The Edge of Everywhen by A.S. Mackey

Here is the book summary:

A unique middle-grade novel, The Edge of Everywhen tells the story of Piper, a 13-year-old self-proclaimed book nerd whose world has been upended after the death of her mother. She and her autistic little brother (and best friend) Phoenix cling to one another as they are forced to move a thousand miles away from everything familiar and live with their rich, estranged aunt.
 
Piper reaches to the books on her shelf for comfort, but it is one unique book, Novus Fabula, who offers true guidance as the omniscient narrator in the story. It watches them arrive at their aunt’s home, with tired hearts and stones in their stomachs, and now its whispered voice must point the children to depend upon the sovereignty of God during the most dire times as they await word of their missing father.

“What’s that you say? Books cannot speak? On the contrary, dear Reader. Quite the contrary. Books are one of the few things on this earth that truly speak, from the moment the first word is penned until the book’s last Reader has drawn their final breath.
Let me show you.”—Novus Fabula
 
Full of mystery and intrigue, The Edge of Everywhen story bridges the chasm between faith-based and fantasy kid-lit genres. It is a book-lover’s book, carrying the reader right into the adventure as Piper and Phoenix embark upon a life-changing journey, in search of their father and of a faith to call their own.

And now, my review:

The following is a review through the eyes of a teenager.  The Edge of Everywhen gets you into the people.  It can be very frightening and sometimes make you shake to your bones.  Other times it’s pleasant with your lemonade or hot cocoa in hand as if someone is talking to you.  Personally, I think that this book should be for ages 15 or higher because there are war scenes in it.  At the beginning of each chapter there is a quote from people, sometimes from the Bible.  

Some downsides, in this book they mention other books including Harry Potter, Narnia, and Lord of the Rings.  I don’t like or want to know anything about Harry Potter because there is nothing Christian about it.  They also talk about magic.  I don’t like that word unless you’re meaning Supernatural.  They talk about superstition which isn’t fun to read about either. 

The author does have prayer, the Bible, and believers in there.  Along with food, intrigue, danger, and adventure.  So, buckle up for the strangest ride of your life.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Edge-Everywhen-S-Mackey/dp/1535992611/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+edge+of+everywhen&qid=1596042374&sr=8-1

https://www.christianbook.com/the-edge-of-everywhen/a-s-mackey/9781535992619/pd/992610?event=ESRCG

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-edge-of-everywhen-a-s-mackey/1132106916?ean=9781535992619

Kingdom Files: Who Was Jonah by Matt Koceich

Here is the book summary:

What do you know about Jonah?

Was he:
. . .the reluctant prophet who said "no" to God?
. . .the man tossed overboard during a colossal storm?
. . .the one who changed his mind after being swallowed by a big fish?
. . .all of the above?

Journey along with Jonah on the high seas, in the belly of a fish, in the very center of God’s amazing power!

This biblically accurate story of Jonah, created just for the kids in your life, explores the life of the reluctant prophet who said “no” to God, while drawing 8- to 12-year-olds into a fascinating time and place as they learn about the man who was tossed overboard during a storm and experienced a change of heart after being swallowed by a giant fish. Featuring three key sections—a Fact File, an Action File, and a Power File—kids will enjoying learning about the life of Jonah while coming to understand that an ancient Bible story really does apply to their lives today. Dozens of captivating line art pieces add depth and interest to every chapter.


And now, my review:
Here is a review by my 12-year old daughter.  Who Was Jonah by Matt Koceich was a very drawn-in book.  This book was mostly the story of Jonah with discussion at the end of every chapter for further Bible Study.  This is great to do on your own or get some friends together and create discussion.  The discussions went into the story even more.  I learned things I didn’t know about Jonah before, so that was great.  Each chapter was readable and I moved through them quickly.  This gave me time to stop and think about what I had just read.  I really liked that. 

