L. Rowe. LCCN93023808. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1995.ISBN 080105611X, PAP, $10.99.649. Child rearing, Child development. 244 p.Adult.This is the second edition of Christian Child-Rearing which Paul Meier, co-founder ofMinirth-Meier Clinics, wrote in 1977, newlyexpanded upon by Donald Ratcliff, AssistantProfessor of Psychology and Sociology atToccoa Falls College. It is a comprehensiveguide, starting with pregnancy and ending theother side of adolescence.Meier identifies four styles of parenting:authoritarian, authoritative, permissive, andindifferent, and explains why authoritative is themost effective. He describes parenting patternsthat are likely to cause serious problems for thechild. In chapters on the newborn, babies andtoddlers, preschoolers, the school years, andadolescence, he shows how responsible,nurturing parents train their children in light oftheir mental development, social and emotionalcharacteristics, personality development,discipline, typical problems, and spiritualdevelopment.Meier’s sections on spiritual development areparticularly noteworthy. In the chapter on babiesand toddlers, he says, “At first infants andtoddlers see parents as having divinecharacteristics. When they are regularlyavailable to the child, parents appear to be allpowerful,all-knowing, and everywhere all thetime. Eventually, with good spiritual training, thechild will transfer these ideas to God. Howimportant it is that we parents set the stage for apositive understanding of God by being loving,caring, but also concerned about obedience andrespect during these early years.”The book concludes with a chapter by FrederickRowe, director of the Minirth-Meier Clinic inSan Diego, called “When Good Parenting Is NotEnough.” This chapter shows parents when andwhy it is appropriate to seek professional help.Rowe describes different types of psychologicaland psychiatric counseling and therapy, andincludes a chart of psychiatric medications, theirapplications, and side effects.In addition to a topical index, Christian Child-Rearing has an extensive bibliography ofreferences.◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—5Andrea R. HuelsenbeckFreelance WriterTempe, ArizonaFathers and Daughters. Jack and JerrySchreur Colorado Springs: Victor Books/ChariotVictor, 1996. ISBN 1564765814, PAP,$0.00.649. Fathers and daughters. 203 p.Adult.Jack and Jerry Schreur, father and son, poolresources to explore the challenges of rearingdaughters. They encourage dads to developconsistent involvement in daughter’s lives,benefits of which build healthy relationships inareas such as showing proper affection andexperiencing closeness. Written in aconversational tone, the Schreurs interviewnumerous fathers and daughters, some withsuccess stories and others who experiencedfrustrating failures. The topics covered in theC H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 7 5 N O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 7

ADULTNONFICTIONbook range from the different physical needsgirls require from fathers and different age levelneeds young ladies exhibit. Building on growthchanges from infancy to adulthood makes thechronological topics easy to follow.Fathers and Daughters takes on thecharacteristics of a workbook for dads, includinghelpful exercises and check lists sprinkledthroughout. Practical hands-on examples andsuggestions lead dads and daughters to becomeclose friends. Of particular interest is the sectionon four common ways of communicating withdaughters about sex and guiding principles toremember such as: telling the truth, not beingafraid, over reacting and allowing daughters tomake their own choices.Fathers and Daughters also discusses difficultareas such as inappropriate affection betweendads and daughters. Even though mistakes willoccur in parenting roles, the authors leave usencouraged to start anew each day, forgive, havefun, and give daughters to God.◆ Quality—3 ❤ Acceptability—5Carolyn HearingFreelance WriterVirginia, MinnesotaFront Porch Parenting. Dr. Mary ManzSimon. LCCN 96043349. Colorado Springs:ChariotVictor Publishing, 1997. ISBN0781403065, PAP, $11.99.649. Parenting, Parent and child, Child rearing, Childdevelopment, Child psychology. 264 p.Adult.Front Porch Parenting is a collection of answersto questions a typical parent might ask. Theauthor, Mary Manz Simon, a parenting columnistwith a doctorate in early childhood studies,divides these questions into two categories: agerelated and topical. In Section One, Manz dealswith developmental questions concerning infantsand toddlers, early childhood, early school-age,“tweenagers,” and teenagers. Section Twoexplores relationship, behavior, wellness,activity, school, and seasonal questions.Although worthwhile to read from cover tocover, Front Porch Parenting is also entertainingjust to browse through. Manz uses the languageof real people, without psychological oreducational jargon. The question/answer formatalso makes Front Porch Parenting a userfriendlyreference guide for busy parents whowant a quick answer to a concern without havingto plow through an entire parenting philosophy.A topical index enables the reader to find just theinformation he or she needs.While it is entertaining, It should be noted thatFront Porch Parenting is not a completeparenting book. Although the questions cover awide range of ages and themes, they are by nomeans comprehensive.◆ Quality—3 ❤ Acceptability—5Andrea R. HuelsenbeckFreelance WriterTempe, ArizonaGrandparenting : It’s Not What It Used to Be.Irene Endicott. LCCN 96024113. Nashville:Broadman & Holman, 1997. ISBN0805462007, PAP, $13.99.649. Grandparents. 242 p.Adult.Many of us have happy memories of visitinggrandparents. Today’s grandchildren not onlyvisit their grandparents; millions are raised bythem because their parents are not available fornumerous reasons. This new role leavesgrandparents with searching questions.Recognizing their need, Irene Endicott stepsforward, offering expert answers to questionsgrandparents ask most in her 1997 release,Grandparenting : It’s Not What It Used to Be.Written in conversational Question/Answerformat and organized by subject, Endicott’s bookis easy to read for quick reference. It providespractical, biblical answers to specific real-lifequestions to help grandparents “meet thechallenges and enjoy the rewards of their job.”Her expertise comes from years of speaking,writing, research, and personal experience withfifteen grandchildren.The author combines helpful advice ongrandparenting basics (roles, rules, teaching)with sage wisdom on family relationships.Challenges like divorce, remarriage, custody, andstep-grandparenting are discussed sensitively.Also included are worthwhile tips on loving yourgrandchildren, praying for and withgrandchildren, preserving family history in theworld of fragmented families, developing closebonds if you live far apart, and more. Heranswers validate grandparents while encouragingthem to support their children’s parenting insteadof usurping authority. Prayer is emphasized asthe solution to many problems.In her foreword, Gloria Gaither speaks ofgrandparents as “a vital link between the wisdomof the past and the uncharted territory of thefuture.” “Grandparenting” encourages andequips grandparents to provide this neededcontinuity. Endicott writes, “Studies have shownthat multigenerational contact between childrenand grandparents, even great-grandparents,provides a special unconditional love andnurturing that is healthy for children.” Whethergrandchildren live with you or far away, thisbook offers reassuring answers to make you a“great” grandparent.Large print makes Grandparenting readable foraging grandparents. Additional resources(support groups and books) and a topical indexare a bonus.