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A Ring of Endless Light – Madeleine L’Engle

A Ring of Endless Light is one of my favorite Madeline L’Engle books. In this middle grade and young adult Newbery Honor book, the Austin family has returned to Seven Bay Island. Their grandfather is dying, and they’ve come to help. Vicky Austin is almost sixteen and is facing confusion over boys, her own role and purpose in the world, her artistic personality in a family of scientists, and questions about death and what it means to live. Her grandfather is a minister, but also a lover of poetry. The Austin’s are a intelligent, loving family, and how they deal … Continue reading →

Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer

Eclipse is the third book in the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer. This is a fun series focused on Bella and her relationship with a vampire Edward. What makes the story unique is that Edward’s family or coven is vegetarian. This means that they do not partake of human blood. Eclipse picks up just where New Moon drops off. Bella has just returned from rescuing Edward from the Volturi. Bella begins the book grounded as a result of taking off to Rome without Charlie’s permission. When Charlie agrees to end Bella’s punishment, he encourages Bella to continue her friendship with … Continue reading →

From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler – E. L. Konigsburg

From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler is the story of two suburban children, Claudia and James, run away from home. Claudia is almost twelve, she feels unappreciated and bored with her life. Jamie, her younger brother runs away because Claudia invited him. Claudia likes elegant things, so they run away to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. They hide out in the bathrooms, sleep in antique beds, turn all their clothing gray at the Laundromat, learn about history as they explore the museum, have macaroni and cheese and coffee for breakfast, and take baths in the fountain. There … Continue reading →

Do You Want Better Social Skills?

If you want to improve at social skills read fiction. No, you did not read wrongly. If you want to improve at social skills read fiction. That’s the latest finding by cognitive scientists in Toronto. Over the years, I’ve met Christians who tell me with an element of pride they never read fiction – not just Christian fiction but ANY fiction. The implication is that their time is far too valuable to waste on fiction and stories that to their minds are made-up and therefore not true. I admit I’ve always found this is peculiar attitude and think they are … Continue reading →

Media Week in Review

Pictures of Hollis Woods is a Newbery Honor book from author Patricia Reilly Giff. It’s the story of a foster child who grows into herself and finds a family. Don’t miss the well loved picture book The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry, and The Big Hungry Bear by husband and wife team Don and Audrey Wood. It’s about a little mouse who outsmarts a bear, but is maybe outsmarted himself! Another classic children’s story is Mr. Rabbit and the Lovely Present by Charlotte Zolotow, the story of a young girl and a rabbit friend who find a present for … Continue reading →