"The Boy Who Changed the World" by Andy Andrews

Does what you do really matter? Even when you are a child? Yes, each life matters. "The Boy Who Changed the World" is a wonderful story for children showing how each person affects others around them. Norman Borlaug was a normal young man who loved to play in the cornfields. But, there was something Norman didn't like and that was knowing that someone didn't have enough to eat. His plan was to grow special seeds to grow super plants and try to stamp out hunger. Norman studied and succeeded, but was Norman the only one responsible for this success? You will need to read the book to find out!

 

This is a great book to help children understand that they can make a difference. The illustrations are bright and colorful, and make the story come alive. This is the children's companion to Andy Andrews' "The Butterfly Effect," which I recommend to adults. I was privileged to read a preview copy of this book through the Book Sneeze program from Thomas Nelson, and plan to buy it for my grandchildren.

"One Hand, Two Hands" by Max Lucado

"One Hand, Two Hands" is a delightful book filled with easy to learn rhymes and wonderful illustrations. The principles of using our hands to be helpful and thankful are not preachy, but rather catchy rhymes that children will love to hear and then use. There is an emphasis on using hands with kindness (petting a dog), creativity (making a card), and love (giving a hug). Toddlers will love having it read to them, beginning readers can easily use it to practice, and older children won't mind reading this one out loud.

I enjoyed reading this book while thinking about the children in my life who would love it. The illustrations made the reading so delightful, and I loved its ending of folding hands in prayer! It makes a great baby shower or birthday gift, and a great addition to any home library. Thank you to the Book Sneeze book reviewer's program for the opportunity to have a copy.

"Shadow Bound" by Erin Kellison

An unsuspecting world's existence depends on some skillful wraith fighters. Adam has put together a worldwide network of people (Segue) to find ways of fighting and killing these wraiths. But the wraiths are getting stronger, pulling the souls from more victims. Still they study, train, and prepare. Adam has to find a way to kill what took his brother and his parents. Talia is a half-breed, hunted by the Demon, unsure of what her place is. Shadow appears to be her friend and ally. Together Adam and Talia make a seemingly unstoppable team, but are they? Can they stop the insanity before it consumes them?

When I started reading this book, I knew I wouldn't be able to put it down. The characters seem so real and the story line kept pulling me along. I wanted to know who would live and who would not, who would stay true to life, and who would give up. While the end had some predictability to it, there was enough unpredictability to keep me reading. Are you game to check out Shadow?

"Antiphon" by Ken Scholes

What do mechoservitors, kin-wolves, kin ravens, Behemoth, the Marsh King, and gypsies have to do with each other? All are part of this third installment of "The Psalms of Isaak." Runners deliver messages and search the land with the use of magic and black root; Nebios is hunted and called "Abomination;" Jin Li Tam makes an unexpected journey with Jakob; and Winter and Ria discover the tenuous tie that binds them. All the while, mechoservitors hurry to meet together to save the Antiphon. Come read of the continuing journey "home" and of those who wish to thwart that journey. The twists and turns will keep you guessing all the way to the end. Here's hoping that the fourth installment will be out next year!

I was privileged to read "Antiphon" as part of Sneak Peek at Barnes & Noble. While I haven't read the first two installments, I was able to pick up on the plot. This is a book that is difficult to put down, and I recommend it to anyone who loves sci-fi/fantasy. I will be reading the first two books, then re-reading this one, to prepare for "Requiem" (hoping for it to come out in 2011).

"Mudbound" by Hillary Jordan

Mississippi, 1940's - prejudice and abuse are alive and well, even after men returned as heroes from the war. Hillary Jordan pulls you back in time to let you experience life as it was in her rural setting. Her characters each tell their story, letting the reader understand their perspective on events and people. It is easy to picture the farm, the weather, the people, the story. The story is compelling and very hard to put down.

I really enjoyed this book. Ms. Jordan makes it easy to "hear" her characters. She makes it easy to visit with them and either love or hate them. It would make a great book discussion choice groups. This is a story that will stay with me and is one I will share with others.

"Dug Down Deep" by Joshua Harris

Do you wonder why you believe what you believe? Do you have more head knowledge than heart knowledge about God? If so, this is the book for you! Joshua Harris uses practical stories and Scripture to point out how each of us can come to know God more deeply, thereby becoming a better Christian. Chapters like, "Ripping, Burning, Eating," "God With A Bellybutton," and "Changed, Changing, To Be Changed" pull the reader in, as each chapter begins with a wonderful quote setting the tone for what you are about to read. His easily understood principles and encouragement make it easy to find yourself in a deeper relationship with God.


This is the first book I have read by Joshua Harris, but it won't be my last! I found his writing style pulled me in just as Max Lucado's does. The book is great for a personal Bible study, but would also be wonderful for groups. There are many discussion points here, and either way you read it, you will want to talk with someone about what you learn.

"Resurrection in May" by Lisa Samson

May has graduated from college and doesn't really know what she wants to do with her life. She is floundering in relationships and in life until the decision to go help the people in Rwanda. Before leaving on her journey, May meets Claudius and learns that life can truly be peaceful. But, Rwanda ends in a nightmare that May can't get beyond. Death was not what she wanted to witness. As she returns home to Claudius' farm, May begins to find the healing spring available to all. And, as she meets Eli again, finds she has that to share with him. Can May and Eli help each other heal? Will they find their way back to each other?

I found myself totally drawn into this story, finding the characters alive and believable. I think my favorite is wise, easy-going Claudius. He seems to have eyes that can see all, and helpful ways that move when others can't see them. This story of the renewal of life is a powerful one, one that can lift us all. I recommend it to single readers and groups alike. There is plenty here to discuss. Thank you to the BookSneeze program for the free book and opportunity to read it.
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