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

The Winter War by Priscilla Shirer with Gina Detwiler

Here is the book summary:

Two years ago, the Prince Warriors lost one of their own, but now they must stand firm . . . because death is coming once again. In this sequel to Priscilla Shirer’s best-selling trilogy, the Prince Warriors return to Ahoratos to find it bare and dangerous. The Winter War is upon them.

And now, my review:

My family was SOO blessed to see this book come out!  We are HUGE fans of ALL of the Prince Warrior books and find great enjoyment reading them aloud, together as a family.  The Winter War is no exception.  We dove right in and picked up the characters like being reunited with friends.  What a journey this book took us through.  There are so many things that we can face in our lives and reading fiction that encourages and strengthens our walk with the Lord through it is a monumental advantage.  “We have all that we need.”  I pray these authors are led by the Lord to write more.  I believe this type of writing is severely missing in children and young adult literature and would love to see more of it in the future for the generations and for the Kingdom.

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

https://www.amazon.com/Winter-epub-Prince-Warriors-Book-ebook/dp/B07GLC2KSY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1543868477&sr=8-1&keywords=the+winter+war

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-winter-war-priscilla-shirer/1127287569?ean=9781462796755#/

https://www.christianbook.com/the-winter-war-priscilla-shirer/9781462796755/pd/796752?event=ESRCG

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 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

Channing OBanning and the Rainforest Rescue by Angela Spady

Here’s the book summary:

What Happens When Your Least Favorite Person Is Your Only Hope for Rescue?

When Channing O’Banning’s BFF goes gaga over new boy Marco, Channing wishes she could send him back to where he came from. Her wish turns into her worst nightmare when Marco tags along on her family’s dream trip to Marco’s home country of Costa Rica.

With her secret sketchbook in tow, a colored pencil stuck in her ponytail, and adorable pot-bellied pig, Teeny, by her side, Channing embarks on a high-flying adventure through the Costa Rican rainforest. But when the feisty fourth-grade artist makes a few wrong turns and gets lost in the jungle, she discovers that maybe Marco isn’t so bad after all.

Through her wild escapades, Channing learns just how important it is to keep the earth—and friendships—healthy.

And now, my review:

A story with adventure, funny parts that have you laughing out loud, very loveable, has some friendship quarrels, and learning that people are not as you often first think they are.  There was encouragement to extend grace, forgiveness and love.  This was a great read!  One of the BEST parts, they have an adorable pet PIG J

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

https://www.amazon.com/Channing-OBanning-Rainforest-Rescue-Angela/dp/0718032624/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1486572666&sr=8-1&keywords=channing+o+banning

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/channing-obanning-and-the-rainforest-rescue-angela-spady/1114955514?ean=9780718032623

https://www.christianbook.com/channing-obanning-and-the-rainforest-rescue/angela-spady/9780718032623/pd/032623?product_redirect=1&Ntt=032623&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

The Clue in the Papyrus Scroll by Gertrude Chandler Warner

Here is the book summary:

In this all-new very special mini-series, the Aldens have been recruited by a secret society to return lost artifacts and treasures to their rightful locations―all around the world! The Aldens arrive in Egypt but the agent they’re supposed to meet has gone missing! With the help of a puzzle in a papyrus scroll, they figure out their next mission―to deliver a tiny ancient pharaoh statue to an archaelogist at the Pyramids! Along the way they outwit a thief who tries to steal all the treasures. Their next mission is to England, to return one of the “crown jewels of Stonehenge.” But someone is following them! Could it be someone from the powerful Argent family, ruthless antique collectors and bitter rivals of the Silvertons?

And now, my review:
This is a great Boxcar book!  We enjoyed the places that they visited in this one because it is places that we have been studying in school this year.  The adventures are exciting and the suspense is fun to read through.  The ending kind of leads you into another story, but that might be “normal” for this series.  Overall, a great school read for the whole family.


https://www.amazon.com/Papyrus-Scroll-Boxcar-Children-Adventure/dp/0807506982/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1485997028&sr=1-1&keywords=A+clue+in+the+papyrus+scroll

Nick Newton is Not a Genius by S.E.M. Ishida

Let’s start with the book summary:

Nick Newton is not a Genius. He’s just a merely average boy from the country of Thauma. He may not be brilliant like his mom and dad or a child prodigy like his sister, but he won’t let that stop him from uncovering the mysteries of a clockwork factory or revealing a war hero's greatest secret. With help from two new friends and his butler named Jude, Nick embarks on an adventure that will change his life forever.

And now, my review:

You’ll want to check this one out!  What a great mystery!  This was a page-turner for sure.  The people were very creative and funny.  The book is well put together with a great story line.  It was not predictable and it kept the attention of all ages of readers (elementary, middle school, and high school).  We are looking forward to reading it again soon! 

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

https://www.amazon.com/Nick-Newton-Genius-S-E-M-Ishida/dp/1628562358/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1484237727&sr=8-1&keywords=nick+newton+is+not+a+genius