Media Matters

 Picture book by Jill Roman Lord. The story is written in a somewhat cumulative style. There are some things about the prose I would have written differently. (Nothing offensive or wrong, just annoying to me from a literary standpoint.) But the illustrations are SO beautiful!!! The animation style is absolutely luminous and captivating!

 Picture book by Anthony DeStefano.  I worry a bit about taking a true story and elaborating on it so fictitiously,  as kids may get confused about what is real and what is fictional. But this is really meant to be more allegorical, with the donkey representing us. We may feel little, weak, and useless, but when Christ enters our story, He can make us strong and fill us with power to do things we otherwise couldn’t do. He uses us, the weak things of the world, to accomplish His work. Allegorically, the story is cute and effective.

 Picture book by Patti Rokus. The text is simple and theologically sound, and each page has a scripture verse as reference if you want to read more about that part of the story. But the real stars of the book are the illustrations. These scenes created entirely from rocks are so well done! My husband even got teary eyed when he saw the one of Christ in Gethsemane carrying all our sins and burdens. A perfect addition to our Easter book collection!

 Board book by Danielle Hitchen. This was a really interesting idea for a board book. Each spread is a simple scene from Holy Week that depicts someone experiencing an emotion (ie. excited-triumphal entry, angry-cleansing the temple, loved-washing disciples feet, thankful-prayer during last supper, overwhelmed-Gethsemane, frustrated-Pilate, scared-soldiers, sad-death and burial, surprised-women at the tomb, and joyful-apostles with Jesus). There is also a simple description/scripture verse about the scene. So you can discuss emotions with very young children and have them pantomime what that emotion looks like or talk about what it feels like. You can talk about the various stories in simple terms and build familiarity with those stories. Parents could tell the stories in greater detail or read the full scriptural accounts as children get older. Note: the book I ordered from Amazon arrived very warped in shape and I suspect it was a manufacturing error, so there was likely a large ...

 Picture book by Lauren Chandler. I loved this book! It tells the story of Lazarus in a way that is funny, appealing, and emotionally stirring, then ties it to the death and resurrection of Christ and His promise that goodbyes are not forever. Destined to be an Easter favorite for sure!

 Board book by Jill Roman Lord. This is a great Easter board book for the target toddler audience. Rhyming prose that is fun to read. Animals aplenty. A joyful, celebratory tone. And a 100% focus on Jesus.

 Picture book by Sierra Wilson. A charming version of the parable of the lost sheep, aimed at young children.

 Picture book by DuBose Heyward. I enjoyed the pro-motherhood message and the idea that the experience she gained as a mother, developing kindness, wisdom, bravery, ingenuity, and even speed, are what qualified her for the job. There is also a strong message that with hard work and patience, anyone can reach their dreams, regardless of race, socioeconomic status, or gender.

 Picture book by Helen Yoon. This was a charming way to show the power of compromise. The animals find an egg. Some want to paint the egg. Others want to eat the egg. They argue and think the opposing side is crazy. Then along comes a ginormous bear wearing bunny ears. He takes the egg, blows out the insides and scrambles them into an omelet, then paints the emptied shell, turning it into a win-win for everyone. 

 Book by G.Z. Schmidt  An original and fun middle grade fantasy loosely based in Chinese folklore. Some quotes: “I am not worried,” Grandpa replied with a smile. “His will be but one opinion in the end. You should remember, Mei and Yun, that not even the most powerful person in the world can diminish your true value.” “Throughout history, there have always been people who were not deterred by fear of punishment, because a greater purpose called. Follow the greater purpose.” “That’s the funny thing about confidence. Your situation, if you look at it, is oftentimes the exact same as before. The only things that have really changed are your own thoughts on the matter.” “Ignorance, Mei and Yun, is often bliss—but it is the easy way out. Truth is difficult.”

 Book by Andy Weir. I am admittedly not very knowledgeable nor interested in science, and this book is chock full of detailed scientific descriptions. This bogged me down a bit. However, at its heart this is a story about friendship and courage and determination, and I loved it! The friendship between Ryland and Rocky, the way they bridged language and culture barriers, was nothing short of inspiring. Note: there are a few expletives and odd mentions of sex, but pretty tame for a novel aimed at adults. Older teens would be fine reading it.

 Book by Eiko Kadono  Charming story of a young witch leaving home to make her way in the world. Kiki wants to help people with her broom riding abilities, but first she must contend with the fear and prejudice the townspeople harbor against witches. The plot is more episodic than overarching. Appropriate for all ages.

 Book by Jim DeFede I was somewhat familiar with this story due to the musical “Come From Away” (highly recommended), but the book goes into details the theater production couldn’t. It is an absolutely heartwarming true story of the good people of Newfoundland embracing the hordes of airline passengers stranded there on 9/11 and the days that followed. My only complaint was that the narrative jumped back and forth between so many different characters, it was difficult for me as an audiobook listener to keep track of who was who. Recommended age 13+

 Book by Brandon Sanderson  This was an utterly charming fantasy/adventure that reminded me a lot of The Princess Bride. I plowed through the audiobook in just two days, listening every chance I could! My only complaint is that I wish it were slightly more standalone, rather than assuming the reader is already familiar with Hoid. However, even without that background knowledge, I believe the book would have widespread appeal. Recommended Age 13+

 Book by Sarah Eden A satisfying, banter-filled romance set in the Wild West. The audiobook was fun. Note: a clean read perfect for teens

 Memoir by Anthony Ray Hinton. This is a phenomenal book! I was appalled by the intentional miscarriage of justice perpetrated by the state of Alabama. And I was astounded that it took 30 years and an order from the Supreme Court to finally right this wrong. But I was also utterly impressed by Mr. Hinton’s realization that although his choices were far more limited than they would be if he was not incarcerated, he still had the power to choose how he would live the life he was handed. He chose to read and improve his mind. He chose to uplift and strengthen his fellow inmates. He chose to see the humanity in each person, including his jailers and a KKK murderer. He chose to have faith. He chose to forgive. The story is also a powerful example of friendship, with his best friend Lester visiting him and strengthening him every week, unfailingly, year after year. It is also an indictment of capital punishment, not because justice is a bad thing, but because we as humans so often get ju...