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—5Lydia E. HarrisFreelance Writer, Former TeacherSeattle, WashingtonPlaywise : 365 Fun-filled Activities forBuilding Character, Conscience, andEmotional Intelligence in Children. Mark S.and Denise Chapman Weston. LCCN96003858. New York: Putnam, 1996. ISBN0874778085, PAP, $15.95.649. Child rearing, Child development, Parenting,Child psychology. 282 p.Adult.Playwise : 365 Fun-Filled Activities for BuildingCharacter, Conscience, and EmotionalIntelligence in Children is a useful end practicalvolume. Authors Denise Chapman Weston andMark S. Weston’s purpose for writing this bookis because “we are raising our children in a moraland ambiguous world and we have to do morethan just discipline them and hope for the best.There is a huge misconception that discipline isthe way to make your child a moral andsuccessful being. The fact is, discipline maymake your child behave well, but surface goodbehavior goes only so far. It has to be rootedinside, held in place by a range of skills andcharacter strengths. That’s what this book is: amanual for raising children who are emotionallyand intellectually capable and confident”This book is carefully categorized end easilyreferenced for parents who don’t want to readthrough from page one. A parent can choosefrom chapters such as Happiness, Sensibilities,Self Awareness, Social Harmony, orUnconditional Love and Acceptance.The chapter on humanity is a neglected part ofparenting for many homes today. Authorsencourage parents to “commit kind acts in frontof your children and they’ll start spreading theirown random acts of kindness.”Where do all these ideas come from? As playconsultants, the Westons have received hundredsof ideas from their clients. When sharing theseideas they credit the founder, young or old; i.e.eight-year-old Teddy Andrews who started SAYYAY! (Save American Youth. Youth Advocatesfor Youth) in Berkeley, California. Readers willfind several of these shaded boxes featuringresourceful kids from all over America.Another neat feature found smack in the middleof the book is the guidelines for character skills.Here parents discover what to expect and not toexpect from their children at certain ages.Included are questions to ask yourself to evaluateif your child needs to develop communicationand social skills, along with helpful hints on howto do this.Playwise is a book worth reading and can betaken along for fun and entertainment whentraveling. One fun travel idea is the telephonegame. One whispers a sentence into another’sear and it goes through the car; the last person toN O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 7 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

ADULTNONFICTIONhear the message speaks it out loud. Oftimes thissentence has evolved into something totallydifferent from its original form. This gameteaches children how easily miscommunicationcan happen. Some other fun ideas are the joy jarsnutty news, and just-because celebrations.There’s a wonderful chapter on building familyties. After all, that’s where it all begins.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—5Ginger McGrathFreelance Writer and Church SecretaryMcMinnville, Oregon700’s — The Arts and RecreationFamilies That Play Together Stay Together.Cameron & Donna Partow. LCCN 96035651.Minneapolis: Bethany House Publishers,1996. ISBN 1556617119, PAP, $8.99.790.1. Family recreation, Physical fitness, Games,Travel. 238 p.Adult.Cameron and Donna Partow’s new book,Families that Play Together Stay Together, isboth practical and radical. Practical in that it’spersonal—the Partows are actually living theway they recommend; and radical in that some ofthese ways aren’t easy.The book is basically divided into three sections:playing, fitness, and health, also known as dietand exercise. The chapters on activities areinteresting and inspiring, gushing forth ideasupon ideas, including many lists from OrdinaryFun to World Adventures—complete with tollfreenumbers. A reader will gain a wealth ofinformation here.The premiss of Families that Play Together StayTogether is to build familial relationships andlife-long healthful habits. The Partows maintainsedentary lifestyles are inherited. They evenguarantee bickering between siblings willdecrease as family (not individual) activitiesincrease. “You might be surprised how muchyour children (especially teenagers) have to say,”they inform readers. “Away from the daily glintand electronic distractions, parent-childcommunication blossoms...If you hike for noother reason, hike to listen to your kids.”In the book the Partows move from familyactivities to exercise because “fitness and fun gotogether.” To be active physically one must be fitphysically. Here they recommend the usual three30-minute workouts a week; in addition theysuggest families accept the President’s Challenge(address included).Families that Play Together Stay Together is easyreading and easy following. Until, perhaps, thediet chapter. No meat, no milk, no fat, no sugar.Mostly water, fruits, vegetables, and wholegrains. Ugh! What’s even more amazing is thatthe Partow household—including the threechildren—actually eat this way. Nevertheless,some yummy recipes are included.Families that Play Together Stay Together ismore than a book to read and then place on theshelf. It’s designed for discussion and action. Atthe end of each chapter are questions to discussalong with a blank journal page to complete.The title is commendable and the book is worthreading even if readers don’t fully implement it.Every little bit helps.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—5Ginger McGrathFreelance Writer and Church SecretaryMcMinnville, Oregon800’s —LiteratureMajor Tudor Authors : A Bio-bibliographicalCritical Sourcebook. Edited by Alan Hager.Westport, Conn.: Greenwood Press, 1997.ISBN 0313294364, HBB, $95.00.808. Authors—British. 