Category: Book Reviews

Posted on

Spooky Christian YA and Middle Grade Fiction!

I love a good spooky story. In fact, some of my favorite parts in the Thrones series are when Jack, Molly, and Ellie come face to face with the incredible creatures throughout the kingdom of Tanniyn. However, so many scary books don’t end on a note of hope. I believe hope is an important part of the Christian life. Jesus brings us hope!

One time, I asked a group of kids to define hope. One of the kids said, “Hope is kind of like when you are in a problem, but then hope takes you out of your problem…”

In the pause, another kid added: “…and into the heart of God.”

Hope does that: it help us to see there is a God who loves us, is with us, and will never leave us.

So on that note of hope, I want to recommend some spooky Christian YA and Middle Grade books that do end in hope. These fiction books are for a range of ages from around the 9-10 year old age up to the upper end of YA readers. Check out my recommends below!

Posted on

BOOK REVIEW: Faith and Science with Dr. Fizzlebop by Brock Eastman

As a Pastor to Kids, I am often asked one question that has always been tough to answer: “Do you know of a good devotional book our family could go through?” I’ve recommended some in the past, but kind of cringed at the artwork or the blocky way the text was laid out inside the devotional book. Then I heard about Faith and Science with Dr. Fizzlebop: 52 fizztastically fun experiments and devotions for families. Now I absolutely know which devotional book I will be recommending to families: this one!

Brock Eastman has put together 52 devotions that include a Scripture passage, devotional, discussion questions, prayer prompts, and a science experiment. Each science experiment connects with the Bible story in organic and fun ways, and kids will find it easy to see the truth of God’s Word through their experiments in God’s World! Every science experiment has detailed instructions, pictures, and material lists so you’ll know exactly how to lead your family each time. The supplies aren’t super hard to find outside of online shopping or the local grocery or dollar store. The entire book is laid out in Genesis to Revelation order, which helps kids keep the flow of the story as they go along.

The artwork throughout the book is also incredible! The entire book is full color and lays flat when open so that way you don’t have to try to keep a finger on the page while you conduct your science experiments and then talk about God’s Word and World together afterward. Kids will definitely love the fun art style, and the pages are easy to read too, so your kids could read out loud even while parents and guardians listen. The book is structured more for a family to do together, not so much for a child to do on their own.

There are also five bonus devotions built around holidays with some fun and festive experiments tagging along!

This book would also work great for Children’s Pastors wanting to add an object lesson to a particular Bible story they are teaching. The experiments are all extremely visual, and there are links in the book to videos of how to do each experiment in case you get a little stuck.

Overall, this is one of the absolute best devotional books I’ve seen I think ever. It is definitely on my Top Recommended List for families looking to add a devotional practice to their spiritual formation at home.

Posted on

BOOK REVIEW: Patrick and the Fire: A Legend About Saint Patrick by Cornelia Mary Bilinsky

Patrick and the Fire: A Legend about Sai by Cornelia Mary Bilinsky

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


In searching for books about the life of Saint Patrick, I spotted the cover art for Patrick and the Fire: A Legend about Saint Patrick and was instantly intrigued. When it comes to picture books, I am always equally looking at the story as well as the art that accompanies it. Here, the art and story combine to be a quick but rather compelling vignette from the life of Saint Patrick.

The story is a short one from the many legends about Saint Patrick, but is told in an engaging way that draws you in from the beginning. However, the illustrations elevate the story beyond the words on the page. At times, the art reminded me of old Disney animation stills from The Black Cauldron era as well as newer art from films like Brave. The characters are well realized and drawn with expression that at the same time evokes mystery as well as a sense of history.

This is definitely a Catholic book, and contains a prayer to Saint Patrick at the beginning. Readers from Protestant or Evangelical households might want to preview this section beforehand. At the end of the book is a brief biographical sketch of Saint Patrick’s life, which dives into more possibly historic details than the fictionalized account in the rest of the book.

However, I will say this book tackles complex theological themes such as salvation and the Trinity, and presents both in a way that young children will be able to grasp. These definitions and explorations of theology transcend both Catholic and Protestant views for a more universal Christian presentation that either Catholic or Protestant readers can enjoy and use to further discussions with their children about the work of God.

If you’re looking for a fun, quick read on the life of Saint Patrick that contains excellent illustrations, Patrick and the Fire is certainly a book to add to your picture book library!

Posted on

BOOK REVIEW: Called to the Fire by Chet Bush

Called to the Fire: A Witness for God in Mississippi; The Story of Dr. Charles Johnson by Chet Bush

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


There are only a handful of books that can say they caught my attention enough to be read in one sitting. Called to the Fire, the story of Dr. Charles Johnson, by Chet Bush is one of them. From the mesmerizing first chapter to the heartbreaking, yet hopeful, ending, I simply could not turn the pages fast enough. Even before I dive into the rest of my thoughts on this book, this is certainly a must read.

