The Hiding Place Young Reader's Review

 

 About the Book

Bestselling, Timeless Book Now Abridged for Young Readers
Corrie ten Boom was loved the world over for her heroism and remarkable faith. The first of her bestselling books, "The Hiding Place," tells the riveting true story of how her gentle Dutch family risked their lives during World War II to help Jews escape the Nazis. She and many of her family members were arrested and sent to concentration camps. But this middle-aged watchmaker survived, and spent the
rest of her life spreading the truth that no matter how deep the pit, God's love is deeper still.
This timeless message now reaches a new generation in this special edition, which has been crafted especially for ages nine through twelve. Young readers will learn that every experience we face is the perfect preparation for the future only God can see. (Goodreads)

My Review

I read The Hiding Place years ago and thought it was a great book depicting our past. I was curious to read the young reader's edition though. This edition is more compact and easier to read. There are multiple pictures/drawings as well that are kind of a nice addition. I don't think there are as many details as there are in the first edition but the book still tells the story or Corrie Ten Boom. I think it's perfect for younger readers because they won't be intimidated with a huge book and still get the amazing true story. At the back of the book it talks about what has happened since this story and what Corrie Ten Boom went on to accomplish in her life. It's really an incredible story and I hope this book gets younger folks interested as well. 

"I received this book from Chosen books for free in exchange for an honest review."

Escape Through the Wilderness Review

 

 Goodreads

Title: Escape Through the Wilderness
Author: Gary Rodriguez
Publisher: Tate Publishing
Pages: 254
Genre: Teens/Children
Format: Paperback/Kindle

Sixteen-year-old Savannah Evans walks with a slight limp thanks to a gymnastics’ accident that dashed her Olympic dreams, but didn’t stop her from attending an adventure camp in Idaho. At Camp Arrowhead, she quickly befriends Jade Chang and Rico Cruz, but Conner Swift taunts Savi because of her injury.
When the four are teamed together for an overnight white-water river rafting adventure, Savi refuses to get in the same raft with Conner. Unfortunately, the director will not reassign her.
A fun expedition down the river turns into a nightmare when their raft slams into a huge rock and their adult guide disappears down the river.
Without their guide and desperately trying to steer an out-of-control raft, they pass the “last chance” marker and enter the larger rapids. With Jade pinned between the raft and a rock, and Rico clinging to a lifeline, Savi must cut the raft free.
When the four drag themselves out of the river, they’re bruised, beaten, lost, and twenty-five miles from camp. Because of late-night campfire tales of Vexel, a vicious animal that roams the nearby woods, Savi and the others are terrified.
Savi becomes the unlikely leader who tries to guide the group back to Camp Arrowhead. Limited supplies, injuries, and the constant threat of Vexel—who Savi fears is stalking them, complicate the harrowing return trip.
Readers will enjoy dramatic survival scenes and the group working together, solving problems, and learning to overcome adversity.

 My Review

This book is considered young adult and I enjoyed it immensely! I think the plot is great and intense, I couldn't put it down at times. The characters are very well thought out and I think the dialogue and interaction of the kids was spot on. Everyone meets at camp and they end up going rafting when everything falls apart. I've been rafting so it was much easier to picture things in my mind and while I stuff like this doesn't happen all the time, it does happen. Anyway the main part of the story is the kids alone in the wilderness pretty far away from anything trying to survive. I liked this part and it's obvious the author makes things a bit more scary and unrealistic to real life. Usually wild animals will leave people alone unless there is food or they feel threatened but in the book it seems like they are being hunted by animals the entire time. I wouldn't want my kid to read this and not ever want to hike in the woods again. Considering I grew up in the mountains and hiking and seeing mountain lions and bears, this part of the story was a bit exaggerated for me but it adds the to scary story line.
I think it's a great book for young adults and it would create some good conversation.

"I received this book from Pump Up Your Book and the author for free in exchange for an honest review."   

