Youth Books

Reading Program 2002

Education for Mission

DREAM FREEDOM
Silver Whistle/Harcourt, Inc., 2000
178 pages
Sonia Levitin (#3413) $17.00/

Based on a true story about youth making a difference in the world, this novel tells of Sudanese people who have been taken from their homes and families and forced into hard labor. Some American students learn of the atrocities, raise money for their release, and educate others.

Nurturing for Community

I KNOW THINGS NOW: STORIES BY TEENAGERS
St. Mary’s Press, 1996
125 pages
Carl Koch, ed. (#3433) /$6.95

Teens display the extraordinary strength and vision required to draw good out of bad situations. They write movingly about their life crises and joys, of parents and grandparents, of faith in God. These stories will provide consolation, inspiration, and hope.

P.S. LONGER LETTER LATER
HarperCollins, 1998
234 pages
Paula Danziger and Ann M. Martin (#3451) /$5.00

Adolescents Tara-Starr and Elizabeth have very different personalities, but they’re united by a powerful friendship. When Tara-Starr moves to a new community, she and Elizabeth continue their friendship by mail. In this complex and emotionally rich novel, their lives change and their friendship is tested. For grades 5-8.

Social Action

LET IT SHINE
Gulliver Books/Harcourt, Inc., 2000
107 pages
Andrea Davis Pinkney (#3437) $20.00/

This handsomely illustrated book tells the story of ten courageous African-American women from Sojourner Truth and Biddy Mason to Fannie Lou Hamer and Shirley Chisholm. They faced inequality, oppression, prejudice and fear, yet spoke out for what they believed, even when they felt no one was listening. Their lights shone in their time and shine today. For youth and adults. An excellent resource for the 2001-2002 youth and adult study on Jesus and Courageous Women.

Spiritual Growth

PHAROAH’S DAUGHTER
Silver Whistle/Harcourt, Inc., 2000
182 pages
Julius Lester (#3453) $17.00/

In this compelling novel, we meet Almah, sister of Moses, who becomes Pharoah’s adopted daughter. Through the eyes of Almah and Moses, a world that existed more than three thousand years ago opens to the reader. For ages 12 and up.

SHE SAID YES: THE UNLIKELY MARTYRDOM OF CASSIE BERNALL
Simon and Schuster, 2000
140 pages
Misty Bernall (#3456) /$6.00

This is the loving but unflinchingly honest portrait of a young woman killed at Columbine High School. Cassie’s mother describes how her daughter had started down a troubled path, how her parents had tried to help her, and how Cassie became a Christian and began a new life. Cassie’s struggle to find meaning and purpose will resonate with youth and adults.

YOUTH STUDY: JESUS AND COURAGEOUS WOMEN
General Board of Global Ministries, 2001
56 pages
J. Ann Craig; illustrations by Doris Pritchett ( #2967) /$4.75

Seven scenes of "Jesus and Courageous Women" illustrate this New Testament study in which two youth groups raise questions about each story. Leaders may follow a detailed activity guide. Youth are stimulated by the original art, Internet links, and interactive style.