ADVENTURES IN BARN TOWN

ADVENTURES IN BARN TOWN is an incredible work of middle grade literature.  I loved the personality and wit in the author’s voice.  It wasn’t dry, and it didn’t talk down to the reader as some young books do.

This is about talking animals, but don’t expect it to be “just another one of those” books.  This one has awesome antics.  I think what I loved best is that the farm reminded me of my grandmother’s farm where I spent many a summer. 

If I was still teaching elementary school, I would get a copy of this for my classroom.

THE AWAKENING OF HK DERRYBERRY

I received a copy of THE AWAKENING OF HK DERRYBERRY: MY UNLIKELY FRIENDSHIP WITH THE BOY WHO REMEMBERS EVERYTHING by Jim Bradford with Andy Hardin from Thomas Nelson in exchange for an honest review.  It is a true story that will leave you smiling and blinking back tears.

This is a fast read – I was able to finish it in a day – and it is wonderful.  The words will warm your heart, and you will want to keep reading more.  Basically, it is about a little boy who finds a man and changes his life, and vice versa.  This just goes to show you must never overlook anyone no matter what you might think about them.  It also goes to show that even if you don’t think you can make a difference to someone, think again.  Anyone can be a role model if they put someone else before them.

I can’t express enough how much I loved this book.  I recommend this, especially as a gift for this upcoming Christmas season.

ALL SHE LEFT BEHIND

I received a copy of ALL SHE LEFT BEHIND by Jane Kirkpatrick from Revell in exchange for an honest review.

This reminded me of all the books I adored back in middle school and high school.  It is about the Oregon frontier in the 1870s.  I am such a fan of historical fiction.  I swallowed this all up, and best of all, it is based on true stories!  Basically this book is about a single mother struggling to care for her son and coming to terms with emotion she feels for a widower.  As a new mother, I could connect with her struggles on many levels. 

The historical details place you right in the setting.  It was especially eye-opening in the descriptions of women’s roles back then on the frontier.  I was familiar with those roles from reading other books, but it always surprises me to see how far we’ve come.

I recommend this book for lovers of historical fiction, especially because it is based on real people.

Ordering Your Private World

I received a copy of ORDERING YOUR PRIVATE WORLD by Gordon MacDonald from Thomas Nelson in exchange for an honest review.  The copy I received is revised and updated, and includes a study guide.

I don’t want to just recap the synopsis, so I’ll put it in a nutshell: This book talks about focuses on the inner you.  Your soul grows.  You grow.  By maintaining your inner peace, your outer peace falls into place.  Put your priorities into perspective.  Enhance your time management. 

I’ve read a lot of self-help books and articles, especially now while job hunting, and I’ve noticed that many of them come across as cold and tedious.  The author is just trying to make a quick buck without really caring about the reader.  That isn’t the case with this book.  The author’s words and experiences are touching.  You get the feeling he truly cares about helping you enhance your life. 

This is the type of book you don’t have to read all at once.  Sit down every now and then, put your feet up, and explore what Gordon MacDonald has to say.

Insurrection

INSURRECTION by Kadee Carder is an excellent example of clean young adult fiction packed with action and danger.  The romance is delicately written.  Lately, the young adult books I’ve been reading have been all about sex and death, so this was refreshing.  It’s the kind of book you feel good about giving to a teen.

Saylor is a beautiful role model for girls.  She has the right amount of attitude paired with a caring heart.  I don’t want to give any spoilers away, so I’m just going to say…wait until you get to the end!

SHINE

I received a copy of SHINE: STEPPING INTO THE ROLE YOU WERE MADE FOR by Allison Allen from Revell in exchange for an honest review.

This is a self-help book, but its more than that.  It feels like a conversation between you and the author.  Those are my favorite kinds of books.  They suck you in and it is a pleasure to read.  You actually forget that you’re reading “lessons.”  Allison Allen offers plenty of insight and personal stories about her growth.  She doesn’t just lecture, but connects it with her own experiences. 

The book is about rising up over hardships.  It is about not letting fear keep you down, not letting rejections beat you into a pulp.  On my current process to finding a new job, I needed that part the most.  The book really isn’t about one thing in general, so everyone should be able to find something in here to help improve his or her life.

IRMA THE INVENTOR & THE VAMPIRE SPIDERS

When I was teaching elementary school, I looked for books that would get girls interested in science.  There wasn’t a lot out there.  I wish I’d known about IRMA THE INVENTOR & THE VAMPIRE SPIDERS. 

The story is clean – always a plus when buying for kids – and it shows a great empowerment for girls.  Did I mention it encourages a love for science?!  There were many times I laughed and many more times that I cheered.  Irma is quirky, and she reminded me a lot of myself when I was in grade school.  I wanted friends, and I tried hard, but no matter, something always went a little wrong…