528 p.Adult.Major Tudor Authors is the type of book thatevery library should possess. It is a source ofabundant information on the lives of men andwomen of letters during what many believe to beone of the richest periods in the history of themodern world. The Tudor era (1485-1603) gaveus Frances Bacon and John Calvin, Copernicusand Thomas Cramner, John Donne and Erasmus,as well as John Knox and Machiavelli to name afew. Including material on just these historicfigures would be enough, but Major TudorAuthors goes further by including many, manyothers whose names and writings have madetheir way into popular culture and others whoshould have.Encyclopedic in format, each Tudor author istreated by a different scholar which allows forsome diversity of style and opinion. Included ineach article is a brief but thorough biography, asummary of major works and themes, and asection devoted to critical appreciation of thewriter and his or her work. Included also is abibliography of works by each Tudor author.Though not exhaustive in its treatment of thesemen and women, Major Tudor Authors providessufficient information to make it a valuableresource for school libraries or desk referencetool for educators, especially teachers of Englishand literature. Also included in the book a veryhelpful preface which draws heavily on C.S.Lewis’ work with the literature of the sameperiod.One of the strengths of Major Tudor Authors isthe way it includes a balance of Christian andnonchristian writers. This makes comparativeliterary study much easier for novice and scholaralike. Quite often, books of this type lack thatkind of balance.◆ Quality—5Raymond LeggAsst. Prof. of English, Bryan CollegeDayton, Tennessee❤ Acceptability—5Lorraine Hansberry : A Research andProduction Sourcebook. Richard M. Leeson.(Modern Dramatists Research and Prod.Sourcebook; 13.) Westport, Conn.:Greenwood Press, 1997. ISBN 0313293120,HBB, $65.00.809.2. Hansberry, Lorraine. 192 p.Adult.As a teacher of literature, I am always looking forsource material to support the writing projects Igive to my students. A problem I often encounteris that there seems to be so little in the way ofscholarly study compiled in a single volume onso many of the authors I would like to assign.Without a casebook for students to use as a guideor starting point, I have found myself verylimited as to what I teach. That is not to say thatthere are no casebooks available on literarytopics—there are—hundreds of them, put out bynearly as many publishers, and while they aregood, they are also taught often and studentscoming to the college have already read what Iplan to teach.That may be changing because Greenwood Pressis busily publishing sourcebooks on a wide rangeof topics. One of those books is RichardLeeson’s Lorainne Hansberry: A Resource andProduction Sourcebook. I was especiallyinterested in this text because of my respect forHansberry’s work. As a dramatist, Hansberry hasalways appealed to me because of her ability tosynthesize and communicate her views on issueslike racism in a nonthreatening fashion. One ofher most famous works, A Raisin in the Sun, is aplay that I always enjoy sharing with my studentsbecause of the way it makes them think aboutracial reconciliation.Leeson’s book is a thorough guide to the study ofLorainne Hansberry’s work. Included in it areher seven plays, a primary bibliography ofwritings by Hansberry subdivided by genre, aswell as a secondary bibliography of reviews, andother source materials on her work. Fortreatment of the plays, each has been brokendown into plot summary, production history, andcritical overview. While the most erudite scholarmight not be intrigued by what is here, those ofus who find such tools helpful will be greatlyrewarded for ours efforts when we look into thistext. Having said that I should point out thatthere could have been more on the critical levelfor those of us looking for casebooks.One of the ways this books will prove itself to behelpful is in the area of dramatic production. It isalways helpful to have a brief plot summaryavailable for cast members interested in filling indetails concerning the characters they play inC H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 7 7 N O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 7

ADULTNONFICTIONschool productions. For that, this book will bemost useful.The only problem one might encounter readingthe text is the code system devised by Leeson.While it proves challenging, it is notinsurmountable. Included in the book is a briefbut helpful index. If for no other reason than toexpose readers to this very significant Americandramatist, this book would be a valuable resourcefor any library.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—5Raymond LeggAsst. Prof. of English, Bryan CollegeDayton, TennesseeEyes of Tenderness. Poems by Helen SteinerRice; paintings by John A. Ruthven. LCCN6037889. Grand Rapids: Fleming H.Revell/Baker Books, 1997. ISBN 0800717376,HBB, $19.99.811. Christian poetry, American. 95 p.Gr. 10—Adult.Eyes of Tenderness is an enjoyable andinspirational collection of poems by HelenSteiner Rice, illustrated by John A. Ruthven withbeautiful color pictures of woodland animals.The poems are carefully chosen and put togetherin sections with specific themes: Compassion,Confidence, Encouragement, and more. Eachsection is prefaced with short quotes andcomments by other well known authors orfamous people such as William Faulkner,Ulysses S. Grant, and John Burroughs. Thepoems are short and profound, one to a page, andeach has its own wildlife illustration.John Ruthven’s gentle paintings are an obviousextension of his passion for animals. He is thefounder of Wildlife Internationale, Inc. and is amaster of wildlife art, having won numerousawards for his work.Most people are familiar with Helen SteinerRice’s work through other books she hascompiled, or perhaps through a greeting cardthey’ve received. These samples are some of herbest work, enhanced greatly by the beauty andquality of the book itself. This book is a sequelto a previous work, Wings of Encouragement.This is a book to savor and enjoy over and over,a treasure for anyone who loves inspirationalpoetry.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—5Gayle Chessman Haberman, TeacherWest Hills Christian School,Portland, OregonAn Owner’s Manual for the Unfinished Soul.Calvin Miller. LCCN 96037642. Wheaton,Ill.: Harold Shaw Publishers, 1997. ISBN0877885540, HBB, $15.99.811. Christian life. 176 p.Adult.Calvin Miller’s reading audience will welcomehis collection of poems and short devotionalstories in An Owner’s Manual for the UnfinishedSoul. Miller takes the reader on a pilgrimagethrough life as he relates his reactions to both thebumps and joys of life. Most of the poems beginwith an explanation of the event that brought thelines into being, which gives us a personal look atthe writer. As usual, Miller challenges ourmediocrity. For example, after saying “MostWestern Christians are trapped between Christ’scall to sacrifice and their own indulgentlifestyles,” the reader is presented with the poem“The Discipline of a Servant” which reenforceshis point.The book is divided into six sections each ofwhich relates the lessons Miller has learned alonglife’s journey and he invites the reader to share inthose experiences. The design of the book lendsitself to short devotional readings which allowsfor time to meditate and react, to relax and pray,to take comfort knowing someone else has feltthe same as you have. The graphics also help toset the mood for melancholy reflection. This is adevotional book that will be reread in part and intotal many, many times.