Book Description

If you're an Odyssey veteran, then sit back and relive a bit of history.If you've only recently started listening to the series, these early shows will be a real treat.This collector's album includes: Whit's Flop, Life of the Party, Connie Comes to Town, Recollections, Gifts for Madge and Guy, The Day After Christmas and many others.

Reviews (2)

A great collection of family-friendly shows for everyone
This is where it all began. The first 12 episodes of Focus on the Family's Adventures in Odyssey series, which is still going strong today. Featuring the voice of Hal Smith (best known as Otis Campbell from the Andy Griffith shows) as Mr. Whittaker, the show can entertain adults and kids alike, using the theater of the mind rather than of the eye.

The shows also teach encouraging morals, such as contentedness, and self-esteem (among others) from a Christian perspective. You should check these out, and give the other titles a chance as well!

Great!
These tapes are terrific! If you have kids, they are fantastic to play in the car on a long trip. The kids love them and so do Mom and Dad. It keeps everyone from fussing and fighting and they will listen to them over and over. They never get tired of them ... Read more

Book Description

Five of the most recent releases in the best-selling Left Behind: The Kids series are compiled in a handy, value-priced gift box, great for gift giving and collecting.

Includes:

• #31 Escape to Masada
• #32 War of the Dragon
• #33 Attack on Petra
• #34 Bounty Hunters
• #35 The Rise of False Messiahs

Book Description

"I refuse to speak further of the Ten-legged One...but the more I think about it, the more I like it. Why mess around with Catholicism when you can have your own customized religion? All you need is a disciple or two...and a god."

Fed up with his parents' boring old religion, agnostic-going-on-atheist Jason Bock invents a new god -- the town's water tower. He recruits an unlikely group of worshippers: his snail-farming best friend, Shin, cute-as-a-button (whatever that means) Magda Price, and the violent and unpredictable Henry Stagg. As their religion grows, it takes on a life of its own. While Jason struggles to keep the faith pure, Shin obsesses over writing their bible, and the explosive Henry schemes to make the new faith even more exciting -- and dangerous.

When the Chutengodians hold their first ceremony high atop the dome of the water tower, things quickly go from merely dangerous to terrifying and deadly. Jason soon realizes that inventing a religion is a lot easier than controlling it, but control it he must, before his creation destroys both his friends and himself.

Pete Hautman, author of Sweetblood and Mr. Was, has written a compelling novel about the power of religion on those who believe, and on those who don't. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Must read
This book will change the way you think. It's a good story, with characters I swear I know, and the main guy is too believable for words. He's funny, he's serious, he's smart, and he's not smart. Just like that guy that sits next to you in (fill in the blank). He's got questions about people telling him what to believe--he wants to figure it out for himself--and conquering his fear helps him do that. I never knew what would happen next. I've told all my friends to read it.

Godless is Awesome
First, I loved the characters. It was great to hang out with them. Second, I loved what it was about. Godless shows you how a religion could come to be--how it could actually be created.

Pete Hautman always takes on big issues in his books: Sweetblood--vampires and diabetes, Mr. Was--abuse and time travel, Stone Cold--gambling. In this new book, he decides to take on a huge issue--what and how we believe God to be.

Godless is serious and funny at the same time, at the same moment. You can be laughing about what a character is saying and yet it can be painful and true. ... Read more

Book Description

University life isn't what Caitlin expected. Her roommate Liz is hostile to her faith -- tormenting her with raunchy music and sleazy boyfriends. Worst of all, suddenly Caitlin doesn't understand herself anymore. Why has she regressed to being the shy, insecure girl she was in junior high? She doesn't even fit in with her new Christian fellowship group! Caitlin tries not to envy Josh and her friends at Christian colleges, but suddenly all she has are questions and few answers. In the story of Caitlin O'Conner's soul, this frustrating year is the most significant one yet, as the homesick freshman eventually remembers there is one companion she can always trust. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

It Will Be Torturous to Wait For Book 5!
After a fairly "same-old, same-old" finish to her senior year, Caitlin O'Connor is off to college. Not too excited from the beginning about attending the state college instead of the small Christian ones her best friends are at, Caitlin is dismayed to find other disadvantages about college life. First of all, her room-mate, Liz, is far from ideal and when that's combined with a general lack of friends, Caitlin really feels like a "big fish in a little pond."

