Julie by Catherine Marshall

Julie’s father decided to leave the ministry after several difficult ministries. He buys a small town newspaper and becomes the Editor. It soon becomes evident that certain people in the community have all the power and aren’t making decisions that are good for the community. Not only that, but they expect the paper to print only good articles about them. Caught in the middle, Julie’s family must decide to what extent they are willing to stand up to them.

Those who like Marshall’s Christy will like Julie. It covers small town life during the depression and what it was like in an industrial village. It is also easy to read and can be read in late elementary school.

The Love Languages of God by Gary Chapman

Based on The Five Love Languages, Chapman further explains in this book that God uses our personal love languages to communicate love to us also. While the original book is about love from human to human, this one covers the different ways that God can show love to us. The Five Love Languages are words of affirmation, physical touch (sexual and non sexual), quality time, gifts, and acts of service. While it can be hard to hear God, this book can help one see where God maybe speaking.

Men Are Like Waffles, Women Are Like Spaghetti by Bill & Pam Farrell

Ever have trouble understanding your spouse? Well, you are not alone! The Farrells discuss a major difference in men and women-how they think. They give real-life examples and practical solutions on working through the difficulties. While this concept is more and more common, the first place I heard it. This funny and resourceful book is great for anyone in contact with the opposite sex.

Mr. Darcy's Diary by Amanda Grange

Basically, this is Pride and Prejudice in Mr. Darcy’s point of view recorded in his diary.

Grange does her best to duplicate the language used in Pride and Prejudice but it still has a modern overtone. It is an easier reading level. I would recommend it to any P&P fan…it’s not quite the real thing but fun to read.

Twilight Series by Stephanie Meyer

Bella moved to rainy Forks, Washington, to live with her father to give her mother and new step-father the chance to travel for his career. She is a loner by nature but eventually makes friends. She is attracted to the Cullen family, especially Edward, but he seems to avoid being near her. She soon learns his secret and he allows her to be close. The rest of the series is about the world that is not human and the troubles they have in being together.

While this series is easy to get wrapped up in, it is clear that Bella fosters an unhealthy attachment to Edward. She pulls dangerous stunts, many of which are not logical even by romantic or self-sacrificing standards. Not only does she cling to Edward but she often leads Jacob to believe that he may have a chance with her. She is cruel to both of these guys when she is forced to decide between them. Also, vampires sparkle in the Twilight series; this is the only place in literature that they do this. With all of this combined, even with them books being easy to read, I would not recommend middle schoolers or younger reading this without an adult to discuss the topics.

Steal Away by Jennifer Armstrong

As the years pass, Susannah and Bethlehem decide to write down their experiences of running away from the plantation. Susannah was sent their to live with her uncle after her parents died falling though the ice in their pond. She was not used to slaves and was against the idea, thinking it strange that her uncle who was a minister approved of them and kept many on his land. Bethlehem was one of the slaves that was on the plantation. Susannah’s cousin used to keep Bethlehem as her personal slave but gave her to Susannah upon her arrival. Through their time together, they decide to strike out on their own, seeking freedom.

The Civil War Era is of great interest to many and this story gives a different twist. It shows the then and the later mindsets that people had towards slavery. Yet, Armstrong handles the topic honestly but tactfully to bring the story to the reader. This book could be read by third graders and older.

Voices After Midnight by Richard Peck

While on summer vacation in New York, Heidi, Chad, and Luke find themselves ending up in 1888 in their apartment. While their parents are off about town, the three siblings learn about the family that originally lived in the house and the tragedy that took place. They wonder if they should interfere, what the outcome would be, and if they would be able to get back to their own time.

Time travel is interesting and this is a great introduction to it. It has adventure but is not too overwhelming. It would be good for any elementary student to read.

Christy by Catherine Marshall

Eager to do her share helping people, Christy Huddleston left her family in North Carolina for the mountain people of West Virginia. She encountered many struggles in working with this group of people who seemed to be more than a century behind the rest of the world. Between feuds and superstitions, Christy has a hard time showing God’s love to the people.

