90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper

Don Piper, a Baptist preacher, was driving home from a convention when the driver of an eighteen-wheeler weaved across the centerline of a bridge and hit his car head-on. Don Piper’s car was smashed with him inside. He was examined, and it was declared that he had been killed instantly. Don describes the accident in more detail, and describes even more startling details regarding his time that he experienced in heaven, 90 minutes to be exact. You really need to read the book, and determine for yourself if there is truth to this story and I believe you’ll be pleasantly surprised. I’ve read this book, and just recently listened to it in audio (the print and audio versions are available for checkout). I was especially impacted by this experience, as the hospital where Don spent much of his time was Memorial Hermann in Houston, Texas, the same hospital that my husband had surgery that most definitely has extended his life by many years. Don Piper’s story is one of hope. He has had to endure many years of pain to survive from this crash. But, because of his trial, he has been able to offer hope and encouragement to many since his ordeal.

The Face by Angela Hunt

Renee Carey is cleaning out some old records in her deceased mother’s warehouse when she stumbles upon an interesting finding. When Renee was fifteen years old her brother died. Added to this tragedy was that shortly before his death, his wife and stillborn baby had also passed away. This is what Renee had been told by her mother twenty years ago. What Renee uncovers in the warehouse is a letter from the CIA giving an update on the status of a Sarah Jane Sims, the daughter of the late officer Kevin Sims and late Diane Sims. Immediately after birth, this letter explains, Sarah was transported to a field hospital where she received treatment for several facial defects. This revelation amazes Renee. She has a niece that she did not know about. Renee sets out on a mission to find her niece. This proves to be quite difficult, but Renee does not lose heart. Will she find her long lost niece? If she does find her, will Sarah ever forgive Renee for not being a part of her life all these years?

City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau

A 2005/2006 Lamplighter Award winner. This action packed story begins in an underground city. Lina Mayfleet and Doon Harrow, both twelve years old, discover their newly appointed jobs. Lina is a to be a Pipeworks laborer and Doon a messenger. The two friends switch jobs and together discover that there is much more beyond the City of Ember after deciphering a fragmented message. As Doon works with the pipes, he realizes that the city is in dire circumstances especially regarding the malfunctioning generator. Together, Doon and Lina use their ingenuity to find a way out of the City of Ember. This story definitely leaves itself open to sequels, the reader will want to know if there is any hope for those remaining. A movie by the same title was made available in 2008 in theatres which was named "A Family-Friendly Adventure" by USA Today. Read the book, then watch the movie.

Tracking Trash : Flotsam, Jetsam, and Science of Ocean Motion by Loree Griffin Burns

A 2009/2010 Lamplighter Nominee (see Iron Thunder review for link). The author makes this topic of ocean motion fascinating and interesting. Currents, weather, climate and the environment all have an impact on items found washed up on shores all over the world. The book is a great introduction to oceanography. Students that think they are not interested in ocean studies just might be dazzled by the amazing aspects of tracking trash. The author introduces captivating individuals involved in these endeavors. Received the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award Honor Book for Nonfiction.

Iron Thunder by Avi

I read this book because it is a 2009/2010 Lamplighter Nominee (click on the Lamplighter link at this website for more Lamplighter titles: http://www.childrenscrownaward.org/home.htm). I was pleasantly surprised by what an interesting read this Civil War novel is. This book tells of the iron ship named the Monitor. The Union army is frantically trying to finish building it in time for a battle with a Confederate iron ship named the Merrimac. The story is told from the perspective of a thirteen-year-old boy named Tom that was an assistant to the ship’s inventor. Tom has to watch out for Confederate spies that want information regarding the Monitor. It’s one thing to help with the building of the ship, but will Tom be aboard the Monitor when it battles with the Merrimac? Pictures are included, which make it all the more engaging.

The Debt by Angela Hunt

Emma Rose Howard is the compliant, dedicated wife of a husband who pastors a mega-church that impacts the lives of thousands through its many ministries. Emma has settled into a routine whereby she works at the church, when she is not traveling around the country with her husband for various honorable events such as the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington D.C. Emma Rose’s world begins to spin out of control when she receives a phone call from a certain young man, Christopher, that insists on speaking to her privately. Her mind travels back in time twenty-eight years previously when she recalls her newborn baby boy being wrapped in a blanket and whisked away from her, at her request. She has never spoken of this experience to her husband of many years. Emma Rose finally meets up with Christopher and learns that he has a rather unorthodox manner in reaching out to people. Emma Rose is impacted by his approach, the reader as well, will no doubt be impacted and challenged by Christopher’s methods.