Black, Red, and White – The Circle Trilogy by Ted Dekker

For those of us who grew up in church, can name all sixty-six books of the Bible (spelling most of them correctly), and memorized John 3:16 before we were out of diapers (well, maybe not quite that soon) sometimes (and I hate to admit it), sometimes those poignant and life-changing stories of old become (how do I say this) mundane…too familiar…taken for granted.

In steps Ted Dekker with his Circle Trilogy to save the day, or at least give us a fresh glimpse of our heritage and our faith.  Even non-believers will enjoy this series as they are full of action, suspense, passion, and all the things that make for a good story.  If someone like Peter Jackson (of Lord of the Rings fame) got hold of this it would become an epic film.  Be prepared to see the Bible come to life in a completely unexpected way.

What happens when Thomas hits his head and awakes in another reality only to find that somehow he’s the key to saving both worlds?  Which reality is real anyway?  What will happen if someone drinks the water of Teeleh?  Just how far will someone go to save the one he loves?  Will the Raison Strain actually destroy earth as we know it?  Who is Elyon?  What is the Great Romance all about? Where did all those black bats come from? To find out, start by picking up Black, but be forewarned, you’ll have trouble putting it down so make sure someone else is keeping an eye on supper…it might burn while you're turning pages.

Abraham Lincoln has been quoted as saying of Harriet Beecher Stowe, "So this is the little lady who made this big war."  I thought to myself,  Uncle Tom's Cabin must be a powerful book! I knew it was considered a classic, but one probably not read in the public schools, so a couple years ago my now DD16 and I set out to read aloud this incredible novel that divided a nation.

Upfront let me say we never finished the book.  The story was compelling and griping.  The characters were deep and it was easy to become emotionally involved in the tale.  However, my daughter and I got completely bogged down in the slave dialect.  I realize Miss Stowe was trying to be true to the culture, but it took so much energy and concentration to decipher the dialog we simply gave up.  In retrospect I think it  would have been a better silent read than read-a-loud.  (At least in my opinion.)

I regretted not finishing the story, but DD16 went off to public school and that was the end of that.  Well, maybe not.  DD16 is back home now, and while I wanted to finish the story, I really didn't want to get bogged down again.  So, I did what any self-respecting homeschool mom would do *smirk*.....I borrowed the video from the library.

There are many video renditions of Uncle Tom's Cabin.  This is the one I happened to get from our public library.  There may be better versions available, but I really feel this one is worth watching.  (Avery Brooks did a tremendous job as Tom.) 

In 2007 most of us have had some glimpse of the horrors of slavery. We've read of Harriet Tubman. We've seen or read Roots.   We've read or watched Gone with the Wind.   We've been to Civil War sites. We've read Lincoln's Gettysburg Address.  But what of those who lived before the Civil War?  What of those who really had no idea how horrific slavery was?  I can easily see where Uncle Tom's Cabin would spark heated discussions, evoke extreme emotion, and widen the chasm between abolitionists and slave holders.  Considering the role this story placed in American History, everyone should either read the book or at least watch a rendering of this tragic story of slavery and the triumph of Christian character.

End of the Spear

By Steve Saint

If your life has been touched in any way by the true story of five missionaries martyred in Ecuador in 1956 trying to reach a brutal tribe with the Gospel,

if you’ve ever doubted whether love is truly stronger than hate,

if you’ve never seen the transforming power of Christ,

if you want your faith strengthened and challenged, or

if you doubt whether God is able to bring good out of evil, then this is a must read.

End of the Spear was written by the son of martyred missionary Nate Saint. Here Steve tells how completely intertwined his life became with the very ones who murdered his father and the other missionaries. His is a story of heart ache, adventure, forgiveness, and love.  “Truth is stranger than fiction” so the saying goes; nowhere is that more evident than in End of the Spear.  Even if you saw the movie by the same title (which was poignant in its own right) you need to read the book as book and movie complement rather than detract from each other.  Be prepared to laugh, cry, and be totally amazed with our awesome Redeemer.

Paul Revere’s Ride The Landlord’s Tale

Written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Illustrated by Charles Santore

Charles Santore brings Mr. Longfellow’s “Listen my children and you shall hear of the midnight ride of Paul Revere…” wondrously to life with his historically accurate and detailed illustrations.  Whether you’re a seasoned fan of “Paul Revere’s Ride” or just studying it for the first time, I highly recommend this rendition of an old classic.

DD11 and I just finished reading  The Ugly Duckling adapted and illustrated by Jerry Pinkney.  It is a Caldecott Honor Book and well worthy of that distinction.  If you love a good picture book then you won't want to miss this one. 

I just read the sweetest story of love and growing old together.  I've not read it to my children yet, so I don't know if it will capture their imaginations as much as it did mine.  (It also deals with death, so you might want to preview it before reading it to very young children.)

Note to Moms:  Pay close attention to the illustrations and have a tissue handy.

The Last Dance

Written by Carmen Agra Deedy

Illustrated by Debrah Santini

Finally, a living book about the young Indian Princess Pocahontas!  A great read-a-loud, Pocahontas True Princess by Mari Hanes tells about the unique relationship between Pocahontas and her father, fear of the tribal witch doctor and the demand of Okewas (the war god) for human sacrifices, her encounters with John Smith and Jamestown, and her journey to faith in Creator God's Son Jesus Christ Who was the ultimate sacrifice. 

Amazon.com has it listed as being on a 9 - 12 year-old reading level. I read it aloud to my dd10.  She gives it 4 out of 5 stars.  I give it 5 of 5.

Happy reading!

The Emperor's Egg

Written by Martin Jenkins

Illustrated by Jane Chapman

(C)1999

  If your interested in penguins, have seen The March of the Penguins, or if you're like me and are a sucker for a great picture book, then this is a must read.  In beautiful illustrations and a fun story line this book tells about the extreme measures and sacrifices Emperor Penguins endure for the sake of their family. You'll love it.  (And you'll be glad you're not a penguin daddy .)

Dr. Welch and the Great Grape Story

     Say the word "Welch's" and what immediately comes to mind? 

     GRAPES!!!! Grape juice and grape jelly. (Yum! Yum!)

     Do you know what inspired Thomas Bramwell Welch to invent grape juice back in 1869? In his day the only "wine" used during communion was real, fermented wine.  He was distressed because the use of wine either excluded the alcoholic or tempted him to return to his former ways.  Welch wanted an alternative, an "unfermented wine", so he set out to make it himself.

     Dr. Welch and the Great Grape Story (copyright 2005), written by Mary Lou Carney and illustrated by Sherry Meidell, tells his story.  It is a delight both to the eyes and ears as the text and pictures are fun and beautiful. (I actually picked it up because the cover was so captivating!)  This picture/story books is a must read for anyone who loves grape juice or grape jelly.