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Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 20, 2024
Top Ten Tuesday: We Are Family
Today's TTT prompt is: Relationship Freebie (Pick a relationship type and choose characters who fit that relationship as it relates to you. So, characters you'd like to date, be friends with, be enemies with, etc. Bookish families you'd like to be a part of, characters you'd want as your siblings, pets you'd like to take for yourself, etc.) I'm going to take a different, simpler tack and look at books on my TBR list that include a family relationship as part of their title. I like stories about families, so this should be easy peasy. I may even be able to get away with not repeating any. We'll see how I do...
As always, Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by the lovely Jana at That Artsy Reader Girl.
Top Ten Books On My TBR List With Family Relationships in Their Title
- in no particular order -
1. When We Were Sisters by Emilie Richards—Raised in the same foster home, Cecilia and Robin became sisters, forming an unbreakable bond. Now a famous musician, Cecilia asks Robin, a photojournalist, to help her make a documentary about foster care. Knowing its time to tell the truth about the sisters' experiences, whatever the cost, Robin agrees. As the filming proceeds, the two find new meaning in their sisterhood and familial bonds.
2. The Kelloggs: The Battling Brothers of Battle Creek by Howard Markel—This non-fiction book tells the fascinating story of the bitter rivalry between brothers John Harvey and Will Kellogg. The former was a beloved physician who championed good health. The latter founded a famous breakfast cereal company. How did their varying pursuits affect their relationship? How did it change health and eating practices in the United States?
3. The Ringmaster's Wife by Kristy Cambron—As the daughter of an English earl, Rosamund Easling knows what is expected of her, even if it's not the life she wants for herself. When her family loses its fortune, however, and her father sells her beloved horse to an American circus owner named John Ringling, Rosamund follows. When she agrees to become a bareback rider/performer, she believes she's finally found her real purpose in life.
4. Master Slave Husband Wife: An Epic Journey from Slavery to Freedom by Ilyon Woo—Helen recently reviewed this non-fiction title on her blog, piquing my interest in a book I'd never previously heard of. It tells the incredible true story of an enslaved married couple who escaped bondage by posing as master and slave. Their intrepid journey and incredible bravery made them celebrities, but it didn't free them from being hunted again when the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 was passed...
5. The Naturalist's Daughter by Tea Cooper—This dual-timeline novel concerns a young Australian woman who loves to work at the side of her famous naturalist father. When he is unable to travel to England to present his incredible findings to the Royal Society, she goes in his stead. There, she makes a discovery that will change the lives of future generations. A century later, another woman is sent to retrieve an old sketchbook from a recluse. The odd assignment unearths a mystery that more than one person is keen to solve.
6. Our Auntie Rosa: The Family of Rosa Parks Remembers Her Life and Lessons by Sheila McCauley Keys and Eddie B. Allen, Jr.—Sadly, I don't know much about Parks' life. I'd love to learn more and this sounds like an intimate, inspiring biography of a remarkable woman.
7. My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry by Fredrik Backman—I've loved the two books I've read by this author, so I'm definitely in for reading more! This novel is about 7-year-old Elsa and her grandmother, who is her best and only friend. Both of them are odd ducks who find understanding with each other. When Elsa's grandma dies, leaving behind a collection of letters apologizing to a wide range of people that need to be delivered, it propels Elsa on a life-changing journey.
8. The Mother-In-Law by Sally Hepworth—Lucy has never had a close relationship with her husband's mother, Diane, and not for lack of trying. Diane obviously feels that Lucy is not good enough for her son. When the older woman is found dead, with a letter nearby saying she couldn't bear to die from the cancer in her body, it's assumed to be a suicide. Until it's discovered that she did not have cancer. In fact, she was murdered. Who—besides Lucy—had a reason to kill this pillar of her community?
9. Maus I: A Survivor's Tale: My Father Bleeds History by Art Spiegelman—So many people have recommended the Maus series to me that it's amazing I haven't read it yet. It's a series of graphic novels about the experience of the author's father during the Holocaust.
