The Final Summit

This was a fantastic read. I was sucked in and couldn't stop.

Not only does Andrews develop a great story, he adds in bits of wisdom along the way.

I had not read The Traveler's Gift (the prequel to this book), but found myself enjoying it none-the-less.

I would recommend this book, and I now want to read The Travelers Gift. Enjoy it for yourself!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Outlive Your Life - Max Lucado

I love the way that Lucado writes such that anyone can understand it, but his words hold deep truth and information. This again was an easy, interesting read.

We have been talking about in church the verse that says "whatever you did for the least of these, you did unto Me." Max Lucado echos this same truth through out his book - challenging us to OUTLIVE our lives for others.

Great read!

Max on Life

In this book, Max Lucado answers 172 questions on everything you can imagine. I love the way he writes in such a personable way - it's almost like just having a conversation with a good friend. He writes in a very understandable way and always turns everything back to Scripture. If he doesn't know the specific answer to a question, he shares what experience he has had or what he believes about it. The book is organized well, and includes a topical index if you're looking for a specific answer. So many of these questions are questions we all ask every day, or situations we probably have or will find ourselves in. I think this is a great resource for anyone who wonders many things about life and would love to hear what someone else thinks or knows about that!

The Grace of God

I really love the way Andy Stanley thinks, so I thought I would like this book, but I LOVED it. Such an amazing story of God's grace. Stanley looks at God's grace and the many ways He shows us His story of Grace through Scripture. Stanley goes through every major Biblical story and finds God's grace there. Even in parts (such as the Ten Commandments) where it seems so full of law and not full of grace. But sometimes it is in those times we see the grace really shine.

If you're looking for a great read about the way God's grace is woven throughout history and a challenge to begin to see God's truly amazing grace in the world around you every day - READ THIS BOOK! Stanley writes in such a readable, down to earth way. You may find it hard to put this book down.

Cutting Your Grocery Bill in Half with America's Cheapest Family

I have to admit, I was skeptical about this book to begin with. With the economy in the tank as it is and has been for quite a while, my husband and I are both making half of what we were a couple years ago. This has forced us to be very frugal with our money. We have a few tricks of our own for cutting our grocery bill down, and I don't feel that we're crazy by any means. The things we have done are just logical and not a big deal!

So I wondered if this book would be from "crazy" people with odd, not practical things to do. But not the case! I love the way that they wrote it. They don't expect you do use each one of their tricks from day 1. They didn't! This is all ideas they have learned over many, many years of shopping to save money for their family. They have so many different ideas that they share in this book. Everything from how to organize food in your freezer for optimum usage, buying at the right times, implementing "buy" prices, once a month shopping and cooking, and even coupon clipping. Like I said, you certainly do not need to implement every one of their ideas right away. But if you take it all in, eventually you'll see a way to incorporate that strategy into your only family.

Even though I thought we were doing a great job saving money, there were so many tools in this book that even helped us! I would definitely recommend this book. Read it over time, implement it over time - but get ready to save money!

A Christmas Prayer

The two-year-old I watch and I just enjoyed this book together. What a sweet story to read at Christmas time.

One thing I loved about this book was the focus - not on the presents, at all! This whole book was thanking God for ALL the gifts He provided at Christmas time - the very first Christmas! I thought it was a great way to introduce this type of prayer to young ones, too. Not a "gimme gimme" prayer... just THANK YOU God for all you have given already!! So cool!

The illustrations were a little odd for me. Cute and whimsical, I just didn't feel they were as engaging as other books I adore! Not a deal-breaker, just my two cents :).

One Hand, Two Hands - Max Lucado

I work with toddlers/preschoolers and LOVED this book! So beautiful, and an easy read (to capture and hold their attention!). It is also such a great lesson for young kids, presented in a way that they can relate to and understand. Their hands were created with a purpose, and every little thing they do can be helpful with their hands! Also a great lesson in something positive to do with your hands (instead of just saying: don't hit, don't punch, etc.). Loved it, and I think your preschooler and you will too!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Boy Who Changed The World - Andy Andrews

Oh, I just LOVED this book! It was well-written, and beautifully illustrated. And what a great message - even for young kids.

The main premise of the book is that all of our actions lead to other actions and on and on and you never know what YOU may have done inadvertently to change the world! It teaches kids to pay attention to all the little things they do, and what the trail of where that action will go may be!

