The Book Guardians

Peace Child

2011-09-29T21:02:00.004-05:00

Peace Child
by Don Richardsons

by by
illustrated by

Religious/Secular Content	:	- Religious, Christian, missionary biography
Adult Content	:	- yes
Mature Topics	:	- yes
Strong/Inappropriate Language	:	- no
Magic/Witchcraft	:	- yes (real, demonic)
Disrespect/Rebellion	:	- no
Drug/Alcohol Use	:	- no
Violence/Abuse	:	- yes
Educational Value	:	- yes
Positive/Negative Message	:	- Positive

Your text here. Don Richardson carries us deep into the jungles to the Sawi tribe and uses words to paint a clear picture of life among them. His story begins long before he even arrived. He begins with the conflict that created the atmosphere of revenge and hostility that he entered unknowingly, and how God moved to bring him there in the midst of it.

The Sawi people exalted treachery. Their highest honor was to befriend someone with what they believed to be genuine friendship only to turn on them after an extended relationship and kill and eat them. The cannibalistic rituals are described in detail in this book that obviously gets somewhat gruesome at times. Other rituals include dancing under a rotting corpse and a rarely used trick involves a woman touching a man's genitals. In reading to my kids, I intentionally skipped portions and summarized, sometimes vaguely the activities of these tribes.

Story after story shows the depravity of these people apart from Christ. Richardson does not dwell on them, but he does not sugarcoat them either. This is a powerful book but not one I would read to children under middle school without lots of omissions. And, even in handing it to a high schooler I would want them to know what they are in for and discuss the events as they unfold.

Despite the gory nature of many of their traditions and the danger and suspense of jungle living, the powerful story of life change left me in tears. Richardson ends up using one of these unbelievable rituals to show the incredible love of Christ. Only He was the eternal Peace Child that they were seeking. It was amazing how God placed this redemptive analogy in this corrupt culture to prepare their hearts for the gospel.

Each chapter ends where you will not want to put it down. Reading a chapter a day was not nearly enough for most of my kids. Life changing and unforgettable.

The Search for WondLa

2011-07-18T23:18:00.003-05:00

by Tony DiTerlizzi
illustrated by Tony DiTerlizzi

Religious/Secular Content	:	none
Adult Content	:	No
Mature Topics	:	Yes
Strong/Inappropriate Language	:	No
Magic/Witchcraft	:	No
Disrespect/Rebellion	:	Yes
Drug/Alcohol Use	:	No
Violence/Abuse	:	Yes
Educational Value	:	No
Positive/Negative Message	:	-

Eva Nine had never seen the actual sun before, or walked outdoors. In fact, she had never even seen another living person in all twelve years of her life. That changes when a marauding huntsman destroys her underground home and send her fleeing for her life. She is desperate to find someone else who is like her, and a single clue give her hope: a crumbling picture of a girl, a robot, an adult, and the word WondLa.
The Search for WondLa begins a trilogy whose imaginative text and breathtaking illustrations are sure to inspire dreams.

Four-hundred-sixty-six pages long, this book took just over one day for my dd (14) to read and one for myself. It is easy reading; nothing too complicated.

There isn't a slant that I could tell that would categorize this book as religious or secular.
In terms of 'adult content', there is none. There is some 'mature content': it starts with Besteel, a huntsman, destroying the 'sanctuary' (or living quarters) of Eva ("Earth in Vitro Alpha"- the main character). There is violence toward other characters in the book, mostly by Besteel. There are a few instances where Eva is trying to escape and catastrophe seems to follow- destruction of property. There are also instances of animals being hunted for eating.

In one scene, I felt it was quite sad, Besteel has captured many creatures and we are given the details of him killing one of the creatures. It isn't extremely graphic but it was definitely 'mature content'! Another time we are witnesses to a scene of a creature being 'preserved' for display in a museum- but it is alive when they begin the procedure. The animal is paralyzed and then frozen (?) before it's skin is removed so that its internal organs can be seen. Depending on the sensitivity of the reader, that could be quite bothersome.

Eva is disrespectful to her Muthr (which stands for Multi-Utility Task Help Robot; a robot that has been Eva's 'mother' since her birth) and disobeys when she is forbidden to travel to certain parts of the sanctuary.

I thought it was a good book. It feels like it is a different planet throughout the book. Strange creatures and languages. It is basically about a girl that is forced to survive in an unknown environment with simply her wits (because all she has been taught doesn't really come in handy). She makes friends of unlikely creatures and they all help her to overcome. I suppose it could be construed as 'positive' message- don't give up.

Timeless

2011-07-09T15:42:00.000-05:00

by Alexandra Monir
illustrated by N/A

Religious/Secular Content	:	- secular
Adult Content	:	- yes
Mature Topics	:	- yes
Strong/Inappropriate Language	:	- no
Magic/Witchcraft	:	- yes
Disrespect/Rebellion	:	- yes
Drug/Alcohol Use	:	- yes
Violence/Abuse	:	- yes
Educational Value	:	- no
Positive/Negative Message	:	- -

This a 'romance' but definitely not in the Harlequin Romance fashion. Written for 'young adults', this book contains scenes of kissing, dating, and if not for the morals of a 1910 gentleman tossed in, there might have been more.

Michele is the sixteen-year-old daughter of a single (never been married) mother living in California. Going into her junior year of high school, Michele has just recently been dumped by her boyfriend for a sophomore. That is the first instance of adult/mature content, in my opinion. Michele's mother dies near the beginning of the book in a car crash (another mature topic). Quite sad.

Fast forward a bit in the book and there are more references to mature content. Michele meets Philip (who lives in 1910, and this is where the 'magic' comes in- see farther down in my post) and they instantly connect. At first it is just the feeling of 'puppy love' (butterflies, sweaty palms, blushing) but before long they do kiss. Although the author does a great job of keeping it mellow, the mind can definitely get carried away with the emotions that the characters are feeling (heart beating faster, breath catching, tingling skin, etc., -words from the book). The most 'intense' scene if you will is on page 166-167, where the chivalry from 1910 comes to the rescue of something happening that shouldn't!

One of Michele's past relatives is Clara, the illegitimate daughter of one of her great-great-great (?) grandfathers. A little later after meeting Clara (by going back in time mysteriously via a key and a diary), we learn that Clara's mother and Michele's g-g-g-grandfather had had an affair.

There isn't reference to God or religion that I can recall in this book and I've marked that it contains magic/witchcraft but in the book they would associate it more in a scientific way (think Einstein's Theory of Relativity) but it's still 'magic' to me.

There is one or two scenes where Michele argues quite disrespectfully with her grandparents, and she on more than one occasion doesn't follow the rules that her grandparents have set. I have marked no for strong language because there is no cussing but the arguments may equate to 'strong' language for some.

At one point Michele goes back to 1925 and meets her great-grandmother, Lily. In the first scenes of this meeting they are planning for Lily to sneak out, against her parents rules, to perform at a 'speakeasy'. In another scene Lily has had some 'giggle water' and is obviously intoxicated. She is also accused of letting an older man 'practically feeling' her up.

And there is one particular scene, after Michele sees Philip for the first time in 1910, where his uncle gives him a beating. We aren't subjected to the details but Philip has a 'bruised and painfully red' cheek. When questioned about it, Philip says, "Our little dance cost me a good beating."

Although I have marked no for educational value, there are many parts of this book that include accurate historical information. Primarily of New York during the Gilded Age, the Roaring Twenties and during World War II. The author's detailed descriptions of the architecture, culture and society during those times is educational, but the frequency is so little that it is almost an after thought and it would be difficult, for me personally, to justify using this as a historical reference/book.

And now what the book is 'about' (courtesy of the front flap):
When tragedy strikes Michele Windsor's family, she is forced to move from Los Angeles to New York City to live with the wealthy, aristocratic grandparents she has never met. In their historic Fifth Avenue mansion, filled with a century's worth of family secrets, Michele discovers the biggest family secret of all-an ancestor's diary that, amazingly, has the power to send her back in time to 1910, the year it was written. There, at a high-society masquerade ball, Michele meets the young man with striking blue eyes who has haunted her dreams all her life. And she finds herself falling for him, and into an otherworldly romance.
Soon Michele is leading a double life, struggling to balance her contemporary high school world with her escapes into the past. But when she stumbles upon a terrible discovery, she is propelled on a race through history to save the boy she loves- and to complete a quest that will determine their fate.

Miss Dorothy and Her Bookmobile

2011-06-28T14:43:00.000-05:00

by Gloria Houston
illustrated by Susan Condie Lamb

Religious/Secular Content	:	-no
Adult Content	:	-no
Mature Topics	:	-no
Strong/Inappropriate Language	:	-no
Magic/Witchcraft	:	-no
Disrespect/Rebellion	:	-no
Drug/Alcohol Use	:	-no
Violence/Abuse	:	-no
Educational Value	:	-yes
Positive/Negative Message	:	-Teaches the history of a library.

Oh, another great picture book!! This one is written by the same author that wrote My Great-Aunt Arizona...look into it, it's a good one as well!!

I think I'm partial to this book because it takes place in North Carolina-our home!

The book opens and you meet Dorothy, a little girl who loves books and loves people. She loves to loan out her books to her friends so that they too can find the treasures in them. Dorothy then determines that when she grows up she will become the librarian of the fine brick library in the center of the town square in her hometown of Massachusetts.

We find out however that even after attending college; preparing herself to be the best educated librarian that she can be; her plans don't happen like she thought.

The story then takes readers to the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina where Miss Dorothy's librarian dreams take a route that she didn't quite expect.

Oh, this is a lovely book!! It displays how one person's love of books can permeate her surroundings and affect the lives of those she comes in contact with. It teaches that although things may not turn out exactly as we had planned that doesn't mean that our dreams won't be fulfilled. Miss Dorothy and Her Bookmobile also inspires a love and respect for libraries and librarians alike.

If you are a book lover-and you probably wouldn't be reading this blog if you weren't-then you need to check out this and other books by Gloria Houston. You won't be disappointed.

This book would also be a good addition to any study on libraries that you may be doing in your homeschool!

The Firehouse Light

2011-06-28T14:25:00.000-05:00

by Janet Nolan
illustrated by Marie Lafrance

Religious/Secular Content	:	-no
Adult Content	:	-no
Mature Topics	:	-no
Strong/Inappropriate Language	:	-no
Magic/Witchcraft	:	-no
Disrespect/Rebellion	:	-no
Drug/Alcohol Use	:	-no
Violence/Abuse	:	-no
Educational Value	:	-yes
Positive/Negative Message	:	-no

We recently ended our 2010/2011 school year with a trip to a local fire department. It was a pretty last minute deal but I am so glad that we went. The fireman was extremely detailed and the kids (especially my son who went clad in his very own fireman outfit) loved it! Afterward we took a trip to the library and like all other Mom's out there I decided to look for a book that would compliment what we had just learned.

I happened across The Firehouse Light book by accident and immediately fell in love with the illustrations. (What can I say, I am visual...pictures attract me!!) They were done using acrylics and are a feast for the eyes!!

Anyway, the book! It's story starts out with this line, "A long time ago, when horse-drawn buggies delivered ice to keep food cold, and laundry dried on ropes in the sun, fires were fought with buckets, axes, and hand-pulled carts with water hoses." As the story unfolds, we find out that these poor firefighters had to fiddle with with lanterns in pitch-dark sheds to quickly find the equipment they needed. Then, one day, and elderly citizen brings to the firefighters a gift of a single lightbulb.

The book then skips ahead 10 years with every turn of the page and the readers learn what life was like in that little town for its citizens and its firefighters after 10 years of having the light, 20 years, 30 years on up to 100 years. And that lightbulb, well, it stays lit.

At the 100 year mark the townspeople throw a long deserved celebration for their faithful lightbulb. And ya know what, in the afterward at the end of the story we learn that the bulb-the same lightbulb-is still hanging from a single cord twenty feet above the ground in the Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department's Station #6. It even has its own backup generator (to keep it going), webcam and website: http://www.centennialbulb.org/.

It's an amazingly sweet story that teaches so much! First of all it teaches history; the evolution of fighting fires, the evolution of a town and the evolution of it's people. It teaches math; counting by 10's up to 100. And it teaches, although quite subtly, how important faithfulness and dedication are to our society.

This is a great book! I highly recommend it for all of your firefighting enthusiasts!!

Hot X: Algebra Exposed

2011-06-13T18:43:00.001-05:00

by Danica McKellar
illustrated by N/A

Religious/Secular Content	:	None-
Adult Content	:	Yes-
Mature Topics	:	Yes-
Strong/Inappropriate Language	:	Yes, minimal-
Magic/Witchcraft	:	No-
Disrespect/Rebellion	:	Yes-
Drug/Alcohol Use	:	Yes-
Violence/Abuse	:	Yes-
Educational Value	:	Yes-
Positive/Negative Message	:	Positive-

Hot X: Algebra Exposed is a middle/high school book about Algebra. It is written towards that age group and specifically for GIRLS.
There is no distinguishable religious slant yet it does not talk against religious beliefs (it would be more secular than religious!).
The book is written for modern day girls aged 13+. There is reference to crushes on boys, obsessing over boys, dating, sex, drinking, partying and drugs. The focus on boys and liking them is prevalent throughout the book.
Here is the lowdown on what might be of concern to some (myself included):

"kick-ass" -dedication page
"suck"- page xiv and throughout the book in reference to her other book by the title Math Doesn't Suck as well as slang for 'bad'.
"kick butt"- page 3
"tool" as it meaning "total loser"- page 10
Wishing a guy would like her who she had a crush on- page 15
Giving the impression that smarts gets the job, money and the life one dreams of (material pursuits)- page 20
Romance and sex are talked about- page 26
Drugs, partying- page 30
Boy crazy- page 39
Dating/boyfriends- throughout the book
Kissing- page 40
Crushes on boys is prevalent throughout the book
Bullying- page 72
Imagining the variable x is a kiss from 'some guy' (denotes it is alright to get kisses from various guys)- page 85
Breaking up with a boyfriend (at the age of 15)- page 140
Kissing- page 140
Domestic violence- page 146
Wishy-washy with emotions (I took it to denote that is it okay to like one moment and not another)- page 182
Martinis- page 239
"kick-ass"- page 263
Drinking wine (and while on the job)- page 272
Polygamy (gives the definition)- page 298
"heck"- page 286

Some good points:

Modest attire mentioned "your cute tankini and cover-up"- page 202
References to faith and God helping in ones life- page 222
Overall there is a message of being positive and confident in who you are and your abilities.
Don't let math get the better of you- don't let the 'fear' run your life.
Don't let others control your actions and be true to yourself.

Because this isn't a review of this book as a math book I will leave it at what I have. But I do intend to read it more fully to see how it does stack up as a math book and will write a review on my blog soon.

20 and Counting

2011-04-08T21:37:00.002-05:00

by Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar
illustrated by

Religious/Secular Content	:	- Yes, Christian
Adult Content	:	- No
Mature Topics	:	- No
Strong/Inappropriate Language	:	- No
Magic/Witchcraft	:	- No
Disrespect/Rebellion	:	- No
Drug/Alcohol Use	:	- No
Violence/Abuse	:	- No. There is one part where Jim Bob describes a robbery of his home. There is a gun involved.
Educational Value	:	- Yes
Positive/Negative Message	:	- Yes, Very Positive and Encouraging.

This is one of the most inspiring books I have ever read. Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar's story is encouraging.

The Duggar's are a homeschool family, who have not only put the amount of children they have in God's hand, but their whole lives.

They have learned to depend on God for everything they have, instead of themselves.

They learned early on the effects of debt, and have been determined not to ever borrow money.

You will see how God provided for this family in so many wonderful ways.

It has really encouraged me to lean more on Christ, and less on myself.