10. The Cousins by Karen M. McManus—This YA mystery is about a group of cousins who are invited by the rich and reclusive grandmother they've never met to work on her island resort for the summer. Everyone wants her money, so the teens are not allowed to decline. When they arrive, they discover there are more secrets in their family than any of them could have imagined—and all is about to be revealed.
There you are, ten "relationship" books that I want to read. Have you read any of them? What did you think? How did you choose to fulfill today's prompt? I'd truly love to know. Leave me a comment on this post and I will gladly return the favor on your blog. I also reply to comments left here, although I am a week behind at the moment.
Happy TTT!
Wednesday, March 03, 2021
Mormon Mentions: Sonja Yoerg
If you're not sure what a Mormon is, let alone a Mormon Mention, allow me to explain: My name is Susan and I'm a Mormon (you've seen the commercials, right?). As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (commonly known as the Mormon or LDS Church), I'm naturally concerned with how my religion is portrayed in the media. Because this blog is about books, every time I see a reference to Mormonism in a book written by someone who is not a member of my church, I highlight it here. Then, I offer my opinion—my insider's view—of what the author is saying. It's my chance to correct misconceptions, expound on principles of the Gospel, and even to laugh at my (sometimes) crazy Mormon culture.
(Note: In 2018, Russell M. Nelson—president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—made an impassioned plea to members of the Church and to the media to always use the full and correct name of the Church instead of referring to it by its various nicknames. This led to the renaming of many Church entities, including its famous choir, which is now The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. Although I have been trying to think up a clever new name for this feature that is more in line with President Nelson's request, for the moment it remains "Mormon Mentions.")
--
The Family Ship by Sonja Yoerg revolves around a large family. The following exchange takes place between one of the siblings and his friends while they're sneakily drinking beer around a fire pit:
"How many you got again?"
"Four brothers and three sisters. Plus one more on the way."
Beetle let out a low whistle. "You're not Mormons or anything, are you?"
Boone punched his arm. "Ever hear of a beer-drinking Mormon, you half-wit?"
*Please note that quotes were taken from an uncorrected proof of The Family Ship, quote at about 31%.
If you know anything about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it's probably that family is valued very highly. Because of this, members of the Church often have large families with lots of children. Although it's not as common today, in past decades it wasn't unusual for Mormon parents to have half a dozen to a dozen children (or more). I only have five siblings, so I guess my family might be considered small by Mormon standards!
Another thing that is widely known about members of the Church is that we abide by a health code called The Word of Wisdom (see Doctrine and Covenants Section 89 and this explanation). This dictates that we not drink alcohol or "hot drinks" (coffee and tea) and avoid tobacco use and other substances that are harmful to the body. So, while a Mormon certainly could drink a beer (we have our agency, after all), most members of the Church do their best to abide by the Word of Wisdom and refrain.
The family in The Family Ship, by the way, are not members of the Church.
Monday, December 14, 2020
Bob A Heartwarming Sequel to The One and Only Ivan
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Once upon a time, a group of animals lived at a forgotten roadside attraction called the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade. Now that they've all been rescued, Ivan the gorilla and Ruby the baby elephant live at a sanctuary. Bob, their canine friend, was taken home by Julia, the daughter of the mall's janitor. He gets to visit his friends frequently, but it's not quite the same. Still, there's lots to be said for the domesticated life—plenty of food; lots of belly rubs; a safe, warm bed; etc. For a "mutt of uncertain heritage" (5), it's not a bad life.
One day as Bob is visiting Ivan and Ruby, an oncoming hurricane starts wreaking havoc on the sanctuary and its animals. Bob is separated from Julia in the chaos. As he tries to help the distressed sanctuary residents, the canine makes a startling discovery—someone he thought was gone forever might still be alive. Bob can't believe it, but he has to find out if the dog in question is really his long-lost sister. Is it possible? Can Bob save his litter mate from being caught in the storm? Or will she rescue him from a life of domesticated boredom? When push comes to shove, what does family really mean? Where does Bob truly belong?
If you, like me, loved The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, then you're going to enjoy its sequel as well. The One and Only Bob is an upbeat, heartwarming story featuring a funny, fast-"talking" hero who will make you smile. Although the novel isn't as thoughtful and wise as Ivan, it still tells a sweet, uplifting story that teaches some good lessons about family, forgiveness, and friendship. Through Bob's actions in the tale, it also shows that anyone—no matter how small—can be a hero.
(Readalikes: The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for violence, scenes of peril, and scary situations
To the FTC, with love: I bought a copy of The One and Only Bob with a portion of the millions I make from my lucrative career as a book blogger. Ha ha.
Saturday, December 28, 2019
Somali Boy Soldier Novel Vivid, Action-Packed, and Moving
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
All Abdi Mohamed wants is for his family to be together and safe. When they're rounded up by soldiers, the 16-year-old Somalian is given an ultimatum by his American captors—infiltrate the Al Shabaab jihadi group or else. Abdi wants nothing to do with the terrorists, but he does want to find his older brother, Dahir, who was forcibly "recruited" by the group three years ago. As the brother of an established Al Shabaab member, Abdi has an "in" few others do, which makes him valuable. Even so, he has little choice but to do what he's told. His captors promise that if he does a good job, they'll make sure his whole family gets relocated to America where they will be free and happy.
Becoming an Al Shabaab soldier is risky enough, but being an embedded spy for the Americans is one hundred times worse. If Abdi is found out, he knows he and his family members will die a slow, painful death. His best bet is to get the information the Americans want, grab his brother, and get away from the jihadists as fast as he can. Abdi's plan begins to go awry almost immediately. Forced to keep his real purpose a secret, he must go along with Al Shabaab's drills and missions, doing what the others do. It's not long before he's just as much of a murderer as all the others. Can Abdi get away from Al Shabaab? Does he even want to? When a suicide vest is strapped to his chest, he will have to make an impossible decision.
I haven't read any books, fiction or non-, about Somali's boy soldiers, so I found Let's Go Swimming on Doomsday by Natalie C. Anderson completely fascinating. The characters are sympathetic, interesting, and complex. The plot speeds along at a furious pace, with lots of action and heart-pounding scenes. Anderson's prose is strong and her descriptions vivid, all of which makes the novel come to terrifying life. Timely and moving, Let's Go Swimming on Doomsday is an exciting, important read that should appeal to even reluctant readers.
(Readalikes: I haven't read anything else on this subject, so I'm not sure what to compare Let's Go Swimming On Doomsday to. Any suggestions?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language (a handful of F-bombs, plus milder expletives), violence, blood/gore, and disturbing subject matter
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
Thursday, April 25, 2019
Compelling New Zealand YA Novel a Cult Classic
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Kirby Greenland is used to "parenting" her flighty mother. At 14, she's the one who watches the budget, pays the bills, does the shopping, and handles the laundry. Still, she loves her ditzy guardian and their unconventional but happy life together. That's why Kirby is so stunned when her mom announces she's going to spend two years on a medical service mission in Africa. Starting immediately. Kirby will be moving away from the city and living with Caleb Pilgrim, an uncle she never knew she had. Distraught, Kirby begs her mother not to go. To no avail.
Before she can even process what is happening, Kirby has been swept into the Pilgrims' strict religious cult. Renamed Esther, she is no longer allowed to wear "heathen" clothing, watch television, or read books other than scripture. Worst of all, as week by miserable week passes by, she hears nothing from her mother. Kirby now understands why her mom never talked about her own bleak childhood among The Children of the Faith, but why would she abandon Kirby to the same fate? It makes no sense. Like her mother before her, Kirby wants nothing to do with the strange cult. Is escape possible? She's about to find out ...