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—5Delores A. ScarbroughRegistrarEdmonds WashingtonUnderstanding of Mice and Men, The RedPony, and The Pearl : A Student Casebook toIssues, Sources, and Historical Documents.Claudia Durst Johnson. (Literature inContext Series.) Westport, Conn.:Greenwood Press, 1997. ISBN 0313299668,HBB, $39.95.813. 232 p.Gr. 11—Adult.Since I am a teacher, I am in the position ofselecting texts to use in my classes from time totime. Among the criteria I use to decide on theselection of a book, is to what extent it willfacilitate broad study of the course material. Iwant my students to get as much as possible froma book that I require them to read. I also wantthem to get as clear an understanding of matterssurrounding the topic under discussion aspossible. For those reasons, I am always pleasedto see publishers issuing books like Greenwood’s“Literature in Context” series. This particularvolume on John Steinbech’s novellas in the“Understanding” series is one of the most usefulancillaries a teacher could hope to have forclassroom use in teaching about the life and timesof this influential American writer.Contained in the book are numerous helps aimedat assisting readers who wish to better understandthe people and the period covered by these threeshort works of fiction. Durst has done anotherfine job of providing enough material to satisfyany reader while at the same time withholdingenough to encourage further study of Steinbeck’swork.The book begins with literary analysis of thetexts which is sufficient for readers familiar withthe author and his work. Though it is notexhaustive, it is thorough and stimulating. Thisformat allows the reader to get an overview of thestory without completely giving it away.Following the analysis, Durst has provided agood number of readings from older documentswhich illustrate the underlying themes inSteinbeck’s stories—themes like achieving theAmerican dream, the role of land ownership inAmerican culture, and a heavy does ofcommentary from those who people the pages ofthese works who have been left behind inAmerica’s rush to develop. Thought of as the saltof the earth, these people are often left in the dustof the earth to try and scratch out a living on asubsistence level. It is interesting for studentsand teachers alike to hear what Steinbeck writesin his fiction from the people who had to live it.Among the most useful resources Durst includesin the “Understanding” texts are the entries in thebibliographies for further reading, severalphotograph of people and places during the“dustbowl” years, and the very helpful lists of“Topics for Written and Oral Exploration.” Thesetopics provide a wealth of material for writtenwork as well as stimulating class discussion.While this book is geared to use in the collegeclassroom, any reader interested in Steinbeckwill profit from its information. This will proveto be a very useful text.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—5Raymond LeggAsst. Prof. of English, Bryan CollegeDayton, TennesseeMacbeth : A Guide to the Play. Herbert R.Coursen. (Greenwood Guides to ShakespeareSeries.) Westport, Conn.: Greenwood Press,1997. ISBN 031330047X, HBB, $49.95.822.3. English drama. 244 p.Adult.In the Shakespeare corpus, few plays are as wellknown as Hamlet and Macbeth. It seems thatevery time I teach Macbeth, more and more ofthe students in the class have been already beenexposed to it to one degree or another, so it is leftto me to find a way to present the material in anew and different manner. Here again, I mustrely on the publishing community for insightsand ideas that will help me strengthen or enlargemy students’ perceptions about this veryimportant piece of literary history. H.R.Coursen’s Macbeth: A Guide to the Play providesthat kind of help. Like many other casebooks,this one is divided into manageable sections.Beginning with “Textual History” and “Contextsand Sources, “ Coursen treats the play in ascholarly manner with a very readable style.N O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 7 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

ADULTNONFICTIONThough some of the discussion concerningliterary sources gets a bit dry, on the whole,Coursen seems to have taken great care to keepthe text accessible for the widest possibleaudience.What literature teachers and other students of TheBard will find interesting in this text is the sectionwhich applies different schools of literary criticalthought to the text of the play. That makes thistreatment of the play a good source of materialfor either a general English course or a course onliterary criticism. It is refreshing to see this typeof book emerging because there have beenrelatively few of them up to the last five or sixyears. Included in this book also is a helpfulindex and very thorough bibliography for furtherreading.As with so many of the other books on dramaticproductions published by Greenwood Press, thereis also a useful section on the production of theplay. This feature make the appeal of the bookeven broader.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—5Raymond LeggAsst. Prof. of English, Bryan CollegeDayton, Tennessee900’s — History, Geography, andBiographyWomen of Awakenings : The HistoricContribution of Women to Revival Movements.Lewis and Betty Drummond. LCCN95032043. Grand Rapids: KregelPublications, 1997. ISBN 0825424747, PAP,$14.99.920 (270). Women in Christianity—Biography, Churchrenewal—Biography, Revivals—Biography. 