"Through My Eyes" by Tim Tebow ~ Book review by Jamie Gandy for "Just 4 Kids Magazine" 2012 Feb Issue

Reading a great book is the perfect way to spend a lazy summer afternoon. Today Jamie is a writer and she started loving to read with the book series "Warrior Cats". She could not wait until the next book came out. Most writers began their careers because they loved to read books especially during their summers off from busy school days.

I was recently sent the "Grandma's Attic Series" written by Arleta Richardson. I am going to give these books to my granddaughters to read this summer, but not until I finish reading them. These books are classics and enjoyable to read by all female ages.... even grandmas!

These books are reprinted from the series that was published in the late 1970s. "The late Arleta Richardson grew up on the shores of Lake Michigan. There, her storyteller grandmother recounted memories of her childhood on a nineteenth century farm. In the Grandma's Attic series, Arleta retells those stories vividly - stories that have now reached more than two Million people around the world." (from back of book)

Several years ago I bought The Tiara Club Series for my granddaughters to read. They had so much fun taking turns reading the books. It was during this time that I was creating our own stories of the princesses and princes of Rainbow Castle. This summer I am writing stories for boys on the King's Knights about the princes of Rainbow Castle. For more information go to: Kings Knights.org and God Princesses.

Pocanhontas: Princess of Faith & Courage written by Maja Ledgerwood and Illustrated by: Tyson Ledgerwood is a wonderful young children's book about the true story of the legendary Pocanhontas. My husband recently met one of the real descendants of Pocanhontas through her only son Thomas Rolfe. When my husband was telling me about the real story of Pocanhontas I told him that I already knew because I had read this book.

Another very interesting part of this book is the illustrator's notes in the back of the book. Here he tells about the meanings of the symbols that he painted in the pictures. CLICK HERE for details.

Summer 2009 Book Reviews

DANCE ME, DADDY

Forgiven by Karen Kingsbury.
This book is such a great Christian story, it's about forgiveness, peace and the pain of lossing someone who's very close to you.

Forgiven shows us that anyone can lose someone close to you, and that such deaths should bring fellowship and prayer. It also shows us the peace God can give us if we ask for his forgiveness in our lives. I'd say Forgiven is an awesome read for ages 14 and up. It is one of my favorite series that I have ever read.
I give this book five stars!

Found by Karen Kingsbury.
Found is a Christian book that shows us the joy and love that God brings to us when He cames into our hearts, and when He becomes the Lord of our lives. It also shows us the pain of losing your unborn baby, and the joy of finally getting to meet your Firstborn child, there are many other life lessons that the book shares. I'd say Found is a great read for ages 14 and up.
I'd give Found five stars.

1. Redemption is the first book in the five-book Redemption series that Gary Smalley and Karen write about the Baxter family--their fears and desires, their strengths and weaknesses, their losses and victories. Book One explores redemption. This book follows the pain, love, hurt, stuggles and other feelings of Kari Baxter. It's a heart warming book that shows us the power of God, and also the loss that most married people go though. But with God's help we can all get though and learn to trust again. I'd rate Redemption a full five stars.

2. Remember This story vividly illustrates that we must value others more than ourselves, and it drives home one of Gary Smalley's key messages: Honor one another.
3. Return What will it take for Luke to return to the family? A story of tenacious love and long for a lost son.
4. Rejoice A wedding takes place. A story of unspeakable loss and the overwhelming miracle of new life.
5. Reunion The Baxters share a moment that love always wins. A story of God's grace and redemption, his victory even in the most difficult times.

My mom read "Divine" by Karen Kingsbury. It is one of her newest books. I recommended that she read one of her books, and when mom read that this book was about a modern day Mary Magdalene she decided that this would be a great book to read. She loved it! CLICK HERE to read more on "Divine"

CLICK HERE for more information and reviews by Jamie.

Book Reviews by Jonathan Gandy

Just 4 Kids Magazine summer pick for young girls 4 to 12 is The Tiara Club by Vivian French.
CLICK HERE for a whole page dedicated on the series, games, quizzes and our reviews.

Looking for books for young boys? I recommend "Bible Angels & Demons" by Rick Osborne, and Ed Strauss. This excellent book explains things in heaven, what's up there, the throne room, Angels, demons, and lots of Bible facts. It is written so that kids can understand, and adults will enjoy reading along with their children. Check out more books by Luke252.com. Their website also has a super page for kids to create their own creatures.

"UNDEFEATED: Catching Inspiration and Hope Thrown by Athletes of Integrity"
by Dave Branon. This excellent teen book is laid out in 34 short devotions that are stories of sports heros who have chosen to stand for what is right. I used one of the stories for a lesson to my daughter's softball team which was a great success. This book is a must have for any teen leader. To read some of the stories from the book go to face-2-face.org