I don't know why, but I find cults/cloistered societies absolutely fascinating, so when Stephanie, my go-to girl for all things cultish (in a fictional sense only), recommended I Am Not Esther by Fleur Beale, I knew I had to read it. While it's not as immersive as other novels of its ilk, it's vivid enough that the reader can really feel Kirby's confusion, frustration, and helplessness as she tries to make sense of her terrifying new living situation. Kids will relate to those emotions as well as her ensuing identity crisis. They'll cheer as Kirby fights to stay true to herself and find a way to freedom. While I didn't love this book and probably won't continue with the series (there are two more novels set in the same religious community, just with different protagonists), I did find it compelling and thought-provoking. I'd recommend it for teens who are interested in the topic, since it's pointed but not as graphic/disturbing as similar novels.
(Readalikes: Reminds me of The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams, The Sacred Lies of Minnow Bly by Stephanie Oakes, and Gated by Amy Christine Parker)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language (no F-bombs), violence, and references (not graphic) to sex, rape, etc.
To the FTC, with love: I bought a copy of I Am Not Esther from Amazon with a portion of the millions I make from my lucrative career as a book blogger. Ha ha.
Monday, April 01, 2019
Seven People Crammed on a 38-Foot Catamaran for a Year? April Fool's! Or Not ...
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
"I didn't care whether the kids liked sailing or not. I wanted them to like being a family."
--Emily Orton (from an uncorrected proof of Seven at Sea)
In an effort to downsize, minimize, simplify, and focus on the things that matter most in life, my family and I have decided to sell our houses, get rid of all our stuff, and buy a boat. The six of us will be living on a 38-foot catamaran for a year while we sail around the Caribbean, the Bahamas, and anywhere else that takes our fancy. We'll be leaving behind jobs, friends, school, and most of my books (gasp!) for this once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience real family togetherness while exploring new places and testing our gumption on the open sea. Never fear—I will continue blogging from the "road". At least when I have Wi-Fi. And access to new books. Or maybe I'll just write my own story. Sound good?
Yeah, right! April Fool's! I'm not actually crazy enough to do something like this. Not even a little bit. You know who is bonkers enough, though? Erik and Emily Orton, a couple from New York City. Back in 2014, they felt like their lives were being overtaken by the inconsequential and mundane. Despite the fact that they and their five children—aged six to sixteen—lived in a 900-square foot apartment, in which the children were homeschooled and Erik worked, they wanted more togetherness. The family took sailing classes, bought a boat, and headed to the Caribbean. Ten months later, they returned to New York sunburned and happy, a strengthened family who had gone through a difficult and unique learning experience which earned them confidence, experience, perspective, and unity.
In Seven at Sea, Erik and Emily recount the adventure with all its ups and downs. Their account is personal and intimate as they write honestly about what went spectacularly wrong (constant boat repairs, inclement weather, injury, conflict between family members, etc.), and what went gloriously right (meeting other cruisers, seeing new vistas, family time without distraction, etc.). Like any travelogue, parts of this one feel redundant and dull (did I mention all the repairs?), while other sections are more exciting. Overall, though, Seven at Sea makes for a compelling read. Not gonna lie—the Ortons didn't convince me to sell everything and sail around the world with my family, but it was interesting to learn about why and how they did it.