About the Author:
My name is Gary Rodriguez, and I live in California. I’m the president of LeaderMetrix Inc., a consulting company that specializes in senior-level executive coaching, organizational development, and conflict resolution.
Previously, I worked for eighteen years in the radio business as an executive where I spent several years as one of the original managers of Infinity Broadcasting.
Following a successful radio career I became the president of a non-profit organization for a season.
As a young man, I spent a tour of duty in the U.S. Army where I was recognized as the youngest Drill Instructor in the Army’s history at age 18 years. I was also awarded the Silver Star (the nation’s third highest award for valor) while serving in a combat zone.
Over the past few years, I’ve written three non-fiction books and then I decided to write a novel.
My first book, Purpose-Centered Public Speaking, was published in 2009 and was re-published this summer (2014). Then I wrote a companion workbook designed to help people implement the principles taught in my first book. Next, I wrote Overcoming The Fear Of Public Speaking. And this past year, I wrote my first novel, Escape Through The Wilderness.

For More Information

• Visit Gary Rodriguez’s website.
• Connect with Gary on Facebook and Twitter.
• Find out more about Gary at Goodreads.
• Visit Gary’s blog.
• Check out Gary at Authors Den.
• Contact Gary.

Race for Freedom Book Review

About the Book

Late at night, as the Christina puts out into the Mississippi River, Caleb and Libby keep watch on deck. Close by, the runaway slave, Jordan, creeps forward without a sound. Drawing near the lantern, he stops, as if afraid to enter the circle of light.

On the streets above them no one stirs. Then a dark shape steps from the shadows.

Jordan moans. "It's Riggs!" (The slave-trader.) The cruelest man Caleb knows. Jordan's owner stepping out, so they know he's on their trail.

From that moment the Freedom Seekers can never forget that because of a fugitive slave law Jordan can be taken back into slavery, even from a free northern state. Nor can they forget that if Captain Norstad is caught hiding a fugitive he can lose the Christina. Then Elsa, a new-found immigrant friend, faces illness and possible death.

Will Libby's need for courage bring her to the Lord who promises, "Do not fear, for I am with you"? Can the Freedom Seekers live the courage that offers life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness to every person? Can they go beyond fear to put that courage into practice?

As steamboats race for St. Paul, stakes are high. To escape capture, Jordan makes a mighty leap. In a time when captains did not stop for a man overboard, will Jordan survive his fall into icy waters?

The Freedom Seekers series is a six-novel middle-reader set in 1857. Feel the rush of immigrants to the new land, and the dangers of the Underground Railroad in these true-to-life riverboat stories.The characters will receive a heart-warming response from readers of all ages. Adult readers will ask themselves, "Would I have been one of those who helped runaway slaves?" Lois Walfrid Johnson uses strong historical research, great writing, and wonderful storytelling to bring alive a critical time in American history. (Goodreads)

My Review

I haven't read the first book in this series but I still felt like I understood the story line. This is a young adult novel- ages ten and up. I think the age is good because slavery is a difficult subject for children and should at least be discussed with a parent.

I liked the story line and the characters were enjoyable to read and age appropriate. There is a lot of action within the pages and youngsters will enjoy the suspense as the kids are worried about Riggs and keeping Jordan safe.

I am not sure I will continue with the series but I think others will enjoy the story.

"I received this book from MP Newsroom for free in exchange for an honest review."

Andi Under Pressure Book Review

About the Book

 

Twelve-year-old Andora ‘Andi’ Boggs and her new best friend Colin Carter couldn’t be more excited to attend the prestigious science camp at the local university in Killdeer, Ohio. Unfortunately, Discovery Camp’s curriculum appears to include much more than just chemistry and biology. From day one, the university is plagued by a series of pranks—missing markers, loose crickets, and stolen scales. Campus security blames the mysterious janitor Polk, but even though Andi agrees he’s acting suspicious, she can’t believe the gentle old man would do anything illegal. Then one prank goes too far and their chemistry professor is injured by an explosion in the lab, upping the stakes of the investigation. Andi and Colin must unravel the secrets behind the chemistry department and Polk’s dark past before danger closes the camp for good.

 My Review

I read the first book in this series, Andi Unexpected, and really enjoyed it. While the series is meant for young adults, I still enjoy reading them as well. I think I liked the first book better but this one was intriguing. Andi is a science camp when strange things start happening. She is very aware to her surroundings and is rather curious. She starts asking questions and keeping track of the happenings. The reader follows her sleuthing ways until the surprise ending where the guilty party is not who you think it is. 

This is a fun book, clean and laced with mystery for anyone to enjoy!

"I received this book from BookLook bloggers for free in exchange for an honest review."