Secret Daughter

Secret Daughter by Shilpi Somay Gowda had a theme that touched right where I am as an adoptive mom. This story was told from a birthmom's perspective, an adoptive mom's perspective, AND an adoptive daughter's perspective. The stories run together and form one complete life journey. It provided great culture and insights on India, as well as many insights into adoption. It was well-written and kept me going all the way to the end - I highly recommend it - whether you've adopted or not - there is something in this one for everyone.

Word After Word After Word

Patricia MacLachlan has done it again! That is about all I would have to say and then close my post, but I'll continue just so that you TRULY make time to read it!! Word After Word After Word is in one word, DELIGHTFUL!! This story is not just for our young readers - this is one that you can read to teens AND adults - it focuses on writing and writing skills - so if that is your audience - you've got a whole writing curriculum right here! Told from the perspective of a group of 4th Graders - you get the inside scoop when Ms. Mirabel, a famous author, comes to share her thoughts on writing. Just don't miss this one - it is truly for ALL ages and so worth the quick read!

Beatrice and Virgil

I just finished this book, but, although I thoroughly enjoy Martel's writing, I was not as excited about this novel as I was Life of Pi. SO, I asked my husband to give his viewpoint, as he was "over the top" on this one!! He highly recommends it and thinks it would be a great book talk book as well. Here is what he says:

If you liked Life of Pi I would argue that most would like Yann Martel's new

book Beatrice and Virgil. I have always found Martel's work to be compelling, thought provoking and engaging. Maybe its my analytical, philosophical mind but Yann is able to observe the world and describe it in a way that is just "off" enough to really get you thinking. In the opening pages of his book there is a dialogue between Beatrice and Virgil. They discuss a pear. How would you describe a pear to someone who has

never seen or eaten a pear? It is this "slowing down" and observation of the "common" in life that makes me like him so much.

The topic of the book was also presented in a way that caught my attention as well. I am not one who often reads literature about the Holocaust. While the events that transpired are horrendous and the human suffering was unimaginable I find the stories to have a common theme. Nazi occupation and aggression followed by racism and hatred which leads to incarceration, suffering and death. I have seen and read about the atrocities that were done and the same image of grey, dark, emaciated

bodies fill my mind.

Beatrice and Virgil led me down a path of looking at the Holocaust with new eyes. To see it from a perspective and angle that sharpened and focused the tragedy in a different way.

The Plan A Woman in a Plan B World

When I saw this blog tour, I jumped at the chance to participate. Debbie Taylor Williams' book, The Plan A Woman in a Plan B World is just what I needed right now! There are SO many times when our Plan A lives just do not follow what we thought - that is when they turn into Plan B. And what I am personally learning right now - which was reiterated over and over in this book - is that God can use Plan B and it can become a sort of "Plan A" for us! We just have to let Him have it and He can turn it into a Plan A. It really is an inspiring and encouraging read for any of us that have had disappointments - little or big!

About the Book:
(Kerrville, TX) – From the beginning of time women have dreamt about their “Plan A” - the perfect husband, cute children, immaculate home, size six wardrobe, prestigious job, fabulous friends. But it doesn’t take much of real life to set in before compromises, changes and disappointments manage to cloud those dreams. The Plan A Woman in a Plan B World: What to Do When Life Doesn’t Go According to Plan encourages women to re-evaluate the Plan B route and discover the blessings of God’s Plan A.

Using nine landmines that often claim the God-given plan for women, author/speaker Debbie Taylor Williams helps women reclaim hope and teaches them how to manage those sabotaging thoughts that claim many minds. Sprinkled with humor, an obvious love for God’s Word, and discussion starters for small group study, The Plan A Woman promises to help woman believe that God does have special plans for her, even in this Plan B world.