Dr. Charles Johnson is a pastor in the Church of the Nazarene who found himself embroiled in a civil rights murder trial as a witness for the prosecution in 1967. The Mississippi Burning Trial has been the subject of film, documentaries, and other books, but this is the book that takes on the biography of Dr. Johnson, one of the pivotal figures in the small towns of Mississippi where racism and the Ku Klux Klan reigned supreme in the 1960s. From Dr. Johnson’s work in educating African Americans to his dynamite preaching, God called Dr. Johnson to the fire so he could be a beacon of hope in the storm.

Multiple times while reading I teared up, and the events of one of the final chapters broke me. I won’t spoil it here, but it was perhaps one of the most powerful moments I have read in any biography ever. The ability of this man of God to stand up even when threatened to continue to do what God had called him to do is inspiring.

The book is not a long read, and there are photographs of key events and places from the narrative. There are also copious notes in the endnotes that point to more sources and information not only about the Mississippi Burning Trial, but also about Dr. Johnson’s life.

We need more stories like this one. We need to remember the heroes of the past and today, and to remember that sometimes we are called into the fire. The purposes and reasons of the calling may not always be apparent, but looking back we will see what God has done in the wake. Pick up a copy of Called to the Fire. This one is a must read.

Posted on

BOOK REVIEW: Valentine’s Day by Joyce K. Kessel

Valentine’s Day by Joyce K. Kessel

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Some have said, “Don’t judge a book by the cover,” and I would say, “Valentine’s Day by Joyce Kessel is one of those books.” The cover for this book is pretty dated at this point, and reminded me of old books from the 1980’s I would check out from the library as a kid. However, while the cover doesn’t do much to inspire the imagination, the story and black and white illustrations with red highlights raise this book above others.

This book is perhaps the most robust and yet succinct retellings of the history of Valentine’s Day I have found yet. The story also doesn’t hide the origins of the holiday regarding Pope Gelasius I’s appropriating the Feast of Juno and recreating it as “St. Valentine’s Day” in honor of one or all of the three St. Valentine’s we know of from history. The book tells a few stories about the various Valentines, each one labeled as a “legend.” The book then goes on to explain the traditions of the holiday and how it has translated to modern times.

This book is longer than some other picture books for kids on Valentine’s Day. It also has some potentially not great ideas that young readers might pick up without some conversation from parents. There is discussion later in the book of “penny dreadfuls,” valentine cards sent during the late 1800’s that were meant to be insulting. A parent might want to read that section ahead of time and decide whether they want to talk about that section or not. It would be a good opportunity to have a discussion with your kid about the words we use towards others and how we can encourage others rather than tear them down.

The illustrations range from fun in a 1920’s throwback way to highly dated in a 1980’s children’s book way. Throughout, red is sprinkled into the black and white drawings, which is an interesting detail.

If you find this one at a local library, it’s worth a checkout and a read, especially if you have a child interested in the history across the span of 2,700 years of Valentine’s Day.

Posted on

BOOK REVIEW: Valentine’s Day Is… by Gail Gibbons

Valentine’s Day Is by Gail Gibbons

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Having read a few picture books on Valentine’s Day, I found Gail Gibbons’ Valentine’s Day Is… to be a fun, well-illustrated book that contained information I have not seen in other books on the holiday.

Each page is set up with the phrase: “Valentine’s Day Is…” and is finished with things like “candy,” “love,” or “hearts.” The pages then go on to explain very simply and succinctly various traditions and symbols related to Valentine’s Day, including Saint Valentine and ancient Roman practices of putting names in an urn and drawing them, similar to today’s valentine cards and valentine mailboxes so many kids make.

Those looking for historical information on Saint Valentine will find only a copy of pages on him here, which are very sparse in actual information. At the end of the book there is a great DIY Valentine project that is simple and fun as well.

The illustrations are bright, vibrant, and have a bit of a 1900’s throwback vibe in some places that made them especially charming. Kids will love searching the pictures for all the hearts throughout the book and hidden away in each picture in fun ways.

If you’re looking for a fun read on Valentine’s Day, this is a book that would be a great library checkout, but perhaps not one to purchase.

Posted on

BOOK REVIEW: Valentine’s Day by Ann Heinrichs

Valentine’s Day by Ann Heinrichs

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Ann Heinrichs’ Valentine’s Day picture book is an overview of the holiday for young readers. This book covers more of the traditions and symbols behind the holiday rather than any specific history of how the day came to be. There is a short “chapter” here on Saint Valentine as well as the Roman festival Lupercalia on February 15th, but both comprise about five pages total with a quick brush through history.