365 p.Adult.The Drummonds have selected twelve notablewomen who have contributed historically torevival movements. Beginning with Deborah inthe Old Testament and continuing through RuthBell Graham, Billy’s beloved helpmate, theauthors explore these women’s places in spiritualawakenings throughout the ages.The importance of revivals defy description.When people fall away from God’s presencethrough neglect and sin, when repentance andredemption are desperately needed, theinspiration usually starts with one or twodedicated people.Deborah was such a person that God raised up toawaken Israel from depths of spiritual decline.Deborah not only was an instrument to bringabout a great military victory, but she alsobecame the first judge to accomplish a solidcoalition of most of the scattered tribes of Israel.What is so significant about Deborah is that sheis the only woman in the Old testament to beelevated to a position of political and spiritualpower by the common consent of the people. Notonly was Deborah a judge, but she was a prophetand a preacher. She was obviously a womantotally committed to the will of God.Priscilla, and her husband Aquila, of the NewTestament, were workers with the apostle Paul.The two established church homes where theylived, ministering and testifying to the growingChristian community.Other women and their impact on Christianityinclude: Madame Guyon, active in the 1600s inFrance; Susanna Wesley, mother of John andCharles; Selina, Countess of Huntington,England in the 1700s; Susanna Spurgeon, aninfluential pastor’s wife in Great Britain;Catherine Booth, who with her husband, William,founded the international Salvation Army; AmyCarmichael of the 1800s, ministering to the lepersin India, Edith Moules, in the early 1900s,evangelizing and serving in Africa; Bertha Smith,preaching in China; and Marie Monsen, servingthe church in China.This would be a good study book for women’sgroups. Though there is a need for editing, asthere is much duplication, the ways of God usingindividuals to perform fresh awakenings arewondrous indeed.Authors Lewis and Betty Drummond have bothbeen associated with the Billy GrahamEvangelistic Association.◆ Quality—3 ❤ Acceptability—5Barbara Goy TaenzlerFreelance Writer and Book ReviewerGlenwood, IowaFriends for the Journey : Two ExtraordinaryWomen Celebrate Friendships Made andSustained Through the Seasons of Life.Madeleine L’Engle and Luci Shaw. LCCN97002356. Ann Arbor, Mich.: ServantPublications, 1997. ISBN 0892839864, HBB,$16.99.920 (813). L’Engle, Madeleine—Friends andassociates, Shaw, Luci—Friends and associates, Womenauthors, American—20th century—Biography. 216 p.Adult.Two widely-published writers become goodfriends. Now, many years later, they combinetheir creativity to examine the fabric offriendship. Through their journal entries, poems,conversations, letters, and reflections, L’Engleand Shaw offer wisdom, insights, questions, andbeliefs. They draw readers into their personallives, the framework for their enduringfriendship. These two friends speak ofcommitment to friendship and the need tomaintain it. They recognize the importance ofshared interests as well as mutual solitude. Foodalso has a definite place. Shaw includes a recipefrom her second daughter. L’Engle adds ascrumptious-sounding idea from a godson,prophesying that the cook will have fewleftovers. They do not, however, claim a perfectfriendship, noting the important role God plays.L’Engle emphasizes the need to pray with oneanother, joining their lives together in a profoundway.The chapters move smoothly from one to theother with each writer identifying herself at thehead of every section. They announce theirdelight at writing such a book, and that feelingsplashes onto readers.L’Engle and Shaw celebrate friendship andencourage its renewal in today’s society thatincludes a variety of relationships, not all ofwhich amount to true friendship. Friends for theJourney gives hope and sound principles foryoung adults still finding their way into lastingfriendships. On the other end of the age scale,these two friends’ time-proven prospective holdsreinforcement to those who may already havebecome adept at forming and maintainingfriendships.Nicely formatted, well-written, and well-edited,Friends for the Journey also appeals to thesenses: sight and touch. Soft-toned colors on theoutside relax the eyes, while the shiny, smoothcover makes holding the book a pleasant part ofthe reading process.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—5Betty M. HockettFreelance Writer, Writing Teacher, SpeakerNewberg, OregonJ. Hudson Taylor : A Man in Christ. RogerSteer; foreword by Billy Graham. (An OMFbook.) LCCN 93021508. Wheaton, Ill.:Harold Shaw Publishers, 1993. ISBN0877883777, PAP, $10.99.921 (266). Taylor, James Hudson, 1832-1905,Missionaries—China—Biography, China InlandMission—History, Missionaries—England—Biography,China—Church history—19th century. 374 p.Adult.Roger Steer’s J. Hudson Taylor: A Man In Christis the story of the physical and spiritual journeyof a remarkable missionary to China. The bookopens a window on the history of missionarywork in China, a remarkable history with whichwe should all be familiar considering thecontinuing persecution of Chinese Christianstoday.J. Hudson Taylor, an Englishman trained as amedical doctor, devoted over fifty years of his lifeto spreading the Gospel in China. He also builtup and administered an international missionaryorganization, evangelized and lectured in manycountries, and was a writer and editor. He startedvirtually alone in 1854; by the time of his death,in 1905, his China Inland Mission numbered over800 missionaries.Taylor’s approach was somewhat controversial atthe time. He shunned the trappings of theC H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 7 9 N O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 7

ADULTNONFICTIONwestern Europeans and “went native,” speakingChinese, wearing Chinese clothing, studyingChinese literature, wearing his hair in theChinese fashion, and eating Chinese food: insum, trying to present Christianity with a Chineserather than a western face. He was criticized byother missionaries who felt this would lead toloss of respect, or who were perhaps scandalizedby this less orthodox approach.At that time, also, the missionaries tended to beclustered along the coast and in the so-called“treaty ports.” Taylor’s goal was to head for theinterior. He had a burden for China’s millionswho had never heard the Gospel. This “forwardmovement” was also controversial, andobviously heading into the hinterland and awayfrom the protection of the western gunboats wasmuch more dangerous.Mr. Steer, a journalist, has drawn upon bothprimary and secondary sources to write thisaccount. The story of J. Hudson Taylor is toldwith verve including dramatic anecdotes, somehumorous episodes, as well as providing insightinto Taylor’s spiritual growth. The reader isgiven small doses of Chinese history andChristianity’s impact on China, receiving enoughbackground to understand the significance of theManchu Dynasty, the Taiping Revolution, andthe Boxer Rebellion.The missionaries faced famine, flood, disease,heat, and riot among other trials. One in fourmissionaries died, and J. Hudson Taylor himselflost his first wife and three children. Severaltimes in his many trips to China, Taylor wasnearly shipwrecked. Mr. Steer writesevocatively of these hardships and of themissionaries responses to them.Pinyan transliteration is used throughout thebook. In a very few cases the older transliterationis selectively used parenthetically: for example,Beijing (Peking). Included in the book are aforward by Billy Graham and an epilog by JamesHudson Taylor III recounting the evolution of theChina Inland Mission into Overseas MissionaryFellowship. Since Taylor’s death, in 1905,China’s missionaries had to suffer through worldwar II and the communists. The communistsexpelled the missionaries and have persecutedChinese Christians ever since their takeover. TheOverseas Missionary Fellowship now works inmost of the countries of Asia. Appended to thebook is a selective list of sources. The onlyillustrations are several maps of China. There isno index..