You will find all kinds of tips for running a family. These tips can be used in large and small families alike.

You will find helpful tips in areas such as:

Homeschooling
Housekeeping
Cooking
Moving
Finances
Marriage

And much more.

This is a must read for all ages. It is appropriate enough for children to read.

The only part that may be scary is when Jim Bob was tied up at gun point in his garage, while he was being robbed. But even this story is such a testimony to the Lord.

This whole book is such a testimony to the Lord. Very inspiring, and very encouraging.

Trailblazer Books-The Forty-Acre Swindle

2011-04-04T22:27:00.000-05:00

by Dave & Neta Jackson
illustrated by

Religious/Secular Content	:	- yes, emphasizes that when we put our trust in the Lord, even when things look bad, He is faithfully working for a better end for those who lean on Him.
Adult Content	:	- no
Mature Topics	:	- yes-does deal with racism in an honest and open way.
Strong/Inappropriate Language	:	- Uses many terms that were common of the day when referring to African-Americans. (I only substituted words a couple of times.)
Magic/Witchcraft	:	- no
Disrespect/Rebellion	:	- no
Drug/Alcohol Use	:	- no
Violence/Abuse	:	- no
Educational Value	:	- exposes children to how racism can affect the lives of others, and how pride and deceit can harm
Positive/Negative Message	:	- Promotes the desire to love people as God does, unconditionally. Encourages children to see the importance of working together as a family. Focuses on the recompense of hard work.

Although these books have been around for a while this was our first reading adventure with the series. I read this with my three oldest, ages 5.5, 7.5 and 9 years. Obviously the older two were better suited for the book, but my 5 year old took a lot away from it, and enjoyed it very much.

The Forty-Acre swindle is set in Alabama in the late 1800's. It focuses on a young boy named Jesse Turner and his family. As was typical with the day, Jesse and his family face a good amount of racism from the, as the book labels it, "white folk" of the community. The only thing in the world that Jesse and his family own is their land, 40 acres of tired cotton farmed land. When someone begins to sabotage their efforts in harvesting for the new year they become desperate. As a chance meeting the Turner's meet a man by the name of George Washington Carver who does all he can to teach the Turners and their neighbors how to be self-sufficient farmers. With Mr. Washington's help the Turner's luck seems to have taken a turn for the better until the mysterious problems start, and their harvest is threatened once more.

This was an amazing book!!! The kids could not wait for each new chapter! I don't really know why I stayed away from these books but I am glad to have begun a friendship with the series.

The Jacksons spare nothing. This book is written about a very difficult time in our nation's history, yet the Jacksons do not shy away from bringing the reality of the things many African-American families endured during those difficult years. At first I was taken aback at the way some of the dialogue was written but it's a portion of our history that I decided our children needed some exposure to, so we read on. The story unfolds in an awesome way, and God's hand is seen clearly in how He used George Washington Carver to help many people become more self-sufficient, gain a knowledge for God's awesome creation, and become encouraged by his strong faith in the Lord.

I highly recommend this book! We will begin our 2nd book of the Trailblazer's series soon!!

The Dragon and the Turtle Go On Safari

2011-03-03T13:17:00.000-06:00

by Donita K. Paul and Evangeline Denmark
illustrated by Vincent Nguyen

Religious/Secular Content	:	- Mostly secular but does have one Bible verse
Adult Content	:	- None
Mature Topics	:	- None
Strong/Inappropriate Language	:	- None
Magic/Witchcraft	:	- None
Disrespect/Rebellion	:	- None
Drug/Alcohol Use	:	- None
Violence/Abuse	:	- None
Educational Value	:	- Teaches about overcoming fear; friendship
Positive/Negative Message	:	- Positive messages of overcoming fear and friendships

The Dragon and the Turtle Go On Safari
Authors: Donia K. Paul and Evangeline Denmark
Illustrated by Vincent Nguyen
Hardback, 36 pages
ISBN: 978-0-307-44645-9
Retail: $11.99

We had the opportunity to review this cute little book and we really enjoyed it! The illustrations are very good and the story is interesting. DS3 really liked it...he wanted me to read it to him several times!

The story is about Roger, the turtle, and Padraig, the dragon, who are best friends. They decide to spend the night out in the woods together but end up being very afraid of every sound they hear. They do eventually overcome their fear to save a baby "leopard". The story is written in a very unique manner that is incredibly fun to read.

The very last page of the book (glued to the back cover) is also something very nice - it is a Bible verse (Deuteronomy 31:6; of which this book is based off) along with some discussion starters. Nice addition!

We would definately recommend this book to others.

Have a wonderfully blessed day!

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from Blogging 4 Books in exchange for my honest review. No compensation was received. All opinions are my own.

Little Star by Anthony DeStefano

2011-02-19T16:49:00.001-06:00

by Anthony DeStefano
illustrated by Mark Elliott

Religious/Secular Content	:	- Religions
Adult Content	:	- None
Mature Topics	:	- None
Strong/Inappropriate Language	:	- None
Magic/Witchcraft	:	- None
Disrespect/Rebellion	:	- None
Drug/Alcohol Use	:	- None
Violence/Abuse	:	- None
Educational Value	:	- Teaches the story of Jesus
Positive/Negative Message	:	- Teaches that Jesus came to save all

Publisher: Multnomah Books
Hardback, 40 pages
Recommended Ages: 4 - 8
ISBN 978-0-307-45805-6
Retail Price: $12.9

This is a childrens book that tells the story of Jesus in a way that I have never even thought of - from that of the little shining star.

There are two parts to this story - the story of the star and the story of Jesus.

The story of the star talks about how no one likes him, how he is too small and how everyone ignores him.

The second part of the story is about Jesus, about how He came to serve and save "the little people".

Although I think the author was trying to tie the story of the star to how Jesus came to save the ones no one likes - I didn't really like how it was tied together (or wasn't really tied together). I did appreciate the part of the little star story where even though he was the littlest - he was the only one who saw Jesus as the King through the poverty and circumstances.

If you are looking for a book that tells the story of Jesus in an entirely new way...this is the book for you!

Have a wonderfully blessed day!

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from Blogging 4 Books in exchange for my honest review. No compensation was received. All opinions are my own.

31 Days of Drawing Near to God

2011-02-13T20:04:00.000-06:00

by Ruth Myers
illustrated by N/A

Religious/Secular Content	:	- Christian
Adult Content	:	- References to dating and/or courtship
Mature Topics	:	- Death, cancer, dying
Strong/Inappropriate Language	:	- No
Magic/Witchcraft	:	- No
Disrespect/Rebellion	:	- No
Drug/Alcohol Use	:	- No
Violence/Abuse	:	- No
Educational Value	:	- --
Positive/Negative Message	:	- Positive

Paperback
184pages
Published by WaterBrook Multnomah

Devotional, 31 days.
Each day has commentary followed by scriptures.

This book includes many of the authors own experiences that may be compared to the readers circumstances. Myers' first husband died from an aggressive cancer and her second (at the writing of the book) was diagnosed and undergoing treatment for cancer.

I would say this is more suited to a high school student and older. Some of the references may be confusing to those younger.

The Search

2011-02-08T13:10:00.001-06:00

by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Religious/Secular Content	:	- Religious
Adult Content	:	- None
Mature Topics	:	- None
Strong/Inappropriate Language	:	- None
Magic/Witchcraft	:	- None
Disrespect/Rebellion	:	- Very little; not inappropriately shared
Drug/Alcohol Use	:	- None
Violence/Abuse	:	- Very little; not inappropriately shared
Educational Value	:	- None
Positive/Negative Message	:	- Positive message

The SearchAuthor: Suzanne Woods Fisher
Paperback, 295 pages
Retail: $14.99

This book was absolutely AMAZING! Once I got started, I couldn’t put it down! Every time you think the story has as many curves as it can get, Mrs Fisher throws in another one! This story is engaging and very well written.

