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.

Francine RIvers' Latest Novel

 

The Lady’s Mine by  Francine Rivers

Miss Kathryn Walsh from Boston lands in Calvada, a rough and tumble mining town.  She is there to collect her uncle’s inheritance.  Even though this town is not what she thought she was coming to find, she decides to stay.  Mattias Beck, a saloon owner and leading citizen somehow feels responsible for her.  They butt heads on many occasions.  Kathryn insists on doing what she sees as right while Mattias tries to protect her.  Only time will tell if Kathryn will live long enough to make a difference in the town that is both fascinated and aggravated by her.

Francine Rivers creates some remarkable characters.  I found myself surprised by their actions and never being quite sure what they would do next.  The plot, though a bit predictable, kept me reading.  The setting, a western mining town, was interesting to read about.  It made me think what life would be like in such a place at such a time.

Westerns or romances are not my preferred genre, but I enjoyed this book.  Francine Rivers’ fans will find much to enjoy.  I am grateful to the publisher for a copy to read in exchange for this, my honest review. 

A Twist on Historical Fiction on WW2

 

The Italian Ballerina by Kristy Cambron

This historical fiction novel travels between the present and World War 2, intertwining the stories of Private Courtney Coleman and his granddaughter Del, with Matteo and his aging grandmother, the Italian ballerina.

I enjoyed the unusual slant this story took on World War 2, seeing it through the eyes of both a rising ballerina and a medic in the army.  Studded with well-written characters and laced with a mystery, this story keeps the reader on her toes.

I appreciated several things about this novel.  The romantic elements of the story were plausible and well within the boundaries of Christian fiction.  The plot was constantly unfolding but the mystery wasn’t solved until near the end of the book.   The characters’ development kept me interested as I learned more of their past.

I did find the time shifting in the plot a bit confusing.

Readers who enjoy historical fiction with a bit of romance and mystery will enjoy this book.  I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and was not obligated to write a favorable review.

[KB1] 

 

---

 [KB1]

Children's Book

 Crowned with Glory by Dorena Williamson and illustrated by Shellene Rodney

As a grandmother and a Caucasian, I am probably not the target audience of this book. As an elementary teacher and grandmother to granddaughters, I was curious to see if this was a book I could share with the children in my life. It would give them a window into another culture. However, there were a few terms like "plaits dope" and "bantu knots" that I would not be able to explain, and which were not explained. 

 The illustrations were colorful and enjoyable, and the book was uplifting and positive. Other types of children beside Azira were also represented in this book, as well as their families. I loved the emphasis of Azira being created by God and crowned with His glory--something that all girls need to know. This book would be a fun addition to any little girl's bookshelf. 

Yours is the Night by Amanda Dykes

 Yours is the Night by Amanda Dykes

This is an amazing book!  I really enjoyed reading it via my favorite app, Hoopla.  It had a riveting plot complete with some surprises, a cast full of fascinating characters, and writing that was lyrical and handled difficult subjects with grace.

Set in the Great War, it follows the Angel of Argonne through the war and details some of the hardships that people experienced.  She is rescued by 3 men attached to the British forces. They must complete their mission to return her to her home across a war-torn countryside. 

 Reading this book gave me an appreciation for what men and women suffered as war destroyed their homes and lives.  Despite the chaos and destruction, the author infuses light into the darkness.

I highly recommend this author and this book for those who enjoy historical fiction or anyone who desires to see more of light in their world.

A Novel about Difficult Subjects

 

The Girl Who Could Breathe Underwater by Erin Bartels

Kendra is a successful first-time author, who is under a looming deadline for her second book. To overcome her writer’s block, she returns to Hidden Lake, the setting for her first book where she writes about a girl who has been sexually abused.  There she encounters memories and people who figured prominently in her first book. Determined to be more like her first protagonist, she faces them despite the pain they cause.  And in facing them, she comes to understand more about herself.

Bartels writes a book that speaks to the horrors that many young girls have experienced—sexual abuse.  This book is not for everyone.  There will be triggers for those who have lived through this.  Despite the difficulty of the subject, Bartels handles it well, but I would recommend it only for adult readers.

Kendra’s story also includes the beauty of a pure love story, the strength of a young woman to overcome her challenges and the discovery that every story has two sides.

Her descriptions are lyrical and although this is not expressly a Christian novel, it contains hope, personal growth and a character who shows Christ-like love.  I thought it was very well written and commend Bartels for broaching difficult and complicated subjects with grace.  I received a free copy from the publisher and was not required to write a positive review.  These thoughts are my own.

 The Inventions of God (and Eva)

Story by Dave Connis and Art by Amy Domingo

This colorful book was a hit with my second grade class.  The children especially enjoyed Dr. Katsworth, Eva’s creation.

  I enjoyed this book because it illustrates a difficult concept for children to grasp—how people are created in God’s image.

As a Christian teacher, I found it helpful to present this book to underscore how we are created in God’s image—a foundational concept we cover when studying God’s creation of the world.  Even though the concept is abstract, Amy’s colorful drawings and Dave’s childlike prose invite the reader to explore just how God and Eva are alike.  It also illustrates how God delights in Eva, His creation.

This playful book for children sneaks in some hefty theology in a very palatable way.  I highly recommend it for parents and Christian teachers alike!