SPACER - Christian Library Journal

Papers are graded, report cards completed, bulletinboards cleared, teaching aids are stored. You havesaid goodby to students and fellow teachers. Youare ready to put the key in the lock and walk outthe door to another summer.M A R YJ ’ SBOOK NOOK“Oh for a book and a shady nook,either indoors or out.”John WilsonBy Mary JarvisWhat do these next two or three monthshold for you? As teachers our livesseem to revolve around the schoolcalendar; goals to be met with ourpupils, lessons to be taught, problems tobe solved. We look forward to summerto catch our breath, get recharged, renewrelationships, rest, travel, and play.We need this time. Teaching is anintense vocation as we focus on thelearning and problems of our students.We have been caregivers for the pastnine months to many others and now itis time to take care of ourselves.As Christians we may feel it is selfish tofocus too much on ourselves, and so wegive and we give to our students, family,and friends. Unless we pause tonourish our own souls we become a stranger toourselves. If one is out of touch with oneself andGod, then one cannot touch others. Summer givesus an opportunity for new direction and renewal.God has created us to be diverse and uniquepersons—a totality of mind, body, and spirit, eachof us with unique gifts and abilities.How do you use the days ahead to rest and findrenewal? What is it that you need? Yourcircumstances will partly dictate how you go aboutthis. You may need to work at a summer job, takeclasses, keep family commitments. But there willbe a change to the pattern and rhythm of yourdays. Give yourself permission to say it isimportant to take care of yourself, then do it!Discuss your needs with your family and spouse.One summer I declared that except for anM A R C H , 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

BeyondtheThemeWho really cares what you did onyour summer vacation? I mean,that was so incredibly long ago! Orwho wants to know about your favorite toy?Or what you want for Christmas? To a kid,the answer is clear: no one!byGeorgiaBeaversonIf you had to suffer through insufferabletheme-writing while growingup, you can identify with thegroans invariably uttered bykids afflicted with it today.When contemplating writingassignments for children ofany age, a teacher orhomeschooling parent knowsthere must be a better way.There is — in fact, thereare many better ways. Thekey to enticing kids to dig intoa writing assignment lies inmaking the subject matter orprocess interesting enough tospark their imaginations.My son’s fourth-gradeteacher understood this well.And she understood that itwould be difficult for her tocome up with classassignments that engagedevery child. So she left it upto the parents to come upwith interesting, individualized“theme themes.”When my husband and I came in fororientation day, one of our assignments wasto list ten creative theme titles for Michael.As parents, we found this great fun. After all,we knew where his interests lay and whatwas likely to spark his imagination. So welisted titles like “What I Would Do With OneMillion Dollars,” “The Monster In My Closet”and “How I Saved My Little Sister Who WasLost in the Forest.” Michael didn’t writethemes on each of our ten titles, but it gavehim an interesting range of options. Histeacher also let him come up with his ownideas.For kids who aren’t strong in thecreative writing department, how aboutasking them to write a theme based on afavorite film? It could be one that the classor family recently watched together. Ask thechildren to retell the story in their own words,using description of scenery, costumes, andaction. Many professional writers put breadon the table by writing books based on films,and you can point this out to the kids.But don’t stop there. Ask them tochange the ending to something they thinkwould have been funny or sad or outrageous.Let them write themselves into the film storyand encourage them to change the plot toreflect what they would have done. Not onlydoes this exercise open the door to creativity,but it also has the potential of teaching achild writer the importance of thinking aheadin the plot. If they write themselves into acorner, they’ll have to backtrack to changethe action. It helps them learn to thinksequentially.Another potentially side-splitting offshootof this type of assignment is to choosea relatively brief segment of videotape from amovie, old TV show, or commercial. Havethe child or children watch the segment —but turn down the sound. Then ask the kidsto write a story or description based on whatthey saw. Sometimes they come up withhilarious interpretations of the events theywitnessed but didn’t hear.Interviews can also harness writingcreativity. Interviewing grandparents andparents might work with some kids, but noteveryone wants to know what their folks atefor breakfast in kindergarten. Instead, let kidsinterview local celebrities, dignitaries, or townpersonalities. For instance, one child in mythird-grade newspaper class was fascinatedM A R C H , 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

with how the policeman who satoutside her school every day ranradar to catch speeders. She calledthe police station, set up a time whenthe policeman could come to her (ortalk to the child on the phone), andprepared by writing a list of questionsfor him. Not only did she enjoywriting her story, but she learnedsomething about police work and theimportance of obeying the law in theprocess.For the child who is giftedartistically but not necessarily withwords, how about letting him/herwrite a comic book plot? The childcould base it on a cartoon character,video game, or comic he or she likes— or how about a character theycreated themselves? My son haswritten a whole series of humorouscomic strips centered around thecharacter of “Grumpy George” (hisown creation). George may begrumpy, but he has a real way withwords. Michael has fun usingpalindromes, puns, and playing onwords to make George’s adventuresfunny. For a while, he and his friendswere so into creating their owncomics that they had an informalwriting club.When my family traveled toDisney World several years ago, Iwas fascinated by the tour of a Foleystage, on which specialists addedsound effects to films. Why notreverse the process? Make a tape(make sure it’s nice and loud) of aseries of sounds: walking feet,sandpaper on a board, crashingglass, moaning, whistling, a punchingbag, a pencil scratching across apiece of paper. Play it several timesfor an individual child or a class ofkids. Have them close their eyes andimagine what sequence of events ismaking those sounds. Then turnthem loose to write a story based onthe taped sounds.You can expand on this idea byusing just the taped soundtrack froman old movie, a piece of instrumentalmusic (Philip Glass music makessome particularly interesting sounds),or even some of the sound effectsfrom video games or computergames like Myst. Or just use asound-effects recording from thelibrary. This exercise tends to workbest with mysterious, eerie, or moodysounds and music.No matter which of theseunusual exercises you choose toenhance your writing assignments,you will surprise and delight thechildren who actually have to do thewriting. These kinds of open-ended,creative and yes, even zany,exercises will spark many more ideasin a young writer than would a moretraditional theme. And the bonus is,it makes a more interesting read foryou, too!WRITING FORMEMORIESHere’s an exercise that is funnow and makes a greataddition to a child’s babybook, especially if a parentmakes it a yearly project. Allyour child needs is a pencil,pieces of baby-book-qualitypaper, photos of the yeargone-by,a glue stick and lotsof time.Tell your child that you wanthim or her to write a letter tohim- or herself as a grownup.Have them start out bydescribing some of theevents of the past year, usingthe photos as illustrations.They might also enjoy usingmemory-joggers such asticket stubs, candy wrappers,etc. to further illustrate thepoints they make.Then ask them to tell theirgrown-up selves what theybelieve they’ll be doing at acertain age. For instance,have ten-year-old Terrydescribe to twenty-five-yearoldadult Terry what his/herlife looks like at twenty-five.What kind of car does she/hedrive? Is Terry married?What about kids? Money?Job? Hobbies?Finally, have the child writerconclude the letter withadvice. Tips like, “Don’tforget how much you liked towatch Batman after school,”“Remember, now you canstay up until midnightwhenever you want,” or “Besure to eat a candy bar everyday,” will make this letter atreasure that 25-year-oldTerry really will enjoy! Andmeanwhile, it teaches tenyear-oldTerry that writing isfun!C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 5 M A R C H , 1 9 9 7

C H E C K I T O U THomeschoolersUsing TheirPublic Libraryby Michele HoweCAREERS AND CAREERPLANNINGThe topic of study for this issueis careers/career planning. To beginyour search, determine whether or notyou want to peruse books/resourceswhich provide a broad spectrum ofthe market and careers available. Oryou may choose to jump right intospecific career listings you’reinterested in studying. For a generalinterest study of the market (and tolocate basic, helpful information onspecific career choices) key words tocue into the library’s computer are:(careers, vocations, occupations).Under the general heading of careerplanning, alternative careers, etc... Inorder to locate your individual andspecific career choice, key in thename of your occupation,i.e....medicine. Under this generalheading you can choose manypositions available in that field.Some headings include: physician,nurse, medical technologist,radiologist, anesthesiologist, surgeon.Some general resource books Ilocated are listed below. Eachincludes an overall look at the marketwhile also providing in-depthinformation on specific careerchoices. While these books appearsimilar in content, each providesunique information not found in theother two, so it’s best to comparisonshop when reading these guides.Encyclopedia of Careers &Vocational Guidance, J.G. FergusonPublishing Company, 1993. Thisbook includes general information onchoosing a career, describes thestructure of the industry, hundreds ofcareer opportunities (citing thepositions available, educationalbackground needed, industryoutlook), and important sources ofadditional information for furtherreading.✓ The Jobs Rated Almanac, LesKrantz, A Cripps HowardCompany, 1992. Included in thisvolume are: 250 job selections,environment and job descriptions,job security, stress, income,outlook, physical demands, perksand goodies, travel opportunities,and overall ratings.✓ The American Almanac of Jobs &Salaries, John W. Wright, AvonBooks, 1996. This book isbroken down into specific areasof interest. Most positionsavailable are found under thefollowing headings: publicpayroll, five standard professions,science & technology, key whiteM A R C H , 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

collar jobs, representativebusinesses, health care,workaday world and specialgroups. Gives the vital statisticsand just about everything elseyou would want to know aboutyour field.BOOKS TO TAKE HOMEWITH YOU.✓ Jobs Strategies for People withDisabilities, Melanie AstaireWitt, Peterson’s Guides, 1992.If your child or anyone youknow has a disability (mild orsevere) this book is the one toread. From page one, positiveapproaches are stressed andpractical advice is laid out.Includes: self-assessment/ableto do the job, making the job fityou, creating standout resumesand cover letters, finding jobleads, researching employers,interviewing and manyorganizations, associations, andagencies.✓ Hook Up, Get Hired! TheInternet Job Search Revolution,Joyce Lain Kennedy, John Wiley& Sons, Inc., 1995. This bookprovides the ins and outs oftaking advantage of today’stechnology. Readers will knowhow to look for jobs, plug intoorganizations already doingwhat they want to, research theircareers, see what’s available,interact with the professionals,etc..✓ Interview Strategies That WillGet You the Job You Want,Andrea Kay, Betterway Books,1996. A great guide forpreparing to meet theprofessional and working world.Answers more than 60 questionscommonly asked, teaches theinterviewee how to prepare,anticipate questions, overcomethe odds, and present aconfident, capable image.CALL AROUND.Your local library is only thebeginning for researching yourcareer of choice. Search out localuniversities, public school guidancecounselors, adult educationdepartments, and learning skillcenters for more valuableinformation or to answer anyquestions you may have. You canalso check out the telephonedirectory and locate nearbyprofessionals for helpful advice ingetting started.If you’re interested inapprenticeships and internships,write to Jonathan Ross, president ofJR Associates, 135 Whites BridgeRoad, Standish, Maine 04084 ortelephone 207-892-7946. Mr. Rossheads a work-based consultingservice.TIPS TO TAKEWITH YOU.✓ Libraries will go to greatlengths to locate unusual andhard to find books at yourrequest. Often our libraries arecharged a fee for being sentbooks across the country andthey will absorb the fee.✓ Many library patrons know thatthey can request particularbooks not currently in theirlibrary system and the librarywill purchase books when asked.However, the same holds truefor magazines. Patrons can fillout a request form formagazines subscriptions also.✓ Libraries can only displaymagazines for a certain length oftime due to space restrictions.Thus, many systems now havethe capacity to store datedmagazines on CD-ROM. Oursystem keeps magazine issuesback four years.C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 7 M A R C H , 1 9 9 7

Baker Ad/1/2 page islandCopy to be scanned by Apple PressM A R C H , 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

THEPOWEROF ABOOKBY MARY WARRENI almost made the biggest mistake of my life and abandoned thejuvenile field...until a book arrived in the mail that carried me back tomy childhood.A prodigious reader, I discovered books like Heidi and The SecretGarden and Emily of New Moon could carry me far away to differentlands and different centuries.My favorite books were Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House series.Each year a new one appeared under the Christmas tree with myname on the gift tag. There came an autumn, however, when itlooked as if no further Wilder book would be there. The Little Town onthe Prairie seemed to finish off the story of Laura and Mary’schildhood years. Surely Laura would marry Almanzo Wilder becausethat was the author’s name, wasn’t it?One stormy November day, I sat down at my desk to write to myfavorite author, telling her how much I enjoyed each book, and how Iwished she could write one more to end the series with Almanzo’scourtship. I already knew that I wanted to be a writer when I grew up,but I was far too shy to admit that to Mrs. Wilder.Instead, I asked her how to make sourdough. Back came a letter fromthe Wilder farm in Missouri, written in Laura’s handwriting on linedstationery. In addition to telling me exactly how to make sourdough,she assured me that the book I’d requested, These Happy GoldenYears, was going to be on the bookstore shelves in time for Christmas.Although Laura Wilder never lived to see my work in print, she hasalways remained my role model. When I teach or lead workshops, Iuse her carefully detailed descriptions of prairies, blizzards, and warmfamily life as examples. I have read her books countless times, as Istruggle over my own depictions of characters and scenes.When Laura needed a long sentence, she crafted one. When a shortone worked best, that is what she used. At least one of her sentencesin The Long Winter is forty-two words long. Another is only three:“Pa’s nose purpled.” Those were the only words necessary to showhow cold it was.One day a twelve-year-old boy growing up on a midwestern farmwrote to me. He told me why he liked my books. He wrote about hispets, the farm animals, and his hobbies. At last he got around to whathe really wanted to say. “P.S. I want to be a writter.” (The spelling ishis.)That farm lad reminds me of the little girl growing up in Brooklyn manyyears ago. But at least he set his shyness aside long enough toconfide “I want to be a writter.” I am glad he liked my books. I hopehis dream of being a published author has come true.What about the book that arrived in the mail the other day and stirredme to take another look at the direction I wish to take? Dear Laura,compiled by HarperCollins editor, Alix Reid, is a charming collection ofover 100 letters written to Laura Ingalls Wilder from the 1930’s into theearly 1950’s. A copy of my letter to Laura Wilder is on page forty-fourand her return letter to me, with directions on how to make sourdoughis on the very next page!I had forgotten about the warm way youngsters respond to books thattouch them until I sat down and laughed and wept over every page ofDear Laura. It reminded me of the meaning books can bring tochildren’s lives, how a special book may act as a rudder to steer them,fostering hope and understanding.Not long ago, I went to my files and leafed through the letters and thecrayoned illustrations of scenes from my books that children had sentto me. Many of them begged me to write more books.Yes, I’ve changed my mind. I want to begin writing for a youngaudience once again.Reprinted with permission from Writer magazine, August 1996.Books by Mary WarrenWestminster Press:Augsburg Publishing House:Eight Bells for WendyLord, I’m Back AgainShadow on the ValleyThe Land of ChristmasWalk in My MoccasinsOn Our Way to ChristmasA Snake Named SamRand McNally:Ghost Town for SaleHoppity SkipRiver School DetectivesPet ParadeThe Haunted KitchenThe Treasure TrunkConcordia:Building With BoxesThe City That Forgot ChristmasSpeed Buggy & the Secret MessageThe Great SurpriseChosen/Zondervan:The Little Boat That Almost SankLet the Earth Bring ForthThe Lame Man Who Walked Again Walker:The Great EscapeBottom High to the CrowdBoy With a SlingC H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 9 M A R C H , 1 9 9 7

“One ThingI Do:I Write”Author Lee Roddyby Lorinda K. F. NewtonLorinda K. F. Newton is a freelance writer, editor, anddesktop publisher who lives with her husband inKirkland, Washington. She is editor and designer of theNorthwest Christian Author and Life Line newsletters.“I write. What can I write for you?” asked Lee Roddy as he wentdoor-to-door in Los Angeles seeking work.Early in his writing career, Roddy wrote whatever other peopleneeded written: jacket copy for books and records, radio ads anddramas, news articles. But he didn’t just write for his employers.God also responded to Roddy’s question and called him to writeadventure stories with Christian themes. Using Lee Roddy’s lifelongpassion for writing, God has touched the lives of millions ofadults and children around the world.Lee Roddy decided to be a writer around age twelve or thirteen.Growing up, he enjoyed reading dime westerns and adventure storiesby authors such as Jack London. These inspired him to write hisown adventure stories. Roddy sold his first short story to anOakland, California, newspaper at age fourteen. In 1945, he earned adegree in journalism and radio broadcasting at Los Angeles CityCollege; then he headed to Hollywood to begin his writing career.Unable to secure a screen-writing position, Roddy found his firstfull-time writing job at a Los Angeles advertising agency. Then heworked in many writing-related jobs: network-radio drama writerbefore the days of TV; staff writer for a motion picture and televisionproduction company, where he wrote The Life and Times of GrizzlyAdams (a book that became a motion picture and TV series); a newsreporter and columnist; a newspaper editor-publisher for fourcommunity papers; a radio-station manager; and an ad-agencyexecutive. Roddy began to speak at schools, colleges, conferences,and conventions in 1973, traveling both the United States andCanada.He has also written or edited for eighty national or internationalChristian leaders or their ministries. For Campus Crusade for Christ,he wrote a book about Jesus based on the gospel of Luke. In 1979,this book became the Jesus film that has been translated into over300 languages.During the forty-two years that he held a day job, Roddy rose at 4:00a.m. and wrote until he left for work at 8:00 a.m. He had elevenbooks completed before the first one, Robert E. Lee: A GallantChristian Soldier, a biography written for children, was published in1977. Next came The Lincoln Conspiracy, a New York Times bestseller.By 1980, Roddy attained his life-time long dream of making aliving as a freelance writer. His first juvenile novel, The Hair-Pulling Bear Dog, book one of the D.J. Dillion series, was publishedin 1985.Currently, Roddy has had over seventy novels and nonfiction bookspublished. Thirty of these have been either best-sellers, motionpictures, TV programs, book-club selections, or award winners.Some of his children’s novels have been translated into severalforeign languages.One thing I doThough once a national lecturer, Roddy now restricts his speaking toSaturday-only engagements, usually just at the Christian HomeEducators and the Association of Christian Schools Internationalconferences.Just as the Apostle Paul said, “But one thing I do,” in following thecall of Christ, Roddy explained, “One thing I do: I write.Everything else is secondary, including speaking and teaching inperson.”So his life focuses on writing. Each weekday morning, he wakes upat 5:00, has his Bible-study time, breakfast, and walks two miles atdawn. He sits down to write around 7:30 or 8:00. In the afternoons,he handles letters and other business and spends most eveningsresearching.Life-shaping adventureWhy does Roddy put so much effort into his writing? “I’d like tothink lives are different because of some of the things I wrote,” heanswered. “If I had my druthers, I’d like to write something that willreach to a generation yet unborn.” He hopes to do this by usingcharacter-building, Judeo-Christian themes in high-adventure stories.“It’s a sin to bore a child,” stated Roddy. “The first reason childrenchoose to read is for entertainment. So I give them high adventure—mystery, animals, and scary things—but all in a Christian theme.”M A R C H , 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

The action begins on page one, and he “triesto keep it going until the last page.”Starting with a good story, Roddy thenweaves in Judeo-Christian values—butwithout preaching. He places his charactersin situations from which they will learn themessage he seeks to convey. One of hismost frequent themes is “whatever youbelieve is the way you behave; the way youbehave eventually will be what you’llbecome.” Teaching kids that their thoughtswill shape their character is very importantto Roddy.And this message has changed the lives ofmany. Often people tell Roddy that theyidentify with one of his characters and wantto be like him or her “because the personprays, is honest, or does the right thing intough circumstances.” For instance, Roddyreceived a letter from a twelve-year-old boywho said he had attended “religiousschools” all his life, but “thanks to yourbooks, I’ve become a born-again Christian.”Getting kids to readBesides molding character, Roddy’s bookshelp reluctant readers get hooked onreading. Hundreds of parents and teachershave sent him letters stating that their nonreadershave become avid readers afterbeing introduced to one of his books.Receiving such letters is “probably the mostserendipitous thing that has happened to meout of my writing,” exclaimed Roddy. “Inever dreamed that would happen.”To encourage children to be readers, Roddyadvises people to start reading to theirchildren when they are very young. He hastwo eight-year-old grandsons, and whenthey were younger, Roddy would set themon his lap and read to them. This causedthem to “associate books with warm, fuzzytimes,” Roddy explained.Roddy suggests that parents of olderchildren should try to get their kids to readnot because it’s good for them, but becausebooks are exciting. Tell the child, “Youwant to read something exciting? Read thisbook. Listen to the story and then read alittle bit.” After you read the beginning tohim, let the child finish it on his own.Future plansThe fifteenth and last book of the LaddFamily Adventure series will be releasedlater this year. His next six-book juvenileseries will be about a boy and a girlgrowing up during the Civil War. Roddyhopes to appeal to both audiences with thedual point-of-view in this series. Inaddition, he is writing an adult trilogy thatwill take place at the close of the Civil War.Roddy has also recently set his sights on adifferent type of project: getting his booksinto the public schools. He has seen whatthe school children have available andwants to offer them an alternative—booksRobert E. Lee: Gallant Christian SoldierISBN 091-513-4403llustrated by A. G. SmithMott Media (Sower Series)©1977Paper $6.95Gr. 3 - 6D.J. Dillion Adventure SeriesThe adventures of 12-year-old Dillionin the Sierra-Nevada mountains. Thesebooks were originally published in themid 1980s.1. The Hair-Pulling Bear Dog, RevisedSilver Angel winner)ISBN 156-476-5024Chariot Family Publishing© January 1996Paperback $3.99Gr. 3 - 62. The Bear Cub Disaster, Revised(Silver Angel winner)ISBN 156-476-5032© June 1985Paperback $5.993. Dooger, the Grasshopper Hound(Silver Angel winner)ISBN 156-476-5040© January 1996with Christian themes. Though he doesn’tknow how it will happen, he has a peace inhis heart that it will work. “God has let meachieve more than I ever dreamed. So thatwould be an impossible dream, especiallysince I’m not 21 anymore.”That is not to say age will ever stop Roddyfrom dreaming. Many people have askedwhen he plans to retire. To this, heresponds, “Well, Billy Graham says hedoesn’t read in the Bible where it saysanything about retirement. So I figure aslong as God gives me health and peoplewho buy my books, I’m going to keepwriting.”Books by Lee Roddy4. Ghost Dog of Stoney Ridge, Revised(Silver Angel winner)ISBN 156-476-5059© January 19965. Mad Dog of Lobo Mountain, RevisedISBN 156-476-5067© January 19966. Legend of White Raccoon, RevisedISBN 156-476-5075© January 19967. Mystery of the Black HoleISBN 156-476-5083© May 19958. The Ghost of Moaning Mansion,RevisedISBN 156-476-5091© May 19959. The Hermit of Mad RiverISBN 156-476-5105© May 199510. Escape Down the Raging RapidsISBN 156-476-5113© May 1995C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 1 1 M A R C H , 1 9 9 7

American Adventure seriesTwelve-year-old Hildy Corrigan seeks aforever home for her family during theGreat Depression. Offers an accuratedepiction of life in the 1930s.1. The Overland EscapeISBN 155-661-0262Bethany House Publishers© February 1989paperback $ 5.99Gr. 3 - 82. The Desperate SearchISBN 155-661-0270©19893. Danger on Thunder MountainISBN 155-661-0289© September 19894. The Secret of the Howling CaveISBN 155-661-0947© April 19905. The Flaming TrapISBN 155-661-0955© October 19906. Terror in the SkyISBN 155-661-0963© May 19917. Mystery of the Phantom GoldISBN 155-661-2109© October 1991Gold Train BanditsISBN 155-991-2117© 19929. High Country Ambush(Silver Angel Award)ISBN 155-661-2877© September 1992Ladd Family Adventure Series(See book reviews for books 13 and 14)1. Secret of the Shark PitISBN 092-960-8143Focus on the Family Publishing© February 1989paperback $5.99Gr. 3 - 72. The Legend of FireISBN 092-960-8178© February 19893. Mystery of the Island JungleISBN 092-960-8194© August 19894. The Dangerous Canoe RaceISBN 092-960-8623© January 19905. Secret of the Sunken SubISBN 092-960-8631© May 19906. Mystery of the Wild SurferISBN 092-960-864X© May 19907. Peril at Pirates PointISBN 156-179-1369© May 19938. Terror at Forbidden FallsISBN 156-179-1377© June 19939. Eye of the HurricaneISBN 156-179-2209© April 199410 Night of the Vanishing LightsISBN 156-179-256X© September 199411. Case of the Dangerous CruiseISBN 156-179-3493© March 199512. Panic in the Wild WatersISBN 156-179-3922© August. 199513. Hunted in the Alaskan WildernessISBN 156-179-4457© March 199614. Stranded on Ontario IslandISBN 156-179-4821© January 1997Giants on the Hill Trilogy(See book reviews)1. Giants on the HillISBN 0-8499-3492-3Word Publishing© September 1994paperback $10.99Adult2. CinnabarISBN 0-8499-3832-5© October 1995paperback $12.993. Shiloh’s ChoiceISBN 0-8499-3833-3© November 1996paperback $10.99M A R C H , 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

Read On,Write On,GetPublishedPRIMARY STUDENTS GET PUBLISHEDElementary school students can submit a variety of projects to Children’s Playmate Magazine, if thefocus is on developing healthy eating and exercise habits. Fiction stories, up to 700 words, can includefantasy and folktales, sports. Nonfiction articles, also up to 700 words, might profile a child athlete orcover fitness, sports, nutrition, history, science or nature themes. Keep your writing lively.Encyclopedia-type reports are not wanted. Poetry is accepted from young readers, as are drawings,jokes and riddles. Playmate wants easy-to-read pieces. The target audience is ages 6 to 8.Manuscripts can neatly hand-write their work, or have someone type it. The editors will respondwithin three months. Be sure to enclose a self addressed, stamped envelope (SASE) for a reply.Students receive no cash payment, but do get published nationally, with their name on their work, andreceive at least one sample copy of the issue with their writing in it. Their newest guidelines are freeif you send a SASE. Sample copies are in many libraries, or you can send $1.25for your own. Submit to Editor Terry Harshman, PO Box 567, Indianapolis, IN46206-0567.TEENS GET PUBLISHEDMore experienced writers can send work to Cobblestone, the History Magazine forYoung People. They like writing about American events, people and places. Eachmonthly issue has a theme. Send a SASE for free guidelines and a theme list.Cobblestone is published monthly, except during the summer. Send an 8x11”SASE with four stamps on it for a sample copy. Fiction and nonfiction articles areaccepted from adult writers only. Students may send B/W and color slides, lettersto the editor, art and enter contests listed. Deadlines, themes and prizes are listedin each issue. Manuscripts must be typed, with a cover letter. The target is ages 8 to 14. Editor MegChorlian wants historical accuracy and originality in work sent. And staying on the theme is a must.Staff is working nine months ahead of publication (lead time). Students get published, with their name(byline) and cash prizes, which vary monthly. Send to 7 School St., Peterborough, NH 0345-81457.STUDENT CONTESTSby 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.Stage plays written by students under age 18 are sought for the Young Playwrights Festival annually.Target audience is adults. No previously published work can be used. Deadline is October 1. Somefacets of the contest and prizes vary yearly. Send a SASE for contest and award rules and entry forms.Musicals, screenplays and adaptations are not accepted. Obviously, this contest is for older students,who are more trained in script writing and want a challenge with professional rewards. Write toArtistic Director Nancy Quinn, 321 W. 44th St. Suite 906, New York, NY 10036.WRITERS WORDS TO KNOWCopies: Most magazines give free copies of the edition your work is inFantasy: Writing about un-real people, events, places, like trolls, fairiesLively writing: Non-boring, non-report-like, interestingProfile: A piece that gives details about a person, their activities, background, plansSubmit: To sendTarget Age: The ages of primary readers of the publicationC H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 1 3 M A R C H , 1 9 9 7

How to SalvageWater-DamagedBooksby Lynn HardingLibrarian, Snohomish County Christian Elementary SchoolLynnwood, WashingtonDuring our 1996-97 Christmas-NewYear storm, hundreds of gallons ofmelting snow and rain seeped intoour Snohomish County Christian SchoolElementary library through the flawed roof.A day later we discovered the damage andbegan vacuuming the water from the carpet.Scores of books were dripping wet,especially the new ones which awaitedprocessing, stacked on a wicker bookshelfin the office, the area worst affected. In thedays following, we learned lots about howto salvage water-damaged books.First of all, and most important, isprevention. If you even suspect your roofmight leak (our flat-roofed school has along history of minor leaks), do not storeany books, especially the new, valuableones, in cardboard boxes on the floor. Therugs and boxes act like sponges, wickingthe water directly to the books. Storebooks in plastic crates, preferably a fewinches off the floor.Secondly, dry soaked books immediately.We used good-quality paper towels, andblotted the moisture from every page of thehardbound picture books and the nonfictionbooks. We found the paperback books thatwe had rebound as hardbacks, especially ifthey had glossy, colorful pages, suffered themost damage, including warped spines,water-logged covers, ruffled pages, andglued shut pages. Thin, black and whitepaperbacks dried the quickest and best,with the least wrinkling. Surprisingly, theglued spines do not seem to be affected byeither the initial wetting or the dryingprocess. However, we may find the booksfall apart easily with use. Time will tell.The very best way to dry books is in afrost-free freezer! Our school hired aflood-damage restoration expert who sharedthis surprising advice with us. It works.Even the wettest hardbacks dried after fivedays or so with straight book covers andalmost wrinkle-free pages. We weightedthe stacked books with dry encyclopediabooks, wedged tightly to fit the freezershelves. Mid-point in the drying process,we took out the books, dried off the frostand condensation, thumbed through toseparate all the pages possible, and returnedthe still-damp ones to the freezer for a fewmore days.Another good method for drying wet books,especially black and white paperbacks, is inthe food dehydrator. The heat and aircirculation are adjustable. However, we didnot weight the books because thedehydrator has screen shelves.Consequently, some book covers curled,and the pages have some wrinkling. Also,this method seems to be slower than usingthe freezer.A third method to salvage wet books is toinitially blot the moisture from all pages,and then to lay them flat (paperbacks), or toprop them open on tables (hardbacks) in thewet library and just leave them to dry asyour library is being dried bydehumidifiers. This process took five daysfrom the time a commercial companyvacuumed the water from our rugs andinstalled two huge dehumidifiers andseveral powerful blowers. First all the drybooks on the library shelves had to besealed in plastic so they would not absorbthe moisture the dehumidifiers draw fromthe walls and carpet.Soaked CD-ROMS, VCR tapes, and libraryequipment were blotted with paper towelsand left to dry slowly in the library.Fortunately, we always cover our computerswith plastic tablecloths, so they were dry.A water-damaged library creates hours ofwork for both the librarians and volunteerand commercial clean-up crews. But withthe experts, knowledge, equipment, andyour frost-free freezer, the books can besalvaged.M A R C H , 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

URLsyou canuse:Compiled byDebra StombresWORLD WIDE WEBMagazine / Newspaper URLsAutograph Timeshttp://www.celebrityconnection.com/free.htmAviation Week & Space Technologyhttp://www.awgnet.com/aviation/htmBooks and Culturehttp://www.christianity.net/bc/current/Bowling Worldhttp://www.bowlingworld.comBox Office (film magazine)http://www.boxoff.com/Field/3523/index.htmlBusiness Weekhttp://www.businessweek.comCampus Lifehttp://www.christianity.net/campuslife/current/Chicago Tribunehttp://www.chicago.tribune.com/Christian Historyhttp://www.christianity.net/christianhistory/Christian Readerhttp://www.christianity.net/cr/Christian Teenhttp://www2.globalvision.net/resources/teenChristianity Net(All Christianity Today, Inc. magazines)http://www.christianity.netChristianity Todayhttp://www.christianity.net/ctEsquirehttp://www.esquireb2b.comGeorgehttp://www.georgemag.comHealth News Naturallyhttp://www.keats.com/newsHomePChttp://techweb.cmp.com/hpc/Jan97/default.htmlInc. Magazinehttp://www.inc.comJournal of the National Cancer Institutehttp://wwwicic.nci.nih.gov/jnci/jnci_issues.htmlLeadershiphttp://www.christianity.net/leadership/Lifehttp://pathfinder.com/Life/lifehome/htmlThe Los Angeles Timeshttp://www.latimes.comMarriage Partnershiphttp://www.christianity.net/mp/National Geographichttp://www.nationalgeographic.comNaturehttp://www.nature.comNetguidehttp://www.netguide.com/New Scientisthttp://www.newscientist.comThe New York Timeshttp://www.nytimes.com/Pathfinder (all Time/Life publications)http://pathfinder.com/@@7Xd*YQQAcnaAPbyo/welcome/Today’s Christian Womanhttp://www.christianity.net/tcw/Popular Mechanicshttp://popularmechanics.comPremier Magazinehttp://www.premieremag.comReader’sDigest (interactive)http://www.readersdigest.comScientific Americanhttp://www.sciam.comSmithsonian Magazinehttp://www.smithsonianmag.si.eduSports Illustrated for Kidshttp://pathfinder.com/SIFKTV Guidehttp://www.tvguide.comC H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 1 5 M A R C H , 1 9 9 7

U.S.News & World Reporthttp://www.usnews.comAuthor URLKatherine Patersonhttp://www.terabithia.comFull-Text Book URLsThe Adventures of Tom Sawyer by MarkTwainhttp://www.bibliomania.com/Fiction/MarkTwain/TomSawyer-AdventuresAesop’s Fableshttp://www.unix.oit.umass.edu/cushing/aesopAlice’s Adventures in Wonderlandhttp://www.cstone.net/library/alice/alicew.htmlDr. Jekyll & Mr. Hydehttp://www.bibliomania.com/Fiction/stevensn/drjekyll/index.htmlThe Elements of Stylehttp://www.columbia.edu/acis/bartleby/strunkThe Last of the Mohicans by JamesFenimore Cooperhttp://www.bibliomania.com/Fiction/Fenimor/Mohicans/index.htmlLittle Women by Louisa May Alcotthttp://www.bibliomania.com/Fiction/alcott/littlew/index.htmlThe Mysterious Affair at Styles by AgathaChristiehttp://www.columbia.edu/acis/bartleby/christieOld Farmer’s Almanachttp://www.almanac.comThe Picture of Dorian Gray by OscarWildehttp://www.biblomania.com/Fiction/wilde/DorianGray/index.htmlRoget’s Thesaurushttp://www.thesaurus.com/thesaurusSense and Sensibility by Jane Austenhttp://www.inform.umd.edu:8080/EdRes/Topic/WomensStudies/ReadingRoom/Fiction/Sense+SensibilityWorld Fact Bookhttp://www.odci.gov/cia/publications/95fact/index.htmlWuthering Heights by Emily Brontehttp://www.bibliomania.com/Fiction/Bronte/Wuthering/index.htmlLibrary Reference URLsAuthor Web Sitehttp://www.users.interport.net/fairrosa/cl.authors.htmlCiting Electronic Sourceshttp://www.classroom.net/classroom/CitingNetResources.htmlDictionarieshttp://www.onelook.comDictionary of PC Hardware and DataCommunications Termshttp://www.ora.com/reference/dictionaryInkspot: Children’s Writer/IllustratorResourcehttp://www.interlog.com/ohi/inkspot/kidlit.htmlLibsOnline Homepage (Librarian’sIntenet Directory)http://www.libsonline.com/Ready Reference Guide to the Webhttp://k12.oit.umass.edu/rref.htmlSchool Library Linkshttp://www.yab.com/cyberian/#textsWebCats (links to library catalogs on theinternet)http://library.usask.ca/hywebcat/M A R C H , 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

ChristianLibraryJ O U R N A LB O O K R E V I E W SPicture Books . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18Children’s Fiction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28Children’s Nonfiction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35Young Adult Fiction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46Young Adult Nonfiction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57Adult Fiction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64Adult Nonfiction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70Quality of MaterialR A T I N G S Y S T E MAcceptability of Material5 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 recommendC H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 1 7 M A R C H , 1 9 9 7

BOOK REVIEWSPICTURE BOOKSE. Baxter, Leon. The Christmas Story. ISBN0745931936---In the Beginning. ISBN 0745931901.---David and Goliath. ISBN 0745931928---Noah’s Ark. ISBN 0745931928(Let’s Play.) Lion Publishing/ChariotVictor,1995. Hardbound, $3.99. PS.The Christmas Story is the story of Jesus’ birthtold in simple words. First the angel comes toMary telling her that she will have God’s son.Then Mary and Joseph go to Bethlehem and findno room in the inn. Baby Jesus is born in amanger while an angel announces the news to theshepherds. Far away wise men see the star andcame to see baby Jesus.What child doesn’t like to play make believe orimitate grown ups? The Let’s Play series inhardback gives guidelines for acting out wellknown Bible stories. At the end of each shortbook are ideas for acting out the story. Not onlywill children have fun using their imagination,but they also will be learning the basic Biblestories in a way they will never forget. The seriesis practical in its approach of what can be usedfor props, encouraging the use of materials foundin any home. This series is ideal for Sundayschool teachers, home school moms, and thoseworking with children. Parents can also use thebooks for family nights together.The other three books in this series are formattedalong the same lines. In the Beginning is thestory of the creation telling in simple terms whatwas created on each day. David and Goliath tellshow David the shepherd boy killed the giant.Noah’s Ark tells how Noah built the ark and Godsent in the animals until the ark was full. Then itrained for forty days, after which God put therainbow in the sky as a promise to everyone.◆ Quality - 4 ❤ Acceptability - 5Dorcas WalkerFreelance WriterJamestown, TennesseeE. Beers, V. Gilbert and others. ThePreschoolers Family Story Book. VictorBooks/ChariotVictor, 1995. ISBN1564764923. Hardbound, $16.99. PS - K.V. Gilbert Beers with his three daughters, allmothers of preschoolers, has compiled a book oftwenty short stories and questions for thepreschool child. Although it is designed to beused with the Preschoolers Bible, ThePreschoolers Family Story Book can be usedalone in teaching life building values to youngchildren.As the author observes in the introduction:during the preschool years the whole foundationfor life is laid—physically, mentally,emotionally, and spiritually. Most of our later lifeis shaped significantly during these vital years.These are truly the life building years.These twenty stories, each about ten pages longwith bright, bold pictures, help children learnimportant Bible doctrines and life buildingvalues. At the end of each story is a list of sixquestions in a “Let’s talk” section. Some of thestories explore trusting God, pleasing Jesus,saying thank you to Mom and Dad, or God’screation of the world. Each is presented in termsa young child can understand and follow. In“Pleasing Jesus” a boy learns how to give hisfavorite toy to another child who doesn’t haveany toys at all. On the theme of “creation” achild imagines what the world would be like if hehad the chance to design it.The illustrations by Teresa Walsh are large,bright, and colorful and will appeal to a youngchild. The characters she uses represent differentraces, not just one. The illustrations, one perpage, are repeated on the “Let’s talk” page inminiature. These help the child remember thestory while answering questions about thecharacters or their attitudes.◆ Quality - 4 ❤ Acceptability - 5Donna BrownChurch LibrarianPortland, OregonE. Buehner, Caralyn. Fanny’s Dream.Illustrated by Mark Buehner. Dial Books forYoung Readers/Penguin, 1996. ISBN0803714971. Hardbound, $14.99. Gr. 2 - 5.Stout, hard-working Fanny lives on her father’sfarm, and amid the daily chores she does, shetreasures a special dream in her heart. Surely, iffairy godmothers really grants wishes, then herwish will come true—to marry a prince.On the night of the ball, which really is the townmayor’s big party, Fanny waits in her garden forher dreams to come true. But after a long waitsomeone else shows up. This someone brings anoffer to Fanny’s life that she never expected—and after considering her options for over anhour, Fanny sets her dreams aside and agrees tomarry Heber Jensen, not a prince!Much time passes, with hard work, twins, andfinally a little daughter added to Fanny’shomestead. Then one night, Fanny is once againin her garden and the strangest thing happens!Her very late fairy godmother appears, ready atlast to grant her wish.What will Fanny do? Can she really leave herfamily and go off to live in riches and glamour, orhas she already discovered all the wealth she willever need?Charming, unpredictable, and thought-provokingin its simplicity, Fanny’s Dream by CaralynBuehner shows the true value of humanrelationships and everyday toil. Mark Buehnercreates colorful and clever illustrations that trulycatch the mood of the story. This is a delightfultale, one that gives a gentle nudge to the readertowards gratefulness and appreciation for whatthey have—not what they wish they could gain!◆ Quality - 4 ❤ Acceptability - 5Mary McKinneyFreelance WriterPort Orchard, WashingtonE. Carlyle, Linda Porter. Beautiful Bonesand Butterflies. Illustrated by MaryRumford. (A Child’s Steps to Jesus; 6.)Pacific Press Pub. Association, 1993. ISBN0816311234. Hardbound, $6.49. PS - Gr. 2.David and his father go on an outing to thecountry and collect caterpillars. Together athome they witness the miracle of a caterpillarturning into a chrysalis and emerging as abutterfly. David’s father uses this time to explainhow God changes us into something morebeautiful when we ask him into our hearts.The bright bold illustrations supplement thesimple text. The concept of how God changes usis made more clear by the author’s use ofcaterpillars and butterflies. The parent’s guidegives several suggestions how the book can beused to further build on the concept ofconversion.Although the book is directed to parents, teacherswill find it useful also. The uncomplicated wordsand pictures make this an appealing book; thefirst person approach will help young readers andM A R C H , 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 BOOKSlisteners identify with the main character. Notonly will the book elicit discussion on how Godcan see inside us, clear down into our “beautifulbones,” it will also provide inspiration forclassroom children to have their own caterpillarperform a conversion miracle for them.◆ Quality - 4 ❤ Acceptability - 5Pam WebbHomeschool Teacher, Freelance WriterPriest River, IdahoE. Carlyle, Linda Porter. Cookies in theMailbox. Illustrated by Mary Rumford. (AChild’s Steps to Jesus; 5.) Pacific Press Pub.Association, 1993. ISBN 0816311226.Hardbound, $6.49. PS - Gr. 2.In Cookies in the Mailbox the little girl in thestory is hiding, waiting for Mr. Hennessy, themailman who has delivered mail on her street fortwenty-four years, and her good friend. She hassecreted two cookies and a glass of milk in themailbox, and is anticipating his delightedsurprise. Mr. Hennessy happily eats the snack,thanks the kind giver, and delivers her mail.Author Linda Porter Carlyle writes this short,multicultural story in the preschool girl’s firstperson narrative. The full page, colorfulillustrations show her with wavy black hair, rosychocolate skin, and almond eyes. The frequentpictures are bold, warm, and detailed. Aftersharing the mail with her mother, they sittogether on the couch to read a letter from AuntCharlotte. Mom talks about their family and howletters are important to tell news and keep thefamily close. They share a Bible story, and Momexplains that the Bible is God’s letter to thepeople in his family. At the end of the book is atwo page parent guide with instructions on howto share your love of the Bible with your child.The cover illustration by Mary Rumford of amailman peering into a cookie-filled mailboxwill attract readers.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Lynn HardingLibrarian, Snohomish County Christian SchoolLynnwood, WashingtonE. Carlyle, Linda Porter. God and Josephand Me. Illustrated by Mary Rumford. (AChild’s Steps to Jesus; 1.) Pacific Press Pub.,1992. ISBN 0816310920. Hardbound, $6.49.PS - Gr. 1.A little girl’s loving and nurturing care of herkitten, Joseph, is compared to the love God hasfor his children. Just as Sarah has rescued thekitten from harm and meets his every need, soalso God has saved us from a sinful world andsupplies our needs such as giving us parents tocare for us. The kitten is very lovable even whenhe is naughty. In the same way, God loves usalways even when we act unlovable.A Child’s Steps to Jesus is a series of bookswritten to help parents explain to their children insimple terms what it means to have a relationshipwith God. In the back of each is a parent’s guidewhich aids parents in encouraging children toknow God, with tips such as making worshiptime a happy experience and letting your childsee you pray out loud during the day.Linda Porter Carlyle simply and tenderly teacheschildren the loving nature of God through thecomparison to the love and enthusiasm youngchildren have for their pets. The author’s simpleand clear sentences combined with MaryRumford’s large, colorful, and attractiveillustrations reinforce this lesson of God’s loveand mercy.◆ Quality - 3 ❤ Acceptability - 5Susan RobinsonLibrarian, Delaware County Christian SchoolNewtown Square, PennsylvaniaE. Carlyle, Linda Porter. No Olives Tonight!Illustrated by Mary Rumford. (A Child’sSteps to Jesus; 7.) Pacific Press Pub.Association, 1993. ISBN 0816311242.Hardbound, $6.49. PS - Gr. 2.TJ is looking forward to pizza with olives. Whenthe bank’s automatic teller is out of service, TJand his mom have to be content with soupinstead. TJ’s mom uses this as an opportunity totalk about how not only machines can be out ofservice but how sometimes people can also be“out of service.” The tie-in of how Jesus wantsus to help those who sometimes need help beginswith how TJ and his mom deliver groceries totheir Aunt Minnie who is a shut-in. When TJ’smother needs a nap before making dinner hetakes it upon himself to help her by preparing adinner of cereal. Being in service pleases both TJand his mom.There are important concepts being laid here—helping others, how not to be frustrated atcircumstances beyond one’s control, and thegood feeling we receive when we try and succeedin new situations. The parent’s guide givesseveral suggestions of how we can share the joyof helping others with our child. Thesesuggestions can easily be adapted to theclassroom.◆ Quality - 4 ❤ Acceptability - 5Pam WebbHomeschool Teacher, Freelance WriterPriest River, IdahoE. Currey, Anna. Tickling Tigers. Barron’s,1996. ISBN 0812095944. Hardbound, $12.95.ISBN 0812065948. Paperbound, $5.95. PS -Gr. 1.Hannibal was a fine young mouse. He had onefault however. He continually boasted about howwonderful he was and all the marvelous things hecould do. One day he went just a little too far andbragged that he could even tickle tigers!“Go on,” the other mice said, “show us.”Realizing he had bragged just a bit too much,Hannibal still managed to swagger off with histail held high. Carefully, very carefully, Hannibaltook a piece of grass and tickled the nose of asleeping tiger. It was even easier than he thoughtuntil the tiger woke up! All the other tigers (twoof them) came to see what was the matter. Thenbegan a great chase and quite an adventure forpoor Hannibal.Did Hannibal learn his lesson? Read thisdelightful book to young ones and find out.Colorful watercolor illustrations by the authoraccompany the simple text. This book offers amarvelous opportunity, to discuss withyoungsters the wisdom of not bragging to excess.◆ Quality - 4 ❤ Acceptability - 5Mary JarvisFreelance WriterMarysville, WashingtonE. Dixon, Ann. Merry Birthday, Nora Noël.Illustrated by Mark Graham. Wm. B.Eerdman’s, 1996. ISBN 0802851053.Hardbound, $15.00. PS - Gr. 1.Merry Birthday, Nora Noel follows the twothemes of a family waiting for the birth of a newbaby while celebrating the Advent of Christ’sbirth. Author Ann Dixon describes, in poeticlanguage, the journey of a Christmas baby fromconception to birth and the family’s time ofpreparation for her arrival. Linked with thisevent are the weeks of Advent, with a candle litfor each week.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 M A R C H , 1 9 9 7