It is about an Amish community and many of the people that live within (and a few that live without) that community. It is mainly about one family, that has been “torn” apart by an accident involving a drunk driver and the death of the son’s wife. When he couldn’t take the pain of living there any longer, he moved himself and his little girl to another state. The son’s mother, called “Mammy”, requests that her grandaughter come spend the summer with her. Although nervous, she decides to go (mostly to avoid being home when her father gets her Algebra grade). Not long after arriving, she learns that Mammy is an incredible person. With in the next couple months, she also learns about teenage crushes (and their pain), death, the REAL meaning of family, Biblical sacrifice and what it means to have faith in the Lord.

About the Author

In no particular order, Suzanne Woods Fisher is a wife, mother, writer, lifelong student of the Bible, raiser of puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind, a gardener and a cook…the latter two with sporadic results.

Suzanne has loved to write since she was a young teen. After college, she started to write for magazines and became a contributing editor for Christian Parenting Today magazine. Her family moved to Hong Kong for four years, just as the internet was developing, and she continued to write articles in a 44-story high-rise apartment, sending manuscripts 7,000 miles away with a click of a key.

After returning from Hong Kong, Suzanne decided to give her first novel a try. For four and a half months, she worked on an antediluvian computer in a cramped laundry room. She didn’t even tell her husband what she was up to. When the novel was completed, she told her family at dinner one night that she had written a book. “That’s why there’s no food in this house!” said her slightly insensitive sons.

Undaunted…Suzanne found a small royalty publisher for that book and wrote three more (all earned multiple awards). With help from an agent, she now has numerous books under contract with Revell. Also look for Suzanne’s Amish non-fiction, Amish Peace: Simple Wisdom for a Complicated World, a non-fiction book of stories and examples about the Old Order Amish, as well as Amish Proverbs, and coming in Spring of 2011, look for Amish Values for Your Family. The Choice and The Waiting are the previous books in the Lancaster County Secrets Collection.

Writing, for Suzanne, is a way to express a love of God and His word. With every book or article, she hopes readers get a sense of what faith really looks like in the daily grind. She hopes they realize that life can be hard, but God is good, and never to confuse the two.

Suzanne can be found on-line at: www.suzannewoodsfisher.com

Have a wonderfully blessed day!

Blind Hope

2011-02-08T13:06:00.001-06:00

by Kim Meeder and Laurie Sacher

Religious/Secular Content	:	- Both but mostly religious
Adult Content	:	- None that would be inappropriate
Mature Topics	:	- Nothing that would be inappropriate
Strong/Inappropriate Language	:	- None
Magic/Witchcraft	:	- None
Disrespect/Rebellion	:	- None
Drug/Alcohol Use	:	- None
Violence/Abuse	:	- None
Educational Value	:	- None
Positive/Negative Message	:	- Positive message about trusting the Lord

Blind HopeAuthor: Kim Meeder and Laurie Sacher
Publisher: Multnomah Books
Paperback, 178 pages
ISBN 9781601422804
Retail Price: $13.99

This book was wonderfully refreshing and was not at all boring! It is easy to read and moves quickly. Being an animal lover and dog trainer, I can completely relate to a lot of the thoughts and feelings shared within.

This story reminds me of a parrable being told – using the life of a dog to explain the ways of life with God in your life. The story is about a woman who rescues a dog – but in reality the dog rescues the woman. Laurie was raise in a Christian home but never really put God first in her life. She made a lot of bad choices and didn’t believe in true love, peace or contentment.

Through watching her dog cheerfully bound thru lifes hardships, she learned many important lessons about how she had been pushing God away and trying to do things on her own. This TRUE STORY shows just how God does meet us right where we are.

Have a wonderfully blessed day!

Knights of Arrethtrae Books 5&6

2010-10-27T15:25:00.000-05:00

by Chuck Black
illustrated by

Religious/Secular Content	:	- Christian
Adult Content	:	- None
Mature Topics	:	- None
Strong/Inappropriate Language	:	- None
Magic/Witchcraft	:	- None
Disrespect/Rebellion	:	- None
Drug/Alcohol Use	:	- None
Violence/Abuse	:	- Just typical fighting as fitting middle ages theme with definite good versus evil
Educational Value	:	- reinforcement of Christian beliefs and values
Positive/Negative Message	:	-

In recent years, there has been an explosion of Christian fiction for teens that provide an alternative to mainstream media with questionable content. Authors like Chuck Black have written books that combine the Christian faith with fantasy, a genre very appealing to my own boys.

The Knights of Arrethtrae is a spin-off series from his Kingdom Series. While we have only read the 5th and 6th book, this series is written to be stand alone stories of characters.

Book 5 is titled Sir Quinlan and the Swords of Valor and chronicles the journey Sir Quinlan must take to face both his past and decide how he will proceed with his life. Specifically, he is charged with reassembling an elite group of knights, called the Swords of Valor, to face the threat The Dark Knight poses to the kingdom.

Book 6, titled Sir Rowan and the Camerian Quest, highlights another Knight from Arrethtrae. Sir Rowan has to heal from wounds sustained in an attack after being left for dead. He then has to decide where his destiny lies while others try to force their own agenda upon him.

Overall, these are great, quick reads for kids seeking reading in the fantasy genre. As a parent, I felt comfortable allowing my teen to read other Chuck Black books without any pre-reading on my part.

Through tomorrow October 28th, I am hosting a giveaway of these 2 books on my blog, Day by Day in Our World. Feel free to drop by and leave a comment for the chance to win.

Danny Orlis & Trouble on the Circle R Ranch

2010-10-26T21:48:00.000-05:00

by Bernard Palmer

Religious/Secular Content	:	- Both
Adult Content	:	- None
Mature Topics	:	- Adoption
Strong/Inappropriate Language	:	- None
Magic/Witchcraft	:	- None
Disrespect/Rebellion	:	- Only in the fact that the children share their religious beliefs even though they were told not to
Drug/Alcohol Use	:	- None
Violence/Abuse	:	- Some hitting mentioned
Educational Value	:	- None (except there are important lessons about life in general)
Positive/Negative Message	:	- Positive messages about sharing your faith with others and how family means more than just those who were born into your family

This is another AMAZING Danny Orlis book! This one covers the story of "the triplets" life after the death of their mother and father. They are initially sent to the house of one of their parents friends (the Orlis'), until their mothers sister (their aunt) and her family are able to come get them from Minnesota. They have a concern about what kind of situation they will find themselves in at the ranch because their aunt is not a Christian and is more concerned with material things than anything else.

However, once at Circle R Ranch, the triplets find themselves greatly enjoying life on the ranch. Their aunts two children are not Christians but are around their same age and are expert horse riders. The triplets soon learn how to ride and are promised some excellent saddle horses once they are expert riders.

Despite all this, it soon becomes obvious that their aunt and uncle are not going to allow them to continue in their faith, at least not in any way shape or form in front of them or their children. As a matter of fact, they are specifically instructed to stop praying and to NOT talk to their children about "their religion" - EVER. However, the triplets decide to use a transmitter radio to listen to their favorite chrisitan radio show - and their two cousins listen in. One day, their uncle finds them behind the barn...and is NOT happy.

Near the end, their uncle decides they can no longer live with them...will they go to an orphanage, or will they go to live with the Orlis'?

Overall rating of this book: 5

This is a wonderful family book and we highly recommend it if you have the chance to read it!

Keeping Our Children's Hearts

2010-10-22T18:36:00.000-05:00

by Steven and Teri Maxwell
illustrated by

Religious/Secular Content	:	- Christian
Adult Content	:	- Yes, in the matter of this is a book for adults on parenting, but nothing a child couldn't read.
Mature Topics	:	- No
Strong/Inappropriate Language	:	- No
Magic/Witchcraft	:	- No
Disrespect/Rebellion	:	- No
Drug/Alcohol Use	:	- No
Violence/Abuse	:	- No
Educational Value	:	- ?
Positive/Negative Message	:	- Yes, very encouraging for parents.

