Children's Book Reviews: M-Titles

Click on  the reviewer's name below each title to access reviews

 

MAGGIE COME LATELY

Barbara Warren 10/2007

Maggie isn't exactly popular. In fact, she's pretty much invisible. While most girls are going to parties with boyfriends, she's busy acting as mother and housewife to her two brothers and father, but what she really wants is to be noticed by her brother's friend, Webb. Unfortunately, he's dating the school's hottest cheerleader. When her sixteenth birthday comes along, Maggie makes a wish: Please, Lord, let sixteen be a great year; let me be pretty and popular and let Webb... it’s too big a dream to even put the rest into words. Then she hears a noise in the woods that she can’t ignore, and takes a path that changes her life forever. (Inspirational/Teen/Fiction)

MANDIE AND MOLLIE: THE ANGEL'S VISIT

Dell Smith Klein 03/2002

When Mollie comes to Mandie's house at Easter, anything can happen! An illustrated gift-book edition of an exciting Mandie mystery, along with the full script of a play of the story that Mandie fans will love to perform. (Children/Fiction)

MARK'S STORY

Laura V. Hilton 10/2003

The timeless Biblical accounts from Mark's gospel written at an upper-elementary reading level made relevant and applicable for today's children. (Juvenile/Biblical/Nonfiction)

 

MATCHSTICK

 

Dell Smith Klein  03/2005      Joyce  Handzo  01/2005          Eileen Key 01/2005

 

In his struggle to gain acceptance at his new public school, sixth grader Larry " Matchstick" Taylor reluctantly volunteers to sing the Christmas solo and is quickly embroiled in a chain of dramatic events. He must contend with bullies at school and cope in a home of bickering parents, all the while trying to overcome his own feelings of inadequacy. Meanwhile, Larry’s music teacher faces a Constitutional challenge from a civil liberties organization because of her choice of a religious song for the solo. This young adult book is an honest look at how character grows through making difficult choices. It is told with an effective balance of subtle humor and crisp dialogue and will encourage readers of all ages to never be afraid to do the right thing.  

(Inspirational/Young Adult/Fiction)

 

MATTHEW'S STORY

 

Laura V. Hilton   10/2004

 One of the most effective methods for teaching great truths is by telling a story. The Bible is filled with them. Jesus used them in his ministry. A good storyteller rarely finds it difficult to gain an audience. He stays with the truth but provides vivid details to make it come alive. Facts are vital, but facts alone often do not excite or create a desire to hear more.  (Inspirational/Nonfiction)

MOUNTAIN CABIN MYSTERY

Laura V. Hilton 08/2004         Jason McDonald 06/2004

Scott and his friends had dreamed and prepared for their first wilderness camping adventure. Curiosity and a Kodak moment was enough to entice two of the guys to leave the trail. Scott waited, but the other hikers went on. Now separated from their leaders and surrounded by dense fog, their troubles were just beginning. A menacing bear, a DANGER sign just before the decrepit suspension bridge intensified their fears. A remote cabin seemed to offer temporary shelter, but . . . (Inspirational/Juvenile Fiction)

MY LIFE, UNSCRIPTED

 

Laura V. Hilton   06/2008

Using the metaphor of screenwriting, this work explores relationships in every teenage girls life--with herself, her friends and enemies, her parents, guys, and with God. Real-life scripts, screenwriting terms, and timely topics guide teen girls as they delve into their own inner struggles and outward relationships. (Inspirational/Youth/Christian Living )

MYSTERY AT CRESTWATER CAMP

Jason C. McDonald 12/2003

" Camp is not camp without pranks," PJ writes in his diary. But when mysterious things start happening to the bands in the camp's competition, the Q-Crew begins to wonder if the pranks are going too far. Who is out to sabotage the contest? Elias Greer, the grumpy gardener? Travis, the savvy sound man? PJ, Mo, Izzy and Jake set out to uncover the out-of-control culprit. Along the way, they learn a few lessons about self-control themselves. Their diary entries unravel one mystery after another until they find Camp Crestwater's final surprise. (Inspirational/Juvenile/Fiction)

MYSTERY OF THE MELODIES FROM MARS

Dell Smith Klein 05/2002

A rash of burglaries hits Midvale at the same time as the rock band Spice Army arrives to give a concert and the oscillating audio spectroscope starts picking up strange signals from outer space. (Inspirational/Juvenile/Fiction)

MYTH OF THE SUMMER MOON

Laura V. Hilton 01/2007

Three families of middle and high school youth plagued with poverty, personal loss and handicaps work together to overcome life's obstacles, both within themselves and their community. Throughout it all are the haunting myths and family tales of the old country, ancient Crete. The time before Christ, the "old times, old Greek times, old times, old." Myths of generosity, sacrifice and courage playing out again in these young lives hidden from the world of the Great Depression in the valleys of Appalachia. (Inspirational/Juvenile/Fiction)