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The Invitation by Diana Gordon
All Welcome The Invitation by Diana Gordon is a beautiful tale for the under fives based on Luke 14: 15-24 and Matthew 22: 2-14. The original Bible story can be read alongside the children’s book so that the children realise that the invitation is issued to them whoever they are – Jesus asks them to […]
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The Visible Hand by Matthew Hennessey
The Visible Hand introduces teens to basic free-market economics in a way that’s accessible and entertaining. The Visible Hand: A Wealth of Notions on the Miracle of the Market by Matthew Hennesey. Encounter Books, 2022, 220 pages. Reading Level: Teen, ages 16-18 Recommended for: ages 15-up Who says we can’t have everything? What’s the problem with a minimum wage? Why can’t we afford a vacation this year? If gas prices go too high, isn’t there something the government can do to fix it? These are legitimate questions that even teenagers may be starting to ask. Mark Hennessey is a journalist, not an economist—in fact he never even thought much about…
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Brand New Kid by David Almond
Brand New Boy explores the “humanity” of manufactured humans through the eyes of curious middle-school students. Brand New Boy by David Almond, with pictures by Marta Altés. Candlewick, 2022, 304 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 10-14 What to make of the New Kid? Daniel and his mates at Darwin Avenue Primary Academy are intrigued when the headmistress, Mrs. Hoolihan, announces a new boy at school. Her excitement indicates more than an ordinary transfer student, and indeed, George is peculiar. He doesn’t have a last name, doesn’t appear to have a family, and doesn’t respond to normal kid interaction. But on the second day his ear…
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Maze Runner Series: a Christian Response
High octane, fast-paced adventure books for teens, the Maze Runner books raise interesting questions if readers can stop long enough to ponder. The Maze Runner Series by James Dashner. Delacorte. The Maze Runner. 2009. 375 pages.The Scorch Trials. 2010. 394 pages.The Death Cure. 2011. 368 pages.(The Kill Order; a prequel. 2012. Not covered in this review.)(The Fever Code; another prequel. 2016. Not covered in this review.) Reading Level: Teens, ages 12-15 Recommended For: Teens, ages 14 and up When Thomas arrives in the Glade, in a box, he is utterly bewildered. All he remembers is his first name. No other memories: no last name, no parents or family, no idea…
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Steel Girls On The Home Front by Michelle Rawlins
Friendship And Hope Steel Girls On The Home Front by Michelle Rawlins is a fabulous historical novel and the third book in The Steel Girls series. It can be read as a stand-alone but I recommend reading the previous two books first. Once more we rejoin the Sheffield steel girls in 1940. It is lovely […]
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The Couple At Causeway Cottage by Diane Jeffrey
Wow! The Couple At Causeway Cottage by Diane Jeffrey is a marvellous contemporary psychological thriller that had me gripped from the start. Diane Jeffrey really is a master of her craft as she takes the ordinary and spins it into a sinister tale. The setting could be idyllic or isolated – you choose. The darkness […]
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Sammy The Spaniel by Rusty Godwin
Totally Charming Sammy The Spaniel And So The Story Begins by Rusty Godwin is a charming book, perfect to be read to young children or for more confident readers to read themselves. There are several tales within the book about Sammy and ten year old twins Steven and Sarah. Each chapter is a new adventure […]
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The Change by Kirsten Miller
Wow! Unique And Engrossing The Change by Kirsten Miller is a marvellous contemporary crime suspense that held my attention from the start. The novel is about women – women who share the same goal, to protect the innocent from all those who mean harm. Women who band together, a sisterhood, each with a unique gift […]
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Fun With Frank by Yvonne Franks
Delightful Fun With Frank by Yvonne Franks is the most delightful book for the under fives (or for anyone who loves dogs). The book documents the antics of Frank, a black Labrador puppy. The reader is introduced to Frank, his owners and two cats. We learn what he likes, including cuddles with Mum and watching […]
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Coast Hospital by Bernard Wendelin
Slices Of Life Coast Hospital by Bernard Wendelin is an entertaining book set in a hospital in Australia. The reader is introduced to a variety of characters who work in the hospital and patients who are just passing through. There is an eclectic mix such as you would find in any workplace with one exception […]