◆ Quality—4 ❤ Acceptability—5David W. RashPublic Services LibrarianEverett Community CollegeEverett, WashingtonThe Gift of Peace. By Joseph CardinalBernardin. LCCN 96050335. Chicago:Loyola Press, 1997. ISBN 0829409556, HBB,$17.95.921 (282). Bernardin, Joseph Louis, 1928-96,Cardinals—Illinois—Chicago Region—Biography,Catholic Church—Illinois—Chicago Region—Biography, Chicago Region (Ill.)—Church history—20th century, Death—Religious aspects—CatholicChurch, Spiritual life—Catholic Church. 156 p.Gr. 10—Adult.Emotional turmoil almost invariably attends thediagnosis of cancer. Factor in an accusation ofsexual misconduct—particularly a false one—and the combination could be devastating. In TheGift of Peace, published posthumously, JosephCardinal Bernardin recounts how he dealt withthese twin prongs of disaster.This is a simply written, intensely personalvolume, completed less than two weeks beforeBernardin died of pancreatic cancer. In it, thecardinal invites the reader to “walk with me thefinal miles of life’s journey.” And what the readerencounters is a gentle spirituality from a manwho received God’s gracious gift of peace.The false accusation led to new experiences ofGod’s grace and eventual reconciliation with hisaccuser—a lost sheep to be sought and restored.The diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, followed bytreatment and relapse, led to a new ministry tocancer sufferers.“Throughout my ministry,” Bernardin writes, “Ihave focused on Jesus—his message, the eventsof his life, his relationship to the world. Nowmore than ever I focus on his cross, his suffering,which was not only real but also redemptive andlife-giving” (45).The Gift of Peace is a series of reflections, not anautobiography. Bernardin faces suffering; but herejects self-pity for a new closeness to Christ.Between chapters of these final days of life heintersperses meditations which readers will findhelpful in various ways.This is a book to be read and meditated on byCatholic and non-Catholic alike, but perhapsespecially those facing cancer or other seriousillness. It is not very often I read a book and thinkthat I would have liked to have known the author,but this was one of those times.◆ Quality—5 ❤ Acceptability—5Andrew M. SeddonPhysician, AuthorBillings, MontanaFrontier Physician : The Life and Legacy of Dr.C. Earl Albrecht. Nancy Jordan; foreword byRobert B. Atwood. LCCN 96000637.Fairbanks, Alaska: Epicenter Press/AlaskaNorthwest, 1996. ISBN 0945397526, PAP,$14.95.921 (610). Physicians—Alaska—Biography, Medicalcare—Alaska—History, Indians of North America—Medical care—Alaska—History. 222 p.Adult.Beginning in l935, this true story of Alaska’spioneer doctor, Dr. C. Earl Albrecht recounts thevarious medical emergencies, and trials that thedoctor endured in his pursuit of improvedhygiene and health care for Native Alaskans.This book takes the reader through severaldecades of Dr. Albrecht’s career in which theauthor, Nancy Jordan, successfully highlights thedoctor’s many accomplishments, including allbut eradicating tuberculosis in Alaska.Frontier Physician is full of information aboutthe life of one of Alaska’s most eminentpersonalities. Although the book begins muchlike a novel, it soon falls into a dry recount offacts and politics, culminating with the readerwondering, “Is this all there is?”While Frontier Physician is a book that would bea wonderful help to someone who wants to writea report on early medicine in Alaska or on Dr. C.Earl Albrecht, many would not find itentertaining.◆ Quality—3 ❤ Acceptability—5Kathy SimpsonFreelance WriterBillings, MontanaOne Bright Shining Path : Faith in the Midst ofTerrorism. W. Terry Whalin and ChrisWoehr. LCCN 93017673. Wheaton, Ill.:Crossway Books, 1993. ISBN 0891077324,PAP, $10.99.921 (985.06). Sau Path : Faith in the Midst ofTerrorism. W. Terry Whalin and Chris Woehr. LCCN93017673. Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books, 1993.ISBN 0891077324, PAP, Gr. 10—Adult.Romulo Saune, a descendant of the Incas, meetsChrist and becomes a translator of the Bible intohis native tongue and pastor to his nation, theQuechuas. Adventure seems to be the everydaynorm, overcoming the ignorance and poverty ofthe Indians, doing battle with the fierce ShiningPath organization, the Communists who aretrying to infiltrate South America. The authorssupply a tantalizing background for the SauneN O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 7 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

ADULTNONFICTIONbiography, a vignette about the Inca people. Theythen fast-forward to the youth of Saune and theimportance of family. Romulo is never without atleast some member of his family assisting him.That fact weaves through the storyline, andbecomes an important clue to the last events.At times, the flashbacks are not readily separatedfrom the current thread of the story. Scenes ofviolence, while part of the fact, are blatant andjolting. This is not a run-of-the-mill missionarystory; it is a powerful testimony of the triumph ofGod over Hhis enemies.The general content of One Bright Shining Path isapropos to teenagers and young adults with theunderstanding that there are graphic descriptionsof the terrorist activity.◆ Quality—4Su HagertyFreelance WriterIssaquah, Washington❤ Acceptability—5INDEX103 Questions Children Ask... 28Baker, Jason D. 69Cancer Lives at Our House 70Culea, John 64Acheson, Alison 26Barmeier, Jim 53Candaele, Kerry 60Cultures of the World 59Across the Wide Dark Sea 14Barnes, Joyce Annette 50Candy Cane Christmas 15Dahlquist, Anna Marie 37, 56Adventures of Tom Sawyer 35Bassis, Volodymyr 59Capital Punishment 54Daisy Is a Mommy 16Alabaster’s Song 14Bender, Carrie 45Caple, Laurie A. 34Dakos, Kalli 32Alexander, Lloyd 47Bennett, Rita 71Carle, Eric 30Dancing with the Wind 16Alexander, Pat 29Bernardin, James 16Carmichael, Amy 57Daughter of the Covenants 37Algeria 59Bernardin, Joseph Louis 80Carolrhoda Creative Minds Book 33De Graaf, Anne 68Allen, Thomas B. 14Beyond the Minarets 56Carolrhoda On My Own Books 34Deadline 38Aller, Susan Bivin 16Biffi, Inos 28Case of the Questionable Cousin 22Dearth, Greg 23Allies 62Birds in the Bushes 33Castaldo, Nancy Fusco 32Deedy, Carmen Agra 20Allman, Barbara 33Bishop, Gary 58Cat’s Kittens 15Desjarlais, John 68Amber Ainslie Detective Series; 1, 3, 4 38Bittinger, Ned 19, 22Catnapping Caper 22Dhilawala, Sakina 59America 1750-1890 55Blackmail 38Cavanaugh, Jack 62Disappearing Card Trick 22American Family Portrait; 6 62Blind Faith 63Caves That Time Forgot 43Distant Enemy 38Anders, Jeanne 51Blue and the Gray 22Chadder’s Wild Frontier Adventure 25Dodge, Katharine 32Anderson, Peggy King 43Book of Little Folk 32Chile 34Dodson, DeAnna Julie 64Anderson, William T. 55Books Children Love 27China Tate Series; 6 47Dolan, David 63Annie 49Borntrager, Mary Christner 48, 49Christian Child-Rearing... 