(Readalikes: Hm, I don't read many books like this, so I'm not sure what to compare it to. You?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for non-graphic references to sex and scenes of peril
To the FTC, with love: I received an ARC of Seven at Sea from the generous folks at Shadow Mountain Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Tuesday, October 23, 2018
Touching MG Novel Asks Important Questions About Family, Foster Care, and Cultural Identity
(Image from Amazon)
When Chipeta Uncarow, an infant from the Ute tribe, is abandoned by her mother, the Twitchells gladly take her in. A treasured member of the big Mormon family, Chipeta (known as Dori) fits in so seamlessly that the Twitchells long to adopt her. Eleven-year-old Britta Twitchell is especially fond of her foster sister, now four years old, and can't imagine life without little Dori. When Dori's mother reappears, now ready to parent her daughter, Britta's incredulous. How can a woman who cared so little about her baby just waltz in and reclaim her? Dori already has a family, a family who adores her and takes care of her. The Twitchells can't really be expected to just hand over their beloved sister and daughter. Can they?Britta can't believe that soon Dori will be living on the Uintah-Ouray Indian Reservation with her birth mother. It's so not fair! The rest of her family might be going along with it, but Britta will stop at nothing to make sure Dori stays at home where she belongs. However good her intentions are, however, Britta soon finds herself in real trouble. Now, in order to save Dori's life, she'll have to think beyond—beyond the lush green of her small farming community, beyond what she wants, and beyond her limited view of what it means to be a family.
Beyond the Green by Sharlee Glenn is a touching, semi-autobiographical novel that asks some important questions about family, cultural identity, and the rights of people involved in foster care. The tender, heartbreaking story is handled with both authenticity and sensitivity, telling an all-too-common tale with care. Full of flawed but sympathetic characters; enough action and conflict to keep young readers engaged; and some strong, meaningful lessons; Beyond the Green is a solid read that I highly recommend to anyone who
enjoys realistic middle grade fiction.
(Readalikes: Hm, nothing is coming to mind. You?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for scenes of peril and some difficult subject matter (alcoholism, child abandonment, etc.)
To the FTC, with love: I received an e-ARC of Beyond the Green from the generous folks at Charlesbridge via those at Netgalley. Thank you!
Friday, September 21, 2018
Light, Funny MG Story Not Without a Lesson or Two
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Living like a pioneer is not quite what 13-year-old Genevieve Welsh had in mind for her summer break. Trudging around the prairie in a long dress (and petticoats!), growing her own food, slaving away at chores that can easily be done by machine, living with her family in a tiny, rustic cabin—nothing about Frontier Family History Camp sounds like a vacation at all. What are her parents thinking? Living without modern distractions might bring her family closer, but it's also going to make Gen completely insane.
Camp isn't completely awful, especially considering there's a cute boy to practice her flirting skills on. Still, Gen finds plenty of drama to rant about in the texts she sends to her friends on the forbidden cell phone she snuck into camp. When Gen's pals turn her messages into a blog and that blog goes viral, attracting national media attention to her plight in the Wyoming wilderness, Gen starts to wonder just what she's done. Has she managed to ruin what's turning out to be the best worst summer she's ever experienced?
Little Blog on the Prairie, a middle grade novel by Cathleen Davitt Bell, tells a cute, uplifting story about learning to appreciate the simpler things in life. It's an easy read that's funny, upbeat, and entertaining, albeit totally predictable. While it feels contrived and far-fetched at times, it's still a fast, fun read that will appeal to anyone looking for a light, laugh-filled story that's not without a lesson or two. I enjoyed it.
(Readalikes: Hm, I can't think of anything. Can you?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for violence and scary images
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
Thursday, February 08, 2018
Adoption Novel Raw and Honest
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
After 16-year-old Grace places her baby for adoption, she feels adrift. Grief-stricken and looking for answers, she feels compelled to search for her own birth mother. Adopted at birth, Grace never knew the woman who gave her life—she'd like to find her, ask her questions, and maybe gain some vital understanding of her own situation. What Grace finds is two half-siblings, Maya and Joaquin, both of whom live shockingly close to her. She reaches out to them, curious to find commonality with these two strangers. Surely, they will want to find their bio mom as much as she does; the three of them can work on the project together.
