Writer & Teacher

Tag: YA

A Book for College Age & Adult Readers

ALL FOR A STORY, by Allison Pittman (2014 Christy Award Nominee) published by Tyndale House.

Keep in mind as you read this that God sent His son to save sinners. In this novel set during Prohibition, the protagonist, Monica Brisbane, is not a faultless heroine. In fact, she spends her evenings in D.C.’s speakeasies. She also works undercover for a scandalous newspaper. You probably will not like her too much at the beginning. However, when she meets the new owner of the paper, an honorable and upstanding Christian, her world view changes. And isn’t that what the Good News is all about?

What I liked about this book was the way the author brought the Jazz Age to life and how a young girl, full of high spirits, without Christ in her life, could be caught up in it. I like the fact that the story line is a little unexpected. It is not grim or depressing. There is no violence or gory scenes. The characters are well written and the writing style draws the reader right along.

A Recommendation for Young Adult Girls

WATERFALL, Lisa T. Bergren. Published by David C. Cook (Christy Award Winner).

While excavating a Tuscan tomb with their mother during a summer vacation, sisters Gabi and Lea are transported back to 1332 Tuscany and the battles between Florence and Siena.

Lots and LOTS of action. It is more fantasy than fiction based on historical facts. In actual fact, young girls sword-fighting with medieval knights is so highly improbable that normally I would discount the book because of it.

However, the action sequences were so well-written that I enjoyed them with the “willing suspension of disbelief” I usually carry into Sci-Fi movies. In fact, the whole book was so well written it rattled right along.

Yes, there is a sweet love story in the book but rest assured there is nothing objectionable there. The themes of courage, honor, and loyalty come through. Unfortunately, the Christy Awards do not honor YA books anymore and that is a shame because they are unfailingly an indication of good writing and content.

A Recommendation for Young Adult Boys

LONGBOW, Wayne Grant, Five Book Series. Available on Amazon.

Boys especially will love books where the protagonist is up against impossible odds and must face them and conquer them. This adventure series, set in 12th century England, is filled with battles, swords, bows and arrows, evil villains, brave knights, and non-stop action. Roland Innes is definitely a hero one can root for. Roland does meet and eventually marry a lady worthy of his love: feisty, strong-willed Lady Millicent de Laval.

“The first four books in the saga: Longbow, Warbow, The Broken Realm and The Ransomed Crown, tell the coming-of-age story of the young archer as he becomes a man in a brutal age.” The series begins when Roland is fourteen.

While not Christan per se, the series supports the ideals of Chivalry. I absolutely LOVE this series!

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