"Portia's Exclusive and Confidential Rules on True Friendship" by Anna Hays

"Portia's Exclusive and Confidential Rules on True Friendship" by Anna Hays is a fun pre-teen drama book. The story starts off with Portia and her best friend Amy. Portia is the detective that's afraid of math (this stereotype is fixed towards the end when she gets an A on a pop quiz). Amy is the fashionista that's constantly shopping and designing. Then, an animal crazy girl named Misty enters the scene, and she takes to Portia. As Portia's friendship with Misty grows, Amy becomes jealous and does some underhanded deeds. Also integrated into the story is Portia's long lost father who appears to be some sort of international spy; the full story is probably explained in the previous book of this series. Overall, this book is fun for pre-teen girls. It has action, drama, animals, fashion, and innocent romance.

"What's He Really Thinking?" by Paula Rinehart

"What's He Really Thinking? - How to be a Relational Genius with the Man in Your Life" by Paula Rinehart is a psychological book that delves into the male psyche. It discusses the main differences in how men think as compared to women. Central issues like conflict, respect, hurt, change, and expectations are dissected. While the author occasionally mentions brothers, co-workers, sons, and other male friends, the main men being discussed are implied as the husbands. Rinehart tells women how to act around their significant other, why they need to need them, what damages their egos, and how to effectively communicate with them. Several personal stories are mentioned that highlight what not to do in an altercation. This book is not so much for dating women but more for married wives that seek to better their marriages. In the back of the book, there are questions that couples may answer, as well as Bible verses for them to recite. Intriguing to say the very least, this book will leave women thinking about men thinking.

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"Ask Hayley, Volume 3" by Hayley DiMarco

"Ask Hayley:Real Answers for Today's Teen, Volume 3" by Hayley DiMarco is a superb conclusion to the "Ask Hayley" books. With all the appeal of the previous two, this one does not disappoint readers. Full of the same advice, quizzes, and glossy pages, this magazine book is hard to put down. While there is some relationship and family advice that the other two books have, this one has more advanced topics, such as college choices, idolatry, living for Christ, fashion, and jobs. By the time readers are done with this book, they will feel a jolt of satisfaction, fully confident that any problem they could encounter has been answered by Hayley and can be further resolved by looking for guidance in the Bible and trusting in God.

"Ask Hayey, Volume 2" by Hayley DiMarco

"Ask Hayley:Real Answers for Today's Teen, Volume 2" by Hayley DiMarco is a great companion to the first volume. While one does not have to read the first one to understand the second one, they certainly would like to after they realize how helpful and interesting the "Ask Hayley" books are. This book tends to talk more about friendships and family issues, as opposed to the first that focuses more on dating and boy/girl interactions. Serious topics like depression are combated with a biblical perspective. Organized in a magazine style, this is as glossy and fun to flip through as the first. Aside from questions and answers, this book also contains bullet points for self improvement and more in-depth advice. This is a must-have for teens.

"Ask Hayley, Volume 1" by Hayley DiMarco

"Ask Hayley:Real Answers for Today's Teen, Volume 1" by Hayley DiMarco is a seriously fun book. The glossy pages, decorative backgrounds, and full color photos make the book feel like a magazine. In a question-and-answer format, Hayley has letters from teens followed by sincere answers. With a fresh Christian perspective, Hayley offers sound advice and quotes Scripture when necessary. Quizzes are also included, along with healthy promotions. While most questions are from girls, a couple are from boys. Also, the photos depict several nationalities, both boys and girls, and excellent styles that are modestly modeled. This book covers issues from dating to friendship and is a thrill to read--fun to say the very least!

"Blue Like Play Dough: The Shape of Motherhood in the Grip of God" by Tricia Goyer + FREE Giveaway

"Blue Like Play Dough: The Shape of Motherhood in the Grip of God" by Tricia Goyer is an intriguing book. It chronicles the story of a woman who finds God. Her path to religion did not start when she went to church as a child; it started when she had children. With children lost to abortion, pre-marital children, children from different fathers, and more, the main character has had her share of woe. She decided to turn her life around when she realized how God was shaping her life through her children. Sure, her mistakes couldn’t be undone, but she could be a better person for her children. By doing so, she taught her kids morals and led them through tough times. She also realizes that her children are children of God--tiny miracles in her womb. The woman accepts the fact that her children can learn to trust God in a simple yet profound way that she ought to mimic. Although the central message throughout the book is the same, the stories and anecdotes are not. Topics discussed in the book range from death, betrayal, feelings of insignificance, hormones, rejection, compassion, and more. While this book is best for mothers, those who do not have children will find the tale interesting...a view into the looking glass of motherhood, if you will.

