Suspenseful story with important message
595873
A very gripping, suspenseful story that I read straight through because I didn't want to put it down.  The book's message, young people staying alert to "stranger danger" and the need for adults to pay attention to childrens' concerns and take them seriously, is such an important topic!  One word of caution: some children place themselves in a dangerous situation because they don't seek the help of adults, but if parents and educators are aware of this part of the plot, it could be used as a teaching tool.
382911
A thoughtfully written book with an inspiring message
1218131
"Slaying Isidore's Dragons" is not a novel for the faint of heart.  The book concerns the relationship between the sons of the Irish ambassador of Ireland to the US and the ambassador of France.  Both boys have lost a parent through assassination.  Declan is a jock who is reluctant to admire that he is gay at school, but starts rethinking this when he sees the French ambassador's son, Isidore, who is being abused by his half-brothers.  When Declan finds out that Isidore is being abused, he does everything in his power to save and help heal the boy.  Although this is a YA book dealing with same sex love, it also carries a strong message concerning mental, physical, and sexual abuse.  Personally, I have trouble emotionally dealing with stories about sexual abuse (I found myself crying several times), but this story does come with a message without preaching.  Hopefully it will be encouraging to teens who are going through abuse to know that there are people who do care about them and that they will seek the help that they need.  For those who have never been victims, I hope that it will encourage them to be a friend to someone who has suffered.  The story has a balance between sex and action scenes which should appeal to both boys and girls.  There is also a reference directory at the end of the book which is helpful for those who are undergoing abuse.  Over all, this is a very well written story with characters who are clearly defined as "good" and "evil".  I encourage everyone, no matter how old, to read this book and take its message to heart.
887842
This story is moving. I think it should be required reading for high school students to help them understand that any person can make a difference if they make the decision to do so.
Don't hesitate to read this story. The book is well written and will stick with you.
1872695
a 5-Stary rating for Children of the Knight by Michael J. Bowler. The message is timely and the challenge is real!

This modern day story combines the recreation of Camelot by a time displaced King Arthur who creates a supportive environment for lost teenagers and gang members in LA. The underling message is all children need to be loved, nurtured and given what they need to succeed.

The author has had extensive experience including a teacher, volunteer for various youth related organizations and probation departments. Michael's bio gives more extensive detail of his many achievements.

The story can be enjoyed by teenagers as it is hopeful and uplifting with a positive message. Mutual respect and acceptance of others is another central theme. On the flip side, adults are challenged and given a wake-up call that we have failed the children of our society for some time and we should be ashamed.

As a 60-year old gay man, I may not be the target audience, but as an adult and a citizen, I come away from the story having to own the guilt as I too have not stood up and demanded that the legal and education systems be revamped to serve and meet the needs of our youth.

I recommend this story to teenage and adult readers. Recognition of gay youth and respect for individual differences is a central theme. Though younger people should be aware of these social issues and values, teenagers are well aware of these issues as they are faced by their classmates, friends and possibly his/herself within their own lives. It is most difficult to read this novel and not feel the need to speak-up and take action. I know I have a heavy heart and bear the shame of being a member of society that has failed so many children.

On a personal note: As I too have been a teacher and have worked in programs to assist economically disadvantaged youth, I concur with the author's description of how youth are being abused and used due to the misguided and dysfunctional policies and procedures within the legal, educational and social service institutions. The challenge is huge and I too feel overwhelmed and powerless.
4322820
Having heard so much about this story, I began reading with some concern that I may not like it, or may find it to be upsetting. However this text tells a powerful story that leaves a message with its readers, without being too gruesome. Although this story does contain death, it is done in a way that leaves readers thinking, instead of just being a 'meaningless death'. I would definitely recommend that everyone read this book at least once in their lifetime.
1614262
I really enjoyed this book.  It was a great and exciting story, but it conveyed a good message - the importance of letting go.