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Kingdom-Files-Who-Was-Jonah-ebook/dp/B07D46HG9C/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=who+was+jonah+by+matt+koceich&qid=1561559484&s=gateway&sr=8-1

https://www.christianbook.com/kingdom-files-who-was-jonah/matt-koceich/9781683226307/pd/226302?event=ESRCG

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/kingdom-files-matt-koceich/1127504885?ean=9781683226307

Imagine The Fall of Jericho by Matt Koceich

Here is the book summary:

The Third Release in an Epic Bible Adventure Series for Kids

The last thing fifth-grader Jake Henry remembers (before the world as he knew it disappeared) is napping at summer camp. What happens next can't be explained as Jake finds himself surrounded by massive stone walls that rise up all around him—in ancient Jericho! Imagine. . .The Fall of Jericho is the third release in an exciting epic adventure series for kids ages 8 to 12 written by schoolteacher Matt Koceich. The Imagine series brings the Bible to life for today's kids as they ponder what it would be like to live through a monumental biblical event.

And now, my review:

Imagine… The Fall of Jericho by Matt Koceich is a wonderful fiction story based on the True story of the Walls of Jericho falling down in the Word of God.  The relatability of the boy was spot on.  There are so many who feel unwanted and unloved and this is a great example of the truth of that untruth.  The main character finds himself in Jericho and it’s so intense and frightening, in a good way.  A great thing we enjoy about this writer is that he has a way with words and he makes it so colorful and realistic.   Relationships are formed and untruths change into truth.  Can’t wait to read his next one…

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Imagine-Fall-Jericho-Imagine/dp/168322714X/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_1?crid=3M1TJUBFK46JO&keywords=imagine+the+fall+of+jericho&qid=1551393270&s=gateway&sprefix=The+Fall+of+Jeri%2Caps%2C159&sr=8-1-fkmrnull

https://www.christianbook.com/imagine-the-fall-of-jericho/matt-koceich/9781683227144/pd/227144?product_redirect=1&Ntt=227144&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/imaginethe-fall-of-jericho-matt-koceich/1127954650?ean=9781683227144#/

Kingdom Files Who is Jesus by Matt Koceich

Here is the book summary:

What do you know about Jesus?                                         

Was He:
. . .the Son of God?
. . .the man who gave sight to the blind, made the lame to walk, and raised people from the dead?
. . .the One who died so that we might live?
. . .all of the above?

Journey along with Jesus on the Sea of Galilee, on the hill called Golgotha, in the very center of God’s amazing power!

This biblically accurate story of Jesus, the Son of God, created just for the kids in your life, explores the life of Jesus while drawing 8- to 12-year-olds into a fascinating time and place as they learn about the One who gave sight to the blind, made the lame to walk, raised people from the dead, and who died so that we might live. Featuring three key sections—a Fact File, an Action File, and a Power File—kids will enjoying learning about the life of Jesus while coming to understand that an ancient Bible story really does apply to their lives today. Dozens of captivating line art pieces add depth and interest to every chapter.

And now, my review:

Kingdom Files Who is Jesus by Matt Koceich was a book my 6^th grader read and she really enjoyed it as she read about all of Jesus’ journeys, miracles, and friends.  He uses clues as he writes and he goes into details as he talks about the clues.  He mentions quite a few of the stories in the gospels, but not all of them.  It’s a good beginner book for someone seeking to know more about Jesus.  He answers the question: Who is Jesus.  He includes pictures in the book that kids would like.  My daughter would encourage families to read it together and talk about what they are learning.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Kingdom-Files-Who-Jesus/dp/1683226267/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_1?keywords=kingdom+files+who+is+Jesus&qid=1551372553&s=gateway&sr=8-1-fkmrnull

https://www.christianbook.com/kingdom-files-who-is-jesus/matt-koceich/9781683226260/pd/226261?event=ESRCG

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/kingdom-files-matt-koceich/1127504882?ean=9781683226260

Camp Club Girls Bailey by Linda Carlblom

Here is the book summary:

GET A CLUE WITH THE CAMP CLUB GIRLS!
Join Bailey and the Camp Club Girls as they embark on a series of clue-filled adventures and crack the case in this entertaining and action-packed 4-in-1 mystery collection.
 

What's the meaning of the mysterious messages beneath shaggy sheep coats at the Curly Q ranch? The Camp Club Girls are determined to uncover the clues as they investigate a strange string of events. Will the girls discover the whereabouts of eccentric millionaire Marshall Gonzalez?