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

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“Almost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared to Dream” by Tanya Lee Stone

“Almost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared to Dream” by Tanya Lee Stone is a remarkable book. It goes deep into the history and politics of the first women in space. Unbeknownst from what the title may suggest, this book is not some simple biography. On the contrary, it is a livid account of women who supported each other.

Starting out in the sixties [with the Race for Space], it is documented how the United States government pushed space travel. In fact, they practically exonerated the male astronauts who one-upped the Russians. When Jerrie Cobb wanted to go into space as well, she was met with discrimination. Even after completing many astronautical training tests (which Stone describes perfectly) better than males, she was still denied into space.

Trying to start up a space program for women, Cobb and Lovelace gathered together twelve other women. Unfortunately, the women did not get to complete the necessary requirements for space travel due to certain laws and even female opposition. This major stumbling-block is expounded on very clearly in the book. All political pretexts are also accounted for as Stone comprehensively accounts a twisted story of betrayal.

Each of the Mercury 13 is noted, as their lives intertwine; the book even sums up what they are up to currently at the end. This book is as scientific as it is feminist. The male-dominated era of the sixties is unveiled, as extraterrestrial training is elucidated to a tee. Famous names pop up, too, along with surprising facts--Who knew John Glenn was against women in space and Johnson feared that letting women into space would open the door for minorities, too?

Filled with livid pictures and captions, readers literally go on an adventure reading this book. The chapters are easy to comprehend yet not too simple as to make the reader ever want to put the book down. It is a very inspirational book for women, science extraordinaires, and anyone who dares to dream the impossible.

"The I Believe Bunny" by Tosh Rabe

"The I Believe Bunny" by Tosh Rabe is a cute children's book with a Christian twist. The book starts off with a Bible quotation, and the story works around it to teach a central message. In this particular book in the series, the bunny finds a fellow woodland creature in distress. He tries to help the critter and, when in need of assistance, prays. Later, more friends of the bunny come to help bunny save his new friend. In the end, all the creatures learn the power of prayer.

Illustrated by Frank Endersby, the pictures are very vibrant. They are akin to soft watercolors, oftetimes relying heavily on pastels. The text itself is arragned in a poetic structure with quatrains. The story can be dramatically suspenseful at times since a creature is in need of rescue. Great for children, this teaches a Christian lesson and has a happy ending all thanks to God.

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“Surrender All" by Joni Lamb

Joni Lamb’s “Surrender All: Your Answer to Living with Peace, Power & Purpose” is an interesting book. The whole basis is that readers need to surrender their lives wholeheartedly to God. As a television icon, Lamb accounts some of her own personal stories, albeit successful. She notes not selling her first television studio to rich and secular buyers, and she instead sold it for a lesser price to a religious buyer. Later, conversely, she sells another studio to NBC for a whopping $76 million. Readers are a bit abashed, but they are relieved when she later writes that she donated a percentage to charity. For those unaware of her show, they still understand what she is talking about. Readers that are wary of evangelic works are a bit skeptical when Lamb’s face dons the cover, making it akin to other famous books that have been said to be fallacious. Luckily, Lamb isn’t one of the evangelicals targeted in Hank Hanegraaff’s “Christianity in Crisis: Twenty-first Century.”

Throughout the book, many stories of woe and anguish persist. The trauma and terrible circumstances are accounted. In the end, happy endings are written. Many miracles and instances of divine intervention are told. While readers may still believe that the miracles and healings took place, it would be better for Lamb to insert some stories of disturbance that are not magically made perfect after prayer. After all, while it is wonderful for one to ask Jesus into their heart, suffering does have its place and may not end until heaven (hence the Beatitudes). Additionally, many stories are about friends of Lamb, but not many are of herself. The few that do tell of her minute pains end in extravagant blessings. Overall, Lamb’s book has a great message of surrender, but it is a bit sugarcoated.

"Notes from the Tilt-a-Whirl" by N.D. Wilson

"Notes from the Tilt-a-Whirl:Wide-Eyed Wonder in God's Spoken Word" by N.D. Wilson is all over the place...and not necessarily in a bad way. Wilson's style of writing and rhetorical style make it idyll for atheists or just the faint of faith. The book reads like a dialog, almost as if the author is speaking to the reader. Much philosophy and science is discussed, both those for and against Christianity. What Wilson tries to do is set up his arguments in such a way that make it impossible for readers to discredit God.

Written in a fast-paced demeanor, readers feel like a long lost friend is running their mouth. This book is so unusual, it is good. For those that don't believe in God or think Christianity is hogwash, this book will change their minds. It is laid out in such a way that readers do not feel like they are being preached at. The language is very informal and oftentimes humorously brusque, although not laconic. While it is usually not good to judge a book by its cover, this is an exception.

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"Solving Zoe" by Barbara Dee

"Solving Zoe" by Barbara Dee is full of preteen angst. The eponymous Zoe is a sixth grader who notices a new boy. This boy tends to keep to himself, and he hunches over a notebook full of scribbles. Zoe's best friend becomes distant when she obtains a leading role in the school play; her new clique is made up of mostly actresses-to-be. The boy silently observes the disturbances between Zoe and her supposed best friend. Trying to make her open her eyes, he takes action. What he does not only gets Zoe in trouble but also puts her further away from her friends. In the end, however, there is a bittersweet, happy ending--the reader is relieved, but not so much as to make it unrealistic.

Older readers might find this book slightly predictable. However, for preteens, the story is engrossing and highly relatable. Young ones get even more enthralled when animals come into play. Additionally, there are puzzles involved in the plot. The reader can try their hand at decoding them. There is even an answer key in the back if they get stumped. Overall, this book is great for young readers. It depicts middle school life, without the graphic nature of most preteen sitcoms.

“Sisterchicks in Wooden Shoes” by Robin Jones Gunn

Robin Jones Gunn’s “Sisterchicks in Wooden Shoes” is an unusually life-like book for women. Amidst all of the drama and silly circumstances, the plot events are highly plausible. Number eight in the Sisterchicks series, readers do not have to read the previous books to follow the story. In fact, not all of the Sisterchicks novels use the same characters; each book tends to have a different story of women coming together in God. This disappoints readers who, after discovering that Noelle and Summer are finally meeting for the first time, realize there are no letters to read from when they conversed as pen pals in an earlier book.

Anyway, the story is enjoyable. Summer receives a call from a doctor telling her that she may have breast cancer. With a week before she needs to go in for a biopsy, she puts life on hold to finally see her pen pall of forty years in the Netherlands. Living in denial, Summer lives it up in the hospitality of her friend. It is only towards the end of the book that Summer opens up to Noelle about why she truly came. Noelle also opens up to Summer about her long-lasting feud with her father. Moving to Europe when she was eighteen, she has yet to speak wit her father who violently resisted her leap of independence.

This book reflects on the blessings of God. The few Bible quotations that are present are recited by the main characters. Some are even paraphrased in rather facetious manners to relate better to what situations the girls are in. Overall, both women become closer to God and help each other trust in His divine nature. Funny and sad all at the same time, this book is as bittersweet as the Dutch chocolate lauded by Summer.

“100 Bible Stories, 100 Bible Songs” by Stephen Elkins

“100 Bible Stories, 100 Bible Songs” by Stephen Elkins is an interactive children’s biblical book. As the title suggests, there are 100 stories accompanied by 100 songs. The stories themselves consist of about a paragraph each. Also included is a short sentence or two synopsis, or adage, about the story. Then, there is a sentence at the bottom written in the first person narration for the reader to follow based on the moral of each story. The stories have songs that go with each one. These songs are named on the top of each story, as is a verse from the song.

Clearly labeled both in the table of contents and on each page, it is not hard to find corresponding songs for the stories. In fact, both of the CDs included have numbers and song titles printed onto them. Little ones will have no problem finding the songs for the stories. Vivid pictures depict each story and are fantastic. The seriousness of the stories is contained, and there are also fun little animals scurrying around in the background of some. This book is a great deal and fabulous for little readers; it will hold attention, teach biblical stories, and keep youngsters humming along to worship melodies.

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“The Wackiest, Wildest, and Weirdest Animals in the World” by Jack Hanna

“Jungle Jack's The Wackiest, Wildest, and Weirdest Animals in the World” by Jack Hanna is an amazing animal book for young and old readers alike. Thirty amazing animals are listed in the book. They include some exotic ones and some well known ones. This make it easy for readers to identify animals they know with some they never heard of, reaching a nice balance as to not make the reader too bored or too intimidated by their lack of animal knowledge. Everything is broken down in easy to understand terms, and there is even a glossary in the back.

Each animal has a page of its own. The animal’s diet, location, and size are grouped together. There is also a paragraph or so on each page to say what makes each animal “weird.” Fun facts are included in their own border on the page. There are even some personal anecdotes from Hanna about the animals he has encountered. To round it all off, large pictures of the animals are in the center of each page with smaller photos near the sides. Best of all, Hanna keeps God in the picture by reminding readers who created the animals in the book.

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“Thanks for Being My Friend” by Ashley Rice

“Thanks for Being My Friend: A Special Book to Celebrate Friendship With Someone Very Important...You” by Ashley Rice is a fantastic book that applauds the value of friendship. The way the book is written, the poems and statements are geared towards the reader. It is as if the reader’s best friend made a collection of notes about the reader and presented it to her bounded. This book highlights the main characteristics of a friend and teaches young girls how to act towards others. For little ones who have yet to make friends, this book will give them hope that there is someone out there who will one day value her and share her secrets with her. For those that already have friends, this book could be a reminder of how special their friend is and why they should not take them for granted. Diversity is encouraged, as is talking to and learning from others that are different. Female readers will relish this colorful book with its glossy pages, enjoyable illustrations, and wavy edges.

“You Are an Amazing Girl” by Ashley Rice

“You Are an Amazing Girl: A Very Special Book About Being You and Making Your Drams Come True” by Ashley Rice is an inspirational book that challenges readers to believe in themselves. Many poems and declarations announce just how grand the reader is. Rice urges the reader to feel good about herself and strive for greatness. Mistakes and weaknesses are acknowledged, but it is noted that the reader should always dust herself off and never give up. There is even space in the book for girls to write down their own dreams, goals, and accomplishments. The main focus is on making dreams that are extravagant but realistic (e.g.- becoming an astronaut over becoming a mermaid). Providentially, healthy living is encouraged, as well, for an overall state of taking care of oneself. All throughout the book, the reader is constantly reminded that she is special and amazing. Girls will adore this colorful book, equip with its wavy edges, glossy pages, and clever illustrations.

“You Go, Girl...Keep Dreaming” by Ashley Rice

“You Go, Girl...Keep reaming: A Special Book About Always Believing in Yourself” by Ashley Rice is a motivating book about goal setting and individual trust. Learning is encouraged greatly, and it is assumed that the reader is a smart girl. Positive affirmations flourish alongside peppy illustrations. There is even space for girls to write what they want to do when they grow up. Math and science are supported, as well as the arts. The reader is pushed to take chances and not be afraid of failure. The book set a strong foundation for young girls’ self confidence. Trying new things and proverbially flying from the nest and portrayed in a very convincing manner. Hope and freedom are among the many key points outlined in the book for success. This wavy-edged book is clad with vibrant colors, glossy pages, and clever illustrations sure to dazzle girls.

“Girls Rule” by Ashley Rice

“Girls Rule: A Very Special Book Created Especially for Girls” by Ashley Rice is a fun book full of advice for aspiring young women. It teaches young girls that they can be anything they set their minds to. It is also honed in on that readers are constantly loved, even when they feel a bit melancholy. Guardian angels are mentioned, and mountains are considered mere stepping stones that should be approached with bravado. There is even a cute part where a cartoon takes a bath; the poem discusses that, when life gets hard, readers can just relax with a soothing bath. Sisterhood is acknowledged, and it is declared that the reader is a star shining bright in the world. There is also additional space in the back of the book for girls to write down their dreams. Girls will greatly enjoy this colorful book with its wavy edges, glossy pages, and clever illustrations.

"God's Little Princess" By Sheila Walsh

"God's Little Princess" by Sheila Walsh is a devotional Bible for girls. The structure of the book is fun. There are Bible verses, beauty tips (for both the inside and outside), words of advice, songs, plays that have roles for the reader and mother, and much more. Girls are encouraged to show kindness and love to others. There are even quizzes on behavior with follow-ups to make sure the reader knows which choices are right. The book encourages children to act like little princesses, politeness and all.

Hardcover with rhinestones and glitter, this book is sure to attract young eyes. Also, the pages themselves are brightly colored with unique designs. Pictures galore fill the book to keep a young girl's attention. The print is large for little ones, as well. All throughout the book, the message of God's redeeming love is evident. Walsh verifies that readers will be princesses in God's royal court of heaven. She also suggests girls pray and come to God when they are sad or have done something wrong.

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“The American Patriot’s Bible: The Word of God and the Shaping of America"

“The American Patriot’s Bible: The Word of God and the Shaping of America” is a fine book. The main Biblical verses written by God are enact. So, Christians that recall the verse from Deuteronomy about not adding to the Bible are relieved that the Bible itself is not altered. Dr. Richard G. Lee merely adds inserts into it that parallel parts of the Bible to milestones in American history. The actual Bible part is clearly labeled, and Lee is careful to insert page dividers about American history, not sentences thrown in between Bible verses.

In the front are spaces that can be filled in with family members names. So, this makes a nice family Bible or wedding gift. Included is a detailed index so readers can look up certain topics and find relevant Bible verses. Also, there are detailed maps that help visualize the physical geography of the times of the Bible. As immense as the book is, the large print makes it less intimidating to read or flip through for daily advice. This book is great for Christians who will never separate the Church and the state in their hearts.

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