This is one of my favorite books. I actually just re-bought it!
I just finished reading it again, and it is so encouraging.
If you are looking for encouragement in raising your children up in Godly manner, and you seek to shelter your children from worldly influences, you must read this book.
I may be a little more picky than some, but I know that I have always felt a little like an outcast by not allowing my kids to do a lot of things that other kids get to do, and this book lets me know that there are others out there like me, and gives biblical references for this type of sheltering.
It will encourage and strengthen your resolve to keep your children out of the 'world" and in the Word.
I highly recommend it. I don't think you would regret reading this book.

Upcoming Review

2010-10-20T15:59:00.003-05:00

Update: if you want to read my review of the product I chose, you can find it here. (By the way, I chose a 20 drawer double wide mobile organizer, think workboxes.)

Hey guys, I know this may not be the typical review you see here, but I have had the opportunity to review a product from CSN stores.

I thought you may be interested in hearing about this store as they have some of the best prices on things I have seen.

They have items that range from toys, dining chairs, to cookware, etc. But I thought you might be interested in knowing that they have some really fabulous bookshelves, book carousels, rolling book carts, book ends, on and on.

They also have cookbooks!

Anyhow, I have been offered a chance to review one of their products of my choice, in return for a review.

I will look around and see if I can't find something 'bookish" to review.
No promises, as I am not sure of all that they offer and the prices and all, but I will let you know.

Thanks guys. Stay tuned to see what I found!

Dora Helps Diego

2010-10-17T18:48:00.001-05:00

by Laura Driscoll
illustrated by Tom Mangano

Religious/Secular Content	:	- Secular
Adult Content	:	- None
Mature Topics	:	- None
Strong/Inappropriate Language	:	- None
Magic/Witchcraft	:	- None
Disrespect/Rebellion	:	- None
Drug/Alcohol Use	:	- None
Violence/Abuse	:	- None
Educational Value	:	- Teaches words to pictures
Positive/Negative Message	:	- Positive message about helping others

Simon Spotlight/Nickelodeon

February 2007
Trade Paperback, 24 pages

Price: $3.99
ISBN-10: 1416915095
ISBN-13: 9781416915096
Grades: P - 1
Ages: 4 - 6

This book is wonderful for young ones...it is suggested as "Level 1" which for Spotlight means "Starting to Read" therefore consists of simple stories, increased vocabulary and longer sentences.

Although my son is only 2, he greatly enjoys or time reading this together (I, of course, read it to him.) One of the things I really like about this book is it has a picture and then has the words underneath...such a wonderful tool to help teach word recognition!

The story teaches lessons on helping others and has the children look and learn about the different parts of the body.

It is a wonderful story and captures my ds2 attention EVERY time we read it!

For more information, you can click HERE.

Overall book rating: 5

I highly recommend this book for simple, fun reading. It is a very entertaining and educational book for a minimal price.

Secret Hide-Out

2010-10-07T12:50:00.001-05:00

by Virginia Randall

Religious/Secular Content	:	- Religious
Adult Content	:	- None
Mature Topics	:	- None
Strong/Inappropriate Language	:	- None
Magic/Witchcraft	:	- None
Disrespect/Rebellion	:	- Minimal; only that which is within the story line on the way to a biblical perspective
Drug/Alcohol Use	:	- None
Violence/Abuse	:	- None
Educational Value	:	- A little; this would be of biblical educational value on witnessing and possibly used to teach of the lives of those less fortunate than others
Positive/Negative Message	:	- Positive Message; this book was written as a fiction book but was written with the purpose of helping the reader with effective witness

This is an oldie but a goodie! It was published in 1960 by The Moody Bible Institute of Chicago - but don't let this hold you back. This is an INCREDIBLE read! It is written in a casual manner using words that are easy to understand. We read it as a family but if a child were to read it alone, they would need to be easily reading chapter books...this one has 23 chapters and is a total of 127 pages. The type is pretty large too (12 or 14 pt?).

This book is about a small town church and a little boy named Toby. The church is about to be taken over and changed into a sports club. Toby is a child who lives in an orphanage. Toby runs away to this small town and is found by two other boys. Through a series of events, they figure out that Toby is the actual owner of the church - now they just need to figure out how to prove it!

During the story, Toby is witnessed to by his two friends that find him, and he becomes saved. Additionally, the boys plot a way for Toby to be adopted by one of the local couples. It is somewhat of a mystery story, along with drama and comedy.

In general, it is just a "feel good family book". If you have the opportunity to read it, we highly suggest it.

Our First Giveaway!

2010-09-27T23:51:00.003-05:00

(This giveaway is now closed. The winner is...Susan, with comment number 10!

I will be contacting you momentarily to get your address. Congratulations Susan!

Thanks to everyone who participated.

Be looking out for future giveaways from The Book Guardians!)

We are having our first giveaway! I hope you are as excited as I am!

We are giving away two wonderful classics...

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

"Family Life, Family Love! The warmhearted story of the four March sisters: Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy growing up in 19th century America. Their happy family life is disturbed when their father leaves for the Civil War, and shaken further when mother must leave to nurse their wounded father back to health. But family love and loyalty keeps them together. As the years pass the girls become women and learn more about life and love. Louisa May Alcott's timeless classic shows the joys of growing up in a warm and loving family." AND...

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery.

"Spunk and Spirit! The farm couple wanted to take in an orphan boy - someone they could raise who will help with the chores. But by mistake, they were sent a girl, the lively independent red-headed Anne, who soon turned their lives and their world topsy-turvy with her way of doing things. . .ways very different than anyone in the sleepy country town had ever thought of! But as Anne goes from escapade to achievement, from problem to promise, everyone around her comes to realize what a very special girl they have in their midst. Come delight in Anne's story as friendship and duty turn to love."

These books are brand new, hard cover editions.
Any girl, young or old would love to have these in their collection!!!

So, how do you win these wonderful books?

Simple, just leave us a comment on this post, and you will be automatically entered in the giveaway.

If you would like more than one entry, there will be two optional entries, for a total of three entries.
The two optional entries are...

1. Follow our blog and leave us a comment letting us know you are following. If you are already following, just let us know.

2. Post about this giveaway on your blog, and leave us a comment with a link to your post about this giveaway, letting us know that you posted about it.

Rules of this giveaway...

All entries must be entered by Monday, October 4th at 12:00 noon.
The winner will be announced Monday, Oct. 4th!
The winner will be chosen randomly.

This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.
No participants of The Book Guardians may participate.

Good luck, and I hope you enjoy our first giveaway!( Let us know!)

The ABC Bunny

2010-09-23T15:53:00.004-05:00

by Wanda Ga'g
hand lettered by Howard Ga'g

Religious/Secular Content	:	- Secular
Adult Content	:	- None
Mature Topics	:	- None
Strong/Inappropriate Language	:	- None
Magic/Witchcraft	:	- None
Disrespect/Rebellion	:	- None
Drug/Alcohol Use	:	- None
Violence/Abuse	:	- None
Educational Value	:	- A lot! ABC, Rhyming
Positive/Negative Message	:	- Positive

DS2 and I read this book today and thought is was absolutely wonderful! It is a very quick read (GREAT for his short attention span) and actually...the words are a song...the song (with notes) are in the very beginning and the very end of the book. After the song in the beginning of the book, each page takes you thru the song (and the alphabet). The letters are large and red while the pictures and words are black - so it is very eye catching. Many of the words rhyme so again, this just adds to the quick, fun of this book.

Each letter and page introduces you to a different animal in the woods so this book offers many items for learning for little ones. Although ds2 and I were reading this in prep for ds2 starting Before Five in a Row (which we'll start as soon as our new book arrives from Rainbow Resources) this book is recommended for ages 4 - 7.

As a side note: we checked this book out from the library and the copy we received was hardback.

Mere Christianity

2010-09-22T20:36:00.004-05:00

by C. S. Lewis
illustrated by NA

Religious/Secular Content	: Christian	-
Adult Content	: Yes- the younger ones will not understand the ideals and concepts in this book, as well as the wording; and there are mature topics- see below	-
Mature Topics	: Yes, this is pertaining to some topics that are inappropriate for younger ages (there is mention more than once of infidelity); in the beginning chapters he states that "All we mean is that the occasions on which the fighting instinct or sexual desire need to be restrained..."; at least one chapter is on Sexual Morality and another on Christian Marriage	-
Strong/Inappropriate Language	: No, although the word 'hell' is used more than once in a slang way (in reference to what someone else might say)	-
Magic/Witchcraft	: No	-
Disrespect/Rebellion	: Yes, but it is respect to what not to do and it isn't strongly talked about in a way to be promoted; example- Lewis talks about men living only for themselves and not caring for the rules or lives of others and the havoc it can cause	-
Drug/Alcohol Use	: Vaguely mentioned- Temperance is discussed and therefore the mention of alcohol is also but not in depth (words used are 'drinking', 'drink', 'drunkenness', 'drunk', 'beer'), rather the idea of temperance.	-
Violence/Abuse	: Vaguely	-
Educational Value	: Yes, morals and values as a Christian	-
Positive/Negative Message	: Positive	-

We love this book in our house. It really makes you think. My dd is 14 and we are using this as a devotional this year (and will with my ds when he is older). There are a few spots that I feel I must censor while reading (it is a read-aloud).

The style is not vulgar at all and it would be easy to be so when dealing with morals and values, in my opinion. Very much a Christian perspective yet it does not attack other views in a way that one feels defensive.

Would recommend for mature individuals ages 13+ up, but possibly even upwards of 15+.

Soldier Fritz and The Enemies He Fought

2010-09-22T00:05:00.002-05:00

by Emma Leslie
illustrated by C.A. Ferrier

Religious/Secular Content	:	- Christian
Adult Content	:	- No
Mature Topics	:	- No
Strong/Inappropriate Language	:	- No
Magic/Witchcraft	:	- No
Disrespect/Rebellion	:	- Fritz struggles with obedience, but after he learns of the bible, he starts learning to control his temper.
Drug/Alcohol Use	:	- No, but beer was mentioned once, but not as in anyone actually drinking it.
Violence/Abuse	:	- Yes, Fritz hit his sister, and she fell down the stairs, and was really injured. This really turned hi life around however, and he never mistreated his sister again.
Educational Value	:	- Yes
Positive/Negative Message	:	- Yes, really builds your faith, and teaches your children how to learn self- control

The reformation is my favorite time period in history, and this book was a very exciting to read.
This book is about a family that all they have ever known is what the preists have taught them.
One day a peddler comes to visit, and he has a bag of gifts, and Fritz chooses the Bible.
He starts to read the Bible, and he hears of Luther and all that he is doing, and he want to be a good soldier like Luther.
He learns from the scriptures, and what it takes to be a soldier of God.
His mother notices a difference in Fritz's behavior, and she starts to read the Bible herself. She realizes that what the priests are teaching does not line up with Scripture, and vows, never to pray to anyone but the Lord himself again, and to put her faith in Christ only, and not a man.
As they learn more about Jesus, and how He died for them, they begin to separate themselves from the church.
The priest is very upset about this, and actually tries to take them prisoner for their beliefs, so they have to flee to the forest to live.
While there, they are able to teach the "Charcoal Burners" all about Jesus, and how He died for their sins too.
This book is so amazing in the fact that it teaches the Gospel, and is not afraid to teach against the Roman Church.
It is an inspiring book, that builds your faith and gives you an understanding of what others had to go through for their faith.
This is now a household favorite in our home.

In Search of the Lost Mountains of Noah: The Discovery of the Real Mts. of Ararat

2010-09-14T11:18:00.013-05:00

by Robert Cornuke and David Halbrook

Overall Rating: 4.5 Stars

While not a cultural icon of classical literature, this book now ranks among the must reads in our house for historical, cultural and biblical studies.

Religious/Secular Content	:	By its very subject matter it is religious throughout. Though the lead author is a devout Christian in search of the biblical Noah's ark, legends and myths surrounding the great flood and its boat of survivors hail from every ancient civilization known to man. The search in this book spans a great swath of the Near East including Russia, Turkey, Iran and Iraq, and there is much in this book about Muslim/Islamic tradition and culture.
Adult Content	:	There are discussions of gender roles in Islamic culture.
Mature Topics	:	There is considerable discussion of politics, clashing cultures, and wars, including the Iran hostage crisis and continuing anti-American sentiments, and the Columbine shootings. There is a vivid (though reverent) description of a goat sacrifice.
Strong/Inappropriate Language	:	There is one chapter in particular where the phrase "Oh my God" is repeated excessively.
Magic/Witchcraft	:	There are multiple mentions, though no actual descriptions, of one of the team members using slight-of-hand magic to gain rapport with the natives.
Disrespect/Rebellion	:	There are many examples of thwarting international rules, though it is balanced with the consequences of such actions and the obvious difference when the rules are followed. There are vivid descriptions of deep emotional reactions to circumstances and differing personalities among the team members, some of which struck me as "not very polite"
Drug/Alcohol Use	:	There is a scene where the team coming off the mountain is in a state of severe dehydration and the only thing there is to drink is hot, flat beer. One of the men is a recovering alcoholic and refuses to drink the beer, choosing instead to risk his life in the wait for water; another team member out of compassion chooses to wait with him.
Violence/Abuse	:	This book touches on several violent instances throughout history, some of them quite descriptively. There is a very vivid scene of a goat being killed for dinner.
Educational Value	:	This book has strong education value in several areas. From an archeological standpoint, it tells a compelling story and leaves one with a sense of wanting to pick up where the author left off. From a historical standpoint, it lays out many facts and historical forays that help show why the search for all things ancient can be so convoluted and confusing, yet shows that perseverance, patience, and a non-biased approach to the evidence can often reveal obscured truths. It touches on political issues in a stark and truthful, yet compassionate and somehow gentle manner. It reveals the human side of a culture so far removed from our own, causing one to assess preconceived notions, and fosters understanding between cultures.
Positive/Negative Message	:	Overall, this book has a positive message of truth, hope, and inner spiritual growth.

Of the many books I have read on this subject, this volume stands alone and definitely ranks among the most compelling. The book begins with such compelling prose that one questions its non-fictional status. It draws you in from the first page and holds your attention throughout.

Bob Cornuke, founder of the The Bible Archeology Search & Exploration Institute (BASE), is a real life Indiana Jones. After many years of successfully searching for and finding biblical artifacts, he centers his sights on finding Noah's Ark. He begins with a broad but detailed scoping of the traditional landing site... Mt. Ararat in Turkey. However, sensing that tradition is apparently failing the cause, he is drawn to reexamine assumptions long held and look at source evidence with new openness and reverent prayer. The result is a vivid, page-turner account of the emotional search for one of the most prized biblical relics of all time. The author not only recounts old evidence in a new light, but discovers much new evidence -- older evidence -- to support a new theory. In the end, he still does not find Noah's ark, but presents a very compelling case for why the centuries old massive search for Noah's ark should shift to a new location... Mt. Sabalon in Iran. I highly recommend this book.

Listen to Jesus! (God Rocks! Bibletoons)

2010-09-05T14:05:00.009-05:00

by Bruce W. Stacey

illustrated by Phillip Williams

Religious/Secular Content	:	Religious
Adult Content	:	No
Mature Topics	:	No
Strong/Inappropriate Language	:	No
Magic/Witchcraft	:	No
Disrespect/Rebellion	:	No
Drug/Alcohol Use	:	No
Violence/Abuse	:	No
Educational Value	:	Yes your child will get educated in the Word of God
Positive/Negative Messages	:	Positive

This book is based on the series that comes on Smile of A Child Network. Reading level for this book is ages 4-8. This book helps teach your children to walk in love at all times. Even when someone is not treating them right to always respond in love. My children love watching this show and now since I purchased the books they're enjoying reading the books as well!!

Little Scraggly Hair: A Dog on Noah's Ark

2010-09-04T21:37:00.009-05:00

by Lynn Cullen

illustrated by Jacqueline Rogers

Religious/Secular Content	:	Yes. The Noah's Ark theme is common to nearly all cultures on earth including Christianity, Judaism and Moslem. However, this is a fantastical, fictional tale with little regard for historical accuracy.
Adult Content	:	No; unless you count the implied reference to all life drowning in the flood waters.
Mature Topics	:	Rejection. The dog is an outcast among outcasts. Noah's neighbors ridicule him for building a boat and for keeping a dog.
Strong/Inappropriate Language	:	No
Magic/Witchcraft	:	No
Disrespect/Rebellion	:	Noah's children are ashamed of him and lazy, refusing to do the work assigned to them. Noah's wife is angry with him. All of them are disrespectful complainers. Even Noah guiltily takes the dog in the house when he knows his wife will not like it and pacifies her objections with a false promise.
Drug/Alcohol Use	:	No
Violence/Abuse	:	Reference to people being mean to each other, but no specifics. And again, the implied notion that all people on earth parish by the flood.
Educational Value	:	An excellent example of a tall tale; would fit well into a literary study of this genre. The hick accent in which it is told is quite well written. There are many opportunities for discussing the fruits of the spirit, how they are violated and how they could be applied.
Positive/Negative Messages	:	The lonely, rejected dog endears itself to Noah and eventually to his daughter, where he finds a family to love him and a forever home.

In the spirit of Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories comes this delightful, fantastical tale of how dogs got wet noses.

If you can stand the melding of a true story with the inaccuracies of a tall tale, this is a darling story that I would recommend for all ages. If you are sensitive to your children getting inaccurate ideas in their heads about biblical stories, this is one to avoid, for there are many biblical inaccuracies.

BIBLICAL INACCURACIES

The bible says Noah had three sons and no daughters who board the ark as adults who are already married. In this book, Noah has two sons and two daughters who board the ark as children.
The bible says Noah took 2 or 7 pairs of each kind of animal, depending on the type of animal. The book says Noah took two of every critter, plus the dog, who did not have a mate when he got on the ark.
The bible says that when the ark was completely loaded and Noah was on board, the LORD shut the door and THEN it began to rain. In the book, it starts to rain before everyone is on the ark and the dog keeps working in the rain.
In the biblical account, the ark is well prepared to meet the needs of its inhabitants. In this book, there is insufficient space and insufficient food.
In the biblical account, Noah sends the dove out after 150 days and watches for its return. In this story, Noah's daughter discovers the dove on the dog's nose on the 40th day.

Ginger Pye

2010-09-04T08:09:00.001-05:00

Written and Illustrated by Eleanor Estes

Religious/Secular Content	:	Secular
Adult Content	:	No
Mature Topics	:	No
Strong/Inappropriate Language	:	No
Magic/Witchcraft	:	No
Disrespect/Rebellion	:	No
Drug/Alcohol Use	:	No
Violence/Abuse	:	No
Educational Value	:	Great read aloud for all ages, great mystery that creates many opportunities for critical thinking.
Positive/Negative Message	:	No

Can I tell you that we have been reading this book FOREVER!! I think it's because of the author's writing style. Let me explain.

This is a very child friendly book. A great read-aloud for all ages. All three of my older children ages 5, 6 and 8 have enjoyed this book. Even hubby enjoyed it when he sat in on it a few times. The author is funny and engaging. However, she does seem to go off on rabbit trails all the time.

The story is about a young boy named Jerry who works hard to earn the money to purchase a dog (Ginger) of his own only to have him stolen on Thanksgiving Day. He and his sister Rachel work tirelessly to try and find the dog and the "Unsavory Character" whom they believe to have stolen Ginger.I will leave it at that so as not to ruin the climax but I feel that Mrs. Estes could've said in maybe 150 pages what she actually said in over 300. Yeah, it's a big book.

One of our favorite characters was Rachel and Jerry's 3 year old uncle, Uncle Benny. So cute and funny! The Pye parents are sweet but the father is quite absent from the story and the Mom appears, but in short instances here and there.

The children enjoyed this book greatly and there was nothing that I was alarmed at while reading it and I'm pretty picky about what we read over here. However she is very wordy as I stated above so that might make it harder for the reader to want to keep up with this book. I know that I wanted to just stop a few times but the children wouldn't let me-they really, really liked it.

A Porcupine Named Fluffy

2010-09-03T02:52:00.004-05:00

by Helen Lester

illustrated by Lynn Munsinger

Religious/Secular Content	:	Not applicable
Adult Content	:	No
Mature Topics	:	No
Strong/Inappropriate Language	:	No
Magic/Witchcraft	:	No
Disrespect/Rebellion	:	No
Drug/Alcohol Use	:	No
Violence/Abuse	:	Threat of bullying. One character threatens to "rough up" another.
Educational Value	:	Preschool Read-Aloud or Elementary Reader; an entertaining tale with a subtle, moral message; opportunity to discuss bullying, defensiveness and judging others on superficial means.
Positive/Negative Messages	:	The two main characters struggle with identity issues and making friends, but conquer both in the end.

Early Reader

Mr. and Mrs. Porcupine, upon having their first child, know that a name has meaning and want to give their son the best advantage, so they shun names about being, well... prickly. They name their son Fluffy, which he obviously isn't, without thinking this might cause him embarrassment or difficulties. As Fluffy grows, he tries in vain to make himself into what his name suggests. Upon failing in this endeavor, he goes for a depressed walk where he meets a rhinoceros who, unbeknownst to him, is having the very same identity crisis, only he deals with it by defensively pushing people away... bullying them. When the two discover their joint plight, they realize the ridiculousness of their individual efforts to change what is unchangeable, accept themselves and become fast friends.

The Usborne Internet-Linked Encyclopedia of World History

2010-09-02T23:40:00.002-05:00

by Jane Bingham, Fiona Chandler, Sam Taplin, Jane Chisholm
illustrated by Giacinto Gaudenzi, Ian Jackson, Jeremy Gower, N. J. Hewetson, Lorenzo Cecchi, Justine Torode, David Cuzik, Gary Bines, David Wright

Religious/Secular Content	:	Secular
Adult Content	:	No
Mature Topics	:	No
Strong/Inappropriate Language	:	No
Magic/Witchcraft	:	No
Disrespect/Rebellion	:	No
Drug/Alcohol Use	:	No
Violence/Abuse	:	No
Educational Value	:	Yes
Positive/Negative Message	:	Neutral

I've marked everything "NO" but this is a history book and there are instances of all of the above mentioned. This book is 'politically correct' however and watches it's word usage. It does have the secular viewpoint of the "Big Bang" theory and is heavy on evolution.

Being a history text it does talk about the various wars and skirmishes that have taken place through the years but all is done tastefully. This is a very useful book for history. In some parts of the book, the earlier civilizations, there are drawings of statues and idols that may be questionable for some people. On page 109 a clay figure from Catal Huyuk that is thought to be of the Mother Goddess and she is nude but the drawing is a modest one compared to the real life artifacts.

This content guide isn't meant in reference to the links that you can access through Usborne's site because many of those are outside links and may have questionable content.

When You Rise Up

2010-08-30T23:59:00.014-05:00

by R. C. Sproul, Jr.

Religious/Secular Content	:	Christian
Adult Content	:	No
Mature Topics	:	No
Strong/Inappropriate Language	:	No
Magic/Witchcraft	:	No
Disrespect/Rebellion	:	No
Drug/Alcohol Use	:	No
Violence/Abuse	:	No
Educational Value	:	Yes
Positive/Negative Messages	:	Positive

This is such a great book that really brings your focus back to what we really should be teaching our children.

This books shows you what the bible says that we are to teach our children, not what the world says.

When you read this book, you will be inspired to put God and Scripture first, and to remember that what is really at stake is your child's eternal life, not just their future career.

R.C. is not saying that "school" things are unimportant, but that we really should remember what God told us to teach our children, and to make sure that we take that seriously.

