The Princess Tales 1-2

Summary: Once upon a time...A kind sister and a cruel one. A charming prince. A spiteful fairy. A hundred-year snooze. A pea under a pile of mattresses. A kiss.

All the familiar ingredients, but why is the punished sister happy? Where did that extra prince come from, and what does a flock of balding sheep or a fleck of tuna in a chocolate cake have to do with anything?

Thoughts: I love Gail Carson Levine's writings. She turns all the typical fairytale concepts into crazy and humorous tales that are modern enough to be easily read by all ages while retaining all the most loved aspects of their older contemporaries!

Content: Aside from magic, perfectly clean for all ages!

Joey: How a Blind Rescue Horse Helped Others Learn to See

Summary: The heartwarming true story of a blind horse named Joey.
At the height of his show career, this beautiful Appaloosa’s majestic stature, strength, and willingness to work made him the perfect partner. But when an injury cost Joey his show career, he moved from one owner to the next, ultimately experiencing severe abuse and neglect. A rescue group found Joey nearly dead from starvation—and blind.

Then he came to Hope Reins—a ranch dedicated to helping hurting kids who had been abused, emotionally wounded, or unwanted. By teaching these children to care for rescued animals, the Hope Reins staff were convinced they could reach kids with love and hope and show them that we are never forgotten by God.

But could the financially struggling ranch afford to take care of a blind horse that no one else wanted? Could Joey somehow learn to trust people even though the world had hurt him so badly? And what would happen—to Joey, the kids, and Hope Reins—if they failed?

A true story of friendship destined to become a classic, Joey will touch your heart and reveal the power of finding light in the darkness.

Thoughts: This is an amazing story. I had the privilege of working at Hope Reins for a short period while I lived in NC and I loved the work these people did for families from all walks of life. The story of Joey is the beginning of it all and it shows the heart and foundation of the wonderful people who founded Hope Reins. The book itself is a heart-rending and then heart-warming story of loss and love and I highly recommend it.

Content: There are some hard and mature themes in the book so, even though it is largely clean, I recommend it for teens and adults. 

Kisses From Katie

Summary: What would cause an eighteen-year-old old senior class president and homecoming queen from Nashville, Tennessee, to disobey and disappoint her parents by forgoing college, break her little brother’s heart, lose all but a handful of her friends (because the rest of them think she has gone off the deep end), and break up with the love of her life, all so she could move to Uganda, where she knew only one person but didn’t know any of the language? A passion to make a difference. Katie Davis left over Christmas break her senior year for a short mission trip to Uganda and her life was turned completely inside out. She found herself so moved, so broken by the people and the children of Uganda that she knew her calling was to return and care for them. Her story is like Mother Teresa’s in that she has given up everything—at such a young age—to care for the less fortunate of this world. Katie, a charismatic and articulate young woman, has gone on to adopt 14 children during her time in Uganda, and she completely trusts God for daily provision for her and her family, which includes children with special needs.

To further her reach into the needs of Ugandans, Katie established Amazima Ministries. The ministry matches orphaned children with sponors worldwide. Each sponsor's $300/year provides schooling, school supplies, three hot meals a day, minor medical care, and spiritual encouragement. Katie expected to have forty children in the program; she had signed up 150 by January 2008; today it sponsors over 400. Another aspect of the ministry is a feeding program created for the displaced Karamojong people—Uganda's poorest citizens. The program feeds lunch to over 1200 children Monday-Friday and sends them home with a plate for food; it also offers basic medical care, Bible study, and general health training.

Katie Davis, now 21, is more than fascinating, she's inspiring, as she has wholeheartedly answered the call to serve.

Thoughts: I loved this story so much! Katie paints a clear picture of a whole new world, the good and the bad. She refuses to discriminate between the cultures she calls home and she fills each image, whether of the States or of Africa, with love and beauty. The simplicity of this book and the lives it shares hold your heart till the very end. Highly recommended for everyone wanting to explore new lands and cultures!

Content: The book covers some hard topics like sickness, abuse, poverty, rape, and many other issues these people faced. While everything is handled with care, we still suggest it for teens and adults. 

So You want to be a Wizard

Summary: Nita Callahan is at the end of her rope because of the bullies who've been hounding her at school... until she discovers a mysterious library book that promises her the chance to become a wizard. But she has no idea of the difference that taking the Wizard's Oath is going to make in her life. Shortly, in company with fellow beginner-wizard Kit Rodriguez, Nita's catapulted into what will be the adventure of a lifetime—if she and Kit can both live through it. For every wizard's career starts with an Ordeal in which he or she must challenge the one power in the universe that hates wizardry more than anything else: the Lone Power that invented death and turned it loose in the worlds. Plunged into a dark and deadly alternate New York full of the Lone One's creatures, Kit and Nita must venture into the very heart of darkness to find the stolen, legendary Book of Night with Moon. Only with the dangerous power of the wizardly Book do they have a chance to save not just their own lives, but their world...

Thoughts: This was a wild ride of a book! It started out pretty slow and cliche but I had no idea what was going on by the end. Honestly, it was pretty enjoyable but weird at the same time. While this book won't be making my favorites, it definitely stays to remind me that it wasn't just a fevered dream. if you ever want a book that refuses to be normal, read this one!

Content: Magic, mild language, and mild violence. Fine middle-grade readers and older.