As always, Caitlin's diary is intersting, honest, and insightful. The new characters that we meet along the way add fresh interst to the story, yet Caitlin's old friends make appearances too. Sticking to her "non-dating for now" commitment is just as tricky as ever, yet Caitlin continues to inspire us with how she deals with dating. This book will keep you reading, and the unexpected event involving Caitlin and Josh will leave you aching for the sequel...

The books in the Diary of a Teenage Girl series are great examples of almost-perfect Christian books. Containing a main character we can all identify with and tackling issues that every Christian faces-this diary is a must-read. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

My favorite book
I really liked this book. My favorite character was Wolf. I liked the ending part best where something happens to Wolf and Fritha, but you'll have to read the book to find out how it ends. When we started to read it, it became interesting, so I listened and liked the whole thing.

A great introduction for children to this time period
This book centres around Wolf, a boy whose father was a Briton, brought to Rome as a slave in the 6th century, and set free by Pope Gregory. Pope Gregory had a concern for the propagation of the Gospel among the "heathen" Saxons in Britain, so he sent a group of monks, led by Augustine, to Britain. Wolf and his father go with them. They land there in 597, and the story follows Wolf as he returns to the land of his fathers, and as the Gospel is preached in Kent. My children, aged 7 - 13 enjoyed this story being read to them, and it really complemented our study of the time period. ... Read more

Book Description

Tales about Catholic children to form your own little ones in holy wisdom and piety.

Caryll Houselander is best known for the intensity of her vision of the suffering Christ and His immeasurable love for us, a theme that she frequently spoke of with breathtaking luminosity in her many books about him.

Few know, however, of the many remarkable stories she wrote for Catholic children — delightful tales that are simple but not shallow. Indeed, like her books for adults, they maifest a tender love of Christ and His little ones not commonly found among us these days. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Priceless!
We use this book as a bedtime read aloud. Each story takes about 10-15 min. to read aloud. My kids, ages 3-14, never tire of hearing the stories. They are well written, moving, enjoyable and character-building all at the same time. Each story has a beautiful message without being preachy. And the heroes and heroines are children. Highly recommended! ... Read more

Book Description

NIrVNew International Readers Version
The easiest translation for kids based on the most read, most trusted NIV
Written at a third grade reading level, the NIrV translation uses simple, short words and sentences that are easy for kids ages 6-10 to understand
Great for beginning readers, first-time Bible readers, and readers for whom English is a second language

This revised edition of the best-selling NIrV Kids Study Bible uses the complete text of the New International Readers Version (NIrVthe NIV for kids!) written at a third grade reading level.The single-column format, for easy reading, makes this a perfect first study Bible for young readers. A new interior design, updated study helps, and twenty-four, kid-friendly, full-color tip-in pages by artist Joel Tanis are great for keeping kids ages six to ten engaged in a time of personal Bible study.
Features include:
Check It Out: line art sketches and descriptions of what life was like in Bible times
Brain Game: questions that help kids remember Bible themes
Soak It Up: key verses are highlighted for kids to memorize
Book introductions: brief overview of each book with an outline of key events
Single-column format with multi-color interior ... Read more

Reviews (3)

First true study bible I've seen for children
More than just another NIRV children's Bible from Zondervan this is truly a study Bible for the young.One of the unique features is a lot of bright pictures that appear to be drawn by children.With a very brief introduction before each book, questions scattered throughout to encourage children to think about the lessons behind the stories, and lots of other features it is an excellent choice for children.The Bible ends with a section on life in the New Testament times and a small dictionary.