Why are wild elk running amok in Estes Park? During a stay at the historic Stanley Hotel, Bailey and Kate encounter out-of-control stampedes that put the townsfolk and tourists in danger. Will the Camp Club Girls uncover the reason behind the unusual elk behavior before someone gets hurt?

Are the rumors surrounding a valuable turquoise mine true? When Bailey and Elizabeth travel to a Native American village in New Mexico to help out a distant cousin and her children in their pottery shop during the busy tourist season, mysterious rumors begin to stir. The Camp Club Girls have their suspicions about rightful ownership of the mine, but will they be able to prove it?

Who's responsible for the peril at Mermaid Park? When Bailey and Sydney are invited to spend part of the summer with Bailey’s grandmother in Florida, both girls are fascinated by the local attraction—Mermaid Park. When curious and frightening events begin to take place, will the Camp Club Girls solve the mystery and save the park before time runs out?

And now, my review:

I found Camp Club Girls Bailey by Linda Carlblom to be an intriguing book.  I could not tell when the next cliffhanger was going to start or what was going to happen and this kept me right on reading.  I laughed at all the pranks that were brought about.  I saw while reading the importance of responsibility and the consequences of irresponsibility. Parental note:  My daughter (14) is just eating these books up.  FYI:  Ghosts are part of the first story but the author does bring around, using the Bible, the truth about ghosts. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing/Netgalley and was under no obligation to post a review.

https://www.amazon.com/Camp-Club-Girls-Linda-Carlblom-ebook/dp/B07HYLYVQ4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1550097279&sr=8-2&keywords=camp+club+girls+bailey

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/camp-club-girls-linda-carlblom/1129071636?ean=9781683228288#/

https://www.christianbook.com/camp-club-girls-bailey/linda-carlblom/9781683228288/pd/228283?product_redirect=1&Ntt=228283&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

The Long Ride Home by Susan R. Lawrence

Here is the book summary:

The Long Ride Home recounts the journey of two young children from New York to the farmlands of Iowa. Families are willing to adopt young orphans like Emma, but Bert might have to find work on a farm. He has a lot to learn about farm life. Each day brings new lessons, from milking cows to being kind, and new fears. More than a place to live, he needs a family to love. Will he find a home in Iowa with his sister? Or will he take the long train ride back to New York?

And now, my review:

The Long Ride Home by Susan Lawrence is a great read aloud!  Our family really enjoyed the ups and downs of this story and the author has a way of making you experience many emotions while you’re reading.  My daughter says that it sucks you right in.  The historical aspect was really sobering in the area of thinking of the challenges that little ones faced back in the day if they found themselves orphans.  The story really tugged at our hearts and we are really blessed to have read it.  I’m sure that we will be reading it again in the future. 

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Long-Ride-Home-Susan-Lawrence-ebook/dp/B077GLKMJ9/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1516932809&sr=8-9&keywords=The+long+ride+home

https://www.christianbook.com/the-long-ride-home/susan-lawrence/9781628564457/pd/564458?event=ESRCG#write_review

The Hidden Village by Bonnie Rose Hudson

Here is the book summary:

The Hidden Village tells the story of Manju, a young boy from West Bengal, India, who acts out the story of Zacchaeus. From the top of the tallest mangrove tree, he finds a hidden village deep in the forest. He wants to do everything he can to help the hungry people in the little village. But what can he do when the people in his village won’t believe his story, and even wild animals and the weather seem determined to stop him from helping?

And now, my review:

This book is written in a great way for a school reader yet at the same time is full of great descriptions.  We laughed, cried, and our hearts were tugged.  I loved how the author used the learning of Zacchaeus in the Bible and climbing a tree to then discover a people he didn’t know existed before.  This author has a way with words and beautifully shares the Gospel and the importance of sharing it with others.  This book shows how God can use us if we are yielding to Him and that others sometimes don’t take us seriously or believe us or understand at all and that needs to be okay. Makes you want to look around beyond yourself and see other places and people who need to hear of the HOPE of Jesus.  To pray and seek the Lord’s leading for you personally to impact the world for the Kingdom and His glory.  A great read!! 

