Review: Capturing Jasmina

Capturing Jasmina (India's Street Kids Book 1) by Kimberly Rae

Description:  Capturing Jasmina, fiction for young adult readers by Kimberly Rae, is the story of Jasmina, a young girl in India, and her brother, Samir. The children are sold by their father to a man promising them an education and good jobs.

But, as Jasmina and Samir soon discover, the man is providing an education, not in a school, but as a slave in his sweatshop garment factory. While Samir quickly submits to his new life of misery, Jasmina never stops planning an escape.

She comes to realize that escape doesn’t always mean freedom.

My Review:

Capturing Jasmina is a tale of slavery and bondage of body and soul. Sold by a father who saw her as less desirable due to her gender, Jasmina enters a world of slavery. At first determined to escape, she eventually succumbs to anger and resignation...until a chance encounter gives her hope.

Although a short story, this book gives insight into human trafficking from the perspective of the victim, and does so elequently.  Although the book does move fast, and many of the situations are only dealt with supperficially, it is still difficult to not become attached to this little girl.  My heart broke for her, I found myself unable to put the book down until I knew she was safe.  Then, upon finishing the book,  I wanted to jump into action, to assist in ending the horror of human trafficking.  I wish some organizations or resources or something had been included towards this end.

After some internet research, I did discover the author's website, which does include resource information.  You can find it here.

the Perfect Score Project

The Perfect Score Project: One Mother's Journey to Uncover the Secrets of the SAT Description:

The project began as an attempt by Debbie Stier to help her teenage son, Ethan, who would shortly be studying for the SAT. Aware that Ethan was a typical teenager (i.e., uninterested in any test, especially a 4-hour standardized exam) and would be facing a much more competitive admissions process and economy than when she was in high school, she decided to climb into the trenches with him.  She took the SAT seven times in one year, ultimately compiling an accessible and relatable guide that is both a consumer report of fresh tips and an amusing snapshot of parental love and wisdom colliding with teenage apathy. Stier quickly became hooked, and her quest turned into an exercise in both hilarity and heartbreak as she persisted in deciphering the mind-boggling menu of test prep options. In The Perfect Score Project Debbie tries it all, from Kaplan, to Kumon and The Khan Academy; she meets with a premier grammar coach, takes a battery of intelligence tests, and studies with the world’s most prestigious (and expensive) test prep company. She answers all the questions that overwhelm students and parents facing the SAT: “When do I start?” “Does brand-name test-prep work?” “Do I need a tutor, a class, or can I self-study?” “What’s the one thing I need to know?” and, “What’s the secret to teenage motivation?”
           

    The Perfect Score Project has inspired thousands of parents, students and teachers to connect and transform the most reviled right of passage in a high school student’s life into a positive experience. This book provides concrete research on the best ways to succeed on a test that serves as the last big milestone before kids leave for college.

My Review:

As the mom of a bright, intelligent, ADHD underachieving boy preparing for college exams, this book excited me.  You see, my son scores "gifted" on intelligence tests....until he has to write down his answers and show his work, or put his thoughts on paper in some form slightly resembling a paragraph.  Then he scores "learning disabled".  The conundrum of both a gifted and learning disabled student neatly wrapped up in the body of an exuberant boy terrifies me when it comes to converting it into numbers that will allow him admittance in a college.  Especially when his chosen major is only offered at one college in the state and it only accepts about 5-10 students per year for that major!

When I was given the opportunity to review this book it felt like an answer to prayer.  Debbie Stier's own son had ADHD and her concerns were much like mine.  I sure don't want to pay for various test prep programs, much less the $350+ she must have spent to take the SAT seven times in an attempt to find the best scenario.  Let me say, I am glad that Stier was not only willing to do so, but she was also willing to share her story and results with the rest of us.

This book is FULL of advice that I had never even considered, and even more things to think about that I didn't even know were available!  My son has already begun to incorporate some of it in his own test prep, and both of our minds are much more at ease about the whole process.  Is he going to achieve "the perfect score"?  Probably not.  But he will achieve a score much higher than he would have without this book, and with a lot less stress!