The only thing I don't like is the placement of the various pictures.For example the pictures of Jesus walking on the water and Peter's vision are both in the pages of the book of Jeremiah.Likewise Zacchaeus Climbing the tree is in the pages of Ezekiel.This can be confusing to a child when the pictures are in the wrong books.Even with this caveat it is more than just a readable children's Bible, it teaches children how to study, think about what they have read, and find additional information using the dictionary.The Kids Study Bible: New International Readers Version is highly recommended as a first Study Bible for young children.

Great Childrens Bible
My son is 3 and half and I love reading this bible to him.It is on his level and it he gets more out of it.He likes the pictures.I like the memory verse things.It is great bible.

Our choice for a gift bible
My church has been giving the NIV New Adventure Bible as a presentation bible for our new 1st graders.Recent revisions of that edition sent us looking for a new choice.We like this one. The NIrV text is good for this age group.The art is colorful and appealing - drawn to look like children's art.There are no fantasy cartoons which confuse children in the one book they ought to be able to trust as "true."This edition is a good 2nd choice for us. ... Read more

Book Description

Not many months have passed since teenager Alexander Cold followed his bold grand-mother into the heart of the Amazon to uncover its legendary Beast. This time, reporter Kate Cold escorts her grandson and his closest friend, Nadia, along with the photographers from International Geographic, on a journey to another remote niche of the world. Entering a forbidden sovereignty tucked in the frosty peaks of the Himalayas, the team’s task is to locate its fabled Golden Dragon, a sacred statue and priceless oracle that can foretell the future of the kingdom.

In their scramble to reach the statue before it is destroyed by the greed of an outsider, Alexander and Nadia must use the transcendent power of their totemic animal spirits -- Jaguar and Eagle. With the aid of a sage Buddhist monk, his young royal disciple, and a fierce tribe of Yeti warriors, Alexander and Nadia fight to protect the holy rule of the Golden Dragon.

Isabel Allende once again leads readers on a fantastical voyage of suspense, magic, and awe-inspiring adventure in this riveting follow-up to City of the Beasts.

Reviews (4)

Has a freaky attitude
Isabel Allende's "Kingdom of the Golden Dragon" seems like a cool book at first. It has a village of yetis, indomitable Buddhist monks, and a talking statue made out of gold. Though her writing drags, she has some good ideas.

But she really puts out some weird and disturbing ideas as well. Allende seems to have a problem with Americans in general. Her ideal 'Forbidden Kingdom' is a benevolent dictatorship, where the king gets to tell people how to dress, restricts what Western influences they get to see, and generally controls their lives according to his whims. The sheep like subjects all like that. And this is shown as a good thing. Call me a materialistic, soulless Westerner, as I'm sure Allende would, but I call that a lack of freedom and rights.

Who knows why Allende doesn't think much of Americans. But it's weird that she puts forward an ideal civilization that is far from ideal. And unfortunately, the Forbidden Kingdom wrecks the rest of the book.

captivating
My mom and I both read this book and Allende's previous City of the Beasts. I read it in a few days which is very fast for me. I recommend this book for anyone who likes a great mystical adventure. I never found myself bored or not liking Allendes writing.

This "Kingdom" doesn't rule
Someone stop Isabel Allende before she writes more fantasy. The reknowned author of "House of the Spirits" is out of her element in her second excruciating fantasy for teens, "Kingdom of the Golden Dragon." Tepid thrills, horrible love stories and constant preaching bog down a thin plot until it collapses.

In the Himalayas, Buddhist monk Tensing and his crown-prince sidekick encounter the legendary Yetis, and save the meager tribe from extinction. Elsewhere, Alexander Cold (who now insists on being called "Jaguar") accompanies his grandmother to the Kingdom of the Golden Dragon, a place that allows virtually no outside (read: American) influence inside. Nadia comes along with them.

But things take a nasty turn when Nadia and a bunch of other girls are kidnapped by the Sect of the Scorpion, a band of vicious warriors. Alexander goes after his friend, only to stumble into Tensing, who has rescued Nadia. Then they uncover a sinister plot to kidnap the king, and that the Sect is planning to make off with a magical statue that tells the future.