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. 

https://www.amazon.com/Hidden-Village-Bonnie-Rose-Hudson-ebook/dp/B071X99XWW/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1505400859&sr=8-3&keywords=the+hidden+village

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-hidden-village-bonnie-rose-hudson/1126856817?ean=9781628563115

https://www.christianbook.com/the-hidden-village-bonnie-hudson/9781628563115/pd/563116?event=ESRCG

Imagine the Great Flood by Matt Koceich

Here is the book summary:

IMAGINE...
The ocean swirled around the boy and pulled him down with unrelenting power. Heavy water churned and tugged at his flailing body like unseen hands yanking him into the watery depths. The fight was finally over. Even though he’d tried to stand up to the enemy, the waves were about to swallow him whole.

The last thing ten-year-old Corey remembers (before the world as he knew it disappeared) was the searing pain in his head after falling while chasing his dog Molly into the woods. What happens next can't be explained as Corey wakes up and finds himself face-to-face with not one but two lions!

Join Corey and experience the excitement. . .the wonder. . . the adventure. . .as the epic story of Noah’s ark comes to life.

Imagine. . .The Great Flood is the first release in an exciting, brand-new epic adventure series for kids ages 8 to 12 written by schoolteacher and missionary, Matt Koceich. The Imagine series brings the Bible to life for today's kids as they ponder what it would be like to live through a monumental biblical event.

And now, my review:

This story is a book written through the eyes and life of a 10 year old boy.  He is facing a BIG move in his life and learning the life lesson of I CAN TRUST GOD NO MATTER WHAT.  This story takes him on a journey to be in the time of Noah and experience some of what was going on in the land at that time.  Noah and his family were the ONLY ones following the One True God and this author paints quite the great read aloud picture of it.  I definitely can’t wait to read more from this author and highly recommend this book to you.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and Netgalley and was under no obligation to post a review.

https://www.amazon.com/IMAGINE-Great-Flood-Matt-Koceich-ebook/dp/B071DQHYK3/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1504118900&sr=1-1&keywords=imagine+the+great+flood#customerReviews

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/reviews/imagine-the-great-flood-matt-koceich/1125167280?ean=9781683221296#reviews-header

https://www.christianbook.com/imagine-the-great-flood/matt-koceich/9781683221296/product-reviews/221296?submitted_review=1

The Prince Warriors and the Swords of Rhema by Priscilla Shirer

Here’s the book summary:

In this third book of The Prince Warriors trilogy, the Prince Warriors finally receive their last piece of armor—the swords they were promised when they began their adventure in the unseen realm of Ahoratos. And none too soon, for they must face the ultimate enemy, one who is gathering his Forgers and creating unthinkable new evil to stop the Prince Warriors from winning any battle ever again.

And now, my review:

A most excellent read!!  Vivid adventure... Truth... Encouraging… You have all that you need... It's all over this series and this book being the last of the three book series, brings it all together. In this third book they complete their armor. Just like the other two books, this one had us laughing out loud.  One place was "Xavier calls it his "manly musk". To Evan it smelled of fish butt."....  Seriously, too funny on the fish butt!  Another place in the book she mentioned The Karate Kid movies, which were pretty funny. Overall, this book tugged at our hearts. It was amazing seeing them work together as the body, fighting... What a picture! The imaginary painted in this story is breathtaking, awe-inspiring and overwhelming in the most perfect sense. I really pray this author writes more and more because when we finished reading my daughter asked to start it all over again!!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
https://www.amazon.com/Prince-Warriors-Swords-Rhema-ebook/dp/B01N9PWZGM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1494513198&sr=8-1&keywords=prince+warriors+and+the+swords+of+rhema

https://www.christianbook.com/prince-warriors-and-the-swords-rhema/priscilla-shirer/9781433690211/pd/690213?product_redirect=1&Ntt=690213&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-prince-warriors-and-the-swords-of-rhema-priscilla-shirer/1124075701?ean=9781433690211

The Prince Warriors and the Unseen Invasion by Priscilla Shirer

Here is the book summary:

In this second book in The Prince Warriors trilogy, the Prince Warriors face new challenges on earth and in the unseen realm of Ahoratos. The enemy, angry about his last defeat, is targeting them with weapons and tactics they had never imagined, including the flaming Olethron. The kids must turn to Ruwach and the Source, who can give them more pieces of armor to help them stand strong against this deadly threat.