I would recommend this book for kids 4 1/2 and up. Younger kids will certainly enjoy the illustrations, but I think around 4 1/2 or 5 they'll start to grasp the concept!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Butterfly Effect - Andy Andrews

Andrews starts out the book talking sharing his own story, and how he learned about permanent purpose: the butterfly effect. He goes on to tell the inspirational story of Joseph Lawrence Chamberlain and his stubbornness to not stand down - he continued to push on. And because of his actions, the ripple effects of that still effect our lives today!!

Andrews goes on to tell the stories of Normal Bourlag, Henry Wallace, George Washington Carver, and Moses and Susan. None of their lives would have been the same without the others. The effect goes on and on both directions! People influenced Moses and Susan who could have been named next - there are over 2 million that Norman Bourlag influenced.

Andrews encourages us as readers to look at the butterfly effect in our own lives - who has influenced who we are? And what type of person do we need to be to let the butterfly effect continue through our lives for generations to come?

This is a beautifully illustrated book, and a great read! I'd recommend it!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Let's Do Lunch

Let's Do Lunch - Roger Troy Wilson

I have mixed feelings on this book. I can't tell you if it works or not, but the book was a good read. It was insightful and inspiring, with lots of great examples and ideas.

One piece I thought was missing and I missed it was a spiritual aspect. He did this all on his own (which is amazing!), but I think with a Christian publisher, he could have brought in a spiritual aspect to it!

I don't know that even after reading this book I will try it. To be honest, I've got an incredible craving for the things he tells you not to eat in this book, and it seems daunting and impossible. However, he's got story after story of people this worked for, but at this point for me I don't think this is the plan for me.

I loved that he included a VERY big and comprehensive grocery list - makes it seem like you CAN actually still eat some foods!! Also, he included a TON of recipes, which I think is very helpful for those starting the Let's Do Lunch program - you've got lots of choices!

It was a quick and good read - I read it in one sitting!

Enjoy - and share your story if you try it!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Cast of Characters

Cast of Characters - Max Lucado

I LOVED this book! Lucado has a unique style of connecting biblical characters stories to our own lives. In Cast of Characters, he goes through 22 characters in the Bible - some well-known, and some less stand-out characters! He then talks through their lives and how we - thousands of years later! - struggle the same ways, think the same ways, and connect with God the same ways. What a cool premise for a book!

An easy read - each chapter (each character) is relatively short. You can just read one (but be warned, you wont want to put it down after just one!).

I would recommend this book to anyone - not only is it eye-opening about your own life, but you get sucked in to learning more about characters in the Bible too. He intrigues you by telling you each of their stories, and you're left wanting to read more.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Hole in Our Gospel

Richard Stearns, president of World Vision, attacks the questions "What does God REALLY expect of us?" in this captivating book. He asserts that there is a "hole" in the gospel we typically see. For most of us, we view our relationship with God and the gospel as a whole as one-way transaction - we feel we need to receive something out of it. But Stearns says there's a hole in that mentality - it's about something more. We all have something we can do or give to fill that hole.

This book was definitely a “page-turner” for me. I couldn’t put it down. I absolutely loved Stearns’ use of personal stories, stories of other real-world people also helping the poor, stories of the poor themselves, and Biblical characters. His personal stories of the amazing heart change he went through were captivating. His journey from CEO of Lennox, to president of World Vision was not a fast or easy one. God had a lot of work to do on his heart first. He did, and Stearns has an amazing story because of it! I think you will find that whoever you are, you will relate with this story too. He shared just the right amount of stories of the plight of those in desperate countries in the world. But not all the stories were stories of despair – he has met amazing people that God is strongly at work in… stories full of hope! Also, the way he related the Biblical stories to his own personal struggle and the lives of the poor brought it all full circle.

Stearns has really uncovered Biblical truth and presented it in a cohesive way in this book. I would recommend it to anyone!



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Fat Kid Rules the World

Going, K. L. (2003). Fat Kid Rules the World. New York: Speak.

Annotation: 296 pound, 6 foot 1, 17-year-old Troy is about to jump in front of a subway and end it all. But then enters Curt MacCrae. Curt is mostly homeless skinny kid, but for some reason wants to start a band with Troy. Troy discovers a lot about himself, and a whole new world is opened up to him.