In "City of the Beasts," Allende couldn't stop preaching. In "Kingdom," she's gotten even worse. While talking about how wonderful the isolationist dictatorship Kingdom is, she condemns the materialism of (yes, again) the nasty nature-destroying Western civilization. And again, there are more hairy subhuman beastie tribes -- although the "army of Yetis" scene is more funny than thrilling.

Her preaching doesn't end there, either -- her slobbering monologues on the tenets of Buddhism get old fast, like listening to someone reading from a religious pamphlet. And with a complete lack of subtlety, she makes the villain a cartoonish megamogul, and the heroes a band of pure-hearted, nature-loving pacifists.

Does Allende's writing salvage the wilted plot? In a word... no. Her writing is tepid and lacking in detail, the pace is glacial, and the attraction between Nadia's pal and the prince turns into true love in about five pages. Perhaps the most annoying fact is that the characters are never really in danger. Whether it's invincible martial arts, healing with "the energy of the universe," telepathy or turning invisible, the heroes have a superpower for every occasion. I have yet to meet a Buddhist monk who could do half the things Tensing does.

Allende seems reluctant to spend any time actually developing the characters. Alexander and Nadia, being "pure of heart," are about as fun as dental surgery. Alexander in particular has shed any skepticism and quirks, and now believes everything he hears. In short, he has essentially become a male version of Nadia, who dazzles the idiot natives with her little tricks. And super-monk Tensing drops strings of cliches ("We are what we think. Our thoughts construct the world") before sauntering off to kick butt.

Isabel Allende's sophomore excursion into the world of young adult fantasy proves that "City of the Beasts" was not a solitary flop. With hideously bad characters, a dull plot and plenty of magical saves, "Kingdom of the Golden Dragon" is one for the reject pile.

Fantastic Sequel to 'City of the Beasts'
Sixteen-year-old Alexander Cold, and his partner in adventure, Nadia Santos, are back, only this time their journey takes them someplace a lot colder, and much less wet. The two of them are traveling to the frosty peaks of the Himalayas. Using their acquired power from the totemic animal spirits, the Jaguar and the Eagle, the two of them are forced to not only locate, but to also fight to protect the kigdom's sacred treasure, the Golden Dragon, before it is too late, and it is destroyed by a greedy, power hungry individual, who is an outsider to the Himalayas, and a threat to everyone occupying the frosty peaks.

After reading CITY OF THE BEASTS, I had doubt in my mind that Allende would be able to caupture the essence of another adventure featuring Alexander and Nadia. However, I will admit, I was very wrong. KINGDOM OF THE GOLDEN DRAGON was an amazing book, filled with mystery, mayhem, and adventure, that will have readers clinging to their seats in anticipation of what is to come next, and unable to put this gripping novel down at all. Fans of Allende's previous book in the series, CITY OF THE BEASTS, will find that KINGDOM OF THE GOLDEN DRAGON is an enchanting thrill ride. I'm only sorry to see it end, and I hope to be able to read more about Alexander and Nadia's adventures in the future. Great work, Ms. Allende!

Erika Sorocco ... Read more

Amazon.com

There's something to be said for a book that makes you wish you'd been part of a poor immigrant family living in New York's upper east side on the eve of World War I. Sydney Taylor's time-honored classic does just that. Life is rich for the five mischievous girls in the family. They find adventure in visiting the library, going to market with Mama, even dusting the front room. Young readers who have never shared a bedroom with four siblings, with no television in sight, will vicariously experience the simple, old-fashioned pleasures of talk, make-believe, and pilfered penny candy.The family's Jewish faith strengthens their ties to each other, while providing still more excitement and opportunity for mischief. Readers unfamiliar with Judaism will learn with the girls during each beautifully depicted holiday. This lively family, subject of four more "all-of-a- kind" books, is full of unique characters, all deftly illustrated by Helen John. Taylor based the stories on her own childhood family, and the true-life quality of her writing gives this classic its page-turning appeal. (Ages 9 to 12) ... Read more

Reviews (63)

Why are the sequels out of print?
I first read this book when I was eight years old, and I loved it so much I went to the library and checked out the sequels. As other readers mentioned, not only are these books interesting and fun to read (I still enjoy reading them at age 37) but Christians can get a glimpse of what the Jewish religion is really like on a day-by-day basis. Other than Hanukah and Passover, school kids aren't really taught much about the other Jewish holidays. I remember in fourth grade, a Jewish girl in my class brought in Hamentaschen pastries, and I normally wouldn't have tried something with prunes in it - but because I had read about Purim in "All of a Kind Family", I discovered a wonderful treat!

I should also say that the illustrations in the books are terrific! Esp in the later books, little Charlie is so cute.

Hopefully the publisher or whoever owns the copyright to Ms. Taylor's books will read the reviews here on Amazon and re-release the entire series, as it deserves to be done. (I seem to recall the paperbacks were available in a gift box in the 70's).

Required reading for Arab-Israeli peace talks!
I'd like to completely agree with and expand on Amanda Quick's review of this book. I return to it again and again (I'm more than twice her age, so that's a lot of re-readings), and expressions like "library lady" have become part of my family vocabulary. Like Amanda, I was raised Protestant; I never knew anyone Jewish until I went to college, and although I had some idea of festivals and food (my family was very international in its speech: for example, we used the word "tuchus" all the time, but I didn't know it was Yiddish until years later), I learned a LOT from all of Taylor's books. I have been teaching people from all over the world for years, and without exception, the Israelis and Jews from other countries are thrilled that I know about holidays and rituals, and all want to read the Taylor books when I tell them how important they were to me. The story of Succos alone is worth the entire series--magical. I truly believe this series could contribute to international understanding and peace. Meanwhile, read them all--they'll make you feel good about life

Loved in our Family
Everyday my 3 year old boy listens to the audio tape of All of a Kind Family 3-5 times. He calls it his "little girls tape" and sits in front of the stereo drinking in the stories. While he loves the Little House in the Prairies cd's this is his long time favourite. We have listened to this continually for a year now and he has every word memorised... I should know because he often starts to retell the stories (verbatim) and my wife and I have to listen to this little gentile kid retell jewish stories. Anyway, it is a fantastic slice of life and definately helps us to inculcate the kind of values that we want in our family.

An audiobook worth listening to!
As an elementary school teacher I rely on audiobooks a great deal as it helps struggling readers not only participate fully in the story, but works as a wonderful foray into the world of reading.I personally enjoyed this audiobook so much that I played it for my entire class. They loved it! The narration was excellent, calming even the rowdiest kids, and they were instantly drawn in. It was a great introduction to the Jewish culture and heritage, as well as an excellent discussion piece about immigrant America at the turn of the century! Consider this for your classroom, it has sparked curiosity, debate and learning for weeks!

one of the best ever
This book is funny and really fun to read because you really like the charachters and really care about what happens to them. The book is really exciting because the family has lots of adventures. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Can't wait for Monkey
Bought this book for my daughter.She couldn't put it down and finished it in one day.I asked her to "pass it on" to a friend she told me "no way".I snuck a peak at the first chapter before handing her the book and found it to be immensely enjoyable.

Whew!Exciting!
Tiger, Jeff Stone's children's adventure story, is the first of a series about five young warrior monks in 17th century China.

The cover has a powerful illustration and raised lettering of the Chinese characters for tiger. It's a "wow" book from the cover to the too-quick ending.

Author Stone paints some amazingly clear pictures of these young monks and their kung fu fighting. I felt like I was in the midst of every fight, and in every perilous predicament.

Fu, also known as Tiger, is 12 years old, like his four monk brothers. They survive an attack on their secret temple by an evil 16-year-old monk. When Tiger and the other young monks realize that everyone has been massacred, they know they must hunt down and regain possession of the temple's scrolls. Why? The scrolls contained special kung fu fighting techniques only known to those monks.

Each monk takes on the persona of his corresponding animal, and future books in the series will be called Crane, Monkey, Dragon and Snake. Young readers will enjoy the energetic fight scenes, the young monk's cunning, and most of all, their commitment to each other and their grandmaster.

Children who are involved in the martial arts will immediately become fans and will love every moment in this page-turning book. I can't wait for the next one due in September 2005.

Warning from this reviewer: It's been eons since I've read to a child, or been involved in their video games, so I don't know what level of violence is acceptable. I was a bit taken aback by the graphic violence in the book. It is geared to 8-to-12-year olds but I think it should be 10-12.

If You Like Kung Fu and Humor, Read This Book
This is the first book of the series "The Five Ancestors."

The book is about five orphan boys who live in the secret Cangzahen temple that teaches monks the martial arts of their animal style (like hawk or dear).Those boys are the youngest masters of their animal style.Those are: Tiger, Monkey, Snake, Crane and Dragon.Their names are: Fu, Malao, Seh, Hok and Long.When ex-monk Ying destroys the temple, the grandmaster tells the boys to retreat and find out about their life, right before he and all the other monks die.

This book is good for people who like Kung-fu action and humor.I recommend it for kids 10 and older.

Tommy

WOW!!!
I bought this book for my son, and he wouldn't put it down! He finished it in just over a weekend and is already eager to read the next installment. What an exciting adventure!

Kids loved it!
Very action oriented book!Lots of Kung Fu, a little bit of blood and gore, bit of fantasy (animals behaving in sympathy with humans) a litte (not too accurate) culture thrown in, definitely some mystery and good vs. evil.My 10 year old read it and REALLY loved it...he can't wait for the next book to come out. Consider that very sensitive children might be bothered by multiple deaths and violence.Resistent readers may be inspired by this book with very appealing characters and a clear sense of conflict re: obeying, thinking for oneself, appropriate use of violence. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

a loving Mom
It is essential that every child and mother should own Wee Sing Bible Songs!

Great Collection of Childrens Christian songs.
In preparing music for childrens programs, this book/cd collection is a great way to get started. The book contains the music for many traditional childrens songs. It has guitar chords and melody notation for all songs. For songs in a difficult key for beginng guitarists, it has alternative chord combinations to make playing easier. I purchased the CD version of the package so I can listen to a particular song without having to search for it on the tape.

One of the things that children really enjoy about this collection of songs is the hand motions/actions for many of the songs.

This was a great collection for an amature guitarist like myself to use to prepare childrens music for a variety of programs. ... Read more

Book Description

Chloe Miller and her fellow band members must sort out their lives as they become a hit in the local community. Accustomed only to being scorned and marginalized, Chloe suddenly has to decide who her real friends are, and who's just along for the ride. Now her generosity gets her in more trouble than ever. And all too soon after a talent scout from Nashville discovers the trio, their explosive musical ministry begins to encounter conflicts with family and school. Exhilarated yet frustrated, Chloe puts her dream in God's hand and prays for Him to work out the details. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A bit of a disappointment
I have read all of the books in this series prior to reading Sold Out. I enjoyed the series immensely and would have recommended the books to any teenager; however, after reading Sold Out, my opinion has changed. Chloe's initial character was appealing because of her harder edge and atypical image. Unfornunately, as I read the book, I felt as though I was not reading the words of a teenager. The slang was dated, including words such as "groovy" and "pretty tough chick" as if these are typical of today's teenagers. Casual conversation throughout the story was far too structured to be that of teenage lunchtime banter, making the story seem spurious. Also, the issues in this book were either exaggerated or trivial. Few issues that Chloe faced were relatable to teenagers today. The book was trite, dated, melodramatic, and mawkishly sentimental.

just as good as the first
Chloe Miller and bandmates Allie and Laura are facing a whole new list of changes in this book. For one, a brief scare comes when Laura has to deal with a pastor who feels that the girls' music is not "faith promoting." The girls' band gets recognized by an agent, and they are off to try out. People start to treat them differently, and there is their friendship aside from the band, school, and, of course, making sure that thier music is sending out the right message. I personally cannot wait for the next book in this series. It was that good. ... Read more