And now, my review:

Wow, the second book in the series and what a great adventure. Full of the characters from the first with more experiences with them. And some added additions to the mix. Seeing played out the importance of the armor and their job. There were great drawings that kept us reading and intrigued.  And long after the book, I'm still pretty creeped by "Stella"...  It makes me want to stay away from butterflies. (~Smiles) The Word says that the enemy can disguise himself as light...  Creepy but we, as believers, have everything we need!!. Praise the Lord. You'll want to check out this series. A great read aloud that creates great discussion and imagination that keeps going beyond the book.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Prince-Warriors-Unseen-Invasion-ebook/dp/B01LXC0RCD/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1493826710&sr=1-1&keywords=prince+warrior+and+the+unseen+invasion

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-prince-warriors-and-the-unseen-invasion-priscilla-shirer/1123456428?ean=9781433690204

https://www.christianbook.com/prince-warriors-and-the-unseen-invasion/priscilla-shirer/9781433690204/pd/690202?product_redirect=1&Ntt=690202&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

The Prince Warriors by Priscilla Shirer

Here’s the book summary:

The battle is real.

As brothers, Xavier and Evan are used to battling each other. But now they’re discovering that there is a much bigger battle going on all around them. And it’s their turn to fight. Based on Ephesians 6:10–18, The Prince Warriors is the first book in Priscilla Shirer’s epic new series that brings to life the invisible struggle ensuing in the spiritual realm. Xavier, Evan, and their friends have typical lives until they enter a mysterious land called Ahoratos. There they meet their guide, Ruwach, who offers wisdom and direction as the kids’ initial adventure begins—an adventure filled with armor and danger and a very real enemy.

And now, my review:

The battle is real and this book is a great encouragement to read about it.  The book draws you into the characters and situations that they face and it keeps you reading as they face things that are sometimes scary and sometimes funny.  This book is very imaginative, creative, and inspiring.  If you are looking for a great chapter book read on the Spiritual war around us and the need for putting on the Armor of God, I recommend this one.  We are looking forward to reading more in this series.

We received a copy of this book in exchange for our honest review.

https://www.amazon.com/Prince-Warriors-Priscilla-Shirer-ebook/dp/B01E4G238M/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1486783409&sr=1-1&keywords=the+prince+warrior

https://www.christianbook.com/the-prince-warriors-a-novel/9781433690198/pd/690198?event=ESRCG

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-prince-warriors-priscilla-shirer/1123129358?ean=9781433690198

Channing O'Banning and the Turquoise Trail by Angela Spady

Here’s the book summary:

High-Flying Adventure to the Wild West!
When fourth-grade artist Channing O’Banning unearths something very weird on the school playground, she’s sure it’s going to be the biggest thing ever to happen at Greenville Elementary. But things take a rocky turn, and Channing never wants to show her face at school again.

Thankfully, Channing finds lots of rocks to hide under when her family visits the American West. With her signature colored pencil stuck in her ponytail and Teeny, the coolest pig on the planet, by her side, Channing discovers that art comes in many different forms—and that God is the greatest artist of all.

And now, my review:

If you have read any of the Channing O’Banning books you’ll want to read this one too.  It has a lot of adventure and suspense.  It is a nice chapter book.  There are parts that have you laughing out loud. 

Overall we really liked the book, but there are a few parts to it that we talked about and I thought I would mention.  Those parts would include the use of crossing their fingers for luck and other luck comments.  Also, the lack of Scripture involved throughout the book although there seemed to be some great places to include some.  It gave us a great opportunity to talk through those.  Maybe in the future it will have more to it than a couple mentions of God making it a “Christian” book.

https://www.amazon.com/Channing-OBanning-Turquoise-Trail-Angela/dp/0718032365/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1486779151&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=channing+obanning+and+the+turquois+trail

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/channing-obanning-and-the-turquoise-trail-thomas-nelson/1121749114?ean=9780718032364

https://www.christianbook.com/channing-obanning-and-the-turquoise-trail/angela-spady/9780718032364/pd/032364?product_redirect=1&Ntt=032364&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP