Reviewed by Karen Pirnot for Readers' Favorite

Carol and son Adam Kunz have newly entered the publishing market with their novel The Childe. The book features Catherine "Cat" Colvin, a tall fifteen year old who is transferring from a private academy to the local high school. Cat is a teen with firey red hair and a sky blue right eye and a corresponding amber left eye. Those are not the only unusual characteristics about the child. She has a group of friends including practical Julie, socially-shy Elle, outgoing Amanda and responsible Matt. Together, the teens explore the occult world. According to the authors' vivid descriptions of vampires and werewolves, they are all terrified but fascinated.

As the story progresses, it becomes apparent that Cat is being watched by a coven who appears mysterious but elusive. Cat has multiple unusual experiences of inner "seeing," and she also becomes able to read the thoughts of certain people. And yet, her true identity remains a mystery to her and to most of those around her. Gradually, Cat's hidden characteristics begin to emerge as she struggles to remain "normal" amidst blackouts and nightmares.

Most teens into the current vampire rage will like The Childe. It puts a different spin on an old tale, and it does it well. Although parts of the story are a bit predictable, (assuming one has previously read such themed stories), the authors do a good job of setting the stage for the series yet to come. All in all, The Childe was a good read, and the authors are to be congratulated for capturing a potential portion of the teenage vampire market!

Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

Eight year old Allie was swept away during a flash flood. The spunky little girl kept her head by remembering things her grandfather had told her. She thought through her situation and kept her head. "Clear headed action" was what he always said. Plan A formed in her mind and would have to do until plan B made itself known. She grabbed a passing piece of wood, "Big Red," and held on for her dear life. When she saw a small blue bundle and realized what it was, she grabbed it and would not let go. When the waters calmed enough so that she could walk, she realized she had traveled a long way from home. Allie's mother Abigail had rushed her son Peter to the hospital for safety. Peter had been injured in an accident 3 years previously and was left a quadriplegic. He had come to accept his life as a cognitive. A large part of his recovery was thanks to his sister Allie. She was a remarkable little girl. Peter knew she would survive, and yet there were moments of doubt as he and his mother waited five long nights and six days for news concerning Allie.

There is so much I want to tell you about this book. However, that wouldn't be fair. You'll just have to read it for yourself. This book is considered for 4th-6th graders, and it is perfectly appropriate for that age group. I hope adults will also enjoy this book. I certainly did. Karen Pirnot is one of my favorite children's authors. Dr. Pirnot is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist; she has spent most of her career working with juveniles. Dr. Pirnot has a gift for encouraging, building up and offering hope. She has written several award winning books. "The Above All Others Principle" is the sequel to "Peter, the Pole and the Knob". She plans to write a series of books featuring Allie and Peter. The fact that Dr. Pirnot cares deeply for children shines through her books. She has also published several books with her grandchildren. Pirnot's characterization is one of her strong points. Her books show triumph through adversity. Dr. Pirnot, you did it again,you made me cry. Your books are always heartwarming and heart wrenching. Thank you Dr. Pirnot for teaching all of us "The Above All Others Principle".

Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

Tucker and his friends, Crandal, Scotty, Benny and Josh, were looking forward to their annual School Is Out For The Summer sleep over. Tucker had a copy of the new video game, Revenge of the Rabid Leprechauns! The plan was to stay up most of the night fighting the Ninja Munchkins, Insane Robot Assassins and the Zombie Carp. Things got a bit out of hand at the party, and the boys (all but Crandal) were grounded from all electronic devices until September. The adventures grew as they found other things to do during summer vacation: took a ride in a flying castle, rescued simps from Evil Caesar, camped out in a field, went fishing, and told ghost stories around a camp fire. What began as the worse summer ever, quickly became the best summer ever. This summer made him realize he didn't want to build his life around any game.

Tony Ducklow offers children and parents a look at life without electronic devices such as video games, cell phones, television, and computers. We adults grew up playing on tire swing's; children have pasty colored skin from staying in the house and are missing out on fun things like a club house, playing ball, making mud pies, etc.

Ducklow recognizes the importance of being a child, playing outside and exploring nature. He is very careful not to say that video games should be eliminated, but that they should be limited. He has created characters that will appeal to 4th-6th graders. Tucker, Crandal, Scotty, Benny, Josh and Maddy are very realistic. Ducklow knows just what appeals to children; the antics of the gang are exciting and surprising. I like the way he included the police officers, proving that they are friendly, helpful and not out to get someone. The emotions the children go through were lifelike: anger, jealousy, hurt, and pleasure. I will be watching for more books by this author.

Reviewed by Karen Pirnot for Readers' Favorite

In The Ghost of Bud Parrott, author Judson Hout has created a memorable glimpse into past Southern culture. Bud Parrot is a young Black man who has always worked in the cotton fields of Jackson County, Arkansas. He fashions a better life for himself, but he cannot do that in the South in which he lives. So, Bud travels to Birmingham, Alabama to seek his fortune in either a steel mill or a mine. Along the way, he is introduced to warm and caring strangers who teach him how to survive hobo style.

When Bud reaches Birmingham at the age of 16 or 17 (he is not sure of his date of birth), he immediately obtains a job at an industrial mill and is invited to join the company Negro baseball team. Bud proves to be talented, both at work and at sports. He is soon noticed by a Northern sponsor who has already hired Satchel Paige for the newly-formed Pittsburgh team. Along with a new career and a new job, Bud befriends an elderly woman and her granddaughter who is the most beautiful woman Bud has ever met. They marry, have children and then, tragedy strikes.

Bud leaves Pittsburgh, emotionally devastated and physically unmotivated. He goes back to his boyhood home in Arkansas, only to see that everything he knew and everyone he loved is gone. But, as fortune would have it, a White family named Wood takes to Bud, and he is incorporated into the family. Bud gets an education in farm management and, also, in the changing social conditions of the South.

Judson Hout has created a memorable portrait of mid-century Southern culture. He mixes humor with poignant and painful moments in time. Those unfamiliar with life prior to Civil Rights acts will be mesmerized by the author's description of the Black experience in both Northern and Southern settings. The author probably best summarized the experiences when he concluded that, from the standpoint of the African American, Southerners disliked the race but they accepted the man, while in the North, whites accepted the race but rejected the man. Such insight is probably only available to a man who lived through the times with an open heart and insightful eyes.

Reviewed by Karen Pirnot for Readers' Favorite

The Spruce Gum Box is author Elizabeth Wilder's debut novel and she has tweaked the imagination of readers with interest in the cultural and historical development of the state of Maine. Set by the Aroostook River in a disputed area bordering Nova Scotia, a young British man falls in love with the daughter of a wealthy lumber industry executive. Their love is forbidden, and when a child is conceived and born out of wedlock, the young man Jed is faced with having to protect his infant son and himself from retaliation and certain death.

As boundary issues are pursued between the United States and Great Britain, Jed happens upon a settlement of Micmac Indians who befriend and protect him. In kind, Jed learns Native American ways and he grows to be an important member of the Micmac community. When the tribe attempts to explore getting into the lumbering business in order to protect the interests of the tribe, Jed is instrumental in assisting the Micmacs toward their goal of becoming independent land owners.

The author obviously engaged in considerable research for this novel and, as a result, it is a pleasure to read, both from an historical and a cultural aspect. Ms. Wilder writes well, and her characters are interesting and well developed. She weaves Native American habits and spirit into her story, and she does it in such a manner that her characters are both believable and endearing to the reader. This book would be a good read for anyone wanting to learn about Native American populations who fought to keep the land on which their ancestors thrived.

Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

Cecile and The Treasures of Belamor by Marilyn F. Churchill offers children a delightful fairy tale. I was quickly reminded of the fairy tales I grew up with, tales of dragons that breathed fire, knights in their shining armor, unicorns with horns that sparkled, and fairies that flittered through the air. In Churchill's latest tome children will meet a dragon named Melchor.

Belamor Castle was experiencing earthquakes. The cost to repair the castle was quickly draining the treasury. A King has offered his support if the Princess will marry him when she becomes sixteen. Princess Cecile finds a trap door leading to the caves under Belamor Castle. Melchor the dragon is waking up after sleeping for five hundred years. Cecile and her friends must decide whether to put the dragon back to sleep or grant him freedom.

I love this series! Churchill set the bar high with her first book, Cecile and The Spider Queen. With her latest book, Cecile and The Treasures of Belamor, she not only met the mark, but surpassed it. The illustrations are superb and add much to the text. There are lessons to be learned from this book: 1) draw on your own strength and do not always depend on someone else to solve your problems; 2) place the well being of others first. This book was written for nine- to twelve-year-olds; however, I enjoyed it very much. I would consider this book a low reading level/high interest. It could be used with the Reading Coach System to promote reading and increase reading levels. I look forward to Churchill's next book.

Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

Gautam Soparkar, author of The Quick and Easy Sleep Apnea Book, focuses specifically on sleep apnea: the description, the diagnosis, and the treatment. This disorder is associated with high blood pressure and heart disease. Most people with sleep apnea snore and are overweight. The disorder can affect you throughout the day by causing you to be sleepy and feel as though your brain is in a fog. The American Sleep Apnea Association offers six questions to help you determine whether you need to be checked for sleep apnea.

Soparkar discusses the three types of Sleep Apnea and uses illustrations to explain each. At the end of each chapter he reviews the main points. He describes a sleep study, its purpose and how one is conducted. He lists the lifestyle changes that can help with the problem: lose weight, stop smoking, avoid sleeping pills, avoid alcohol, and avoid sleeping on your back. While there are many ways to treat Sleep Apnea, a CPAP machine is the most effective.