Inspired by Catherine Marshall’s mother, this book relates events and people who are strangers to us today. This book is easy to read and could be read as young as late elementary school. There is a children’s series based off of the TV show that is easier to read, breaking down the novel into smaller pieces.

Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson

After the death of his parents and on the verge of adulthood, David Balfour sets out to find his uncle who is his only known relative. Although his Uncle Ebenezer is not welcoming, David has no idea what he has planned. His adventures are greatly impacted by all the unrest in Scotland as he travels and tries to get back what belongs to him from his uncle.

This book would be great for any reader who loves adventure. Its history is accurate and is brought to life through David’s travels. Anyone in eighth grade or older would probably enjoy this book.

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

In a time that is not our own but not too distant in the future, information is provided only by the government. People commit suicide but no one questions why but merely medicate the people so they recover, to do it again. Firemen don’t put out fires, they start them and burn books by them. Guy Montag, the fireman whose story we follow, has always questioned how things are in the subconscious of his mind. After meeting his free-thinking neighbor Clarisse, Guy gives more thought to the questions he has had all along. His thinking gives him ideas that start to change the course of his life.

Of all the books that discuss the world going bad, this is my favorite. I have always enjoyed Bradbury’s writing. This one appeals to me because of the treasure that books become. The book is a good warning to pay attention to what is going on around us and to protect the freedoms that we have so that we can continue to think for our selves. This book, because of some of the topics, should be read by those in high school and older.

Every Woman's Battle by Shannon Ethridge

This series of books is companion to Every Man’s Battle by Stephen Arterburn. Shannon addresses where women struggle, and not just waiting for marriage to have sex. She addresses many topics that trouble women today: appearance, body type, self-esteem, relationships, and others; she also explains how they work together with our relationship with God.

This book would be great for a woman’s Bible Study, a new believer’s class for women, and other similar groups. For pre-teens and younger teens, a great companion for this subject is Preparing Your Daughter for a Woman’s Greatest Battle, also by Shannon Ethridge. This book is great in coaching parents how to talk to their daughter(s) about these tough topics.

Where the Buffalo Roam by Anne Matthews

The author addresses a new theory of making profit off of the plains. With weather being unsettled and so many factors in producing profitable crops, there are those who are thinking of buffalo. Known as bison in North America, they have proven their longevity and survivability over thousands of years. There are several different levels suggested: from raising buffalos and farming to opening up the plains states and allowing the buffalo to roam again.

While this discussion is still in the beginning stages, it is interesting to read thoughts on not only trying to improve the land to produce better crops but also to helping the buffalo regain its numbers. Anyone who is interested in this or related topics would enjoy the thoughts the author presents in this book.

Catherine, Called Birdy by Karen Cushman

Birdy’s father is trying to find a husband for her. He is greedy and selfish, and trying to find the richest man, even if he is the least appealing to her. Birdy uses her cunning and is able to escape several suitors. But, the wealthiest of them all arrives seeking a wife. Birdy knows that this one will be the toughest one of all to get rid of.

There are several elements to this book that make for good reading. With this book taking place in a world different than our own, it brings alive the religious beliefs and medical treatments in that day. It is easy to read and understand. I would recommend it to girls who are in late elementary school or middle school.

Animal Farm by George Orwell

The animals on Manor Farm have had enough. Farmer Jones has been lazy, negligent, and just plain horrible at being a farmer. They think that everyone should be equal to each other. As they set up their new form of “government,” it becomes clear that they have merely gotten rid of a dictator for another oppressive ruler.

This book is often read for a class in middle or high school. It can be read in early middle school but the combination of abstract thinking and history that is hinted may make it difficult to understand for the young reader. If they have someone to read and explain, I think it would be successful!

