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Coolhead Luke...And Other Stories

Coolhead Luke...And Other Stories

By Jennifer White; illustrated by Colin White

ISBN #9781419661624
Reading Level: Ages 8-12
Reviewed by Cynthia Clarke,
homeschoolbuzz.com

“Coolhead Luke” is a unique and inspiring collection of poetry and art by a mother and her ten-year-old son. One of my favorites is a poem called ”My Country’s Teeth I See” which is easily sung to “My Country ‘Tis of Thee”. An addition which makes this book attractive is a thorough Glossary to the mechanics of poetry and a Teachers Guide. “Coolhead Luke” is a wonderful example of a mother encouraging her son’s gift and discovering her own in the process. If my own son’s giggles are any indication, the target age of 8 to 12 seems spot on!



Guarding Our Daughters in God’s Grace
 

Title: Guarding Our Daughters in God’s Grace
Author: Pam Davis

The author, Pam Davis, equips young girls to meet the cultural and moral challenges of today with grace and self-respect

Dallas/Fort Worth, TX—While working as the coordinator of an American Girl style show in Fort Worth, Texas, Pam Davis was stunned when news broke that the popular book and doll series had aligned itself with organizations that supported a pro-left agenda that included homosexuality and abortion.  As a Christian and mother of a young daughter, this information caused her to consider the lasting imprint that “playtime” can really leave on an impressionable little girl.  In that moment, she began to envision an exciting new possibility.  With the right character as a role model, God could use those sweet afternoon tea parties, hours of make-believe, and sleepovers to sow seeds of faith in tender hearts.  This concept became the foundation for the Girls ’n Grace products, a line of dolls and books designed to fulfill Davis’ dream of demonstrating to today’s young girls what it means to be girls of grace.

“Today’s little girls are growing up faster than ever, urged toward adolescence by the kids at school, television, movies, music, and even by the toys that they play with—and each of these influences will, in some way, shape who our daughters become,” Davis says.  “But even in the midst of so much commotion, God is also speaking.  Now is the time for young girls to learn that when you live in the amazing grace of God, you don’t have to give in to the kind of pressures that often lead to bad decisions.” 

The release of the first two Girls ’n Grace books will serve as the introduction to the product line.  The series follows the lives of several fictional young female characters as all facets of their lives, from their friendships to their goals, are affected by their walks with Jesus.  Spanning contemporary history as well as the globe, the characters—and the readers along with them—will learn to depend on God’s grace, especially when their decisions to honor or trust Him are difficult ones.  Of particular note are Davis’ frank depictions of the protests and prejudices of the civil rights movement, an era that has traditionally been left relatively unexplored in Christian children’s fiction.  These books will thoroughly engage young readers and provide the perfect opportunity for moms and daughters to engage in meaningful conversation.

When she named the series—Girls ’n Grace—Davis purposely omitted the “I” from the word “in.”  The missing “I,” Davis says, is an indication that the character depicted in each story understands that a Girl ’n Grace has surrendered her self-centered (“I”) desires to the desires of Christ.  In doing so, Davis says, she “discovers strength, satisfaction, and significance, which elevates her self-esteem and honors God.”

Sydney Clair’s Season of Change tells the story of a tenacious and curious ten-year-old trying to keep up with all of the changes around her.  Sydney Clair Wilcox finds herself right in the middle of the historic events of 1965 surrounding the civil rights, women’s rights, and environmental movements.  As her beloved sister leaves for college, Sydney realizes her world is changing.  Along with Sydney, readers will learn how God wants us to show His grace to all people and how He gives us everything we need to face each new season in our lives.

In Mesi: A Girl ’n Grace in Africa, young Mesi is growing up in a country where the people’s beliefs are as diverse as the landscape.  Her family’s well being is threatened by drought, disease, and war.  Yet, despite her hardships, Mesi (pronounced Maycee) finds that God is so very near to her that He cares about every detail of her life.  Along her journey Mesi finds out about an inexhaustible treasure called grace.

Each doll from the Girls ’n Grace line comes with a mini Bible and a secret address code that acts as a key to a special online virtual world on the interactive website (www.girlsngrace.com).  The site includes links for moms, mother/daughter Bible studies, games, a book club, and information about the line of dolls.