75Dotlich, Rebecca Kai 32Annie’s Choice 35Bouchard, Dave 55Christian Cyberspace Companion 69Downie, Mary Alice 19Another Day 36Boucher, Jerry 30Christmas : An Annual Treasury 28Downing, Peggy 24Another Sommer-Time Story 15, 18, 19Bound for Glory 60Christy Fiction Series; 9 49Drummer Boy of Vicksburg 38Anywhere But Here 36Bowen, Andy Russell 33Clark, Clara Gillow 35, 49Drummond, Betty 79Arby Jenkins 36Bowman, Leslie W. 31Clay, Rebecca 34Drummond, Lewis 79Archer, C. 49Braren, Loretta 32Close Your Eyes 37Du Boulay, Shirley 74Armenia 59Brown, Roslind Varghese 59Clyde Tombaugh and the Search... 34Dueck, Adele 36Arnold, Johann Christoph 73Brown, Ruth 20Collinwood, Dean W. 34Dulka, Doreen 56Arrington, H. J. 29Brunkus, Denise 32Colombian Jungle Escape 56Dulka, Ed 56Arrow of the Almighty 62Budwine, Greg 15, 19Cooney, Barbara 34Dunfield, Robb Terrence 55Atlas of American History 56Bunn, T. Davis 65Coren, Michael 58Dunlap, Julie 33Atonement Child 63Bunting, Eve 22Count 15Dust of the Earth 43Attack of the Amazons 43Burgess of Guatemala 56Coursen, Herbert R. 78Early Explorers of North America 59Aung San Suu Kyi 58Butterfly Boy 14Courtship 37Edgecliffe Manor Mysteries 66Awakening the Giant 13Butterfly Lion 22Cox, Clinton 59Egielski, Richard 18Backer, Marni 16Camp Sierra Secret 37Creating Love 72Eleanor 34Baillie, Allan 51Can You Help Me Find My Smile? 15Crockett, Marsha 72Elephant Seals 30C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 8 1 N O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 7

INDEXElizabeth Bryan Mysteries; 1-3 22Gently Touch Sheela Jenkins 45Heart of a Friendship 29Jeweller’s Shop 64Ellie’s People; 9-10 48, 49Georgia 59Heinz, Brian 24Johnson, Claudia Durst 78Elliot, Elisabeth 53Geronimo 59Helen Bradley Mysteries; 2 65Johnson, Lissa Halls 47Ellwand, David 16Gibson, Eva 51Her Piano Sang 33Johnson, Sylvia A. 30Emma and the Night Dogs 16Gift for the Contessa 16Heritage of Lancaster County; 1 66Johnston, Norma 48Emma’s Elephant & Other ... 16Gift of Peace 80Hermann, Spring 59Jones, Ann Biedenharn 21Empress of the Underworld 43Gilbert, Suzie 23Hess, Donna Lynn 43, 55Jongsma, Melanie 70End of Days 63Ginsburg, Max 28Hidden Harvest; 2 68Jonke, Tim 18Ende, Michael 49Glendalough 73Higgs, Liz Curtin 18Jordan, Nancy 80Endicott, Irene 76God Made Me 16History Alive Through Music 55Journals of Corrie & Christopher; 2 65Entangled 64Gold Cord 57Hoberman, Mary Ann 19Just What the Doctor Ordered 55Erwin, Vicki Berger 22Golden Sunbeam 45Hodges, Margaret 32Kagda, Falaq 59Escape with the Dream Maker 43Goof Who Invented Homework... 32Hoek, Beatrice Hofman 70Kagda, Sakina 59Exploring Cultures of the World 34Gottfried, Ted 54Hofer, Ernst 31Karon, Jan 68Eyes of Tenderness 78Government and Politics 53Hofer, Nelly 31Kate Shelley 28Fall of the Red Star 43Grab Hands and Run 45Hoff, B. J. 64Kayuktuk : An Arctic Quest 24Families That Play Together... 77Graham, Georgia 20Holeman, Linda 50Keepers of the Ring; 1, 3 46Farley, Carol 29Graham, Ruth Bell 27Holmes, Timothy 59Keeshan, Bob 24Farnes, Catherine 51Grandparenting 76Holocaust 54Kelly, Leslie A. 55Fathers & Daughters 75Granfield, Linda 31Hong Kong 59Kerven, Rosalind 74Favorite Norse Myths 53Great Royal Race 17Horton, David 67Kids Can!® 30Fiery Vision 59Great Stone Face 23Hound for Hannah 47Kindl, Patrice 52Final Kingdom 44Greene, H. Leon 71House of Winslow; 20 67King Lear 55Finnie, John 58Greenwood Guides to Shakespeare Series 78Howell, Troy 53Kitchel, JoAnn E. 29Finnie, Kellsye M. 56, 58Gunn, Robin Jones 37Huang, Benrei 29Kline, Michael 30First Christmas Origami 31Haas, Shelly O. 33Hull, Mary 60Knights of Evermore 48First Christmas Tree 28Hager, Alan 77Hunt, Angela Elwell 46, 64Kok, Marilyn 67Fleming, Denise 15, 20Haidle, David 28Hurry, Murray, Hurry! 24Kopper, Lisa 16Flight of the Eagles 43Haidle, Elizabeth 28Ice Queen 47Korea 34Following Jesus 74Haidle, Helen 15, 16, 28If I Should Wake Before I Die 71Kroll, Virginia 14Foundling 44Halvorson, Marilyn 52If Sarah Will Take Me 55Kushner, Donn 50Frazee, Marla 19Hambrick, Sharon 36Iijima, Geneva Cobb 31Kuzma, Kay 72Freedom in White Mittens 44Hannah’s Island Series; 1-3 47Illustrated Living History Series 59L’Engle, Madeleine 79Freedom Series; 1-3 44Hartford 46In Honor Bound 64Ladwig, Tim 32Freedom’s Destiny Fulfilled 44Hartman, Bob 18Incessant Drumbeat 57Lagerborg, Mary Beth 57Freedom’s Tremendous Cost 44Harvey, Lisa 33Incrocci, Rick 15, 16Lanting, Frans 30Friends for the Journey 79Hattie Marshall Frontier Adv. Series; 2-3 23Industry and Business 53Laos 59From Head to Toe 30Hattie Marshall...Dangerous Fire 23Iran 34Lapointe, Claude 35Front Porch Parenting 76Hattie Marshall...Mysterious Strangers 23Iron Ring 47Lawrie, Robin 29Frontier Physician 80Hauser, Jill Frankel 30Issues in Focus 54Lawson, Julie 29Fuller, Cheri 72Havens, John C. 53J. Hudson Taylor 79Leeson, Richard M. 77Garland, Michael 14Hawk Hill 23Jacobs, Paul Samuel 47Lerner Natural Science Book 30Gates of Neptune 43Hawthorne, Nathaniel 23James Printer 47Leslie 51Gathering Storm 60Hayner, Linda 44James, Kennon 18Leuzzi, Linda 53Genesis 27Head Full of Notions 33Jecker, Nancy S. 75Lewis, Beverly 66Genetic Engineering 54Heale, Jay 59Jeremiah, David 72Liberty Bell; 4 62Gentle Touch 64Heart Like His 73Jessica Moffat’s Silver Locket 17Life in America 100 Years Ago 53N O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 7 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