Justification for Rejection: I did not like the emphasis on drugs, language, and Troy’s weight in this book.

However, I do understand that that was a “reality” (haha yes I do know this is fiction! ☺) for him. And it is a reality for a lot of adolescents. Troy had a sense that everyone was looking at him all the time – which is so common to the adolescent experience.

I did also like how this book came around in the end. You could see the transformation in Troy’s relationship with his dad and his brother as he matured and began to love himself, he could love them.

I just do not think this book was “great”, and as far as the literary work itself I felt it was lacking and not good. It was confusing and hard to read.

Genre: Coming of Age/Search for Identity

Ironman

Crutcher, Chris. (1995). Ironman. New York: HarperTempest.

Annotation: Because of how his dad has treated him in the past, Bo has had an ager welling inside him his whole life. Faced with getting kicked out of school, Bo is forced to attend Anger Management classes and for the first time in his life come face to face with these issues, while he is training for the Yukon Jack triathlon.

Justification for Nomination: At first, I was totally confused and did not like the switching between third-person and first-person writing. I felt like I couldn’t keep track of who was who and what was happening because there was some overlap and sometimes Bo was Bo and sometimes he was “me” (as in his letters to Larry King).

I really liked the strong positive themes throughout this book. Bo had every reason to give up, but he found something to keep him going.

I thought this book was a raw and real depiction of a boy with so much hurt stuffed inside him from so many years of struggles with his dad, and he faced them in a real way.

I loved his descriptions of the others in the Anger Management class. They all were so unique and I loved watching them come together to be Bo’s stotans.

I also felt that even through there was no definitive resolution in the end, Bo and his dad had faced enough of their problems to be able to have them in the open and work towards a solution.

Genre: Coming of Age/Sports

Go Ask Alice

Anonymous. (1971). Go Ask Alice. New York: Simon Pulse.

Annotation: This fifteen-year-old anonymous author shares with us through her diary the ups and downs she experiences as she gets introduced to LSD, and other drugs and risky behaviors. Once she starts, it seems she just can’t stop.

Justification for Rejection: This book ended SO WEIRD!!! I was on the fence about it the whole time, leaning towards no. Then it got the end and I kind of liked the hopeful, peaceful way she ended the book. Then I read the one paragraph epilogue and wow that was weird and random and now it’s a definite no from me.

I did like the positive message and positive outlook the author gained through her experience. She has a lot of times of a fake “recovery” where she wanted to change, but in the end I really believe she did want that life change. For me, I used to volunteer with a youth group, and it was so amazing to see those teens go from a place of despair to a place of genuine life change.

I think the raw and realness the author shows in what she went through because of using drugs was good. I think adolescents reading this can understand somewhat of how messed up she got from the drugs and not want any part of it.

My one big fear is that teens reading this book will read about the times the author thought these drug highs were so great, and think “oh, I’ll just try it once.” They too will get caught in the downward spiral the author found herself sucked in to.

I really liked the strong family themes throughout the book. The author’s family really loved her and cared about her deeply. I think in a way, this subconsciously kept her going.

Genre: Edgy/Autobiography

Final Passionate Pleas

Fiction - Speak
I can't say it enough how perfectly I think this book resonates with the adolescent experience - especially for girls. This book uses language and themes that really can connect deeply with the adolescent, and yet it challenges their literary thinking to go to deeper levels. Overall, I think this book definitely deserves to win the award. In the book, the reader can so deeply connect with Melinda, which is an important aspect of adolescent literature. I think this book makes a breakthrough in that it talks about the internal silence of someone who's been raped and gone against her friends to follow her best judgment and do what was right - and now she's suffering the consequences of that. I think an important part of this book is that it shows its alright and good to do what's right, even when there are consequences. Through everything, Melinda learns so much about herself and her morals and standing up for what is right and discovers who really cares about her and who matters anyways.

Non-Fiction - Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl
I think the amount of valuable pieces of history interwoven in this book (it is an important piece of history itself!) make it an important contender for the award. This book not only resonates with the development of the adolescent, but it is a completely true story. There is something compelling about knowing these diary entries really happened and she lived through an important time in our world's history. This book can be such a wonderful supplement to learning about the war and Jewish history in school. High school years are the years they delve deeper into these subjects, so it seems an appropriate time to read this book. Also, Anne being thirteen to fifteen years old throughout the book, she is struggling and facing the same things they are.

Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl

Frank, Anne. (1999). Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl. New York: Bantam Books.

Annotation: At thirteen, Anne Frank and her family must go in to hiding – as they can not be Jews living in Holland with the war going on. They find shelter in the “Secret Annexe” and Anne reveals to us her most intimate thoughts and moments through the 25 months she spends in the “Secret Annexe” with her family, the Van Daan’s and Mr. Dussel.

Justification for Nomination: This book was so raw and real. There is something amazing to me about reading an autobiography – this is not made up stuff. A real person really lived and felt this. How cool.

Anne Frank’s diary has been translated into 30 languages and made into a motion picture. I think this speaks volumes about the importance of this book.

Anne stays so positive throughout the whole time she is in hiding. I think this can be inspirational to teens. No matter who was fighting or what rotten food they had to eat that night, Anne always tried to have a positive spirit about it all.

Anne's style of writing is incredibly deep for a young teenager, but it is still easy to read and follow. You get sucked in as you feel like you are really there hiding with her in the Annexe.

Genre: Autobiography

Monster

Myers, Walter Dean. (1999). Monster. New York: HarperTempest.
Myers, Walter Dean. (1999). Monster. James, Peter Francis. Audiobook on CD. Recorded Books, LLC, 2000.

Annotation: Sixteen-year-old Steve Harmon tells the story of being put through a trial for a felony murder some of his acquaintances say he was a part of. Steve is a filmmaker, so tells the story as a film of his own. He also shares with us through his journaling. Will Ms. O’Brien be able to convince the jury of Steve’s innocence and spare him the 25 years to life in prison he could face?

Justification for Nomination: I actually “read” this book as an audiobook. This was such a great book to listen to. There were so many characters, and “Listening Library” did such a great job of bringing them to life. It was also really a good one because it was meant to be written like a movie, so you were meant to “see” it and I felt I could do that a lot through listening to the book.

I also picked up the print copy of the book, and it looked like it was written in a really interesting way. I think this would make the book more interesting for a teen to read, as the words on the page seem to come alive too. You can almost feel the different emotions in the different size and stress of the text.

I don’t really know, because I’ve never been there, but I felt like it gave a somewhat accurate portrayal of a courtroom and court case. Again, I think the audiobook helped me with this part. You could feel the tension, and hear everyone’s arguments and it felt for me like I was there.

I liked reading this book because I think it is one that would appeal to boys. Not a ton of the books I read this semester would necessarily be a boy’s first pick, but this one I think would be a good choice for a male adolescent.

I also liked the innocence of Steve’s character. He was real, and had a real family and real values. I’m not sure why that appealed to me. Maybe because he could have been a “monster” as it was suggested in the beginning of the book, but he really had a gentle core to him.

I think this book would be a good one for a class to read together. I also picked up the print version of this book and, at least the version I got, had some really good discussion questions in the back. I think this makes it appeal to teens and their teachers.

Genre: Audiobook/Printz/Edgy/Coming of Age

Chill Wind

McDonald, Janet. (2002). Chill Wind. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux.

Annotation: Nineteen-year-old Aisha receives a letter in the mail. This is not good news – she’s just about at the point where she’s been on welfare with her two young kids for five years and they’re going to terminate her benefits. Aisha has to figure out what to do now that she’s got two little mouths to feed, and a mother who’s not going to let her live for free.

Justification for Rejection: This book had no redeeming features. It did not come back around. You see Aisha struggle through not knowing what to do now that her benefits are up, but she gets off too easy. It was all too simple; she really didn’t have to work to get herself somewhere. It was not realistic and not even right.

Maybe I should not be so negative – I have not been in her place in life. Aisha grew up in the projects in Brooklyn, New York, and I’m sure that’s where a lot of her ideas and values about life come from.

I did not at all like that she just got off so easy. She had to go work for like less than a total of one day and then went off on her big commercial and modeling career. This is not the way that real life works and there are some of us who work out butts off day in and day out! I think this book will totally turn off teens that are in the work force. I think there is a small group of people this book may appeal to, but not enough to nominate it for an award.

Genre: Coming of Age/Edgy