Radically Different by Champ Thornton

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
Got a pre-teen or teen who's struggling with their identity? Someone being challenged about who God is and if he matter to us? A group of students who wonder if God makes a difference in the world around us?

This book comes with a fill-in leader guide and is recommended for small groups and their leaders. Organized by good, bad, and new categories, this will challenge students to think about and act on God-with-us in ourselves, our families, and our world. It's got colorable (and doodle-able) graphics and space to write your own thoughts, too.

Wish I'd had this when my kids were entering junior high. Recommended.

The Mindful Writing Workshop: Teaching in the Age of Stress and Trauma by Richard Koch

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
Stuff happens. Life does not always unfold as it should, with loving parents, caring siblings, and trustworthy friends. Nor does the environment always stay peaceful and supportive of children as they grow up.

This book is intended as a working manual for guiding children through their traumas and stresses toward health and an integrated, productive life. Koch presents an opportunity for a classroom in which children can choose their part in the activities from options that draw them out and draw them forward. The key values are compassion, kindness, respect, and attention from teachers, which are fostered among the students themselves.

Though the underlying philosophy is Buddhism, the principles of caring for each other are valuable and important. Christian teachers (and those of other religions) can translate the values of respectful compassion into their own ways of thinking and pedagogy. This worthy volume will deepen conversation, enhance interactive learning, and encourage respectfulness among colleagues and our students.

Recommended.

Nature into Art by Thomas Christopher and Ngoc Minh Ngo

★★★★★ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
When words and photography and passion come together, you may grow a garden like this one - and a book as beautiful as it is instructive.

The photography captured my eyes first. Then came the chapters on how and why the garden exists, its borders and specialty areas - and the seasons as they progress through the plantings and backdrop of Wave Hill.

The book is descriptive, with a manual of gardening basics on every page. I delighted in it. And though my garden is now tropical, I loved the beds and borders and intentionality - and the wildness that nature insists on.

Well worth a space on your gardening bookshelf as well as on your coffee table for guests to ooh and aah over.

Science in a Jar by Julia Garstecki

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
Sometimes I fondly remember the days of homeschooling, when our four kids were baking, cooking, blowing things up, and painting. This book would have been great fun - it allows you to explore the environment and speculate on what might happen.

Then it gives you ideas on what you can do and what should happen: "What could you learn from this project?" Parents will like it for its lessons - but kids will like it because it's a fun book and there are lots of ideas.

Recommended.

The Characters of Christmas by Daniel Darling

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
You can read this book with your kids, your friends, or on your own. "Christmas is just around the corner," as they say.

Whether you're a volunteer or staff member trying to present a holistic picture of the Christmas story, or a parent trying to make sense of what Joseph and Mary went through, you'll enjoy this creative exploration of who the characters may have been - around the time of Jesus' birth.

For a fresh look at the old old story, pick up a copy to read by yourself or with friends.

First Time Sewing with a Serger by Becky Hanson, Beth Ann Baumgartel

★★★★★ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
You bought a machine because it's cool, looks easy, and you thought you knew what to do. Now that it's home, you have no idea where to start. Okay, here you go!

This little volume will introduce you to the purposes, parts, and processes of sergers. The clear pictures and detailed text will help you get started. And from there, you'll have lots of ideas on what your serger is designed for. Have fun - opens the world of clip and sew beyond the sewing store classroom!

Highly recommended. Your #1 go-to once you get that serger out of the box.

The Best Veggie Burgers by Joni Marie Newman

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
This revision of a classic will have you cheering. You love burgers but are cutting down on meat? You'll love this new edition.

Take the food that's good for you, reform it, cook it, mash it up - and you'll have delicious goodness that you and your family (or friends) can enjoy and appreciate.

The pictures are good; the recipes are easier than ever. I recommend it.