The Shack

Although I seldom read books because they're best sellers I just finished reading The Shack. If not for the foreword I might not have kept reading through the next 15 pages describing an idyllic family life and beautiful scenery, but when the action finally started it was gripping. The book is an excellent example of compassionate communication and the author (or authors?) manage to include deep theological information naturally through the action and dialogue. I found the book inspiring and can certainly understand why it's selling so well. If you haven't read it yet and would like to learn more, try this URL:  www.theshackbook.com.

Bullies

The other day I read an article in a magazine at a doctor's office about how to keep from being a victim of bullies. The article was in the September edition of Wondertime and can be found at their website, http://wondertime.go.com. It refers to a book called Bullies to Buddies by Izzy Kalman.

Basically the information says bullying is a game that's won by getting the target person upset, and the best way to avoid being bullied is by not getting angry or scared. 

I know the method works because of some personal experiences, including one in my childhood. I was the class victim and a total coward, but one day I did something brave. A neighborhood bully had knocked me down on the sidewalk and was sitting on my chest, ready to punch me in the face. Nobody else was around, so I had no hope, but for some reason I calmly explained that she was unpopular because she was a bully and kids would like her better if she stopped hurting them. She got up, left me alone, and never bothered me again. She moved away soon afterwards so I don't know if she ever took my advice.

I suggest that anyone who works with kids, has kids, or is victimized by bullies check out the article mentioned above or go to Kalman's website, www.bullies2buddies.com.

Turning the other cheek really does work.

Mistmantle

I've recently read a fantasy series for kids called The Mistmantle Chronicles. Written by a British author, these books are similar to many because they're about talking animals living in a medieval-like setting. But there have been lots of books like that published because kids enjoy them. This series has some unique plotlines, well-drawn characters and the magic is not the standard sort. People who don't read the series in order and some younger readers might find the multiple characters a bit confusing, but escaping to a world where life is exciting and dangerous but good always triumphs makes the series well worth reading. 

Tough Compassion

Compassion means to "feel with" someone else. Miss Spitfire: Reaching Helen Keller, written by Sarah Miller, is a wonderful example of that. This book is officially fiction, but Miller did so much historical research and writes so well it's almost like the reader is actually watching through a window as Annie Sullivan struggles to reach the blind, deaf, and extremely spoiled young Helen. Readers will gain a new appreciation of their senses while experiencing this page-turner and realize the appropriateness of the beautiful cover art. I highly recommend this book.

The Scientist in the Crib

One of the most fascinating books I've ever read is The Scientist in the Crib by Alison Gopnik, Andrew Meltzoff and Patricia Kuhl. It's about how babies' brains develop and the part about how they learn language was especially interesting to me. Even though the authors all have Ph.D.s the writing is is easily understood by us "normal" people who aren't part of the academic world. 

Literacy Problem

When traveling in urban areas I often notice a very low level of literacy. Unlike other parts of America, it's amazing how many people in and near cities don't seem to understand the simple four letter word often seen on octagonal signs; S-T-O-P. Of course that probably shouldn't surprise me since the same people are apparently numerically challenged and can't comprehend the numerals on speed limit signs either.

Beyond The Western Sea

The two books in the series, Beyond the Western Sea, by Avi are real page turners but the exciting plots are a bit too complex for younger children, even if they can read above their grade levels. The characters are believable, the settings are realistic, and the books carry the reader away into a world far different from their own. They might even learn a bit about history as they experience the thrills. Older kids will love these books. The only problem is, there are some minor unanswered questions that should be resolved in a sequel and there doesn't seem to be one. However that shouldn't stop anyone from enjoying the ones that do exist. I think these books are great!