Media Matters

 Book by Amanda Dykes Beautifully written, dual-timeline, Christian mystery. I loved both storylines (one with nods to the prodigal son, and the other with nods to Moses) and the themes of redemption, identity, worth, being found, and being loved. The language is rich and might be difficult to parse for younger readers, but there is no objectionable content, so I would recommend this for age 12+. Some quotes: “Courage keep, and hope beget; The story is not finished yet . . .” “And isn’t that the way of miracles? Something extraordinary because of the faithful ordinary.” “It was the brokenness that caught the light.” “A person never knows how far their life might reach.” “Who are you? You are loved. You are you. You are full of good purpose. You were made for this, your time, and this, your life. There is none like you, and I see the fingerprints of a mighty and good, kind, loving God in your good, kind, loving soul. You are full of honor and goodness. There is no one in this world ...

This is a movie that tells the true story of the 1980 underdog US Olympic men’s hockey team beating the Russian team, who were huge favorites. Great messages about putting in effort, teamwork, unity, and believing in yourself.

Short middle grade novel by Lesa Cline-Ransome. This was a fantastic historical fiction about a boy who moved from Alabama to Chicago during the Great Migration. He finds solace from his loneliness and homesickness when he discovers a library and the poems of Langston Hughes. I really enjoyed this one!  There are two companion novels to this book that are also excellent: “Leaving Lymon”  and “Being Clem” tell the stories of two of the side characters in “Finding Langston”. They work as stand-alone stories, but are even better when read together.

This is a musical theater show that is based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and takes a lot of its text directly from the Bible. It is not worshipful in the reverent manner to which you may be accustomed, but it is joyful and sincere. The disciples of Jesus are portrayed as children, wildly imperfect in their understanding but wanting to follow Him. The song “Day by Day” captures this beautifully. In the end, Jesus charges the disciples to build Zion in the song “Beautiful City”.  I imagine this musical could be disrespectful if it was produced by a non-Christian. But if approached with faith, it can be a wonderful discussion starter and worthwhile entertainment option.

 This movie is about an arrogant actor sentenced to do community service at a church. He is unwittingly cast to play Jesus in an upcoming stage production, and the experience changes his heart. Highly recommended for teens and adults, although even younger could watch as it is rated PG.

 Book by Jonathan Auxier. This Victorian ghost story is fantastic! Just the right amount of spookiness and real threat, plus surprising thematic depth. An amazing cautionary tale about being wary of someone or something that gives you what you want and tells you what you want to hear rather than giving you what you need and telling you what you need to hear. Makes you consider who or what in your life leaves you empty and feeling like you’re never enough, and who or what leaves you better and feeling more content and confident? Are any of the things you want costing you a piece of your soul? The biblical allusion to the tree branches being snakelike adds an additional, spiritual dimension of meaning. Recommended for age 10+, depending on the level of spookiness your child is comfortable with. Three unlikeable side characters die with very little description of the deaths.

Memoir by Hyeonseu Lee This was a riveting read! The glimpse into life in North Korea was jaw-dropping, and the author’s courage and perseverance in seeking a better life was inspiring. Note: there was some swearing and brief mention of sex and human trafficking, but in my opinion this would be an eye opening book to read and discuss with high school students. Some notable quotes: “we can do without almost anything–our home, even our country. But we will never do without other people, and we will never do without family.” “One of the tragedies of North Korea is that everyone wears a mask, which they let slip at their peril.” “I was six when I entered kindergarten in Anju. And although I was far too young to notice it, this marked a subtle change in my relationship with my parents. In a sense, I no longer belonged to them. I belonged to the state.” “Ideological indoctrination began on the first day… I was too young not to believe every word… Even the toys we played with were used for ou...