About the Author:

Debbie Taylor Williams is the founder of Hill Country Ministries, an organization dedicated to spreading God’s Word and ministering to women. Best known as a passionate biblical expositor, Debbie uses humor and practical illustrations to communicate spiritual truths to women throughout the nation. She is the author of Pray with Purpose, Live with Passion, Prayers of My Heart, and other books. She and her husband make their home in Kerrville, Texas. Learn more by visiting her popular Web site: www.debbietaylorwilliams.com

Interview Questions:

1. Your book focuses on living the Plan A life God designed specifically for you. What encouragement can you give for the woman who feels she's lived far too long on Plan B? Is there hope?

With God nothing is impossible! The Spirit who moved over the surface of the deep and created light and life is the same Spirit who abides in every believer. We can live the Plan A life God has for us because Christ lives in us and He is our hope of glory. Col 1:2

2. In your book you talk about hazardous landmines. What are a few common landmines women fall into?

Bitterness, discouragement, being fixated on the past, fear, feeling shaken by our circumstances, having expectations of how others should act are but a few of the land mines we can experience in a Plan B world. Left unattended, these land mines can cause devastating harm to us and others. God's Plan A is not for us to ignore these land mines, nor is it His plan for us to tip toe around them. Rather, He directs us to address and de-mine them. When we do, we can walk in bold assurance, confident of the ground upon which we walk. We're able to carry out the good works and plans God has for us; those that bring purpose and joy.

3. Talk about your P.R.A.Y. conferences and how women can learn more about your prayer ministry.

April 2, 2008 God woke me up at 4 a.m. and told me that I wasn't doing all that He wanted me to do. He then directed me to one of His Plans for my life: to take the principles from my book, Pray with Purpose — Live with Passion, to a church in every state in the United States. He told me to waive my speaking fee and travel expenses; that He had freely given me the keys to prayer that can change women's lives; and that I was to freely take them to my sisters. P.R.A.Y. with Passion Conference was birthed as a ministry of my non-profit ministry. It has been a joy to see God powerfully open doors through women who hear about the conference and pass the word to their women's ministry leader or event planner. Women are coming to salvation. Spiritual breakthroughs and repentance is taking place among believers. A "pink heart s" club is spreading across America, one composed of women and men who come forward and receive a heart on which they write how God has spoken to their hearts. And God is speaking. If I haven't been to your church/state, contact lauren@debbietaylorwilliams.com ministries, call toll free 888.815.9412, or visit my web site for more information www.debbietaylorwilliams.com

4. In your spare time, what do you enjoy doing?

I love being with my husband. Whether we go for a walk, watch the sunset, take a hike in the country, travel, play golf (sort of...I'm a beginner :), or go for a drive and breakfast on Saturday mornings, he's my honi and love of 35 years. Our two adult children and their spouses are so much fun to be with; as is our 17 month old grandson. Family, friends, sharing the Lord - for what more could we ask?

-Used by permission Leafwood Publishers

-Review Copy provided by Kathy Carlton Willis Communications

Take Me With You

Carolyn Marsden's Take Me With You is such a great read. It is written for the Junior High age reader - a touching story of two girls that have lived in an orphanage in Italy for as long as they can remember. Their stories and reasons why they are there are completely different, but they become fast friends. When Susanna's dad comes to claim her, that lives Pina dealing with her feelings of being left behind. It is really a sad story - of how the girls were treated while in orphanage care and even the parents' reasons for abandoning their daughters. But through it all, the girls come to learn about identity and what it really means to have a home. Marsden shines in this novel - you come to feel for these girls and the tough lives they have to live. The story is actually based on a friend of Marsden's that grew up in a home for unwanted girls in Naples - it is one that will stick with readers for some time!

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner

Having read all of the Twilight Saga - I could hardly let this short novella go without a quick read. In my humble opinion - it was a bit disappointing - although, always interesting to see life through the eyes of one of the "baby" vampires. The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner is the story of Bree who was actually introduced in Eclipse, so it is intriguing to go back and read her story. Not horrible by any means, but just not as good as I was hoping for! I am sure that her die-hard fans will not be disappointed however!