One particular feature of this picture book is the numerous poems and quotes from literature throughout the ages. From anonymous poems to Shakespeare to Plato, there are plenty of fascinating snippets from poems that will give kids an introduction to literature talking about Valentine’s Day as well as love in general.

The illustrations here are fine, but they aren’t exactly thrilling, interesting, or exciting. Many of the illustrations seem rather typical for this kind of non-fiction children’s book and none of the pictures really stand out.

There are also some activities for kids in the back of the book, including recipes, DIY crafts, and some suggestions for ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day.

If you’re looking for an overview book of the holiday, this book is fine, but there are certainly more fascinating books out there on Valentine’s Day. If you’re looking for more information on Saint Valentine, this is not the book to go to.

Posted on

BOOK REVIEW: Saint Valentine by Robert Sabuda

Saint Valentine by Robert Sabuda

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, I wanted to take a look at the various books about the holiday as well as the Saint it’s named for. Saint Valentine by Robert Sabuda was one of the first books I found on the Saint specifically, and didn’t expect the emotional impact this beautifully illustrated picture book would have on me.

Written as a sort of historical fiction of a snippet from the life of Saint Valentine, the book shares about the work Valentine did as a healer and a chance encounter one day with a jailer and her daughter who cannot see. While Valentine is sorry that he cannot do more for the jailer’s daughter, he starts to pray for her. I won’t spoil the ending here, but it definitely had the emotional punch that good storytelling will deliver.

The story is light on Valentine’s religious beliefs, and has a brief more historically accurate explanatory note at the end. The story implies the death of Valentine, but does not mention it specifically.

The illustrations however are amazing. Sabuda takes a mosaic approach to each page, which create intricate details that weave together to form mesmerizing pictures that instantly draw your gaze. Kids will definitely enjoy searching the pictures for some time to see all the details and then to zoom out and see the larger illustration as a whole.

While this isn’t the most comprehensive book on Saint Valentine, it certainly tells a poignant story that illustrates the life of the saint.

Posted on

BOOK REVIEW: The Relic of Perilous Falls by Raymond Arroyo

The Relic of Perilous Falls by Raymond Arroyo

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I will admit this: it took me awhile to get into The Relic of Perilous Falls, book #1 in the Will Wilder series by Raymond Arroyo. I started reading the first couple chapters almost four years ago, couldn’t get into it, and set it aside. However, over this pandemic year of 2020, I’ve been revisiting cast aside novels and trying to finish them up. So when I picked this book back up over Christmas 2020, I settled in and determined to at least get a few chapters in and then give up on the book if it still didn’t hook me. However, as I started flipping pages, the book drew me in, slowly at first, until I had to read to the end to see how it finished. Now, I’m not going to say this book doesn’t have its issues, which I will lay out here, but I will say this: if you’re looking for a fun, adventurous read in the vein of a mashup of high church history, Indiana Jones, and a splash of Percy Jackson and the Olympians, then The Relic of Perilous Falls might be right up your alley.

Will Wilder is an ordinary kid who has no idea that there is a dangerous, yet invisible, world all around him filled with evil forces that are bent on the destruction of all humanity. But when he falls off the back of a donkey, he sees something in the shadows. Will’s Aunt Lucille takes Will under wing and helps him discover the mysterious world around him, but when the entire town of Perilous Falls is threatened, it’s up to Will and his friends to find an ancient relic to battle an evil demon and save them all.

First off, this book does suffer from some of the similar tropes of this genre of fantasy adventure for Middle Grade readers: There is a prophecy involved, hidden special powers, and a supernatural world that meets the modern day world in unexpected ways. However, the great twist here is the Christian worldview at play here. Some might categorize this book as more Catholic than Protestant, but either stream of faith is definitely going to discover some fascinating church history as well as tiptoe into the world of religious relics, which is barely touched on here. I would actually say that this is one of those stories that shows just how closely Charismatic Christianity and Catholicism intersect by diving into a supernatural world where those with faith battle demons, have spiritual gifts, and must rely on the invisible God to see them through.

The other aspect here that raises this story beyond other “Chosen One” Middle Grade fiction are the Indiana Jones aspects to the novel. There is a fair bit of treasure hunting, traps, and near escapes that were extremely reminiscent of Raiders of the Lost Ark or The Last Crusade, complete with illustrated clues incorporated into the text.

Will Wilder as a character is fine, if not somewhat typical of a main character for this type of novel. His character growth is nonchalant and more of a side, side story than any through line. The plot and the world-building are what drive this forward, with sometimes too many side characters getting into the mix. Some readers may be put off by Will’s choices at times, which seem to sometimes make no sense or be choices taken merely for the sake of upping the stakes.

However, at the end of the book, I found myself having thoroughly enjoyed this romp through the world of relics and faith. If you’re a fan of books such as Percy Jackson and the Olympians or any book in the fantasy adventure genre for Middle Grade readers, you’re likely to at least enjoy The Relic of Perilous Falls.