Gautam Soparkar takes the mystery out of sleep apnea. He uses simple and easy to understand terms as well as illustrations so that a layman can comprehend the disorder. This book is a fantastic resource tool for patients and physicians. I suggest physicians give their patients a copy of this book or at least recommend it. He clearly stresses that sleep apnea goes along with several other health risks.

Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

Too many Christians believe persecution is a thing of the past. When they hear the word persecution they think of the early church when Christians were fed to lions. Evelyn Puerto reminds readers that in many countries persecution of Christians still exists.

Dr. Alexei Gavrilovich Brynza, his wife Valentine and their four children served the Lord in Zaporozhe in southeastern Ukraine during Soviet rule. Dr. Brynza was a strong Christian and lived his faith despite the consequences. The children attended school and were forced to chant "Lenin Lived, Lenin lives, and Lenin will live forever" along with the other students.

The story of the Brynza family is told by the children of the Brynzas. Lena recounts some of the many times when God answered their prayers and how her parents' influence affected her relationship with Christ. Yakov remembers his mother praying for him and the many times when he felt the Lord presence.

Life was not easy for the Brynza children. They were stigmatized for their parents' faith. Yakov wanted to be a doctor and repeatedly took the exam to enter the university. In large red letters the word Baptist was written on all his work. He was angry that his father's faith was keeping him out of the university. Yakov was left with a choice, God or country. After much prayer and contemplation, he chose God.

This book is a reminder that some day we may each be tested in our faith. Will we stand firm despite the consequences? It is easy for me to say, "Yes, I will," but when confronted with persecution, will I be strong enough in my faith to face what lies ahead?

Beyond the Rapids is an incredible story. I was touched by the faith of the Brynzas. Evelyn Puerto brings this story to life. I felt as though I knew the individuals and they were sharing with me. Each individual tells the story through his or her perspective. Each individual faced temptation in some form yet each held true to his/her faith. Puerto tells a story that had to be told. Christians are still persecuted today in China, Libya, Nigeria, Uzbekistan, and in many other nations. By writing this book Puerto shines much needed light on what is going on around the world. Have we become too complacent? I'll have to answer that for myself.

Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

Bishop Stephen White was called to write a history of the Mormon Church in Kentucky. After much research (assisted by his wife Susan) and head scratching on how to accomplish such a daunting task, he chose the perfect style. White offers readers not a reference book, but a collection of stories, that when combined, tell the history of Kentucky Mormonism. He skillfully wove together the stories to create a fascinating look at the past. As I read these stories one thing kept jumping out at me: the Mormon's faced the same hardships of others in the area, except on top of that, they faced discrimination and persecution.

White begins his book by sharing some of the history of Kentucky. I found it interesting that the Mormons believe that the Garden of Eden was in Jackson County, Missouri. After killing Abel, Cain was banished from the garden and sent east of Eden. Could scripture be referring to Kentucky? After all, it is east of Missouri! I'd never heard this before and find the thought fascinating. I was always taught that the Indians called this land the "dark and bloody ground." If this is the land Cain was sent to, then it was certainly founded on spilt blood.

Bishop Stephen White was born and raised in Kentucky. He would be quick to tell you how much he loves this state and how much he loves his church. As I read his latest book I can feel his enthusiasm for the project. He writes in an easy-to-read-and-understand manner. Too often history is dry and boring, but White breathes life into his book. He has included much information unfamiliar to me, and I am a Kentucky born-and-raised gal. However, the most important part of his book is the people he writes about, for they tell the story. He allows them to speak through him. No matter your religious beliefs or affiliation you will enjoy and benefit from a look at the history of Kentucky.

Reviewed by Paul Johnson for Readers' Favorite

Legacy of the Gray Ghost is Historical Fiction. A rather large prologue tells the true story of the legendary John Mosby, leader of a band of Confederate cavalrymen on daring raids deep behind Union lines during the Civil War. His fame came from his ability to strike quickly and then seemingly disappear, earning him the name of the Gray Ghost.

The book turns to the story of how one of Mosby's Raiders, at the end of the Civil War, goes on to found a family that becomes very successful and then establishes Mosby University in Virginia in 1908 in honor of the old Gray Ghost.

Much of the story takes place in 1958, the 50th anniversary of Mosby University's founding, and features the very funny behavior of the students and the football team, which had been floundering and was on the verge of being canceled.

Readers of historical fiction, humor and football will enjoy reading this story and will cheer the Mosby Raider football team during the historic 1958 season.

As a lover of history, I was pleased to read the opening of this story. I was then pleasantly surprised when the story turned to more modern days with an excellent look at university life in the 50's. The setting for the story is quite memorable; the characterization is first rate and the dialog spot on. I particularly appreciated the humor as I read through the exploits of the football team. The author managed to capture the essence of college life in the middle of the century. Well done.