PICTURE BOOKSA note at the end of the story explains more aboutthe Advent for readers unfamiliar with thetradition and its meaning. The five adventcandles represent hope, peace, joy, faith, andlove.The illustrations by Mark Graham are soft, withmuted colors in keeping with the style of thenarrative. The font used is italic. Each of thelines announcing a new advent candle ishighlighted, using a different color to separate itfrom the rest of the story. However some of theselines, and the beginning letters in someparagraphs, are difficult to read because theyblend in with the muted back-ground color of thepages.This is a gentle story for pre-school age childrenand should be helpful in explaining why and howAdvent is celebrated.◆ Quality - 4 ❤ Acceptability -5Donna BrownChurch LibrarianPortland, OregonE. English, Karen. Big Wind Coming!Illustrated by Cedric Lucas. AlbertWhitman, 1996. ISBN 0807507261.Hardbound, $14.95. K - Gr. 3.By just sniffing the air, Sarah’s Grandpa can tella storm is heading their way. Big Wind Coming!by Karen English chronicles a rural family’ssuspicions, preparations, encounter, and clean upafter an extensive wind storm. Elementary ageSarah tells the story, expressing many normalfears and questions that children would have inthe face of a natural disaster. The watercolorillustrations by Cedric Lucas add wonderfully tothe feel and even the texture of the storm.Well written with enough mild suspense to holdeven adult readers, who will wonder whatdamage the storm will leave. Some of thecharacter’s dialogue contains slang words like,“gonna.” This use of a rural dialect is notexcessive or distracting, but seems natural forthis story and its characters. Sarah’s grandmatells her several times that they are not in controlof the storm, or what damage it does. The lessonthat God is in control may be comforting toelementary age children, but preschoolers mayfind the storm (and future storms) frightening.While this story is especially about a wind storm,it could be applied to other natural disasters thatwould be more likely where the reader lives.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Elizabeth ColemanFreelance WriterTumwater, WashingtonE. Fain, Moira. Snow Day. Walker and Co.,1996. ISBN 0802784097. Hardbound, $15.95.K - Gr. 2.Caught smearing ink on her parochial schooldesk, Maggie Murphy is given the assignment towrite a poem and recite it in front of class thenext day. Maggie thinks her teacher SisterAgatha Ann is the hardest in the school. She issure Sister can just tell when a student hasn’tdone her homework. Putting her homework off,Maggie is saved by a snow day. She is “caught,”however, when she goes sledding and encountersSister Agatha Ann.Delightfully illustrated by the author in oil, thedrawings outshine the text. The story is pleasantenough; both adults and children will probablyenjoy it. While Maggie was punished forsmearing ink on her desk, she was not caughtsending notes to her friends with drawings of herteacher on them.◆ Quality - 4 ❤ Acceptability - 4Elizabeth ColemanFreelance WriterTumwater, WashingtonE. Fazio, Brenda Lena. Grandfather’s Story.Sasquatch Books, 1996. ISBN 1570610282.Hardbound, $14.95. PS - Gr. 1.“Grandson, when I was a young man ...,”Grandfather relates how he gleaned his livingfrom the sea. As the two generations go throughtheir day the old grandfather passes on thewisdom of his years to the young boy at his side.He cautions the child to remember what he hastaught. Sadly, feeling he is of no use to anyone,the old man goes to bed to sleep. His dreams arecolored with a giant turtle and the bird who hadhelped him fish. To his surprise the turtle andbird in his dream tell him he has much yet toteach his grandson. He awakes with hope in hisheart.Brenda Lena Fazio has eloquently takeninspiration from a Japanese poem for thisbeautiful story. Her enchanting water colorillustrations bring this simple tale to life. Alesson of love and caring is taught for both anolder and younger generation. A child will warmto that special bond with a grandparent and a newfocus of purpose will resonate in the heart of anolder person.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Mary JarvisFreelance WriterMarysville, WashingtonE. Flack, Marjorie. La Historia de Ping.Illustrated by Kurt Wiese. Viking/Penguin,1996. ISBN 0670869589. Hardbound, $14.99.PS - Gr. 2.The Story About Ping by Marjorie Flack and KurtWiese was first published in 1933. This classictale, republished in Spanish under the title LaHistoria De Ping, will delight Spanishknowledgeable young children when it is read tothem. Grade schoolers who are studying Spanishmight like to compare the English and Spanishversions. High schoolers taking Spanish couldread it for themselves.Ping is a young, attractive duck who lives on theYangtze River with his family and sixty otherrelatives. Daily they all leave the boat for theriver bank to eat. In the evening the Boat Mastergives his call and all the ducks walk up thegangplank, back to the boat. Ping doesn’t everwant to be late because the last duck always getsa spank. However, one afternoon he is headdown, underwater, chasing a little fish anddoesn’t hear the call. Instead of being last andgetting a spank, Ping hides for the night on shore.The next day he searches everywhere on the riverfor his family. A little boy catches him; thefamily delightedly plan for a duck dinner. Butthe boy secretly releases Ping, right next to hisown boat. Although he is late, this time Pingtakes his spank and is safely reunited with hisfamily. This is a satisfying conclusion to a funbook.The sunny, colorful illustrations are almost fullpage,with just a few lines if story below. TheEnglish-Spanish versions are almost identical,making it easy to use them together. Since thestory follows the classic pattern of characterintroduction, choices, problems, resolution, itcould be used as a pattern book for studentauthors.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Lynn HardingLibrarian, Snohomish County Christian SchoolLynnwood, WashingtonM A R C H , 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 BOOKSE. Gershator, Phillis. Sweet, Sweet FigBanana. Illustrated by Fritz Millevoix.Albert Whitman, 1996. ISBN 080757693X.Hardbound, $14.95. PS - Gr. 1.Soto plants a banana shoot and anticipates sweetfig bananas popular in the Caribbean. He mustguard his plant from the tree rat and thrushee.While the tree is growing, Soto visits vendors inMarket Square who give him their wares for free.The town librarian also helps Soto. When thebananas finally ripen, Soto and his mother sellthem. But Soto saves three hands of bananas forhis vendor friends, the Hat Man, the Fraico Man,and the Librarian. His bananas are his gift tothem.It is enjoyable to see the friendships between achild and adults as well as the gifts given.Children will appreciate Soto’s ability toreciprocate. However, a young listener may noteSoto never eats his own bananas after the longwait. Sweet, Sweet Fig Banana closes with Sototelling the librarian about his fig banana tree. Shewrites his story down. Soto copies the title andillustrates the book. This example might spurchildren to see their experiences worthy ofrecording.Phillis Gershator resides in the Virgin Islands,while Fritz Millevoix was born in Haiti. Both theart and text reflect the Caribbean. Dialect used issimple and fun to read aloud. Primitive paintingscapture the atmosphere of the area.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Lorie Ann GroverFreelance WriterKent, WashingtonE. Godfrey, Jan. The Cherry Blossom Tree :A Grandfather Talks About Life and Death.Illustrated by Jane Cope. Augsburg Fortress,1996. ISBN 080662843X. Hardbound, $6.99.K - Gr.2.The Cherry Blossom Tree tells the story ofHarriet’s visit with her grandpa as he celebrateshis birthday. Harriet and Grandpa go into thegarden and Harriet is dismayed to see that herfavorite tree that should be in full bloom is lyingin pieces on the ground. Grandpa explains thatthe tree has grown very old and died.The connection between age and death makesHarriet very concerned for her grandpa as he isgetting old as well. Grandpa reassures Harrietthat all things that live will eventually die, butthose that love God will be with him in heaven.He uses examples in the garden to demonstratethe new life we will have when we’re in heaven.Jan Godfrey’s book is a gentle introduction to adifficult topic of death. Having Grandpa talkabout the subject is very comforting because hepresents death as very natural, not fearful. Thewatercolor illustrations by Jane Cope are full ofwarmth and color adding to the secure words ofthe text.◆ Quality - 3 ❤ Acceptability - 5Sally KuhnsTeacher, Sylvan Way Christian SchoolBremerton, WashingtonE. Haidle, Helen. The Candymaker’s Gift : ALegend of the Candy Cane. Illustrated byDavid Haidle. Honor Books, 1996. ISBN1562921509. Hardbound, $12.99. PS - Gr. 2.While trying to create a special Christmas gift forhis granddaughter Katie, the candymaker has aninspired idea. He will make her a special candy,one that tells the true story of Christmas. InHelen Haidle’s The Candymaker’s Gift thecandymaker dreams of not just sharing this candywith Katie, but with all the village children. Ashe shapes the candy sticks, the candymakerthinks of the staff the shepherds used when theywent to see Baby Jesus. As he paints on the redstripes, he thinks of the blood Jesus shed when hedied on the cross. Katie is delighted with the newcandy treats, and the candy cane is born.The illustrations by David Haidle are the perfectaccompaniment to this gently written legend.The characters look their part and match theirloving personalities well. Included at the end ofthe book are ideas for family activities, Bibleverses that will enhance the candy cane legend,decorating tips, and easy holiday recipes,involving candy canes, of course. A nice additionto any family’s Christmas tradition or library ofholiday books centering on Christ.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Elizabeth ColemanFreelance WriterTumwater, WashingtonE. Isherwood, Shirley. Something for James.Illustrated by Neil Reed. Dial Books forYoung Readers/Penguin, 1996. ISBN0803719140. Hardbound, $14.99. PS - Gr. 3.Shirley Isherwood hooks her young audienceswith the very first sentence, “One day somethingarrived in a brown paper bag for James.” Butwhat has been left for James? And when willJames discover what it is? The young boy’sanimal friends enter in whole-heartedly to findthe answers, and the reader is drawn in with vividdescriptions: “the worried rustling suddenlystopped. Bear’s paw had the comforting smell ofmuffins and cocoa.” Together they slowly coaxthe shy newcomer from his paper bag, and themystery is solved.Pictures and text work together to bring theanimals to life. The peaceful tone makesSomething for James appropriate bedtimereading. Neil Reed’s colorful artwork withgentle lines will appeal to preschool andkindergarten listeners. Older readers may bemore interested in the story than the illustrations.The boy, James, does not have as much detailgiven to his expressions and actions as do theanimals. Elephant is an endearing character, asare Bear and Something. All five senses areengaged as the story unfolds—the sighs andhiccups of Something, elephant’s trunk andthoughts of a terrible fierce pouncer, and thecalming effects of Bear’s paws and wise advice.Something for James has a satisfying ending,right down to one of Something’s paws still beinga little damp. The scene fades from colors toshades of gray, an abrupt but effective change ofmood. Earlier in the book, Elephant’s mentalimage, black and red, of a fierce “pouncer,” maybother younger children.◆ Quality - 4 ❤ Acceptability - 5Tracie MabryFreelance Writer, Parent VolunteerVancouver, WashingtonE. Kleven, Elisa. Hooray! a Piñata. DuttonChildren’s Books/Penguin, 1996. ISBN0525456058. Hardbound, $15.99. K - Gr. 3Balloons, ice cream, cake, and a pinata! That’sthe formula for a great birthday party in, Hooray!A Pinata by Elisa Kleven. Clara’s birthday iscoming, and she and her friend Sampson havegone downtown to choose a pinata to fill withcandy. Sampson votes for a giant monsterthunder cloud, but Clara decides on a small,rainbow colored dog. She clutches the dogtightly, and begins to think of it as being real.She feeds it, takes it on walks and rides in thepark, and even totes it to Grandma’s house andgives it a ride on the merry-go-round. Samsonwarns her to be careful and keep it safe for theparty, but Clara assures him it will be fine.On the day before the party, Sampson and Claraare making paper hats for the party to guests towear. “It’s going to be sad when we stuff thatpinata with candy and break him,” saysSampson. Clara begins to cry and says she doesnot want him broken. Sampson wants to getClara a real puppy for her birthday, but hermother is allergic to dogs and cats. ThenSampson gets an idea. On the day of the party,Sampson arrives with a big surprise for Clara,and the party is a great success.Hooray! A Pinata is a lot of fun for youngreaders. It is the perfect combination of realityand make-believe that children can relate to, andC H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 2 1 M A R C H , 1 9 9 7

PICTURE BOOKSit also provides a gentle lesson in how to be kindto friends and neighbors. Sampson’s characterportrays friendship in a way that will be inspiringto young readers, and in a way which parentswould be happy to see their children emulate.Kleven’s illustrations are lively, colorful, andhappy. Their childlike spontaneity will bring outthe creativity in young artists, and will make thisbook a favorite for a long time. Included is anauthor’s note on the origin and use of pinatas,which makes this book useful as a learning toolas well.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Virginia. SchnabelFreelance WriterShelton, WashingtonE. Lester, Julius. Sam and the Tigers : A NewTelling of Little Black Sambo. Illustrated byJerry Pinkney. Dial Books for YoungReaders/Penguin, 1996. ISBN 0803720289.Hardbound, $15.99. K - Gr. 3.“Once upon a time there was a place called Samsam-sa-mara,where the animals and the peoplelived and worked together like they didn’t knowthey weren’t supposed to.” Sam, the hero of thistale, goes shopping for school clothes with hisparents, Sam and Sam. Outfitted in his newfinery, Sam sets out for school. Soon, he isstopped by a tiger, who threatens to eat him up.Sam trades his new coat for his life. He meets asuccession of tigers, until he is left crying andwearing only his underwear. The tigers begin tofight amongst themselves and Sam outsmartsthem, reclaiming his clothes.If you ever secretly mourned the disappearanceof that charming tale, Little Black Sambo, into theoblivion of the politically incorrect, you won’twant to miss this retelling. Julius Lester uses asouthern black storytelling voice that sings withwarmth and humor. His use of simile is asgolden as the pool of butter on Sam’s pancakes.This book would be a great tool for teachingchildren to use similes in their writing. JerryPinkney’s illustrations are whimsical and eyepleasing.It is easy to see why this author andillustrator have a long list of impressive awards.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Cathleen Sovold JohnsonFreelance WriterDes Moines, WashingtonE. Locke, Ann. I Can Say Apple. ISBN1899883312---I Can Say Blanket. ISBN 1899883339.---I Can Say Boat. ISBN 1899883320.---I Can Say Teddy. ISBN 1899883304.Illustrated by Louise Batchelor. (I Can SayIt! Word Books.) DeAgostini Children’sBooks/Stewart, Tabori & Chang, 1996..Kiddie Board Book, $2.95. Toddler - PS.Colorful illustrations accompany words thattoddlers are learning to identify and say in thebooks, I Can Say Apple, I Can Say Blanket, I CanSay Boat, and I Can Say Teddy. Each page hasonly one word on it, for a total of twelve wordsper book. The author, Ann Locke, has selectedwords that children just learning to talk can say.These words are common enough that smallchildren can also locate the representation of theword on the page. Most of the words are objectssuch as cat, tree, and chair. There are a fewconcept words like play, big, and wet.At five and one-half inches square and made asboard books, these are the perfect size for littlehands to read. The illustrations by LouiseBatchelor are clear and uncluttered. There are nobackgrounds or extraneous details to confusetoddlers trying to point out the correct object.◆ Quality - 4 ❤ Acceptability - 5Elizabeth ColemanFreelance WriterTumwater, WashingtonE. London, Jonathan. Froggy Goes to School.Illustrated by Frank Remkiewicz.Viking/Penguin, 1996. ISBN 0670867268.Hardbound, $13.99. K - Gr. 4.Froggy has difficulty adjusting to his first day atschool. He even dreams the night before that heattends school in his underwear! Preparation andinterest shown by Froggy’s parents reinforcesfamily interaction. Illustrations are notparticularly attractive. The story line by JonathanLogan is rather frothy and it probably would notbecome a child’s choice for a second read.Light and humorous. Perhaps kindergartenteachers would find this book appropriate to readto new pupils.◆ Quality - 2 ❤ Acceptability - 5Barbara Goy TaenzlerFreelance Writer and Book ReviewerGlenwood, IowaE. Martin, Ann M. Leo the Magnificat.Illustrated by Emily Arnold McCully.Scholastic Press, 1996. ISBN 0590484982.Hardbound, $15.95. PS - Gr. 4.A black and white cat meets a warm receptionwhen he wanders into a church yard oneNovember day. The staff and Sunday Schoolchildren adopt him, naming him Leo theMagnificat. They take good care of him and helives at the church for twelve years, taking part inall the church activities.Everybody loves Leo the Magnificat. He bringstwo lonely people together and later attends theirwedding. He befriends homeless people and theSunday School children. After twelve years, Leois old and tired and in pain. The pastorannounces the vet is going to give him a shot tohelp him die peacefully. They have a funeral forLeo where the people talk about how much hemeant to them.Based on a true story, Leo the Magnificat tugs atthe heart strings of cat lovers. Preschoolers aredelighted when the reader mimics Leo singingalong with the choir during the church service orinterprets the “Mrrow” when Leo returns after hisall day taxi ride. They also might enjoy seeingLeo on the table at the potluck dinners.Beautiful full-color illustrations in watercolorsand gouache, by Caldecott Medalist EmilyArnold McCully, fill every page and add interestto the story. Her illustration of Leo’s face on thehard cover of the 9 1/2 x 10 1/2 inch book isvibrant and appealing. The quality of the artwork would make it a valuable resource in an artclass.Ann M. Martin has written an entertaining storywhich will appeal to any age, especiallykindergarten through grade two. However, itlacks something in take-away value. One thingthat disturbs me slightly, although probably dueonly to the association with daily newspapers, isthe announcement of Leo’s impending death.Since identification with Leo as a member of thechurch is so complete by this point, the Pastor’sannouncement that the vet would give him a shotto “help him die peacefully” struck me asadvocating “mercy killing.” Of course, this maybe appropriate for a cat, but I wondered if a childmight think it is appropriate also for old peoplewho are tired and in pain. It is a sad commentaryon our times that this idea would even occur to areader.◆ Quality - 3 ❤ Acceptability - 4Judith M. GonzalesFreelance WriterMoses Lake, WashingtonE. McCully, Emily Arnold. Mirette on theHigh Wire. G.P. Putnam’s Sons/Putnam,1992. ISBN 0399221301. Hardbound, $15.95.Gr. 2 - 4.Imagine a Parisian boarding house full oftraveling entertainers. Resourceful Mirette helpsher mom run this boarding house, listening to theentertainers and keeping her heart open. Oneevening the sad, retired high-wire walker Bellinibecomes a resident at the boarding house. WhenMirette looks out into the courtyard and seesBellini walking on air she asks him to teach herhow to become “Mirette on the High Wire.” ButM A R C H , 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

PICTURE BOOKSBellini has a tragic secret. Even as Mirette gainscourage and expertise, Bellini faces a direcrossroads in his life. Wonderfully, Mirette’scourage, talent, and love help Bellini face his fearand return to his career.Mirette on the High Wire is set in the Paris of ahundred years ago. Both author and illustrator,Emily McCully’s happy, active watercolorsreflect this colorful era, yet timelessly fit into thereader’s understanding. Full of action andexcitement, the story and pictures, working intandem, encourage the reader to identify withMirette and Bellini as they learn to understandand appreciate each other.The real life wire-walker Blondini is the modelfor Bellini. Several of Blondini’s exploits arerecreated in word and picture. A collage of littlegirl daredevil Emily McCully and all theadventurous girls who will read this book formsthe intrepid Mirette.Mirette on the High Wire also explores tenacity inlearning, friendship, daydreams, and helpingeach other. Emily McCully won a CaldecottHonor award for this book and has won theChristopher Award for her work as both writerand illustrator.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 4Donna EggettFreelance WriterMaiden, North Carolina★McMullan, Kate. If You Were My Bunny.Illustrated by David McPhail. Scholastic,Inc., 1996. ISBN 0590527495. Hardbound,$6.95. PS - K.“If you were my bunny and I were your mama.”moves into “If you were my bear cub and I wereyour mama” and in similar fashion to cat, duck,and dog. The last section says comfortingly, “Ifyou were my baby and I were your mama, I’dpull the covers up to your chin.” Affirmation ofmother’s love flows from every page in If YouWere My Bunny, a superb together-time bookmothers and their children will enjoy over andover. Not only do the words enchant, butMcMullan suggests putting them to familiartunes she lists on the final page.David McPhail’s full-color, double-pageillustrations will keep children’s eyes busy whiletheir ears listen. His captivating drawings,extending to the book’s front, jacket, and insidecover pages, have details and color that interestreaders of all ages.As a bedtime book or as an anytime book, If YouWere My Bunny will surely become a favorite.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Betty M. HockettFreelance Writer and Writing TeacherNewberg, OregonE. McNeal, Tom and Laura. The Dog WhoLost His Bob. Albert Whitman, 1996. ISBN0807516627. Hardbound, $15.95. K - Gr. 3.Willie and Phil are two dogs who live with theirfriend Bob on Bank Street. Bob cleans windowsall over town and on the weekend he washes thetwo dogs. Willie, a labrador retriever, doesn’tmind a bath but Phil, a warm-weather, bowleggedmutt hates water. Every Sunday he triesto avoid his bath. He hides under the bed orpretends to be sick. One time in August, Philjumps through an open window and takes off asfast and as far as he can. Soon he is in a place hehas never seen before. He finds himself in anenormous park and plays fetch with kids andanyone who will throw a stick. Someone feedshim. Then he spends a long night in the park,lonely and missing Bob.In the morning Phil starts for home. But hedoesn’t know how to get back. Days pass intomonths. The weather becomes cold and wet. Noone comes to the park to play or feed him.Sometimes Phil thinks he hears a truck likeBob’s, but it is always someone else’s truck. Onefreezing afternoon, a man in a truck comes to thepark and lets out a pretty, clean dog namedRosebud. Phil plays with his new friends Frankand Rosebud. Frank takes him home and putsout notices for a found dog. But Bob doesn’tcome to get Phil. Weeks pass and more snowfalls. Finally one day Bob sees a flyer and leavesa message on Frank’s answering machine. Frankcalls Bob and returns Phil. Now Phil takes a bathevery Sunday and then goes with Bob to the parkto catch sticks with his friends Frank andRosebud.This tale will hold the interest of children to thelast sentence as they identify with a pooch whodoesn’t like a bath and is lost from his belovedfriend. Colorful illustrations by John Sanfordcapture the delightful personality of thisbeguiling mutt. Simply, but vividly told, thisstory is one children will want to read manytimes over.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Mary JarvisFreelance WriterMarysville, WashingtonE. Mitchell, Margaree King. Uncle Jed’sBarbershop. Illustrated by James Ransome.Simon & Schuster, 1993. ISBN 0671769693.Hardbound, $15.00. Gr. 3 - 5.Uncle Jed came by Sarah Jean’s house everyWednesday night to cut her daddy andGranddaddy’s hair. He was the only black barberin the county and traveled to homes to cut hair.His dream was to someday have his ownbarbershop with four chairs and a big red-andwhitebarber pole outside. Sarah Jean loved to siton his lap and hear how he was saving up for hisown shop. He had been saying the same thing foryears and nobody believed him. Black peopledidn’t have dreams like that in those days.One morning the little girl became sick. Herparents took her to the hospital and learned sheneeded surgery which would cost three hundreddollars. Her daddy didn’t have that kind ofmoney. Uncle Jed provided the money from hissavings and started saving again. The GreatDepression hit and the bank failed when he hadalmost enough saved up for his shop. He had tostart all over. Finally on his seventy-ninthbirthday Uncle Jed opened his barber shop andpeople flocked to it from all over the county. Notlong after that Uncle Jed died, a happy man. Hemade his dream come true even when no one elsebelieved in it. He taught Sarah Jean to dream,too.James Ransome’s vivid illustrations bring thisstirring story to life. This award winning bookcaptures the dreams and struggles of ordinarypeople caught in the segregation of the south.Told from the viewpoint of a girl growing up inthe era before civil rights, it shows the courage ofthe human spirit. It also speaks today of dreamsrealized through hard work and perseverance.Uncle Jed’s Barbershop is an appropriate way tointroduce children to some of the social problemsof our culture and a positive incentive for change.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Mary JarvisFreelance WriterMarysville, WashingtonE. Muller, Gerda. Circle of Seasons. DuttonChildren’s Books/Penguin, 1995. ISBN0525453946. Hardbound, $13.99. PS - Adult.Pictures, more than words, paint the Circle ofSeasons as Gerda Muller, author and illustratorshows the reader the cycle of the year. Althoughshe was born in Holland and now lives in Paris,children of all countries will identify with theevents depicted, with the weather, and with eachlandscape as the year unfolds.The sharing of this book will produce memoriesof past experiences as well as encouragingC H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 2 3 M A R C H , 1 9 9 7

PICTURE BOOKSanticipation of the season ahead. Writing classesof all ages could be inspired to write originalstories or essays of past memories by using themany two-page scenes illustrating the seasons.Teachers will also find this book a good resourcefor science with younger children. This is abeautiful book to be shared with any age.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Marie KnauppRetired LibrarianMonmouth, OregonE. Pomeranc, Marion Hess. The Hand-Me-Down Horse. Illustrated by Joanna Yardley.Albert Whitman, 1996. ISBN 0807531413.Hardbound, $15.95. Gr. 2 - 5.David Solomon is a little boy whose family hasto hide during World War II because they areJewish. Now that the war is over, they hope tomove to America. While they wait, David’s auntRachel teaches him English words about thingshe will see and do there. He cries when she goeson ahead, but she promises to help his family getto America, too. He continues learning the wordsshe gave him, putting them up on his wall.Eventually he gets discouraged and takes themall down, thinking his “Liberty ship” will nevercome.One day David hears a tap on the door and opensit to find a beautiful large old rocking horse witha note on it. It is his if he promises to give it toanother child when he leaves . David names hishorse “Liberty.” He and his friend Martha spendmany enjoyable days riding it, pretending to besoldiers or sea captains or to ride the horse acrossthe ocean to New York City. When David’sfamily gets to go to America, he gives his horseto Martha. On the ship, David’s mother giveshim his treasured box of English words. Theyhave a joyous reunion with Aunt Rachel and livehappily in their new home. David learns manynew words as well as lots more about America.One day, Martha appears at his door and says,“Look. Liberty helped me, too!”The Hand-Me-Down Horse is not only acharming story, but also is useful for teachingchildren to love America and to sympathize withimmigrants who long to come here for a betterlife. Marion Hess Pomeranc has dealt sensitivelywith the tragedy of the Jewish people underHitler. The book can be a good stepping stone toa history lesson of that period, and also toteaching that prejudice is wrong. The value ofgenerosity is shown by the hope the horsebrought to a small boy. Colorful paintings byJoanna Yardley illustrate each page and help us“see” the life of this family. An interestingepilogue provides background information aboutHolocaust survivors.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Judith M. GonzalesFreelance WriterMoses Lake, WashingtonE. Reidy, Hannah. Crazy Creature Colors.ISBN 1899883436.---Crazy Creatures Counting. ISBN1899883428.Illustrated by Clare Mackie. (CrazyCreatures Concepts.) DeAgostini Children’sBooks/Stewart, Tabori & Chang, 1996.Hardbound, $6.95. PS - K.The writer/illustrator team of Hannah Reidy andClare Mackie must have very interesting dreams,for the creatures that romp through their books,Crazy Creatures Counting and Crazy CreatureColors, can only be the product of the dreamingmind. While some of the creatures are engaging,others are simply strange. All of these outlandishcreatures, however, will appeal to the youthfulimagination. And this, of course, is the point.For while children often make the process oflearning look like child’s play, there are timeswhen a bit of entertaining packaging makes thelesson easier to swallow.But this is old news, and most library shelves arewell-stocked with books intended to makecounting and color identification fun. With thisin mind, it must be said that the counting bookdoes not really offer anything new. The readercounts from one to ten, along with creatures whoswoosh, woosh, and tip-toe around oversizeddigits.The Crazy Creature Colors book, on the otherhand, does offer an original approach. The readeris introduced to three creatures, each representinga primary color. As the book progresses, newcolors are created as the creatures’ paints drip anddribble into one another. The book ends with afour-page pull-out spread wherein the creaturesgo crazy with their paint pots.These robust books will bear up to repeatedreadings and the stickiest of fingers.◆ Quality - 3 ❤ Acceptability - 5Sylvia StopforthLibrarian, Trinity Western UniversityLangley, British Columbia, CanadaE. Ryan, Cheryl. Sally Arnold. Illustrated byBill Farnsworth. Cobblehill Books/Penguin,1996. ISBN 0525651764. Hardbound, $14.99.K - Gr. 4.Jenny Fox has come to stay with Grandpa for thesummer and help out in the general store. She isbored. She already swept the floor and arrangedthe canned goods. She doesn’t think Grandpareally needs her help. She picks up her fiddle toplay a tune, but then a strange woman passes bythe window. It is Sally Arnold. Sally searchesthe ditches, road banks and weeds, picking upthings. Jenny imagines all sorts of wild things;like Sally is cooking up magic spells. Jennybegins to spy on Sally Arnold. But when Sallyplays her harmonica at the store, Jenny decidsthat maybe she is just lonely. She goes out toSally’s cabin one afternoon and finds out whySally gathers such things. Sally shows Jennyhow to make a gathering basket and to gatherwhat she needs to make something new. Just likethe birds.Cheryl Ryan has created a magical story thatteaches us the dangers of jumping to conclusionsand the power of the imagination. She has founda way to bring a small town in the AppalachianMountains of West Virginia to life in our minds.The illustrations truly tell a story all their own.Bill Farnsworth is a fabulous painter. His use ofsoft colors create a mood that makes Ryan’swords come alive.This book would make a great read-aloud. Thecombination of the bright illustrations and theintriguing story of Sally, will capture theattention of any youngster. It will also open upthe opportunity to discuss our treatment of peoplethat are different than we are. You won’t want tomiss out on this book!◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Marcia Snyder, LibrarianValley Christian SchoolMissoula, MontanaE. Rylant, Cynthia. The Old Woman WhoNamed Things. Illustrated by KathrynBrown. Harcourt Brace, 1996. ISBN0152478099. Hardbound, $15.00. PS - Gr. 3.The old woman in this tender tale has outlived allher friends. She eases her loneliness by namingthose things around her that she feels assured willM A R C H , 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

PICTURE BOOKSoutlive her. Her wing-finned old car is “Betsy,”her old high-backed chair is “Fred,” the iron bedis “Roxanne,” and the one-hundred year oldhouse is “Franklin.”Her somewhat comfortably arranged life isdisturbed one day by a small brown puppy whoappears at her gate. He continues to come eachday and the old woman becomes more and morefond of him. She does not risk naming him,however, for fear of outliving him and having tolose another friend.When the dog stops coming to the gate, she isdistraught. A phone call to the dogcatcher’skennel reveals little because so many brown dogsare there. Upon arriving at the kennel, she isasked to give the dog’s name. The old womanrealizes she must name the dog, and in theprocess, makes a decision to risk being hurt againin order to have the dog. She decides on thename “Lucky” because she remembers howlucky she has been to have had so many friendsin the past. She takes Lucky home in ahappy-ever-after ending.The Old Woman Who Named Things gentlypresents the situation of many older people andthe pain of losing friends, while at the same timeproviding a wonderfully entertaining story. Theconcept of “luck” versus “providence” or‘“blessing” would need to be brought out withyounger readers.In the illustrations, Kathryn Brown gives the oldwoman distinctive personality through herslightly exaggerated features such as her highcoiffure and old cowboy boots she wears. Eachpage is worth studying for the marvelousincidental details that endear the reader to the oldwoman.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 4Arlene NealTeacher, Covenant SchoolGranite Falls, North CarolinaE. Schroeder, Alan. Carolina Shout!Illustrated by Bernie Fuchs. Dial Books forYoung Readers/Penguin, 1995. ISBN0803716788. Hardbound, $14.99. K - Gr. 6.Delia loves music, in fact, Delia hears musicwherever she goes. And wherever she goes inCharleston, South Carolina, she finds music inthe raindrops, her mother’s laugh, a rusty,squeaky gate, the wheels of the milk wagon, andwheeze of a horse. She finds music in thehammering of the carpenters as they work with a“Whomp, bidda-bay! Whomp, bidda-bay!Come six o’clock we quit our day.” This bookwith its enticing oil on canvas illustrations byBernie Fuchs, is chock full of sounds and shoutsinspired by the everyday life of this pre-WorldWar II city.In an Author’s Note, Alan Schroeder bemoansthe passing of the vendors’ songs from theeveryday life of our cities. In Carolina Shout! hehas attempted to record for history’s sake thispart of our vanishing cultural history. A goodfollow up project for our children might be tohave them listen to the common sounds in theirown town and neighborhood and write a shoutfor them.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Judy DriscollChrist the King AcademyPoulsbo, WashingtonE. Seabrooke, Brendal. Looking forDiamonds. Illustrated by Nancy Mantha.Cobblehill Books/Penguin, 1995. ISBN052565173X. Hardbound, $14.99. PS - Gr. 3.A granddaughter and her grandfather spend somespecial time together in Brenda Seabrooke’sbook, Looking for Diamonds. Although Amyloves the long evenings by the fireside, sleepingin the softest bed with Grandmother, and theextra big country breakfast, the best of all comeswhen she takes her morning walk withGrandfather. Sometimes they find frostdiamonds, and other times there are dewdiamonds, but on this visit Amy has only found apiece of quartz which Grandfather says is onlyalmost a diamond.However, just as the searchers come back,Grandmother is on the back porch, and they finda special surprise. The ending will delight youngreaders and inspire them to look for specialadventures with their own families.Nancy Mantha has illustrated each page withwater colors, giving a magical appearance to boththe early morning search and to the specialevening adventures as well. The illustrationscomplement the text so well that the listeners willbe able to see the story unfold as they hear it read.This is an excellent story to encourage specialrelationships between the generations.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Marie KnauppRetired LibrarianMonmouth OregonE. Shannon, George. Heart to Heart.Illustrated by Steve Björkman. HoughtonMifflin, 1995. ISBN 0395727731.Hardbound, $13.95. PS - Gr. 4.In a heart-warming story of sharing andfriendship, George Shannon’s Heart to Heartgraphically depicts how to give from the heart onValentine’s Day. The day does not start well forSquirrel. Receiving a big valentine from Mole inthe mail should be special, but Squirrel has beenso busy he has forgotten. He is not prepared togive Mole a valentine when he comes with a cakefor lunch. Action-packed illustrations follow asSteve Bjorkman shows Squirrel’s frantic rush tocreate a valentine for Mole.The exclamation, “Wait! Better yet—he’ll neverguess I forgot,” follows each wonderfuldiscovery Squirrel makes until his frantic searchfor scissors almost dooms the project to failure.Then the reader will be charmed by eachdiscovered memory of times Squirrel and Molehave shared. And just in time, the mostmeaningful valentine is ready.This fast moving, action-packed story will betreasured by all young readers and story-tellersalike.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Marie KnauppRetired LibrarianMonmouth, OregonE. Slate, Joseph. Miss Bindergarten GetsReady for Kindergarten. Illustrated by AshleyWolff. Dutton Children’s Books/Penguin,1996. ISBN 0525454462. Hardbound, $14.99.PS - Gr. 1.Who cannot relate to a teacher and a class ofeager kindergarten students, all busy preparingfor the first day of school? Each one preparestheir clothes and their lunches, bids farewell tothe familiar preschool life and sets off to bravelyface a new world. But this class is different.Miss Bindergarten is a very typical teacher whohas a special outfit for the first day of school, acar full of decorations and boxes ofmanipulatives and activities to fill her classroom.As she sets up the room, her helpful pet parrot isby her side. The unique thing about MissBindergarten is that she is a lovely black andwhite dog, and each of her students is a differentanimal. There are twenty-six students and eachof their names as well as the name of the animalthat they are, begins with a different letter of thealphabet. As they are introduced, in alphabeticalorder of course, we also see how they andmembers of their family are getting ready forkindergarten. Adam (the alligator) wakes up. IanLowe (the iguana) says, “I won’t go!” and LennyLoome ( the lion in a wheelchair) says, “Vroovroo-vroom!”The clever illustrations are bright and attractiveand have tiny details that will draw children topore over each one. Teachers, parents, andC H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 2 5 M A R C H , 1 9 9 7

PICTURE BOOKSchildren will have special times together as theyfind the hilarious details in each picture. Beforekindergarten begins, children will want to readthis book to find out what they will do when theyget there. After the first day, parents can use thesequence of events to entice their child to tellabout the events of their day. And later childrenwill tell the story of their first day as they reviewagain and again the joy of finding new friendsand the excitement of learning.Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergartenis pure fun from the title page where MissBindergarten’s cuckoo clock delivers a messageof “Rise and Shine” to the last photo page witheach student’s name and animal family name. Infact, I am ready for the next Miss Bindergartenbook. I certainly hope there is one on its way.◆ Quality - 4 ❤ Acceptability - 4Sharon Ann Rau, LibrarianValley Christian SchoolsAbbotsford, British Columbia, CanadaE. Slyder, Ingrid. The Fabulous FlyingFandinis. Cobblehill Books/Penguin, 1996.ISBN 0525652124. Hardbound, $14.99. PS -Gr. 2.A new family has moved into the neighborhoodin The Fabulous Flying Fandinis. The neighborsbegin to remark about the odd Fandinis. BobbyBrown hears the comments of his neighbors andis hesitant to meet this new family. Afterencouragement from his parents, he visits theFandinis and finds out they are a circus familywho have turned their home into a circus.The Fandinis have no fear of flying through theair on trapezes, riding an elephant, jumping ontrampolines, or walking on tightropes. Bobby,however, is very nervous. He is afraid of tryingsomething new and daring. Most of all he isconcerned about what others will think of him ifhe participates in the stunts. Will the neighborsthink he is strange too? If he fails at one of thetricks, will the Fandinis mock him? Eventuallythrough the encouragement of his family and theFandinis, Bobby attempts to walk on the family’sclothesline and realizes how much fun he hasbeen missing.Ingrid Slyder’s The Fabulous Flying Fandinis isa beautifully illustrated book which willencourage children to face their fears in order totry new things. The Fabulous Flying Fandiniswill show children that by being more concernedabout the opinions of others, they could risklosing the opportunity to be involved insomething unique. Readers will also learn to notlet the negative views of others prevent themfrom finding out for themselves what people arereally like.Ingrid Slyder’s large, colorful, and cheerfulillustrations reflect the circus theme of this book.Her beautifully designed borders, contrastingpatterns, and humorous pictures are reminiscentof the work of the artist Mary Englebreit. Thebright illustrations highlight the joy of livingexperienced by the Fandinis.◆ Quality - 4 ❤ Acceptability - 5Susan RobinsonElementary LibrarianDelaware Co. Christian SchoolNewtown Square, PennsylvaniaE. Turner, Barbara J. A Little Bit of Rob.Illustrated by Marni Backer. AlbertWhitman, 1996. ISBN 0807545775.Hardbound, $14.95. PS - Gr. 3.It is the first time Lena and her parents have gonecrabbing since her older brother’s death. Thememory of Rob is very painful to the family. Justthe mention of his name is difficult. The three ofthem try to be strong and pretend that nothing haschanged.The boat trip in the lonely, still night is anopportunity for the family to begin the healingprocess. Lena finds an old sweatshirt of Rob’s.The feel of the warm sweatshirt makes Lena feelhis close presence through her memories of othertimes they have gone crabbing as a family. Onthe way home in the early morning light, Lenasees the sadness on her parents’ faces.Wanting to share her special memories of Rob,Lena asks her father to pull the car over. She thenspreads Rob’s sweatshirt over the three of them.The family spends cherished moments sharingtheir remembrances of Rob. Tears and laughterare expressed. The rising sun reflects the healingof their grieving hearts.Barbara J. Turner’s sensitively written A Little Bitof Rob will be a special book to those dealingwith the loss of a loved one. The grievingprocess can be a difficult time especially forchildren who have trouble expressing theirfeelings. Children will be encouraged to sharespecial memories and to talk about their griefafter hearing or reading A Little Bit of Rob.Marni Backer’s oil paintings are a beautifulbackdrop to this story. The sadness andloneliness of the family is represented throughthe darker illustrations of the sea and the nightsky. The hope of healing is pictured throughbright, autumn-like colors as Lena finds thesweatshirt and when the family shares their dearmemories of Rob on the way home.A Little Bit of Rob will be a helpful resource forteachers and other adults seeking to help childrendeal with grief. Even adults will be encouragedto think of special memories they have of lovedones. Barbara J. Turner reminds us through ALittle Bit of Rob that the dear people we have lostare still an important part of our lives.◆ Quality - 4 ❤ Acceptability - 5Susan RobinsonElementary LibrarianDelaware Co. Christian SchoolNewtown Square, PennsylvaniaBack IssuesChristian Library Journal$9.00 eachSpring SpecialE. Vigna, Judith. Black Like Kyra, White LikeMe. Albert Whitman, 1992. ISBN0807507792. Paperbound, $5.95. Gr. 1 - 3.At the beginning of Black Like Kyra, White LikeMe, Christy has three best friends; Matt and Julielive in her neighborhood, and Kyra takesgymnastics at the youth center with her. Christy,Matt, and Julie are white. Kyra is black.Wishing that she and Kyra could spend moretime together, Christy tells Kyra that the house$4.50 eachOrder copies to extend your collection. Offer expires 6/30/97.(Available: Oct., Nov. 95; Sept., Nov. 96; Jan., Mar. 97)M A R C H , 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

PICTURE BOOKSnext to hers is for sale. Looking for a saferneighborhood, Kyra’s family soon moves in.Immediately trouble begins. Matt and Juliearen’t allowed to play with Kyra or with Christyanymore, and then tires are slashed and yards aretrashed. Christy can’t understand why everyonein the neighborhood doesn’t like Kyra’s familywhen they’ve never met. Even her own parentshave their own subtle prejudices that confuseChristy. At the end of the book Christy has onlyone best friend, someone she discovers who is atrue friend.Effectively told through Christy’s eyes, JudithVigna captures the anger and confusion that kidscan feel when caught in a situation that is difficultto understand. The illustrations help convey thefeelings of the characters and are pleasantlydrawn in watercolor by the author. There are anumber of stereotypes present throughout thebook (i.e. blacks living in bad neighborhoods,whites living in good ones) and a mention of akid getting shot. There is no mention ordemonstration of forgiveness, loving one’s notso-niceneighbor, or explanation of why oneshould be friends with people of different races.◆ Quality - 4 ❤ Acceptability - 3Elizabeth ColemanFreelance WriterTumwater, WashingtonE. Vyner, Tim. The Tree in the Forest.Barron’s, 1995. ISBN 0812064925.Hardbound, $12.95. PS - Adult.In the style of the old well-known nursery rhyme,“This is the house that Jack built,” readers of allages will enjoy the unfolding of the story of lifein the heart of the forest as the tree waits for theseed “which fell from a height,” to become thesapling “standing upright,” under its spreadingbranches.Tim Vyner’s The Tree in the Forest is beautifullyillustrated with impressionistic backgrounds ofleaves and vines and colorful native life as eachanimal enters the repeated saga. Inside the backcover is a short description of each one of theforest family that becomes part of the repetitiousjingle. Not only are the frog, snake, monkey, cat,sloth, tamarinds, panther, toucan, and beetle seenin their natural environment, but the life cycle ofthe tree is depicted in a colorful way.Younger children will enjoy the repetition andolder readers will appreciate the glossary insidethe back cover.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Marie KnauppRetired LibrarianMonmouth, OregonE. Waber, Bernard. Gina. Houghton Mifflin,1995. ISBN 039574279X. Hardbound,$14.95. Gr. 2 - 3.Gina, a picture book by Bernard Waber, tells thestory of the title girl, Gina, who moves into anapartment house where there are boys, boys,boys, from Alvin to Zbigniew. Boys, but no girlsher age to play with. In fact, her only friendseems to be her cat, Paloma. Gina does not enjoygirl-things like shopping; she is interested inother activities like drawing space creatures andcollecting pictures of sports stars. Gina finallymakes an inroad into the male world when shetells Nate (or was it Joe?) that she can throw abaseball, and does! And Gina is at last acceptedfor her ball-playing prowess. Then, with an oddtwist on the theme, the first day of school comes,and Gina’s mom helps her tom-boy get ready forThe Big Day: an emerald green blouse and twofat braids. Will the new image be tolerated?The highlight of Gina is the drawings. Althoughthe book is cleverly written in rhyme, the basicpremise is called into question. Gina isappreciated for her ability, not for her character.◆ Quality - 3 ❤ Acceptability - 4Su HagertyFreelance WriterIssaquah, WashingtonE. Watkins, Dawn L. Once in Blueberry Dell.Illustrated by Tim Davis. Bob JonesUniversity Press, 1995. ISBN 0890848289.Paperbound, $5.49. PS - Gr. 1.Once in Blueberry Dell by Dawn Watkinscombines elements of a biblical parable and aclassic fairy tale. The main characters are avillage of moles awaiting a visit from theirprince. Everything in Blueberry Dell must beperfect for his visit. When a tired miller in adusty wagon threatens to spoil that perfection,the villagers insist that he find lodging in the nexttown. Only Happy Mole is willing to care for thestranger and make him welcome in his ownhome. When the prince finally arrives, thevillagers learn that he came to their village theprevious day disguised as the miller and onlyHappy Mole made him welcome.The illustrations in this paperback book are verycolorful and will appeal to young children. Thetext is printed on colored pages with whiteborders. The illustrations have a cartoon quality.Perhaps the most appealing is the prince’s coachbeing pulled by two large grasshoppers.The story is predictable. The villagers get their“comeuppance” and Happy Mole is rewardedwith a new home in the prince’s valley.◆ Quality - 3 ❤ Acceptability - 5Donna E. BrownChurch LibrarianPortland, OregonE. Watkins, Dawn L. The Spelling Window.Illustrated by John Roberts. Bob JonesUniversity Press, 1993. ISBN 0890846774.Paperbound, $5.49. K - Gr. 4.What happens when the deaf boy from next dooris invited on a field trip to the state capital? Willhe speak too loudly and at the wrong times? Willhe go places that are off limits and get stuck inthe elevator? How will the world of Shelly andKathy be big enough to include Seth? There is astart to finding solutions, and it’s called TheSpelling Window, written with compassion andinsight by Dawn L. Watkins.The illustrations by John Roberts have awatercolor feel, warm and accepting like the text.The spelling window of the title is introducedearly, showing the older sister Kathy signing tothe across-the-alley neighbor, Seth.The text invites you to recall your first visit to alarge public building, the overwhelming size, theamplification of the sounds. Shelly, the youngersister, is the narrator. She matures much in herunderstanding and accepting the hearingimpaired over the course of the field trip,acceptance and creative thinking to help rescuethe trapped Seth. The author manages thiswithout judgment or censure.The vocabulary used in The Spelling Window andthe story-line allow for a wide range of ages andinterests.◆ Quality - 4 ❤ Acceptability - 5Su HagertyFreelance WriterIssaquah, WashingtonC H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 2 7 M A R C H , 1 9 9 7

BOOK REVIEWSCHILDREN’S FICTIONF. Dickens, Charles. Oliver Twist. Abridgedby Lesley Baxter. Illustrated by ChristianBirmingham. Dial Books for YoungReaders/Penguin, 1996. ISBN 0803719957.Hardbound, $19.99. Gr. 5 - Adult.Dickens’ Oliver Twist has been abridged byLesley Baxter with simplified language and storyline to introduce young people to this classic.The story line is still compelling and draws thereader in to discover the fate of young Oliver.Oliver Twist was orphaned when his mother diedin childbirth in a workhouse in London. Thestory follows Oliver through the travails of hisyoung life that land him in the company of streetthieves. Oliver has no desire to become part ofthis band of thieves but suffers the consequencesof association and their compulsion to use him tosuit their evil purposes.Through a series of coincidences and “twists” offate all ends well for young Oliver. The same cannot be said of the thieves, which meet somerather grisly fates through bludgeoning andaccidental hanging. It might also be noted thatOliver’s birth was the result of an adulterousrelationship.The illustrations by Christian Birmingham areoutstanding and add depth to the story bydepicting old England and the mood and feel ofthe storyline. The cover showing anapprehensive Oliver appealing for more food inthe workhouse is an excellent choice as itcompels the reader to open the book and find outmore.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 4Sally KuhnsTeacher, Sylvan Way Christian SchoolBremerton, WashingtonF. Gire, Ken. Treasure in an Oatmeal Box.NavPress/NavPress, 1990. ISBN 0891093672.Paperbound, $6.00. Gr. 2 - 8.Kevin and Kim are ten-year-old twins in thisstory by Kevin Gire. But Kim has normalintelligence, while Kevin is mentallyhandicapped. The story follows Kevin’sadventures and point of view but also exploressome of Kim’s feelings of embarrassment andfrustration with her brother.Their first day at a new school is particularlytrying for both of them. On the way home fromschool their school bus injures a puppy. Whenthe twins are let off at their stop, Kevin goes backto help the injured dog. Kevin and Kim wrap thedog in Kevin’s jacket and take him home withthem. The twins are allowed to keep the dog andKevin forms a strong attachment to the pup.In an exciting scene in which Kevin is trapped byan angry bear, his dog, Wiggles, leads rescuers tothe boy with his barking and distracts the bear ina crucial moment, saving Kevin’s life.The author writes a humorous and moving storyaround Kevin’s strengths and weaknesses. Whentragedy hits the family, Kevin’s love reaches eachof them with the gifts and notes he has tuckedaway for them in empty oatmeal boxes.This is a well-written, fast-paced story withexcellent characterization. Readers of many ageswill enjoy meeting Kevin and seeing life throughhis eyes.◆ Quality- 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Donna BrownChurch LibrarianPortland, OregonF. Great Stories Remembered. Compiled andedited by Joe Wheeler. Focus on the FamilyPublishers, 1996. ISBN 1561794597.Hardbound, $19.99. Gr. 3 - AdultCaptivating stories. From the miracle on theBrooklyn subway during post World War IItrauma, to the marvel at the old homestead—theonly place Johnny felt loved—to the discovery inthe science lab that changed one man’s worldview, Joe Wheeler’s Great Stories Rememberedis a book worth reading. It will make one laughand make one cry, and keep one turning pages.Like great grandma’s quilts rediscovered arethese unfamiliar tales from an unfamiliar time. Itwas a time when “there was an understandingbetween parents, school, church, and publishinghouses that children were to be protected fromharsh adult realities until they were old enough toface them without being destroyed.” A time thatwarms the heart and refreshes the soul.Since his boyhood, Joe Wheeler has devouredentire library collections. The past few years hehas searched through thousands of books fromwhat he calls the Golden Age of Stories,1880-1950, compiling the richest of the gold.Wheeler believes parents must inspire theirchildren if they want them to grow up to beloving, caring, and kind. “Their minds, hearts,and souls should be filled with somethingpositive,” he declares. “For that to happen weneed stories that instill the biblical values wehold dear.”It is upon this tenet Wheeler has compiled hisGreat Stories Remembered. These tales are sopoignant one may need a box of tissues next tothe reading chair. Since both adults and childrenwill enjoy these great narratives, one should pullup an extra chairs invite someone to crawl uponit, and begin the lifelong journey of joy intostories.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Ginger McGrathFreelance WriterMcMinnville, OregonF. Hall, Donald. When Willard Met BabeRuth. Illustrated by Barry Moser.Browndeer Press/Harcourt Brace, 1996.ISBN 0152002731. Hardbound, $16.00. Gr. 2- 5.Donald Hall has done an excellent job weavingthis tale of Willard’s three encounters with hishero, Babe Ruth. Willard’s father’s commentsabout politics and major league baseball help setthe story in its rightful time in America’s history.The first meeting takes place by accident—BabeRuth’s accident in his speeding roadster onWillard’s road. Willard’s father pulls him outwith the tractor and Babe Ruth gives Willard abaseball glove. A year later, Willard and hisfather travel to Boston to hear President Wilsonand spend the afternoon at a Red Sox game.Between games, Babe Ruth spots Willard alongthe fence and gives him a ball to go with hisglove. Seventeen years later, Willard and hisfather take Willard’s daughter Ruthie to see theBoston Braves and her namesake, Babe Ruth,play ball. Babe Ruth autographs Ruthie’sscorecard and tells her that if he hits one today,it’s for her birthday. In that season opener BabeRuth hit his 709th home run.Vivid watercolor illustrations by Barry Moser onevery other page of book help readers visualizethis delightful story of a boy’s love of baseball.Although not a biography of Babe Ruth, muchinformation about him is given within thenarrative. Babe Ruth uses profanity each time hespeaks with Willard. This could be distracting tothe Christian young person who has beenshielded from this type of language. However,M A R C H , 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 FICTIONby leaving out the profanity, this book could beread aloud and enjoyed by boys and girls whoenjoy baseball.◆ Quality - 4 ❤ Acceptability - 2Patricia PerryLibrarianNorthside Christian SchoolWesterville, OhioF. Hickman, Janet. Jericho. Avon Books,1996. ISBN 0380726939. Paperbound, $3.99.Gr. 3 - 6.Twelve-year-old Angela goes on vacation withher family to her grandmother’s house in a smalltown. In taking care of her great-grandmother,Angela learns to deal with some of her ownquestions and loneliness. Jericho is the name ofthe town as the great-grandmother knew it, andthe story moves back and forth in time betweenpresent day and long ago. Angela’s days areportrayed in present tense, which is awkward toread and causes the story to drag. The greatgrandmother’sreminiscences are much moretightly written in past tense. At first theseswitches in tense are distracting to the reader.Janet Hickman’s main characters are welldeveloped as the story progresses. There arequite a few people, and some are referred to bymore than one name, which is confusing.Descriptive phrases are used to bring the dramato life: “She tries to ignore the sun, which seemsto grow brighter by the minute, striking once onthe back of her head and a second time in hereyes as it glares off the first white page.” Not asmuch detail is given to physical descriptions ofthe members of Angela’s family, however.A clear inset within a less defined scene on thecover attracts the reader’s eye. The descriptionon the back cover may not catch the intendedaudience’s attention, but is helpful for parentsand other adults recommending books. Readersin the third and fourth grades may be confused bythe changes in time and setting. Children witholder family members will relate to Angela’sdifficulties in dealing with her greatgrandmother.Jericho’s shifts in time enable readers to realizetheir situations are not unique, and mayencourage children in upper middle grades toinquire about their own family history.◆ Quality - 3 ❤ Acceptability - 5Tracie MabryFreelance WriterVancouver, WashingtonF. Jackson, Isaac. Somebody’s New Pajamas.Illustrated by David Soman. Dial Books forYoung Readers/Penguin, 1996. ISBN0803715498. Hardbound, $14.99. K - Gr. 3.Isaac Jackson takes a fresh look at bridging thedifferences between friends, in Somebody’s NewPajamas. This story features two black boys inan urban setting who discover they can be friendsdespite obvious income differences. At first,Jerome is intimidated by the expansiveness ofRobert’s home, his nice clothes, and even the factthat Robert wears pajamas to bed. But, byaccepting their differences and embracing hisown family’s way of doing things, Jerometranscends his insecurities.In his writing, Jackson treats both families with adeliberate respect: the rich child is not better thanthe poor, just different. And those differences arenot bad, just part of the flavor of “who we are andthe way we do things.”David Soman’s illustrations give this book fleshand blood and emotion. In a delightful study offacial expression and body language, he capturesthe heart and soul of Jackson’s story. Somanpaints believable boys with a wonderful mix ofinnocence, affection, and mischief.Jackson has turned out a good story for teachingmutual respect and self-acceptance. By the finalscene, you’ll feel you’ve met these familiessomewhere and liked them very much.◆ Quality - 4 ❤ Acceptability - 5Tammy PerronFreelance WriterSnohomish, WashingtonF. Jerman, Jerry. Danger at Outlaw Creek.(The Journeys of Jessie Land; 4.) VictorBooks/ChariotVictor, 1995. ISBN1564764656. Paperbound, $5.99. Gr. 3 - 6.Danger at Outlaw Creek sees Jessie helping anold friend on a movie set in Arizona. Set in theDepression, Jessie struggles to trust God in themidst of her many hair-raising adventures. Bravebut quick-tempered Jessie contends with a selfcenteredchild-actress, a gang of suspicious townkids, evil scoundrels, explosions, and an excitingtrain wreck. Improbable, but quick-moving, thestory will satisfy a young mystery lover.An eye-catching cover depicts Jessie handcuffedto her friend, and will attract eager readers.References to Jessie’s faith are interspersedthroughout, and eventually lead to her learningthat, in spite of her doubts and dangers, the Lordnever fails. The story makes its point withoutbeing preachy or interfering with the plot. Light,but entertaining.◆ Quality - 3 ❤ Acceptability - 5Cathy BittnerLibrarian, Cascade Christian SchoolTacoma, WashingtonF. Johnson, Lois Walfrid. The VanishingFootprints. (Adventures of the Northwoods;4.) ISBN 155661103X.---Trouble at Wild River. (Adventures of theNorthwoods; 5.) ISBN 1556611447.---The Mysterious Hideaway. (Adventures ofthe Northwoods; 6.) ISBN 1556612389.---Grandpa’s Stolen Treasure. (Adventures ofthe Northwoods; 7.) ISBN 1556612397.Bethany House Publishers, 1991-1992.Paperbound, $5.99. Gr. 3 - 8.Kate O’Connell is known to family and friendsas “Curious Kate.” Her curiosity leads her, herbrother Anders, and his friend Erik, to pursue andsolve mysteries in and around their small town inWisconsin. The year is 1907.In The Vanishing Footprints Kate learns that theCreamery checks for the area’s farmers havebeen stolen. Many families, including her own,depend upon those checks. Kate, Anders, andErik set out to help find the checks. While icefishing, the trio sees a mysterious object floatingunder the ice. Snagging the chain with a fishingline they pull the object to the surface anddiscover a sealed milk can containing all themissing checks. Hiding the can, in the bushes thefriends go for help. But when they return, themilk can has been stolen again. Now the thiefknows who they are. Kate and Anders soonbegin finding threatening messages written in thesnow outside their home.Author Lois Walfred Johnson writes a goodmystery story for young readers while providinginteresting insights into turn of the century life inthe farming areas of northeast Wisconsin. Someof the practices she describes are: ice harvesting,butter making, and tapping sugar maple trees.Each book in the series contains an independentstory with background detail from previousstories to help a new reader catch up on Kate’slife and family.C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 2 9 M A R C H , 1 9 9 7