As desperate as Grace is to connect with Maya and Joaquin, she's surprised when things don't turn out quite as she planned. Maya is a wealthy, spoiled brat who's never felt a part of her adoptive family. With her parents fighting constantly and her mother drinking too much, her world is falling apart. She doesn't really care about finding their bio mom, but she's up for anything that will get her out of her oppressive house. Joaquin, on the other hand, is adamant that he wants nothing to do with the mother who abandoned him. After spending most of his life in foster care, he trusts no one, not even his current foster family who want to adopt him. Shy and awkward, he doesn't even seem that keen on hanging out with his newly-discovered sisters.
Even though Grace's half-siblings aren't quite what she expected, she still wants answers. With their reluctant help, she will find them. She'll also discover some enlightening truths that will change her perspective on family and on her own future.
Ever since I adopted my youngest child nine years ago, I've been drawn to books on the topic of adoption. The premise behind Robin Benway's newest, Far From the Tree, especially intrigued me since my daughter has a number of half-siblings out in the world. The idea of her meeting them someday appeals—I wonder what they might have in common and how they might differ. So, of course, I had to pick up this book to see what happened to Grace. What I got was a raw, honest story that's both tender and touching. It's more graphic than I was expecting and, truthfully, I didn't feel a huge connection to any of the characters. They all seem unrealistically world-weary. Still, Far From the Tree is a well-written, thought-provoking novel that offers important insight into teen pregnancy, adoption, and the reality of families that are not perfect but nevertheless important. I didn't end up loving Far From the Tree like I wanted to, but I did enjoy it overall.
(Readalikes: Um, I can't really think of anything. Can you?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for strong language, sexual innuendo, and depictions of illegal drug use
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
Tuesday, January 30, 2018
Feel-Good, Fast-Eating MG Novel a Delicious Read
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
There's only one thing David Miller is really good at: eating. As a growing 14-year-old boy, he's constantly hungry, which means he's always shoveling food down his hatch. He's never dreamed, however, that his talent for fast eating could actually earn him money. Not until he accidentally spends $2000 on a non-returnable item using his mom's credit card. Suddenly, he has to come up with some serious dough—and he has to do it before his parents get the bill.
While he's stressing about the upcoming eating contests he's entering, David also has to worry about his brother. As the unnoticed/ignored middle child, he's always stuck watching 10-year-old Mal, who's severely autistic. Plus, his two best friends are acting ... weird. Like lovey-dovey. It's almost as if they're trying to be a couple or something. Creepy.
With all the tension in his life, David's having a hard time concentrating on his main goal—winning enough money to pay his mom back before she realizes what he's done. Can he do it? It's time to put his stomach of steel to the test ...
Slider, a middle grade novel by Pete Hautman, is a warm, funny story about friendship, family, and, of course, food. Despite its lighthearted vibe, the novel deals with some serious issues and teaches valuable lessons about loyalty, acceptance, and appreciating perspectives that differ from your own. I've never read a book about competitive eating before, so that aspect of the story feels original to me. Slider is, overall, a fun story that will especially appeal to boys and reluctant readers. I'm neither, but I thoroughly enjoyed it as well.
(Readalikes: Um, I can't think of anything. Can you?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for brief, mild language (no F-bombs) and vague references to sex
To the FTC, with love: I received an e-galley of Slider from the generous folks at Candlewick via those at NetGalley. Thank you!
Thursday, November 02, 2017
Searching for Ways to Make Christmas More Christ-Centered? Look No Further. (With a Giveaway!)
(Image from Covenant)
"Time, that precious commodity, is what all families want us to give them, and time is what our Savior wants us to give Him" (2).
With the above quote, author Christie Gardiner introduces, Our Family Christmas a low-stress guide that aims to help families make their holiday celebrations both more meaningful and more spiritual. With a section devoted to each day from December 1st to the 25th, it's an advent calendar in book form. Each day, Gardiner offers a scripture or quote plus a short story, thought, or anecdote that introduces a different Christmas-y topic. Then, she gives suggestions for implementing the principle being taught (giving to the poor, sharing the light of Christ, understanding the symbols of the season, etc.) by suggesting fun, easy family activities (crafts, baking, games, etc.). With busy families in mind, she divides the ideas into those that can be done in 1 hour, 20 minutes, and 5 minutes. Each day also gets its own recipe, journaling prompts, and a Christmas hymn/carol.