Book Description

Redemption has made it to the bestseller chart, but what Chloe and the girls need most is some downtime to sift through the usual high school stress with grades, friends, guys, and the prom. Chloe struggles to recover from a serious crush on the band leader of Iron Cross. Then, just as an unexpected romance catches Redemption by surprise, Caitlin O'Conner - whose relationship with Josh is taking on a new dimension - joins the tour as their chaperone. Chloe's wild ride only speeds up, and this one-of-a-kind musician faces the fact that life may never be normal again. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

engaging young adult Christian novel
The female teenage Christian rock band Redemption has begun climbing the ladder of success and even becoming recognized in malls while on tour. However, the trio of high school students, Chloe Miller, Allie Curtis, and Laura Mitchell has other concerns besides the music though they each trust in the Lord to guide them. Allie and Laura wonder about what to wear at the prom while Chloe knows that she really likes twenty-one years old Jeremy Baxter of the Iron Cross band.

A fellow student back Harrison High sends emails to Chloe asking for help in finding her way to God. However, Chloe has a difficult time turning the other cheek as Tiffany Knight beat her up a couple of years ago. Will Chloe, who refuses to open the emails, forgive and assist Tiffany on the path as the singer knows God expects of her or will she continue to believe that Tiffany could never find the Lord?

This is an engaging young adult Christian novel that follows the trials, tribulations, and beliefs of three young ladies on tour. The story line is predominately told by Chloe, but fans get a deep look at all three teens plus their retinue and the members of Iron Cross. FACE THE MUSIC is a warm tale that brings to life the importance that anyone can be saved if people take a chance on risking rejection by their peers but acceptance by the Lord.

Harriet Klausner

Diary of a Teenage Girl - Face the Music : Diary Number 8 (D
i personally thought that the book was very interesting as i really touched me. i was not as lucky as chloe though. the person who died that was my friend was not a christian. i was not really consumed with guilt though i felt a twinge of it. Anyway, enough of me. jeremy and chloe's relationship gets interesting and i really hope to see what will happen in the next diary of a teenage girl-Kim. it is a really good book as chloe matures and you'll see a different side of her as she becomes more feminine. ireally loved it and enjoyed it and finished it in 2 hours and have since reread it loads of times. Keep up the good work melody! ... Read more

Book Description

Kids can't get enough of Adventures in Odyssey^® and neither can their parents! In Battle Lines, the thirty-eighth release in the Odyssey series, you'll find even more of what's made this long-running radio drama (currently airing on more than 1,100 stations) so popular: excellent production, intriguing storylines, and valuable lessons that build biblical morals and character into children. Battle Lines, a twelve-episode set, brings us the explosive conclusion of the Novacom saga. Strange things are happening everywhere, from Alaska to Odyssey, including miraculous healings and unexplainable violence. Whit and Jason suspect that the black boxes distributed by Novacom are emitting signals that are controlling people's minds. Can Whit stop the evil corporation before it takes over Odyssey? Mystery and excitement abound as kids consider the question: Is manipulation ever OK, even if good is accomplished? ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Awesome!
Well, other than the fact that I would wake up early every saturday mornings to listen on the internet, it teaches a very important lesson. I'll start at the begining:

1. The main idea is to put your faith in religion, rather than science, but it doens't just teach in one episode, but takes it to the extreme and shows that when all hope seems lost, pray, and trust everything in god.

2. The storyline is terrific! I won't spoil any surprises, but I will tell you this:

-Novacom releases this "Novabox" thats supposed to heal you.
-Someone is trying to steal the Imagination Station!
-Oh no! Murders?
-Some students figure out the secret of the Novabox & go to the utter extreme to try to destroy it.
-Bill Riely's wife is back because of the Novabox?!?!
-Did Bill Riely really blow up the tower!?
-Many EXTREME surprises

Well, if you are a fan of Adventures in Odyssey, and radio dramas, then I suggest that you go out and buy it!

Hang on for the Climax
Novacom is growing stronger. In spite of all Whit and the gang have done, they seem to be gaining support. And it's not exactly like they're doing anything wrong. Or is it? Slowly, the kids begin to uncover some things that just aren't right. But will Whit, Jason, Connie, Tom, and the others figure things out in time?

