Art for Kids

I came across a great little book for kids on Kindle today. It's one of those book that offer a whole lot for a tiny investment. It's called "Art for Kids", and it basically covers the elements of art in a simple, illustrated format. It's quite appropriate for grade school kids, and while some of these topics might be covered as kids enter 7th and 8th grade, most schools will only touch on each topic briefly. This offers a great review for some, and a decently in-depth lesson plan for others.

Whether your kid is home-schooled and they need a good introduction to the elements of art, or they are an aspiring artist hoping to learn more than they can in school, this is a great option. I'm looking forward to the next books in the series!

You can check it out here:

Art for Kids

When We Were on Fire

I read this book as I was going through very similar feelings. I don't externalize much, so there weren't any real visual signs; however, I spent several years dealing with and getting past all the pressure of my religious upbringing.

Addie's book was wonderful. It helped me see that (1)I wasn't the only one, and (2) it's ok to let some things go. I'm not a missionary in Africa, but I'm doing my part - and that's ok.

If you grew up wearing WWJD bracelets, this book is probably for you.

As a disclaimer, I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review. Regardless, these opinions are mine.

Check Addie's blog here. The book is worth reading, so go see for yourself!

Unstoppable - by Nick Vujicic

I've been inspired by Nick since first seeing snippets of his life story on YouTube. This guy gives the word "courage" a whole new meaning. After watching him in action and reading his books, you'll suddenly find your own excuses looking pretty pitiful.

You might not find much "new" material in here. A lot of the points presented are pretty standard fare in many religious motivational books. I guess the thing that sets this book apart from the rest is that Nick is a living example of what he preaches. The words in his book aren't just words - they're principles, values and convictions that Nick lives out every day of his life.

If you're looking to be inspired, looking to be challenged, looking for a good kick in the pants, this is it. It's guaranteed to make you a little bit uncomfortable with the way you're living - and that's a good thing.

Disclaimer: I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah through Blogging for Books - their book review program. I wasn't required to post a positive review. These are my own opinions on this book.

Neighbors and Wisemen

I'm rarely rave about a book - particularly a work of non-fiction. This one, however, really deserved the high ranking. I've been a fan of Donald Miller's work, so when I saw a book by "Tony the Beat Poet", I figured "why not?"

I wasn't sure what to expect. After all, it can be easy for an aspiring author to ride on the coattails of another accomplished writer. I'm wary of success by association, so I cracked this book open tentatively.

I'm pleased to say though, that I truly enjoyed Tony's work. His literary style is witty, gritty, and real. There's nothing pretentious in his words. Perhaps that is why they resonated with me.

Tony tackles a lot of the questions I've had myself. I grew up in similar circumstances - surrounded by Christian terminology and taglines. I grew up with the "us vs. them" mentality. As I matured, I found myself more and more repulsed by organized religion in general - and church culture in particular. It is a comforting thing to find an author who can so aptly describe my own experiences.

Only recently have I begun to see the beauty and wisdom that can be found when one opens up to the unexpected. Most in the religious community turn to pastors or spiritual counselors for guidance and inspiration; however, it's a beautiful thing when we can learn and be blessed by "sacred encounters in unexpected places." I'm firmly of the belief that truth is truth, no matter where we find it. This book has helped to reestablish that belief. I highly recommend it to those who are sick of the standard rhetoric, to those who are feeling a little lost, a little tired of the same old, and who are looking to learn from unlikely sources.

Disclaimer: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers through BookSneeze - their book review program. I wasn't required to post a positive review. These are my own opinions on this book.

Grace

Every time I see a new book by Max Lucado, I snap it up. I love his writing style and the sincerity that rings through each page. Yet... this book was kind of disappointing. And I'm not completely sure why.

Perhaps - as another reviewer noted -  it's the sense of flippancy throughout? Points were well made, and many of the illustrations used were beautiful and poignant; however, I had a very hard time sinking my teeth into this one. Grace is a heavy topic, but it felt like I was left with little to chew on.

This hasn't turned me off to Lucado altogether. I'll definitely keep an eye out for his next book.

Disclaimer: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers through BookSneeze - their book review program. I wasn't required to post a positive review. These are my own opinions on this book.

Unbroken

Just a heads up - if you're not up to reading about brutality and suffering in POW camps, this book might not be for you. That's not to say - in any way - that I didn't enjoy this book. I absolutely did, and I highly recommend it. The story is compelling, the writing brilliant, and the research outstanding. It's an extremely detailed, meticulous account of a true hero: Louis Zamperini.

It's a gripping adventure story all wrapped up in absolutely inspiring storytelling. The subtitle sums it up well: Survival, Resilience and Redemption. Once again, highly recommended reading.

Disclaimer: I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah through Blogging for Books - their book review program. I wasn't required to post a positive review. These are my own opinions on this book.

"Make: School’s Out Summer Fun Guide" by O'Reilly

This was a pretty awesome edition of  Make magazine. Apparently, this School's Out Summer Fun Guide is an ongoing annual thing - and I'll definitely be on the look out for next year's! This issue is chock full of crafts and hands-on activities for parents and kids. It provides hours of screen-free entertainment that'll encourage creativity and get parents and kids interacting. If you parents have heard "I'm bored" one too many times this summer, this summer issue might just be the fix.

I wasn't actually aware of Make magazine before checking out this issue. From what I gather though, it basically caters to the crowd that likes to make stuff - all kinds of stuff. There are super simple crafts and there are uber-complex projects that require welding, soldering and wiring. Basically, there's something for everyone.

This particular issue has some 3-D features (the printed copy comes with 3D glasses), and one of the articles actually is a little how-to on making your own 3D images. The rest of the magazine covers all sorts of projects in eight different categories: Combat, Outdoors, Rainy Day, Craft, Music, Pranks, Flight, and Electronics.

I'm passionate about encouraging creativity in children - and now I'm gonna be promoting this magazine to every parent I know.