Francisca Goldsmith

Finding God in Tough Times

Bible Studies & Devotionals

“Combining self-help with devotional guidance, this collection of suggested responses to dozens of problems about which many young adolescent girls are concerned is up-to-date and accessible. Ninety scenarios (called devotions) are presented with a uniform layout: a two-page narrative sketch of a girl with a specific issue, bracketed by thematic biblical quotes; a suggested prayer and a journal prompt; practical steps to take; a quote—credible but not cited—from a real girl noting how she felt about having the problem herself; and indexing terms that demonstrate how scenario and advice could be helpful for several kinds of situations, such as anger, confusion, disappointment or alcoholism, death, overloaded. Although the devotionals themselves are couched in religious terms and some have specific evangelical contexts, the list of resources appended is nonsecular—including phone numbers and websites for Al-Anon and national child-abuse, suicide, drug-abuse, and domestic-violence hotlines—and many of the proposed practical-action steps would be sound for anyone facing such issues to consider. Grades 6-9.”

The Fairest Beauty

Fiction

“This well-crafted retelling of the Snow White story leaves out magic and potions, substituting instead, human emotions, faults and strengths, and romance in the post-medieval setting. Sophie, raised as a scullery maid in the residence of a power-hungry duchess, is rescued by Gabe, the brother of the man to whom she unknowingly was betrothed as an infant. Dickerson develops Sophie and Gabe carefully, skillfully showing how their relationship moves from shyness and distrust to guilt over their increasing devotion and the eventual release of Sophie from the early betrothal to Gabe’s brother. Especially imaginative is the rendering of the group familiarly known as the Seven Dwarfs, although here they are known as the Seven, and each has his own physical or intellectual challenge as well as skill. Solid storytelling, cleverly woven references to the folktale, and historical detail combine in a novel that is a likely popular choice for girls in search of gentle romance. Grades 5-8.”