Media Matters

 Book by Allen Levi. Overall, a lovely homage to really looking at people and seeing the good in them. Note: aimed at an adult audience, but clean enough for teens.

 Book by Beth Brower.  This was a deep and compelling story based loosely on Beauty and the Beast. I really appreciated the religious symbolism and depth of themes: good vs. evil, light vs. dark, hope, courage, sacrifice, free will to choose for yourself, accepting a calling to serve beyond your own interests, repentance as a slow painful but worthwhile endeavor, redemption available to all, power in prayer, holy rituals and ordinances and tokens and garments, receiving heavenly inspiration and instruction, allusions to the Savior (“a figure, in robes as bright as the white fruit in the courtyard window, who quietly invites “), the inconstancy and disloyalty of evil beings who use then betray, and so much more!  Note: the “beast” character is truly evil and chose to be that way (he kills people and drinks their blood) so this may be too much for younger or sensitive readers; however the redemption arc is much more powerful with a truly amoral character than it would be wi...

 Picture book by Josh and Sarah Sabey. I was impressed with the writing in this word-heavy picture book. It tells three stories (the garden, the cross, and the tomb) and ties them together beautifully.  Recommended age 7- adult

 Picture book by Candace Fleming. A funny original fairy tale with a strong message.

 Picture book by Beth Ferry. Adorable. A grumpy retired seaman becomes friends with his new noisy neighbors, with a bit of help from the sea.

 2026 movie about George Washington as a young man, focusing on how he was prepared and preserved by God to fulfill his role in later years. Wartime violence. Age 13+