Wonder by R.J. Palacio

 

Genre: children, realistic fiction

Source: I own a copy

I’ve had this book on my shelf for years. Every time I start it a kid asks to read it. Summer is the best time to read a book. If you want to teach students how to show kindness and be empathetic, then this is the book for you. August Pullman has some issues with his face.  We all know how hard it is going to a new school. It is even more difficult when your face is deformed. He tries to head it off when he notices the kids are looking at him, letting them know that it is okay to look at him because he does look different.  He is bullied by the older kids.  He eventually learns to make true friends who stand beside him.  There are so many great lessons to be learned throughout this book.  This is a definite read whether you are a kid or an adult.

Made With Love by Tricia Goyer, Sherry Gore

 

Genre:Amish Fiction

Source: I own a copy

 I live four blocks from Pinecraft, and  I know Sherry Gore, one of the authors of this book.  She was not born into the Amish lifestyle like most. She chose to become Amish. A major difference when you visit the setting in this book, compared to most Amish fiction, is the location. Pinecraft has a small community of full-time residents. Once a year, the buses come in with Amish from up north. They have houses, apartments, and motorhomes for them to rent. Instead of horse and buggies, most of the Amish travel by two or three-wheeled bikes, or they walk. When Lovina’s family moves to Pinecraft, she finds an area that uses modern conveniences. Most, but not all, use electricity. Some of them have their own phones. They are very welcoming to outsiders.

I love a good Amish novel. What I liked about this one was how normal everyday life was. I’ve read some Amish novels where the romance is so strong, and that is what they wanted to focus on. This one focuses on the business of opening a pie shop, with the romance coming in naturally.

Lovina wants nothing more than to open a pie shop, where she can make and sell pies.  Her mother has heard rumors about the contractor’s previous behavior, and so she is not thrilled with her daughter’s relationship with him. You know how it is with mothers and their daughters. They scrutinize everything about their new boyfriend. One issue I can relate to is that someone made a comment about Lovina, and for years, she believed it. I work with teens and see the effect that one negative comment, especially from a relative, can have on that child’s life. Why do we believe things we are told that hurt us?

Some aspects of this book that resonated with me include learning to forgive yourself and letting the past go. It also focuses on reaching for and pursuing your dream, even when others are not fully behind you.  There are pie recipes at the back of the book. Overall, it is a great read. On a side note, if you decide to visit the real Pinecraft, in Sarasota, Florida and you want pie you must visit Yoder's Restaurant for the best Amish Pies.

Finding God in Anime: A Devotional for Otakus by Laura A. Grace

 

Genre: Inspirational, Christian, Devotions

Source: I purchased a copy

I am not an expert on Anime.  I have read and watched some due to my students telling me I need to check it out. I love the fact that these authors could take something they and so many others are interested in and find a way of using it to show God’s promises and messages.  This devotional is especially well written for young teens. So many of the middle schoolers I teach are into anime.  Each author sought to show through the message of anime and scripture that the two can co-exist.

One of my favorites was “Pikachu, I Choose You” by Laura Grace. One reason is that I am very familiar with Pikachu. My children, my students, and even my grandchildren love Pikachu. The message of putting on the armor of God and standing strong rang so true for me.  I actually had a student quote that to me this last year. He was wearing a shirt proudly proclaiming “Jesus was his Saviour”. He told me the reason he wears those kinds of shirts is because he is “putting on the armor of God.”  If I can see God in Anime, I wonder how many others can. Themes of sacrificing self the way Christ sacrificed himself for us, or being grateful for what we have in the face of mounting obstacles can be found throughout this book.  It is uplifting as well as informative. I had to check out some of the anime I was not familiar with.  I will be talking this book up to my students next year. I know many of them will be surprised by how positive I am about anime.  This is a book I recommend, whether you are a big fan of anime or not.