Prayers for Sale

Sandra Dallas' Prayers for Sale is such a touching story - I will be recommending this one in our library!! Hennie is a dear elderly lady that lives in Middle Swan, Colorado - a mining town that is way up in the high country. Her story is bittersweet - she has survived two husbands and now enjoys a life helping others. She has just been told by her daughter, however, that this will be her last year in Middle Swan because she wants her to move in with her and not spend another winter on her own. Hennie makes the most of that last year - she befriends Nit - a 17 year old girl that is new to Middle Swan and has so much to learn. Hennie shows her the ropes and cares for her like a mother. When Hennie finds out that Nit is expecting, that is her last wish, to be able to see the little one born before she leaves to live with her daughter. I really loved this story - touching to the very last page.

Bloodroot

Amy Greene's novel, Bloodroot, took me a bit to get into - I read for a few chapters before I really was "hooked". In fact, for me, a few times I caught myself thinking - should I finish or not??? BUT, I am glad I did. And yes, it did pick up. It is a tough read - that almost works its way backwards through generations. It is hard to watch woman after woman and man after man make really bad choices all down through generations of a family. You can see how their choices affect those that come after them and how this cycle will have a difficult time ever ending. But it is also a powerful read - you become attached to the characters, and I found myself silently cheering, "No, don't do that" or "Yes, do that". It is hard to watch all of these women, in particular, struggle but it is a read that opens our eyes to how people really do live and the cycle they get themselves into.

One Million Arrows

When I was sent One Million Arrows to read for a blog tour, I approached it like almost any other read. Boy was I wrong! I got into it just one chapter and stopped - this was one my husband and I HAD to savor together! We read it out loud together crying and saying "Amen" the whole way through. Julie Ferwerda has such a powerful idea with One Million Arrows that my husband and I are STILL talking about it. As directors of ministries to parents and children at our church, this is going to be the first thing we promote next fall to our families AND with our workers - because we are not just raising children, we are sharpening and refining arrows to send out into our world. We were convicted, we were challenged, and we were encouraged. This book not only convinces you that SOMETHING needs to be done to change the way we parent, but it gives you all the tools to do it. What an amazing challenge - it is a MUST read for parents that want to send out their arrows into the world sharpened and ready to be effective. Here is what someone else has said about the book:

Will the world change our children...or will our children change the world? Time
is short and lives are at stake. Right now, God is inviting our families to
become part of a bigger story—a vision that will engage hearts to make a radical
difference. One Million Arrows is an inspirational call to raise our kids to
impact their culture, community, and world for Christ. If we want our kids to
discover their purpose, if we want them to live with passion for the Kingdom, if
we want our family to go down in His-Story, accept the mission...and leave a
mark for eternity.

DO not miss this incredible book - I am thrilled to be a part of this book/blog tour for a book I believe so strongly in!

House Rules

If you've read my blog for any length of time, you know I am a fan of Jodi Picoult. Her latest, House Rules, is no exception. A page turner from page one - and once again, as with many Picoult novels, I get to 50 pages from the end and I think, "Are you kidding? I never saw it coming." I loved the insight on this one into Asperger's Syndrome as well - Picoult does her research and her characters come to life. An Asperger's teen on trial for murder - this is a good one!!

Ten Tips for Raising Readers

I was sent a copy of Fran Hawk's Ten Tips for Raising Readers and I was told by her publicist, "It is right up your alley." She was right and I totally agree! Any book that helps parents get their children hooked on reading is "right up my alley"! I love the simplicity of the book - short chapters, ten useful tips, LOTS of reading ideas for each age group. Hawk also has created appendices that are just FULL of reading lists and websites - another bonus to this wonderful resource. PERFECT - parents will love it and I plan to "sell it" often at our library!

Kitchen Chinese

Ann Mah's Kitchen Chinese was recommended to me. Having traveled to China twice, I was immediately drawn into the story - not only reminiscing over places I had seen but also over food in China. The main character, Isabelle Lee, is a young woman that chooses to go back to her homeland, China, after living in the U.S. for most of her life. When she gets to China, she can not find a job with her limited Mandarin, so she works for an ex-pat newspaper writing culinary reviews. The whole book was just so fun - the storyline is great with Isabelle being pestered by her mother constantly for her lack-of-dating and the attempts at dating that she encounters while in China. I also appreciated the whole sister-relationship as Isabelle lives with her sister, Claire, while in China. The relationship between the two sisters is interesting and keeps you guessing through the whole story why it is as strained as it is. I thoroughly enjoyed it - my only disclaimer is the occasional use of very vulgar language - totally unnecessary, but somehow it finds its way in!!