CHILDREN’S FICTIONIn Trouble at Wild River Kate and the boysjoin a family of Chippewa Indians inmaking maple syrup and candy from thesap of sugar maple trees. On their way tothe trees they see a man changing theownership marks on logs that are ready togo downriver to the sawmill. They can’tsee the thief’s face but know that they mustreport this so that he can be caught.Shortly afterward Kate’s mother receives a letterfrom her youngest brother, Ben. Ben was caughtstealing in his native Sweden and ran away. Nowhe’s in America and longs to see his family. Willhe be welcome? Could he be the timber thief thatKate, Anders, and Erik saw?In The Mysterious Hideaway the story of Kate’sUncle Ben continues. Although older and tallerthan the teacher herself, Ben enrolls in Kate’sschool so that he can learn English. On the firstday of school Kate hears a strange noise in theschoolhouse but is unable to tell where it’scoming from. Is it under the floor or above herin the rafters? Could someone be hiding upthere? Kate, Anders, and Erik decide to find out.In Grandpa’s Stolen Treasure Kate’sgrandparents from Sweden are scheduled toarrive in Wisconsin on the train. When the trainarrives, her grandparents are not on it. Kate’sfather and her Uncle Ben immediately go to thetrain’s last stop to find them. But a later telegraminforms the family that Grandpa is in the nextcity, Duluth, and that Grandma is missing! CanKate, Anders and Erik get to Duluth and helpGrandpa find Grandma? And is she really lost orhas she been kidnapped?◆ Quality - 4 ❤ Acceptability - 5Donna BrownChurch LibrarianPortland, OregonF. Lasky, Kathryn. A Journey to the NewWorld : The Diary of Remember PatienceWhipple. (Dear America; 3.) Scholastic, 1995.ISBN 059050214X. Hardbound, $9.95. Gr. 4- Adult.Did you ever wonder what it might have reallybeen like to come across to America on theMayflower in 1620? Especially if you were oneof the children who made that trip? KathrynLasky shares insight into that momentousjourney through the journal writings ofRemember Patience Whipple, a young girl whowas twelve years old at the time. Each entryreveals more than just the gradual unfolding ofthat piece of our history. It takes you there to theturbulent days at sea, carries you through theimpatient days of waiting off shore until anadequate settlement sight can be found, leads youthrough that desperate and tragic first year ofsickness, hunger, and death, and finallyintroduces you to the glimmer of hope that thehelpful Indians brought through food andpractical advice. The journal entries also revealthe buoyant personality and character of theyoung Pilgrim girl and her friend, Humility.A Journey to the New World is written with allthe freshness and vitality that a child can put onpaper. It views all those familiar events anewthrough the young eyes and the young languageof a child who was there. Who else could makea game out of seasickness, or speak to her journalas Imp, a personal friend, or have the boldness toapproach the Indians with naive curiosity?It is very difficult with this book to discern howmuch is fiction and how much is straight fromRemember Patience Whipple’s diary. Iappreciated the epilogue that takes the storyfurther and reveals what happened to Rememberafter that shaky beginning in America. It was theepilogue that stated the fact that her diary wasdiscovered in 1850 by her great-great-greatgranddaughter. There is also a section that talksabout life in America in 1620, and how and whythe Pilgrims came to be here at all. There aresome maps and diagrams that add credence to thestory.This book, a simple collection of journal entriesfrom, “October 1, 1620 Morning Mayflower1150 miles sailed” to “November 10, 1621Plimoth Settlement,” is a refreshing slant on anall too familiar story, a book that will hold theattention of most any child, and enhance anyteacher’s history unit that deals with the Pilgrimsand the settling of America.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Gayle Chessman HabermanTeacher, West Hills Christian SchoolPortland, OregonF. Leppard, Lois Gladys. Mandie and theSchoolhouse’s Secret. (A Mandie Book; 26.)ISBN 1556615531.---Mandie and the Courtroom Battle. (AMandie Book; 27.) ISBN 155661554X.Bethany House Publishers, 1996.Paperbound, $4.99. Gr. 2 - 6.In Mandie and the Schoolhouse’s Secret, LoisGladys Leppard’s continuing saga, thirteen-yearoldMandie Shaw returns to her grandmother’shouse after finding the metal box containing herfather’s will. Mandie is thrilled because the willgives her possession of her father’s old house.Mandie must keep away from school until it iscertain she’s not coming down with measles. Shelongs to get back to school to see how themodernization work is coming on the schoolbuilding. The workmen have made holes in thebuilding for the new wiring and central heating.Now Mandie and her best friend Celia are afraidmice will come into their room through the holes.While searching for Snowball, Mandie’s cat, thegirls make a startling discovery. Scary noises,secret doorway, and hidden rooms all combine toreveal the schoolhouse’s secret.In Mandie and the Courtroom Battle, Mandie’sstepmother claims to have Mandie’s father’s truewill. So Mandie and her friend Joe are off onanother adventure to make sure she gets herinheritance.The Mandie series is best read in sequence. Setin the early 1900’s, the series faithfully shows thelifestyle of the period. Negro servants speak indialect which may be difficult for young readersto understand. The simple plots carry noparticular spiritual message, although Mandiequotes her favorite scripture verse once in eachbook. These charming little mysteries willappeal mostly to the younger end of the agespectrum even with the dialect.◆ Quality - 3 ❤ Acceptability - 5Myrtlemay Pittman CraneFreelance Writer, Editor, SpeakerAlderwood Manor, WashingtonM A R C H , 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 FICTIONF. Levine, Ellen. The Tree That Would NotDie. Illustrated by Ted Rand. ScholasticPress, 1995. ISBN 0590437240. Hardbound,$14.95. Gr. 3 - 6.Vibrant watercolor illustrations portray anautobiography of an ancient oak tree in Austin,Texas. From an acorn almost 500 years ago tothe present time, the tree shares bits of its history.A legend relates that the tree was named “TreatyOak” after Stephen Austin and NativeAmericans leaders met under its leaves.The oak introduces the reader to early NativeAmericans, Conquistadors, American settlers,Mexican Americans, and cowboys. In littleglimpses, history comes alive and the tree standstall. Unfortunately less than ten years ago,someone deliberately poisoned the ancient tree,and most of the tree was destroyed. People fromall over the world have donated to help keepTreaty Oak alive.An attractive, readable presentation, The TreeThat Would Not Die would be an excellentsupplement to any American history unit.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Cathy BittnerLibrarian, Cascade Christian SchoolTacoma, WashingtonF. Paterson, Katherine. The Angel and theDonkey. Illustrated by Alexander Koshkin.Clarion Books, 1996. ISBN 0395689694.Hardbound, $15.95. Gr. 1 - 6.The story of Balaam, which Katherine Patersonretells here, is found in the Book of Numbers.Balaam is a Moabite soothsayer, summoned byhis king to pronounce a curse against the peopleof Israel. The king had dismissed these formerslaves of Egypt as insignificant until theydefeated Amorites. Now he wants somesupernatural help lest his army suffer a similarfate.Balaam likes the gold the king pays in exchangefor using his powers. He doesn’t like the angelwho comes to him in a dream and tells him tostay home. Still, when the Moabite kingincreases the reward, Balaam sets out for thecapitol on his donkey. The donkey, however, hasmore sense than Balaam. When the angel of theLord blocks his path, he balks. Balaam, whosehardened heart can no longer see God’s angel,beats the poor donkey until he continues. Soon,however, the donkey swerves off the path. Threetimes Balaam is forced to beat the animal, whofinally demands, “Why are you beating me?Haven’t I always served you faithfully?” ThenBalaam’s eyes are opened, and he perceives theangel brandishing a mighty sword.Balaam would gladly return home after theseastounding miracles, but the angel tells him tocontinue on and warn the king not to oppose theIsraelites. The king ignores Balaam’s words andmakes war on God’s people. When the battlegoes against him, he demands that Balaam cursethe Israelites, but Balaam can only speak thewords God gives him. He pronounces a finalblessing, which includes a prophecy of theMessiah, and abandons the foolish king.Paterson, who won a Newbery Award for ABridge to Terebithia, is at the top of herstorytelling powers here. She recounts Balaam’sadventures in language easy enough for younglisteners to understand, while making the leadingcharacters real enough to appeal to older readers.Koshkin’s illustrations are vividly colored andrichly detailed. The facial expressions arecontemporary, while the costumes andbackground give the book an antique air. Thecover and binding are strong, a qualityproduction all the way.The rich-colored watercolor, tempera, andgouache illustrations by Russian artist AlexanderKoshkin complement the story well. However,they draw heavily on Egyptian and Assyrianimages, including a few depictions of their gods.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability- 5Kathleen T. ChoiRetired TeacherHilo, HawaiiF. Paterson, Katherine. A Midnight Clear :Stories for the Christmas Season.Lodestar/Penguin, 1995. ISBN 0525675299.Hardbound, $16.00. Gr. 5 - Adult.Outcasts, strangers, and those of low social statusare Katherine Paterson’s heroes who reveal thespirit of Christmas to others. The twelvecontemporary short stories in A Midnight Clear :Stories for the Christmas Season were originallywritten for the author’s husband, a Presbyterianpastor, to read to his congregation on ChristmasEve.The tone and point-of-view of the stories vary.“Watchman, Tell Us of the Night” offers a folksy,first-person story of a poor security guard whotakes home an abandoned baby he finds in theshopping mall. “In the Desert, A Highway” givesa third-person account of prisoners of theChinese Cultural Revolution finding hope from apage of Isaiah.Many of the stories have a character who has abad attitude toward Christmas, but experiences achange of heart at the end. This change is oftenbrought about by unexpected sources. In “NoRoom in the Inn,” Ben learns the meaning ofgiving when a poor family seeks shelter on a coldwinter night. A rich, old woman, Rosamond, anda poor boy, Buddy, learn in the “Star Lady” thateven rich people need to know “God loves you!And you have friends in the world!”Paterson’s characters vary in age, and each hashis or her own quirks, relational troubles, andvoices. The colorful stories reflect cultures ofrural New England, the American South, urbanUnited States, Cultural Revolution China, andLatin America. For each story, Paterson provideswarm, but not sappy, endings. The spirit ofChristmas—hope for the future and kindness toour fellow men—fills each story. Though theauthor occasionally uses a little Scripture, evenmentions Christ’s birth, these stories are moreakin to AChristmas Carol than to the biblicalmessage of Christmas.◆ Quality - 4 ❤ Acceptability - 5Lorinda K. F. NewtonFreelance WriterEditor, Northwest Christian AuthorKirkland, WashingtonF. Roddy, Lee. The Overland Escape. (AnAmerican Adventure; 1.) ISBN 1556610262.---The Desperate Search. (An AmericanAdventure; 2.) ISBN 1556610270.---The Secret of the Howling Cave. (AnAmerican Adventure; 4.) ISBN 1556610947.---The Flaming Trap. (An AmericanAdventure; 5.) ISBN 1556610955.---High Country Ambush. (An AmericanAdventure; 9.) ISBN 1556612877.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 M A R C H , 1 9 9 7

CHILDREN’S FICTIONBethany House Publishers, 1989-1992.Paperbound, $5.99. Gr. 3 - 8..In Book 1, The Overland Escape, as Hildyreturns to her mountain home on a hot Juneafternoon, twelve-year-old Hildy Corrigan isshocked to discover that the house is deserted andher family, gone. Her stepmother, four sisters,and a baby brother have left their rented home inthe depression era, Ozark mountains anddisappeared, leaving Hildy behind.Hildy and her cousin, Ruby, race to Hildy’sgrandmother to try and find out where the familyhas gone. Eventually they learn that Hildy hasbeen abandoned by her step-mother and betrayedby her grandmother. The two girls set out on across-country trip to try and find Hildy’s familybefore they move on and are lost completely.Complicating the girls’ journey is a menacingmountain man hired by Hildy’s granny to bringher back.Hildy and Ruby must not only escape theirpursuer and make their way across countryduring the Great Depression, they must alsoreach Hildy’s family before they leave forCalifornia.Author Lee Roddy writes a fast-paced story foreight to twelve-year-olds filled with excitingadventures for Hildy and Ruby. Through a seriesof narrow escapes and desperate prayers, Hildyrediscovers a faith in God that she had nearlyabandoned after her mother died.In book 2, The Desperate Search, Hildy has beenreunited with her family. Now they must maketheir way cross-country to California before herfather loses the job that’s waiting for him.Though they try desperately to get there in time,upon arrival Hildy’s father learns that his job hasbeen given to another man. Now the family mustfind a way to survive in a strange place in themidst of the Depression.Hildy is faced with the hard facts of theDepression. Not only are jobs scarce andfamilies homeless or hungry, she also seesbigotry and families separated because parentscan’t afford to feed the children they have. Theauthor has woven a wealth of detail on the GreatDepression into this story. Compiling the storiesof many individuals he brings this time period tolife for the reader.In book 4, The Secret of the Howling Cave, Hildyis accused of stealing the gold watch she wishesto buy for her stepmother’s birthday. In trying toclear her name, Hildy gets involved in a mysterythat leads her into danger and a search for a losttreasure hidden inside Howling Cave.In book 5, The Flaming Trap, Hildy is once againpursued by the mountain man hired by her“granny.” Determined to return with her to theOzarks, Vester will go to any length to captureHildy. Meanwhile Hildy is trying to work out herown plan for returning safely to Granny andasking her forgiveness.Book 9, High Country Ambush, sees Hildy’sfamily once again threatened by the hard times ofthe Great Depression. If the family moves on insearch of work, Hildy will have to leave thehome and friends she’s found. One of thosefriends, a rancher named Ben Strong, has beenhaving trouble with rustlers. Will Hildy and herfriends be able to help Ben?◆ Quality 4 ❤ Acceptability - 5Donna BrownChurch LibrarianPortland, OregonF. Roddy, Lee. Hunted in the AlaskanWilderness. (Ladd Family Adventure; 13.)Focus on the Family Publishers, 1996. ISBN1561794457. Paperbound, $5.99. Gr. 3 - 6.“A bear is on our deck!” exclaims Tank Catlettover the phone, and Josh Ladd dashes out thedoor to see for himself. In book 13 of the LaddFamily Adventure series, the Ladd and Catlettfamilies have just moved to Alaska from Hawaii.Josh and his best friend Tank, both twelve, can’twait to explore their new home, the land of themidnight sun.On his way to Tank’s house, Josh hears aneighbor yelling at a boy. Josh later finds theboy, named Alex, crying and mumbling tohimself that his Uncle Bill didn’t want him, andsomeone named Louie might find them. Joshand Tank try to befriend Alex, but his uncle tellsthem to get lost. The next day, the boys discoverthat Alex and his uncle have disappeared.As he wonders about Alex, Josh also struggleswith his relationship with his father. Mr. Laddworks long hours at his new job and has no timefor Josh, not even to go on the summer fishingtrip the Ladds and Catletts had planned. Josh’sdisappointment lessens when he picks up anewspaper left on the plane that carried him andhis friends to the Alaskan Bush for their fishingtrip. From a news article, Josh figures out thatAlex and his uncle are running from a gangsternamed Louie. The boys then make anotherdiscovery. Alex’s uncle is the fishing lodge’snew cook! Josh and Tank invite Alex to gofishing with them, and he reluctantly joins them.Hunted in the Alaskan Wilderness reaches itsclimax when a ten-foot grizzly bear and Louie,who wants to kill Alex and his uncle, trap theboys along a river. Remembering theencouraging words Josh had given him earlier,that God keeps his eye on the sparrow, Alexmakes a mad dash to get help. A gunshot fromthe fishing guide frightens the bear away, and thegangster is apprehended. Alex discovers that hisuncle does truly love him, and Josh’s fatherarrives to explain that being with his son is moreimportant than any job.The book contains several relational andemotional struggles mixed in with the actionpackedscenes. The spiritual lesson, however,appears late in the novel and seems tacked on.Throughout the novel, Lee Roddy skillfullyweaves in specific information about Alaska andprovides a glossary of terms at the end of thebook.◆ Quality - 3 ❤ Acceptability - 5Lorinda K. F. NewtonFreelance WriterKirkland, WashingtonF. Roddy, Lee. Stranded on Terror Island.(Ladd Family Adventure; 14.) Focus on theFamily Publishers, 1997. ISBN 1561794821.Paperbound, $5.99. Gr. 3 - 6.“For the first time he could remember, heand Josh had not been together on anadventure. Now they might be separatedforever,” realizes Tank Catlett as he, AliciaWharton, and her father, a member of theCivil Air Patrol, search for the downedplane.In Stranded on Terror Island, Tank gets angry atJosh Ladd because he is friendly with Alicia.Jealousy divides the life-long friendship. Next,Josh joins two rangers and a fish-and-gameofficer in an airlift of a nuisance bear. Whileflying over the Alaskan wilderness, the bearbegins to wake from its drugged sleep. Theemergency landing on a lake results in thesinking of the plane and leaves four men, Josh,and another boy, Tyler Radburn, stranded on anisland. After enduring a cold, wet night, hunger,and danger from the wild bear and a crazy, oldprospector, Josh and his friends are rescued.Lee Roddy focuses on friendship in thisfourteenth book of the Ladd Family Adventureseries. Tank wants Josh for himself and doesn’twant to share him with Alicia, whom Tankdoesn’t like. When the possibility of losing Josharises, Tank regrets his angry words and putsaside his hostility toward Alicia. Josh,meanwhile, tries to befriend Alaskan-born Tyler,M A R C H , 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 FICTIONwho at first ridiculed Josh as a cheechako, anewcomer to Alaska. Tyler then befriends Joshwhen their survival on Terror Island depends oneach other. At the end, all the children arefriends.This page-turner novel offers action and somewilderness-survival information as well. Roddyalso includes a glossary of terms at the back ofthe book.◆ Quality - 4 ❤ Acceptability-5Lorinda K. F. NewtonFreelance Writer and Editor of Northwest Christian AuthorKirkland, WashingtonF. Sproul, R. C. The King Without a Shadow.Illustrated by Liz Bonham. ChariotBooks/ChariotVictor, 1996. ISBN0781402573. Hardbound, $16.99. Gr. 4 - 6.If you are familiar with R. C. Sproul’s message ofholiness in his inspirational books for adults, youwill recognize that theme in The King Without AShadow, his first book for children. In a stylesimilar to David and Karen Mains’s tales, Sproulcreates a mystical once-upon-a-time kingdom setsometime in the past. The king of this kingdomis queried by a young boy as to where “shadowscome from” and where shadows “go when theyleave.” The king’s wise men answer thesequestions accurately according to the physicalproperties of light, but the king wants to knowhow to get rid of his own shadow. They assurehim that this would be impossible, although theytell him of a Great King who has no shadow.The king goes on a trek to visit a prophet whotells him about the Great King without a shadowwho is God. The king returns to the castle,summoning the young boy with his brother andsister back to the court. He then answers theboy’s questions about shadows and proceeds totell the children of the Great King. He chargesthem to seek this Great King who would helpthem “never worry about shadows again.”This book is laden with subtle symbolism thatyoung children may or may not comprehend. Asa read aloud book, discussions of the shadowsrepresenting sin (God being the only One withouta shadow) and other concepts could be quiteeffective. At one point the king marvels that hisface in the mirror is actually a reverse image andthat he can never “see himself as others see him.”The spiritual implications of this and otherpassages are quite significant.Appropriate for this book, Liz Bonham’simpressionistic paintings effectivelycommunicate a sense of light and shadow in theillustrations.The story line bogs down somewhat in theextensive discussion of light as the king and hiswise men discuss scientific principles; however,the overall message of God’s sovereignty andholiness does communicate well.◆ Quality - 4 ❤ Acceptability - 5Arlene NealTeacher, Covenant SchoolGranite Falls, North CarolinaF. Spyri, Johanna. Heidi. Illustrated byRozier-Gaudriault. (The Whole Story Series.)Viking/Penguin, 1995. ISBN 0670869864.Hardbound, $22.99. Gr. 1 - 8.Who could forget the story of Heidi, a littleorphan who is rudely deposited into the care ofher reclusive grandfather, high in the Swiss Alps.Heidi finds great happiness living with hergrandfather and roaming the high meadows withPeter, the goatherd. Then, as abruptly as she wasbrought to the mountains, she is taken to live inthe wealthy Frankfurt home of the Sesemannfamily. Here, she is to be a companion to twelveyear-oldClara, an invalid. Now Heidi, who hasbeen used to running barefoot with the goats,must learn to adapt to an entirely differentlifestyle in the city. A wise grandmother teachesHeidi to pray, and counsels her in understandingGod’s ways. When she returns to the Alps,Heidi’s faith brings spiritual healing to hergrandfather.Having read the book as a child, seen the movie,and read it at least twice to my own children, Iwas nevertheless caught up as I read it again,even reading through tears as the grandfatherreentered the church he had abandoned so manyyears before.Written by Johanna Spyri and originallypublished in 1880, Heidi has become a belovedchildren’s classic. This edition, one of TheWhole Story Series, is illustrated with watercolorpaintings by Rozier-Gaudriault. In addition, thebook is filled with photographs, line drawings,and paintings in color and black and white, whichamplify the text. With its clear print andabundance of illustrations, this edition is a bookthat will be reread and passed on to futuregenerations. It is a perfect cuddle-up and readaloudbook.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Cathleen Sovold JohnsonFreelance WriterDes Moines, WashingtonF. Tada, Joni Eareckson and Steve Jensen.Tell Me the Promises : A Family Covenant forEternity. Illustrated by Ron DiCianni.Crossway Books, 1996. ISBN 0891079041.Hardbound, $15.99. Gr. 5 - Adult.Seven tender stories of parents learning to lovetheir children through unique but in many waysordinary situations. Seven promises of a lovingHeavenly Father who longs to teach earthlyfathers and mothers how to: protect, pray for,love, forgive, be there, tell the truth, and show theway home to their children. In many ways theseseven stories are as much for parents as for theirchildren. At the end of each story is a pledge forparents to promise to their children. Thesepromises are meant for parents to remind theirchildren of their continuing love just as Godreminds us of his everlasting love in the eternalpromises of his word.The book begins with an explanation from theartist about each of the paintings that introducestory. Ron DiCianni has again poured his heartinto each painting, introducing the reader to thecharacteristics of Jesus. Each painting perfectlycomplements the stories of promises.This book can provide a bridge between parentsor teachers and children who are hard to reach.The writing style will appeal to young and old.The other books in the series are Tell Me theStory and Tell Me the Secrets by Max Lucado andillustrated by Ron DiCianni.◆ Quality - 4 ❤ Acceptability - 5Sharon Ann Rau, LibrarianValley Christian SchoolsAbbotsford, British Columbia, CanadaF. Testa, Maria. Someplace to Go. Illustratedby Karen Ritz. Albert Whitman, 1996. ISBN0807575240. Hardbound, $14.95. Gr. 1 - 4.Davey and his family have been homeless foralmost two years since the paper mill closed,leaving his mother without a job. While Momworks to master a new job and older brotherAnthony searches for work, Davey’s job is to dowell at school and stay out of trouble every dayC H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 3 3 M A R C H , 1 9 9 7

CHILDREN’S FICTIONuntil eight o’clock. That’s when the shelter opensand his family can be together.Davey’s job is not an easy one. It’s warm in themarket, but storekeepers aren’t alwayswelcoming; libraries are warm, but be careful notto fall asleep while reading. When it’s finallytime to walk to the soup kitchen for dinner, itinvolves passing by three big guys dealing drugsin doorways. After eating, Davey goes out intothe darkness to walk to the shelter and Anthonyjoins him with good news of a job.Someplace to Go presents a view of homelesspersons that could generate discussion and leadto greater understanding, but could also generatefear. The portrayal is stark and chilling: “I usedto have another brother, Michael, ten years olderthan me. I didn’t know him too well, and then hegot killed.” The story does end on a positivenote, with the family together and hopeful ofbetter things ahead.Realistic watercolor illustrations add to thesomewhat fearful tone of the story; oneillustration depicts Davey standing alone in thedark, looking back over his shoulder, with a lookof concern.◆ Quality - 3 ❤ Acceptability - 4Cathy BittnerLibrarian, Cascade Christian SchoolTacoma, Washingtonwith Captain Jones. William satisfies hiscuriosity about the unusually large number ofpeople in the hold during this particular crossingof the ocean when he meets a young passengergirl about her daily duties. Ellen tells Williamwhy she and the other Pilgrims are on theMayflower. A storm comes up the crew has morework to do, and below deck a new baby is born.Land is sighted, a harbor is found, and thepassengers set out to explore their new world.After Ellen and the other passengers leave theship, the Mayflower, with William, the ships’apprentice, sets sail again for England.Kate Waters has done an excellent job creating astory about life on the Mayflower with theinformation known about navigating andshipboard life in the seventeenth century. Herbook contains thirty-nine full color photographsto illustrate the story taken by Russ Kendall onboard the Mayflower II, a reproduction of theoriginal Mayflower. For those who desire toknow more, Kate Waters has included five pagesof information about the original Mayflower, itsreproduction, the 1620 voyage, personalinformation about the two children photographedas William and Ellen, and a glossary.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Patricia PerryLibrarianNorthside Christian SchoolWesterville, OhioF. Waters, Kate. On the Mayflower : Voyageof the Ship’s Apprentice & a Passenger Girl.Illustrated by Russ Kendall. Scholastic Press,1996. ISBN 0590673084. Hardbound, $16.95.Gr. 3 - 8.William Small, the twelve year old Captain’sapprentice on the Mayflower, is a characterinvented by author Kate Waters to give adramatically accurate account of the famousvoyage of 1620. Although William is a fictitiouscharacter, the facts of his life are common to ayoung ship’s apprentice of the time. The storybegins as William, looking back at England’sshore, admits to being excited and a bit afraid onthis his second voyage. However, there is muchwork for the crew and William has his jobs to doM A R C H , 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 REVIEWSCHILDREN’S NONFICTION220.9. Beers, V. Gilbert and Ronald A. TheBig Book of All-Time Favorite Bible Stories.Oliver Nelson/Thomas Nelson, 1992. ISBN0840791658. Hardbound, $12.99. PS - Gr. 5.Sharing a Bible story with a young child is aspecial event. In The Big Book of All-TimeFavorite Bible Stories, 150 stories are written inan easy to understand format. Authors V. GilbertBeers and Ronald A. Beers used the New KingJames Version of the Bible to retell these belovedstories from the Old and New Testament.In the front of the book is a listing of each storytitle with its scripture reference and the pagenumber the story is located on. Each story is onepage long and is brightly illustrated on the facingpage. The illustrations, by Daniel J. Hochstatter,appear to be watercolor and ink. The charactershave expressive faces, the background simple,and the choice of scenes pictured is excellent. Inthe story, “The Good Samaritan,” the Samaritanis pictured carrying the unfortunate Jewish man,who had been attacked. A donkey seems to bewatching. Quotes by Jesus and other charactersmake the narrative more interesting.An index containing key names and wordsfollows the story section. “A Word to Parents” isa special message from the authors about theimportance of directing children toward goodrole models and not to follow bad examples.Preschool children through grade five will enjoysharing these short stories. Parents willappreciate the emphasis on heroes and good rolemodels for their children. These stories can alsoeffectively be used as an introduction for a Biblecraft project at school, church, or daycare. Theindex makes particular stories easy to find.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Anita UtleyFaith Christian SchoolMead, Washington235. Haidle, Helen. Angels in Action.Illustrated by David Haidle. Thomas NelsonPublishers, 1996. ISBN 0785275762.Hardbound, $12.99. Gr. 1 - 6Helen Haidle uses a question and answer formatto cover the topic of angels. The answers are acombination of scripture, Bible stories, andaccounts of people being ministered to by angelsin contemporary times. Some of the manyquestions answered are: Who are angels? Wouldit be fun to see an angel? Can animals seeangels? (Remember Balaam’s donkey?)The author also addresses the questions ofwhether we should worship angels or pray tothem. In a culture where the worship of angels ison the rise, the scriptural answer given is no, ourpraise and prayers go to God alone. The subjectis covered very thoroughly in a well thought-outand well designed layout with soft watercolorillustrations by David Haidle.Although Angels in Action is written withchildren in mind, it would be a helpful resourcein introducing the subject with an older audienceas well. There are scriptural references withinthe text that could be used for a Bible study onangels. It will appeal to many beyond its targetaudience.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Sally KuhnsSylvan Way Christian SchoolBremerton, Washington274. Brown, Judith Gwyn and Herbert G.Draesel, Jr. Bless All Creatures Here Below :A Celebration for the Blessing of the Animals.Morehouse Publishing, 1996. ISBN0819216658. Hardbound, $15.95. PS - Gr. 3.Today we celebrate a feast,A holiday for man and beast.We think of every friend who speaksIn barks and purrs and roars and squeaks.So begins Judith Gwynn Brown’s book Bless AllCreatures Here Below.Many churches, particularly in the liturgicaltradition, offer services of blessing for animals;mainly, but not exclusively, pets. These servicesare often held around the feast day of St. Francisof Assisi (Oct. 4). Perhaps because he wrote the“Canticle of the Sun” (which we sing as “AllCreatures of Our God and King”), Francis hasbecome something of a patron saint of animalsand the created world.In the same vein as Francis, Brown has crafted aworshipful hymn-story of the animals. Brownpresents her hymn text as a read-along story. Herdelightful illustrations are at once witty andhumorous. In bright, colorful pictures sheportrays the gamut of the animal world frommail-clad Medieval dog to contemporary rollerbladingsquirrel. But the pictures do more thanentertain—they show how children mightprepare for a service of blessing for the animals.Then, the hymn is presented as a hymn, withmusic by Herbert Draesel Jr. Lastly, there’s asample service order with readings from Genesis,the Psalms, and the Song of the Three HolyChildren. Appropriate prayers conclude theservice.Bless all Creatures Here Below is a joyfulcelebration of those creatures that God hasentrusted to our care.Children age three to seven should be enchantedwith the story and pictures. Sunday Schoolteachers and worship leaders will find the bookhelpful for planning and performing a service ofblessing for animals.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Andrew M. SeddonPhysician, AuthorBillings, MontanaC H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 3 5 M A R C H , 1 9 9 7

CHILDREN’S N0NFICTION332.4. McMillan, Bruce. Jelly Beans for Sale.Scholastic Press, 1996. ISBN 0590865846.Hardbound, $15.95. K - Gr. 2Jelly Belly jelly beans, everybody’s favorite, andthey’re for sale, one for a penny at thisneighborhood stand! Luscious colorphotographs brighten the cover and interior ofthis photo essay and money counting book, JellyBeans For Sale, by Bruce McMillan.Brilliant is the only word that can be used todescribe the intensity of color in thesephotographs, which save the book from beingwhat might have been just another dull exercisein counting out money.While the simplicity of McMillan’s text andphotographs makes the book a visual standout,without the aid of real money and jelly beans ashands-on manipulatives, readers will find thisbook to be a bore. There just isn’t enough actionin the photos to stimulate a child’s imagination orcuriosity, and the simple addition problems aresolved for the reader.The best part of the book comes at the end, whereinformation is given on the history of jelly beans,and on how they are made. It also provides abrief history lesson on jelly beans in the WhiteHouse and in space, during President Reagan’sterm in office, and includes information on howto obtain a free jelly bean kit for classrooms.This kit sounds like a lot of fun!◆ Quality - 3 ❤ Acceptability - 5Virginia SchnabelFreelance WriterShelton, Washington398.2. Bateson-Hill, Margaret. Lao Lao ofDragon Mountain. Illustrated by FrancescaPelizzoli. DeAgostini ChildrensBooks/Stewart, Tabori & Chang, 1996. ISBN1899883649. Hardbound, $12.95. Gr. 2 - 10.Lao Lao has a special talent. She brings pleasureto her neighbors and friends by taking “a thinsheet of paper and the small pair of scissors thatshe kept in her front pocket,” and while she cuts,she sings “Fold it and cut it and turn it aroundOpen it up and see what you’ve found.” Herbeautiful Chinese paper cuttings thrill thechildren who pass them to their friends. One day,the greedy emperor hears about the beautifulpaper cuts. “She can make anything.” he is told.The emperor has Lao Lao brought to him. Heshuts her up in a high tower and demands that shemake jewels for him. She begins cutting a hugestack of paper, piece by piece into diamondshapes. Finally exhausted and very cold, shefalls asleep, not knowing that the Ice Dragon iswatching and her rescue is beyond imagination.This imaginative story is the accumulation ofseveral themes of traditional Chinese folktales,but it comes to life in the intricate artwork whichdraws the reader to become immersed in themood of the story. Each page has a beautifulChinese painting beside the story line, a softpaper cut background behind the printing, thestory written in Chinese letters and after the icedragon is introduced, the dragon is interwovenbetween the text, drawings, and paper cuts.This is one of the most beautifully publishedfolktales I have ever seen. The layoutauthenticates the story and the use of black andwhite, mixed with color, is very effective. Thereis a page explaining Chinese writing followed bya simple lesson in making Chinese paper cuts.This book is a beautiful addition to the library ofany teacher who incorporates a unit on Chineseculture or folktales. The magic dragon is an everpresent detail in Chinese literature and opens thediscussion for belief systems. Who do we trustwhen we are afraid? Who do we call on in animpossible situation. The ancients may havebelieved in or feared the dragon, but we have agreat God who is ever-present and all knowing.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 4Sharon Ann Rau, LibrarianValley Christian SchoolsAbbotsford, British Columbia, Canada398.2. Philip, Neil, Selector. Christmas FairyTales. Illustrated by Isabelle Brent.Viking/Penguin, 1996. ISBN 0670868051.Hardbound, $19.99. K - Gr. 6.This book is a collection of twelve Christmasfairy tales from around the world. Some of thestories are humorous and some of them are sad;but all of them will leave you with a feeling ofwonder and joy. They portray the essence ofChristmas. Three of the stories are written byHans Christian Andersen who virtually inventedthe modern fairy tale. His thought provokingstories include: “The Fir Tree,” “The Last Dreamof the Old Oak Tree,” and “The Book of FairyTales.” Some of the other fairy tales includedare Frances Browne’s “The Christmas Cuckoo,”Ruth Sawyer’s “Schnitzle, Schnotzle, andSchnootzle,” Alf Proysen’s “Father Christmasand the Carpenter,” and Mary de Morgan’s “TheStory of a Cat.” This collection would not becomplete, however, without the most classic ofall fairy tales “The Nutcracker.”Neil Philip has created a beautiful Christmascollection in this book. He sought to find talesthat would cause you to stop and consider theinner meaning of the story, yet at the same timetruly appreciate the joy and hope of Christmas.Philip also includes a nice variety of authors fromdifferent backgrounds. In the introduction he hasgiven the background of the stories and theauthors which wrote them. Isabelle Brent hascaptured the magic of these stories in herillustrations. Each tale is accompanied by awatercolor, and every page tipped with gold leaf.This is a hardback book with a sturdy binding.The magic of Christmas seems to shimmer witha seasonal glow from this book. Christmas FairyTales will make a nice addition than can beenjoyed by the whole family.◆ Quality - 4 ❤ Acceptability - 5Marcia Snyder, LibrarianValley Christian SchoolMissoula, Montana595. Laughlin, Robin Kittrell. BackyardBugs. Chronicle Books, 1996. ISBN0811809072. Hardbound, $12.95. Gr. 2 - 6.Backyard Bugs captivates viewers with colorful,detailed photographs of forty bugs enlargedagainst a white background. Each tiny feature isvividly portrayed. The photographer and author,Robin Kittrell Laughlin, shares her skills andmakes these bugs beautiful and appealing, ratherthan frightening and repugnant. The bugs mightbe found in a backyard, a garden, or even ahouse. See charming spiders, wasps,grasshoppers, ants, and more. Each entrant in thebook is introduced with scientific name, habitat,and as a personal find. Short amusing literaryexcerpts add flavor to each selection.The book includes eight pages of scientificbackground which explain the phylumArthropoda and the various classes chosen forthis edition. A short glossary of terms concludesthe book. This is a book that children will reachfor again and again just to view the superbphotography. Somehow each subject seems tohave been caught with an amusing look on itsface! This is not a book that answers questionssuch as lifespan, predators, or life cycles, butrather a book that might challenge the viewer togo the library to find out more about the funnycreatures presented.A short introduction by Sue Hubbell mentions“millions of years” in connection with insectsand peoples, but this does not detract from thebook’s excellence.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 4Paula StewartPrincipal, Morning Star Christian SchoolBend, OregonM A R C H , 1 9 9 7 3 6 C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L

CHILDREN’S NONFICTION595.7. Dashefsky, H. Steven. Insect Biology :49 Science Fair Projects. McGraw-Hill/TAB,1992. ISBN 0830640312. Paperbound,$17.95. Gr. 3 - 8.Steve Dashefsky’s Insect Biology : 49 ScienceFair Projects presents experiments intended forscience fairs, but interesting and easily managedfor elementary classrooms and homeschoolers.Find out if heat or pollutants affect insect growth,how protective coloration works, if insects havefavorite colors, what insect pheromones are, andmuch more.Each experiment is based on the five steps ofscientific method: purpose, hypothesis,experimentation, research, and conclusion. Eachexperiment begins with facts, asks questions so ahypothesis can be framed, gives procedures forthe experiment, concludes with thoughtprovoking questions, and gives suggestions forfurther research.Black and white sketches help the readervisualize the experiment and insect involved. Amaterials needed section accompanies eachexperiment. Most materials are household items,but a list of supply houses for insects andscientific supplies is helpful. Overall, this is avery impressive book that should turn on eventhe most reluctant students.◆ Quality - 4 ❤ Acceptability - 5Paula Stewart MarksPrincipal, Morning Star Christian SchoolBend, Oregon★612.8. Barmeier, Jim. The Brain. (LucentOverview Series.) Lucent Books, 1996. ISBN1560061073. Hardbound, $21.19. Gr. 4 - 8.In this superior book explaining the miracle ofbeing human, the brain has been called the mostcomplex matter known to humanity. Author JimBarmeier has organized the text in a very conciseand informative way. He has made a verycomplicated organ understandable andinteresting.It is stated here that what is known today aboutthe inside of the brain is the result of decades ofhard work, scientific discovery, pure accident,individual accomplishment, and strongteamwork. Part of the brain’s map has beendrawn so far. But there is still much to be done.Scientists continue to be amazed about what theyhave they discovered inside the brain. Forexample, memory is what gives a human being apersonal identity and links yesterday to today. Itis also a guardian for the brain. It educates,warms, alerts, and monitors life’s situations.Science has found that human beings have twodifferent styles of thinking: the emotional,artistic and intuitive (right brain) and the linear,analytic, and verbal (left brain). Most peoplelean to one side or the other but there is constantinteraction between the skills of each side ineveryday life. Preference is influenced byfamily, heredity, and society. Our skills comefrom the preferred hemisphere. Our failingscome from the less dominant side. Awell-rounded person uses both sides equallywell.Sleep research is discussed. The average personsleeps twenty years of his life, so the study ofsleep is an important part of research on thebrain. Different stages of sleep have beendiscovered, and beneficial sleep patterns arenecessary for good mental health.In a few short decades, science has gone fromhaving only a few traditional tools to peer intothe brain to being armed with sophisticatedcomputers and million-dollar brain scannerscapable of detailing the smallest portions ofliving cerebral tissue. Michael Phelps, thedesigner of the PET (Positron EmissionTomography) scan, summarized the future of thebrain and technology: The explosion ofknowledge in brain science is equal to our abilityto probe outer space —we have the techniquesnow to probe the inner space of the body.The Brain is a wonderfully clear and concisestudy of what has been described as “the mostcomplex thing we have yet discovered in theuniverse.” This is one of a series of severalbooks in the Overview Series. An excellent,hardbound book.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Barbara Goy TaenzlerFreelance Writer and Book ReviewerMesa, Arizona621.8. Wells, Robert E. How Do You Lift aLion? Albert Whitman, 1996. ISBN0807534196, Hardbound, $14.95. ISBN0807534218, Paperbound, $6.95. K - Gr. 3Looking for a book to introduce simple machinesto a young audience? How Do You Lift a Lion?by Robert E. Wells does just that, using “theproblem” of lifting a lion to introduce the lever,explain how it works, and the natural force ofgravity to overcome. Pulling a panda is used toexplain wheels and friction, and deliveringbananas to baboons to explain pulleys. Theillustrations depict two children experimentingwith these simple machines. The machinecomponents and other pertinent information, arelabeled as they demonstrate the machines inaction. The drawings and text are informativeand a glossary of terms in the back of the bookadd to its value as a reference book.◆ Quality - 4 ❤ Acceptability - 5Sally KuhnsSylvan Way Christian SchoolBremerton, Washington628.9. Marston, Hope Irvin. Fire Trucks.Cobblehill Books/Penguin, 1996. ISBN0525652310. Hardbound, $14.99. PS - Gr. 3.Hope Irvin Marston’s Fire Trucks is a children’sguide to fire fighting and fire safety. The authorbegins her book with full descriptions of eachkind of fire truck, why it is used, and what kindof fire fighting equipment it carries, from hosesto ladders. Even fire boats and planes arepictured.The dangerous and hard work of fire fighters isexplained with examples given of the differentkinds of responsibilities a fire fighter has fromhandling hoses, checking equipment, to takingpart in races as part of their practice in preparingto fight future fires. The interesting history of theoriginal purpose of Dalmatian dogs as mascotsplus photographs of a historical as well asfuturistic fire truck add an unique touch to thisguide.Fire Trucks also teaches children some practicaltips in fire safety such as dropping and rolling iftheir clothing is on fire, or checking the door forheat with the back of their hand. Hope IrvinMarston is responsible in repeatedly mentioningthe dangerous work of fire fighting as well asexplaining fire safety tips so that children willunderstand the seriousness of fires.The author’s large color photographs add to theappeal of Fire Trucks. Larger groups as well asindividual children will enjoy studying thephotographs of each type of fire vehicle plusbetter understand fire safety from thephotographs of children demonstrating rolling,checking a door for heat, and crawling.Hope Irvin Marston has written an useful as wellas attractive guide to fire fighting which willstand out from the many books on this topic. FireTrucks will especially be a helpful resource forteachers during fire safety week.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Susan RobinsonElementary LibrarianDelaware Co. Christian SchoolNewtown Square, PennsylvaniaC H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 3 7 M A R C H , 1 9 9 7

CHILDREN’S N0NFICTION782. Farjeon, Eleanor. Morning Has Broken.Illustrated by Tim Ladwig. Wm. B.Eerdman’s, 1996. ISBN 0802851274,Hardbound, $15.00. ISBN 0802851320,Paperbound, $7.50. K - Adult.Since God so clearly expresses himself in the lifehe has created, the beautiful hymn, “MorningHas Broken,” written by Eleanor Farjeon for achildren’s hymnbook, is an excellent source forteaching God’s handiwork in creation. Thishymn, first published in 1931, is now illustratedin a colorful picture book by Tim Ladwig, whouses a young boy and his grandfather as theyshare the early morning with a black bird.The wonder of day break with dew drop,sunlight, bird, squirrel, flower, refreshing rain,and pond sparkles from page after page of brightpictures by Tim Ladwig, as line after line of thehymn unfolds. The book ends with a rich,moving arrangement of the hymn for voice andpiano. All of the senses can be explored aschildren are encouraged to accompany this boyand his grandfather through the early morning.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Marie KnauppRetired LibrarianMonmouth, Oregon796.323. Jensen, Julie. Beginning Basketball.ISBN 0822535084.—-796.357. Jensen, Julie. BeginningBaseball. Illustrated by Andy King. ISBN082253505X.—-796.44. Jensen, Julie. BeginningGymnastics. Illustrated by Andy King. ISBN0822535033.—-796.9. Jensen, Julie. BeginningSnowboarding. Photographs by JimmyClarke. ISBN 0822535076.—-796.962. Jensen, Julie. Beginning Hockey.ISBN 0822535068.(Beginning Sports.) Lerner Publications,1995. Hardbound, $19.95. Gr. 3 - 5.Beginning Gymnastics is adapted from LindaWallenberg Bragg’s Fundamental Gymnasticsand is intended for middle grade readers. Thephotos show young boys going through theirfloor routines which vary from the moves of thegirls. A brief history of the sport is given as thereaders are introduced the sport. Equipment isdiscussed and the changes in it over the years.The book is easy to read because of layout withtext and colored photographs or diagrams.Several pages also contain a sidebar ofinformation. The index is complete and theglossary defines words clearly and concisely.There is also a list of addresses for moreinformation if you really ‘get into’ the sport. Aninteresting title to add to the library, especially ifthis sport is part of your school’s physicaleducation program.The other titles in the series follow the sameformat.◆ Quality - 4 ❤ Acceptability - 5Leslie Greaves RadloffTeacher/LibrarianEmanuel Lutheran School(WELS)W. St. Paul, Minnesota★811. Grimes, Nikki and Michael Bryant.Come Sunday. Wm. B. Eerdman’s, 1996.ISBN 0802851088. Hardbound, $15.00. PS -Adult.Because of this book, you may wish you could gowith LaTasha to Paradise Baptist Church, comeSunday. Through this warm and invitingwelcome into a typical all day Sunday at a blackchurch, we go with LaTasha and learn of herculture.Told in poetry, Come Sunday sings the gentlestrains of a mother’s morning wake-up call aswell as the rocking rhythm of the “Jubilation”chorus. Sometimes funny, as in “Blue HairedLadies” (who pinch LaTasha’s cheeks) andsometimes seriously still as in “At the Altar,” thebook allows us to experience the joy andreverence of a worship service.Such a book! A refreshing departure fromdysfunctional family themes to what’s rightabout nuclear family, church, and fellowshipwith God.Michael Bryant’s illustrations so beautifullycapture the emotions of each poem page. Hemasterfully uses color in a vibrant yet gentlemanner that creates scenes we could practicallystep into.To Nikki Grimes’s credit, not only does ComeSunday cause us to celebrate with LaTasha, butwe may also get excited about our own worshipprivilege, come Sunday!◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Arlene NealTeacher, Covenant SchoolGranite Falls, North Carolina811. London, Jonathan. I See the Moon andthe Moon Sees Me. Illustrated by Peter Fiore.Viking/Penguin, 1996. ISBN 0670859184.Hardbound, $14.99. PS - Gr. 1.Jonathan London has expanded the traditionalverse, “I see the moon and the moon sees me.God bless the moon, and God bless me,” makinga whole day based on this simple rhyme.Beginning with, “I see the sun.,” in the morning,and ending with, “I see the moon and the moonsees me, hello moon will you dream with me?” achild’s entire day is covered.Colorful and vibrant, the illustrations by PeterFiore enhance the peaceful, calm tone set by text.Preschoolers and younger will enjoy hearing theverses again and again. Older children will alsolike this soothing quiet time book and may evenbe prompted into thinking up their own simpleverses.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Elizabeth ColemanFreelance WriterTumwater, Washington917.7. Baker, Sanna Anderson. MississippiGoing North. Paintings by Bill Farnsworth.Albert Whitman, 1996. ISBN 0807551643.Hardbound, $15.95. K - Gr. 4.We have all heard of the mighty MississippiRiver, but do we know where this mighty riverM A R C H , 1 9 9 7 3 8 C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L

CHILDREN’S NONFICTIONactually begins? It begins as a clear stream thatflows from a lake called Itasca. Legend says itsprings from the tears of an Ojibway maidenmade to dwell beneath the earth. If you hop inyour canoe and follow this stream you will sneakthrough miles of pine and birch tree. You maysee a great blue heron looking for fish or a doeand her fawn getting a drink. You will not seepeople however; it is very quiet and peacefulhere.Sanna Anderson Baker, through poetry, takes herreaders on a visit to a place still unknown tomany, the head waters of the Mississippi. This isan area in which she grew up and which is veryfamiliar to her. Baker has included a map andbrief history of the area and the Ojibway peoplewho once claimed this area as their home.Painter Bill Farnsworth makes this book comealive to the readers. His paintings cover everypage and give you sense of peace and stillness asyou read. The package is made complete with asturdy library binding. This book will make agreat addition to a study of the mightyMississippi River.◆ Quality - 4 ❤ Acceptability - 5Marcia Snyder, LibrarianValley Christian SchoolMissoula, Montana921 (327.73). Maass, Robert. UN Ambassador: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at MadeleineAlbright’s World. Walker and Co, 1995. ISBN0802783562. Hardbound, $16.95. Gr. 6 - 12.Spending the beginning of her life learning howto adjust to different cultures, Madeleine Albrightwas being prepared to negotiate with the world.Currently, there are more refugees in the worldnow than any other. Albright understands thefeelings of the modern refugees. She and herfamily lived as refugees after escaping fromCzechoslovakia during World War Two.As the American ambassador to the UnitedNations, Albright has contact withrepresentatives from more countries than anyother American.UN Ambassador shows approximately a week inthe life the American ambassador. Combining apoint by point description and color photographs,Albright’s life is described in detail. Thephotographs are bright and varied giving a goodidea of what confronts Albright every day. Alongwith a biography of Albright is a shortdescription of the United Nations. Although a bitdry, this book would be a good resource forteachers and students. Students who read itshould have a idea of what the Americanambassador does at the United Nationsheadquarters in New York.◆ Quality - 4 ❤ Acceptability - 5Janyre StockingerFreelance WriterGrand Rapids, Michigan921 (362.1). Kehret, Peg. Small Steps : TheYear I Got Polio. Albert Whitman, 1996.ISBN 0807574570. Hardbound, $14.95. Gr.3 - 8.Small Steps: The Year I Got Polio is a first-handpeek into the life a of a twelve-year old girl, PegKehret, who was stricken with the dreaded viruspolio in 1949. This well-known children’sauthor’s detailed account of her diagnosis,disease, therapy, and eventual return to school isan engrossing story.The book opens on an exciting day in Peg’sseventh-grade life, the day of the Homecomingparade at her school. As her school dayprogresses toward the four o’clock event, Pegdevelops a headache, muscle cramps, and eventakes a tumble in the hallway at school. By thetime she heads home for lunch, Peg is feverishand cannot go back to school. By midnight, sheis hospitalized and the diagnosis complete: Peghas polio. A disease for which there is no cure!Peg’s agonizing journey will keep readers rivetedto this fast-moving book whose style and lengthof chapters lends itself well to a classroom readaloud.Younger children may need reassurancethat polio is no longer a concern for them due tothe immunizations.◆ Quality - 4 ❤ Acceptability - 5Karen OrfitelliFreelance WriterManchester, Connecticut921 (510). Byers, Ann. Jaime Escalante :Sensational Teacher. (Hispanic Biographies.)Enslow Publishers, 1996. ISBN 0894907638.Hardbound, $18.95. Gr. 6 - Adult.Jaime Escalante, Bolivian born, immigrated tothe United States to be a teacher. However,things did not always work out the way heintended. As a child Jaime was inquisitive andfull of energy. If he didn’t think a schoolassignment was constructive, he would create hisown project. He just could not sit still withnothing on which to focus his thoughts andenergies. After high school and a brief militaryadventure, Escalante enrolled in college tobecome a teacher. Half-way through his secondyear, he was given an opportunity to substitutefor a physics teacher who had died suddenly. Byage twenty-one Escalante accepted his first realteaching position. He tried to inspire andmotivate his students to excel. Early in histeaching career, he developed a lifelong creed:DETERMINATION, DISCIPLINE, HARDWORK equals SUCCESS. Escalante moved tothe ✵.S. only to discover his Bolivian credentialswere not valid and he would have to start fromscratch. After eight years he finally reached hisgoal and began teaching. Escalante loved hisstudents and with humor and his own uniquemethods of teaching, encouraged them to aimhigh.Ann Byers’ biography of Jaime Escalante is aninspiration to all teachers. Ann has done abeautiful job of presenting Escalante’s life in adramatic, yet simple style that will be especiallyappealing to middle school students. Not only ishis life an inspiration to teachers, but his workethic and never give up attitude will be aninspiration to people of all ages. Ann has alsoincluded several photos which help to trulycapture the character and essence of JaimeEscalante.This book also contains Chapter Notes, aBibliography, and an Index. These are especiallynice features that are not usually found inbiographies. For this reason this would make anexcellent choice for a classroom book. This isone in a series of six Hispanic Biographies. It isa trim size, hardback book with a wellconstructedlibrary binding. It would be a goodchoice for any library.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 M A R C H , 1 9 9 7

CHILDREN’S N0NFICTION◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Marcia Snyder, LibrarianValley Christian SchoolMissoula, Montana921 (759). Vincent Van Gogh. ISBN0806961562.—-Harrison, Peter. Claude Monet. ISBN0806961589.(Art for Young People.) Sterling PublishingCo., 1996. Hardbound, $14.95. Gr. 3 - 8.Vincent Van Gogh was a great artist and afascinating person. He was deeply religious andso compassionate towards the poor, that at onepoint the author tells us that, “dressed in dirty,ragged clothes, he was eating next to nothing,having given away what little money had beensent by his family.” The author handles thedifficult aspects of Van Gogh’s life in a nonjudgmental,matter-of-fact way, and it workswell. The facts are that Van Gogh lived for sometime with a woman to whom he was not married,suffered from depression and mental illness, cutoff his own ear in a rage, and shot himself todeath.Claude Monet was a man who loved to paint, andas his art reflects, he also loved boats, steamtrains, children, and gardens. One of the boats heowned was a studio boat, which was equippedwith Monet’s painting supplies, so he could sitout on the river and paint.Both books in the Art for Young People series areabsolutely beautiful. Every page hasreproductions of paintings by the artist or hiscontemporaries, photographs, or watercolorillustrations by Edward Lightfoot. Each bookhas a glossary, summary information on peopleimportant to understanding the artist, and acomplete index. Peter Harrison’s narrative ineach book focuses primarily on the life of thepainter and would be easy for children tounderstand.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Cathleen Sovold JohnsonFreelance WriterDes Moines, Washington931. Williams, Brian. Ancient China. ISBN0670871575.—-939. Wood, Tim. The Incas. ISBN0670870374.(See Through History.) Viking/Penguin, 1996.Hardbound, $16.99. Gr. 1 - Adult.A part of the See Through History series, AncientChina is sure to inspire many hours of learningmore about China, its kings and emperors, farmlife, cities, trade, transportation, art, science,inventions, beliefs, and customs. All these andmore are explored in detailed text and picture inthese forty-eight pages. An interesting trademarkof this series are its See Through Scenes createdwith overlays. Four detailed overlays in thisbook allow you to see inside a Shang king’stomb, peek inside a nobleman’s house, inspectthe holds on canal boats, and tiptoe around thehome of the emperor in the Forbidden City.Another book in this series, The Incas, allows thereader to explore the 15th century Incacivilization of South America. Subjects coveredinclude homes, clothes, society, art and crafts,travel and trade, government, farming, food,religion, warriors, the arrival of the Spanish, andthe Conquest of the empire. See Throughoverlays allow the reader to explore the islands inLake Titicaca which were home to the Palace ofthe Inca and the Temple of the Chosen Women,view the inside of an Inca city house, peer intothe Temple of the Sun at Coricancha, and rest inan Inca way station with a unit of the Inca army.This book concludes with a brief timeline and aglossary of unfamiliar terms. Both books areindexed.Other titles in this series:Forts and Castles. ISBN 0670858986.Tombs and Treasures. ISBN 0670858994.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Judy DriscollChrist the King AcademyPoulsbo, Washington971. Sateren, Shelley Swanson. Canada : Starof the North. ISBN 0761401997.—-954. Cifarelli, Megan. India : One Nation,Many Traditions. ISBN 0761402012.—-951. Kent, Deborah. China : Old WaysMeet New. ISBN 0761402020.—-932.8. Ayer, Eleanor H. Poland : ATroubled Past, a New Start. ISBN 0761401989.—-981. Galvin, Irene Flum. Brazil : ManyVoices, Many Faces. ISBN 0761402004.(Exploring Cultures of the World.)Benchmark Books/Marshall Cavendish, 1996.Hardbound, $16.95. Gr. 1 - 8+.Did you know that, in two years, Canada willhave a new territory called Ninavut? Did youalso know that India’s movie industry isnicknamed Bollywood? And did you know aChinese child has to learn over 2,500 charactersto be able to read? Did you further know that, inPoland, the day after Easter is called “WetMonday” because boys chase girls and try tosoak them with cold water or perfume? Thistrivia and much, much, more are interesting factsyou’ll learn through the Exploring Cultures of theWorld series by Benchmark Books.Each book explores a different country of theworld—their history and geography, their schooland games, their art, food, festivals, family life,and more. All these books are beautifullyhardbound with superb photography and layout.Maps, facts, glossary, and a bibliography arestandard features of each book. Because thewriters are careful to be clear and concise without“dumbing down” the information, youngelementary readers as well as older junior highand even high schoolers will enjoy this series.In Canada : Star of the North by Shelly SwansonSateren, the second largest country in the world isdisplayed in a beauty that is truly all its own. Themulti-faceted diversity of this country, from theMaritimes to the arctic territory, from the manylanguages to the diversified cultural heritages,are discussed without getting bogged down intrite details. Handled wonderfully, Saterenleaves the American reader proud of her northernneighbors and Canadian friends glad to beCanadian.In India : One Nation, Many Traditions byMegan Cifarelli, the reader tales a look at thisoften puzzling country. Because Hindu beliefsnot only permeate India’s history and culture buteven the Indian’s way of life today, morereservation may be taken with this book onIndia’s society than with any of the other booksof this series, especially for very young children.Yet, the author did a fair and thorough job ofhelping us see the great diversity of this land—itsremote villages, its teeming urban masses, itsunique family life, and its great bondage to thisreligion. Most of all, the people of India, andespecially the children, come alive to the readerin this exploration of India and its culture.In China : Old Ways Meet New by Deborah Kent,the fascinating world of the Chinese unfolds asthe reader learns about this ancient civilizationwhich has, even to this day, retained an ancientuniqueness only they possess. Communism andits influence is dealt with tactfully as theproblems caused by its control on society areclearly presented. Yet, the complexity of theChinese language, the colorful people, the uniquefood, and the exciting yet sometimes strangefestivals that comprise this society let us also seea beauty in China. One caution: becauseBuddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism affectedthe Chinese culture so much, all these arediscussed. Yet care was taken not to bringconfusion. The text simply conveys theseinfluences in a way that seems to limit theirpower to the culture of China.M A R C H , 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

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ORDER FORM___Compact Guide to World Religions by Dean C. Halverson,ed., 1556617046, PAP, $10.99.___Cookies in the Mailbox by Linda Porter Carlyle, 0816311226,HBB, $6.49.___Created to Learn by William R. Yount, 0805412069, PAP,$39.99.___Cynic Sage or Son of God by Gregory A. Boyd, 0801021189,PAP, $17.99.___Danger at Outlaw Creek by Jerry Jerman, 1564764656, PAP,$5.99.___David and Goliath by Leon Baxter, 0745931928, HBB, $3.99.___Death of Truth by Dennis McCallum, 1556617240, PAP,$11.99.___Desperate Search by Lee Roddy, 1556610270, PAP, $5.99.___Does Anybody Know What Planet My Parents Are From? byKevin Johnson, 1556614152, PAP, $6.99.___Fires of Autumn by Robert W. Funderburk, 1556616147, PAP,$8.99.___Flaming Trap by Lee Roddy, 1556610955, PAP, $5.99.___Follow Me by Jan David Hettinga, 0891099824, PAP, $14.00.___Forbidden Legacy by Barbara Masci Goss, 0800786211, PAP,$4.99.___Forsaken Crusade by Sigmund Brouwer, 0896931188, PAP,$5.99.___Gettysburg Address by Abraham Lincoln, 0395698243, HBB,$14.95.___Giants on the Hill by Lee Roddy, 0849934923, PAP, $10.99.___God and Joseph and Me by Linda Porter Carlyle,0816310920, HBB, $6.49.___Golden Palaces by Linda Chaikin, 1556618654, PAP, $9.99.___Grandpa's Stolen Treasure by Lois Walfrid Johnson,1556612397, PAP, $5.99.___Great Stories Remembered by , 1561794597, HBB, $19.99.___Guys and a Whole Lot More by Susie Shellenberger,0800755324, PAP, $7.99.___Heart of Valor by Alan Morris, 1556616937, PAP, $8.99.___High Country Ambush by Lee Roddy, 1556612877, PAP,$5.99.___Hunted in the Alaskan Wilderness by Lee Roddy,1561794457, PAP, $5.99.___In Process by Kim Boyce, 0781408229, PAP, $7.99.___In the Beginning by Leon Baxter, 0745931901, HBB, $3.99.___Introduction to the Old Testament by Raymond B. Dillard,0310432502, HBB, $24.99.___It Takes a Church Within a Village by H. B. London, Jr.,0785272119, HBB, $14.99.___Jester's Quest by Sigmund Brouwer, 1564762734, PAP, $5.99.___Jesus Quest by Ben Witherington, 0830818618, HBB, $19.99.___Jesus the Messiah by Robert H. Stein, 0830818847, HBB,$24.99.___Jesus Under Fire by J. P. Moreland, 0310211395, PAP,$12.99.___Jip : His Story by Katherine Paterson, 0525675434, HBB,$15.99.___Kids in Danger by Ross Campbell, 1564764710, PAP, $9.99.___King Without a Shadow by R. C. Sproul, 0781402573, HBB,$16.99.___Lament for a Son by Nicholas Wolterstorff, 080280294X,PAP, $10.00.___Lay Siege to Heaven by Louis de Wohl, , PAP, $14.95.___Legend of Burning Water by Sigmund Brouwer, 089693117X,PAP, $5.99.___Leo the Magnificat by Ann M. Martin, 0590484982, HBB,$15.95.___Let's Talk About AIDS and Sex by Rodney Gage,080546073X, PAP, $5.95.___Letters to Nicole by Tim Smith, 0842320466, PAP, $7.99.___Love Letters by Madeleine L'Engle, 0877885281, HBB,$19.99.___Magdalene Gospel by Mary Ellen Ashcroft, 0385478550,HBB, $16.95.___Making God Real to Your Children by Sally Leman Chall,0800786300, PAP, $8.99.___Man of Honor by Ray Pritchard, 0891078991, PAP, $12.99.___Mandie and the Courtroom Battle by Lois Gladys Leppard,155661554X, PAP, $4.99.___Mandie and the Schoolhouse's Secret by Lois GladysLeppard, 1556615531, PAP, $4.99.___Masquerade by , 1561795003, VID, $19.99.___Matter of Trust by T. Elizabeth Renich, 1883002141, PAP,$8.99.___Meet Him at the Manger by Stuart Briscoe, 0877885575,HBB, $15.99.___Memory's Gate by Paul McCusker, 074593613X, PAP, $5.99.___Mercy and Eagleflight by Michael R. Phillips, 0842339205,PAP, $10.99.___Merlin's Destiny by Sigmund Brouwer, 1564760499, PAP,$5.99.___Merry Birthday, Nora Noël by Ann Dixon, 0802851053,HBB, $15.00.___Message of Acts by John Stott, 0830812369, PAP, $14.99.___Midnight Clear by Katherine Paterson, 0525675299, HBB,$16.00.___Mirette on the High Wire by Emily Arnold McCully,0399221301, HBB, $15.95.___Mornin' Star Risin' by Jean E. Holmes, 0816310645, PAP,$9.95.___Morning Has Broken by Eleanor Farjeon, 0802851320, PAP,$7.50.___Morning Has Broken by Eleanor Farjeon, 0802851274, HBB,$15.00.___Mysterious Hideaway by Lois Walfrid Johnson, 1556612389,PAP, $5.99.___Mystery of the Forgotten Fortune by Tracy Groot,0891079114, PAP, $5.99.___Mystery of the Stolen Statue by Tracy Groot, 0891078746,PAP, $5.99.___New Absolutes by William D. Watkins, 1556617216, HBB,$19.99.___New Day Rising by Lauraine Snelling, 1556615779, PAP,$9.99.___No Olives Tonight! by Linda Porter Carlyle, 0816311242,HBB, $6.49.___Noah's Ark by Leon Baxter, 0745931928, HBB, $3.99.___Not a Tame Lion by Terry W. Glaspey, 0964539675, HBB,$12.99.___Not Without Courage by T. Elizabeth Renich, 188300232X,PAP, $8.99.___On the Mayflower by Kate Waters, 0590673084, HBB,$16.95.___Once in Blueberry Dell by Dawn L. Watkins, 0890848289,PAP, $5.49.___Original Jesus by Tom Wright, 0802838375, HBB, $20.00.___Out of the Blue by Lauraine Snelling, 1556615086, PAP,$5.99.___Overland Escape by Lee Roddy, 1556610262, PAP, $5.99.___Plans of His Heart by Chip Ricks, 0805462708, PAP, $10.99.___’Pon Jordan's Far Shore by Jean E. Holmes, 0816312273,PAP, $9.95.___Praise Jerusalem by Augusta Trobaugh, 0801011477, HBB,$19.99.___Preschoolers Family Story Book by V. Gilbert Beers,1564764923, HBB, $16.99.___Proposal by Angela Hunt, 0842349502, PAP, $11.99.___Quest for the Lost Prince by Dave Jackson, 1556614721,PAP, $5.99.___Quiet Light by Louis de Wohl, 0898705959, PAP, $14.95.___Reason in the Balance by Philip Johnson, 0830816100, HBB,$19.99.___Redating Matthew, Mark and Luke by John Wenham,0830817603, PAP, $19.94.___Return to Harmony by Janette Oke, 1556618786, PAP, $8.99.___Sam and the Tigers by Julius Lester, 0803720289, HBB,$15.99.___Secret of the Howling Cave by Lee Roddy, 1556610947, PAP,$5.99.___Set All Afire by Louis de Wohl, , PAP, $14.95.___Sex, Lies & ...the Truth by , 0842317309, PAP, $4.99.___Shiloh Autumn by Bodie Thoene, 0785280669, HBB, $21.99.___Shiloh's Choice by Lee Roddy, 0849938333, PAP, $10.99.___Snow Day by Moira Fain, 0802784097, HBB, $15.95.___Spelling Window by Dawn L. Watkins, 0890846774, PAP,$5.49.___Stand Out by Bill Sanders, 0800755332, PAP, $7.99.___Stand Tall by Bill Sanders, 0800754522, PAP, $7.99.___Stranded on Terror Island by Lee Roddy, 1561794821, PAP,$5.99.___Stranger in the Mist by Paul McCusker, 0745936121, PAP,$5.99.___Sudden Switch by Paul McCusker, 0745936113, PAP, $5.99.___Surprised by Laughter by Terry Lindvall, 0785276890, HBB,$22.99.___Swords and Scimitars by Linda Chaikin, 1556618816, PAP,$9.99.___Tell Me the Promises by Joni Eareckson Tada, 0891079041,HBB, $15.99.___Temptations Families Face by Tom L. Eisenman,0830816887, HBB, $17.99.___Ten Secrets for a Successful Family by Adrian Rogers,0891078835, HBB, $17.99.___Treasure in an Oatmeal Box by Ken Gire, 0891093672, PAP,$6.00.___Tribulation Force by Tim LaHaye, 0842329137, HBB,$15.97.___Trouble at Wild River by Lois Walfrid Johnson, 1556611447,PAP, $5.99.___Untamed Land by Lauraine Snelling, 1556615760, PAP,$9.99.___Vanishing Footprints by Lois Walfrid Johnson, 155661103X,PAP, $5.99.___When Willard Met Babe Ruth by Donald Hall, 0152002731,HBB, $16.00.___Wings of an Angel by Sigmund Brouwer, 0896931153, PAP,$5.99.___Winter of Red Snow by Kristiana Gregory, 0590226533,HBB, $9.95.___Winter Song : Christmas Readings by Madeleine L'Engle,0877888558, HBB, $19.99.___With Our Own Eyes by Don Mosley, 0836190505, PAP,$12.95.___Wizard of the Great Lake by , 0875086314, PAP, $3.95.___Word of Honor by T. Elizabeth Renich, 1883002109, PAP,$8.99.___Your Family Time with God by John Maxwell, 0781402409,PAP, $17.99.M A R C H , 1 9 9 7 4 2 C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L

ORDER FORMO R D E R F O R MChristian Library ServicesPurchasing Cooperative1101 S.W. Rogue River AvenueGrants Pass, OR 97526-2736Email: nancyhclj@aol.com 1 (541) 479-5277 FAX 1 (541) 479-5178BILLING INFORMATIONName ________________________________________________Organization __________________________________________Mailing Address ________________________________________City ________________________________________________State ____________________Zip ________________________SHIPPING ADDRESS (if different from mailing)Street Address __________________________________________(We do not send orders to P.O. boxes.)Zip____________________________________Telephone ( _______ ) __________________________________Fax ( ________ )______________________________________Internet Address ________________________________________Total List PricesOur Discount: Subtract 15% of List PricesCHARGESLESS AMOUNT ENCLOSED (75% OF TOTAL)NET REMAINING CHARGESPlease select the items you wish to order by indicating the quantity at the left; then total your order above. Pleaseallow 10 to 12 weeks for delivery.ALL ORDERS INCLUDE FREE CATALOGING. IF YOU WISH TO SPECIFYCATALOGING PREFERENCES, PLEASE ASK FOR A PREFERENCES SHEET.Please enclose a check for 75% of the above total.We will bill you for the difference between the final balance and your prepayment.All charges are due and payable within 30 days of billing. We charge 1% monthly on late accounts.We do not accept payment by credit card. Please pay by check or money order, U.S. funds only.SHIPPINGShipping charges are included.We ship all items UPS Ground, which will take 1-7 business days. Hawaiian,Canadian, and Alaskan orders will be shipped U.S. Postal Service, library rate.Canadian orders should include the GST number of the organization.___Ancient China by Brian Williams, 0670871575, HBB, $16.99.___Backyard Bugs by Robin Kittrell Laughlin, 0811809072,HBB, $12.95.___Beginning Baseball by Julie Jensen, 082253505X, HBB,$19.95.___Beginning Basketball by Julie Jensen, 0822535084, HBB,$19.95.___Beginning Gymnastics by Julie Jensen, 0822535033, HBB,$19.95.___Beginning Hockey by Julie Jensen, 0822535068, HBB,$19.95.___Beginning Snowboarding by Julie Jensen, 0822535076, HBB,$19.95.___Beyond the Impasse by Allan McNicol, ed., 1563381842,PAP, $25.00.___Big Wind Coming! by Karen English, 0807507261, HBB,$14.95.___Black Like Kyra, White Like Me by Judith Vigna,0807507792, PAP, $5.95.___Bless All Creatures Here Below by Judith Gwyn Brown,0819216658, HBB, $15.95.___Book of Acts in the Setting of Hellenistic History by Colin J.Hemer, 0931464587, HBB, $45.00.___Brain by Jim Barmeier, 1560061073, HBB, $21.19.___Brazil : Many Voices, Many Faces by Irene Flum Galvin,0761402004, HBB, $16.95.___Canada : Star of the North by Shelley Swanson Sateren,0761401997, HBB, $16.95.___Carolina Shout! by Alan Schroeder, 0803716788, HBB,$14.99.___China : Old Ways Meet New by Deborah Kent, 0761402020,HBB, $16.95.___Christmas Fairy Tales by Neil Philip, selector, 0670868051,HBB, $19.99.___Circle of Seasons by Gerda Muller, 0525453946, HBB,$13.99.___Civil Rights : The Long Struggle by Eileen Lucas,0894907298, HBB, $18.95.___Claude Monet by Peter Harrison, 0806961589, HBB, $14.95.___Colin Powell : Soldier and Patriot by Anne Schraff,0894908103, HBB, $18.95.___Crazy Creature Colors by Hannah Reidy, 1899883436, HBB,$6.95.___Crazy Creatures Counting by Hannah Reidy, 1899883428,HBB, $6.95.___Crusader for Christ by Jean Wilson, 0875086020, PAP, $3.95.___Curse of the Amulet by G. D. Lehmann, 0875084435, PAP,$4.95.___Danger on the Sunita by G. D. Lehmann, 0875084389, PAP,$4.95.___Dipper of Copper Creek by Jean Craighead George,0525287248, HBB, $15.99.___Dog Who Lost His Bob by Tom McNeal, 0807516627, HBB,$15.95.___Dragon's Gate by Laurence Yep, 0060229721, HBB, $15.00.___Fabulous Flying Fandinis by Ingrid Slyder, 0525652124,HBB, $14.99.___Fanny's Dream by Caralyn Buehner, 0803714971, HBB,$14.99.___Fire Trucks by Hope Irvin Marston, 0525652310, HBB,$14.99.___Froggy Goes to School by Jonathan London, 0670867268,HBB, $13.99.___From Slave Boy to Bishop by John Milsome, 0875086004,PAP, $3.95.___Genetic Engineering by Clarice Swisher, 1560061790, HBB,$21.19.___Ghost Walker by Margaret Coel, 0425154688, HBB, $21.95.___Gina by Bernard Waber, 039574279X, HBB, $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 4 3 M A R C H , 1 9 9 7

ORDER FORM___Grandfather's Story by Brenda Lena Fazio, 1570610282,HBB, $14.95.___Great Interactive Dream Machine by Richard Peck,0803719892, HBB, $14.99.___Hand-Me-Down Horse by Marion Hess Pomeranc,0807531413, HBB, $15.95.___Heart to Heart by George Shannon, 0395727731, HBB,$13.95.___Heidi by Johanna Spyri, 0670869864, HBB, $22.99.___Heroine of Newgate by John Milsome, 0875086330, PAP,$3.95.___Hooray, a Piñata! by Elisa Kleven, 0525456058, HBB,$15.99.___How Do You Lift a Lion? by Robert E. Wells, 0807534196,HBB, $14.95.___How Do You Lift a Lion? by Robert E. Wells, 0807534218,PAP, $6.95.___I Can Say Apple by Ann Locke, 1899883312, Kiddie BoardBook, $2.95.___I Can Say Blanket by Ann Locke, 1899883339, Kiddie BoardBook, $2.95.___I Can Say Boat by Ann Locke, 1899883320, Kiddie BoardBook, $2.95.___I Can Say Teddy by Ann Locke, 1899883304, Kiddie BoardBook, $2.95.___I See the Moon and the Moon Sees Me by Jonathan London,0670859184, HBB, $14.99.___If You Were My Bunny by Kate McMullen, 0590527495,HBB, $6.95.___Incas by Tim Wood, 0670870374, HBB, $16.99.___India : One Nation, Many Traditions by Megan Cifarelli,0761402012, HBB, $16.95.___Insect Biology by H. Steven Dashefsky, 0830640312, PAP,$17.95.___Jaime Escalante : Sensational Teacher by Ann Byers,0894907638, HBB, $18.95.___Jelly Beans for Sale by Bruce McMillan, 0590865846, HBB,$15.95.___Jericho by Janet Hickman, 0380726939, PAP, $3.99.___Journey to the New World by Kathryn Lasky, 059050214X,HBB, $9.95.___Jubilation Morn' by Jean E. Holmes, 0816311633, PAP, $9.95.___Just Family by Tonya Bolden, 0525651926, HBB, $14.99.___La Historia de Ping by Marjorie Flack, 0670869589, HBB,$14.99.___Lao Lao of Dragon Mountain by Margaret Bateson-Hill,1899883649, HBB, $12.95.___Little Bit of Rob by Barbara J. Turner, 0807545775, HBB,$14.95.___Looking for Diamonds by Brendal Seabrooke, 052565173X,HBB, $14.99.___Man Who Loved Clowns by June Rae Wood, 078681084X,PAP, $4.95.___Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten by JosephSlate, 0525454462, HBB, $14.99.___Mississippi Going North by Sanna Anderson Baker,0807551643, HBB, $15.95.___Murals : Cave, Cathedral, to Street by Michael Capek,0822520656, HBB, $17.21.___Music of Dolphins by Karen Hesse, 0590897977, HBB,$14.95.___No Strange Fire by Ted Wojtasik, 0836190416, PAP, $14.95.___Old Woman Who Named Things by Cynthia Rylant,0152478099, HBB, $15.00.___Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens, 0803719957, HBB, $19.99.___Only Piece of Furniture in the House by Diane Glancy,1559211830, HBB, $18.95.___Poland : A Troubled Past, a New Start by Eleanor H. Ayer,0761401989, HBB, $16.95.___Presidential Medal of Freedom Winners by Carmen Bredeson,0894907050, HBB, $18.95.___Prophet of the Pacific by Margaret Kabell, 0875086195, PAP,$3.95.___Puppets and Masks : Stagecraft and Storytelling by NanRump, 0871922983, PAP, $19.95.___Red Gang by G. D. Lehmann, 0875084397, PAP, $4.95.___Saint in the Slums by Cyril Davey, 0875086209, PAP, $3.95.___Sally Arnold by Cheryl Ryan, 0525651764, HBB, $14.99.___Saved by Fire by G. D. Lehmann, 0875084419, PAP, $4.95.___Sawdust Trail Preacher by Betty Steele Everett, 0875084990,PAP, $3.95.___Second Daughter by Mildred Pitts Walter, 0590482823, HBB,$15.95.___Shakespeare—-Who was he? by , 0275948501, HBB, $19.95.___Silent Night by Mary Higgins Clark, 0684815451, HBB,$16.00.___Sin Eater by Gary D. Schmidt, 0525675418, HBB, $15.99.___Small Steps : The Year I Got Polio by Peg Kehret,0807574570, HBB, $14.95.___So Loud a Silence by Lyll Becerra de Jenkins, 0525675388,HBB, $16.99.___Somebody's New Pajamas by Isaac Jackson, 0803715498,HBB, $14.99.___Someplace to Go by Maria Testa, 0807575240, HBB, $14.95.___Something for James by Shirley Isherwood, 0803719140,HBB, $14.99.___South Seas Sailor by Cecil Northcott, 0875086225, PAP,$3.95.___Special Parent, Special Child by Tom Sullivan, 0874778301,PAP, $13.95.___Storybook Favorites in Cross-stitch by Gillian Souter,0525456139, HBB, $19.95.___Sweet, Sweet Fig Banana by Phillis Gershator, 080757693X,HBB, $14.95.___There Will Be Wolves by Karleen Bradford, 0525675396,HBB, $15.99.___Tickling Tigers by Anna Currey, 0812095944, PAP, $5.95.___Tickling Tigers by Anna Currey, 0812065948, HBB, $12.95.___Time to Choose by Martha Attema, 1551430452, PAP, $6.95.___Tree in the Forest by Tim Vyner, 0812064925, HBB, $12.95.___Tree That Would Not Die by Ellen Levine, 0590437240,HBB, $14.95.___True North by Kathryn Lasky, 0590205234, HBB, $14.95.___UN Ambassador by Robert Maass, 0802783562, HBB,$16.95.___Uncle Jed's Barbershop by Margaree King Mitchell,0671769693, HBB, $15.00.___Vincent Van Gogh by Peter Harrison, 0806961562, HBB,$14.95.___Walk Safe Through the Jungle by Katharine E. Matchette,0964504510, PAP, $8.75.___What Are the Gospels by Richard A. Burridge, 0521412293,PAP, $18.95.___What in the World's Going on Here, Vol.1 by Diana Waring, ,Tape, $20.95.___What in the World's Going on Here, Vol.2 by Diana Waring, ,Tape, $20.95.___Working in Health Care and Wellness by Barbara Lee,0822517604, HBB, $17.21.___Working in Music by Barbara Lee, 0822517612, HBB,$17.21.___Working with Animals by Barbara Lee, 0822517590, HBB,$17.21.M A R C H , 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

CHILDREN’S NONFICTIONIn Poland : A Troubled Past, A New Start byEleanor H. Ayer, the bright and colorful Polesdraw the reader into their history, their culture,and their world which was once so deeplyshrouded by communism. The harsh oppressionof the communists which once controlled Polandseemed only to strengthen the Polish faith andnational fervor even more, and we take a lookinto their hardworking lives both in the cities andin the rural areas far removed from modern life.As a strong Catholic country, religious holidaysand traditions are very important. School is thecenter of childhood so 98% of Poles today areliterate! Traditional costumes, dance, and craftsas well as writing and music portray a uniquePolish culture throughout the lovely text onPoland.In Brazil : Many Voices, Many Faces by IreneFlum Galven, the blending of Indian, Portugueseand African cultures creates the Brazilian cultureof today. Be it in the favelas (slums) of the largecities or the remote rain forest villages, theunique people of Brazil are presented withclarity. Though the mixture of Catholicism andspiritism is discussed in Brazilian festivals and isoften reflected in Brazilian culture, Galven iscareful to retain a good measure of educationalneutrality as she discusses the touchy areas ofspiritism and its mixture within Christianity.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 4starkness of the illustrations works well with the272 words of Lincoln’s address, words whichhave lived on while those of the main speaker,Edward Everett, are lost to history.The illustrations themselves are all grounded atthe bottom of the and yet seem to move into oneanother because of the text flow. Facialexpressions of the figures evoke the horror ofbattle and death throes, the devastation of theland, determination to remember the dead, topreserve the Union, and ultimately hope in thefuture.Teachers and students could compare this book toperiod photographs for similarities and could useit along with Russell Freedman’s Lincoln: APhotobiography, or Jim Murphy’s Long Road toGettysburg. A good addition for school librariesor classrooms.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Leslie Greaves RadloffTeacher/LibrarianEmanuel Lutheran School(WELS)W. St. Paul, MinnesotaSusan AdderleyFreelance Writer and Former TeacherInternational MinistriesAssociation of Christian Schools InternationalColorado Springs, Colorado973.7. Lincoln, Abraham. The GettysburgAddress. Illustrated by Michael McCurdy.Houghton Mifflin, 1995. ISBN 0395698243.Hardbound, $14.95. Gr. 4 - 6.The illustrator of Lucy’s Christmas has set off thetext of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address with blackand white drawings reminiscent of early worksby Leonard Everett Fisher. Comparisonsbetween the two will be made in several areas:media, black and white, strong diagonal lines,and use of shadow. The black and whiteC H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 4 5 M A R C H , 1 9 9 7

BOOK REVIEWSYOUNG ADULT FICTIONF. Attema, Martha. ATime to Choose. OrcaBook, 1995. ISBN 1551430452. Paperbound,$6.95. Gr. 6 - AdultATime To Choose is a fascinating look into thepersonal struggles of two neighboring familiescaught in the middle of Nazi terror. Sixteen-yearoldJohannes van der Meer wakes up in themiddle of the night to the sound of the air raidsirens, with his family, he huddles in their shelteruntil the all-clear siren sounds. His Dutchhomeland has been under the Nazi regime formore than five years; add to this fact thatJohannes’ own father is a known Nazicollaborator and sympathizer. Johannes feelsconflicting emotions toward his father andrightly so. Johannes can’t believe his fatherremains a “party” member after all the Nazishave done to his family, friends, town, andcountry.Johannes must face a decision to remain neutralor join in a resistance movement with hisneighbor and sweetheart, Sietske. Pressuresfrom the outside draw them both to theunderground world of rescuing and saving Jews.Their experiences help bond them together whilepulling Johannes and his father further apart.Nearing the end of Nazi occupation, life becomeseven more brutal for Johannes. He must face thereality that our choices have repercussions on allthose around us.Johannes takes the Lord’s name in vain once andhe swears, perhaps a half-dozen times throughoutthe book.◆ Quality - 4 ❤ Acceptability - 4Michele HoweFreelance Writer and Homeschool MotherLaSalle, MichiganF. Bolden, Tonya. Just Family. CobblehillBooks/Penguin, 1996. ISBN 0525651926.Hardbound, $14.99. Gr. 5 - 8.From New York City to the laid-back living ofSouth Carolina, the reader is immersed in thesights, sounds, and “feelings” of life within anAfro-American family in the 60’s. Ten-year-oldBeryl Nelson and her older sister, Randy, enjoy asecure home, typical sibling squabbles, and thefoundation of a faith in God within their familyframework.But as all families go, life isn’t always perfect,and the day Beryl discovers that Randy has adifferent father, Beryl feels as if she’s beenbetrayed and cheated out of a real sister.Everything she views becomes off kilter as this“half-sister” idea taints her view of life.At first, Beryl tries to establish herself as thenumber one person of importance within thefamily since Randy only half belongs. But thenshe causes real hurt towards her sister, and herunrest and guilt begin to help frame a differentview in Beryl’s mind. Finally, after meetingmany different relatives at their huge familyreunion in South Carolina, Beryl begins to realizethat “family” is more than just blood-lines. It’sacceptance and care and lots of love!Tonya Bolden crafts a finely-tuned story thatdelves into the inner thoughts and feelings of hercharacters. Just Family offers a good sense ofhow to work though the less than “pictureperfect”family and arrives at a place of betterunderstanding and acceptance.This sensitively-written story can be useful foranyone who may be dealing with similar familyproblems, showing care and love far surpassesman’s imperfections. Those who stay with thestory’s soft presentation will be rewarded with adeeper appreciation of their own family.◆ Quality - 3 ❤ Acceptability -5Mary McKinneyFreelance WriterPort Orchard, WashingtonF. Bradford, Karleen. There Will Be Wolves.Dutton Children’s Books, 1996. ISBN0525675396. Hardbound, $15.99. Gr. 9 - 12.Who are the wolves of the title? Is it the cruelmasters like Count Emil and Lemmet theTroubadour, preying on weaker folk? Are theythe grey animals in the shadows who howl atnight? Are they the peasants who aredisenchanted with the army coming through theirland, destroying their tender crops? Or, possibly,the Crusaders themselves? Karleen Bradford, inThere Will Be Wolves, doesn’t answer thequestions directly; she leaves that to thecaptivated reader. Ursula, a daughter of anapothecary in Cologne, Germany, her ailingfather, Master William, and Ursula’s friendBruno join the 1096 Crusade. This holy journey,led by Peter the Hermit, is designed to free theholy city, Jerusalem, from the clutches of theInfidels. With little preparation, and lessleadership, the underbelly of society, along withtheir lords, are swept into the current of history.Bradford does a masterful job of portraying theeleventh century world, complete with its socialproblems of drug and child abuse.The vocabulary of There Will Be Wolves can beconsidered “mature.” A map helps the readertravel the route of this People’s Crusade 1096,the “illuminata” first letter of each chapter inkeeping with the manuscripts of the period. Theinterest level is high, with books of magic, straycats and witches, swordplay and turbaned riders,pillaging and looting all having a part.◆ Quality - 4 ❤ Acceptability - 4Su HagertyFreelance WriterIssaquah, WashingtonF. Brouwer, Sigmund. Wings of an Angel.(Wings of Light; 1.) ISBN 0896931153.---Barbarians from the Isle. (Wings of Light;2.) ISBN 0896931161.---Legend of Burning Water. (Wings of Light;3.) ISBN 089693117X.---The Forsaken Crusade. (Wings of Light; 4.)ISBN 0896931188.---A City of Dreams. (Wings of Light; 5.)ISBN 1564760480.---Merlin’s Destiny. (Wings of Light; 6.)ISBN 1564760499.---The Jester’s Quest. (Wings of Light; 7.)ISBN 1564762734.Chariot/Victor, 1992-1994. Paperbound,$5.99. Gr. 5 - 8.Sigmund Brouwer has skillfully woven historicalfact and his own speculations into a rivetingseries entitled Wings Of Light. The first book,Wings of an Angel, introduces the main character,Thomas, an orphan who has a seeminglyimpossible goal: to conquer the formidable cityof Magnus. Unlike most orphans who lived inEngland during the early 1300’s, Thomas iseducated, and has access to further knowledge.However, when Thomas does reach Magnus,both the reader and Thomas realize the adventurehas only begun.Sigmund Brouwer is a accomplished storyteller.His characters are strong and the plot pace apage-turning delight. One notable aspect of thisseries is the addition of footnotes and timelinewhich explain the story more fully. This seriesM A R C H , 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 ADULT FICTIONwill surely appeal to readers who are interested inKing Arthurian adventure, for there are knights,mysterious strangers, plot twists, noble quests,plenty of action, and the age old battle of goodtriumphing over evil. And there is Merlin, whoBrouwer interjects as a Druid who broke away toestablish “light” in an age of darkness.Throughout the books Thomas seeks answers,especially those concerning God. His journey ofseeking a relationship with God may help otherreaders who travel the same road.It’s suggested the first six books be read insuccession in order to more fully enjoy thedevelopment of the plot and characters.However The Jester’s Quest, breaks away fromthe other books and is a complete story in itself,referring to former characters but at the sametime introduces new characters and the lure ofmore adventures. Dance of Darkness, number 8in the series, is due to be published in July, 1997.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Pam WebbHomeschool Teacher/ Freelance WriterPriest River, IdahoCatherine is frantic over her missing son. Thepolice are searching, and TV and radio carry herappeal for information. Cally is torn but finallycalls a sympathetic detective with herinformation. The search intensifies for Jimmyand Brian, who retains his trust that St.Christopher will somehow save him. Catherine,Michael, and Grandmother Cavanaugh are atMidnight Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral whenthe good news arrives that Brian has beenrescued by a police officer named Christopher.With a child as a central character, this storyshould appeal to readers as young as sixth grade,and Clark’s numerous teenage and adult fans willenjoy it as well. She successfully maintains thesuspense, even though we know the end will be ahappy one.◆ Quality - 4 ❤ Acceptability - 4Kathleen T. ChoiRetired TeacherHilo, Hawaiiitself broken by a series of sieges. What historywill call the Dark Ages begins, and the fewhavens of peace and learning in Europe will haveBenedictine monasteries at their center.de Wohl devoted his career to writing about thesaints, and Ignatius Press is gradually reissuinghis novels. He makes clear the frighteningconsequences of a society turning its back onGod without resorting to gore or explicit sexualcontent. Benedict and his followers are saintlybut not syrupy sweet. His account of themiracles is brief and matter-of-fact. He’s farmore interested in conveying the historicalimportance of the monasteries for the survival ofEuropean Christianity and Western civilization.His characters are believable, and, his plot,except for some unnecessary letters in themiddle, moves quickly. This book is an excellentintroduction to the period for high schoolstudents and an inspiring entertainment foradults.Others in the series:Lay Siege to Heaven (St. Catherine ofSiena)F. Clark, Mary Higgins. Silent Night. Simon& Schuster, 1995. ISBN 0684815451,Hardbound, $16.00. ISBN 067100042X,Paperbound, $6.95. Gr. 8 - Adult.It’s Christmas Eve in New York City. CatherineDornan has brought her two young sons to staywith their Grandmother Cavanaugh while herhusband has surgery for leukemia. Distraught byher husband’s illness, Catherine makes the effortto take sons Brian and Michael to see the tree atRockefeller Center. As they’re listening to thecarols, Catherine accidentally drops her wallet onthe ground.Cally Hunter impulsively picks it up. She’s poor,and the secondhand gifts she’s bought for herdaughter seem so shabby. Still, she immediatelyregrets her action. She’s just out of prison forassisting her brother escape the police. No onebelieved that he had told her he was running fromgang violence. She can’t go back to prison andlose her daughter to foster care again. Sheresolves to mail the wallet to its owner as soon asshe gets home.Unfortunately, Brian sees her pick up the wallet.When he can’t get his mother’s attention, hefollows the thief. The wallet contains a St.Christopher’s medal, which GrandmotherCavanaugh told the boys to give to their father tohelp him get well. Brian has faith in the medaland will do anything to get it back.When Cally gets home, she’s shocked to find herbrother Jimmy waiting. He’s escaped fromprison and wants money for a run to Canada. Hespots Brian and takes him hostage. He warns hissister that he’ll kill the boy if she tells the policeshe’s seen him.F. de Wohl, Louis. Citadel of God. IgnatiusPress, 1994. ISBN 0898704049. Paperbound,$14.95. Gr. 10 - Adult.In 500 A.D., the once mighty Roman Empire hastwo capitols, one in Byzantium and one in Rome.Italy is occupied by the Goths and the Vandals,and disenfranchised Romans pursue pleasurerather than freedom. The philosopher Boethiushopes to persuade the Germans to govern morefairly, but his wife Rusticana and foster son Peterhope for a military solution. In the openingchapters of Citadel of God, their paths cross thatof Benedict of Nursia. This young man feelsGod has another answer. He begins building aseries of monasteries in the Italian countryside.Here men from every part of the Roman Empireand every social class find a refuge from theviolence and vice around them. Benedictdevelops a Rule of life that balances prayer andlabor, making each monastery self-sufficient.Later, he makes the preservation of knowledge apriority for his order, and the men begin copyingand distributing manuscripts. Meanwhile Peterrises in the service of the Byzantium emperor andhelps instigate the war Rusticana so desired. Thecountryside is devastated by famine, and RomeThe Quiet Light (St. Augustine) (Reviewedjust below.)Set All Afire (St. Francis Xavier)◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Kathleen T. ChoiRetired TeacherHilo, HawaiiF. de Wohl, Louis. The Quiet Light. IgnatiusPress, 1996. ISBN 0898705959. Paperbound,$14.95. Gr. 11 - Adult.The time is the 13th century. The Pope hasexcommunicated Emperor Frederick 11 forblasphemy and heresy. Frederick retaliates bydestroying churches and monasteries, includingthe one where young Thomas Aquinas isstudying.A British knight, Piers Rudde, rescues Thomasand takes him back to Aquino. There Piers fallsC H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 4 7 M A R C H , 1 9 9 7

YOUNG ADULT FICTIONin love with the young nobleman’s older sisterTheodora. He enters the Aquino family’sservice, giving him a ringside seat for not onlythe political turmoil of the day but thedevelopment of Christianity’s first majorphilosopher.Thomas’ mother, who like many others in hisyouth thinks he’s not too bright, plans to buy himthe abbacy of Monte Cassino. Thomas, however,prefers to join the Dominicans, a new order ofteaching friars with no social standing. She andher other sons try everything to change Thomas’mind, including locking him in his room andpaying a prostitute to seduce him. Nothingworks, and Piers helps Thomas escape the familycastle and join the Dominican students in Paris.At the University of Paris, Thomas begins hislife’s work, reconciling the philosophical insightsof the Greeks and Romans with the Gospel. Hisreputation spreads. Prince Edward of Englandbecomes his patron. He successfully refutes theAlbigensian heresy but is accused of heresyhimself by conservative clergy who fear his“modern” thinking. He defends himself beforethe Pope and his advisors and dies honored andloved by all who know him, his breadth of mindexceeded only by the sweetness of hisdisposition.de Wohl accomplishes three important objectivesin this superb novel. He makes Thomas a realhuman being we care about. He weaves thephilosophical arguments into the plot in a waythat both educates and entertains. Finally, hemakes the historical background so clear andcompelling that we actually worry about thepagan Frederick’s possible destruction ofChristianity in Europe. Even the love interestbetween Piers and Theodora serves the plot,giving insights into the social structure of thetime. High school libraries will find this novelhistory older students actually enjoy, as will anyadult reader who wishes to know more about thedevelopment of Christian theology.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Kathleen T. ChoiRetired TeacherHilo, HawaiiF. George, Jean Craighead and John George.Dipper of Copper Creek. Dutton Children’sBooks/Penguin, 1956, reissued 1996. ISBN0525287248. Hardbound, $15.99. Gr. 4 - 8.For librarians fed up with the trends of thinbooks, thin plots, and even thinner characters,there is good news—Dipper of Copper Creek hasbeen reissued. Newbery Award winning authorJean Craighead George’s gentle story of a boywho discovers himself and the beauty of themountains is available once again. When thebook was first published the year was 1956.Forty years later the story of Whispering Bill andhis grandson Young Doug, and all the assortedanimal mountain life still holds up. The storyunfolds itself at a leisurely pace, and yet there isplenty of suspense to keep a reader turning thepages.Dipper of Copper Creek is one of those books inthe category of classic. Not only is it penned byan award winning author but it holds up throughthe years, and it has substance. It is the type ofbook you find yourself remembering andwanting your own children to read.Unfortunately, most kids today probably wouldpass it up. The generation weaned on SesameStreet and video games is used to a “fast and getit over with” sort of entertainment. This is whyDipper should be introduced to them as an readaloud.The full prose of George’s book is rich,and should be introduced slowly to the systemsof children brought up on lean literature. Plan onreading a chapter or so out loud and watch howthe descriptive passages are absorbed. Thenwatch Dipper get checked out. Again and again.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Pam WebbFreelance Writer, Homeschool ParentPriest River, IdahoF. Gregory, Kristiana. The Winter of RedSnow : The Revolutionary War Diary of AbigailJane Stewart. (Dear America; 2.) ScholasticPress, 1996. ISBN 0590226533. Hardbound,$9.95. Gr. 4 - 8.This historical novel set in Valley Forge,Pennsylvania, is written for upper grade schoolreaders. It takes place in 1777, the year GeorgeWashington and his troops wintered there.Written from the perspective of a young girlkeeping a diary, the reader is drawn inimmediately with details of a family event.Abigail continues to relate the events of thatwinter and how the people of the community areaffected by the Army’s presence.Attractively bound and designed, the book willdraw the reader’s attention with the title, TheWinter of Red Snow. A balance betweenhistorical events and characterization is wellmaintained, and both are smoothly woven intothe diary narration. Historical characters areplaced within “families,” or groups of peoplethey have relationships with.Kristiana Gregory uses her facts and researchwell. An additional historical note at the end isvery helpful in giving reference points withinwhich to place events from the story. Lack ofartwork in the text forces the reader to focus ondates and sequence of events; he is free toimagine the scenes in his own mind.Realistic characters are well placed in relation toeach other. The language conveys speechpatterns of the period without being overdone, asin “A soldier is here asking for thee, Beth.Hurry.” The Epilogue goes far beyond the scopeof the original story, and the reading level of theHistorical Note is not consistent with that of themain text. It is difficult to read and does not flowwell. One of the greatest strengths of the work isalso a weakness. Some diary entries are toobrief, and leave the reader wishing for moreinformation. However, the variety in tone withsome days having more details than others alsomakes the book more true to life.Kristiana Gregory has written a well paced diarywith plenty of human interest to hold the reader’sattention from beginning to end.◆ Quality - 4 ❤ Acceptability - 5Tracie MabryFreelance Writer, Parent VolunteerVancouver, WashingtonF. Groot, Tracy. The Mystery of the StolenStatue. (Casey and the Classifieds; 1.) ISBN0891078746.---The Mystery of the Forgotten Fortune.(Casey and the Classifieds; 2.) ISBN0891079114.Crossway Books, 1996. Paperbound, $5.99.Gr. 5 - 8.The Mystery of the Stolen Statue by Tracey Grootis the first book in the new Casey and theClassifieds series for ten to fourteen-year-olds.The irrepressible Casey DeWinter is a dreamerfascinated by classified ads. When she finds anad offering a $500 reward from a teacher at herhigh school, she’s too curious to resist. So beginsthe history and the mystery that leads Casey andher four friends—who eventually become theClassifieds—into more trouble than even Caseydreamed possible.Ayoung Jewish boy hidden by a Dutch familyduring the Holocaust and the statue that resultedM A R C H , 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 ADULT FICTIONis the story within the story. Based on fact andfilled with interesting historical tidbits such ashow the Dutch had to eat tulip bulbs during thosedays of food rationing, this story is perhaps themore poignant of the two. Chapter one beginsslowly, because of background detail. Chaptertwo is where the fun begins—where the readermeets the adventurous side of Casey.DeWinter’s Casey and the Classifieds is a seriessimilar to the Nancy Drew series but lessmaterialistic In these adventures, Casey, agefourteen, rides a bike; when one of the olderClassifieds drive, it’s in their parents’ car. Caseyisn’t beautiful, rich, or perfect like NancyDrew—she’s real.The Mystery of the Forgotten Fortune is thesecond book in the series and could be readalone. Yet reading the first book first clarifieswho’s who. It begins when Casey helps hermother collect clothes for a church mission andmeets Legendary Mary. When Casey learnsMary’s strange appearance and habits are a resultof Alzheimer’s Disease, they become friends.That’s when Mary asks Casey to find Mary’sdestiny—a hidden family treasure. Caseypromises.Throughout the summer Casey wonders ifMary’s destiny is real or a delusion fromAlzheimer’s as many believe. Yet she remainstrue to her promise and her new friend even whenthe other Classifieds hesitate. Ultimately thefriends work together, and finding the treasurethat quiets Mary’s haunted mind is worth thetrouble they stumble into. Groot does a good jobat mixing suspense with fun in the final chapterwhere they actually uncover the treasure.In addition to the rousing mysteries, thebookcovers would entice any young mystery buffand the series, therefore, would make a nice giftsets◆ Quality - 4 ❤ Acceptability - 5Ginger McGrathFreelance WriterMcMinnville, OregonF. Hesse, Karen. The Music of Dolphins.Scholastic Press, 1996. ISBN 0590897977.Hardbound, $14.95. Gr. 5 - Adult.Don’t be put off by the opening to The Music ofDolphins by Karen Hesse. This necessaryframework presents the contrast to the poignanttale of the dolphin-girl, Mila. Written in the firstperson for the most part, Mila introduces us toher world. “Joyful with the coming day, I splashand whistle at the milky sun.” But, this peacefulscene is soon destroyed. A newspaper articleentitled “Wild Child Found on Island Off Cuba”quotes Dr. Elizabeth Beck, who becomes Mila’sguardian. “Feral children are an invaluableresource for studying the role language andsocialization play in the making of a humanbeing.” The whole character of the bookchanges, the type face enormous, the sentencessimple and short. Dr. Beck and Sandy, Mila’scompassionate companion, are trying to civilizethe dolphin-girl and Shay, a girl who has sufferedabuse at the hands of her family. The Music ofDolphins gradually lets the audience know thatDr. Beck has another agenda, to learn how tospeak dolphinese. Is this goal any more worthythan teaching Mila and Shay speech and socialskills?The change of fonts in the formatting of TheMusic of Dolphins is critical to the entering themind of Mila. The size of the print is a visualclue, also, used to represent the difficultiesencountered in learning another language. Thisbook is excellent for sharing with a class asyoung as third or fourth graders, read by theteacher.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Su HagertyFreelance WriterIssaquah, WashingtonF. Holmes, Jean E. Mornin’ Star Risin’.(Weldon Oaks Series; 1.) ISBN 0816310645.---Jubilation Morn’. (Weldon Oaks Series; 3.)ISBN 0816311633.---’Pon Jordan’s Far Shore. (Weldon OaksSeries; 4.) ISBN 0816312273.Pacific Press Pub. Association, 1995.Paperbound, $9.95. Gr. 4 - Adult.On the lovely South Carolina coastal islands, theGullah people of West Africa found that their“home” was a place where they could retainelements of their own culture in the vastlydifferent world of wealthy white plantationowners. The joys and sorrows of life on aplantation come to life at Weldon Oaks.In the first book of the Weldon Oaks Series,Mornin’ Star Risin’, Holmes takes a unique viewof ante-bellum South through the eyes of theGullah slaves and their owners. Through theeyes of two young boys, the multi-faceted lookinto the hearts and lives of both slaves andowners look at the social and spiritual issues ofthe day.Mornin’ Star Risin’ begins the series in the mid1800’s. Eight-year-old Gilly, son of plantationowner Gilbert Weldon, has grown up interactingwith the many Gullah slaves his father owns.Some are friends; others are feared. He is used totelling them what to do. He is used to being the“massa’s boy.” But Gilly soon finds himself a“massa” himself when Zach becomes Gilly’s“property.” Through the activities andadventures of these two boys, a special friendshipemerges and lessons are learned.From sneaking into the Gullah’s forbidden“prayin’ grounds” to the realities of runawayslaves, witch doctors, and death, the boys seeboth sides of their very different worlds. Gillydiscovers what the unique Gullah culture is allabout and Zach finds love and friendship in hiswhite massa.For the Gullah slaves, simple faith in God, theonly one who can set them free, even thoughmixed with African superstitions, unfold as ananchor for these people who are enslaved byman. A truly colorful people emerge in the pagesof Mornin Star Risin.’This first book sets the stage for emotionalinvolvement in the Ante-bellum slavery issues.Though at times Holmes raises questions in thereaders mind concerning the mixture of Christianbeliefs and superstitions brought over fromAfrica, the insensitivity of both slave and owner,and the heartache of child slavery, the starkrealities of that culture become clear. At timesthe Weldon Oak series may prove a bit too scaryor confusing for the younger child, yet readerswill learn much as they read Mornin Star Risin’.◆ Quality - 4 ❤ Acceptability - 4Jubilation Morn’ is the third book in the WeldonOaks series. It is now 1861 and the country istorn by the great Civil War. Weldon Oaks standson the brink of disaster. Gilbert Weldon is knownfor being a kind and fair slave owner, but thedisappearance of his favorite slave shakes thestability of his world. To make matters worse,young Gilly, though still a lad, has decided to joina makeshift navy, completely and adamantlyagainst his father’s wishes. As the chasm in theirrelationship widens, the Weldons’ simple worldbecomes shaken. But as both Gilbert and Gillyfind themselves in the horrors of war, they alsofind and express what really counts—the deeplove between father and son.When the Yankees draw nearer and nearer toWeldon Oaks, horrors of war enter their oncetranquil existence. Guns, cannons, betrayal, andbloodshed shatter their world. With the men offfighting the war, the women are left to fight a warof their own—between themselves and the slaveswhom they once trusted. Finally fleeing theviolence, Mrs. Weldon and her daughter LauraMay head inland to find safety while father andson are caught in the midst of the war.Though sometimes a bit difficult to read due tothe attempt to capture the Gullah’s brokenEnglish on paper, Jubilation Morn’touches manyheart issues and entangles the reader’s emotionsin the characters’ lives. The mixture ofChristianity and African superstitions and ritualscan sometimes be rather disconcerting. Holmes,however, gives a thought provoking look at lifethrough the eyes of both slave and slave owner.◆ Quality - 4 ❤ Acceptability - 4In the fourth book of the Weldon Oaks series, thehorrors of the Civil War fill every page with anew twist of the plot. The Weldon family isseparated by death, imprisonment, and loss ofproperty. Yet, each hold on to their faith the bestthey know how.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 M A R C H , 1 9 9 7

YOUNG ADULT FICTIONGilly is found in a wretched Carolinian stockade,a prisoner-of-war where he lies sick andhopeless. His father is dead; his mother andsister gone; his friend Zach somewhere with thetroops; their property lost to the enemy, and hisbody so sick he wishes he were dead. It seemsthe only way to survive is to become a traitor tohis Southern brothers—or somehow escape.Injustice and hardships face everyone involved inthis war, but some find a measure of compassiondeep within them and find ways to show God’slove—even to the enemy. To many, death almostsounds sweet, until ol’ Jim is killed and each onedear to him sense the great loss.‘Pon Jordan’s Far Shore is, at times, just toorealistic to emotionally handle. War is vividlyportrayed, from lice to lost limbs. Only thetough-skinned adult may enjoy this one and eventhen, the stomach should be strong. Boys,especially, would probably enjoy this war story.Still, if the reader can handle it, ‘Pon Jordan’sFar Shore does capture the reality of the life ofmany Southerners during the Civil War, and forthat an Ante-bellum buff would find this bookriveting.◆ Quality - 4 ❤ Acceptability - 3Susan AdderleyFreelance Writer/Former TeacherInternational Ministries, ACSIF. Jackson, Dave and Neta. Quest for the LostPrince : Samuel Morris. (Trailblazer Books.)Bethany House Publishers, 1996. ISBN1556614721. Paperbound, $5.99. Gr. 4 - 8.Jova lived in the midst of magic, fear, and war.As a young man living in the jungle of Africa,belonging to the tribe of the Kru, he witnessedthe brutality of the Grebos as they continuallyattacked his village. It was during an attack thatthe King’s son, Kaboo, was taken as a “pawn,” tobe held for payment. The price was continuallyraised and the prince treated horribly. Jova, whowas also a prisoner, tried to help the prince whenoccasion would allow it. After Kaboo’smiraculous escape, Jova followed him throughthe jungle and watched as he entered into the“white man’s world.” Jova returned to his tribeand kept all he had seen a secret.Quest for the Lost Prince, written by the husbandand wife writing team of Dave and Neta Jackson,follows Jova as he searches for Prince Kaboo tobring him back to rule as the new king of theKru’s. The old king is dying. The quest takesJova to the United States. When he arrives, hefinds the trail he is seeking, as well as someGrebo assassins. Jova finds Prince Kaboo, nowknown as Samuel Morris. He also finds the LordJesus Christ!Most of this story is true, as explained in thepreface of the book. After the story, there is asection about the life of Samuel Morris. Itdescribes how God used this man’s short life todo a work for him.This quick moving story will capture theattention of most upper elementary throughjunior high school students. Younger studentswould enjoy having this book read to them.Older students will find it interesting to read.Bible teachers could well use this book whenstudying missionaries or the mission field.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Anita UtleyFaith Christian SchoolMead, WashingtonF. Jenkins, Lyll Becerra de. So Loud aSilence. Dutton Children’s Books/Penguin,1996. ISBN 0525675388. Hardbound, $16.99.Gr. 7 - 12.Juan listens to the mountains breathing aroundhis grandmother’s estate, Punta Verde. Or are themountains crying? Juan is enjoying his visit tothe country. He enjoys escaping the poverty ofBogota and his annoying family. But in a fewweeks time, witnessing guerrilla activity anddeath, Juan learns to love and think clearly. Heno longer pridefully places himself above hisfamily members. He now sees they are the oneswho can laugh and play despite deprivations.Juan learns his future inheritance of Punta Verdeis not his greatest treasure, but rather, he moregreatly esteems what he has learned and become.He is ready to go home.Lyll Becerra de Jenkin’s So Loud a Silence isdeftly written to provoke thought and emotion inthe YA reader. The characterization isconvincing and well developed. One agonizeswith Juan over his decisions, and waits for theconsequences of his actions. The reader grievesover his friend’s death and the current politicalsituation of the country. The author providesJuan’s thoughts fully so the reader isn’t left todraw inaccurate conclusions. The Colombianhillside setting is vivid with sensory detail. Thebeauty of the setting contrasts sharply withguerilla warfare.Catholicism is described according to theprevailing religion of Columbia. God’s name istaken in vain by characters in the book.So Loud a Silence is a good addition to YAliterature. Self examination is sure to result afterreading this novel.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 4Lorie Ann GroverFreelance WriterKent, WashingtonF. Lasky, Kathryn. True North : A Novel ofthe Underground Railroad. The Blue SkyPress/Scholastic, 1996. ISBN 0590205234.Hardbound, $14.95. Gr. 6 - 8.Lucy Bradford, a fourteen-year-old Bostonian, istaken from the lock-step of becoming a younglady in a well-to-do family to making life-anddeathchoices in literally a moment of time. Sheopts to become “the warrior,” accepting hergrandfather’s oblique challenge. True North : ANovel of the Underground Railroad, by KathrynLasky, makes that decision almost inevitable.“You could be against slavery but not quite be anabolitionist.” Or could you? We journey withLucy, feeling her frustrations at the senselessnessof the society she’s forced to live in, and equallypoignant, we follow the travels of Afrika (A.K.A.Frieda, Joe Bell, Susie), a young runaway slavepursuing the North Star along the UndergroundRailroad, her “true north” to freedom, beingpursued by the slave hunters. The paths of theprotagonists cross, and their lives are changedforever.Lasky uses the strategy of alternating story lines,feeding the reader a little at a time until it isinescapable that the two heroines meet. Thecharacters are well-defined, almost to the point ofcaricature, but Lasky never crosses the line.Although True North is a good read for themiddle school student, it is also suggested for theintermediate teacher to read to the class.◆ Quality - 4 ❤ Acceptability - 4Su HagertyFreelance WriterIssaquah, WashingtonF. Lehmann, G. D. and B. Norman. The RedGang. ISBN 0875084397.---The Curse of the Amulet. ISBN 0875084435.---Danger on the Sunita. ISBN 0875084389.---Saved by Fire. ISBN 0875084419.(Asha’s Adventures.) Christian LiteratureCrusade, 1987-1992. Paperbound, $4.95. Gr.6 - 8.In the series Asha’s Adventures, Asha Khanna, anupper caste Indian Christian, travels all over theworld with her family and where Asha goes,action follows. In The Red Gang, Asha and hermother are kidnapped at the Asian Games inDelhi by a terrorist gang. Asha’s prayers for helpare answered just in time. While exploring apyramid for a hidden treasure, Asha gets trappedinside in The Curse of the Amulet. And whenbrother Ajay’s parasail goes astray, Asha Ajayand a friend are deserted on an island off Cyprus.M A R C H , 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 ADULT FICTIONG.D. Lehman beats an untrodden path byviewing the Christian walk through a childoutside the Western culture. His locations areexotic (Delhi, Cypress, Egypt) and the conflictsengaging (kidnapping, exploring pyramids forhidden treasure, parasailing to a deserted island,yacht races).Nonetheless, the series is an average read. Thedialogue is wooden, the narrative often reads likea travelogue, and Asha is a passenger, not thenavigator, to resolving her own predicaments.Also, some parents may object to brief instancesof violence.What redeems the series are the strong Christianmessage and the enlarging view of the churchfunctioning internationally. Whether childrenwill keep reading and discover these themes,however, is the question.◆ Quality - 3 ❤ Acceptability - 4Tammy PerronFreelance WriterSnohomish, WashingtonF. Masci Goss, Barbara. Forbidden Legacy.ISBN 0800786211.---Captured Heart. ISBN 0800786238.Spire/Baker Books, 1989. Paperbound, $4.99.Gr. 9 - Adult.In Forbidden Legacy, high society Chicago bredSarah Clarke, along with her Aunt Emily, aretraveling an arduous stage coach journey toDodge City. Sarah grows more fearful of thewild, rugged ways of the West while her auntunfolds like a flower at the excitement of it all.Sarah’s grandfather has died and left his Texascattle ranch, the Arrow C, for her to take chargeof. They arrive in Dodge City expecting hergrandfather’s lawyer to meet them and be theirescort on the long wagon trip to the ranch. But amessage is waiting for them from the lawyer thathe was detained on other business and that a manby the name of Storm (a person of goodcharacter) will be their escort.Warm, gray eyes in a brown and handsome face,quite obviously half breed Indian, introduceshimself as Storm. Shocked and fearful, Sarahmust decide whether or not she can trust him.After all, it was Indians that had taken her ownfather’s life a number of years ago . Consultingher aunt they decide to go with Storm.The wagon trip takes almost a month and duringthis time Sarah learns many things about herself,the Arrow C Ranch, Storm, and the other ranchhands that have kept it running since hergrandfather’s death. Her heart is drawn to Stormwith each passing day. He is gentle, sensitive,stubborn, and she is curiously intrigued by hisclose relationship to God.One day on the trail Sarah expresses to Storm theattraction and growing love she is feeling forhim. Painfully, Storm informs her that hergrandfather and his father are one and the same.Forbidden Legacy is a romance novel during the1800’s of Texas’ history after the Indians hadbeen forced onto reservations and prejudiceagainst them ran high. There are both predictableand unpredictable twists to the story as it unfolds.Though the characters lack full development,Barbara Masci Goss does make trusting God andfollowing his will at all costs a very importantpart of the story along with the continuing growthof those new to the faith.Captured Heart, also written by Barbara MasciGoss, is not a sequel to Forbidden Legacy butanother historical romance during the 1800’s.Amanda Barker, the main character, is on awagon train going to California when her trip isdevastated by the death of her entire family tocholera. Angry at God for allowing them to dieand leave her alone in spite of all of her prayersshe determines to try and make it on her ownwithout God’s help.The story has a rather predictable, mysteriousflavor to it due to the disappearance of anotherwoman from the wagon train and Amanda’s ownkidnapping . In the long run Amanda’s earlyChristian foundation wins her back to Godthrough the faithfulness of a concerned malefriend.◆ Quality - 4 ❤ Acceptability - 5Debbie LindsayHomeschool ParentEatonville, WashingtonF. Matchette, Katharine E. Walk SafeThrough the Jungle. Illustrated by IvanMoon. DeKa Press, 1996. ISBN 0964504510.Paperbound, $8.75. Gr. 4 - 8.Don’t let the cover picture or the unfamiliarpublisher name stop you from reading this book!Walk Safe Through the Jungle is an adventurestory for the upper elementary reader. It tells thestory of J. Paul Stamer’s life and desire to serveGod. Paul was orphaned as a young child andgrew up in a foster home in rural Germany. Atthe age of fourteen he immigrated alone toAmerica to live with his married sister.When the Lord caught his attention, it changedPaul’s life and the lives of those around him.Eventually he attended Asbury College and wentto the mission field. Paul, his wife, and theirchildren had many adventures on the missionfield living among Muslims in Java, formerheadhunters in Borneo, and lepers in Sumatra.Eventually they returned to the states and led aGerman church there.Katharine Matchette does a good job of taking abiography and making it readable at the fourthgrade level without leaving out any excitement.The few black and white drawings inside thebook show how dramatically Paul’s life changedthrough the years. Maps would have beenhelpful when discussing the various areas wherethe Stamer’s lived.◆ Quality - 3 ❤ Acceptability - 5Barbara BeyerACSI Missions Project CoordinatorColorado Springs, ColoradoF. McCusker, Paul. A Sudden Switch. (TimeTwists; 1.) ISBN 0745936113.---Stranger in the Mist. (Time Twists; 2.)ISBN 0745936121.---Memory’s Gate. (Time Twists; 3.) ISBN074593613X.Lion Publishing/ChariotVictor, 1996.Paperbound, $5.99. Gr. 5 - 9.Elizabeth Forde was having a difficult time withher parents. They seemed so weird andembarrassing to her. After she spouted off to herboyfriend, Jeff Dubbs, and told him to meet herto run away, she went home to take a bath. Whileshe was dozing off in the bathtub, somethinghappened and she found herself in anotherparallel place and time. Her struggles andadventure continue there, where people are sureshe is Sarah and wonder at the change in her. InA Sudden Switch, Paul McCusker has done sucha skillful job entangling the reader intoElizabeth/Sarah’s experience that one’s mindplays with the idea that this could actuallyhappen. Jeff, with the help of his guardian, UncleMalcolm, figures enough how the switchhappened just in time to save both girls.Stranger in the Mist is the story of King Arthurcoming to America, and being transported backto a church in England in time to save it for theKingdom of God. Once again, the entire plot lineseems very implausible at a cursory glance, butthe reader is hooked and reads on to find out whyand how this happened. Uncle Malcolm and Jefftravel to England and uncover the difficulties ofa small parish and learn about English historyand much of the story of King Arthur and theKnights of the Round Table.Memory’s Gate deals with the depression of olderpeople in a nursing home and their desire toescape from the situation that they are in andreturn to a better time in their lives. SomeC H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 5 1 M A R C H , 1 9 9 7

M A R C H , 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

YOUNG ADULT FICTIONruthless men have heard about the parallel timethat has been experienced in the town of FaultLine, and fraudulently attract many of thesepeople to the idea of escaping from their presentlife. Elizabeth Forde works out the pain of herformer experience while working at the home,and ends up saving their cherished belongingsand being rescued herself just in time.These three books are the first in a science fictionseries. The same characters and basic setting areused in each, but each succeeding book presentssummaries of past experiences, so one could readthem in any order.After the last chapter of each book, included in it,is the first chapter of the next book. UncleMalcolm is a wise, wealthy man with a deepfoundation of relationship to God. He providesstability and inspiration in the lives of the maincharacters. The characters grow and develop aspeople and in their trust in God through theirdifficult experiences; and so this series seemsvaluable and valid for young people to follow.Paul McCusker’s style is fast paced andintriguing and leaves the reader wanting to beinvolved in the next adventure.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Judy Belcher, TeacherSylvan Way Christian SchoolBremerton, WashingtonF. Oke, Janette and T. Davis Bunn. Return toHarmony : A Novel. Bethany HousePublishers, 1996. ISBN 1556618786.Paperbound, $8.99. Gr. 9 - Adult.Return to Harmony is a collaboration betweentwo well-known Christian novelists. Janette Okeand T. Davis Bunn have combined their talentsfor this story set in Harmony, North Carolina, in1915. Told from the viewpoint of Jodie Harlandand Bethan Keane, two girls entering their teens,the story gives insight into what it means to be“best friends.” When quiet, shy Bethan finds astray puppy that her mother won’t let her keep,outgoing Jodie finds him a home. The incident isthe beginning of a true friendship.Despite their differences or perhaps because ofthem the girls help each other face the difficultieslife dishes up. When Bethan is teased by the kidsat school, Jodie comes to her rescue. WhenJodie’s mother becomes ill, Bethan is there tohelp Jodie. It would seem nothing could separatethe girls. But when Jodie feels like God hasdeserted her, she turns her back on God, andBethan struggles with prayers and tears to find away to help her.Bethan loves the town of Harmony and can thinkof nothing worse than having to leave it. Jodielongs to see the world, and wants to put herintellect to use in the field of biochemistry. Theworld of 1915 is hardly ready for women to enterthe scientific field. As they each struggle withthe decisions that must be made, their friendshipis torn apart.Death, birth, sorrow, joy, the stuff that life ismade of, blend together in this endearing story offinding one’s way in God’s plan. When all thedecisions are made you’ll be glad that all hasreturned to harmony.◆ Quality - 4 ❤ Acceptability - 5Myrtlemay Pittman CraneFreelance Writer, Editor, SpeakerAlderwood Manor, Washington★F. Paterson, Katherine. Jip : His Story.Illustrated by Alexander Koshkin. DuttonChildren’s Books/Penguin, 1996. ISBN0525675434. Hardbound, $15.99. Gr. 6 - 9.Jip, a young orphan boy living on a poor farm ,has no idea where he came from nor who hisfamily might be. His earliest recollection (orperhaps he’s just been told so often that he thinkshe remembers) is falling off a wagon as a threeyear-old.It was said to be a gypsy wagon, hencethe name, Jip. He is content to care for theanimals and carry out his extensive chores, evenhappy to befriend Put (Putnam), the farm’s“lunatic.” The cast of characters is a colorful andvaried one, from the Lymans, caretakers of thepoor farm, to Teacher and her Quaker sweetheart,Luke Stevens, and little Toddy and Lucy, fellowresidents.Jip’s life is disrupted by the appearance of an oilystranger, one with provocative allusions to Jip’spast and to someone who has a great interest inhim. Could Jip’s family actually be attempting tofind him after all these years, or is this strangeintruder to be feared and avoided at all costs?Jip’s character is an endearing one, embodyingmany of the very best qualities in mankind. Heis a compassionate soul, often putting othersbefore his own desires. He is a hard worker, ableto accomplish a large amount of work andmotivate the others “under” him. And althoughhe is lacking in education, Teacher sparks hisself-confidence by her encouragement and beliefin him.This is historical fiction for young people at itsbest. Katherine Paterson transports us to pre-Civil War Vermont in a story that leaves thereader clamoring for more.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Ceil CareyMiddle School LibrarianPlano, IllinoisF. Peck, Richard. The Great InteractiveDream Machine : Another Adventure inCyberspace. Dial Books for YoungReaders/Penguin, 1996. ISBN 0803719892.Hardbound, $14.99. Gr. 4 - 8.What a kick! This nerdy-type computer geekdiscovers a way to get he and his best friend tothe place they are dreaming about, in The GreatInteractive Dream Machine by Richard Peck.The problem is, Aaron has not perfected thetechnique, and he and Josh end up where the dogis dreaming about being, or the crabby ladydownstairs, or where their thoughts go just for abrief flit. The boys live in New York City in thesame apartment house and attend the sameexclusive boy’s school. At times they aremischievous and sneaky as they get themselvesout of trouble with their parents and teachers.The combination of humor with the sciencefiction (and surely childhood fantasy) make this afun book to read and think about. Aaron and Joshend up bringing people together in a warm andloving way.This book is contemporary, with frequentreferences to cyber-space and R.L. Stine. (Hisbooks are not discussed, but he is presented as thefavorite author of one of the characters.) Thepace has great variety, from frantic and panicky,when they are figuring out how to get home, tocalm and boring when they dog sit to compensatefor a misdeed. The story is written in first person,with lots of self-talk and often a clipped style.The values of family and wisdom of olderpeople, a teacher and a neighbor, are exploredand developed here through the boys’ eyes.Because of all these factors, one can easilyenvisage which sixth grade boys could really getinto this story and benefit from this story.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Judy Belcher, TeacherSylvan Way Christian SchoolBremerton, WashingtonF. Phillips, Michael R. Mercy and Eagleflight.(Mercy and Eagleflight; 1.) Tyndale HousePublishers, 1996. ISBN 0842339205.Paperbound, $10.99. Gr. 10 - Adult.Young, naive, idealistic, and especially fervent,Michael Phillips introduces nineteen-year-oldMercy Randolf in his novel, Mercy andEagleflight, as she leaves Bible school in the1890’s to travel West with a traveling evangelistto reach the lost for Jesus. Several miles andnumerous towns down the road, her faith isgreatly shaken when she discovers that thepreacher she has been traveling with is a fraud,and she finds herself alone on the Kansas Plains.Determined to carry on without him or help fromC H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 5 3 M A R C H , 1 9 9 7

YOUNG ADULT FICTIONhome, she continues to preach the Gospel, only tofind her now seemingly empty phrases fall ondeaf ears. One young man, a card-playingcowboy named Jeremiah Eagleflight, remainsfaithful and stands by when she is not particularlyreceptive to his support. Together they face somedifficult circumstances in a journey that leadseach one of them to a more real and personalrelationship with Jesus Christ.Michael Phillips’ book paints a clear and accuratepicture of the western plains at the turn of thecentury when life was harder, and yet muchsimpler, than today. It was an era when women,especially young, single women, didn’t wearpants, didn’t travel alone, and didn’t preach theGospel. Mercy does all three, and she does itwithout losing her femininity, her childlikeinnocence, or her refreshing charm.Mercy and Eagleflight is a spirited, adventurouslove story, tender and timid in places, bold andconvicting in others. Readers may well findthemselves examining their own faith and valuesas they track Mercy in her odyssey to find whatshe really believes. Mercy and Eagleflight isboth entertaining and thought provoking, astimulating and interesting story.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Gayle Chessman HabermanTeacher, West Hills Christian SchoolPortland, OregonF. Richardson, Arleta. Across the Border.(The Orphans’ Journey; 4.) Chariot FamilyPub/ChariotVictor, 1996. ISBN 0781401933.Paperbound, $4.99. Gr. 4 - 8.Ethan, Alice, Simon, and Will are sent toBriarlane Christian Children’s Home, the countyorphanage, when Ma dies. From there, thechildren are selected to be on the Orphan Trainand chosen to be adopted by Manda and ChadRush. An older child, Polly, has previously beenadopted by them.Ethan cares for his siblings as he has promisedMa. For four years he works hard for Chad onthe family homestead in South Dakota. Just asEthan is deciding whether or not to go to schoolin Kansas with a friend he had made in theorphanage, Chad announces to the family thatthey are going to move to a new homestead—inMexico!Adventures and cultural differences abound inthe new country. The author uses several Spanishwords (in italics) throughout this section. Whenindustrious Ethan finds a job delivering papers,his problems multiply. Although not accepted bythe other boys, he is invited to partake in agambling game they play. Good choices followbad and Ethan is able to be a witness for the Lord.When political unrest comes into the area, itbecomes too dangerous for the family to stay inMexico any longer. Polly and Ethan meetPoncho Villa by chance. He helps them leave thecountry safely. After the family arrives safelyback home and settles in, Ethan makes hischoice to go to Kansas. Although he doesn’tknow what is ahead for him, he knows that Godwill be with him as he has always been in thepast.Across the Border is based on the real life storyof Ethan Cooper. The author, Arleta Richardson,tells about the real Ethan in the Introduction andthe Epilogue. This real life Ethan died at age 96,before the book was finished. He was able to seetwo of the previous books from this same seriesand was amazed that anyone would want to writeabout his life. The story is entertaining and hasstrong Christian values throughout. When achoice is needed, another character reminds themof what God would have them do.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Anita UtleyFaith Christian SchoolMead, Washington★F. Schmidt, Gary D. The Sin Eater. DuttonChildren’s Books/Penguin, 1996. ISBN0525675418. Hardbound, $15.99. Gr. 7 - 9.The Sin Eater is an intriguing title for anintriguing story. It is the story of Cole, a boy whoreturns to his grandparents’ home with his fatherafter the death of his mother. Yet it goes beyondthis and is the story of Cole’s ancestors, as well.The setting is New Hampshire in an area soremote that no address other than the town’sname is necessary on your mail and whereeverything is just as Cole remembered it frompast visits, with one exception—his Ma is dead!While Cole’s character becomes integrated intohis new surroundings, his father becomes moreand more withdrawn until a dramatic conclusionoccurs, his suicide!Woven throughout this tale is the Sin Eater. Whowas he?; how did he die?; did he really exist?;what does it mean to be a sin eater? Thesequestions may not be satisfactorily answered forthe readers. Is the Sin Eater just a man whoassists others in assuaging their guilt and “whoteaches your house to love,” or does the author,Gary D. Schmidt, want you, the reader, to take aChristian 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.comM A R C H , 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 ADULT FICTIONmore metaphysical view and believe the SinEater somehow actually consumes the sin ofothers? An adult’s conclusion may not be thesame as that of younger readers.This book is very well-written with descriptionsthat transport you to the time or situationdescribed. Although a serious book, it is notwritten in a depressing manner but rather matterof-fact.The pain of its characters is obvious andalthough this pain cannot be totally erased, theending is satisfactory to the reader. Several timesprofanity is used.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 4Ceil CareyMiddle School LibrarianPlano, IllinoisF. Shott, James R. Abigail. (People of thePromise; 7.) Herald Press, 1996. ISBN0836190300. Paperbound, $8.95. Gr. 8 -AdultIn James Shott’s novel, Abigail, the telling of agood tale is balanced by a respect for historicalfact; characters’ strengths are realisticallybalanced with their very human failings;complex affairs of state are interwoven withrevealing scenes from the characters’ personallives.Although this is the seventh in the author’s seriesabout biblical characters, it easily stands alone.Abigail, for whom the book is named, is David’sthird wife. When they first meet, David is anoutlaw, fleeing King Saul’s jealous rage.Abigail’s stubborn husband has foolishly refusedto provision David’s men, and David has swornrevenge. In order to appease David, and protecther home, Abigail defies her husband, travelinginto the wilderness to find David and present himwith supplies.Events quickly overtake her; hearing that herhusband has passed away, David arrives toinform her that she is to become his bride. Muchto her own surprise, Abigail finds herself weddedto the future king of Israel. The readerexperiences the ensuing years through Abigail’seyes as she struggles to understand thecomplicated man she has married. Shott portrayshis heroine as an independent, thoughtful womanwhose insights and opinions David values.The story is well-paced. Far from destroying anysuspense, familiarity with Old Testamentaccounts of King David’s life only enriches thereading. Shott tells the story very simply, as onemight relate a tale to a friend.Character development is effective, but isdominated by the plot line. This often seems thecase in retellings of biblical stories, wherecreative license must be carefully complementedby adherence to historical fact.As several place names are mentioned in thenarrative, a map would be a most useful additionto this engaging volume. Although tastefullyhandled, there are some references to David’sskill as a lover.◆ Quality - 4 ❤ Acceptability - 5Sylvia StopforthLibrarian, Trinity Western UniversityLangley, British Columbia, CanadaF. Shott, James R. Bathsheba. (People of thePromise; 8.) Herald Press, 1995. ISBN0836190394. Paperbound, $8.95. Gr. 9 -Adult.Author James Shott has woven a creative,descriptive storyline to help fill in the blanks inthe life of this well-known Bible figure,Bathsheba Throughout the book, readers aregiven the insiders’ view into Bathsheba—as thewoman, the wife of King David, and the motherof Solomon. From the first time Bathshebaencounters David in his palace at the mourning ofAbigail, we get a glimpse into history. No longeris it a mystery why certain events took place orwhat the customs of the day deemed shouldoccur. Shott ably weaves these important factsinto the storyline in a seemingly effortlessfashion.As Bathsheba takes her place as the newest wifeof King David, she begins her own journey ofspiritual growth. Throughout the trials andpunishment brought on by her sin with David,Bathsheba matures and learns to see life throughdifferent eyes. She takes on the faithfulness andcourage exhibited to her by Nathan the prophet.When she gives birth to Solomon, her heart is fullof fear at Nathan’s promise that her son will beheir to the throne, an often bloody, dangerousventure. Bathsheba again learns more of David’sGod and how faithful this God will be in times oftrouble.Bathsheba is a book full of sights, sounds,feelings; readers will find themselves trulyunderstanding the attitudes and actions of thosesometimes misunderstood Bible figures. Biblicalverses that often left one wondering why, arenow pieced together/filled in and become selfexplanatory.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Michele HoweFreelance Writer and Homeschool MotherLaSalle, MichiganF. Snelling, Lauraine. Out of the Blue. (HighHurdles; 4.) Bethany House Publishers,1996. ISBN 1556615086. Paperbound, $5.99.Gr. 6 - 8.“Darla Jean, my name is Bradley Atwood. I amyour father.” Stunned, DJ is positive that thisperson on the phone must be playing a cruel joke.After fourteen years of no contact, why now?This is definitely bad timing, especially since sheis just getting used to the idea of her mothermarrying Robert in a few months. She is goingto have a dad and instant twin brothers to pesterher, though she has to admit that she enjoys theDouble Bs, as she calls them.Contact with her biological father continues overthe following weeks until she finds herself on herway to spend several days with him and his wifeat their Arabian horse farm. Because Mr.Atwood is an attorney, DJ’s mother is afraid ofpossible legal problems regarding the custody ofher daughter. DJ herself has many questionsregarding this person who has intruded on herlife. Gran and Grandpa Joe remind her ofRomans 8:28 that says, “And we know that in allthings God works for the good of those who lovehim, who have been called according to hispurpose.”Out of the Blue is number four in the HighHurdles series by Lauraine Snelling. The bookbegins where the previous book ended, though itcan be read by itself because each book toucheson the history of the characters and concludeswithout leaving the reader dangling. Once areader begins this series it is easy to get caught upin the life of DJ, her family, and friends and towant to follow it through to the end.Aside from being an entertaining story, thecharacters strive to seek God’s direction throughtheir problems which include the emotionalupheavals of adolescence. This book will beattractive to young lady horse enthusiasts.◆ Quality - 4 ❤ Acceptability - 5Debbie LindsayHomeschool ParentEatonville, WashingtonC H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 5 5 M A R C H , 1 9 9 7

YOUNG ADULT FICTIONF. Walter, Mildred Pitts. Second Daughter :The Story of a Slave Girl. Scholastic Press,1996. ISBN 0590482823. Hardbound, $15.95.Gr. 7 - 12.“Freedom is living with realities in a way thatthey don’t overcome you.” Here is the lessonlearned by Aissa, an African slave, during theAmerican Revolution. As the Declaration ofIndependence is written, and the MassachusettsBill of Rights formed, slaves wonder if thefreedom spoken of will apply to them. Aissawatches men vote for abolition but grieves whenEngland refuses to grant it. She finally does gainher own freedom after her sister sues their ownerunder the pretense that owning slaves isunconstitutional.Author Mildred Pitts Walter has writtenconvincing historical fiction in Second Daughter.Motivated by the factual account of Mum Bettsuing her owner in 1781, Walter creates a storywhich fills in the details for the YA reader. It isenlightening to see how African Americansresponded to the American Revolution. Whilesome joined the British army hoping for freedom,others had faith in the colonials and theiraspirations.The story does have the semblance of being toldas the main character relays her experiences.Some dialogue occurs with little setting, anddocuments are quoted. The younger reader mayskim these portions for plot. The curious willgain much from taking the time to understand.Thoughts are bound to be provoked when Aissasays, “Until we know ourselves, we will never befree!”◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Lorie Ann GroverFreelance WriterKent, WashingtonF. Wood, June Rae. The Man Who LovedClowns. Hyperion Paperbacks forChildren/Little, Brown & Co., 1995. ISBN078681084X. Paperbound, $4.95. Gr. 6 - 8.Delrita had decided a long time before that shewas going to be invisible. Considering that shewas in a new town and a new junior high school,it didn’t seem too difficult to stay unknown. ButDelrita’s reasons for hiding were less than good.“Punky,” Delrita’s thirty-five-year-old uncle, hasDown Syndrome. His child-like behavior bothendear him to Delrita, whom he fondly calls D.J.,and sometimes embarrasses her. D.J. oftenwonders how she can love Punky so much, yetfeel shame at the same time. And that’s thereason D.J. chooses to be an “invisible” person.She figures that if she doesn’t get close to anyoneshe doesn’t have to risk the embarrassment ofPunky’s sometimes abnormal behavior and thesubsequent loss of a friendship.D.J. works hard at building a shell aroundherself. Yet, despite these efforts to stay aloof, afriendship happens, and it soon becomes one ofD.J.’s most precious treasures. When somedifficult circumstances arise and amisunderstanding between D.J. and her friend,Avanelle, D.J. is so devastated that shedetermines to become a hermit for the rest of herlife.But watching Punky and his innocent trust andliking for so many people changes D.J. Shefinally realizes that Punky “had been carving abeautiful niche (of life) for himself with hisheart.” Now she knows that she can risk facingthe world and find freedom in just being who sheis—free to be Delrita—a maturing young ladyfull of life and possibilities.June Rae Wood writes a touching first novelabout a young teenage girl trying to discoverherself. The Man Who Loved Clowns offers areal and inspiring picture of a loving family whoalso happens to have a special needs personliving with them. Based on her own family’sexperience with a Down Syndrome brother,Wood is able to give depth and accuracy to thefeelings and dilemmas faced, yet is clear in hermessage that the blessings and love received farsurpass the hard times.This is an excellent book to read to junior highstudents to help them understand special needspeople and also gain understanding of the traumaand hurts felt when facing the death of a lovedone.◆ Quality - 4 ❤ Acceptability - 5Mary McKinneyFreelance WriterPort Orchard, WashingtonF. Yep, Laurence. Dragon’s Gate.HarperCollins, 1993. ISBN 0060229721.Hardbound, $15.00. Gr. 9 - Adult.What happens when a halfling has the temerity totravel to the Land of the Golden Mountain tolearn to build a path for the firewagon and othersecrets of technology to advance the Great Workin his native land? Laurence Yep, in Dragon’sGate, educates the reader. The book is set inThree Willows Village, Toishan County,Kwangtung Province, China in 1865, andcontinues in the Sierra Nevadas, America. Otteris a curious teen-ager, fascinated by the accountsof the Land of the Golden Mountain reported bythe infrequent visits of his adopted father,Squeaky, and the family patriarch, Uncle Foxfire.Otter has the occasion to make the voyagehimself, and finds that the legendary America isnot all he has heard, that there is equalityamongst equals, that the rules of survival areprimitive: Keep warm. Keep dry. Keep clean.He unwittingly joins a crew of misfits headed byUncle Foxfire and Squeaky; they are the pointmen in building a train tunnel through the SierraNevadas.The background for this fiction based on historywas well-researched. The events aredocumented, the sources listed following thestory. The story itself in the early chapters seemsto meander, much like the life of Otter, the maincharacter and narrator. But once he has arrived inAmerica, there are unbelievably true eventsunfolding on nearly every page.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Su HagertyFreelance WriterIssaquah, WashingtonM A R C H , 1 9 9 7 5 6 C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L

BOOK REVIEWSYOUNG ADULT NONFICTION241. Sex, Lies & the Truth : A Message fromFocus on the Family. Tyndale HousePublishers, 1994. ISBN 0842317309.Paperbound, $4.99. Gr. 8 - Adult.Question: What has USA Today titled the SecondSexual Revolution? Answer: Abstinence. NowFocus on the Family has published a book withabstainers in mind, or those considering it, orthose who might consider it. It featuresfrightening facts from the first sexual revolution.Sex, Lies & the Truth is laid out in an easy tounderstand format It’s easy reading even thoughits 181 pages may intimidate some young people.Quotes from teens are interspersed throughout ineye-pleasing text boxes and nail the target everytime. For example, Holly says, “Birth controlpills and condoms and all of that gives you theexcuse to try and to protect yourself. But it’s nottrue, because you still get hurt.”The chapter on STD’s, sexually transmitteddiseases, is referenced with experts and startlingstatistics like 5,000 people get HIV every day,gonorrhea is America’s most frequently reportedcommunicable disease, and HIV kills thousandsof women each year—far more than AIDS.A recent poll of 5,000 women by RedbookMagazine agree married sex is better sex. That’sthe truth. The lies? Use condoms—it’s safe. Thefacts? Condoms are not preventing pregnanciesor STD’s. The book is written for both Christianand non-Christian readers with a simple gospelmessage presenting the ultimate choice that willbring ultimate freedom and strength-Jesus Christ.Sex, Lies & the Truth is written in an inoffensivemanner, offering not guilt but choices to youngpeople, along with some practical tips such as ahe says/she says scenario: what to say when thedate applies pressure. More helpful resources arefound in the appendices that list adoptionagencies and abstinence programs throughout thecountry.Every teen should read Sex, Lies & the Truth.They’ve heard enough lies through media,schools, and peers. It’s time they heard the truth.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Ginger McGrathFreelance WriterMcMinnville, Oregon242. Boyce, Kim and Ken Abraham. InProcess. Chariot Family Publishing/ChariotVictor, 1993. ISBN 0781408229. Paperbound,$7.99. Gr. 9 - 12.In Process, a devotional, is thorough,well-written, and spiritually uplifting. Even theintroduction has meaningful analogies to life’sdifficulties! It includes specific, practicalscriptural advice. Boyce draws the reader in withthree to four pages of testimonies or examples ona particular theme, a scriptural principle toponder, and concludes with a “zoom-in” ofseveral practical steps on how to achieve victory.The In Process topics range from missions,discipleship, and witnessing, to depression,sexuality, and date rape. Fascinating stories andrelevant issues are designed to challengebelievers on to growth in their daily walks.Although the devotional is not designed forevangelism, non-believers may come to knowChrist through it. With thirty-five separatedevotions in 158 pages, this devotional is a goodvalue. It would be excellent for a small groupstudy for high school or college youth, as well asfor individual devotions.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Mary Jo Krzyminski, M. Ed.Christian School Language Arts TeacherNorfolk, Nebraska248.8. Johnson, Kevin. Does Anybody KnowWhat Planet My Parents Are From? BethanyHouse Publishers, 1996. ISBN 1556614152.Paperbound, $6.99. Gr. 6 - 10.Brief two to five page chapters cover chosenthemes such as parental discipline, being friendsas a family, and just basically understandingparents. Although the title suggests this book isall about understanding the parent-teenrelationship, there are many other chapter topicsincluding: How do you Pick a Hero? How doyou know if you’re a real Christian? Why behonest? What is Love? What is true humility?The author uses fictional examples of a typicalteen family problem, gives a suggested scripturereading, and explains the biblical principle.Johnson has a teen-oriented jargon that issometimes difficult to read. Teenagers may fullyunderstand it, but it takes some wading through.The examples are fictional, and some are a littlefar fetched. However, not to “throw the baby outwith the bath water,” this book has some solidbiblical advice, and may assist teens struggling intoday’s society.Does Anybody Know What Planet My ParentsAre From? is designed to be an individualdevotional, and seems more geared for boys thangirls.◆ Quality - 3 ❤ Acceptability - 5Mary Jo Krzyminski, M. Ed.Christian School Language Arts TeacherNorfolk, Nebraska248.8. Sanders, Bill. Stand Tall : LearningHow to Really Love Yourself. ISBN0800754522.303.3. Sanders, Bill. Stand Out : How YouCan Become a Strong Leader. ISBN0800755332.(Tough Issues for Teens.) Fleming H.Revell/Baker Books, 1992-1994. Paperbound,$7.99. Gr. 7 - 12.“Did you ever wish you could feel better aboutyourself? Feel your world is falling apart? Thinkyour self-image has gotten so muddy that youC H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 5 7 M A R C H , 1 9 9 7

YOUNG ADULT NONFICTIONdon’t even know what you look like? If so, thisbook is for you.” Stand Tall, a book on selfesteem,gives solid biblical advice to teens whoare struggling with low self-esteem. Facingtoday’s teen situations with candor andgentleness, Sanders addresses some tough issues.He gives personal examples from teens acrossthe country who have had to face family crises,immoral sexual relationships, alcoholic parents,and some typical self-esteem issues. He offershope to those students who need it the most.Sanders defines healthy self-esteem as knowinghow God views the teen versus what the worldwould like them to believe. Teens struggle withfeelings of inferiority. Sanders addresses theteen’s thought life, communication in the home,the importance of taking care of their bodies, andgetting in touch with God.Stand Out gives encouragement to those desiringto become strong leaders. Sanders simplyexamines the qualities of leaders, and offersinsight into how to become one. Making rightchoices, setting goals, the value of integrity, andhonoring others are some of the topics on whichhe elaborates. Adults already in leadershippositions can be benefited by the tips and biblicalprinciples he gives.Sanders’ style is not pushy, and his advice isfilled with solid scriptural support. The authorhas a personal informal way of writing that willcause readers to relax and relate to the meaning.Chapter questions, mini-quizzes, and personaltestimonies from teens are neatly intertwinedthroughout the books—further enhancingpractical interaction with the content. Thewriting style would also be ideal for a smallgroup study and could definitely promote parentteencommunication. Brightly colored andappealing to teens, the appearance of the books inthis series matches the quality of the content.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Mary Jo Krzyminski, M. Ed.Christian School Language Arts TeacherNorfolk, Nebraska248.8. Shellenberger, Susie. Guys and aWhole Lot More : Advice for Teen Girls onAlmost Everything. Fleming H. Revell/BakerBooks, 1994. ISBN 0800755324.Paperbound, $7.99. Gr. 7 - 12.Susie Shellenberger humorously, yet sensitively,addresses the issues of most concern to teenagegirls. Covering the spectrum ranging from zits tospirituality to sexuality, she addresses the teens intheir own language. Written with candor andgodly wisdom, I believe she gives sound advice.The book is written in a question and answerformat. The questions come from actual teenswith real needs. Short sub-sections with comicalillustrations and mini-quizzes as chapter dividersmake the book very easy to read.This book was put to the ultimate test. It was leftout on an end table to see if my thirteen-year-oldwould pick it up and peruse it. Not only did sheread it, but she enjoyed it!Shellenberger, also the editor of Focus on theFamily’s Brio magazine, has written Guys and aWhole Lot More as a thoughtful, helpful, andculturally relevant book for teens. It is ofparticular value to Christians, as scriptural adviceand church related issues are woven throughout.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Mary Jo Krzyminski, M. Ed.Christian School Language Arts TeacherNorfolk, Nebraska291. Halverson, Dean C., ed. The CompactGuide to World Religions. Bethany HousePublishers, 1996. ISBN 1556617046.Paperbound, $10.99. Gr. 12 - AdultThe modern world is inundated with religiousviewpoints. Because of the seemingly endlessvariety of those viewpoints, the lines betweentruth and error are continually being redrawn toaccommodate any and all systems of belief. Thisoften leaves the concerned Christian without aguide, not knowing where to turn to find answersfor the objections to his or her faith put forth bynon-Christians. That person, or anyone whowants to understand the distinctive ofChristianity and how it compares to otherreligions, will find Dean Halverson’s book to bea very useful tool.Among the strengths of Halverson’s book is thecombination of clear, concise language and thewell designed charts and lists which make it notonly easy to read, but more important, easy touse. Often pressed for time, the modernChristian will find its convenience veryattractive. Most important though, is that thisutility did not come at the expense of depth andscope. While the charts provide a readyreference for those in need of immediate help, thetext itself and extensive bibliography at the endof each section also provide the student ofcomparative religions a wealth of informationand resources for further study. Add to these achapter on the uniqueness of Jesus as the onlyway to God and another defending the Bible asthe word of God, and the end result is a bookwhich should find its way onto the shelves ofevery Christian library.◆ Quality - 4 ❤ Acceptability - 5Raymond LeggAsst. Professor of English, Bryan CollegeDayton, Tennessee306.874. Smith, Tim. Letters to Nicole.Tyndale House Publishers, 1995. ISBN0842320466. Paperbound, $7.99. Gr. 9 - 12.“A diamond is a chunk of coal that is madegood under pressure.” DadDear Nicole,You’ve had a hard day dealing with thepressures of school; then you come hometo be bombarded by chores to do.Teachers, friends, family, and even the TVplace expectations and demands upon you.You place demands upon yourself. As anadult you will have to live up toexpectations. How do you cope?Try to realize which expectations are validand which ones are not. Consider Jesusand his example of how he handled thepressures and demands during his sojournon earth. He understands your pressuresand will help you through them.“Come to me all you who are weary andburdened and I will give you rest.” Mt.11:28.I ‘ m praying for you.Love, DadThis is a condensed sample of the style in whichLetters to Nicole is written. Tim Smith, a fatherand youth pastor, has written this book with thehelpful suggestions of his teenage daughter as atool for Christian parents to use for their youngteens to read and to strike up meaningfulconversations. The thirty topics include peerpressure, sexual issues, music, death, fear,language, etc. The author uses stories, examplesand a conversational style that makes this anappealing book.Each chapter begins with a quote and usuallyends with a pertinent scripture. There is spaceleft at the end of each chapter for the teen to writeout his/her own questions or to express theirM A R C H , 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 ADULT NONFICTIONfeelings. At the back of the book are discussionstarters, ten tips for guided conversations, atopical and scriptural index.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Debbie LindsayHomeschool P ParentEatonville, Washington323.1. Lucas, Eileen. Civil Rights : The LongStruggle. (Issues in Focus.) EnslowPublishers, 1996. ISBN 0894907298.Hardbound, $18.95. Gr. 6 - Adult.Readers often equate the term “civil rights” withracial tension and inequality of treatmentbetween black and white citizens. In Civil Rightsauthor Eileen Lucas traces back to the beginningof our country and fills in the gaps many are notaware of. Not only does she discuss the failingsof our country’s laws, she deals with the manyhistorical and key pivotal legal decisions whichhave helped us become a nation which aspires toequality for all its people.Ms. Lucas speaks of the fundamental rights of allpeople, freedoms ensured us by our Constitution,different movements, and a peek at the futureamong other sub-topics. One very helpfuladdition to this book is the Chronology, detailingeach important event in the history of civil rights,from 1774 to 1995. This book increasesawareness and moves the reader to moreunderstanding of those who are “different” fromus. Interestingly, Lucas discusses discriminationagainst Irish and Chinese immigrants as well asother lesser known victims. She does mention inpassing the rights for gays, lesbians, etc. as thosewho have become active in asserting their right tolive as they choose.◆ Quality - 4 ❤ Acceptability - 5Michele HoweFreelance Writer and Homeschool MotherLaSalle, Michigan361.3. Caldwell, Louis O. After the Tassel IsMoved : Guidelines for High SchoolGraduates. Baker Book House/Baker Books,1990. ISBN 0801025532. Hardbound, $9.99.Gr. 12.Believing that a book is a gift that keeps ongiving, Louis Caldwell wrote his own for lack ofone written to high school graduates in the bookstore! He fills it with examples from his teachingcareer and life experiences that illustrate hisadvice to high school graduates.Walking graduates through the moment theyrealize they are finished with high school and areon a new road, replete with pitfalls andchallenges, he outlines the steps to help them onthe journey.Writing from a Christian perspective, Caldwellcenters his advice around pleasing and obeyingGod in a graduate’s future, using Biblicalexamples. He also includes tips for decisionmaking, compares talent with the desire toachieve, and points to Christ for future directionin their lives. He varies his writing pattern andinserts a chapter in the question and answerformat.This revised and enlarged edition includes achapter on the temptations of drugs in today’sculture and Caldwell encourages graduates torealize their choice of “no.” He says, instead, tosay yes to love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and selfcontrol.◆ Quality - 4 ❤ Acceptability - 5Carolyn HearingRetired TeacherVirginia, Minnesota362.29. Masquerade : Unveiling Our DeadlyDance with Drugs and Alcohol. Focus on theFamily Films/Focus on the Family Publishers,1996. ISBN 1561795003. Videocassette,$19.99. Gr. 8 - Adult.When Milton Creah walks into a room, kids takenotice. As Mr. Creah begins sharing devastatingtrue story after story about young people whosevery lives have been destroyed by drug/alcoholabuse, kids (and adults) take notice. It doesn’ttake long before Creah has the audience grippedby his emotionally high-powered speech.Produced by Focus On the Family Films,Masquerade: Unveiling Our Deadly Dance WithDrugs and Alcohol brings to the forefront oursociety’s deadly drug problem.Nationwide speaker Milton Creah spends histime sharing the heart tugging true stories ofcountless young people affected either directly orindirectly by drugs. His caring, tough-loveapproach reaches into the hearts of teens andadults alike. Creah’s warnings about drugaddictions are not all serious in tone; he peppershis talks with flavorful humor as well. In severalpoignant moments, Mr. Creah speaks of livingGod’s way and shares a few well-placed Bibleverses.Masquerade is a thirty minute film written andproduced for the public and private schoolaudiences. The film also comes with additionalwritten question/answers sheets and promotionalmaterials for advertising the film.◆ Quality - 4 ❤ Acceptability - 5Michele HoweFreelance Writer and Homeschool MotherLaSalle, Michigan575.1. Swisher, Clarice. Genetic Engineering.(Lucent Overview Series.) Lucent Books,1996. ISBN 1560061790. Hardbound, $21.19.Gr. 7 - Adult.Enter into the world of the future, GeneticEngineering by Clarice Swisher. This authortakes on the daunting task of defining andsimplifying the technical aspects of geneticengineering. She does so by breaking down thevarious subject areas found under this generalterm. In her first chapter, Swisher discusses theimplications of genetic engineering and itsrelationship to plants. She answers questionssuch as how to make healthier, more robustplants, how to change the flavor, color, size,nutritional content etc. Swisher then ties inanimals and the role they play in geneticengineering.Other topics are also discussed. These includegenetic engineering and medicine, use of animalsfor the future production of human medicine,uses in industry, and genetic engineering and thefuture. Each topic listed above is given achapter’s worth of facts, current practices,procedures and guidelines.We are also introduced to the pros and cons ofthis type of technology, the groups whichadvocate research, and those who are opposed formoral reasons. This author cites both sides ofthese touchy issues with simple facts; she leavesthe final moral analysis for the reader todetermine.◆ Quality - 4 ❤ Acceptability - 5Michele HoweFreelance Writer and Homeschool MotherLaSalle, MichiganC H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 5 9 M A R C H , 1 9 9 7

YOUNG ADULT NONFICTIONOverall, this series is a laudable effort andcompares favorably with other career explorationseries. The device of having real professionalstalk about their own careers makes each titlelively reading.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5David W. RashPublic Services LibrarianEverett Community CollegeEverett, WashingtonMichele HoweFreelance Writer and Homeschool MotherLaSalle, Michigan610.69. Lee, Barbara. Working in HealthCare and Wellness. ISBN 0822517604.591. Lee, Barbara. Working with Animals.ISBN 0822517590.780. Lee, Barbara. Working in Music. ISBN0822517612.(Exploring Careers.) Lerner Publications,1996. Hardbound, $17.21. Gr. 6 - 8.Working in Health Care and Wellness is one of aseries of up-to-date, informative, and engagingcareer exploration titles. The author, BarbaraLee, follows the same formula for each title inthis Exploring Careers series. Twelvebiographical sketches are presented: eachbiographee tells his or her own story as well asintroducing us to his or her profession. In aboutfour or five pages of text, alternating betweenfirst person narrative and description, eachbiographee recounts their typical routine on thejob, then describes their own career path, andconcludes by speculating on the future(sometimes gloomy) of their profession and bygiving advice on how to get started in the field.The author profiles both standard as well asunorthodox careers in each title of the series.Related professions are briefly described insidebars and boxes. Technical terms are definedin margin notes. The biographees are anethnically diverse and gender neutral bunch—forexample, the nurse is male. A possible weaknessin the selection of the biographees is that all ofthem work in the Baltimore, Maryland area, theauthor’s hometown, and this may not berepresentative of the entire nation. Eachbiographee recounts his or her failures and deadends:for most of these folks getting there wasneither quick nor easy.The layout of each book in the series is attractive,typeface is large, and illustrations are profuse—seventy-two color photos in Working in HealthCare and Wellness. The text and illustrations arecurrent. For example, the implications of suchinnovations as non-chemical based photographyand the impact of the Internet are mentioned inWorking with Animals. The indexing is adequate.Each title concludes with a list of the names,addresses, and phone numbers of the professionalorganizations and associations for each careerfield. Unfortunately, no average salary isindicated for any of the careers.616.9. Gage, Rodney. Let’s Talk About AIDSand Sex. Broadman & Holman, 1992. ISBN080546073X. Paperbound, $5.95. Gr. 8 -Adult.Let’s face it—teens are having sex. Thisgeneration has received the message that sex isOK as long as it’s safe sex. Nothing could befurther from the truth. This is a straight-to-thepoint, easy-to-read paperback that addresses thedifficult aspects of premarital sex and thediseases that can be the result—namely the AIDSvirus. Gage does not skirt the issue. Testimoniesof lives destroyed by wrong choices pointpowerfully to the devastation of extramarital sex.Beginning with the testimony of Magic Johnson,Gage also gives the scientific facts about AIDS.He explains the different opportunisticinfections, malignancies, and diseases that attackthe body when the immune system is down withAIDS. He also explains how AIDS is and is notcontracted.This book could be used for information for aresearch paper, help for a promiscuous teen, helpfor someone caught in a homosexual lifestyle, forevangelical purposes in a specific situation, or forsex education purposes.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Mary Jo Krzyminski, M. Ed.Christian School Language Arts TeacherNorfolk, Nebraska746.44. Souter, Gillian. Storybook Favoritesin Cross-stitch. Dutton Children’sBooks/Penguin, 1996. ISBN 0525456139.Hardbound, $19.95. Gr. 6 - Adult.Take a journey back down memory lane withauthor Gillian Souter in her colorfullyphotographed book, Storybook Favorites inCross-Stitch. This book opens with a detailedinformation section on the process and techniqueof cross-stitching. Souter’s diagrams make thedirections simple to understand because of theirsize and clarity. She offers many helpful hints tothe novice as well as the seasoned stitcher.The author also provides a pattern of alphabetand numbers for easy use in designing andpersonalizing Cross-Stitch treasures. The colorphotos bring these delightful characters to lifeand added new life to old friends.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5751.7. Capek, Michael. Murals : Cave,Cathedral, to Street. (Art Beyond BordersSeries.) Lerner Publications, 1995. ISBN0822520656. Hardbound, $17.21. Gr. 3 -Adult.Street art, frescoes, murals, graffiti: all of themare found on walls, in cities and towns around theworld and have been since prehistoric times.Michael Capek explains the individual kinds ofart and gives example where they may be foundand information about the artists who paintedthem. While the title of the book begins with theearliest examples that we have of murals, thecave paintings in Lascaux, France, and Altamira,Spain, and then continues on to street art in theUnited States, the arrangement of the book is justthe opposite. After an introduction to murals andthe technique used to paint them on walls and themedia used most recent examples are talkedabout first progressing back to the earliestexamples. While this may strike some readers ascontradictory and confusing, this makes a greatdeal of sense.Readers of the book will have seen street art:graffiti on public buildings and the subway, andmay also have seen examples of murals on wallsof prominent buildings within their owncommunities, many vacant store windows aredecorated with a kind of mural until newrenter/businesses are found, student and dailynewspapers as well as magazines and televisionhave used articles about street art. The reversechronological arrangement works by taking thereaders from the known to the unknown world ofhistorical murals, Renaissance masterpieces,church art of the Eastern and Western churchesand finally to the prehistoric cave pictures. Eachchapter stands on its own to tie in with a historyclass as well as art class.The reader, and teacher as well, will gain a newunderstanding of street art within his/her owncommunity. Many older churches in both urbanand rural settings used wall murals to relate Biblelessons, a tradition brought from the Europeanchurches. Many communities now commissionartists to decorate blank walls within thecommunity to beautify the neighborhood, as didthe people in the California communitiesmentioned in the book. Some art is notM A R C H , 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

YOUNG ADULT NONFICTIONcommissioned and then is considered graffiti.This text will help people “see” more art in theirsurroundings and so will be a good addition toschool libraries.However, several times within the text murals arementioned but the illustration on the page is ofanother mural, one not discussed. There areplaces where the narrative text breaks off and thereader turns not to the paragraph conclusion butto a two page insert about an artist. Most of thewords in the glossary are defined within the text,which saves using the glossary, but not always.The glossary defines the words which theyounger reader might not necessarily know. Theindex is usable with the pages on which thereproductions appear in boldface type. Colorillustrations though small seem to come alive.These minor things aside, this would be a goodaddition to a school library because of its largeaudience and ability to be used in a variety ofways.◆ Quality - 4 ❤ Acceptability - 5Leslie Greaves RadloffTeacher/LibrarianEmanuel Lutheran School(WELS)W. St. Paul, Minnesota791.5. Rump, Nan. Puppets and Masks :Stagecraft and Storytelling. DavisPublications, 1996. ISBN 0871922983.Paperbound, $19.95. Gr. 4 - Adult.Imagine yourself the leader being assigned thetask of presenting a children’s stage play. WithNan Rump’s Puppets and Masks, no adult needfear such an assignment again! From the firstpages, the author brings a feeling of confidentinstruction to the reader. Rump explains thewhy’s and how to’s of getting started. Shedescribes the necessary materials and where tofind them. She also provides many useful andhelpful hints on making the experience both easyand pain free.The second section provides numerous puppetsand masks to create with inexpensive, around thehouse materials. Eager participants can make:vibrant butterflies, buzzing bees, contemplativefish, to name a few. Some simple mask ideasinclude: grocery bag masks, paper plate mask,wind masks, and papier-m‚chÈ’ masks. Rumpprovides beautifully clear illustrations of eachcreation and step by step instructions. She breakseach project down into two sections:(1)Paving the way—preparation materials,construction ppreparation.(2)Children’s Activity—materials, preparing thework area, completing the project, animating thepuppet and variations.In her third section, the author shares the in’s andout’s of stage setting. Readers can create aflamboyant sun, drifting moon, singing stars,flowing river, wandering mountain, andshimmering tree. She also shares how to addsound effects and make appropriate sized stages.Section four deals with opening night and thestory itself. Several scripts are provided andRump even details how novice stage directors (orkids) can write their own stage play based on herformula. Puppets and Masks is a fun, innovativebook sure to be of great value for all buddingtheatrical enthusiasts.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Michele HoweFreelance Writer and Homeschool MotherLaSalle, Michigan★810.8. L’Engle, Madeleine and Lucy Shaw.Winter Song : Christmas Readings. HaroldShaw Publishers, 1996. ISBN 0877888558.Hardbound, $19.99. Gr. 8 - Adult.Christmas creeps in at summer’s end as eveningshadows hover and lengthen, and autumn’sconstellations slip quietly into place. It builds toa crescendo with the Advent and the Incarnationof Christ. In December, it is a brilliantcelebration that consumes the globe for a briefperiod of time, then gradually fades out throughthe New Year into late winter and spring.Madeleine L’Engle and Luci Shaw carry thereader in this collection of Christmas readingsliterally through this special season from latesummer to early spring, from the Annunciation toEpiphany. Reading Winter Song is likeexperiencing Christmas with all of your sensespoised, waiting. You can feel the brush ofautumn as it blows into winter. You can taste thechestnuts, you can smell the pine needles, andyou can feel the damp closeness of the stable.Softness caresses you with winter’s snow and ababy’s cheek. Interwoven in this delicatelywritten tapestry of Christmas is the turning of theseasons, the celebration of a modern world, thewonder of a young mother, and the birth of aspecial baby in a stable.This unique book of poetry and Christmasreadings almost needs to be read cover to cover,rather than picked at like sweets from a chocolatebox. This volume is like a process with abeginning and an end that is best experienced inits rightful sequence. Pieces of it were light andeasy, others were deep and thought provoking,but together the book has a thread of continuitythat begins softly, builds with the season, andfades quietly.Winter Song is a beautiful, touching, movingcollaboration of work by these two giftedauthors. The different selections provide avariety so that where one reading may not touchyou particularly, the next might. This is due notonly to the different types of writing (shortpoems, longer poems, prose, short stories, etc.),but also to the different styles of writing of thetwo authors.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Gayle Chessman HabermanTeacher, West Hills Christian SchoolPortland, Oregon823. Lindvall, Terry. Surprised by Laughter :The Comic World of C.S. Lewis. ThomasNelson Publishers, 1996. ISBN 0785276890.Hardbound, $22.99. Gr. 11 - Adult.Terry Lindvall’s Surprised by Laughter is atreasure, capable of engaging veteran readers aswell as exciting newcomers to Lewis. On thecover, poised somewhat stiffly and clothed inwhat looks like a bathrobe over a business suit,stands one of the most influential Christians ofthe twentieth century, looking out from a blackand white photograph with a wry half-smile onhis face. And once the book is opened, it doesnot disappoint.Lindvall introduces Lewis’s comic world bytracing its roots to the wit of G. K. Chesterton,another of this century’s great Christian writers.For Lindvall this connection is not incidental,and so he frequently brings the reader back toChesterton throughout Surprised by Laughter.The bulk of the work treats comedy according tothe categories Lewis identifies in The ScrewtapeLetters (Joy, Fun, The Joke Proper, and Satireand Flippancy). Each of these categoriesreceives from 3-9 chapters, and a conclusion on“The Laughter of Love” wraps up the volume.Despite the seemingly rigid organization, the textmeanders enjoyably from one quote to another,amidst personal anecdotes, jokes, and assortedincidents relating to Lewis and his writing.This is one of the more curious books everwritten on Lewis. Though organized as anacademic treatment of one dimension of Lewis’slife and thought, Surprised by Laughter has thefeel of a good biography, one through which thereader not only becomes familiar with the eventsin a famous person’s life, but actually becomesaquatinted with that person. There is delightfullymore of Lewis than of Lindvall in these pages,and for that reason the book is successful.Happily, Lindvall also avoids the shallowperspective to which a work such as this mighthave succumbed. Lewis’s “comic” world asportrayed in Surprised by Laughter is certainlyfull of genuine fun, but it is not trite. It is comicin the sense that Dante’s masterpiece (with avision encompassing Heaven, Hell, andC H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 6 1 M A R C H , 1 9 9 7

YOUNG ADULT NONFICTIONeverything in between) is appropriately titled TheDivine Comedy.The book has only a couple of minor flaws. First,though what Lindvall has done in connectingLewis with Chesterton is valuable, sometimes thepresence of Chesterton becomes intrusive andleaves one wondering if Chesterton’s name oughtnot to have been in the subtitle as well. The onlyother weakness might be Lindvall’s own prose,which is at times be so laced with metaphors thatthe style obscures the meaning of a passage.Thankfully, though, this has only a minimaleffect on Surprised by Laughter, becauseLindvall does such a good job of ‘staying out ofthe way’ as an author.◆ Quality - 4 ❤ Acceptability - 4Jon BalsbaughU. of St. ThomasSt. Paul, Minnesota909. Waring, Diana. What in the World’sGoing on Here : 4 Hours of Living History forEvery Parent, for Every Christian. (A Judeo-Christian Primer of World History.) 2 vol.Something to Say Productions/Diana Waring,1994. ISBN . Audiocassette, $20.95 pervolume. Gr. 9 - Adult.Diana Waring, in What in the World’s Going onHere, presents four hours of condensed historystarting with Creation and ending with theFrench Revolution. If you have ever askedyourself what was happening elsewhere during aBiblical event, what the real chronology of theBible is, or how to evaluate world events from aChristian point of view, this set of tapes willanswer your questions. Find out where the bookof Esther comes in, who was behind the SpanishInquisition, why Martin Luther wanted to changethe church, and how England broke with theCatholic Church and why.Volume 2 starts with Napoleon and ending withthe rebirth of Israel. Find out how Moody useshis extraordinary faith to pray in food for orphansor follow Florence Nightingale as she tends fourmiles of patients during the Crimean War. Whatwere the real causes of World War I or World WarII? Follow important leaders through the GreatDepression and see God’s miracles at Dunkirkand E1 Alamein. Rejoice with the Jews as theyreturn to their homeland. Take this fascinatingjourney and see world history centered aroundChristianity.Listening to this set of tapes provides the listenera usable time line which interrelates the Bible,important historical figures and events. DianaWaring uses interesting biographical details andhas the ability to draw word pictures which keepthe listener fairly well focused. The tapes includeso many details that they are most effective whenlistened to in small increments, while taking lotsof notes, so follow up discussion can aidlearning. Overall, this set of well researchedtapes will be a valuable asset for any adult or canbe used to supplement a history curriculum forhigh school.◆ Quality - 3/4 ❤ Acceptability - 5Paula Stewart MarksPrincipal, Morning Star Christian SchoolBend, Oregon920 (973). Bredeson, Carmen. PresidentialMedal of Freedom Winners. (CollectiveBiographies.) Enslow Publishers, 1996. ISBN0894907050. Hardbound, $18.95. Gr. 6 -Adult.Do the names Marian Anderson, Ralph Bunch,Cesar Chavez, Joe DiMaggio, or Helen Kellerbring anything to mind? What do these peopleall have in common? Each has been awarded thePresidential Medal of Freedom. Author CarmenBredeson has written this fascinating bookentitled Presidential Medal of Freedom Winners,a collective biography. This book tells of theearly life, education, professionalaccomplishments, and personal quotes of tenpersons awarded this presidential award.Others who are included in this collectivebiography are Margaret Chase Smith, MargaretMead, Hector Garcia, Neil Armstrong, and ColinPowell. Each short biography is a mini-study initself. With a well-known person like ColinPowell, the reader can come away with a deeperappreciation for all he accomplished for ournation. Others, not as easily recognizable,become new-found heroes to those not familiarwith their courage and achievements. This is afine way to become introduced to these heroicfigures of yesterday and today.◆ Quality - 4 ❤ Acceptability - 5Michele HoweFreelance Writer and Homeschool MotherLaSalle, Michigan921 (269). Wilson, Jean. Crusader for Christ: The Story of Billy Graham. ISBN0875086020.—-921 (266). Milsome, John. From Slave Boyto Bishop : The Story of Samuel AdjaiCrowther. ISBN 0875086004.—-921 (266). Kabell, Margaret. Prophet ofthe Pacific : The Story of John Paton. ISBN0875086195.—-921 (266). Davey, Cyril. Saint in the Slums: The Story of Kagawa of Japan. ISBN0875086209..—-921 (266). Northcott, Cecil. South SeasSailor : The Story of John Williams and HisShips. ISBN 0875086225.—-921 (365). Milsome, John. The Heroine ofNewgate : The Story of Elizabeth Fry. ISBN0875086330.—-921 (266). McFarlan, Donald. Wizard ofthe Great Lake : The Story of AlexanderMackay. ISBN 0875086314.(Stories of Faith and Fame.) ChristianLiterature Crusade, 1973-1987. Paperbound,$3.95. Gr. 7 - Adult.The name Billy Graham is probably familiar tomore people in the United States than any otherreligious leader ever known. In Crusader forChrist we find out very little about him as a man.Wilson takes us on a tour through the manycrusades and other ministries associated withBilly Graham and gives us a view into the innerworkings of an organization of this type. Sheover explains sometimes simple things in orderto provide details.From Slave Boy to Bishop takes us to West Africain 1809 where a Nigerian baby is born who willone day be the first African appointed as theBishop of West Africa. Samuel Adjai Crowtherbegins life in a wealthy family, but is soon soldinto slavery. Ultimately rescued from this life, heis cared for at a mission school. Amidst thebackdrop of warring tribes and villages Samuelworks undauntedly for the people of hishomeland, traveling and negotiating forimprovements to their lives. A humorous storyabout his first meeting with Queen Victoria ofEngland gives us an insight into the humble manBishop Crowther was.Prophet of the Pacific is a telling of missionaryefforts in the New Hebrides, specifically thework of John Paton of Scotland. Againstcannibalism, murders, frequent attempts on theirown lives, and bouts with nature, disease andillness they press on. A story of courage andcommitment to a task, even when it appearshopeless. Many examples of how God uses eventhe simplest incidences to turn the hearts of thepeople.Saint in the Slums begins with a rich, promisinglife for Toyohiko Kagawa of Japan. But in a fewshort years his parents have died and he isM A R C H , 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

YOUNG ADULT NONFICTIONshipped off to live with a grandmother whodoesn’t like him. Going away to school he isgreatly influenced by his English teacher Mr.Myers, a missionary. Toyohiko intentionallychooses to live in the slums amidst the people hewants to minister to. He dispenses food andother necessities in the slums of Kobe. Saint inthe Slums becomes a testament to the influenceone Christian man can have on an entire nationthat does not know Christ.South Seas Sailor is more the story of thebeginning of missionary efforts in the NewHebrides. John Williams was apprenticed to anironmonger as a youth, and because of thisexperience God used his ability to create a ship tosail from island to island, making first contact formissionary work. Williams becomes a martyr forChrist, but his efforts became the inspiration forthe school children of England to mount afundraising campaign to purchase a ship theychristened the John William, the first of sevenships with the same name that worked for yearshelping new missionaries that went to the islands.In The Heroine of Newgate, Betsy Gurney wasthe third child in a Quaker family of elevenchildren. Weak and quiet as a young girl, Betsybecame internationally known for her tirelessdedication and outspoken demand for prisonreform in English prisons where debtors, women,and children were housed with hardenedcriminals. Elizabeth Fry (her married name)successfully initiated many concepts and ideasthat affected prisoners’ rights and treatment, notonly in Britain, but around the world.In Wizard of the Great Lake, Alexander MacKaywas a Scottish engineer commissioned by hismission society to build a road into the Ugandaninterior. Dealing with great setbacks andextremely uneven treatment from the tribal king,Alexander MacKay never really sees the fruit ofhis years in Africa. The title of the book refers tohis ability to create things that astounded thetribal people around the great Lake Victoria.Each of the books in the above series are writtenby different authors, so there is a variation instyle to some extent. All books are reprints ofearlier editions spanning from 1960 to 1987. Theearlier books are more likely to be a reading stylethat does not appeal to young readers of today.All the books are fairly short and quickly read,giving you the basic outlines of the individuals’lives, perhaps opening the door for interest inlearning more about a specific Christian whogave much because of their faith.◆ Quality - 3 ❤ Acceptability - 5Jannet HoeffnerFreelance WriterPrairie City, Oregon921 (269). Everett, Betty Steele. SawdustTrail Preacher : The Story of Billy Sunday.(Faith’s Adventure Series.) ChristianLiterature Crusade, 1987. ISBN 0875084990.Paperbound, $3.95. Gr. 7 - Adult.William Ashley Sunday experienced a difficultchildhood, scrimping and saving, workingmultiple jobs to make ends meet. For recreationhe played baseball. Before long he was asked toplay for the Chicago Whitestockings. He metand accepted the Lord at the Pacific GardenMission in Chicago. A dramatic changehappened in his life—he began speaking at theY.M.C.A’s wherever the team traveled.Eventually Billy quit baseball to go into full timeministry.Billy Sunday became a traveling evangelist;famous for his unconventional ways, his stories,and his use of slang and physical antics on stage,he drew large crowds wanting to see the “show”which resulted in many coming to know the Lordby walking the “Sawdust Trail” to the front of therevival tent.Sawdust Trail Preacher follows the entire path ofBilly Sunday’s life and ministry. He is shown asa real man with faults and failures to go alongwith his passion for ministry.◆ Quality - 4 ❤ Acceptability - 5Jannet HoeffnerFreelance WriterPrairie City, Oregon921 (355). Schraff, Anne. Colin Powell :Soldier and Patriot. (African-AmericanBiographies.) Enslow Publishers, 1997. ISBN0894908103. Hardbound, $18.95. Gr. 5 -Adult.Colin Powell by Anne Schraff is a biography thathelps explain how a poor African American boyfrom the Bronx became a hero. Where otherssaw his tenement neighborhood as a slum,Powell saw it as “a neat place to grow up.” Beingsurrounded by violence and drugs did not deterhim at all as a youth, as he did not want to wastethe life God had given him. His positive attitudekept him from giving into bitterness when he wasfaced with prejudice and discrimination. Instead,he worked hard to prove himself.Another aspect of Powell’s success is his driveand determination. Even though he was notconsidered a scholar, he was namedDistinguished Military Graduate in 1958. Hesaw being a soldier as something he could belongto despite his color or financial background.From his days in ROTC to becoming theyoungest man to ever be named chairman of theJoint Chiefs of Staff, Powell has taken whatevertask and challenge was before him and met it.His winning attitude and steadfastness have wonthe respect and admiration of many.Schraff presents a simple but thorough biographyof Colin Powell. Throughout Schraff showsPowell as crediting his family and God as thestrong influences in his life. A worthwhilebiography to add to any library as Powell’s life isan encouragement and an inspiration to youngpeople.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Pam WebbFreelance Writer, Homeschool ParentPriest River, Idaho921 (355.1). Michell, David J. A Boy’s War.Overseas Missionary Fellowship, 1988. ISBN9971972719. Paperbound, $6.95. Gr. 9 -Adult.Concentration camp. Those two wordsimmediately bring pictures flashing before oureyes. Most of us think of Jewish adults in Naziconcentration camps during World War II. Butwhat about an Australian school boy in occupiedChina?A Boy’s War is the true story of David Michell, ayoung student at Chefoo School in China in 1942when the Japanese invaded. After taking over theschool grounds, the Japanese imprisoned thestudents with hundreds of other prisoners of warin the Weihsien Concentration Camp. For fourlong years David and his friends lived throughadventures that could have been a wakingnightmare. David gives great credit to theirteachers who were imprisoned with them, forprotecting the students from some of the horrorsand worries.One of the brightest spots in David’simprisonment was Olympic champion EricLiddel. Eric, after winning the Olympic goldmedal in 1924, went to serve as a missionaryteacher in China. He was imprisoned atWeihsien, where he died months before theirrescue.After release from imprisonment Daviddedicated his life to spreading the gospel, as hisparents had done before him. In 1985 DavidMichell returned to Weishan with his sixteenyear-oldson and several others. This difficulttrip brought vivid memories and the comfort ofclosure.Though A Boy’s War revolves around adepressing topic, its positive approach providesvaluable insight into concentration camp lifethrough the eyes of a child. Included in the bookare several black and white pictures and copies ofletters, etc. that help remind the reader that thisstory is not a fairy tale, but blatantly real life.◆ Quality - 3 ❤ Acceptability - 5Barbara BeyerACSI Missions Project CoordinatorColorado Springs, ColoradoC H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 6 3 M A R C H , 1 9 9 7

BOOK REVIEWSADULT FICTIONF. Ashcroft, Mary Ellen. The MagdaleneGospel. Doubleday, 1995. ISBN 0385478550.Hardbound, $16.95. Gr. 10 - Adult.It is the day after Jesus’ crucifixion. MaryMagdalene and the other women who followedhim have gathered together to comfort oneanother. As Mary Magdalene talks about Christ’sministry and death, the various women interjecttheir personal experiences. ‘Lydia,’ the womanwith an issue of blood, tells what it was like to bean outcast because of her illness and how Jesushealed her. ‘Rhoda,’ the badly stooped woman inLuke 13, was also isolated by disability. MaryMagdalene’s demon possession, of course, sether apart, even after her cure.Other women followed him because of histeaching or his goodness, women like Joanna,wife of Herod’s steward. Another is Susanna,whom Ashcroft imagines as an older woman whomight have heard Jesus teach in the synagogue.And, of course, Salome, mother of James andJohn, and Lazarus’ sisters are there as well andhave stories to share.All the women are aware of how unusual Jesuswas in his respect for, and interest in, women,radical behavior like that inevitably brought himinto conflict with the authorities. Through theirconversations, the women come to see how hisdeath fulfilled the messianic prophecies and wasthe deepest expression of his love for men andwomen. As the night ends, they renew theircommitment to his way of life, and MaryMagdalene prepares the spices to anoint his body,a last act of love from all of them.Ashcroft, an associate professor of English, givesfamiliar Bible stories a fresh feminineperspective without distorting Scripture. Shebrings out the historical context of Jesus’ actionsand how various human beings would inevitablyreact to his words and actions. The womensound like any bereaved family. I wish theirpersonalities were more sharply distinguished inspeech. However, their sometime fragmentary,sometimes lengthy, reminiscences have a naturalrhythm that unifies the tale. The book works wellas a complete novel and as a series of meditationson Christ, appropriate for classes or retreats.Ashcroft’s fine use of language and the timelesssubject matter make this a good addition to anylibrary collection.◆ Quality - 4 ❤ Acceptability - 5Kathleen T. ChoiRetired TeacherHilo, HawaiiF. Chaikin, Linda. Swords and Scimitars.(The Royal Pavilions; 1.) ISBN 1556618816.---Golden Palaces. (The Royal Pavilions; 2.)ISBN 1556618654.Bethany House Publishers, 1996.Paperbound, $9.99. Gr. 12 - Adult.The year is 1095 and Linda Chaikin beginsinstantly with crisis and intrigue in Swords andScimitars. The main character, Tancred, ispursued by an uncle who believes him to havekilled his son, Derek. Desiring to clear his name,Tancred’s faithful servant, Hakeem, the Moor,aids in his escape and Tancred flees in search ofMosul his cousin, the murderer of Derek. Heheads for his friend Nicholas, at whose feet hespent many years learning the scriptures. Surelyhe will help him. While escaping, Odo, aNorman priest, asks Tancred to return a treasuredartifact to Jerusalem, and thus, Tancred beginsthe pilgrimage to the Holy Land.Tancred is disturbed as he meets peasants,knights, and nobles on his journey. They bringmuch trouble and fear to the towns throughwhich they travel. He sees pillage and unfairnesseverywhere. Evil litters the trail as priests cannotkeep order. In addition, he is unable to justify thePope’s authority to grant salvation andforgiveness of sins for those traveling on thepilgrimage to free the Holy Land. It goes againsteverything Nicholas taught him from the GreekNew TestamentBeing raised in Norman and Moorish cultures,Tancred ponders the life of a Christian and aMoslem. His grandfather, al-Kareem, gives hima copy of the Koran and Nicholas, a bishop,plants seeds of Jesus Christ. His journey causeshim to wonder.“It was one thing to gaze out at the starryuniverse and see omnipotence at work, but it wasquite another matter to see with the eye of faiththe footprints of deity walking amid his shattereddreams.”God is faithful to teach Tancred and as he sees thepathetic scenes of the Crusades, he understandsclearly for the first time how dangerous religiouszeal can be without the Word of God as judge andcritic of the actions and intents of the heart. Hefeel the Crusade is a curse upon the land. At thesame time Tancred searches for Nicholas, Helenof the Nobility plans an escape from her evilaunt, Irene, to find the same man, her UncleNicholas. Long reported dead, Helen learns ofher mother Adrianna’s existence and knowsNicholas will help rescue her. The relationshipbetween Tancred and Helen is cool, as she feelshim to be a barbarian because of his Normanbackground. The book ends with a clue directingTancred to another location to confront his cousinthe murderer.In the sequel, Golden Palaces, the plot thickenswith the introduction of Philip the Nobel, theMinister of War in Constantinople. As Irene’sson, he moves about like a pawn on the chessboard of power in the empire. He and Helen planto marry, but Irene weaves her plot of deceit andarranges to marry Helen off to a Moslem princefor Philip’s political advancement. Tancred isinvolved, as his services as noble knight, aresought by Philip, Lady Irene, and Helen.Both books in the series depict a historical periodwith excitement and accuracy. Fictional andhistorical characters are identified to help thereader track the voluminous cast! A glossary isincluded for unfamiliar terms of the times.◆ Quality - 4 ❤ Acceptability - 5Karen OrfitelliFreelance WriterManchester, ConnecticutM A R C H , 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

ADULT FICTIONF. Coel, Margaret. The Ghost Walker.Berkley Publishing Group, 1996. ISBN0425154688. Hardbound, $21.95. Adult.Fr. John O’Malley pastors St. Francis Mission onWyoming’s Wind River Reservation. As amember of Alcoholics Anonymous, he’s hoistedhis share of drunks into his truck, but the body hefinds is passed on, not passed out. Worse, by thetime he finds a phone and gets the police to thesite, the corpse has disappeared. Now he notonly has an untimely death among hiscongregation but a revival of the traditionalArapaho fear of ghosts to worry about.His friend, Indian attorney Vicky Holden, has herworries as well. Her daughter Susan is homefrom Los Angeles and staying with an unsavorygroup of friends at her father’s remote cabin.More troubling, it looks like Susan’s back ondrugs. Vicky carries a lot of guilt for taking thechildren from their father, even though he was anabusive alcoholic, and for giving them to herparents to raise while she went to law school.Ensuring Susan’s safety is, therefore,overwhelmingly important to Vicky, and sheexpects Fr. O’Malley’s whole-hearted support.He wants to give it, but he fears Susan is mixedup in murder. He’s also running out of time tohelp anyone. His Jesuit superiors have sold themission property to a recreational developer.O’Malley knows most of his congregation wouldnot feel comfortable worshipping with the whitesin town, even if they could manage the longdrive. And he and his eccentric associate pastorlove the 100-year-old mission too much to give itup without a fight. Eventually, O’Malleyunearths and blocks a Mob scheme to bringcasino gambling to the reservation and to use theremote area as a drug manufacturing center.This second adventure of Fr. O’Malley and VickyHolden offers more suspense and complexitythan the first in the series, The Eagle Catcher.O’Malley loves Vicky without violating hisvows, even mentally. He loves the Arapaho aswell, and readers learn more about how NativeAmericans reconcile their traditional beliefs andpractices with Christianity. Coel’s Indians havetheir problems, notably poverty and alcoholism,but they also have dignity and a concern for oneanother that she clearly admires. Her work willinevitably be compared to Tony Hillerman’smore famous novels, but Coel stands up well tothe comparison. Her characters are believableand admirable, her stories wholesome andinformative, and her Christian outlook clear butunsentimental. All in all, a great find for mysterylovers.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Kathleen T. ChoiBook ReviewerHilo, HawaiiF. Funderburk, Robert W. The Fires ofAutumn. (A Dylan St. John Novel; 1.)Bethany House Publishers, 1996. ISBN1556616147. Paperbound, $8.99. Adult.It is the turbulent late 1960’s. In RobertFunderburk’s novel The Fires of Autumn, readersmeet Dylan St. John, a Southern Louisiana paroleofficer who is trying to cope with the problems ofhis marriage, his job, and his cynicism.There are two main plots. One is whether or notSt. John and his wife can reconcile theirmarriage, and the other is St. John’s investigationof children who are disappearing while in thestate’s custody. While the conflict between St.John and his wife Susan is developed, there is notas much unfolding in St. John’s investigation ofmissing children. The story starts out focusingon a eleven-year-old boy being sent away todetention, but this plot becomes lost andsecondary to the attention given to St. John’spersonal struggles.Funderburk’s writing style is prose-like whichlends a softness to the sober plot. Perhaps in theupcoming continuation of the Dylan St. Johnseries the author will allow the plot to run its fullcourse, and flesh out the story’s cast.◆ Quality - 3 ❤ Acceptability - 4Pam WebbFreelance Writer, Homeschool ParentPriest River, IdahoF. Glancy, Diane. The Only Piece ofFurniture in the House. Moyer Bell, 1996.ISBN 1559211830. Hardbound, $18.95.Adult.Rachel Hume is the daughter of an itinerantlaborer. Her extended family, including fosterchildren, is held together on its travels throughTexas and Louisiana by the faith and love of hermother Bethanna. Bethanna is such a powerfulpresence that Rachel compares her to “the onlypiece of furniture in the house.” The Humes arecommitted evangelical Christians. Rachel hasfelt God’s healing power come into the roomwhen Bethanna prays. So she follows hermother’s wishes completely when it comes toavoiding occasions for sin, such as the attentionsof a young soldier named Jim. Jim, however, ispersistent. He accepts that their courtship will bewell chaperoned and sex free. He accepts Jesusas his personal savior. What he cannot accept isthat, even after their marriage, Rachel turns toBethanna rather than him when she needscomfort or encouragement.Rachel almost dies in childbirth. Her illness, thebleak and unfriendly base housing area, and thestrain of raising a child send Rachel runninghome to her mother. Jim takes up with anotherwoman. Rachel’s minister says Rachel’sproblem is that her mother is such a dominantpersonality that her children have never reallygrown up. Bethanna herself agrees and tellsRachel she must return to Jim and try to heal theirmarriage. Reluctantly, Rachel tries a second timeto be both a wife and a Christian witness to Armywives more interested in partying than praying.She has some success with their neglectedchildren. Jim allows Rachel to fill the house withchildren and takes her on the long drives shefinds so stimulating. At story’s end, you’reconfident this marriage will endure and thiscouple be a blessing to the people around them.The Only Furniture in the House is far more thanjust a domestic romance or another coming-ofagestory. Both Publishers Weekly and KirkusReviews praised Diane Glancy’s insight and useof language. She records Rachel’s thoughts asaccurately as a psychiatrist and as lyrically as apoet. When Rachel feels God’s presence, thepoetry soars into prayer. You’ll want to read thisbook at least twice, once in a hurry to see howRachel and Jim make out, the second time tosavor the language. Then perhaps a third time tofully appreciate how God uses ‘poor white trash’as his messengers.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Kathleen T. ChoiBook ReviewerHilo, HawaiiF. Hunt, Angela. The Proposal. TyndaleHouse Publishers, 1996. ISBN 0842349502.Paperbound, $11.99. Gr. 10 - Adult.Theodora Russell, the aspiring writer heroine ofAngela Hunt’s medical thriller The Proposal, isnot a pro-life activist. Widow, Sunday schoolteacher, and mother, she opposes abortion but hasnever taken an active stance. At a writingconference, a case of mistaken identity lands herwith another writer’s book proposal—a proposalthat links breast cancer to early abortion. Whenthe other author disappears—and is later founddead—Theodora decides to pursue the story.She soon realizes that certain public sectors don’twant the book written. She becomes the target ofjournalistic and physical attacks. Theodora turnsfor help to physician Ken Holman, a man with apersonal stake in the controversy. What begins asa search for information rapidly deepens intoromance.The trail leads to Bio Tech Industries, acorporation which recycles fetal tissue intotreatments for chronic diseases. Bio Tech’sdirectors fear that widespread knowledge of anabortion-breast cancer link will decrease thenumber of abortions, diminish supplies of fetaltissue, and lower profits. Their tactics, whichinclude murder and bombing, aim to portrayTheodora as a deranged anti-choice radical.Theodora learns that passive disapproval ofabortion is not an option for her. She also learnsto abandon her self-confidence and trust God.Hunt writes in a clean, uncluttered manner.Plenty of action keeps The Proposal moving untila climax where Theodora’s life hangs by athread. The ending, though, is somewhatC H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 6 5 M A R C H , 1 9 9 7

ADULT FICTIONmelodramatic and implausible. Theodora’scharacter is the best drawn, that of Ken Holmanless well, and we learn little beyond the obviousof the personalities or motives of The Proposal’santagonists.Hunt quotes newspaper reports to add veracity toher premise, but at present the medical literaturedoes not reflect consensus. A Medline searchrevealed some articles that suggest a link, andothers where no correlation was found. Theremay be a connection between abortion and breastcancer. If there is, Hunt has done women aservice by publicizing it.Even if the abortion-breast cancer link isn’t asstrong as implied, The Proposal makes severaltelling points concerning the ethical crisesconfronting us: The use, legal or otherwise, offetal tissue as “spare-parts” for chronic illness;the importance of right moral choices both forindividuals and society; and the tendency of oursociety to reduce life to mere matter formanipulation. These issues will—eventually—affect us all. The Proposal should appealparticularly to young women.◆ Quality - 3 ❤ Acceptability - 4Andrew M. SeddonPhysician, AuthorBillings, MontanaF. L’Engle, Madeleine. Love Letters. HaroldShaw Publishers, 1997. Rev. ed. ISBN0877885281. Hardbound, $19.99. Adult.Madeleine L’Engle’s fans will delight in therebirth of her romantic novel, Love Letters.When the topic of reprinting the 1966 edition ofthis book was presented to L’Engle, she readilyagreed as long as she could rewrite the ending. “Iwas never satisfied with it,” L’Engle recalls aboutthe first edition.Love Letters is a potent, adult novel set inPortugal. Charlotte Napier, a woman whose sonhas recently died, flees the United States to findsolace with her mother-in-law, Dame VioletNapier. During the time Charlotte is waiting forDame Violet’s return from Paris, she discoversthe letters of a Portuguese seventeenth centurynun, who herself was in spiritual anguish. It isthrough these letters that Charlotte’s discovers anunderstanding of herself, her marriage, and herrelationship to Patrick, her husband.From the opening words of this spellbindingnovel, L’Engle encapsulates hers readers in themind and heart of Charlotte Napier. Charlotte’sstruggles, temptations, angst, and inner turmoilare not merely read about during the novel, butalso experienced by the readers. This book is aspiritual journey of self-discovery, hope, and are-commitment love.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Karen OrfitelliFreelance WriterManchester, ConnecticutF. LaHaye, Tim and Jerry B. Jenkins.Tribulation Force : The Continuing Drama ofThose Left Behind. Tyndale HousePublishers, 1996. ISBN 0842329137.Hardbound, $15.97. Gr. 10 - Adult.Ever since the Rapture and the disappearance ofmillions of people world wide, (Left Behind),Bruce Barnes has been studying the Bible and themany prophecies about this devastating event.With his own pastor gone, he now leads asteadily growing body of believers that mustprepare to face the worst trials humankind hasever endured. A small force of three others,Rayford Steele, new pilot for the president’sAirforce One, along with his lovely daughterChloe, and Buck Williams, top newspaper manfor the prestigious Chicago Tribune, form theTribulation Alliance—a small Christianorganization dedicated to staying strong in theWord and sharing the truth when and where thereis opportunity.The signing of the peace treaty with Israel beginsthe seven year countdown to Christ’s final return,and with the prophesied short time of peacequickly passing, the foursome is aware thatapocalyptic judgements are about to fall.Unusual circumstances, seemingly orchestratedby God, have allowed both Buck and Ray to bedirectly employed by Nicolae Carpathia—theAntichrist himself! As events begin to unfold ata rapid pace there is no longer any doubt as to thefate of the world and the believers caught in thedangerous net of Carpathia’s Global Community.As truth of the tribulation judgments comes tolight, each person must choose how to live withinthe framework of impending “hell on earth.”Buck questions if it is right to pursue arelationship at such a time as this, and yet, hisacceptance of Jesus has somehow heightened hisability to love and give to others. With suchquestions strong in his mind, there is at least onething that Buck and the others can be sure of—their deep convictions help them determine to dowhat is right as long as they are able.The authors, LaHaye and Jenkins, offer a wellwritten,intriguing sequel about post-rapturedearth. Tribulation Force not only portrays thestrong influence the Antichrist has on theunsaved, but presents the dangers and inevitablesuffering any new believers must face during thisfinal time of judgment on earth. Both authors arewell known in their fields; Tim LaHaye for hisexcellent and insightful writings, and JerryJenkins for his finely crafted fiction novels. Theycombine their talents to achieve a most thoughtprovokingand convicting presentation. Read insequence or standing alone, these novels compelthe reader to recognize the importance ofacknowledging Jesus as their Lord and Savior.“Now is the acceptable time.”! (2 Cor. 6:2)◆ Quality - 4 ❤ Acceptability - 5Mary McKinneyFreelance WriterPort Orchard, WashingtonF. Morris, Alan. Heart of Valor. (Guardiansof the North; 2.) Bethany House Publishers,1996. ISBN 1556616937. Paperbound, $8.99.Gr. 10 - Adult.Humbled by his growing reputation as the bestNorthwest Mountie, Hunter Stone is relentless infulfilling his duties beyond any expectations.Danger is always near at hand, and Hunter isready to risk his own life before endangering anyof the men that serve under him. But his heroicactions are sometimes difficult for ReenaO’Donnell to understand. Caution would seemthe better side of valor.However, her own life is unsettled since shechooses to live with the suspicious and oftenunfriendly Blackfoot Indian tribe. Her desire toshare the Gospel with them has come againstmany obstacles, yet she is stalwart in her effortsto win them over as friends, and hopefully asfellow converts. Admittedly, the greatestsunshine in her difficult days is when Hunter isable to visit the tribe and check on her progress.They both must face a most dangerous situation,the illegal whiskey trade. It not only threatensthe lives of innocent settlers, but often destroysthe peace and stability of the Indian camps.These ruthless traders become one of Hunter’smost cunning and ominous enemies as he andReena both determine to not only stop theshipments, but find who the supplier is. They areshocked at discovering that he is a mutualacquaintance, and forcing his hand proves to belethal.Alan Morris is true to form in his second novel ofthe Guardians of the North series. Well-written,if not a bit tedious at first in its details ofrecapturing the first novel’s happenings, it soonmoves the reader into the new adventure withstrong, likable characters and an intriguingstoryline of courage and romance in the ruggedCanadian wilderness. The adventure’s wellplacedsubplots bring new twists that promiseintrigue and some interesting complications.Those with a heart for the courage and tenacity ofthe Mounties and this challenging era ofsettlement will truly enjoy Heart Of Valor.◆ Quality - 3 ❤ Acceptability - 5Mary McKinneyFreelance WriterPort Orchard, WashingtonM A R C H , 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

ADULT FICTIONF. Phillips, Michael. The Braxtons of MiracleSprings. (The Journals of Corrie &Christopher; 1.) Bethany House Publishers,1996. ISBN 155661635X. Paperbound, $9.99.Adult.The Braxtons of Miracle Springs, the first bookin Michael Phillips’s newest series, The Journalsof Corrie & Christopher, is set in theSacramento/San Francisco area of California inthe 1800’s. The heroine, Corrie Belle HollisterBraxton, will be an old friend to Phillips’s fans ofthe seven book series, The Journals of CorrieBelle Hollister.This book begins with Corrie’s wedding toChristopher Braxton. Corrie has waited thirtyyears for the man God would have her marry.They settle down in the bunkhouse on theHollister family’s ranch. The joy of beingmarried to Christopher and still being able to livenear her family, makes Corrie realize howwonderful life is. And trusting in the Lord forthis happiness seems to make life perfect.For months the men have worked a gold mine,but the possibility of finding a big vein of goldore becomes less likely as the lode disappears.What will the men do if the mine has finallyplayed out? What choices will Christopher makeas more and more he feels like a burden onCorrie’s family. The only solution seems to bemoving off the Hollister place, but leaving herextended family is the last thing Corrie wants.More than the worry over the failing gold mine istheir concern for the welfare of those aroundthem. How can Corrie help her friend, Jennie,whose marriage is falling apart? What canChristopher do for Alkali Jones, the oldprospector whose health is failing? Or how canthey help Becky, Corrie’s sister, who is feelingvery much an old maid? Most of all, how canthey share the love of Christ with all their friendsand family?The Braxtons of Miracle Springs is written infirst person from Corrie’s point of view as youwould expect in a journal. Occasionally, shebreaks into the story to talk directly to the reader,a technique you’ll find in some of the oldclassics, like Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women.The book overall is slow-paced, relying more onsermonizing about discerning God’s will, thanaction to advance the plot. However, it will bethe rare reader who doesn’t have moist eyesbefore completing the book.◆ Quality - 3 ❤ Acceptability - 5Myrtlemay Pittman CraneFreelance Writer, Editor and SpeakerAlderwood Manor, WashingtonF. Renich, T. Elizabeth. Word of Honor.(Shadowcreek Chronicles; 1.) ISBN1883002109.---Matter of Trust. (Shadowcreek Chronicles;2.) ISBN 1883002141.---Not Without Courage. (ShadowcreekChronicles; 3.) ISBN 188300232X.Emerald Books, 1996. Paperbound, $8.99.Gr. 10.-.Adult.Word of Honor, the first of T. Elizabeth Renich’sShadowcreek Chronicles set in the South duringthe Civil War, has the Hastings family as thefocus of the action in the story. Captain GarrettHastings, secretly a spy for the Confederacy,enlists his sixteen-year-old daughter Salina tohelp the network. Also working in the spy ring isformer neighbor Jeremy Barnes who has longbeen admired by Salina.Little does Salina realize the danger of herposition as she begins helping her father decodeand deliver messages. One danger comes fromJeremy’s evil uncle who is on the Union side andanother from the Union secret agent CaptainDuncan Grant, a former classmate and friend ofSalina’s father. Salina’s world begins fallingapart when her father is captured and shot whenhe tries to escape. Before his death, he speaks toDuncan Grant, his former friend-turned-enemy,who gives his word of honor to look out forGarrett’s family. Salina makes a dangerous tripto California to contact a rebel spy, a journeyplanned by her father before his death. Book 1ends with Salina’s safe arrival in San Francisco.Book 2, Matter of Trust, begins with Salina beingapprehended and taken to Alcatraz. MajorDuncan Grant arrives to take over her trial andinforms Salina that he has married her mother tofulfill his vow to her father to protect the family.When Salina admits to having discovered anddestroyed notes concerning a plot to assassinatePresident Lincoln, she is returned to Washington,D.C., where she is pardoned by Lincoln himself.After promising to stay out of trouble, Salinareturns to Virginia and is re-united with JeremyBarnes who she realizes she truly loves. Herselfish cousin Lottie tries to come between themand uses deceit and lies in an attempt to destroytheir trust in one another. Lottie’s deceit ends inher forced marriage to Duncan Grant’s assistant,Union Lieutenant Lance Colby. Salina iskidnapped by Jeremy’s uncle, Major Barnes, ashe attempts to capture Jeremy. After hermiraculous escape in which Jeremy shoots themajor, Salina tells Jeremy of the discovery insome of her father’s papers that he is not relatedto the evil major who has such a hatred for him.In Book 3 of the series, Not Without Courage,Salina goes to visit her mother in Gettysburgwhere she resides with Duncan’s Yankee family.While she is there, the Battle of Gettysburg takesplace and Salina meets and works with herbrother Ethan who is a doctor for the Confederatetroops. Jeremy Barnes also arrives with hiscompany. Danger continues to stalk those Salinaloves as Major Barnes re-appears and seeks tocarry out his evil schemes against EthanHastings.Themes running through the series include theconflicts of split loyalties in a war-torn nation,learning to trust despite suspiciouscircumstances, and dealing with death anddifficult family circumstances.◆ Quality - 4 ❤ Acceptability - 5Esther KnauppLibrarian, Santiam Christian SchoolCorvallis, OregonF. Roddy, Lee. Giants on the Hill. (Giants onthe Hill; 1.) ISBN 0849934923. Paperbound,$10.99.---Cinnebar. (Giants on the Hill; 2.) ISBN0849938325. Paperbound, $12.99.---Shiloh’s Choice. (Giants on the Hill; 3.)ISBN 0849938333. Paperbound, $10.99.Word Publishing, 1994-1996. AdultIn May, 1849, newlywed Aldar and Shiloh Lairdarrive in San Francisco, where Aldar and hispartner, Philander MacAdams, have started anexpress-delivery business. A week after theirarrival, Aldar is murdered, leaving Shiloh alonewith her mulatto, childhood friend andcompanion, Mara. Shiloh believes she can’tsurvive in that mostly male, frontier town, yet hasno money for passage back to Pennsylvania.Seeking a way to earn money and to discoverwho murdered her husband, Shiloh becomescaught between the political forces pursuingcontrol of the California territory.Throughout her life, Shiloh has always submittedto others, and when trouble came, she always ranto Mara for council and comfort. Now, she mustlearn to handle herself in a land where only thestrong survive. To earn her passage home, sheagrees to take on her husband’s sales position fortwo weeks and travel into the gold country tosecure contracts for the MacAdams and Lairdexpress company. Clay Patton, her husband’sbest friend and employee, and Mara accompanyC H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 6 7 M A R C H , 1 9 9 7

ADULT FICTIONShiloh. She manages to sign contracts with afew new clients, giving herself some courage.Coming home to a ransacked house crushes thisnew-found courage and increases Shiloh’sdetermination to return to the East. JohnSledger, the local preacher, challenges thisdecision, asking her if she has prayed aboutgoing back. She thinks it is her only choice, butshe agrees to pray for God’s will. By the end ofGiants on the Hill, she learns to listen to the still,small voice of God, and chooses to stay in SanFrancisco to continue her late husband’s dreamto build a successful transportation company.The mystery and adventure never stop as Shiloh,Mara, and Clay encounter one adversity afteranother. Filled with political intrigue, menseeking money and power, and racial andrelational issues, Lee Roddy propels the readerthrough the book. His depiction of Shiloh’sspiritual struggles gives Giants on the Hill astrong emotional element. The twist at the end,when the identity of Aldar’s murderer isrevealed, provides a suspense-filled climax.◆ Quality - 4 ❤ Acceptability - 5November rain has muddied San Francisco’sstreets and reduced the Laird and Patton StageLines business to a trickle in book 2, Cinnebar.Shiloh Laird and Clay Patton’s only hope to keepthe late Aldar Laird’s stagecoach dream alive isto secure financial backing and win the UnitedStates mail contract. To get the contract, theymust submit an impressive plan and provefinancial solvency. However, they can’t findAldar’s written plans for transporting the mailfrom Missouri to California.Victoria Barclay arrives in San Francisco with aproperty deed that declares Aldar and her latehusband, Henry, were joint owners of some landin Mount Saint Helena. Shiloh doesn’t believeher at first because Aldar had never mentionedowning any land. Later, she discovers the deedwith a note written by Aldar stating, “The MountSaint Helena property will pay for the stage-lineexpansion.” This land held an abundance ofcinnabar. This red rock contains quicksilver, anelement used in gold mining. On the samemorning that the assayer announced the value ofthe cinnabar, Alvin Brakken appears in town andthreatens to kill Clay. Alvin’s twin brother hadkilled Clay’s wife and young son. In revenge,Clay hanged the twin. Now, after seven years ofsearching, Alvin seeks his revenge. Alvinkidnaps Shiloh, who is six-months pregnant withAldar’s child, and holds her hostage to lure Clayonto one of the dead ships in the bay on the daybefore the mail-contract deadline. Throughquick maneuvering, Shiloh and Clay escapeharm, submit the mail proposal on time, and winthe contract.Shiloh’s faith is tested throughout the book asher business must meet various challenges andwhen Alvin threatens the man whom she haslearned to love, Clay Patton. In the first part ofthe book, Clay struggles with his emotions forShiloh. He thought he could never love againafter losing his Elizabeth. Cinnabar closes withClay and Shiloh’s wedding.◆ Quality - 4 ❤ Acceptability - 5Shiloh’s Choice opens with the people of SanFrancisco rioting in Market Street on January 1,1861. And they are not ringing in the New Year.The Pony Express brought news that SouthCarolina has just withdrawn from the Union onDecember 20. Though living in a new state,loyalties to the states of their births tug hard onthe citizens of California, and people take sides.Several try to pressure Clay Patton, now wealthyfrom the successful stage-coach business andquicksilver mine, to financially support theircauses.Clay at first refuses to take sides, but wrestleswith the Constitutional issues of state’s rightsand the rights of individuals, especially afterPresident Lincoln suspended the right of habeascorpus. Clay’s Texan birth and oath of loyalty tothe Union when he had served in the Armyduring two wars added to his internal conflict.Shiloh, raised by abolitionists, supports theUnion and struggles with her husband’sindecision. She wants to be a biblicallysubmissive wife, but also wants Clay to supportthe Union. The war between the states threatensto create strife in their marriage. Adding stress,Mara becomes suspect of Lyman Wallace’smurder. She has been his live-in mistress, butafter a fight, was kicked out the night of hismurder. Shiloh and Clay seek to discover thetrue murderer while the Home Guards, a selfappointedmilitia group that zealously defendsthe Union, threatens to harm their family if Claydoesn’t choose their side. In the end, Claymakes his decision for the Union. The bookcloses with a harrowing sea rescue of Mara andSamuel from the real murderer, Jared Huntley,and a reconciliation between Clay and Shiloh.◆ Quality - 3 ❤ Acceptability - 4In the Giants on the Hill series, Lee Roddy offersreaders a historical view of life during the goldrushand pre-Civil War days in San Francisco inan adventure setting. His characters must dealwith the political and emotional hardships of thetimes and work on their interpersonalrelationships as well. Each of the three booksfollows the same formula. The second and thirdbooks fill in details from the previous books sothat someone could read each individually.However, to understand the characterdevelopment, it’s best to read the booksconsecutively.Mara practices voodoo and has sexual relationswith different men in the last book, but Shilohcondemns this behavior. Throughout the series,Shiloh speaks of Aldar’s dream to live in FernHill, but the Pattons never get there.Lorinda NewtonFreelance WriterKirkland, WashingtonF. Snelling, Lauraine. An Untamed Land.(Red River of the North ; 1.) ISBN1556615760.---A New Day Rising. (Red River of the North; 2.) ISBN 1556615779.Bethany House Publishers, 1996.Paperbound, $9.99. Gr. 6 - Adult.An Untamed LandIn an effort to find a new freedom, the Bjorklundbrothers and their families decide to leave thefjords of Norway, their beloved home, forAmerica. In 1880 the families watch theirNorway slip out of sight, but look forward totheir dreams of a new home and their own land.With the sighting of dry land, New York, camethe arrival of dream broken. Conquering thenew country would take more than they hadexpected.In order to make it to their destination in theDakota territory, the Bjorklunds must enduredefeating and back breaking setbacks until oneday they begin their hike across the country toclaim their free land. But the land costs morethen they expected—the lives of their children,the Bjorklund men, and almost their sanity.Ingeborg and Kaaren are left virtually alone untilhelp arrives at the conclusion of the story in theform of a distant Bjorklund cousin.A New Day RisingAfter a distant cousin of the Bjorklund brothersarrives, Ingeborg struggles to maintain control ofher claim and her emotions. The Bjorklundsback in Norway send a younger brother toAmerica to help the women. Just after steppingoff the boat, all of his possessions are stolen andhe is forced to earn his train fare in New York.Upon arrival to the homestead, the brotherimmediately causes problems. In the endhowever, Ingeborg is able to prove her abilitiesand is accepted as she works the field with themen. A romantic twist enters the story with theshy courtship and marriage of Ingeborg and thecousin. But soon after the marriage, theBjorklund brother finds himself in trouble with aneighbor and is forced to flee the quiethomestead.Although the first 100 pages of the first book israther slow, the rest of the series moves morequickly. Throughout the entire series, thedialogue lacks credibility, giving the books an airof unrealistic piety. However, the plot anddescription are life-like and the book upholdsstrict, Judeo-Christian morals and ethics. Thecharacterization of Ingeborg is the best part ofthe series. She is a well developed and fairlyrealistic character. Fortunately, the plot of bothbooks depends heavily upon her actions. Thebooks could be read individually; however,neither book comes to a satisfying completedM A R C H , 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

ADULT FICTIONend making individual reading a frustratingexperience.◆ Quality - 3 ❤ Acceptability - 5Janyre StockingerStudent, Taylor University]Grand Rapids, MichiganF. Thoene, Bodie and Brock. Shiloh Autumn.Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1996. ISBN0785280669. Hardbound, $21.99. Gr. 10 -Adult.Autumn, 1931, and the bottom has just droppedout of the cotton market. Shiloh, Arkansas, isentering on desperate days. Human vulturesgather to garner the pieces the cotton farmers andtheir tenants can no longer hold together. Theblack Canfield family are tenant farmers andclose friends of Birch Tucker, his Jewish wifeTrudy, and their three children. As neighbors,they face the disintegration of absolutelyeverything that has made up their lives. The onlythings that remain true and unchanging are theirLord, the faith he has given them, and the loveand respect they bear for each other.In the similar tradition of Louis L’Amour’shistorical sagas, Shiloh Autumn helps holdAmericans together by presenting our nation’shistory at the family level. This book presentsBodie’s own grandparent’s depression-eraexperience. The characterizations of the maincharacters are full, growing throughout the story.Reviewed elsewhere in this month’s CLJ is aninvestigation into the church’s ministry role tothe disintegrating community, It Takes A ChurchWithin A Village by H. B. London & NeilWiseman. Shiloh Autumn is a good companionbook to It Takes A Church. Each book presentsmany similar problems, but from twoperspectives, fiction and reality. Bothgraphically present God’s victorious, healingpower.◆ Quality 4 ❤ Acceptability 4Donna EggettCPC Secretary and Counselor/Freelance WriterMaiden, North CarolinaF. Trobaugh, Augusta. Praise Jerusalem!Baker Books, 1997. ISBN 0801011477.Hardbound, $19.99. Adult.Augusta Trobaugh’s fiction novel PraiseJerusalem! is an insightful look inside the mindof Miss Amelia, a genteel Southern lady whofaces the humiliation of not being able to keep upa front of affluence in the community. Ratherthan admit that she cannot keep up her beautifulhome, she gives it to the town as a library andleaves under cover of night to face a new lifewith Maybeline, a companion with aquestionable background.Miss Amelia takes up Maybeline’s offer ofmoving to live in the long deserted house ofMaybeline’s granddaddy in Jerusalem, Georgia,that she had inherited along with all of hercousins. Amelia puts up with Maybeline’sirritating ways including her “religious” fervoronly because she has no other choice if she wantsto save her pride. Along the way, they are joinedby the black “Mrs. Johnson” who has long triedto escape from her abusive husband and theclutches of discrimination and oppression thathave made her feel like a second class citizen. Asthese three unlikely individuals set uphousekeeping in their Jerusalem, they each facetheir own unique problems.Throughout the entire novel, Amelia, the centralcharacter, has flashbacks to her childhood andearly memories, and continually refers to “thegreat mystery” that continues to plague her. Itisn’t until the very end of the book that themeaning is clear.This story is excellent in the way that it dealswith the inner struggles of a child that continueon into adulthood, struggles relevant to everyone.The book talks about speaking in tongues andabout Old Auntie not being able to go to heavenbecause she has not been baptized.◆ Quality - 4 ❤ Acceptability - 4Esther Knaupp, LibrarianSantiam Christian SchoolCorvallis, Oregon★F. Wojtasik, Ted. No Strange Fire. HeraldPress, 1996. ISBN 0836190416. Paperbound,$14.95. Gr. 10 - AdultBased on the 1992 Amish barn fires in BigValley, Pennsylvania, author Ted Wojtasikweaves a marvelous web of intrigue and mystery.Set in modern times, readers get an accurate,respectful, and inside look at the why’s andhow’s of the Amish community. This authordeals specifically with the Nebraska Amish, thestrictest of the various sects.In the opening pages, the barn fires are in fullswing, burning down a total of six Amishfamilies’ livelihoods. Tragically, one youngAmish boy dies in an attempt to rescue his coltfrom the burning building. The neighboringAmish family also must deal with tragedy ofanother sort. One of their eldest twin sons, Jacob,has left the Amish community for life with theEnglisch (non-Amish). His struggle to find hisplace in this world forces him to break away fromhis family, his heritage, and his faith. Harder yet,is the rumor that wayward Jacob has somehowbeen involved with the setting of the Amish fires.As detectives enter in the picture and beginquestioning both Amish and Englisch alike, aneerie pattern starts to materialize. Jacob’s car isfound near the scene, but he is missing. Not untilthe end do we discover the instigator in this pageturning whodunit. Alternating by chapters, weare taken from present day happenings to aperiod beginning nine months earlier. Especiallyinteresting are the long held beliefs and traditionsclung to by the Amish themselves. New insightinto their ways are explained with such deftnessand ease that the explanations become a naturalpart of the story itself. No Strange Fire is anexcellent book to read to gain greater admirationof this faithful people of God.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Michele HoweFreelance Writer and Homeschool MotherLaSalle, MichiganC H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 6 9 M A R C H , 1 9 9 7

BOOK REVIEWSADULT NONFICTION155.9. Wolterstorff, Nicholas. Lament for aSon. Wm. B. Eerdman’s, 1987. ISBN080280294X. Paperbound, $10.00. Adult.Lament for a Son has tears on every page. Afather’s journal, this chronicle begins with Mr.Wolterstorff’s twenty-five-year-old son’s death.It proceeds painfully through the stages of hisgrief: shock, bargaining, denial, anger, and endsat his reluctant acceptance of Eric’s death.At first, Mr. Wolterstorff is in complete shock, acommon reaction among bereaved parents. Laterhe gladly offers his own life to God instead ofEric’s. He reports that there are times when he isexpecting a call from Eric that never comes. Hisanger comes at unexpected times for him andshocks and frightens him. Toward the end, Mr.Wolterstorff turns to God for answers andcomfort.The early part of the book is filled with entries onthe funeral, sorting through Eric’s belongings,responding to friends’ correspondence, etc. Thelatter part of the book turns to beautiful, poeticsoul searching. Many psalms are recorded asbeing comforting along with writings of T.S.Eliot and C. S. Lewis.One of the most moving parts of the book is thecopy of the six part requiem that Mr. and Mrs.Wolterstorff had commissioned in Eric’smemory. It is a longing love song to a shortenedlife.◆ Quality - 4 ❤ Acceptability - 5Anita Goldman HorningFreelance WriterLawrenceville, Georgia179.7. Meilaender, Gilbert. Bioethics : APrimer for Christians. Wm. B. Eerdman’s,1996. ISBN 0802842348. Paperbound,$10.00. Adult.Gilbert Meilaender, professor of theologicalethics at Valparaiso University, surveys society’sprevailing outlook on medical ethics and finds itat variance with what the Christian perspectiveshould be. According to the author this is not anew dilemma, but it has been exacerbated byrapid medical and technical advances.Many of the procedures and treatments that wetake for granted are surprisingly recent. Forexample, amniocentesis began only in 1966; thefirst heart transplant was in 1967; and the firstliving will law dates from only 1976; geneticengineering and surrogate parenthood arephenomena of the 1980’s and 1990’s.Exploration of specific practices such asabortion, organ donation, suicide and euthanasia,genetic screening, and surrogate parenthood aretied together by the author and used to exemplifythe larger issues of how a “person” is defined,whether or not pain and suffering must always bemitigated, and the latitude God allows us as hiscreatures to modify ourselves.The book is an ethical argument as well as anoverview of the bioethical status quo. The authorreviews biblical authority, Christian and Jewishtradition, and secular philosophy on the issues.He also describes the legal decisions andscientific developments that have made theseissues so difficult. Meilaender advocates a clearposition on each issue.The author writes lucidly and hopefully aboutsome fairly deep issues. It is not exactly pleasantreading, but it is crucially important for theChristian to face the implications of these issuesfor himself and for society. This is a book whichmakes the reader examine his first principles as aChristian and, perhaps, sweat a little over havinglistened to the siren song of advanced technologyand harkened to the lure of the possible.Overall, Meilaender feels that we meddle withGod’s creation at the peril of dehumanizingourselves and distancing ourselves from him.Meilaender says, .”we also need to develop thetrust and the courage that will enable ussometimes to decline to do what medicaltechnology makes possible. There arecircumstances in which we can save life only bydestroying the kind of world in which we allshould want to live.”Although the book was published before therecent news regarding the cloning of sheep, it issafe to say the author would vigorously opposethe cloning of humans.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5David W. RashPublic Services LibrarianEverett Community CollegeEverett, Washington215. Johnson, Philip. Reason in the Balance :The Case Against Naturalism in Science, Lawand Education. InterVarsity Press, 1995.ISBN 0830816100. Hardbound, $19.99.Adult.Naturalists are those “who assume that Godexists only as an idea in the minds of religiousbelievers.” Under naturalist philosophy, there isno possibility of intelligent design of the universeor its inhabitants, and no possibility of any kindof divine intervention in human affairs,miraculous or providential. Although polls showthat most Americans say they believe in God or agod, Johnson very persuasively argues that oursociety is thoroughly dominated by thephilosophy of naturalism and that this hasprofound implications for everyday life.For example, Johnson, a law professor, usesactual court cases to show how naturalism hassometimes biased the judicial system againstreligion. He shows that by classifying aviewpoint as “religious” it can “have the effect ofmarginalizing it.” In other words, religious ideasare often “excluded from serious consideration”without necessarily interacting with theiressential arguments and without refuting them.Johnson demonstrates this by citing court casesin which people were ordered to stop teachingcertain viewpoints not because they were wrong,but simply because they were classified asreligious and therefore not allowed on universitycampuses.One of the most powerful examples of bias wasthe case of a university professor who, whenintroducing himself at the beginning of eachsemester, would make reference to his ownChristian belief. And although he never lecturedagainst the idea of random evolution of thehuman body in class, he made no secret of hisskepticism regarding this theory. This professorwas not only ordered to cease all such remarks inclass, but was told that he could not meet withstudents to discuss such issues on his own timeeither!Johnson also demonstrates that in the sciences,naturalism has almost become synonymous withrationality. He quotes Harvard paleontologistGeorge Gaylord Simpson as saying that themeaning, or guiding premise behind the theory ofevolution, is that “man is the result of apurposeless and natural process that did not havehim in mind.” This, Johnson says, is the guidingassumption behind all of modern science. Topropose that God not only objectively exists, butM A R C H , 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

ADULT NONFICTIONis in fact in some way behind the creation anddevelopment of life in the universe, is often tohave ones very rationality brought into question.In the field of education, Johnson shows hownaturalism works its way out in the teaching ofvalues (or lack thereof), for example in sexeducation, drug education, family values, andabortion. He shows how religion is tolerated solong as it is marginalized into the area of personalsubjective beliefs, but when religion emerges asa proposal for objective reality which shouldinfluence how values are taught, it is eitherignored, ridiculed, or violently attacked.Johnson was particularly surprised by thenumber of Christian professors who “werestaunch defenders of the evolutionaryorthodoxy.” He takes to task those professorswho, while professing to believe in God,methodologically exclude any possibility ofGod’s intervention from their disciplines.Philip Johnson “is a graduate of Harvard and theUniversity of Chicago. He was a law clerk forChief Justice Earl Warren of the United StatesSupreme Court, and has taught law for overtwenty years at the University of California atBerkeley.” His book is easy to read and hard toput down. It is well indexed and has extensiveend notes for more detailed discussion.It is hard to rate the acceptability of such apotentially controversial book. For example,Christian educators or scientists who haveunwittingly adopted a naturalistic outlook on lifemay find the book quite objectionable or veryenlightening. Either way, this book deserves tobe on everyone’s reading list!◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 4Dennis IngolfslandDirector of Library Services / Assistant Professor of BibleBryan College, Tennessee221. Dillard, Raymond B. and TremperLongman III. An Introduction to the OldTestament. Illustrated by. Zondervan, 1994.ISBN 0310432502. Hardbound, $24.99.Adult.An Old Testament “Introduction” is a bookwhich deals with issues of authorship, dates,themes, style, literary analysis, and historicalbackground. Dillard and Longman discuss theseissues individually for each book of the OldTestament beginning with Genesis and endingwith Malachi. Each chapter deals with one bookof the Old Testament and, with some exceptions,generally follows the same pattern: first there isa brief introduction to the Old Testament bookcovered in that chapter, followed by abibliography of significant books and articles.This is usually followed by a section on historicalbackground which discusses the date andauthorship of the book, and gives an overview ofthe historical period during which the book waswritten. This section is often followed by one onliterary analysis which deals with the genre,style, and literary structure. Next is a discussionon the theological message of the book andfinally there is a section called “approaching theNew Testament.” This last section shows howeach particular Old Testament book was used inthe New Testament or how the themes of thatbook influenced or anticipated New Testamentthemes.In the past, evangelical “introductions” wereoften somewhat defensive or apologetic innature. Dillard and Longman tend rather tofocus more on issues necessary for theunderstanding of the text itself: background,literary analysis, and the theological message ofeach book. To be sure, the authors do interactadequately and fairly with higher critical opinion,but that is not the main focus of their book.Dillard and Longman are both evangelical OldTestament scholars with Ph.D.’s from Dropsieand Yale respectively. While both aretheologically conservative, I have rated theacceptability of this book as “4” rather than “5”because they take some positions which someevangelicals may view as compromises. Forexample, some may not be comfortableacknowledging the existence of “pre-Mosaicsources and post-Mosaic glosses” in thePentateuch, both of which are affirmed byDillard and Longman. Another example is thatthe authors seem to allow for the possibility thatIsaiah 40-66 was not written by Isaiah but ratherby an anonymous prophet who “foresaw throughdivine inspiration what God was about to dothrough Cyrus.”I found Dillard and Longman to be quite fair,objective, and very informative. Although thebook dealt with complicated scholarly issues, itwas clear, concise, and easy to read. It wouldmake an outstanding textbook for college orseminary introduction or survey courses on theOld Testament.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 4Dennis IngolfslandDirector of Library Services / Assistant Professor of BibleBryan College, Tennessee★226. Burridge, Richard A. What Are theGospels : A Comparison with Graeco-RomanBiography. (Monograph Series : Society forNew Testament; 70.) Cambridge UniversityPress, 1992. ISBN 0521412293. Paperbound,$18.95. Adult.The idea that the Gospels are not biographies hasbeen scholarly dogma for nearly one hundredyears. Rudolph Bultmann, for example, did notbelieve that the Gospel writers had any interest inhistorical or biographical matters. Nonevangelicalsgenerally agree that the Gospelwriters were “theologians” who were trying tomake a point, but were not intending to conveyactual historical or biographical informationabout Jesus of Nazareth.Richard Burridge is one of several recentscholars to challenge this view in his book, Whatare the Gospels? He begins with severalintroductory chapters on the nature of ancientbiography as a literary genre. He goes on to givea detailed summary and critical evaluation ofscholarly Gospel genre debate, and concludeswith an extended and detailed comparisonbetween the Gospels and ten examples of ancientbiographies. He compares specific features suchas the titles, prologues, subject matter, length,structure, sequence, style, etc. The book endswith computer analysis charts of these features.What are the Gospels? is a revised version ofBurridge’s doctoral dissertation at the Universityof Nottingham in England. As a Greco-Romanscholar, Burridge expected his study to confirmthe scholarly consensus that the Gospels were notbiographies. Contrary to his expectations, hisstudy concluded that the Gospels are indeedancient biographies.This book is well written and contains graphs,copious footnotes, and a good bibliography. Italso has indexes of names, subjects and passagescited. The significance of Burridge’s work isconsiderable. If his thesis is accepted, the viewthat the Gospel writers were not interested inhistorical or biographical details of Jesus’ liveshould be finally be put to rest.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Dennis IngolfslandDirector of Library Services / Assistant Professor of BibleBryan College, Tennessee★226. McNicol, Allan, ed. Beyond the Impasse: Luke’s Use of Matthew. Trinity Press Int’l.,1996. ISBN 1563381842. Paperbound,$25.00. Adult.For almost 100 years the general consensusamong biblical scholars has been that the writersof Matthew and Luke independently copied fromand expanded on Mark’s Gospel. The problemis, if Matthew and Luke had never seen eachother’s gospels, why is there so much material inC H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 7 1 M A R C H , 1 9 9 7

ADULT NONFICTIONLuke which is word-for-word identical withMatthew? In answer to this question, somescholars speculated that there was once anothersource from which Matthew and Luke borrowed.Scholars call this source “Q,” short for theGerman Quelle. Recent scholarship has takenthe Q theory to extremes, postulating that therewas a Q community, that Q went through at leasttwo revisions, that we can know what the Qpeople did not believe based on what they leftout, and that we can even trace the history of theQ community, all based on a hypotheticaldocument!Some scholars, however, have questioned thevery existence of Q, pointing out the seriousflaws in the Q theory (known as the two source,or four source theory). They have proposedinstead that Luke not only knew of Matthew’sGospel, but used it as one of his sources, thuseliminating the need to postulate a lost “Q”gospel. But no one has ever done a passage bypassage study to show exactly how Luke usedMatthew, and what his methodology or reasonswere until now.Beyond the Impasse is that book. It reflects theresearch of a team of scholars from Harvard,Vanderbilt, Union Seminary, Southern MethodistUniversity and McMaster University. The bookis divided into two main parts: Introduction andCompositional Analysis. In the Introduction theauthors demonstrate that Luke wentsystematically through the Gospel of Matthew inseveral “cycles” to select material for his history.They also demonstrate how the linguisticevidence points to Luke’s use of Matthew. Theygive examples of numerous instances in whichgrammatical constructions characteristic ofMatthew are found in Luke only in places whichare parallel to Matthew. The authors then give anoverview of Luke’s “compositional techniques”or literary characteristics peculiar to Luke’sGospel. In the Compositional Analysis sectionthe authors work through the entire book of Lukepassage by passage to show how and why Lukeused his sources to produce his Gospel.Overall, I found the evidence to be verycompelling! The arguments for Luke’s“cyclical” use of Matthew and the argumentsfrom grammatical constructions were especiallyso. However, while the evidence overall isconvincing, many of the speculations as to whyLuke used, wrote, or changed what he did, arenot. McNicol, Dungan and Peabody do not writefrom an evangelical perspective and this comesout clearly in some of their speculations.Therefore, although I have rated the quality “5*,”I have only rated the acceptability as “3” becauseof the liberal presuppositions which come out inespecially in the Compositional Analysis section.The book has a short bibliography, but is wellindexed and contains several valuable charts,including some inserted into a pocket inside theback cover.Beyond the Impasse: Luke’s use of Matthew istruly a ground breaking book. Since itcompletely eliminates the need to postulate a lostQ gospel, it has the potential for changing thewhole course of Gospel studies. Furthermore, itwill be hard to take future publications seriouslywhich assume the existence of Q but have notinteracted with the evidence of this book.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 3Dennis IngolfslandDirector of Library Services / Assistant Professor of BibleBryan College, Tennessee226. Wenham, John. Redating Matthew,Mark and Luke. InterVarsity Press, 1992.ISBN 0830817603. Paperbound, $19.94.Adult.There is a general scholarly consensus that theGospel of Mark was written in the late 60’s ADand that Matthew and Luke were written in the80’s or 90’s AD. Scholars generally believe thatMatthew and Luke used, and expanded on, theGospel of Mark and another gospel they call “Q”(now lost).John Wenham is the latest scholar to call thistheory into question. Wenham argues that theancient tradition which says Matthew wrote firstis correct. He argues that the Gospel of Matthewwas written by Matthew as early as 40 AD.Wenham then argues that the early traditionabout Mark writing from the sermons of Peter isalso correct. He dates Mark to about 45 AD andLuke to the mid-50’s.Although Wenham’s book is divided into twelvechapters, for our purposes we really need todistinguish two parts. The first part, chapters 1-4, discuss “synoptic” relationships and are reallyquite technical. Although the average lay personmight be able to understand the gist of Wenham’sarguments in this part, a good knowledge ofGreek is essential to follow it completely. Thesecond part, however, is very understandable andquite fascinating. In this part Wenham discussesancient testimony to the authorship and date ofthe Gospels, and reconstructs a possible scenariofor when and where they were written. It is notnecessary to understand (or even read) the firstpart to understand the second part.Wenham is a well known author and NewTestament scholar. The implications for his workare enormous. If he is correct, theories about thegospels being based on prolonged andexaggerated oral traditions would crumble. Theneed to postulate a lost Gospel of Q, which isfoundational for many modern attacks againstJesus, would evaporate. For those interested in astudy of the history of Gospel origins, RedatingMatthew, Mark and Luke is a must.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Dennis IngolfslandDirector of Library Services/Assistant Professor of BibleBryan College, Tennessee★226.6. Hemer, Colin J. The Book of Acts inthe Setting of Hellenistic History.Eisenbrauns, 1990. ISBN 0931464587.Hardbound, $45.00. Adult.Current attacks on the reliability of the NewTestament in general, and against Jesus inparticular, often center on the date and reliabilityof the book of Acts. In order for the critics to “reimage”the history of Christianity, it is firstnecessary to eliminate the Book of Acts fromserious consideration. This is done by denyingthat it was written by Luke, dating it to thesecond century, and by attacking its historicalreliability.Hemer’s book is a scholarly defense of theessential historical reliability and early date ofActs. As a research fellow at Tyndale House inCambridge and expert in ancient Greco-Romanhistory, he is eminently qualified to write thisbook. He begins with a discussion of ancienthistoriography and its relation to the Book ofActs. He goes on to meticulously documentcorrelations between events of Acts, secularRoman history, and Paul’s letters. He also givesa detailed reconstruction of the dates of events inActs as well as the date and authorship of thebook itself. In short, Hemer demonstrates in verydetailed, scholarly, and objective fashion that theBook of Acts is a very reliable history of theearliest church.Hemer’s work is destined to become a classic inNew Testament and Acts studies and is a must forcollege libraries. Although it is probably toodetailed and scholarly to keep the average layperson’s interest very long, it may very helpfulfor libraries whose patrons include pastors,teachers, or those involved in apologeticsministries.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Dennis IngolfslandDirector of Library Services/Assistant Professor of BibleBryan College, Tennessee226.6. Stott, John. The Message of Acts.InterVarsity Press, 1990. ISBN 0830812369.Paperbound, $14.99. Gr. 11 - Adult.The Message of Acts is quite simply acommentary on the Book of Acts. When wethink of commentaries, however, we often thinkof dry, theological, or technical reference worksfor pastors or theologians. This is not that kindof book. It is interesting, well written, and easyto read, but at the same time it shows evidence ofcareful scholarship. Stott does an excellent jobboth of informing the reader about the historicalbackground of Acts as well as about issues oftheology and interpretation. One of the bestaspects of the book is the fact that Stott does notjust interpret, he constantly applies the messageof Acts to the modern Christian life.M A R C H , 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

ADULT NONFICTIONJohn Stott is known worldwide as an outstandingscholar, pastor, Bible teacher, and evangelist.Stott is conservative in his theology and is notdenominational in his writing. One of the mostcontroversial elements of the Book of Actscenters on the spiritual gifts. On this issue, Stottis open to the working of the Holy Spirit today,but is also cautious. Strongly charismaticchurches will not agree with Stott’s treatment ofthis topic, nor will those who believe the gifts ofthe Holy Spirit have ceased. But for everyonewho wants to understand the Book of Acts better,and know how it applies to life in the 20thcentury, The Message of Acts is a great source!◆ Quality - 4 ❤ Acceptability - 5Dennis IngolfslandDirector of Library Services/Assistant Professor of BibleBryan College, Tennessee230. McCallum, Dennis. The Death of Truth.Bethany House Publishers, 1996. ISBN1556617240. Paperbound, $11.99. Adult.The twentieth century has witnessed a shift inphilosophical outlook from modernism topostmodernism, a movement that relegatesreason, rationality, and confidence in science tomere cultural biases. People are prisoners ofculture, slaves of languages that inhibit crossculturalcommunication. Intuition replacesreason. There is no absolute truth, no absolutestandards, no objective reality. Reality is in themind of the beholder; each person constructsreality in his or her own mind. Humans beingsaren’t born, but defined.In The Death of Truth, editor Dennis McCallumhas assembled a of contributors to explainpostmodernism in layperson’s terms. The statedaim is to make the concepts and effects ofpostmodernist thinking clear to readers who lackformal philosophical training.Introductory chapters explain the rise ofmodernism and postmodernism, and contrastthem to theistic thought and belief. Subsequentchapters relate postmodernist thought to variousaspects of contemporary society—health care,literature, education, history, psychotherapy, law,science, and religion. Each chapter critiquespostmodernism’s influences, demonstratescontradictions and inconsistencies, and, onoccasion, points out instances wherepostmodernism is valid. Postmodernism iscompared and contrasted to biblical, evangelicalChristianity.For example, the chapter on health care showshow postmodernist thought ties in to New Ageand “alternative” medicine; a field rife withineffective medicine and hypotheses withoutproof, where any belief works. The chapter onreligion points out that postmodernism regardsbiblical Christianity as a “junk religion.” In itsplace, postmodernism offers intolerance underthe guise of tolerance, and a creed where no viewis superior to any other, where judgments andconcrete values are excluded, and where rationalconsistency finds no place. The final chapterspoint out postmodernism’s particular dangers forChristianity, and offer suggestions for howChristians can respond and combatpostmodernism’s suppositions. Postmodernismis ultimately viewed as a contradictory, selfdefeatingphilosophy.Some chapters are more easily read than others,but in general the authors’ aims of clear, nontechnicalexposition are realized. Each chaptercontains notes and references. Charts reduce theconcepts to an easy to grasp visual format. TheDeath of Truth contains a glossary, index, andreferences for further research. The Death ofTruth should appeal to those with an interest inthe relationship of philosophy and Christianity tocontemporary society.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Andrew M. SeddonPhysician, authorBillings, Montana231.7. Ricks, Chip. The Plans of His Heart :Understanding How You Fit Into God’s PerfectWill. Broadman & Holman, 1996. ISBN0805462708. Paperbound, $10.99. Adult.The author Chip Ricks attempts to explain howwe fit into God’s perfect will through reiterationof familiar scripture and quotes. He reminds usthat God has always blessed his people byallowing them to serve within his plan when theyobey him.Using personal examples and anecdotes, theauthor of The Plans Of His Heart teaches howthe reader can become a more dedicatedChristian, and each chapter finishes in questionsfor a self-administered questionnaire on ratingoneself as to spiritual readiness.Chapters include background about how Jesusevaluated churches—things that pleased him andthings that displeased him. Listed are warningsto churches and individuals that are as relevanttoday as they were during Jesus’ time.Emphasizing that churches need especially to betraining teachers and caring for others, theimportance of reaching out to the world isunderscored. Ricks asks why we seem to beafraid of spreading God’s word, and deals withsome of the reasons.There is a section on burned-out Christians, whohave done the Lord’s work for years, and areoften overextended in their church duties. Ricks’solution is taken from Bible references, to focusnot on “the works,” but on the Lord. We areharming ourselves if we become overextended inchurch work. We need to train others in our jobs,to say “no” to a request for a new assignment.“Jesus first” is the key to a steadfast faith. We arereminded to remember God’s wonders andmiracles and the judgments he has pronounced.In fact, “remember” is mentioned 130 times inthe Old Testament. Also stressed is theimportance of forgiveness. When we do notforgive, it is damaging to us, both spiritually andphysically. Of equal importance is forgivingourselves.This book would be suitable for a study book,since there are questions at the end of eachchapter. At the end of the book is a rating for apersonal profile to test areas of strengths andweaknesses in our lives. It does take a long timeto get into the meat of this book, though, andoriginal suggestions do not begin until aboutmidway.◆ Quality - 3 ❤ Acceptability - 5Barbara Goy TaenzlerFreelance Writer and Book ReviewerMesa, Arizona232. Boyd, Gregory A. Cynic Sage or Son ofGod. Baker Books, 1995. ISBN 0801021189.Paperbound, $17.99. Adult.John Dominic Crossan and Burton Mack are twooutspoken scholars who are attempting to rewritethe story of Jesus. In their view, very littleof what is written in the Gospels can be trustedand Jesus was not, therefore, the Messiah, nor theSon of God. He did not do genuine miracles andcertainly did not raise from the dead. He wassimply an itinerant Cynic philosopher whoenjoyed poking holes in the contemporarywisdom of his day. Crossan and Mack’s booksare often quite scholarly in nature and could bevery convincing to those without a scholarlybackground in Biblical studies.Cynic Sage or Son of God is a detailed critique ofthe theories of Mack and Crossan. Boyd beginswith an excellent overview of the first, secondand third quests for the historical Jesus. He thenshows how Crossan and Mack, individually,make their case for Jesus as the Cynic Sage. Ashe does this, Boyd also points out and evaluatesthe philosophical presuppositions andmethodological considerations underlying theCynic thesis. He ends the first section of thebook by evaluating the non-Biblical andhypothetical sources used by Crossan and Mackin supporting their view. Since the Cynic Sagethesis requires a complete re-writing of Christianhistory, its proponents therefore attempt to down-C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 7 3 M A R C H , 1 9 9 7

ADULT NONFICTIONplay or eliminate the evidence of Paul, Mark, andthe Book of Acts. In part two Boyd deals withthese attacks and shows that, contrary to Mackand Crossan, the New Testament providesreliable testimony about Jesus.Boyd has a master’s degree from Yale, a Ph.D.from Princeton, and is currently professor ofTheology at Bethel College. His book is wellwritten and remarkably easy to read consideringthe complex subject matter. Extensive endnotesare used for more detailed or technicaldiscussions. The book also contains relativelyshort author and subject indexes.Cynic Sage or Son of God will be very helpful fornon-scholars who need in-depth evaluation of theCynic Sage view of Jesus. It is probably the bestpopular evaluation of the subject on the market.However, for those not needing such in-depthcoverage or who do not have time to wadethrough three to four hundred pages of material(depending on whether one reads the end notes),Boyd also has an excellent, and much shorterbook available which critiques current attacks onJesus (Jesus under Siege, Victor Books).◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Dennis IngolfslandDirector of Library Services / Assistant Professor of BibleBryan College, Tennessee232. Moreland, J. P. and Michael J. Wilkins.Jesus Under Fire. Zondervan, 1995. ISBN0310211395. Paperbound, $12.99. Adult.The Jesus Seminar is a group of scholars whomet for seven years to discuss which of thesayings recorded in the Gospels actually go backto Jesus. Their results, published in the book TheFive Gospels: What Did Jesus Really Say?(Macmillan, 1993), were that Jesus did not saymost of the sayings attributed to him in theGospels. Some members of the Jesus Seminarhave gone on to call into question the wholebiblical image of Jesus.Jesus Under Fire is a collection of essays writtenin answer to the Jesus Seminar’s attacks on thebiblical presentation of Jesus. The essays arewritten by prominent evangelical scholarsincluding Craig Blomberg, Darrell Bock, CraigEvans, Gary Habermas, William Lang Craig,Edwin Yamauchi, and others. The book gives adiscussion and evaluation of the Jesus Seminar,followed by essays on the reliability of theGospels, the historical evidence for Jesus’ life,and issues involving Jesus’ miracles andresurrection. The authors show that, contrary tosome segments of modern scholarship, there arevery good reasons to believe that the NewTestament presents an accurate description ofwho Jesus really was.The book is written for the average adult layperson but includes more notes and explanationsamong the end notes for each chapter. It containsauthor, subject, and Scripture indices, and abibliography of resources for further study.Since Jesus is the very foundation of theChristian faith, attacks against New Testamentreliability and against Jesus himself must betaken very seriously. Jesus Under Fire is a goodintroduction to those issues by conservativeevangelical scholars.◆ Quality - 4 ❤ Acceptability - 5Dennis IngolfslandDirector of Library Services/Assistant Professor of BibleBryan College, Tennessee232.9. Stein, Robert H. Jesus the Messiah : ASurvey of the Life of Christ. InterVarsityPress, 1996. ISBN 0830818847. Hardbound,$24.99. Adult.Although the market is flooded with books aboutJesus these days, most of them are from nonevangelicalauthors, and almost none of thosefrom evangelical authors are surveys of Jesus’life. In fact, it has been twenty-five years or moresince such excellent evangelical “Lives of Jesus”appeared as Donald Guthrie’s Jesus the Messiah,or Everett Harrison’s A Short Life of Christ.But Jesus hasn’t changed over the years so isthere really a need for a new life of Jesus? Inshort, yes! New documents have beendiscovered (or imagined), new questions havebeen raised, new attacks have been launched, andnew battles are being fought. The time is rightfor a new book which discusses Jesus’ life inlight of the latest evidence, and which dealssquarely with the latest issues.Stein’s Jesus the Messiah is that book. Steinbegins with several introductory chaptersshowing how presuppositions influence Jesusstudies, evaluating Christian and non-Christiansources for the life of Jesus, and addressing someof the main chronological issues. Part twoconsists of sixteen additional chapters whicheach address a particular aspect of Jesus’ life: forexample, the baptism, temptation, Jesus’message, the transfiguration, Last Supper, trial,death, and resurrection. In each chapter, Steinaddresses critical views, historical matters, andinterpretive issues adequately and fairly. It isrefreshing to see a scholar, when confronted witha particularly difficult problem, conclude that anadequate solution has yet to be found, rather thanpicking a proposed solution and arguing for it,right or wrong.Robert Stein is a professor of New Testament atBethel Seminary and author of numerous bookson Jesus and the Gospels. Although he writesfrom a very scholarly background, Stein has theability to take very complex issues and makethem understandable to the average lay person.The book has helpful bibliographic references atthe end of each chapter, as well as good indexesof subject and literary references. It would be anexcellent textbook.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Dennis IngolfslandDirector of Library Services / Assistant Professor of BibleBryan College, Tennessee232.9. Witherington, Ben. The Jesus Quest :The Third Search for the Jew of Nazareth.InterVarsity Press, 1995. ISBN 0830818618.Hardbound, $19.99. Adult.In the nineteenth century some New Testamentscholars began to question the value of theGospels as historical sources for the life of Jesus.Numerous “Lives” of Jesus were then written toexplain what Jesus was “really” like. Theseattempts usually involved explaining away thesupernatural element in the Gospels. This “firstquest for the historical Jesus” eventually ended indisillusionment over what could be known aboutthe real Jesus.In the 1950’s a new quest was begun by somewho thought that earlier skepticism may havebeen too extreme. This second quest, however,was strongly influenced by existentialistphilosophy, so when existentialism began todecrease in popularity, so did the second quest. Itdied out in the early 1970’s. We are now in themiddle of a third quest for the historical Jesus andthe market is being flooded with books andarticles about Jesus, with views ranging from thebazaar to the sublime.Witherington helps to guide the reader throughthe rash of recent literature about the historicalJesus. His book distinguishes numerous views ofJesus: The Cynic philosopher, the man of theSpirit, the eschatological prophet, the prophet ofsocial change, the expression of the Wisdom ofGod, and the Jewish Messiah. Under each majorview he tells who the main proponents are,summarizes their views and the reasons forholding those views, and then critiques each onefrom a scholarly evangelical perspective.Witherington is a professor of New Testament atAsbury Theological Seminary and author ofseveral books in New Testament studies. TheJesus Quest received mixed reviews from mycollege students. Some loved it and thought itwas very helpful. Others thought Witheringtonwas hard to follow. While the book may notalways be as clear as we might like, this isprobably due to the immense difficulty involvedin summarizing very complex positions in aM A R C H , 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