The Legend of the Candy Cane

The Legend of the Candy Cane  Description:

One dark November night a stranger rides into a small prairie town. Who is he? Why has he come? The townspeople wish he were a doctor, a dressmaker, or a trader. But the children have the greatest wish of all, a deep, quiet, secret wish. Then a young girl named Lucy befriends the newcomer. When he reveals his identity and shares with her the legend of the candy cane, she discovers fulfillment of her wishes and the answer to her town's dreams. Now will she share what she has learned? Warm, lavish illustrations by James Bernardin bring to life a timeless tale by Lori Walburg, a story that will help families celebrate the mystery and miracle of Christmas - for many Christmases to come.

My Review:

While the story hasn't changed, the illustrations on this edition are beautiful!  Much more appealing to the younger crowd.  While the story itself isn't verifiable, (there are many variations floating around in cyberspace) it is a great way to share the meaning of Christmas.  I am pleased to add this to my list of Christmas stories and am sure we will read it for many Christmases to come!

The Advocate Review

The Advocate Description:

At the trial of Christ, Theophilus, brilliant young assessore raised in the Roman aristocracy, stands behind Pontius Pilate and whispers, “Offer to release Barabbas.” The strategy backfires, and Theophilus never forgets the sight of an innocent man unjustly suffering the worst of all possible deaths—Roman crucifixion.

Three decades later, Theophilus has proven himself in the legal ranks of the Roman Empire. He has survived the insane rule of Caligula and has weathered the cruel tyrant’s quest to control the woman he loves. He has endured the mindless violence of the gladiator games and the backstabbing intrigue of the treason trials.

Now he must face another evil Caesar, defending the man Paul in Nero’s deranged court. Can Theophilus mount a defense that will keep another innocent man from execution?


The advocate’s first trial altered the course of history. His last will change the fate of an empire.

My Review:

Although the identity of the biblical Theophilus has been lost in history, and the opinion that Theophilus was in fact Paul's advocate is not widely accepted, Singer offers up a rather interesting and intriguing story from that perspective.  Singer draws from the biblical account of not only Jesus "trial" but of Paul's character and life as well.  He does take some creative license, but not so much that it caused me to question his attempt at a creative telling of biblical accounts.

Theophilus embodies what I think many citizens during the time of Jesus and the birth of Christianity may have felt.  They knew that something was different about Jesus, but weren't really sure what.  It wasn't until they took the time to hear his message that their lives were changed.  I found the characters came to life in this story and I was drawn in.  At over 400 pages there was enough detail to allow me to create the images and action in my mind but not so much that I was overwhelmed with useless information.

I look forward to reading more from Singer and I hope that he again writes in this genre.

Get to Know Jesus Review

Get to Know Jesus Description:

Get to Know Jesus --part of the Get to Know series--is a unique biography about Jesus, the son of God. Focusing on the life and character of this Biblical hero, using color photographs, maps, and other visual resources to tell the whole story, young biography fans will come to learn more about this man of the God and the role he plays in history.


Featuring a bibliography and scriptural references throughout, this is sure to become a favorite for young readers and for first book reports.

My Review:

If you have read my reviews of Get to Know King David and Get to Know Apostle Paul then you are probably already aware that this is a series I think highly of.  Get to Know Jesus doesn't disappoint and is just as good, if not better, than the others I have reviewed.

Sanders covers the life of Jesus in 10 chapters, but don't let that fool you.  This book is chock full of great information for the young Bible scholar.  I love that in the first chapter Sanders walks us through the history leading up to Jesus' birth, what the world was like that Jesus lived in, the history of His people, and their desire for the Messiah to arrive.  She sets the stage perfectly for the birth of God's Son and helps young readers to understand the importance of it.

Like all of the Get to Know series, this book is full of paintings, pictures, maps and photographs to help the reader visualize the important places and events.  The timeline also helps the reader to reconcile the events in Jesus life with the events of the world.

Another great addition to my child's library!  I'm sure it will be for yours also!

Power Bible Review

Power Bible: Bible Stories to Impart Wisdom - Complete Set (10 Books) 

Description:
It's the most exciting story ever told, filled with exhilarating adventures, awe-inspiring stories of faith, and the greatest news you will ever receive. It s a love story so amazing that it leads to the ultimate act of personal sacrifice. It s the bestselling book of all time: the Bible.