Gardiner acknowledges the reality of busy, stressed-out families by encouraging each to do what works for them, when it works for them. She emphasizes that Our Family Christmas is a collection of ideas, not a stringent program designed to make parents feel even more burdened during an already overwhelming season. She does testify, however, that focusing on simple, Christ-centered activities like those suggested in the book during the Christmas season will bring families closer together while blessing them with a peaceful, more satisfying holiday experience.
Beautifully illustrated with bright, whimsical Norman Rockwell (and Rockwell-ish) paintings, Our Family Christmas would make a lovely pre-holiday gift. If you're already frazzled with Christmas anxiety, do yourself a favor and read through this lovely book. The ideas within are reassuring in their simplicity. Nothing elaborate is required in order to center your holiday more firmly on the things that really matter—honoring the Savior, generous service, family closeness, and spreading joy. Our Family Christmas keeps it real with small, doable suggestions that can have a large, lasting impact on your family. If you're wondering how to make your holiday more meaningful this year, start with giving this book a look-see. At the very least, it will inspire you to remember the reason for the season.
Readalikes: Um, I can't think of anything. Can you?
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
To the FTC, with love: I received a finished copy of Our Family Christmas from the generous folks at Covenant. Thank you!
--
Interested in more opinions of Our Family Christmas? Follow along on the book's blog tour by clicking on the links below:
*Oct. 31st:
http://lisaisabookworm.
*Nov. 1st:
https://www.
*Nov. 2nd:
https://ldsandlovinit.
*Nov. 3rd:
http://sweetlymadejustforyou.Want to win a copy of Our Family Christmas for your very own? Enter to win the book, plus a $25 Amazon gift card by filling out this Rafflecopter:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thursday, October 27, 2016
Colorful, Comic Book-Style Picture Book Urges Kids to Defend Families
(Image from the author's blog)
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has long championed the family as a sacred institution ordained of God. It has always urged its members to honor and protect this most precious of God's gifts. How? By using the formula reiterated in the Church's 1995 proclamation to the world: "Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities." Of course, Mormon families vary as much as any others, meaning they don't always fit this LDS "ideal." And yet, this is what members of the faith try to cultivate, believing that strong families lead to strong individuals, strong communities, and strong nations.
Benjamin Hyrum White's new book, Defenders of the Family, seeks to bring this message to children. With bright, comic book-style illustrations (by Jay Fontano) and simple, but direct statements about LDS beliefs, the book provides a solid foundation for learning about subjects that can be both confusing and controversial—gender identification, marriage, gender roles, procreation, etc. The principles are laid out firmly in black-and-white (so to speak) while still maintaining this overall message: "We can love and show kindness for everyone while standing up for what we believe."
While Defenders of the Family makes a point of portraying some non-traditional situations, against-the-LDS-norm families are not necessarily highlighted. However, any family can benefit from reading this book together—all of the topics presented can lead to open, honest, and enlightening conversations that will promote greater communication and understanding within a family unit.
If you're looking for an engaging, straightforward picture book about LDS beliefs on marriage and family, you can't go wrong with Defenders of the Family.
(Readalikes: Hm, I can't really think of anything. Can you?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
To the FTC, with love: I received a finished copy of Defenders of the Family from the generous folks at Cedar Fort. Thank you!
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Sweet Spot by Kemper Donovan4 hours ago
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Grab my Button!
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2026 Goodreads Reading Challenge
2024 - Elementary/Middle Grade Nonfiction
2023 - Middle Grade Fiction
2022 - Middle Grade Fiction
2021 - Middle Grade Fiction
2020 - Middle Grade Fiction