Posted on

My Top 5 Favorite Books of 2020

This year has been one for the books. So I turned to books when I needed to step back, remember all that God has done in the world. Reading reminds me of the creativity that human beings have been given, and it’s one of my favorite parts of life if I’m being honest. When we are creative as human beings, we reflect the Creator who made everything around us.

So here are my top 5 favorite books I read during 2020. Not all of them were released in 2020, but this is the year I found these wonderful stories. I will quickly admit there are a few books that are not making this list which surprised me. For one, I am a huge Brandon Mull fan, and while I enjoyed the latest Dragonwatch book, it didn’t wow me like the ones on my list this year. I also read quite a bit of non-fiction, but none of those made my list either.

#5: Alex Rider: Nightshade by Anthony Horowitz

I have been an Alex Rider fan since 2006 when I saw the film based on book #1, Stormbreaker. I have read every Alex Rider book since then, and when I saw Nightshade was releasing, I knew I had to pick it up and read it.

Horowitz never disappoints. This book was non-stop action, put Alex Rider in new frightening predicaments, and had me gasp out loud a couple of times (always my true test of a good book!). With great pacing, the return of some series favorites, and a super creepy villain plot this time around, Horowitz is at the top of his game.

#4: Gaal the Conqueror by John White

This book surprised me. After the first book in the series, The Sword Bearer, I wasn’t sure if the second book would live up to the same level of story, but also wouldn’t be quite so obvious with the allegory present here. However, while the allegory to a Biblical story is pretty obvious from the beginning, there are other elements of this book that elevate it to #4 on this list.

For starters, the final “battle” is intense, frightening, and had me shout “No!” out loud at the pages as I flipped them frantically to see what would happen next. One thing happens near the end that had me on the edge of my seat all the rest of the way through. The set up here is also intense, leaving the lead characters with a very intriguing mission to accomplish.

I haven’t finished this series yet, but I have picked up books #3-#6 at a local used bookstore, so I’m eager to see what happens next!

#3: The Silent Noisy Night by Jill Roman Lord

Another surprise to me was how much this short board book about Christmas would mean to me. This past year I have been discovering just how often God celebrates throughout Scripture. Too often growing up I viewed God as distant and stoic and emotionless. But the truth is that God often celebrates, especially when it comes to the people God has created!

This book emphasizes the sheer celebration of the birth of Jesus. When Jesus was born, the clock starting ticking on death and sin. Jesus went on to conquer sin and death once and for all through his death and resurrection, and that is certainly something to celebrate!

The other thing I loved here was the artwork, from the animals to the backgrounds — everything is incredibly well done. This is definitely on my list of favorites for 2020, but also on my list of favorite Christmas books!

#2: Sands of Nezza by M.L. Forman

Okay. This book right here had downright one of the best first 150 pages of any book I’ve ever read. The writing was top notch, the mystery was confounding and drew me in instantly, and also the tense pace and action had me barely breathing as I turned the pages desperately needing to know what was about to happen. This is book #4 in the Adventurers Wanted series, which really takes a lot of aspects from high fantasy similar to The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, and amps them up for a Middle Grade/Young Adult audience.

The character building here is also fascinating, especially considering the plot reveals from the previous book in the series. I couldn’t wait to see how it all worked out in the end. This book also introduced an overarching series threat I didn’t see coming, and couldn’t wait to find out more about.

The only downside was the ending faltered slightly before picking back up to bring it all to the finish line. However, even with a slight stumble near the end, this was one of my favorites from this year.

#1: Albrek’s Tomb by M.L. Forman

This book takes my top spot for the year due not only to the expansive plot, character development, action, side adventures, and twists along the way, but also for the downright cozy feeling of this book.

The best way I can describe it is like this: have you ever finished a series of books and felt like there was closure, which made you happy, but also you wished there was more in the world of the series, and an almost panic comes over you that the book is ending and there won’t be any more from this particular world you have enjoyed so much over the course of a novel? That’s the feeling I had reading this book, which is book #3 in the Adventurers Wanted series by M.L. Forman.

While it’s the middle of the series, this book was one that I immediately thought: I’m going to re-read this book someday. For those who know me, I rarely ever re-read books. I have always felt as though there are so many good books out there to read that I wouldn’t want to waste time re-reading one I’ve already read. But the journey for the characters here is so captivating that I knew one day I would revisit this world and enjoy every minute of it once again.

Also, major shout out to the plot twist of all plot twists in this book. It had such a creepy build up and then came out of nowhere in a great way, that I was instantly excited to see what might happen next.

Well, that’s it for 2020. So many great books I had the privilege of reading this year. Here’s to 2021 and a whole year more of reading incredible stories, insightful thoughts, and inspiring fiction and non-fiction.