INDEXLight the Night 64Moonsnail Song 17Partow, Cameron 77Roth, Susan L. 18Lily Vanessa and the Pet Panic 48Moore, Clement C. 33Partow, Donna 77Rowe, Frederick L. 75Literature in Context Series 78Morck, Irene 20Peart, Jane 66Rubel, David 60Lithuania 59Morgan, Allen 17Pella, Judith 63Rushford, Patricia H. 65Little Child Shall Lead Them 73Morpurgo, Michael 22Perfect Pancakes If You Please 18Russell, Jim 13Little Foxes That Spoil the Vines 71Morris, Deborah 27Peterson, Chad 24Ruthven, John A. 78Little Hands® Book; 5 32Morris, Gilbert 43, 44, 62, 65, 67Peterson, Tracie 64Sachs, Marilyn 36Little Salmon for Witness 17Mountain Madness 49Phillips, Michael 65San Souci, Robert D. 28Long, Sylvia 23Mr. Pak Buys a Story 29Phillips, Raelene 44Sandage, Steven J. 70Lorraine Hansberry 77Munger, Nancy 18Pickering, Marianne 34Sara 51Losack, Marcus 73Murphy, Elspeth Campbell 24, 25Pinzon, Renee 48Schaap, James Calvin. 66Lost Prince 24Musical Memories of Laura Ingalls Wilder 55Pinzon, Scott 48Schadler, Chérie D. 21Lott, Sheena 17My Love for You 18Pippert, Rebecca Manley 73Schneiderman, Lawrence J. 75Lotta’s Progress 48Mysterious Stranger 47Place Not Home 50Scholastic Timelines 60Lucado, Max 14Mystery of the Dolphin Detective 25Playing God? 70Schreur, Jack 75Luxembourg 59Mystery of the Eagle Feather 25Playwise 76Schreur, Jerry 75Macbeth : A Guide to the Play 78Mystery of the Gingerbread House 25Ponte, Douglas J. 20Schroeder, Alan 30Madagascar 59Mystery of the Goldfish Pond 25Portraits 63, 64, 67Schulte, Elaine L. 24, 48Major Tudor Authors 77Mystery of the Haunted Lighthouse 24Powerhouse 30Schweninger, Ann 31Make-something Club Is Back 31Mystery of the Sunken Steamboat 47Prayer 72Secrets of Barneveld Calvary 66Man Who Created Narnia 58Mystery of the Zoo Camp 25Precious in His Sight 70Secrets of Walden Rising 51Mandy 48Mythical Quest 74Pro/Con 54See the Wind, Mommy? 72Manheim, Ralph 49Native American Biographies 59Promise Me the Moon 50Seven Silly Eaters 19Manners and Customs 53Natkiel, Richard 56Promise Song 50Seven Sleepers Series; 1-10 43, 44Mansfield, Stephen 59Naylor, Kathryn 19Quest for Love 53Shadow of Fear 66Marshall, Catherine 49Neidigh, Sherry 24Rahaman, Vashanti 17, 19Shakespeare, William 55Martchenko, Michael 17Nellie Bishop 49Rainy Day Play! 32Shaw, Luci 79Masquerade 64Neverending Story 49Ramstad, Ralph L. 33Sheehan, Patricia 59McCarver, Aaron 65New Beginning 65Ratcliff, Donald E. 75Shifting Gears 58McCullough, Michael E. 70NgCheong-Lunn, Roseline 59Read for Me, Mama 19Shunning 66McDermott, Mike 36Night the Stars Danced for Joy 18Read Kids, Read Adventures; 6 27Sieger, Ursula 74McElrath-Eslick, Lori 19Night Voyagers 50Real Kids, Real Adventures; 5 27Sierra Jensen Series; 4 37McFarlane, Sheryl 17No Longer a Dilly Dally 18Red Sky at Morning 51Sign of the Cross 67Meier, Paul D. 75Nordstrom, Joe 24, 25Red Sky in Mourning 65Silent Night 32Meisel, Jacqueline Drobis 34OMF book 79Rehoboth 46Silent Night 31Melanie and the Cruise Caper 24One Bright Shining Path 80Repp, Gloria 25Silver Star 67Mele, Michael 16One Wintry Night 27Rice, Helen Steiner 78Simon, Mary Manz 76Messenger 65Orcas Around Me 31Rivers of Judah 51Sing and Play 25Milestones in Black American History 60Ordinary Woman’s Extraordinary Faith 57Rivers, Francine 63Sing and Play Jamboree 25Miller, Brandon Marie 55Orser, Stanton 16Road to Canterbury 74Sing and Play Music Video 25Miller, Calvin 78Osborne, Mary Pope 19, 53Road to Seneca Falls 33Sisson, Mary Barr 60Miller, W. Barry 71Over the Misty Mountains 65Robert H. Ferrell 56Smith, Debra 23Mills, Lauren A. 32Owner’s Manual for the Unfinished Soul 78Rocking Horse Christmas 19Smoky Mountain Rose 30Miracles of Christmas 33Ozzie & Harriet Had a Scriptwriter 74Rodgers, Michael 73Sneed, Brad 30Miriam’s Journal; 5 45Page, Debra 31Rogers, Emma 15Snow Paws 19Mitford Years; 3 68Paolillo, Ronald G. 16Rogers, Paul 15Sommer, Carl 15, 17, 18, 19Modern Dramatists Research & Prod...; 13 77Parable of the Lily 18Rosales, Melodye 33Song of the Morning 29C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 8 3 N O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 7

INDEXSouth Africa 34Speidel, Sandra 17Spencer, William 34Spilling, Michael 59Spirit of Appalachia; 1 65Springett, Martin 29SpringSong books 51Sproul, R. C., Jr. 70St. John, Patricia 57Stahl, Hilda 38, 45Steer, Roger 79Stewart, Whitney 58Stillpoint 67Stokes, Penelope J. 23Strahinich, Helen 54Stranger on the Line 52Struggle and Love 60Super Science Concoctions 30Suzán, Gerardo 14Swain, Gwenyth 33Sweet Dreams of the Wild 32Swiss Holiday 25Sword of Camelot 43Szablya, Helen M. 43Tagliaferro, Linda 54Tahiti 59Temple, Frances 45These High Green Hills 68Three Cousins Detective...; 7-9, 13-15 24, 25Throne of Tara 68Thunder Ice 26Tied Up in Knots 19Tiger’s New Cowboy Boots 20Time to Sleep 20To Forgive Is Human 70To Heaven and Back 71To Serve a Higher King 55Toad 20Too Many Suns 29Treeman 20Tunisia 59Twain, Mark 35Twas the Night B’fore Christmas 33Twelve Candles Club; 10 24Twelve Candles Club; 11 48Ukraine 59Ukraine 34Undercover 38Understanding of Mice and Men... 78United States in the 19th Century 60Unsolved Miracles 71Van Diest, John 71Van Leeuwen, Jean 14Van Zyle, Jon 24Vanasse, Deb 38Veerman, David R. 28, 74Voyage of the Dolphin 43Waring, Diana 55Watkins, Dawn 55Watson, Richard Jesse 27Way to Bethlehem 28Web of Deception 66Welcome to Bayou Town 21Westbrook, Dick 17Weston, Denise Chapman 76Weston, Mark S. 76Westward Ho! 55Wetterer, Margaret K. 34Whalin, W. Terry 80When Mothers Pray 72Where the Fire Burns 68Whole Story Series 35Wiggin, Eric 47Wilbur, C. Keith 59Wilcox, Charlotte 30Wilkison, Esther G. 37William Carey 58Williams, Sophy 15Wilson, Budge 37Wilson, Elizabeth Laraway 27Winged Raiders of the Desert 43Wise, William 18Wiseman, Eva 50Wisler, G. Clifton 38Woehr, Chris 80Wojtyla, Karol 64Woman in the Wall 52Women of Awakenings 79Worthington, Everett L. 70Wright, N. T. 74Wrong Medicine 75Wyman, Andrea 51Yates, Elizabeth 25Young, Ed 27Young, Mary O’Keefe 33Zambia 59Zuck, Roy B. 70Zweifel, Frances 31Classified AdvertisingHELP WANTEDLibrarians - Are you looking for a new challenging ministry? Weneed a librarian (prefer fully trained) who wants to be used of Godin a non-denominational evangelical (K-12) Christian school formissionary kids and nationals in Bogotá, Colombia.El Camino Academy is a great place in which to serve, withfriendly people and lots of challenges! Short term work projectsand long term assignments available! Please contact Joan at E-mailaddress DJLHEHOEF@aol.com or in the US call Stan Yohe at(630) 469-6343.MATERIALS WANTEDNEEDED: Small Christian/missionary school in Bogotá, Colombianeeds updated books (since 1990, preferred!) Sears, DeweyDecimal classification books, PLUS reference books on ALLsubjects, history, states, countries, science, health, world views,music, etc. If you have anything you could donate or sell for aminimal price, please contact Joan Hoefakker at E-mail:DJLHEHOEF@aol.comWe are also looking for a computer program if anyone has one youcould donate or sell (good, user friendly, card catalog pluscirculation if possible) OR would very much appreciate input oncomputer programs you might be using, I really don’t know how toevaluate all that are out there. Thanks much. Please contact Joanat E-mail address DJLHEHOEF@aol.com or in the US call StanYohe at (630) 469-6343.Advertise with us at no charge. As space allows, any libraryrelated ad, twenty-five words or less, may be run until your need ismet.FIND A NEW POSITION, A NEW EMPLOYEE, MATERIALS YOU NEED.SELL OR TRADE THOSE ITEMS TAKING UP PRECIOUS STORAGE SPACE.LEND A HAND TO LIBRARIES OVERSEAS.Ads accepted through email, fax, or mail. No phone orders, please.N O V E M B E R , 1 9 9 7 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