Third novel in Murphy Shepherd series

 

The Record Keeper by Charles Martin

Fans of Charles Martin won’t be disappointed by this book, the third in the series about Murphy Shepherd.   To truly appreciate this book, it is best read after The Water Keeper. In this book, readers learn more about Bones, Murphy’s mentor and closest friend. The rest of our favorite characters are also there:  Summer, Ellie, Clay, Gunner and Casey.

I won’t offer any spoilers but just let me say that this book will keep you on the edge of your seat (or couch—wherever you love to read.)  The plot moves quickly, the adventure keeps you turning pages and the technology Martin writes about continues to amaze.

I don’t know if Martin had this in mind as he writes, but his character strikes me as a Christian James Bond—someone who works hard to thwart evil and can do it with one hand tied behind his back.  I love that even though there are plenty of times when evil rages, Murphy Shepherd finds a way to right the wrongs that plague his world.

I am grateful to the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for this, my honest review.

Wonderful middle-grade novel about neuro-diversity

 

Anybody Here Seen Frenchie? by Leslie Connor

Aurora Petrequin, boisterous middle-grade girl has a best friend, her neighbor Frenchie Livernois.  Never mind that Frenchie is non-verbal.  Aurora says what needs to be said.  As the story begins, she finds out that she and Frenchie are in different classrooms in their Maine elementary school.  She wonders how either one of them will survive without the other.  All goes well until one day when Frenchie disappears.  Aurora is heartbroken and wonders where he is and why he isn’t coming home.

I totally enjoyed this book and the tenderness with which the author examined a friendship between a “normal” girl and her autistic friend.  The characters were fascinating and well-written. The ending was satisfying.  It is totally appropriate for a middle-grade reader and may enhance their understanding of their autistic classmates.

As a teacher and a parent and grandparent, I can enthusiastically recommend this book to young readers.  I am grateful to the publisher for a copy to read in exchange for my honest opinion.