I have taken the book's main message to heart.
3283962
Julie Anne Peters has written an excellent book about two teenage girls who fall in love, and the challenges they face because of their relationship. This is a difficult subject to write about and easily could drift into several directions. But Peters stays focused and true to the story and her characters. She gets the message across to the reader without being preachy. Although this is written for young adults, I think adults -- especially parents -- can benefit from reading this book. Although fiction, the characters were real to me, and the story a compelling one. It reads fast and is hard to put down. This is a keeper for me, and I'll read it again. But in addition to being a good story, it has a message and theme to it, which taught me a lesson about the particular challenges gay people face with assorted prejudices from peers and family alike. If anything, this novel has taught me -- I hope -- to be more compassionate and understanding, to be more open-minded. This story touched me. I'm glad I read it.
292787
This is a suspense novel. Jenny is the mother of five fun children and shes expecting her sixth child. She has had several miscarriages, so this child is extra special. Jenny and her husband Tom are practicing Roman Catholics. They have a good marriage and are happy to have a large family. When Jenny is in her 9th month of pregnancy, shes kidnapped. The rest of the book is about what happens to Jenny and what happens to her family, including the baby they all want so much.

The strength of this novel is in its commitment to family and its realism. The authors anti-abortion, family friendly voice comes through loud and clear. Her understanding of those who cant have children also comes through, as well as her position on adoption and premarital sex.

Its a good read. Its certainly exciting, and I liked the book. I appreciate the good moral values.
1422068
Our local public library has a section within the childrens department for Topics To Talk About.  This book might be found in that section.  It seems that Ms. Arnold wrote this book with a definite Message in mind to impart to young readers (most likely those struggling with loss and grief themselves) about how Life Goes On.

Iris is a sixth grader who has recently moved from sunny California to rainy Oregon and she doesnt like it one little bit.  It appears that her parents made the decision to move, at least in part, because of the death of Iriss best friend Sarah.  It seems that the whole family, but perhaps especially Iris, needed a Change; a Fresh Start.

We learn fairly little about Sarahs death, except that Iris was present at the time when an out of control car hit both girls.  Iris survived with hardly a scratch, while Sarah was killed.  Iris, understandably, struggles with not only the grief of the loss of her friend, but a case of survivor guilt as well.  Some have suggested that her survival was a miracle.

Sarah doesnt really feel like making new friends  it feels too much like cheating on or abandoning Sarah.  But she knows her parents want her to make new friends  it would make them feel better at least.  So when the geeky mouth breather, know-it-all guy starts talking to her, she doesnt reject him.  At least not completely.  Over time they do start to form an actual friendship, even if it is at first mostly for Iriss benefit at her convenience.  But then she learns that Boris too had a miracle  in fact, possibly a certifiable one that may elevate a long-dead pope to saint status.  But with all of these miracles, the question is hard to avoid:  why do some people get them and others dont?  Why Boris and not Sarah?  Why Iris herself?  Throughout the book, Iris seeks to answer that question, while at the same time trying to find Sarahs miracle.  Iris wants very badly for Sarah to still be there in some form, some form she can communicate with, not just the memories in her heart that all the adults in her life try to get her to focus on.

As her parents are not-so-sublty trying to get Iris to let go of Sarah, they are pushing her into a new life.  Her father has become a disciple of biosustainability and he drags Iris into his gardening, turbine building and chicken raising pursuits.  The Message that Iris (and the reader) is consistently beaten over the head with is that Life Goes On.  Ultimately, over the course of her year in Oregon, Iris gradually comes to accept her new life, rain and all, as we know she will all along.