Hatchet Series by Gary Paulsen

Brian receives a hatchet from his mom the morning he is to leave to visit his dad. His mom thought he might be able to use it on the trip. While on the small airplane, being the only passenger, the pilot gives him a basic flying lesson. Soon after, the pilot seems to be feeling sick and becomes unconscious. Brian takes over flying and is forced to crash land. The book continues as he learns to survive in the wilderness and continues to hope for rescue as winter approaches.

Brian’s Winter continues the series with the question, “What if Brian had to spend the winter alone in the wilderness?”

In The River, Brian receives a contract to demonstrate how he survived in the wilderness. This will kick-start a program to train astronauts and military personnel to survive in the wilderness. An unforeseen problem causes mayhem and leaves the group to the knowledge that Brian gained on his original stay.

Brian’s Return is the official sequel to the Hatchet. Brian struggles with living in society again after being on his own in the wilderness. He returns to the woods to find where he belongs.

I haven’t read Brian’s Return yet but I have read the others. These books are suspenseful and take the reader on a journey of survival. It is easy to put oneself in Brian’s place and wonder what one would do. I would recommend them to third or fourth graders and older students. I remember my fourth grade teacher start reading Hatchet to our class after lunch on our first day of school.

The Prairie Legacy Series by Janette Oke

This series centers around Virginia, granddaughter of Marty (from the Love Comes Softly Series). The four books in the series relates the difficulties of her growing up and trying to find her way, yet trying to follow in her family’s footsteps of faith. She meets Jenny, who will greatly impact her life throughout the books. She struggles through early marriage with her mother-in-law living with the new couple. But through the heartache and pain of growing up, Virginia finds herself enjoying time with her mother and grandmother, who share words of wisdom.

I would not recommend reading this series unless the Love Comes Softly Series has already been read. There are many characters and situations referred to that would be confusing and may not make any sense. I do recommend reading it. It is more modern than many of the other books. Many people will find these enjoyable starting in fifth or sixth grade.

Agatha Christie Mysteries

Nearly four billion books sold, Agatha Christie is one of the most famous mystery writes with a lasting legacy. She has four main detectives that star in her books-Hercule Poirot, Miss Jane Marple, and Tommy and Tuppence (whose actual names are not well-known). The books have taken new forms in movies, plays, graphic novels, and video games. Christie’s mysteries get down to the mess of life and discover who the murderer is. She often can keep the reader guessing “who dun it” to the very end, where the detective relates the solution.

Even though these books can be graphic about the murder and what goes on in real life, there is a grace in how Christie writes it. She writes eloquently but respects the frame of mind of the reader. Her descriptions of poisons and how murders are committed are quite accurate but does not give directions of how to do it. The books are fairly easy to read, with some British culture and slang thrown in. I am sure that someone in high school or late middle school would find these enjoyable in the challenge to figure out the mystery.

Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen

Throughout centuries, one of the greatest ambitions is to find a mate. Austen relates to us a certain English family with five daughters and a conscientious mother who is determined to seek out men for her daughters; and encourages their silliness in flirting. While the oldest two daughters have manners and propriety, the younger three are quite silly: one is so philosophical that no man will ever look at her and the other two are so lacking in manners that they are destined to disgrace the family. In spite of all of this, Austen brings through the idea that those who are proper and seek a mate for love and not just to be married will truly find happiness.

I would recommend this book to anyone who would want to read it. It is written in older English but the language flows so smoothly and beautifully once you get into the rhythm of it. Probably someone who is in middle school could probably read this.

Ghost Cadet-Elaine Marie Alphin

When Benjy and his sister Fran are sent to their grandmother’s in Virginia for spring break, they are not sure what to expect. They never would have imagined Miss to be spunky, lively, and strong. While she disproves of their father’s actions, she takes them in as family. While exploring some of the historical sites, Benjy discovers a link to the past that no one would believe him. Through this link, Benjy realizes that he is capable of more than he once thought he was.

This book would be great for late elementary students and middle school students. It has adventure mixed with history. It does have a Southern spin on it but this is good for discussion and seeing a side that people don’t always get to see.