He shows us the biblical mandates in scripture that tells parents to teach their children, and train our children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

*I highly recommend this book if you are wanting to make God and Scripture a first priority in your lives.

We really can't forget that the Lord who made our children, and blessed us with them, also asked us to train them up in a certain way. When we don't take that mandate seriously, it is like we are telling God that we know better as to what to teach our children, or that what He told us is not really all that important.

Although Math, Science and History is important, it is not as important as our children loving the Lord, and living for Him, and raising up their own children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

That is what is really important after all, isn't it?*

*My own words, not from the book.

Max Lucado: The Gift for all People: Thoughts on God's Great Grace

2010-08-21T13:47:00.000-05:00

1. Religious/ Secular Content: CHRISTIAN
2. Adult Content: NO
3. Mature Topics: YES
4. Strong/ Inappropriate Language: NO
5. Magic/ Witchcraft/ Fictional Characters: NO
6. Disrespect/ Rebellion: YES
7. Drug/ Alcohol Use: YES
8. Violence/ Abuse: YES
9. Educational Value:
10. Positive/ Negative Messages: POSITIVE

Many books by Max Lucado are well known. They are Christian in content. This book is along the same vein as his others.

I believe this book does have Mature Content right from the start. We learn about Eric in the Prologue who suffers from mental illness and eventually cancer.

Alcohol Use is mentioned on page 39: "The same face that beamed at the paralytic beams at the alcoholic refusing the bottle."

Page 95 tells us of the story of a man that set out to adopt a troubled teenage girl. Disrespect/Rebellion are presented here: "She was destructive, disobedient and dishonest. One day she came home and ransacked the house looking for money. By the time he arrived, she was gone and the house was in shambles."

The inclusion of Violence/Abuse comes from Lucado's brief, yet descriptive story of Christ on the cross- before and after. Page 73 tells us "...people spit into the eyes that had wept for them...soldiers ripped chunks of flesh out of the back of their God...spikes pierced the hands that formed the earth."

This book gives a positive message of hope in God's Grace.

Katie Meier: a Girl's Guide to Life

2010-08-21T08:38:00.000-05:00

1. Religious/ Secular Content: CHRISTIAN
2. Adult Content: !YES!
3. Mature Topics: !YES!
4. Strong/ Inappropriate Language: YES
5. Magic/ Witchcraft/ Fictional Characters: NO
6. Disrespect/ Rebellion: YES
7. Drug/ Alcohol Use: YES
8. Violence/ Abuse: YES
9. Educational Value: ?
10. Positive/ Negative Messages: POSITIVE

When you look at that list and all the YES's marked, it looks like this is not a good book. But the book's goal is to address issues that teenage girls will face and like it or not, at some point in their lives, they will face all of these things. It also has the goal of trying to show girls how it is important to stay true to themselves: body, mind, and soul. As far as Educational Value, I wasn't sure what to mark.

The adult & mature content is present pretty much THROUGHOUT the book and although Meier presents it for the most part as un-harsh a way as possible, it is there undeniably. For Strong/Inappropriate Language I marked yes simply because of what some of the topics are dealing with and she doesn't pull any punches- she lays it out like it is. However, the theme throughout is based on Christian principles: in the chapter on Beauty we are directed to Proverbs 31; in the chapter on Romance we are directed to Psalms (there are others throughout).

There are a lot of sexual references in this book. This book would be best, in my humble opinion, for a girl that is at least 15, possibly even older.

You can read a review I did for this book if you would like here.

Chelsea Curtis Fraser: Boys' Book of Battles

2010-08-21T08:13:00.000-05:00

1. Religious/ Secular Content: NO
2. Adult Content: NO
3. Mature Topics: YES
4. Strong/ Inappropriate Language: References to race
5. Magic/ Witchcraft/ Fictional Characters: NO
6. Disrespect/ Rebellion: NO
7. Drug/ Alcohol Use: NO
8. Violence/ Abuse: YES
9. Educational Value: YES
10. Positive/ Negative Messages: Positive

Boys' Book of Battles is the story of eleven famous land combats (perhaps some not so well known by today's generation of children...). It includes battles of Bunker Hill, Saratoga, Yorktown, Austerlitz, Waterloo, Gettysburg, Sedan, Ypres, Verdun, Second Marne, and Argonne Meuse. There are inclusions of first person accounts at some of the later battles and this book is graphic in its descriptions.

I marked that there are "Strong/Inappropriate Language" because this book was written in the early 1900's, when some words for certain races were acceptable that today are taboo. Also, for "Disrespect/Rebellion" I marked no, but there are two instances that come to mind of an officer disobeying orders, and the brief account of Benedict Arnold.

Although this book is graphic in its violence, I believe it does have a positive message. Historically this book is very accurate and helpful with learning geography and history during those times. Personally, I am looking forward to reading more books by this author.

Another note, I've tagged it as Elementary but I would really recommend this book for at least 12 years and up.

Prairie Brides

2010-08-20T23:39:00.000-05:00

1. Religious/ Secular Content: Christian
2. Adult Content: YES
3. Mature Topics: YES
4. Strong/ Inappropriate Language: NO
5. Magic/ Witchcraft/ Fictional Characters: NO
6. Disrespect/ Rebellion: NO
7. Drug/ Alcohol Use: NO
8. Violence/ Abuse: NO
9. Educational Value: NO
10. Positive/ Negative Messages: Positive

Prairie Brides is four novellas in one book.
They all have a similar feel.
They are all basically love stories that are set in a farm/ country setting.
I really enjoyed these stories. They were uplifting and encouraged me to be a better wife!
There is a little adult content, but it is very tasteful, and definitely set in a Christian manner.
No kissing or anything before marriage.
These books are definitely for adults however, just because the main point of them is finding a spouse, and getting married.
If you love the old fashioned country lifestyle, you will love these books.

Betsy Ross: Designer of Our Flag

2010-08-20T15:09:00.009-05:00

by Ann Weil

Illustrated by Al Fiorentino

_____________________________________________

1. Religious/ Secular Content: Christian, Quaker
2. Adult Content: NO
3. Mature Topics: YES
4. Strong/ Inappropriate Language: NO
5. Magic/ Witchcraft: NO
6. Disrespect/ Rebellion: YES
7. Drug/ Alcohol Use: NO
8. Violence/ Abuse: NO
9. Educational Value: YES
10. Positive/ Negative Messages: Positive
________________________________________________________________________

I have to say, I loved this book! I was pre-reading this book for my daughter, and I got hooked. I had to read every word! lol
This book is part of the Childhood of Famous American's series.
This book basically describes Betsy Ross' childhood, and then in the last chapter it describes a little of her adult life, and how she came to make the flag.
There was so much in this book that I never knew about her life and family.
As I was reading through this book, I thought that if the whole series was this good, I wanted them all!
It is rare to find a good book with nothing inappropriate in it.
This book is nearly perfect as far as that goes except that there was one thing that bothered me.
In one part of this book, Betsy and her friend are down at the docks, and a young boy tries to talk to them.
At first Betsy won't even look at him, and she is thinking to herself, that her parents told her not to talk to boys she didn't know, and that she should just ignore him.
She does this for a little while, but then, she eventually talks to him, knowing that her parents would be upset if she did.
Actually, she even goes with him on a boat, knowing that she should not, and that she would be going against her parents.
In the book they never say whether or not her parents found out about it, or if she was given any correction.
Now, other than this one thing, this was such a great book!
For me, I will still let my kids read this book, and use this as a learning tool. I may ask them to point out to me whether or not they found anything in the book that they thought wasn't right, and talk to them about what could happen today, if they went off with a stranger.
In the last chapter, it tells that Betsy's Husband died in a building that exploded. It does not go into any great detail about it however. It should be OK for most ages, but if you have a younger one that you are reading to, you may just want to skip that sentence.
This book was very good and I loved how it incorporated other aspects of history into it as well. Your kids will actually remember these history details, the way this book presents them.
Based off of this book, I would definitely check out the rest of the series!