This book is a rather slow-paced book, more of an unfolding than a moving.  Its rather too tidy throughout, especially the ending.  With the exception of her best friends death, Iriss life is perfect  her parents are perfectly attuned to her needs, there is almost no friction between them and her, and none between her parents themselves.  She doesnt like her new school just because its not like her old school, but there is actually nothing wrong with her new school..  Sure, some of the kids tease Boris and sometimes her (and even the bus driver), but its pretty mild for middle school.  Mostly everyone is very nice to her, even though she doesnt return their outreaches (but everyone seems to excuse her because she is, after all, grieving).  This certainly isn't the most powerful book Ive read on the issue of death and grief, but it is a quiet and sensitive, if a bit heavy-handed portrayal of the grieving process.
1728309
Gerald Lund is a talented writer and has crafted a new suspenseful story with The Guardian. The book was well edited with interwoven story lines that can appeal to young and experienced readers. There were also underlying themes in this book - the importance of strong family love and bonds, how history & ancestors influenced the present and future, the main character Danni had to learn and grow in difficult situations, and family members made mistakes and sacrifices. This was not my favorite of his books but it was well written and edited, suspenseful, and a family-friendly story.
1464542
Jasmine Cresswell has crafted a very suspenseful story with engaging characters.  When Marisa Joubert takes a job at the former stately mansion turned home for unwed mothers, she is thrilled.  The job comes with free child care for her young son, and an apartment at a bargain rate. However there are sinister forces at work here. The altruistic endeavors of the Wainscott Foundation serve as a cover-up for more nefarious deeds.  I loved this story.  This was the first Jasmine Cresswell book I've read and I can assure you it won't be the last.
105262
"I'm not exactly sure when I started seeing the numbers." And with that opening line, this gripping, suspenseful story begins.

Young Maddie can see everyone's death dates. She doesn't realize the significance of these numbers until her dad dies. Maddie is left wondering if she could have changed the date. Her mom drinks a lot and Maddie feels like her mom blames her for her dad's death. Maddie charges people to tell them their dates so she can earn extra money for the household. Maddie hates her ability and hates telling people their dates, but she doesn't feel she can say no to her mother. When a new client comes in to ask about her child with cancer, Maddie gives her the answer she is looking for: her daughter will live a long time. But when she sees a picture of the client's other young son, she realizes he will die within a week. Maddie seems very naive because she assumes that the boy's death will be an accident or the result of a medical problem that no one knows about. But when the police finds his body, she is quickly shocked into reality. The young boy dies as a result of extreme torture. Unfortunately he is not the first one to die. The resulting mystery was so compelling that I couldn't put the book down. I had preordered it in Amazon and read it within a few hours. This book wasn't just about a compelling mystery. It is also about a family trying to cope with grief and it's about fate and destiny. If someone knows when they are going to die (but not the how), can it be changed? I thought Maddie did a great job dealing with her "gift" the best way she could. I loved the pacing of this story. I thought the storyline moved very quickly, which kept me glued to the page. There was also a surprise ending. I thought I knew who the killer was, but then I found out I was wrong. There was a twist to who the killer was that I honestly didn't see coming. The only issue I really had with the book was that the crush on Aiden seemed forced and out of place. There really wasn't a focus on romance, there was just a sprinkling of it here and there. It seemed like more of a distraction to me. I had never read this author's work before but I intend to read more of her stuff.
938160
I don't know this author and this is the first book I've read by her. When I saw that it was written about modern day missions, I knew I had to buy it. This is a suspenseful story about a guy who feel called to a challenging mission field and returns home to America to ask his girl to marry him and return to Indonesia. This topic is rarely covered in Christian fiction, but this book is the exception.

It was an exception in several other ways as well. it deals with Christian romantic love that is about more than just hormones and physical attraction. It talks about finding Gods will for your life, both in career and marriage.  It deals with sexual temptation and the need for carefulness to maintain purity before marriage. Even in romance, this book talks about making good choices and not just going by your feelings. All of these things are most often missing in Christian fiction, but present in this book. Plus the suspense of finding the person or persons who are following this couple, determined to do them harm.

I enjoyed the book and had to keep reading during the suspenseful sections. But I especially appreciate the important Christian themes Rodante tackled. Highly recommended!
1291405
Very creative and thought provoking tale with an excellent message for all of us!
4012978
Corrie Ten Boom's story will intrigue readers as they read about the convictions and courage of her family. In the midst of the Holocaust, the Ten Boom's show more concern about the safety of others than their own. This profound and inspirational story is one that will motivate you to take chances on helping others. (Author,&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/With-Great-Mercy/dp/159185850X/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">With Great Mercy</a>).
4885357
I enjoyed this book immensely.  The subject matter is very timely -- the characters are interesting and real -- the plot is exciting and suspenseful.  The story flows.  It really gave me something to think about.