Every one of these 12 episodes contributes to the Novacom story is some form or other. The writers have done a good job of building this story. But, if you think you know where this story is going, don't bet on it. There are several surprises in the story line here and everything ties together perfectly for the ending. I was glued to my seat waiting to reach that climax, too. They also do a good job here of tying in elements from their many years on the air. I loved some of the references to episodes from their first couple of seasons.

Fans waiting to see how the Novacom storyline resolves itself will be thrilled with the outcome. If you've missed the last couple of collections, you'll want to go back and hear them before you listen to this one so everything makes sense. ... Read more

Book Description

High school student Brittney Marsh is about to discover Truth. However, the forces of hell are determined to prevent her from finding it. In this novel, Josh McDowell and Bob Hostetler uncover the truth about making right moral choices. Aimed at teens, this practical, biblically based book combines fiction and fact for a lasting moral impact.

Book Description

With over 10 million copies sold in the series, Left Behind: The Kids is a favorite of kids ages 10-14. The series follows teens who were "left behind" and have nothing left but their newfound faith in Jesus Christ. Determined to stand up for God no matter the cost, they are tested at every turn. ... Read more

Book Description

Great for kids ages eight and up, episode #40 Out of Control is certain to be a new favorite of fans of this popular radio series. In “For the Fun of It,” a lesson about not trying to grow up too fast, Wooton’s niece comes to spend the week with him and begins trying to act like an adult, but eventually learns how to have fun. “Room Enough for Two” addresses the feeling of being replaced as Liz’s brother and best friend, Mark, decides to get engaged. Other topics covered through these entertaining stories are unity, grace, not needing credit, helping others, being part of a team, fitting in, proper evangelism, and a three-part story on figuring out God’s will. Never before released for sale, these brand new episodes from Adventures in Odyssey® follow the series’ familiar characters through new and thrilling situations, and as always, listeners are left with an inspirational and truth-based lesson. Each CD or cassette volume contains twelve exciting stories, up to six total hours of listening fun. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Best All Around Collection in a Long Time
Ok, I confess. I've been listening to Adventures in Odyssey since its very first broadcast. I was in the target age range at the time, but I still love the show.

With the Novacom story behind them, the show serves up fun and funny shows focusing mostly on the kids and families around town.

"For the Fun of it" opens the album and finds Wooton playing host to his overly mature and well bred niece, with surprising results.

"Room Enough for Two" brings a surprise to Liz and her family when brother Mark shows up for a trip home from the Army with his fiancee.

"BTV: Behind the Scenes" finds disorder and disharmony on the set of the latest BTV episode, ironically enough about unity.

"Bassett Hounds" takes Wooton and Bernard to Alaska and a Bassett family reunion as Wooton's Grandpa plans to pass out his wealth.

"It's All About Me" features dual plots. In the first, Connie is upset when Mitch gets the credit for the advice she is feeding him on his new KYDS radio show. Meanwhile, Jared DeWhite is upset when his brother gets credit for his joke on Rodney Rathbone.

When Liz and her family disappear, it's up to Mandy, Jared, and a few new friends to solve "The Case of the Disappearing Hortons." (Have I mentioned it's wonderful to have Jared back in Odyssey?)

In "The Defining Moment," Marvin must deal with his sports abilities, or lack there of.

A free vacation sounds wonderful to the Washington family, until they get embroiled in the "Mystery at Tin Flat."

Aubrey takes a lesson in sharing her faith from Seth in "All Things to All People." But is this really the best method of evangelism?

Finally, the three part "Here Today, Gone Tomorrow?" finds Mitch tracking down the person who stole Whit's identity and framed Mitch for it. Meanwhile, he finally has to make a decision about joining the FBI. What will he do and what will it mean for his relationship with Connie?

With some drama and comedy mixed in, there's something for everyone here. There were even a few episodes where they surprised me with the ending. Any fan of Odyssey will love this collection of great radio drama. ... Read more