BLACK HISTORY MONTH: THE STORY OF ROSA PARKS by Patricia A. Pingry & THE STORY OF MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. by Johnny Ray Moore [Review & Giveaway]

Introductory thoughts: The concept of biographic books for the very young is somewhat new in the genre of picture books. True, more detailed picture books have done this in past years, but to introduce individuals of fame to the "board book" crowd (think, preschoolers ages 1 to 5), stretches the imagination of authors, illustrators, and publishers. Nevertheless, we're looking at two well-known people who influenced greatly the lives of black people in America.

The Story of Rosa Parks

My thoughts: Though this is a small board book, the text and understanding would preclude it's being appropriate for preschoolers. I can see letting first and third graders read it, though they might be a bit put off with a board book.

This little biography shows Rosa Parks disobeying the law about riding the bus. It is hard for people today to understand these laws. Her actions make me think a bit of the defiance of the Patriots of the Boston Tea Party when they defied the British and tossed the tea into the sea.

The illustrations are drawings and are a bit on the "dark" side until the page where the ruling allowing people to ride the bus as they wish, and then it seems flooded with light.

About the book: This little book of only about 200 words introduces Rosa Parks, called the “mother of the civil rights movement.” Here is the story of her courageous decision to remain on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama, an action that resulted in arrest and, ultimately, a victory for civil rights. The rich oil paintings by artist Steven Walker contribute to the tension of the moment and the understanding of Rosa Parks. A perfect way for the family to honor Black History Month.

The Story of Martin Luther King Jr.

My thoughts: This small board book takes the reader through the life of Martin Luther King Jr. as a boy and into his adult life. Martin's parents are depicted as gentle folk who comply with the laws that restrict where they can go and eat. Martin feels anger and his parents help him deal with it. As he grows into adult life, he trains for the ministry and begins to influence large crowds of people.

Martin is shown as a happy child except for the areas in which he faced discrimination. Martin appears to be a child of a prosperous, well educated black family with his mother a teacher and his father a preacher. But it also shows that Martin experienced discrimination.

I think the book is beautifully done in lively detail and softened colors with well written text that doesn't overcome the young listener. I think age appropriateness would be in the first through third grade range and not necessarily for preschoolers.

About the book: This little book tells the story of Martin Luther King Jr. in a way that even very young children will understand. This simple but accurate account of his life begins with King’s childhood, making it easy for little ones to relate to his story. Children will learn that he excelled in school, became a minister, and worked to end segregation in America. This book, with only about 200 words accompanied by delicate watercolors, is a great way for parents to begin to teach their children about this inspirational historical figure.

GIVEAWAY ~~ FLASH

2-Books for 1 Winner

Begins February 1

ENDS February 9

Open to USA addresses only

a Rafflecopter giveaway 
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of each book to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own and freely given.

RESTORING CHRISTMAS By Cynthia Ruchti

About the book: Alexis Blake has one chance to land her own show on the Home Project Network and nothing, not an uncooperative client, a job site without indoor plumbing, or a challenging videographer, is going to stand in her way. Elsie, at seventy-plus, is far from the ideal client, but she knows exactly what she wants her fieldstone house to look like, and no designer can tell her otherwise. Gabe Langley, the man with the camera, is caught in the middle and it is his wisdom and warmth that just may be the bridge that will bring these two women together. Can they restore more than just a house and bring about special, almost lost forever Christmas memories?

My thoughts: This is a lovely story about two young professionals who embark on a life-changing endeavor destined to change each of their professional lives for either good or bad. She so badly wants to become a television celebrity designer and he to become known as a quality professional videographer. Together they  restore and record an old home to previous glory and bedeck it for Christmas.

Along the way they engage with the reluctant owner, Elsie, who agrees to the changes Alexis desires to make and then throws resounding "No's" in the way. And as the story progresses the lively characters find that restoration is not only for old homes and old lives but young lives can all be restored.

This is truly a lovely read and is a short novella just right for the holidays.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Worthy Inspired book review program to facilitate this review of my own opinions which are given without compensation.

THE VALLEY OF DRY BONES An End Times Novel by Jerry B. Jenkins

ISBN:  978-1617950087

About the book: In The Valley of the Dry Bones, Jerry B. Jenkins overlays the ancient End Times prophecies of Ezekiel onto the landscape of modern California. After a 17-year drought, multiple earthquakes, and uncontrollable wildfires, the state is desolate. The United States President declares the state uninhabitable and irreparable, directing California's 39 million citizens to relocate. From the air, California looks like a vast abandoned sand box, but to a few groups of people, it's their home. With less than 1% of the population remaining in California at their own risk, the holdouts encounter a clash of cultures, ethnicities, religions, and politics that pits friend against friend with the future of California at stake.

My thoughts: The unthinkable has happened. California is no longer part of the United States (or rather those living there do not have protections and benefits of citizens of the US). Why? Because following unprecedented earthquakes and subsequent fires, and unbearable heat, the area is virtually unlivable.

It is in this setting that Jenkins has placed a band of sixteen individuals who have each answered their pastor's invitation or call to remain in the devastated area to minister spiritually to the remaining 1% of California's prior populace.

The book is written in mostly in dialogue between the sixteen and others in the area. The sixteen primary characters in the book are encamped in a disguised underground site that is secret from outsiders who remain in the area. There is extreme shortage of water and food. Trips are made to areas outside the California land for medicines, mail, and other items. It is not a safe place to be. Danger and deception create situations that only God's mercy. guidance, and protection can overcome.

Their survival skills are surprising. They convert salt water to fresh. They grow food using aqua-phobics. I couldn't figure out how they grew food underground and where their lights came from. But underground they existed with everything they needed. They had two hydro-engineers, a medical doctor, a pastor, etc. 

The book is definitely a Christian book with large amounts of quotes from the Scriptures. These are, after all, Christians living in a desperate land and doing it solely to be able to minister to people.

This book did not quite satisfy as former Jerry B. Jenkins stories has done. The character driven story and strong conversational text had me a bit addled at times trying to keep up with who was saying just what to whom. While the main male character, Ezekiel or "Zeke" was growing into what seems to be his "call" of prophet where God was speaking through him with Scripture, I don't see this as an End Times Novel. I see it as a story of a bereft people in a savaged land who are seeking to minister to others in the same plight.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate this review from the Worthy Publishing company's First Look Review Program. Opinions are my own. I was not compensated.