Toon Books

RAW Junior sent me two great books in their children's readers series. Zig and Wikki in Something Ate My Homework by Madja Speigelman and Trade Leoffler is a riot! Kids of all ages will relate to this hilarious story. I LOVE the whole concept of these books - not only are they funny and grab kids' attention, but they are also so readable - they are not page after page of text. The comic-book style is wonderful for beginning readers. I also appreciated in this book the little "snippets" of information that they added in so that readers learn more about some of the animals in the book.

The second book, Benny and Penny in the Toy Breaker by Geoffrey Hayes is another winner! Benny and Penny are such fun little mice - their adventures are hilarious and our readers DO want more. I am always excited to tell readers about these books - I just know they will be back for another in the Toon Books.

Thank you RAW for the whole concept - beginning readers in comic book format - I agree "Toon Books make Reading Fun!!"

Sylvan Dell New Books

I always look forward to this great set of new books!
Sylvan Dell has sent me these five new titles that will really "beef up" your science and math curriculum. In case you don't know - Sylvan Dell's website is just FULL of wonderful teaching activities, related websites, and "For Creative Minds" a wonderful educational section for each book.

Newton and Me by Lynne Mayer and illustrated by Sherry Rogers is a very fun book that will help kids explore Newton's Laws of Motion. I enjoyed this book - I mean really, how often can you find a fiction story on Newton's Laws of Motion!?!? This will be so great for our classrooms!

What's the Difference? An Endangered Animal Subtraction Story by Suzanne Slade and illustrated by Joan Waites is my second title in this set. This is a sequel to What's New at the Zoo - and is way to practice subtraction skills while learning about endangered animals. I think this is also a brilliant idea and will be great in classrooms.

Little Red Bat by Carole Gerber and illustrated by Christina Wald is a rare find. It is a book on red bats - and how they can hibernate or migrate - great information and such wonderful illustrations that enhance this story.

Felina's New Home: A Florida Panther Story by Loran Wlodarski and illustrated by Lew Clayton is another new title. This title is focused around the forests shrinking and what the animals have to do to survive when they are losing their homes. I liked this title as well - very informative - something that we need to be aware of!


Panda's Earthquake Escape by Phyllis Perry and illustrated by Susan Detwiler is a fictional story that is based on a real-life event. This is about a panda from the Wolong Panda Reserve in China and when an earthquake rocked that area this little guy escaped. What an interesting story - and learning from a natural disaster - great idea!!

Thanks, Sylvan Dell, for another set of wonderful books to use in our classrooms and homes - our library will be thrilled to share these with our community!

Horrid Henry's Joke Book

April 1 is the big day one year ago that Horrid Henry made his appearance in children's literature. Francesca Simon created a character for us that so many beginning chapter book readers can relate to. I enjoy Henry and was excited when I found out that his Joke Book was now making its appearance!!! It has been called, "Too rude for parents and for slimy toad little brothers!!" (In Henry's own words, of course!)

Horrid Henry is aimed at children ages 7 - 12 and are super for reluctant readers. Tony Ross has a wonderful sense of Henry with his adorable illustrations. This is a great series, not to be missed!

Thanks to Sourcebooks for providing me with a copy of the book to use in this review.

