New Book Coming Soon by Mark Restaino: Two Robots

This is the first book I have read by this author. It is not yet published. As a beta reader, I often get books to read in advance of publication. I have to say I am very impressed by this author and his work. To me, the quality of writing has always been important. However, books like this that have a message to get across is even more important. Mark writes faith-based picture books. They are not preachy in the least. I as an adult loved these books. The story is of two robots built by two scientists. Both love their creations. One of them creates a robot who obeys everything and does everything right. The other scientist creates a robot that has the ability to learn. It is only when the two robots meet that true learning happens. The lesson learned by the scientist of the blue robot is just as important. This is a modern-day parable for modern-day kids. Every kid loves robots and will be able to relate. I am looking forward to the date this is published and for sale. This along with all of his other books will soon be in the hands of my grandchildren. Finding books to recommend to parents is important to me. Finding books to give to my children and their children is even more important. When this book comes out, run, don't walk to Amazon or his website:  

https://www.authormarkrestaino.com/books

About the Author Mark Restaino (from his website)

I am a full-time youth minister and live in the Chicagoland area with my wife and two daughters. I got the idea for my first story while on a retreat with my youth group students. My other stories also seem to come to me in the quiet moments when I reflect on my life and faith. I am personally drawn to the symbolism and foreshadowing that God weaves throughout the Bible and I believe it serves as a beautiful defense of the faith. In reflection of my creator, I strive to write stories that capture readers' hearts and minds and symbolically share the faith  and gospel message. I pray that my stories kindle the fire of the faith within you, your family, and your church community.

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Maybe by Morris Gleitzman

Maybe by Morris Gleitzman

Genre: Middle Grade, Young Adult, Historical Fiction

Source: Purchased

            In the previous book in this series, Felix once again helps a young girl. Anya was a girl he met after saving a baby. He meets Anya, who promises him a way to get powdered milk. Felix learned that the reason Anya was always sick was that she was pregnant. They went back to Gabriek’s farm to learn someone else had taken possession. In town, a mob attacks them, an Aussie is injured when he saves him, then needs Felix’s help to save his life with his medical knowledge. It is decided that Felix will become the face of all that Australia fought for in World War II. He is loaded on a plane leaving Gabriek behind. Unbeknownst to the pilot, Anya has hidden away on board as well. Up to this point, the tension has been a rollercoaster ride. Then the plane is going down. Felix and Anya must jump for their lives. This is their welcome to Australia. I still love this series because I can see how we are coming full circle in Felix’s life. There were so many unanswered questions for me that made me want to dive into the next and last book in this series. Unfortunately, it won't be available until July of this year. If by chance I can get my hands on it before then, just know that I will.

Soon by Morris Gleitzman

Soon by Morris Gleitzman

Genre: Middle Grade, Young Adult, Historical Fiction

Source: Purchased

           

            Soon is the fifth book in this series. The war has ended. Hatred and prejudice seem to have no end. There are those who are still Nazi sympathizers. Those who think the Jews are still filthy beasts. Felix rescues a baby when the mother thrusts it at him before she is killed.  He decides he a Gabriek will raise it. They give it a Ukranian name to hopefully protect it. Gabriek has been so traumatized that he drinks himself to sleep each night. This leaves Felix to go out and find food and work. He meets several young people that will change his life in many ways. This is one of the darker books in the series. I felt this because you would think things would start to change and have a brighter outcome after the defeat of the Nazis. However, as an American who was born well after this war, I never had to face a time when a country had to rebuild itself. It is hard enough to rebuild after a war. Bring into it the same old prejudices by just a handful of people and the outcome is the same for a while.  Change takes time. Unfortunately for some, time runs out.