The Power Bible is a ten volume series that presents the Bible in a comic book format which appeals to all ages. From Genesis to Revelation, the Power Bible tells the truths of God's Word in a fun-to-read format that kids will want to pick up again and again!

Our team has fact checked and researched to make sure the Power Bible is faithful to the truths of the Bible, but it is not intended to be a substitute for the Bible. We encourage you to use this opportunity to engage your children and read the Bible together.


God is powerful and His word is equally powerful! So, power up your child with the power of God's word with the Power Bible!

My Review:
This is a great introduction to the Bible for the child that is not a fan of reading. Full of bright and colorful comic strip/anime images the stories hold true to the Biblical account and will give the reader an overview of key points, although it obviously can't delve deep due to the format. The publisher stove to "help young kids learn basic biblical principles in a format that is fun and easy" and I believe that they have accomplished their task.

 My 5 year old, who has very little exposure to anime, was excited to see a Bible that "actually looks like a comic book" and although she is a beginner reader, she was quick to identify some of the characters (especially Jesus) without help by simply looking at the pictures. My 14 year old, who LOVES to read, liked it as well. "It's really cool!" So definitely kid approved in our house. As a parent, though, I really feel like you can't use this as a primary text (which by no means am I claiming that is the publisher's attempt) and it would work great in conjunction with the actual text.

I've found that it really has helped with Bible study for my children. They read something in the Power Bible and ask, "did it really happen like that?" and we pull out the Bible to compare.

I was given the opportunity to look at volume 1: From Creation to the Story of Joseph, and volume 10: An Eternal Kingdom, which focuses on Paul's ministry and briefly covers parts of Revelation. I do wish that they were a bit clearer on who some of those portrayed in the accounts are. We are given an introduction to the major players at the beginning of each book, but in volume 10 there were parts that had so much going on and I just wasn't sure who the other people were.  For example during the scenes of the Jerusalem Council no one other than Paul and Barnabas were identified. This left me wondering who the dissenter was as I didn't remember there being one. I went back and read the passages in my Bible and realized that he was supposed to represent a Pharisee. (Did I mention that these were good for making you pull out your Bible for comparing {wink wink})

Given my children's overwhelming approval, and that they are currently arguing discussing who gets which volume, I expect we will be adding more of these to our library.  :)

Get to Know King David review

Get to Know King David Description:

A shepherd and a king, David lived an adventurous life. He protected his family’s sheep from lions and bears. He fought a giant with just a sling and stone. He even spent years hiding from men who were trying to kill him. And eventually, David became a great king. But David was also a man of God. Learn more about this hero from the Bible and his exciting place in history. Discover what it was like to grow up in ancient Israel and then be a king of God’s people. King David - part of the Get to Know series - will teach you everything you need to know about an imperfect young man whom God used to do great things!

My Review:

I love that Sanders begins by explaining that David is not a myth, or a story, but was a real, live person-and gives evidence to prove it.  So many children grow up hearing the Bible stories but mentally place them in the same category as Greek mythology or tall tales.  I also like that she states, point blank, "the Bible is a reliable historic document".

Sanders account of David draws from various sources, The Bible (of course) as well as The Works of Flavius Josephus, various archaeological texts, and texts concerning the manners and customs that prevailed during those times.  She is careful to note areas that are supposition (i.e. "What did David think about and do all day when he was watching his father's sheep?  We don't know for sure. But......" p. 19) which is a huge plus in my book.  She also includes references to specific Bible verses to allow the reader to read for him/herself.

This book includes the same great additions I mentioned in my review of Get to Know Apostle Paul, such as Did You Know?, Bible Hero, definitions included on the same page as the word was used, maps and full color pictures.  I also enjoyed the Student Resources section at the end that included several suggested books for those who want to dig a little deeper.

While this book is being marketed to upper elementary students, I found the information and the visual layout appealing as an adult and my 14 and 16 year old children did too.  Definitely a great addition to your Christian library!

Look for my review of Get to Know Jesus in the near future.

Nancy Sanders currently has four books in the series.  Check them out below: