It's hard to find appropriate stories for children that don't contain objectionable ingredients. Even in small doses, spices set the character for a whole dish. How impactful then for character to be infused by the holy ingredients of biblical truth, love, and hope. Each month, we recommend a story work of art that is both creative and faithful to the Creator and the lover of our souls. May God add to these authors and their works. March Pick - Light of Mine by Allen BrokkenABOUT THE AUTHOR: Allen Brokken began writing his first novel, Light of Mine, as a way to illustrate biblical truths to his children in an age-appropriate way. Now, the series he began has six books that have received praise from readers for the Christian principles they showcase. Allen self-published Light of Mine in 2016 and has learned a lot since then about not just writing but marketing and engaging readers. The current novel Light of Mine is the product of two years of reworking his original book into a better book. He regularly blogs and you can find him at writers conferences and Christian book sellers event. www.towersoflight.net ABOUT THE BOOK: Light of Mine is a wonderful book because it is actually aimed at middle grade children. So much of Christian fiction that claims to fall within middle grade is actually young adult fiction that more or less straddles the two age groups. It's a sad state of affairs that the most delightful reading years of the church's children are characterized by a lack of Christian stories. The three children in this novel find themselves on their own as first their father, then their mother, leave in a desperate attempt to save their region from encroaching evil, called simply Darkness. The older sister, Lauren, is twelve and her younger brothers, Aiden and Ethan, are nine and five. They live in a fantasy world that resembles a forested western frontier. The tone of the book is light despite the dire situation in which they find themselves and the children are left in a fairly cozy cabin with good food (fried chicken, fresh bread and jam, oatmeal, salted pork, eggs, and milk) and friendly godly neighbors. However, these hardworking children have a special mission on top of the chores that fall to them after their parents leave. They must keep the forest lighthouse beacon lit - it banishes Darkness where it shines and helps those fighting Darkness. But Darkness encroaches into their village in the form of haughty newcomers and strangers who slink in the night. Their neighbors disappear and the children must stay true to their mission and to their values as they are confronted with danger and deceit. The book is full of action and discussion points and testimonies abound about reading it out loud with the whole family. CHRISTIAN BOOK REVIEW SITES: If you wish to find more Christian children's fiction, the Christian sites below are great resources. Lorehaven Redeemed Reader Reformed Perspective - Children's Fiction Reviews School House Review Crew Bonus Oldie but Goodie (not necessarily Christian fiction) - Mrs. Frisby and The Rats of NIMHThis book is a walk down memory lane, though a somewhat rapid walk as everything happens much more quickly in the book than as remembered. But that only demonstrates what an action packed gem this tale is for younger children. From sick Timothy mouse in Mrs. Frisby's garden home, kindly Mr. Ages with his medicinal concoctions, to the mysteriously busy rats who live under the rosebush, the story never falters while we follow Mrs. Frisby as she finds a way to save her son. As they help Timothy stay alive by avoiding moving day, the rats' story will suck you in and have you rooting for the first ever rat civilization! Theirs is a fantastical endeavor and a tantalizing dream set on a mundane farm. Friendship, sacrifice, and honor are prominent motivations in this book, and this title is truly a well-deserved classic middle grade read. Comments are closed.
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