Twenty & Ten by Claire Huchet Bishop

Just as Nazi occupation of France became a realization, ten Jewish children sought safety at a small French school. With the students agreeing to keep them safe and not tell anyone, the Jewish children were granted safety. This meant many sacrifices for the children who were already living in a country lacking provisions, money, and were tight on rations. To keep the Nazis from suspecting, they spit the rations even more to include the Jewish children. They shared beds, blankets, and all that they had. It seemed to be going well until the headmistress went to town for supplies. While she was gone, several Nazi soldiers appeared and questioned the children.

While the author takes on a difficult subject, this book is quite appropriate for children to begin learning about WWII. It is easy to read and understand. While I would suggest that parents would read and discuss it with their children (especially if they have not been exposed to the subject), it could be easily read by early elementary school children.

The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame

Toad is well known for his flamboyant lifestyle and conceited attitude. He moves from one past time to another, ranging from riding horses to driving motor-cars. His reckless behavior often leads to loss and injury to others; sometimes injury for himself. Once he discards a hobby, the remains of it are merely stashed upon the land left to him by his father. Mole, Water Rat, and Badger do their very best to help Toad see his destructive ways but merely appeases them for the time. After being increasingly conceited, a decision not well thought out leads him to his lowest point. Once again, his friends are there to help him dig his way back out.

This book is easy to read and the story moves quickly. Kids in elementary school would enjoy this and it might be a good first “no picture” book. There are some more difficult words but it would merely help them increase their vocabulary.

Ordering Your Private World by Gordon MacDonald

Being in ministry takes a lot of balancing and a lot of giving. MacDonald gives his story of when everything was out of order in his world. Through his experience, he found a way that he can keep things in balance and still have time for his personal time with God. While this book is written primarily for those in ministry, the model can be applied to anyone. The discussion questions at the end of each chapter make it possible to read the book as a group study or for individual study. It is a good prevention book and also a book of hope if life is already out of control.

Questions You Can't Ask Your Mama About Sex-Gross & Foster

The title might be offending to parents who take time to talk with their children but this book covers the “hot topics” of sex in our world today. The authors discuss these topics in a respectful and informative way. Teens today often have a skewed view of sex and this book is an abbreviated answer to it. The authors, once pastors, tackle the topic through seminars, software, and their online website (XXXchurch). This book gives their views, based on the Bible, of the different topics and gives teens and young adults a place to start in their understanding of God’s intention for sex.

I think that this book would be good for middle schoolers and up. It is easy to read and understand. Although, for families where parents have a good relationship with their children, it would probably be good for the parents to read it with the middle schoolers and high schoolers. Parents could also use it as a guide of things to talk about with the kids especially since it gives logically reasons and Biblical support.

Second Guessing God by Brian Jones

In this book, Brian Jones uses examples from his own life to explain that we often wonder when God is going to act, or even at all. Also through his life-examples, he reminds us that we often don’t give God enough credit. God has timing that we don’t understand and often find ourselves impatient waiting on Him. A pre-release sampler used the phrase (a paraphrase), “God often works upstream from our current situation,” and uses the Israelites crossing the Jordan as an example.

I think that this book would be good for middle school-aged and older. It is easy to read and understand. It could even be helpful for older elementary kids who are searching out God’s answers to difficult questions if they have someone to read with them and discuss it.

The Love Comes Softly Series by Janette Oke

Marty left home with her husband in search of a new life. When they had nearly arrived at their destination, tragedy strikes and is left alone without a home and winter on the way. Through a “marriage of convenience,” she receives the necessities for life and learns of a new way of life through her new family. From there, the series continues and includes stories of her children and friends.

This series is easy to read and promotes family, respect for adults, faith, and living responsibly for one’s self and for others. I think most could be able to read these in fifth or sixth grade quite easily. These uplifting tales of faith bring hope to many people.

The Harry Potter Series by J. K. Rowling

An orphan and subjected into servitude by his only living relatives, Harry Potter finds himself with a grim future. On his eleventh birthday, he receives a surprise that will change his expectations of the future. His eyes are opened to a new world and learns about his parents and his past, which his relatives had been striving to keep secret. The story continues as he learns of his greatest enemy, who still wants to destroy him.

Not too long ago, this series was one of the hottest topics in teen and young adult literature. Many are still hesitant to recommend or even approve of these books. This series promotes friendship, loyalty, self-sacrifice, and doing what is right even if you are the only one. I really enjoyed these books and even felt uplifted by them when good conquered evil. If you are not sure about your child reading them, read them first by yourself or read them with your child. I would recommend not letting kids read them by themselves before middle school. Also, evil becomes much darker (and good even brighter) in the later books, so read with caution with younger children.

Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson

This strange but short tale is a good reminder of what happens if one would become part of the experiment one is conducting. Dr. Jekyll is a workaholic who experiments on himself and experiences what it would be like to be someone very unlike himself. As the story continues, Dr. Jekyll finds himself being less who he once was and becoming like himself in a totally different way. Wonderfully written, the reader can easily become wrapped up in every turn.

The reading in this story is not too difficult but in dealing with some of the subject matter, I would say someone in 6^th grade could possibly read this book if accompanied by a trusted adult. There are some tense scenes that could cause strange dreams but for me, the odd dreams were worth it!

The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis

This collection of tales was written for his goddaughter Lucy. In them, we learn of a land, called Narnia, where animals talk as we do and time moves differently. The land is ruled by kings and queens. These kinds and queens answer to Aslan; who rules many worlds and is above other rulers. Each book contains another journey in Aslan’s plan to help the land of Narnia (and its surrounding lands) flourish and live according to moral code. Every hero has an enemy and the chance to choose evil. Through this series, we see the creation of a world, the journey the people in the world have taken, and the end of world that has served its purpose.

I remember my Mama reading these books to my sister and me when we were kids. They were good before bedtime and naps, although sometimes we had to read two chapters instead of one when there was an action scene! The series is great for all ages and might be fun as family reading. They are pretty easy to understand. Strong readers in Third grade could possibly read them on their own; although a parent might want to read alongside or have previously read it to discuss, even just for fun!

The series contains seven books, whose reading order is often disputed. Should one read according to the order in which C. S. Lewis wrote them or in the order in which they were published? Both orders can be found online. I personally have read them in both orders and prefer the order that Lewis wrote them. As my aunt says, “It is the magic order!”

Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis

This book is complied from radio talks C.S. Lewis did. Through these talks, he identified man’s need for a being bigger than themselves. Not only was this being needed in creation but now the being wants to build a relationship with each person created. The book moves through the process that C.S. Lewis took intellectually to find God. Once an atheist, his reasoning and other factors along his search, he was able to find faith in God.

There is information packed into every sentence and takes a while to digest. This book is great for believers and non-believers alike. While the information is not bad for children to be exposed to, there is quite a bit of abstract thinking required to follow the book. Someone who has not reached that point will find it difficult to keep reading. The ability to think abstractly in this way usually develops later high school and through college. Although, someone younger could possibly attempt if they had someone older to read along with them.

My Goal

This idea of mine started as a "daydream" two years ago. I was working with middle school and high school military youth and realized that many of them truly enjoyed reading but they didn't always know where to turn for the next book. My idea grew further when parents began to ask if I knew the books that their kids were reading and what the books were like. I realized that there was a need for book reviews to be accessible to parents and students alike on all kinds of books. The catch is that there are reviews out there but not the type of reviews that they are looking for. My goal in this blog to make positive and negative recommendations on books based on a few points: overall morality, ideas communicated about family and self, and whether this book promotes positive or negative overtone. I am a Christian and will see the books through this filter but I am not here to promote purely Christian books. I will try to evaluate these books as honestly and fairly as possible. I do not have an English or literature degree. I have hope that books can provide teens and parents another interest to have in common, or find one for the first time.