God's Crime Scene for Kids

Hone your reasoning skills as you investigate evidence in the universe to determine the most reasonable cause for everything we see in creation.

In this companion to Cold-Case Christianity for Kids, Jason uncovers a mystery in his grandmother’s attic. He and his friends, Hannah, Daniel and Jasmine, enlist the help of Detective Jeffries at the Jr. Detective’s Academy. Along the way, they develop the skills needed to investigate the mystery and the evidence of God’s existence. The cadets learn logical-thinking skills as they examine the contents of a mysterious box and the vast universe.

In God’s Crime Scene for Kids, real-life detective J. Warner Wallace shows kids ages 8 to 12 what skills are needed to solve Jason’s mystery, and at the same time looks at evidence in the universe that demonstrates God is the creator. Ultimately, kids will learn how to make their own case for God’s existence.

My thoughts: This is an excellent book to have middle school and young teenagers read! I love the format of the story, how it ties a modern mystery in with evidence of the universe pointing to the existence of God. I found the book engaging as it moved back and forth between the two. This series is an excellent one to hand to kids and have them learn to solve mysteries, whether large or small, on their own. Two thumbs up!
I received this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review.

Take Ten

Top reasons I love reading.

1. I can travel to places all from the comfort of my own home. This has become an even bigger incentive since I got married, since my husband isn't one to want to travel.;)

2. It's a great way to pass the time. I always carry a book with me. This has become much easier with the invention of the e-reader, as now I can carry a whole library with me wherever I go and not break my back.;)

3. You can learn some pretty incredible things about the world around you.

4. It's fun way to connect with others. Suddenly, that co-worker or distant relative is no longer as hard to talk to when you realize that you both read the same books.;)

5. It's a great way to connect. Especially, for this season in my life, with my children.;)


Top reasons I love reading with my children:

6. It builds their imaginations. I love watching my daughter re-enact stories or spin off from the stories she enjoys.

7. I love hearing the words they pick up. (especially since my daughter is into Fancy Nancy at the moment;))

8. It's a great way to get them interested in the world around them.

9. I've found it to be a good refresher course for me. lol. The things you can learn in eductational childrens books!

10. It's enjoyable to introduce childhood favorites to them. I look forward to pulling out some of the more advanced favorites, like Narnia and and the Little House books! I have a ways to go, I know.;)

Blue Ribbon Trail

Thirteen-year old Kate and her friends came up with the perfect way to raise money for her autistic younger brother and others to attend summer camp—a horse scavenger hunt! As local businesses donate money and prizes, Kate keeps the entry fees in her mom’s antique jewelry box.

But when the box and the money disappear, Kate and her friends must unravel the clues, hold on to hope, and solve the mystery along the Blue Ribbon Trail Ride.

My thoughts: When I was a young reader, there were never enough good, YA series for me to read.;) I am happy to see that things have changed since I was in middle school! Miralee's Horses and Friends series is a great example of a series for middle school readers that has strong, positive messages. I like that the series is about friendships, and how they can develop with those you may of misjudged. I also appreciated that Katie and her friends are trying to raise awareness and funds for her autistic brother to attend summer camp. I think this is a wonderful series for young readers ages 7-12.
I received a copy of this series from Lit Fuse in exchange for my honest review.

Benotripia

Discover the land of Benotripia–where adventure is around every corner. Now you can own Mackenzie Wagner’s debut fantasy series in one complete volume. Written when Mackenzie was in middle school, this thrilling series is perfect for middle grade readers. Join Roseabelle, Jessicana, and Astro as they use their magical powers to battle the Darvonians and save their home!


My thoughts: I wasn't sure what to expect when I realized that the author of this series was so young.;) I was pleasantly surprised with how well she writes and how imaginative the series is! McKenzie does a fabulous job of bringing to life her fantasy series set in the magical island of Benotripia, bringing to life the story of Roseabelle and her friends as they fight evil and look to save their island from the Darvonians. This is an excellent series, especially for young readers! (though, it can be enjoyed by all ages).
I received this book from Cedar Fort in exchange for my honest review.

The Big Pig Stampede

Goat Boy, a.k.a. Gideon, is the kid everyone loves to pick on. He’s like any typical Bible-time boy who spends his life traveling around Palestine milking goats, giving Roman soldiers a hard time, and getting into trouble on more than one occasion. Goat Boy is curious, enjoys a good adventure, and has a couple of mildly irritating friends. What’s not so typical is how he and his friends are in the right place at the right time to witness the amazing miracles and teachings of Jesus.

Witty, insightful, wacky. These are just a few words to describe Bob Hartman’s latest chapter-book series, Goat Boy Chronicles. In this unique collection of stories, Goat Boy and his friends experience the miracles of Jesus through their awkward adolescent eyes. The boys laugh, they make jokes, they observe, they puzzle over everything that Jesus does, and in their own quirky ways they become the eyes and ears of the reader as they witness the unfolding of the gospel story.

Bob Hartman’s passion is to retell Bible stories accurately and in a way that will help kids want to read them time and time again. Not just because the stories are “good for them” but because they are so creative, so clever, and so enthralling that they just can’t help themselves!

My thoughts: What a great way to get kids excited about Biblical events! I wasn't sure what to expect when I had a copy of this book sent to me to review, but it surpassed any expectations I had! Written in the style of popular series like Big Nate and Diary of a Wimpy Kid, this series is a fun way for middle school age kids to get a fresh perspective of the ministry of Jesus. I love that it is written from a young boy's perspective and that the book has several of Jesus' miracles in it. I highly recommend the book for young readers! The only slight downside is how Gideon and his brother treat one another, but it is a slight downside.
I received this book from Tyndale in exchange for my honest review.