Sydney Clair’s Season of Change and Mesi: A Girl ’n Grace in Africa by Pam Davis
Authentic Publishing    April 2008
ISBN 13: 978-1-934-068-50-2/80 pages/softcover/$7.99 and
ISBN 13: 978-1-934068-51-9/80 pages/softcover/$7.99

For review copy or interview information, contact:

Audra Jennings
Media Specialist
The B&B Media Group
1-800-927-0517 Ext. 104
ajennings@tbbmedia.com



Ivan of Aldenuri: The Forest of the Taurocs

Ivan of Aldenuri: The Forest of the Taurocs by J.P. Foncea
Hardcover: 261 pages
Publisher: CBH Books, October 2007
ISBN: 978-1-59835-058-6
Price: $19.99

After the classic series are finished, there's not much left for fantasy lovers...until now. Spanish author J.P. Foncea has introduced the English translation of the first book in his trilogy of amazing fantasy novels for young adults. The books are hugely popular in Spain, and it's no surprise that they are picking up speed stateside.

Children from 10-16 will enjoy the story for it's action and adventure, but parents will be happy that it promotes important values, the importance of friendship, and bravery in the face of adversity.

The book follows the tale of Ivan, a boy from the village of Aldenuri on the Enden Sea.  A game of hide-and-seek leads to the discovery of an ancient medallion, and with this new possession Ivan learns of his ability to fly. At the same time of this new discovery, Ivan's village comes under siege by the Kerren, a warrior-like people who kidnap him.
 In the midst of this attack, the situation becomes stranger still when the mysterious Taurocs appear in the forest, beast-like creatures destined to destroy all of the villages in the surrounding area.  Will the power of friendship and the light he finds within himself enable Ivan to save the day?

Visit the official webpage: http://www.ivanofaldenuri.com



Jack's Talent

Jack's Talent by Maryann Cocca-Leffler

 ISBN 978-0-374-33681-3

This book is about students and their talents. The teacher, Miss Lucinda, encourages her students to share their talents. All of the students seem to have some special gift, but Jack feels left out. He's scared that he may not have any talent to share with the class. This story a great source of encouragement for any child doubting themselves.



The Misadventures of Hobart Hucklebuck

The Misadventures of Hobart Hucklebuck by Stan Swanson

ISBN: 0978792521

This is an imaginative tale that children will eagerly read from start to finish. It is recommended for the younger audience who may not be ready for Harry Potter. This book is sure to inspire children's creativity.



Speech Class Rules – An Introduction to Speech Therapy for Children

Speech Class Rules – An Introduction to Speech Therapy for Children by  Ronda M. Wojcicki, M.S., CCC-SLP

ISBN 978-0-9794102-0-8

The first children's picture book to introduce the concept of speech therapy within an entertaining story. Sure to be loved by all children, but especially useful for classroom teachers, parents of children in speech therapy, and children about to begin speech.

www.TheSpeechPlace.com



Where Peace Lives

Where Peace Lives by  Debbie Robbins

 

ISBN 0-9787213-7-3

 

Where Peace Lives  is an enchanting fable for all ages of children and adults. The angel Peace must be freed from captivity, but first, three keys must be found. Written in the vein of a parable, the reader is taken on an otherworldly journey through the City of Right and Wrong, atop the leaves of a Bodhi tree, and to the bottom of the Sea of Forgiveness. Along the way, our protagonist encounters Luther the Bear, King of The Mountain Where Dreams Are Made; Mister Buddha, a Siamese cat promoting the potion Acceptance; and Mahma the Ferret, who lives every day by way of example. The author was inspired by the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Buddha, Jesus Christ, Moses, and the Prophet Mohammad.

 

Where Peace Lives is a call to change the world and create more peace. It is beautifully illustrated by Victor Robert, winner of a student Academy Award. A portion of the proceeds benefit both City of Hearts: Kids Say Yes in Los Angeles, and the Earth Rights Institute.

 

Where Peace Lives is a call to action for our nation's children. It is time to recognize that peace is taught and learned through example, and that respect and acceptance carry the same importance and weight as any Mathematics or History lesson. The parents of today are the investment for our tomorrow, hopefully leaving more than a legacy of computers and war.

 

Where Peace Lives is the first in a series of books, teaching children and their adults the surprises in others.

 





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