ADULT NONFICTIONrelatively short space. The wealth of informationavailable in the book makes up for any lack ofclarity. The Jesus Quest has an excellentbibliography, extensive indexes, and lengthyend-notes for more technical comments andobservations. It would be a valuable referencework for librarians who do collectiondevelopment in this area, or for those who fieldreference questions on religion.◆ Quality - 4 ❤ Acceptability - 5Dennis IngolfslandDirector of Library Services / Assistant Professor of BibleBryan College, Tennessee239. Watkins, William D. The New Absolutes.Bethany House Publishers, 1996. ISBN1556617216. Hardbound, $19.99. Adult.William Watkins spends two hundred fifty pagesof this hardbound book supporting his view thatwe’ve not turned into a nation of pure relativists,but that even a relativist has absolute beliefsabout life. He feels relativism spread because ofa foothold in the professors in the departments ofEnglish, religions, sociology and art in ourcolleges and universities. An extensivebibliography and index with end notescompliments this detailed look at our culture.The New Absolutes is rich in analysis of religion,euthanasia, abortion, the definition of family,women’s rights, race, and being politicallycorrect, yet offers us answers to our culturalerosion. Watkins explains how ten beliefs onceheld to be absolutely true are being replaced withten new ones. For example: The Old Absolute:The institution of marriage is God-ordained andoccurs between a man and a woman until deathsevers the bond. The New Absolute: Marriage isa human contract made between any two people,and either party can terminate it for any reason.Of particular interest is a study he cites by CarleZimmerman who identified forms of behavior(no-fault divorces, fewer children per family,inhibitions against adultery) gaining inprominence as individuals become moreimportant that the traditional family. Evidenceabounds that the family is the basis for a healthyculture, but our modern thinking of pluralism,tolerance, multi-culturalism, and relativismclouds the benefits of Godly living. Judeo-Christian values are belittled and attacked acrossthe board.Some of the sad statistics quoted involve the“born again” and “evangelicals” of the day whoadmit to having rejected absolute truth. In asurvey cited, forty-two percent of evangelicalChristians survey in 1994 voiced their rejectionof absolute truth. He brings to light themisconception of the separation of church andstate defining it as the Constitution framersintended. He cites numerous examples tosupport his views of how the “wall of separation”has “benefited” the exercise of religious liberty.In conclusion Watkins feels as a society we needto become antagonistic rather thanaccommodating to the new absolutes, not byreleasing hate, but by not tolerating evildisguised as truth. We should be defending thepre-born, newborn, disabled, ill, and elderly. Hesupports not bowing to intimidation tactics bythose “caught up in moral stupidity andintellectual nonsense.”◆ Quality - 4 ❤ Acceptability - 5Carolyn HearingRetired TeacherVirginia, Minnesota★239.2. Wright, Tom. The Original Jesus : TheLife and Vision of a Revolutionary. Wm. B.Eerdman’s, 1996. ISBN 0802838375.Hardbound, $20.00. Gr. 11 - Adult.Over the years Biblical scholarship has oftenmade a distinction between the “historical Jesus”and the “Christ of Faith.” The historical Jesuswas the person who really lived in Galilee twothousand years ago. The Christ of Faith is therisen Lord who walked on water, raised the deadand is worshipped in the Church. Whileevangelicals affirm that the historical Jesus andthe Christ of Faith are one and the same, liberalscholars often deny that the historical Jesus wasanything but an ordinary man.Tom Wright’s book is about the “original Jesus.”As an evangelical, Dr. Wright would affirm thecontinuity between the Jesus of history and theChrist of Faith, but his book focuses not on thedoctrinal or theological aspects of Jesus’ work,but on what we can know of Jesus from history.The Original Jesus was written in two parts. Partone is a version of a BBC television series hostedby Tom Wright and aired in Britain. In thissection Dr. Wright describes the Jesus of historyby using the Old and New Testaments, combinedwith insights from history, culture, andgeography. The picture that emerges is not the“sweet Jesus” of the hymns, or the “gentle Jesusmeek and mild” of the Sunday school classes; butrather a picture of a real person with real feelingsand emotions who lived in a harsh andsometimes violent world. Part two, entitled“Reading the Gospels with both eyes open,”discusses the Gospels as historical sources. Thispart covers such issues as the problem ofdiscrepancies, the phenomena of oral tradition,the contribution of the Dead Sea Scrolls, the dateof the Gospels, and the different theologicalperspectives of the gospel writers.The Original Jesus is not a full survey of Jesus’life, but it is certainly a good introduction. It isnot an apologetics book, but it does provide agood defense of the essential reliability of thegospel story. Wright’s book does not require thereaders to assume evangelical presuppositionsabout the inspiration of the Bible before they canappreciate the force of the evidence for Jesus.The book is easy to understand, has a shortannotated bibliography, and is lavishly illustratedwith beautiful color pictures.Tom Wright is one of the foremost evangelicalJesus scholars in the world today. He has taughtat Oxford and Cambridge Universities, haswritten several books, and has lectured widely.Although this is an excellent introductory book tothe historical Jesus, I have rated it as 4 foracceptability. This is because Dr. Wrightapproaches the Gospels as one would approachany other ancient writings, not as inspiredScripture. Some evangelicals may not becomfortable with that approach.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 4Dennis IngolfslandDirector of Library Services / Assistant Professor of BibleBryan College, Tennessee242. Maxwell, John and Brad Lewis. YourFamily Time with God : A Weekly Plan forFamily Devotions. Christian Parenting/Chariot Victor, 1995. ISBN 0781402409.Paperbound, $17.99. Adult.John Maxwell and Brad Lewis have written afamily devotional book with fifty-two weeklytopics such as commitment, failure, grace,gratitude, humility, spiritual dryness, and tamingthe tongue. Each chapter begins with a short, funactivity that leads into a discussion of the topic ofthe week. The discussion is followed by amemory verse, a Bible passage to read, andsuggestions for family prayer. Except for a smallamount of preparation needed for the openingactivity—things as simple as purchasing somegrapes or making sure you have vinegar andbaking soda on hand—the book includeseverything you need except a Bible. The plan isfor families to set aside one hour a week forfamily devotions. The optional materialprovided offers suggestions for further prayer,Bible reading, and discussion related to the topic.A family would spend an hour together onMonday, and then a short follow-up time eachday, Tuesday through Friday.A major strength of this book is that the topicswould interest older children and teenagers, andbe equally challenging for adults. Although heuses quotations, there is no bibliography.Maxwell’s choice of topics is outstanding. Thematerial is solid, biblical, and relevant. UsingC H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 7 5 M A R C H , 1 9 9 7

ADULT NONFICTIONthis book would be like inviting a wise and godlypastor into your home to lead your familydevotions. He would gently prompt you toexamine your lives in light of scripture. Hewould then lead you in prayers of confession,intercession, and thanksgiving.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Cathleen Sovold JohnsonFreelance WriterDes Moines, Washington248. Hettinga, Jan David. Follow Me :Experience the Loving Leadership of Jesus.NavPress, 1996. ISBN 0891099824.Paperbound, $14.00. Adult.Why is the attrition rate of new believers so high?Why doesn’t the gospel stick with some people?In Follow Me, Jan Hettinga explains the problem:“Somehow, we have mistakenly assumed thatsaving grace must be isolated from the call tofollow, the call to enter into the kingdom of God,which is where followers of God live. We havebecome preoccupied with offering the gift, thepardon, the loving acceptance of God’s greatsalvation. We have forgotten that, according toJesus, the arrival of the kingdom, the reign ofGod, is the gospel.” It’s not enough to acceptJesus as Savior; to truly live in Christ, you mustsurrender control of your life to God’s kingdomrule.The book covers five areas. Part One explainswhy Jesus is a safe leader. Part Two describes thespiritually unsafe world we live in and variousfalse or incomplete definitions that people give tosin. Hettinga focuses on the biblical definition ofsin as rebellion against God. Part Three focuseson our need to repent and allow Christ to rule inour lives. Parts Four and Five discuss how wecan surrender our lives to the kingdom and showwhat a kingdom community looks like. Eachsection ends with a list of study questions.Sprinkled in the book are also prayers ofconfession and surrender.“Some books are to be tasted, others to beswallowed, and some few to be chewed andothers digested” (Francis Bacon). This bookrequires digestion. It isn’t a “feel good”Christian living book; it provokes thought andconvicts the heart. Drawing from twenty-sevenyears in ministry, Hettinga shares with the reader,in a conversational manner, his process ofdiscovering the kingdom of God as it is written inScripture. The author openly and humblyacknowledges the kingdom issues he stillstruggles with. To illustrate his points, he usesreal-life anecdotes and several diagrams to depictthe kingdom-of-self versus kingdom-of-Godstruggle. No one reading this book can comeaway without wrestling with the issues it raises.For it challenges some commonly held ideasabout evangelism and discipleship. But thesechallenges are biblically based. This is a bookthat those serious about their Christian faith mustreckon with.This book inspired a new book line by NavPresscalled the Spiritual Foundation Line. This linewill focus on helping readers become moreChristlike in their daily lives.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Lorinda K. F. NewtonFreelance WriterEditor, Northwest Christian AuthorKirkland, Washington★248.4. Rogers, Adrian. Ten Secrets for aSuccessful Family. Crossway Books, 1996.ISBN 0891078835. Hardbound, $17.99.Adult.Adrian Rogers’ ten secrets for a successful familyare the Ten Commandments. He asserts thatparents who convey God’s Law to their childrendo not merely train them, but also form thrivingrelationships with them.The Ten Commandments are undeniably thefoundation of morality. God commands us inDeuteronomy 6:6,7 to teach them to our children.However, if the state of our society is anyindication, parents are failing to carry out thiscommand. Rogers discusses the consequences ofneglecting the character education of ourchildren. “A man who jumps out of a ten-storybuilding doesn’t break the law of gravity. Hemerely demonstrates it. And when youtransgress God’s Commandments, you arebroken by them,” he says.Rogers also shows how to convey theseprinciples. He carefully examines eachcommandment in the context of both Old andNew Testament scripture. He seeks out the spiritof the law, rather than the letter of it. At the endof each chapter is a section entitled Turning theCommandments into Commitments, givingpractical suggestions for teaching thecommandments to children ages 0-6, 7-12, and13+. Every parent ought to discover Ten Secretsfor a Successful Family.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Andrea R. HuelsenbeckFreelance WriterTempe, Arizona248.8. Campbell, Ross and Carole SandersonStreeter. Kids in Danger. VictorBooks/Chariot Victor, 1995. ISBN1564764710. Paperbound, $9.99. Adult.In the first chapter of Kids in Danger, psychiatristRoss Campbell says, “The most prevalent causeof anger in children is the feeling in their heartsthat they are not loved enough.” He listsexamples of children’s misbehaviors which heclaims are expressions of anger: a four-year-oldsoiling her pants; a boy picking on his youngersiblings; a student not turning in assignments; ateenager using drugs. At first glance, hisassessment seems a gross over-simplification ofcomplex problems. However, as he shares casestudies from his own practice, it is clear parentsmust train their children to express anger inappropriate ways, or it will manifest itself indeviant behavior. Sometimes parents think ifthey provide food, clothing, and shelter and tellthem “I love you,” their kids will get themessage. Campbell says it takes more than thatto convey unconditional love. He identifies threecritical elements—eye contact, physical contact,and focused attention—and explains how toemploy them to give children a feeling of worth.Campbell charts ways of expressing anger on an“anger ladder,” with inappropriate behaviorsoccupying the lowest rungs and progressivelymature expressions rising toward the top. Ourjob as parents is to take our kids up the angerladder, moving them away from destructivebehaviors toward positive ones. The lowest rungof the anger ladder is passive-aggressivebehavior. Campbell devotes a whole chapter tothis topic. Other low rungs contain verbal andphysical abuse and destructive behaviors. Higherrungs hold reactions such as logical thinking andseeking a resolution.In Kids in Danger, Campbell explains how totrain children to handle anger, a gradual processbegun in infancy and completed by theseventeenth birthday. He gives practical tools foraccomplishing the training—reading together,talking together, being available, disciplining thechild.Kids in Danger is a valuable addition to everyparent’s library.◆ Quality - 4 ❤ Acceptability - 5M A R C H , 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

ADULT NONFICTIONAndrea R. HuelsenbeckFreelance WriterTempe, Arizona248.8. Chall, Sally Leman. Making God Realto Your Children. Spire/Fleming H.Revell/Baker Books, 1995. ISBN 0800786300.Paperbound, $8.99. Adult.A passage from Ms. Chall’s book nailed mewhere it hurts when she describes the rush ofbusy parents: “we brush aside our children’srequests to play games, read stories, or examinetheir building projects. How often do we hearourselves saying, ‘I’m almost finished with thishoney. I’ll be right there’? But we may lose themoment, never getting around to responding to achild’s request.” She continues, “make room forwhat counts (because) time has a way of runningout for each of us.”Making God Real to Your Children is chock-fullof hands-on applications and insightfulcommentary on how Christian parents can makea difference in their children’s lives by listeningto their children and doing things with them thatinterest them. The author makes the most of hereight chapters, discussing discipline,communication, “fun-days and Sundays”(togetherness), and an entire section devoted toparents practicing what we preach. Chall alsocomments on ten tough problems—issues suchas friends, music, sexual abuse, drugs, andcults—subjects necessary to address, but perhapstoo ambitious to tackle in a single book; herconclusions were a bit simplistic.Special features include a worksheet for parentsto fill in called “Understanding My Child,” andan arrangement of some fascinating informationinto two-column charts. One chart lists sixteenattributes of God and compares them with thegodly parent: “GOD is LOVING. He offersunconditional love.” and across is “The GODLYPARENT LOVES each child for the person he orshe is, not for the person the parent wishes him orher to be.” Another chart compares OldTestament and New Testament references toparenting, uniquely revealing God’s balancebetween Old Testament law and New Testamentlove. For example, the familiar Old Testamentadage, “Use a stick on them. They won’t die,”(Proverbs 23:13, 14) is balanced by NewTestament mercy, “Don’t keep scolding andnagging your children; discipline them with love,offering suggestions and godly advice.”(Ephesians 6:4).Each chapter ends with three or four “Questionsfor Thoughts,” and footnotes mention additionaltitles for further reading. An appendix lists“Together Recipes,” activities parents can dowith their children.Ultimately, Chall clarifies that our goal asChristian parents is to help our children grow into“independent, thinking, confident adults whoexhibit self-control and an enthusiasm forplaying the game of life in a way that pleasesGod.”◆ Quality - 4 ❤ Acceptability - 4Kimn Swenson GollnickWriter, Editor, SpeakerMarysville, Washington248.8. Pritchard, Ray. Man of Honor : Livingthe Life of Godly Character. Crossway Books,1996. ISBN 0891078991. Paperbound,$12.99. Adult.How can a man know how to be “abovereproach”? A man of “integrity”? A “goodhousehold manager”? Pastor Ray Pritchard,author of Man of Honor, believes most Christianmen want to grow in godliness but don’t knowhow to apply biblical standards to everyday life.Inspired to write for men after attending aPromise Keepers Convention, Pritchard analyzestwenty-five specific character traits for godlyleaders, drawing from I Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus1:5-9. He clumps the traits by categories:temperament, emotional life, reputation, spirituallife, family life, and personal habits. Tacklingone trait phrase per chapter, Pritchard firsttranslates its meaning from the Greek, addingother synonyms and engaging examples until thereader’s understanding of the term is clear.Illustrations of godly leadership and faith fromthe lives of Jesus, prominent Bible characters,Pritchard’s own experiences, and those of hisfriends grab the reader’s interest. He combinesdepth of content with a winsome writing style.Frequently he challenges with a pointedquestion: “What will your children say aboutyou when you’re gone?” Pritchard succeeds inshowing men how to overcome character flaws,take practical steps, and make decisions that helpthem grow in the direction of godliness in theirdaily walk. He ends each chapter with at least sixdiscussion questions with subtopics (GoingDeeper) and an opportunity for introspection orwriting (Taking Action).Pritchard’s use of encouragement throughout thebook is commendable. Baring his soul at timesto share personal accounts of failure, andsprinkling the text with anecdotes from lives ofBilly Graham, C. I. Scofield, and others, hestresses that a godly life doesn’t happen byaccident; it takes time and anyone can achieve it.Man of Honor is ideal for small group studies,daily quiet times, or one-on-one discipling. Anexcellent handbook for pastors, church leadersand teachers, those aspiring to church leadership,single, married, mature or young Christians, thisbook will touch the pulse of every man.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Rhonda Marie LackeyFreelance Writer, Retired Teacher/LibrarianTukwila, Washington261.8. Mosley, Don with Joyce Hollyday.With Our Own Eyes. Herald Press/, 1996.ISBN 0836190505. Paperbound, $12.95.Adult.The words of Jesus in the Beatitudes, “blessedare the poor, the meek, the merciful, thepeacemakers, the persecuted,” take on newmeaning, purpose and action in the ministry ofDon and Carolyn Mosley. They are the foundersof Jubilee Partners, a Christian social actiongroup founded in Comer, Georgia, in 1979. Withvivid action filled stories, Mosley tells us how weas Christians can truly be the “salt of the earth”and make a difference in our world. Over theyears, hundreds of refugees from around theworld have found a home, comfort, lovingChristian friends, and an opportunity to livefruitful lives through the assistance of JubileePartners.Every Christian who is concerned about theChristian witness of his country should read thisbook. Mosley is respectful of governmentalauthority and loves his country, but he is alsowilling to present the facts and make a standwhen he believes the government has made somewrong choices. He has made many trips toCentral American countries and tells the storiesof the carnage of war, the desolation of the poor,the persecution of Christians. With Our OwnEyes is a first-person dramatic story of aChristian response to the wounds of war, racism,and oppression. In the words of one observer,“The 29th chapter of Acts is being written atJubilee Partners.”Reading this gripping account will change yourlife. I know that I will never again blindly,naively, accept the political statements comingout of Washington as to why our country shouldsupport this or that confrontation. Mosleyillustrates how we can seek peaceful solutions tothese conflicts and find humanitarian ways to liftpeople to a better way of life. He has built homesin Nicaragua, provided medical assistance inHonduras, assisted churches in El Salvador,offered encouragement in Guatemala; and hetakes you there as you read these personal stories.Mosley shows us how we can be involved tocarry out the ministry of Jesus, “to proclaimrelease for prisoners, to let the oppressed gofree.”There is an excellent appendix listing thechronology of the major events 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 7 M A R C H , 1 9 9 7

ADULT NONFICTIONbook. There are no pictures, but with Mosley’sgraphic descriptions, that is almost a relief.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Delores ScarbroughCollege RegistrarEdmonds, Washington263. Briscoe, Stuart and Jill Briscoe. MeetHim at the Manger. Harold Shaw Publishers,1996. ISBN 0877885575. Hardbound, $15.99.Adult.Meet Him at the Manger by Stuart and JillBriscoe, a husband/wife team, focuses onpreparing the reader to remember the ChristChild, and not be distracted by the trivia thatsurrounds the Christmas season. As theyalternate articles, Stuart tends to exhort, focusingmainly on scripture, giving lists of ideas andthings to do. Jill, on the other hand, writes witha more personal touch, intertwining her owntestimony into her articles. Readers will enjoyfollowing Jill, at age fourteen, as she views theAlps at dawn seeing the “incredible display ofGod’s creative genius” and is moved to her firstpoetic efforts. Her testimony continues invarious articles as she finds Christ in college,leaves England and all possessions behind, andas a mom learns how to give meaningful, but notcostly gifts.Throughout this book, both Jill and Stuart pointto Christ as the real meaning of Christmas, theunique gift that God gave us, and how he desiresour celebration to focus on worship andsimplicity. Jill’s poetry catches the essence of theseason. This beautiful book would make anexcellent gift. Each page is gold lined andfiligree script introduces each subject. This is abook which draws the reader to the manger, toreally meet God, and understand the light that hebrings and how that light can become atransforming power.◆ Quality - 4 ❤ Acceptability - 5Paula Stewart MarksPrincipal, Morning Star Christian SchoolBend, Oregon306. London, H. B., Jr. and Neil B. Wiseman.It Takes a Church Within a Village. ThomasNelson Publishers, 1996. ISBN 0785272119.Hardbound, $14.99. Adult.In It Takes A Church Within a Village, authors H.B. London and Neil Wiseman have undertaken toput the Bible based church back into business asGod’s chosen, nurturing, healing community forchildren and their families. Opening on anupbeat note, this book introduces the prescriptionfor healing the desperate needs of America’schildren and their splintering families: theamazing obligations and abundant opportunitieswith which God has equipped the church forengendering love’s transforming revolution.Thus encouraged, the reader and his church nextface a disquieting, essential study of theproblems and needs of today’s children. Fromthis essential base grows an explanation of howto implement the healing prescription. UsingBible based, relevant principles, It Takes aChurch introduces the healing power of thechurch working as a village to mediate God’sgrace to a decaying society. The God directeduse of this power is presented through actual,usable illustrations from churches just like ours.To arm you for the fray, the authors end whereyou can begin—39 proven ways to improve ourimpact on children.A long time pastor, H. B. London oversees eightFocus on the Family ministry departments.Veteran pastor Neil Wiseman edits the magazineGrow and is Professor of Pastoral Developmentat Nazarene Bible College. From thisbackground, with a great desire to extend activerather than theoretical love to children, theauthors present this book at a very propitioustime. In June our nation will celebrate its secondStand For Children Day. It Takes a Church givesreal answers to the problems and needs thisspecial day seeks to address. Separated intoclear, logical sections, this book lends itself togroup study. Simple, straight to the point andthought provoking, it engages the individualreader’s mind and heart, encouraging an active,educated, loving response. To encourage furthergrowth in the reader, each chapter ends withfootnotes and a bibliography.Reviewed elsewhere in this issue of CLJ is thenovel Shiloh Autumn by Bodie & Brock Thoene.Both It Takes A Church and Shiloh Autumn speakwith equal force on the subject of church, family,children, desperate situations, and God’supholding power. The two books blend wellwhen read in tandem.◆ Quality - 4 ❤ Acceptability - 5Donna EggettCPC Secretary and Counselor/Freelance WriterMaiden, North Carolina306.85. Eisenman, Tom L. TemptationsFamilies Face : Breaking Patterns That KeepUs Apart. InterVarsity Press, 1996. ISBN0830816887. Hardbound, $17.99. Adult.Today the family as a unit as well as individualswithin the family face a myriad of temptations,according to Tom L. Eisenman in his latest book,Temptations Families Face. In each of thirteenchapters filled with appropriate Scriptures andexamples from his own family’s life, he presentsconscientious explanation of temptations,practical suggestions for confronting andchanging situations, encouragement for thereader, and thought-provoking questions fordiscussion.Readers may find a description of their own livesin chapter one, where Eisenman paints a vividpicture of many families today—both parentsworking long hours, seeking materialpossessions and personal fulfillment in a ratpacedfrenzy, and children over scheduled withactivities. He points us back to what is valuable:giving children our time and affection instead ofthings; remembering that our self-esteem is notbased on a career label or performance; andemphasizing giving rather than getting in allpersonal relationships.Eisenman devotes a chapter to the importance ofthe fathering role, discussing the temptation menface to be away from home too much. Anotherchapter praises the high calling of motherhood ina time when moms wonder if that role isworthwhile. He encourages families to worktogether creatively to help each other (forexample, single moms) enabling parents to spendmore time with children. The author’scounseling background and deep understandingof human needs shows in his discussions abouthow men and women bring expectations todialogue and fail to grasp messages hiddenwithin spoken words. Sensitively, he addressessuch topics as violence in communication, guiltmessages, and manipulation techniques.Other chapters deal with family leadership (anexcellent explanation of the father as team leaderin a balanced family); the temptation to stepacross others’ boundaries (a nut-shell summaryof Henry Cloud and John Townsend’sBoundaries); the influence of television in ourlives (its deleterious effects and how to handleviewing responsibly); remembering to love(affirming and forgiving others); discipliningfirmly with love (fostering biblical self-esteemM A R C H , 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

ADULT NONFICTIONand a relationship with Christ); and trusting Godthrough hard times.Temptations Families Face does not read like atextbook. Eisenman shares personal struggles indisciplining his children and teenagers,heartaches suffered through times of miscarriage,infertility, and eventual adoption, and inspiringvignettes from the lives of friends. He writes incompassionate boldness with a heart for God andthe spiritual health of families.This book will serve well as a counseling tool,family handbook, or a small group study guide.(A temptation—to give it as a gift to newlyweds).◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Rhonda Marie LackeyFreelance Writer, Retired Teacher/LibrarianTukwila, Washington370.15. Yount, William R. Created to Learn :A Christian Teacher’s Introduction toEducational Psychology. Broadman &Holman, 1996. ISBN 0805412069.Paperbound, $39.99. Adult.Created to Learn is written to bridge the gapbetween teachers in Christian ministry andsecular educational theory. Beginning andending with Jesus as the example of appliedChristian Educational Psychology, each chapterguides the reader through the learning processusing what Yount labels “The Discipler’sModel.” This schema, which applies learningtheory to seven areas—the Bible, Needs,Thinking, Feeling, Relating, Growing in Christ,and the Holy Spirit—was developed as a result ofobserving Christian Education over an extendedperiod of time and at various levels. The Modelhelps maximize the education of Christians bytaking into account modern theories of learningand viewing them in light of Biblical truth.As a textbook in educational psychology :Created to Learn is conveniently arranged intofifteen chapters which fits easily into thesemester schedule followed by most colleges anduniversities. Students will appreciate the widemarginformat which makes room for notes, aswell as the section headings and important pointshighlighted therein. Each chapter has a widerange of easy-to-read charts and diagrams, and avariety of study aids which include key concepts,discussion questions, and a select bibliographyfor further reading. Both student and teacher willfind this book useful.◆ Quality - 4 ❤ Acceptability - 5Raymond LeggAsst. Professor of English, Bryan CollegeDayton, Tennessee616.85. McEwan, Elaine K. Attention DeficitDisorder : Helpful, Practical Information.Harold Shaw Publishers, 1995. ISBN0877880565. Paperbound, $11.99. Adult.Attention Deficit Disorder is a name which canstir fear into the heart of any parent. So manyquestions, so many misunderstood beliefs, so fewanswers. That is, until a parent/educator readsthis book. The author, Elaine McEwan herselfhas struggled with ADHD since she was a child.Who more fitted to truly empathize andencourage those currently dealing with thisdisorder? Better still, is McEwan’s professionalbackground as a teacher, administrator, andparent.Adults as well as children can be effected byAttention Deficit Disorder and this bookprovides the practical tools for gaining a morestable, healthy family life. Included in this bookare chapters on understanding the disorder, howto know if your child has ADHD, treatingADHD, medications, public school helps,survival skills at home, supports for marriage andfamily life. McEwan also provides numerousappendixes chock full of insightful informationand organizations to contact. She gives thereader a better handle on how to cope with thisdisorder with a positive, proactive attitude.McEwan even cites numerous true case studiesand details their plan of action for living withADHD. After reading Attention Deficit Disorderparents/educators will feel more confidenthaving been given the necessary information andtools to begin managing those precious onesunder their care with ADHD.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Michele HoweFreelance Writer and Homeschool MotherLaSalle, Michigan649. Sullivan, Tom. Special Parent, SpecialChild : Parents of Children with DisabilitiesShare Their Trials, Triumphs & Hard-wonWisdom. G. P. Putnam’s Sons/Putnam, 1995.ISBN 0874778301. Paperbound, $13.95.Adult.Tom Sullivan is well-known as a specialcorrespondent for ABC’s Good MorningAmerica, a sometime actor, and the author of hisautobiography, If You Could See What I Hear. Heis also blind.Fascinated with his mother’s account of thechallenges of raising a special-needs child,Sullivan interviewed 200 parents and selected sixremarkable families of children with disabilities.Special Parent, Special Child shares the storiesof how these parents overcame their personaltragedies and became nurturers of and advocatesfor their children. The families dealt with diversecircumstances: cerebral palsy, blindness,leukemia, deafness, attention deficit disorder, andDown syndrome. The insights the parents offerabout dealing with educational bureaucracies andmedical personnel are valuable to anyone wholoves a differently abled or seriously ill child.Sullivan records several guideposts along eachfamily’s journey: their reactions to the initialdiagnosis (and the professionals who madethem); phases of denial and grief; impact on thefamily unit; how the parents learned how to“work the system,” becoming their child’sadvocate; dealing with the loss of personalidentity; socialization; relationships withprofessionals; and sources of strength and hope.The parents candidly open their hearts,sometimes confessing attitudes of which they arenot proud, but which other parents in the samesituation would acknowledge as real. But best ofall, in sharing their stories, they serve as rolemodels for parents facing the same challenges.They demonstrate how to persevere for the sakeof the child, how to search out better alternativeswhen what’s offered isn’t satisfactory.Sullivan’s style reads like a transcript of atelevision interview. It’s sparked with banterbetween him and his subjects, and it’soccasionally circuitous and redundant. Spiritualissues are not addressed, except in passing, aswhen parents mentioned that their faith, orprayer, or a sense of God’s involvement got themthrough difficult times.◆ Quality - 4 ❤ Acceptability - 5Andrea R. HuelsenbeckFreelance WriterTempe, Arizona808. Aycock, Don M. and Leonard G. Goss.The Christian Writer’s Book : A PracticalGuide to Writing. Bridge-Logos Publishers,1996. ISBN 0882706950. Paperbound,$15.95. Adult.Four hundred and twenty-four pages brimmingwith information for the Christian writer is yoursin The Christian Writer’s Book. The authors DonM. Aycock and Leonard G. Goss target thosewriters who are primarily interested in nonfictionreligious book writing. A great deal of theinformation is also valuable to writers of othergenres.Their advice runs from the obvious, “If you areserious about writing, you must write,” to awhole chapter on deciphering the complicatedconvolutions of a publishing contract. Evenpublished authors will find helpful tips and thestruggling beginner shouldn’t be without thisinformation. Not only does the book contain theopinions of Aycock and Goss, they quoteliberally from major publishing house editors.Roland Seboldt of Augsburg Fortress had this tosay on writing nonfiction religious books:“Books which speak to the needs and aspirationsof people will always have value. Books thathelp people solve problems, grow in faith, andsee a new perspective in life need to be written inevery generation to apply the old truths ofC H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 7 9 M A R C H , 1 9 9 7

ADULT NONFICTIONScripture and the Christian tradition to the worldin which we live.”If you have a manuscript seeking a publisher,there are 130 pages of book markets. Theinformation, under each publisher listed, tells thekind of manuscript that publisher is looking for,plus the submission format they preferThe authors have also included 83 pages ofbibliography suggesting some of the better bookson writing, editing, publishing, book production,research, and usage, for those who want moreinformation than their book contains.◆ Quality - 4 ❤ Acceptability - 5Myrtlemay Pittman CraneFreelance Writer, Editor, SpeakerAlderwood Manor, Washington822.3. Whalen, Richard F. Shakespeare—Who Was He? : The Oxford Challenge to theBard of Avon. Praeger Publishers, 1994. ISBN0275948501. Hardbound, $19.95. Gr. 11 -AdultFor centuries now, an intense academic debatehas been raging over the question of the identityof the writer of Shakespeare’s plays. It maycome as a surprise to the casual reader or studentthat the glove-maker’s son from Stratford-on-Avon is not universally accepted. In fact, manynames have been linked to these great dramaticworks.In his book, Shakespeare: Who Was He?, Whalenintroduces his reader to one Edward de Vere, theseventeenth Earl of Oxford. While Whalen isclearly convinced of the validity of his claim, hedoes attempt to preserve an objective stancewhen presenting his arguments. He begins withan examination of the evidence for and againstWill Shakespeare, the man from Stratford, thenmoves on to a thorough discussion of the case forthe Earl of Oxford. The author’s objectivity doesbreak down occasionally. For example, moretime is devoted to arguments againstShakespeare than to those rebutting the Oxfordcontender. Also, in the table of contents, Oxfordis referred to as “The Leading Challenger,” anappellation some literary critics may query.On the whole, the book demonstrates anexhaustive approach to research. It is wellorganizedand written in a very accessible style.The annotated bibliography and index provideuseful aids for the serious researcher; the endnotes, however, are lengthy and somewhatcumbersome. Occasionally, Whalen’s points arelost in a quagmire of detail. Concentrating onsome of the primary issues might help to clarifythe discussion. On the other hand, the authordoes state that, “Assessing the cumulative weightof the evidence is crucial. Any single argumentby itself can be denied or dismissed on somebasis.”And so, the identity of Shakespeare remains amystery. Researchers must continue to peppertheir debates with phrases such as “it appears”and “it is possible.” But while no firmconclusions have been reached, it is safe to saythat followers of the Bard of Avon had better notrest on their laurels; the case for Oxford is quiteconvincing.◆ Quality - 4 ❤ Acceptability - 5Sylvia StopforthLibrarian, Trinity Western UniversityLangley, British Columbia921 (270.8). Wirt, Sherwood Eliot. Billy : APersonal Look at the World’s Best-LovedEvangelist. Crossway Books, 1997. ISBN0891079343. Hardbound, $17.99. Adult.Billy by Sherwood Wirt gives a unique view ofBilly Graham through the eyes of a man whoworked with Graham as the editor of Decisionmagazine. Written by a man with a unique,personal view of Billy Graham over the years,this biography is filled with stories that show thecharacter of Billy Graham in a variety ofcircumstances during the many years of hispublic ministry.Through the use of personal stories, the authorgives a close-up look of Billy Graham in dozensof settings. He shows Billy as a genuine, downto-earthindividual as well as a man of great driveand tremendous energy and vision.As the author follows Billy to crusades aroundthe world, the reader is given a behind-the-scenesperspective. Woven throughout are details aboutthe men who made up the Billy Graham teamfrom its inception to the present.Pictures appear throughout the book as well asexcerpts of letters actually written to Billy. A fewpages list “What people have said about BillyGraham.”The glimpses that the author gives from hispersonal recollections give a over-all picture ofthe entire Billy Graham Evangelistic Associationthat are both informative and inspiring.◆ Quality - 4 ❤ Acceptability - 5Esther KnauppLibrarian, Santiam Christian SchoolCorvallis, Oregon921 (823). Glaspey, Terry W. Not a Tame Lion: The Spiritual Legacy of C.S. Lewis. (Leaderin Action.) Highland Books, 1996. ISBN0964539675. Hardbound, $12.99. Adult.Clive Staples Lewis, nicknamed Jack throughouthis life, embraced Christianity after years ofatheism. He was a highly intelligent professor ofEnglish literature and a deep thinker. Onlyirrefutable evidence would convince him.Finally, at the age of thirty-three, he becameconvinced of the truth that Jesus Christ is God inthe flesh who came to earth to be our Savior.Christ then became the center of both Lewis’ lifeand of his writings, many of which have becomeclassics.Not a Tame Lion : The Spiritual Legacy of C.S.Lewis is not merely a biography. Terry Glaspeygives insight into the man’s thoughts and writingthemes as well as telling about his life and legacy.He writes as a devoted student of Lewis, whomhe has come to know intimately through hiswritings. This book would be a wonderfulintroduction to the life and thought of C.S.Lewis.Small in size with under 250 pages of easily readprint, this book is likely to be picked up and readby average adults who may have previouslyconsidered Lewis’ writings for intellectuals only.The book is divided into His Life, His Thought,and His Legacy, with a page of chronologicalevents in Lewis’ life, a complete list of hiswritings organized as to genre, a bibliography ofwritings about Lewis, and a list of C.S. Lewis’Lessons of Leadership.Glaspey, in his conversational style, gives thereader a sampling of each of the sixty or morewritings of Lewis, and does this in such a way asto stimulate the desire to devour and absorbeverything Lewis has written. Extensiveendnotes document each quote or idea so thereader knows what book to read to satisfy thenewly awakened interest.◆ Quality - 5 ❤ Acceptability - 5Judith M. GonzalesFreelance WriterMoses Lake, Washington.M A R C H , 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

TITLE INDEXAbigail ........................................................55Across the Border........................................54After the Tassel Is Moved ..........................59Ancient China..............................................40Angels in Action..........................................35Attention Deficit Disorder ..........................79Backyard Bugs ............................................36Barbarians from the Isle..............................46Bathsheba ....................................................55Beautiful Bones and Butterflies ..................18Beginning Baseball......................................38Beginning Basketball ..................................38Beginning Gymnastics ................................38Beginning Hockey ......................................38Beginning Snowboarding............................38Beyond the Impasse ....................................71Big Book of All-Time Favorite Bible... ......35Big Wind Coming! ......................................20Billy ............................................................80Bioethics ......................................................70Black Like Kyra, White Like Me ..............26Bless All Creatures Here Below ................35Book of Acts in the Setting... ......................72Boy's War ....................................................63Brain ............................................................37Braxtons of Miracle Springs ......................66Brazil............................................................40Canada ........................................................40Candymaker's Gift ......................................21Captured Heart ............................................51Carolina Shout!............................................25Cherry Blossom Tree ..................................21China............................................................40Christian Writer's Book ..............................79Christmas Fairy Tales..................................36Christmas Story ..........................................18Cinnebar ......................................................67Circle of Seasons ........................................23Citadel of God ............................................47City of Dreams ............................................46Civil Rights..................................................59Claude Monet ..............................................40Colin Powell ................................................63Come Sunday ..............................................38Compact Guide to World Religions............58Cookies in the Mailbox ..............................19Crazy Creature Colors ................................24Crazy Creatures Counting ..........................24Created to Learn ..........................................79Crusader for Christ ......................................62Curse of the Amulet ....................................50Cynic Sage or Son of God ..........................73Danger at Outlaw Creek..............................29Danger on the Sunita ..................................50David and Goliath ......................................18Death of Truth ............................................73Desperate Search ........................................31Dipper of Copper Creek..............................48Does Anybody Know What Planet... ..........57Dog Who Lost His Bob ..............................23Dragon's Gate ..............................................56Fabulous Flying Fandinis............................26Fanny's Dream ............................................18Fire Trucks ..................................................37Fires of Autumn ..........................................65Flaming Trap ..............................................31Follow Me ..................................................76Forbidden Legacy........................................51Forsaken Crusade ........................................46Froggy Goes to School................................22From Slave Boy to Bishop..........................62Genetic Engineering....................................59Gettysburg Address ....................................45Ghost Walker ..............................................65Giants on the Hill ........................................67Gina..............................................................27God and Joseph and Me..............................19Golden Palaces ............................................64Grandfather's Story......................................20Grandpa's Stolen Treasure ..........................29Great Interactive Dream Machine ..............53Great Stories Remembered ........................28Guys and a Whole Lot More ......................58Hand-Me-Down Horse................................24Heart of Valor ..............................................66Heart to Heart ..............................................25Heidi ............................................................33Heroine of Newgate ....................................62High Country Ambush ................................31Historia de Ping ..........................................20Hooray, a Piñata! ........................................21How Do You Lift a Lion? ..........................37Hunted in the Alaskan Wilderness ..............32I Can Say Apple ..........................................22I Can Say Blanket........................................22I Can Say Boat ............................................22I Can Say Teddy ..........................................22I See the Moon and the Moon Sees Me......38If You Were My Bunny ..............................23In Process ....................................................57In the Beginning ..........................................18Incas ............................................................40India ............................................................40Insect Biology..............................................37Introduction to the Old Testament ..............71It Takes a Church Within a Village ............78Jaime Escalante ..........................................39Jelly Beans for Sale ....................................36Jericho..........................................................29Jester's Quest ..............................................46Jesus Quest ..................................................74Jesus the Messiah ........................................74Jesus Under Fire ..........................................74Jip ................................................................53Journey to the New World ..........................30Jubilation Morn' ..........................................49Just Family ..................................................46Kids in Danger ............................................76King Without a Shadow ..............................33Lament for a Son ........................................70Lao Lao of Dragon Mountain ....................36Lay Siege to Heaven ..................................47Legend of Burning Water............................46Leo the Magnificat ......................................22Let's Talk About AIDS and Sex ..................60Letters to Nicole ..........................................58Little Bit of Rob ..........................................26Looking for Diamonds ................................25Love Letters ................................................66Magdalene Gospel ......................................64Making God Real to Your Children............77Man of Honor ..............................................77Man Who Loved Clowns ............................56Mandie... Schoolhouse's Secret ..................30Mandie...Courtroom Battle..........................30Masquerade..................................................59Matter of Trust ............................................67Meet Him at the Manger ............................78Memory's Gate ............................................51Mercy and Eagleflight ................................53Merlin's Destiny ..........................................46Merry Birthday, Nora Noël ........................19Message of Acts ..........................................72Midnight Clear ............................................31Mirette on the High Wire ............................22Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready... ................25Mississippi Going North ............................38Mornin' Star Risin' ......................................49Morning Has Broken ..................................38Murals..........................................................60Music of Dolphins ......................................49Mysterious Hideaway ................................29Mystery of the Forgotten Fortune ..............48Mystery of the Stolen Statue ......................48New Absolutes ............................................75New Day Rising ..........................................68No Olives Tonight!......................................19No Strange Fire ..........................................69Noah's Ark ..................................................18Not a Tame Lion..........................................80Not Without Courage ..................................67Old Woman Who Named Things................24Oliver Twist ................................................28On the Mayflower ......................................34Once in Blueberry Dell ..............................27Only Piece of Furniture in the House ........65Original Jesus ..............................................75Out of the Blue ............................................55Overland Escape..........................................31Plans of His Heart ......................................73Poland ..........................................................40Pon Jordan's Far Shore................................49Praise Jerusalem ..........................................69Preschoolers Family Story Book ................18Presidential Medal of Freedom Winners ....62Prophet of the Pacific ..................................62Proposal ......................................................65Puppets and Masks......................................61Quest for the Lost Prince ..........................50Quiet Light ..................................................47Reason in the Balance ................................70Red Gang ....................................................50Redating Matthew, Mark and Luke ............72Return to Harmony......................................53Saint in the Slums........................................62Sally Arnold ................................................24Sam and the Tigers ......................................22Saved by Fire ..............................................50Sawdust Trail Preacher................................63Second Daughter ........................................56Secret of the Howling Cave ........................31Set All Afire ................................................47Sex, Lies & ...the Truth ..............................57Shakespeare—-Who was he?......................80Shiloh Autumn ............................................69Shiloh's Choice............................................67Silent Night..................................................47Sin Eater ......................................................54Small Steps ..................................................39Snow Day ....................................................20So Loud a Silence........................................50Somebody's New Pajamas ..........................29Someplace to Go ........................................33Something for James ..................................21South Seas Sailor ........................................62Special Parent, Special Child ......................79Spelling Window ........................................27Stand Out ....................................................57Stand Tall ....................................................57Storybook Favorites in Cross-stitch............60Stranded on Terror Island............................32Stranger in the Mist ....................................51Sudden Switch ............................................51Surprised by Laughter ................................61Sweet, Sweet Fig Banana............................21Swords and Scimitars..................................64Tell Me the Promises ..................................33Temptations Families Face..........................78Ten Secrets for a Successful Family ..........76The Angel and the Donkey ........................31There Will Be Wolves ................................46Tickling Tigers............................................19Time to Choose............................................46Treasure in an Oatmeal Box........................28Tree in the Forest ........................................27Tree That Would Not Die............................31Tribulation Force ........................................66Trouble at Wild River..................................29True North ..................................................50UN Ambassador ..........................................39Uncle Jed's Barbershop ..............................23Untamed Land ............................................68Vanishing Footprints....................................29Vincent Van Gogh ......................................40Walk Safe Through the Jungle ....................51What Are the Gospels..................................71What in the World's Going on Here............62When Willard Met Babe Ruth ....................28Wings of an Angel ......................................46Winter of Red Snow....................................48Winter Song ................................................61With Our Own Eyes ....................................77Wizard of the Great Lake............................62Word of Honor ............................................67Working in Health Care and Wellness ........60Working in Music........................................60Working with Animals ................................60Your Family Time with God ......................75C H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 8 1 M A R C H , 1 9 9 7

AUTHOR / ILLUSTRATORINDEXAbraham, Ken ........................................................57Ashcroft, Mary Ellen ............................................64Attema, Martha ......................................................46Aycock, Don M. ....................................................79Ayer, Eleanor H. ....................................................40Backer, Marni ........................................................26Baker, Sanna Anderson..........................................38Barmeier, Jim ........................................................37Batchelor, Louise ..................................................22Bateson-Hill, Margaret ..........................................36Baxter, Leon ..........................................................18Beers, Ronald A. ....................................................35Beers, V. Gilbert ..............................................18, 35Birmingham, Christian ..........................................28Björkman, Steve ....................................................25Bolden, Tonya ........................................................46Bonham, Liz ..........................................................33Boyce, Kim ............................................................57Boyd, Gregory A. ..................................................73Bradford, Karleen ..................................................46Bredeson, Carmen..................................................62Brent, Isabelle ........................................................36Briscoe, Jill ............................................................78Briscoe, Stuart........................................................78Brouwer, Sigmund ................................................46Brown, Judith Gwyn..............................................35Brown, Kathryn......................................................24Bryant, Michael......................................................38Buehner, Caralyn....................................................18Buehner, Mark........................................................18Bunn, T. Davis ......................................................53Burridge, Richard A...............................................71Byers, Ann..............................................................39Caldwell, Louis O. ................................................59Campbell, Ross ......................................................76Capek, Michael ......................................................60Carlyle, Linda Porter ......................................18, 19Chaikin, Linda........................................................64Chall, Sally Leman ................................................77Cifarelli, Megan ....................................................40Clark, Mary Higgins ..............................................47Clarke, Jimmy ........................................................38Coel, Margaret ......................................................65Cope, Jane ..............................................................21Currey, Anna ..........................................................19Dashefsky, H. Steven ............................................37Davey, Cyril ..........................................................62Davis, Tim..............................................................27de Wohl, Louis ......................................................47DeCianni, Ron........................................................33Dickens, Charles ....................................................28Dillard, Raymond B...............................................71Dixon, Ann ............................................................19Draesel, Herbert G., Jr. ..........................................35Eisenman, Tom L. ..................................................78English, Karen........................................................20Everett, Betty Steele ..............................................63Fain, Moira ............................................................20Farjeon, Eleanor ....................................................38Farnsworth, Bill ..............................................24, 38Fazio, Brenda Lena ................................................20Fiore, Peter ............................................................38Flack, Marjorie ......................................................20Fuchs, Bernie ........................................................25Funderburk, Robert W. ..........................................65Gage, Rodney ........................................................60Galvin, Irene Flum ................................................40George, Jean Craighead ........................................48George, John ..........................................................48Gershator, Phillis....................................................21Gire, Ken................................................................28Glancy, Diane ........................................................65Glaspey, Terry W. ..................................................80Godfrey, Jan ..........................................................21Goss, Leonard G. ..................................................79Graham, Mark ........................................................19Gregory, Kristiana..................................................48Grimes, Nikki ........................................................38Groot, Tracy ..........................................................48Groot, Tracy ..........................................................48Haidle, David ..................................................21, 35Haidle, Helen ..................................................21, 35Hall, Donald ..........................................................28Halverson, Dean C.................................................58Harrison, Peter ......................................................40Hemer, Colin J. ......................................................72Hesse, Karen ..........................................................49Hettinga, Jan David................................................76Hickman, Janet ......................................................29Hollyday, Joyce......................................................77Holmes, Jean E.......................................................49Hunt, Angela ..........................................................65Isherwood, Shirley ................................................21Jackson, Dave ........................................................50Jackson, Isaac ........................................................29Jackson, Neta ........................................................50Jenkins, Jerry B. ....................................................66Jenkins, Lyll Becerra de ........................................50Jensen, Julie ..........................................................38Jensen, Steve ..........................................................33Jerman, Jerry ..........................................................29Johnson, Kevin ......................................................57Johnson, Lois Walfrid ............................................29Johnson, Philip ......................................................70Kabell, Margaret ....................................................62Kehret, Peg ............................................................39Kendall, Russ ........................................................34Kent, Deborah ........................................................40King, Andy ............................................................38Kleven, Elisa ..........................................................21Koshkin, Alexander................................................53L'Engle, Madeleine ..........................................61, 66Ladwig, Tim ..........................................................38LaHaye, Tim ..........................................................66Lasky, Kathryn ................................................30, 50Laughlin, Robin Kittrell ........................................36Lee, Barbara ..........................................................60Lehmann, G.D. ......................................................50Leppard, Lois Gladys ............................................30Lester, Julius ..........................................................22Levine, Ellen ..........................................................31Lewis, Brad ............................................................75Lincoln, Abraham ..................................................45Lindvall, Terry........................................................61Locke, Ann ............................................................22London, H. B., Jr. ..................................................78London, Jonathan ............................................22, 38Longman, Tremper ................................................71Lucas, Cedric ........................................................20Lucas, Eileen..........................................................59Maass, Robert ........................................................39Mackie, Clare ........................................................24Mantha, Nancy ......................................................25Marston, Hope Irvin ..............................................37Martin, Ann M. ......................................................22Masci Goss, Barbara..............................................51Matchette, Katharine E. ........................................51Maxwell, John........................................................75McCallum, Dennis ................................................73McCully, Emily Arnold..........................................22McCurdy, Michael ................................................45McCusker, Paul......................................................51McEwan, Elaine K.................................................79McFarlan, Donald ..................................................62McMillan, Bruce ....................................................36McMullen, Kate ....................................................23McNeal, Laura ......................................................23McNeal, Tom..........................................................23McNicol, Allan ......................................................71McPhail, David ......................................................23Meilaender, Gilbert ................................................70Michell, David J.....................................................63Millevoix, Fritz ......................................................21Milsome, John........................................................62Mitchell, Margaree King........................................23Moon, Ivan ............................................................51Moreland, J. P.........................................................74Morris, Alan ..........................................................66Moser, Barry ..........................................................28Mosley, Don ..........................................................77Muller, Gerda ........................................................23Norman, B. ............................................................50Northcott, Cecil......................................................62Oke, Janette............................................................53Paterson, Katherine..........................................31, 53Peck, Richard ........................................................53Pelizzoli, Francesca................................................36Philip, Neil ............................................................36Phillips, Michael R. ........................................53, 66Pinkney, Jerry ........................................................22Pomeranc, Marion Hess ........................................24Pritchard, Ray ........................................................77Rand, Ted ..............................................................31Ransome, James ....................................................23Reed, Neil ..............................................................21Reidy, Hannah........................................................24Remkiewicz, Frank ................................................22Renich, T. Elizabeth ..............................................67Richardson, Arleta..................................................54Ricks, Chip ............................................................73Ritz, Karen ............................................................33Roberts, John..........................................................27Roddy, Lee ................................................31, 32, 67Rogers, Adrian ......................................................76Rozier-Gaudriault ..................................................33Rumford, Mary ................................................18, 19Rump, Nan ............................................................61Ryan, Cheryl ..........................................................24Rylant, Cynthia ......................................................24Sanders, Bill ..........................................................57Sateren, Shelley Swanson......................................40Schmidt, Gary D. ..................................................54Schraff, Anne..........................................................63Schroeder, Alan......................................................25Seabrooke, Brendal................................................25Shannon, George....................................................25Shaw, Lucy ............................................................61Shellenberger, Susie ..............................................58Shott, James R. ......................................................55Slate, Joseph ..........................................................25Slyder, Ingrid..........................................................26Smith, Tim..............................................................58Snelling, Lauraine............................................55, 68Soman, David ........................................................29Souter, Gillian ........................................................60Sproul, R. C. ..........................................................33Spyri, Johanna........................................................33Stein, Robert H.......................................................74Stott, John ..............................................................72Streeter, Carole Sanderson ....................................76Sullivan, Tom ........................................................79Swisher, Clarice ....................................................59Tada, Joni Eareckson ............................................33Testa, Maria............................................................33Thoene, Bodie ........................................................69Thoene, Brock........................................................69Trobaugh, Augusta ................................................69Turner, Barbara J. ..................................................26Vigna, Judith ..........................................................26Vyner, Tim..............................................................27Waber, Bernard ......................................................27Walter, Mildred Pitts ..............................................56Waring, Diana ........................................................62Waters, Kate ..........................................................34Watkins, Dawn L. ..................................................27Watkins, William D. ..............................................75Wells, Robert E. ....................................................37Wenham, John ......................................................72Whalen, Richard F ................................................80Wheeler, Joe ..........................................................28Wiese, Kurt ............................................................20Wilkins, Michael J. ................................................74Williams, Brian ......................................................40Wilson, Jean ..........................................................62Wirt, Sherwood Eliot ............................................80Wiseman, Neil B. ..................................................78Witherington, Ben..................................................74Wojtasik, Ted..........................................................69Wolff, Ashley ........................................................25Wolterstorff, Nicholas............................................70Wood, June Rae ....................................................56Wood, Tim..............................................................40Wright, Tom ..........................................................75Yardley, Joanna ......................................................24Yep, Laurence ........................................................56Yount, William R. ..................................................79M A R C H , 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

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