The Twilight Gospel

I was chosen to be part of the LitFuse Blog Tour for The Twilight Gospel by Dave Roberts. The book intrigued me from the moment I read about the tour and I am glad I was chosen. Roberts does a very good job of answering questions about Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series that parents may have if they have not read the books. AND, as a librarian, that has to be one of the most-asked questions of all time - "Should my teen be reading this book?" So, I could tell them that they needed to read it and see for themselves (which is often what I can be found saying) or I can refer them to this wonderful resource. Roberts is going to approach the book from a Christian viewpoint which I appreciate, but he does so with a very open minded approach. He does not just tell you what your teens may get from the books that might not be the best influence; he also tells you what the books have to offer that is positive in nature. I was impressed - it is a quick, easy read and gives you much to "mull over" - I love it as a way to talk to our teens about the books. Kregel also offers a fabulous discussion guide - I would definitely encourage you to check out these two resources if you have teens reading the Twilight series - they both will be great discussion starters! (I was provided a copy of this book for the blog tour by Kregel Publications.)

Young Samurai Series

I was sent both the first and second books in the Young Samurai series - The Young Samurai: The Way of the Warrior and Young Samurai: The Way of the Sword by Chris Bradford for review on my blog. I have been swamped with books to read and review lately and saw these might not be "top of the list" in style for me, so I passed them onto my husband and son - whew, good thinking on my part because they both have EXCELLENT things to say about them. Here is what they said:

First I want to say that I think these were great reads. I am not typically a fan of Samurai stories but the author did a great job of weaving Japanese history, culture and tradition into a compelling storyline. It was difficult to put either of the two books down. I passed the first book on to one of my boys and he was finished with it before I was halfway through the second. His comment, "When will you be finished, that was a REALLY good book and I want to read the second," should tell you how good they are!

The story follows the life of an English boy who was sailing with his father in search of Japan. Jack soon finds himself orphaned due to an attack by ninja pirates. He is then quickly adopted by a Samurai and begins the arduous task of training to become a Samurai. His goal is to prevent a gift that his father gave him from falling into the wrong hands and to also hunt down and kill his father's assassin.

If you were or are a fan of the Harry Potter series these stories may be just for you. The author follows a similar plot line - orphaned child, raised by another family, sent to school for a year, meets a group of good friends, has a group of enemies, has to defeat the enemy who killed his father. What is differnet is the setting. This storyline is set in ancient Japan and does a great job of giving you an understanding of this rich culture.

Here is what others have had to say about the books as well:

Eoin Colfer praised The Way of the Warrior as "...a fantastic adventure that floors the reader on page one and keeps him there until the end." Publisher's Weekly gave the novel a starred review, noting "Debut author Bradford comes out swinging in this fast-paced adventure set in medieval Japan...an adventure novel to rank among the genre's best... This book earns the literary equivalent of a black belt."

I am glad I was included in this blog tour - great books - our junior high/high school readers will LOVE them!

Go HERE to see a great trailer for the books. Or visit their website - YoungSamurai.com - you will find teacher's guides, videos, reviews and more!

CONTEST!!!!

This is a fun one - you don't want to miss it!!!

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*A jar of homemade strawberry jam
*A Big Band music CD
*A Mini B-17 Model airplane
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Click on picture above to go enter!

Pete the Cat - I Love my White Shoes

Sometimes you read a book and you just can't get enough of it - that is where I am right now. Pete the Cat: I Love my White Shoes by Eric Litwin and illustrations by James Dean is AMAZING!!! I have read it now in two different story hours - the older kids and the toddlers - and BOTH times the kids have been mesmerized - I mean LOVE IT! BUT - disclaimer here - it DOES help if you give it all you've got and SING the refrain with a bit of "cool cat" style - I had them all singing along and, as we were coloring shoe pictures at the end of the story hour, we just HAD to sing "I love my _____ shoes, I love my ____ shoes, I love my _____ shoes!" (insert color of shoes) SO there you have it - I loved it SO much I had to share it so that you can enjoy it too..."because it's all good"! (Great for a colors theme, cats theme, walking theme - you name it!) Oh, and for more fun - visit Pete the Cat's website!

Secrets of Eden

Just finished up Chris Bohjalian's Secret of Eden - Bohjalian's books are always page turners -that is a certainty. This one is no exception - if you enjoy a suspenseful read that will keep you guessing to the very end - look no further. Tie together a murder, a pastor, a writer, some angels, and you will be as puzzled as I was to the very last section of the book. AND that has to be my favorite way to end a book - when I say - "I never saw it coming."