The Miracle Stealer

Name of Book:  The Miracle Stealer

Author:  Neil Connelly

Illustrator:

Publisher:  Arthur A. Levine Books, An Imprint of Scholastic, Inc.

ISBN:  9780545131957

Audience:  Grade 7 and up

Summary:  Six-year-old Daniel is the “miracle boy” of Paradise, Pennsylvania. People come from near and far because of his reputed healing powers.  When a new wave of Daniel hysteria threatens to overtake the town, Daniel’s nineteen-year-old sister Anderson decides to take action to prove once and for all that her little brother is just a regular kid with no miraculous powers.

Literary elements at work in the story: Anderson’s candid first-person narration makes this novel read like a good memoir.  As she struggles to make sense of her family and of her town and of the events which have led to her own crisis of faith, the people who populate her life emerge as rich and complicated characters.  One crucial summer in Andi’s recent past provides the catalyst for this attempt at understanding her life.  The plot of the story becomes somewhat knotty as she examines the interwoven events which lead to the story’s climax.

How does the perspective on gender/race/culture/economics/ability make a difference to the story? In her bitterness over the role she thinks the church has played in her family’s troubles, Andi ridicules the Universal Church of Paradise in particular and religion in general.  Belief in God is something that is behind her, and followers are made to look like gullible yokels.   However, as Andi continues her story, she admits that there are mysteries which she cannot explain, including those surrounding her brother.

Theological conversation partners: This is a story of a lost paradise.  The fish in Paradise, PA have died in the lake, the amusement park is abandoned, and the tourists no longer come for the summer.  This tangible disintegration echoes Anderson’s loss of spiritual innocence. Her father has abandoned the family, and she sees members of the religious community as dupes at best and frauds at worst.  There was a time “back when things were right and I thought God was there with us, hovering above and listening attentively,” Anderson remembers, but that time is long gone.  This book would be a good one to use with teens or even adults in conjunction with the Genesis 3 story of the Fall in a discussion of what it means to have a mature faith.

Faith talk questions:

1. You might divide the Grant family’s life into “before” and “after.”  What do you think their life was like before Daniel’s accident?  How was it different afterwards?
2. Why do people think that Daniel has miraculous powers?
3. Why does Anderson, “Andi,” want people to leave Daniel alone?
4. Why do you think the Pilgrims decided to follow Daniel?
5. Leo tells Andi, “Faith is accepting possibilities, not absolutes.”  How can faith be about possibilities?
6. Andi ends this story with the answer “maybe.”  Do you think that “maybe” is a hopeful answer?  Why or why not?

This review was written by Union Presbyterian Seminary student Beth Lyon-Suhring.

The Wish Giver

Title:  The Wish Giver

Author:  Bill Brittain

Publisher: Andrew Glass

ISBN: 0590420402

Audience: 8 and up

Summary: The sign in front of the shabby tent at the end of a row of booths at the Coven Tree church Social read “Thaddeus Blinn,  I can give you whatever you ask for only 50 cents.” Only four went into Blinn’s tent: Stew Meat (Stewart Meade), the owner of the general store; Polly Kemp, who spoke her mind freely and cruelly; Rowena Jervis who loved Henry Piper, a traveling salesman; and Adam Fiske whose family farm had no water.  Mr. Blinn, a fat little man with eyes that seemed to glow, gave each person a card with a red dot on it in exchange for 50 cents.  “Each card will grant only one wish, so think carefully before making it. When you’re ready, press your thumb against the red dot” And with that the Wish Giver was gone and the four, wondering if they had been hoodwinked, went their separate ways. Polly, Rowena, and Adam make wishes that have instant, unexpected, and finally, dire consequences.  Only Stew Meat with the 4^th, unused card can save them from the Wish Giver’s magic.

Literary elements at work in the story: This has the feel of a fable or folk tale. Stew Meat is the narrator, setting the stage by recalling the history of Coven Tree where covens of witches used to meet and the Devil himself walked about.  The situations are humorous, the writing straight forward.  It’s good for reading aloud.

How does the perspective on gender/race/culture/economics/ability make a difference to the story? Not applicable.

Theological Conversation Partners: “Be careful what you wish for” is an adage that occurs frequently in literature and life. Three wishes are a basic part of many fairy tales. Wanting something we do not have-fortune, fame, beauty, or just a day at the beach or a new dress-is part of almost everyone’s life. It’s a game we often play when we talk about winning the lottery. The Wish Giver is a funny, yet thought provoking way to examine wishing and, more significantly, what is most important to us in life.  Scripture gives guidance about how our deepest desires affect out hopes and wishes. Psalm 37:4 and Matt.6:33 remind us that when our first priority is God, God will give us the desires of our hearts.

Faith Talk Questions:

1. Have you ever wished for something?  What?  Do your wishes change as you grow older?
2. Would you have given Thaddeus Blinn 50 cents for a wish? Who do you think he was?
3. How was Polly Kemp’s wish granted?  Were the results what she expected? And what was the outcome of removing her wish?
4. How was Rowena’s wish granted?  What results had she expected? What was the outcome of removing her wish?
5. How was Adam’s wish granted?  What results had he expected? What was the outcome of removing his wish?
6. Is there danger in getting what we want too easily?
7.  Do we always know what we want?
8. Christians are called to live in hope.  How are hoping and wishing different?
9. Scripture suggests that if we put God’s will first, God will add all good things to us.  What do you think these good things are?  Do you wish for any of them?
10. Are wishing and prayer alike? If so, how?

This review was written by regular contributor Virginia Thomas.

Something Beautiful

Name of Book:  Something Beautiful

Author:  Sharon Dennis Wyeth

Illustrator:  Chris K. Soentpiet

Publisher:  Dragonfly Books

ISBN:  9780385322393

Audience:  Ages 7-9

Summary:  A little girl in the city is tired of looking at the trash in the courtyard, graffitti on the walls of her building, and the homeless lady who lives in a cardboard box.  She wants to see something beautiful.  She believes that beautiful means “something that when you have it, your heart is happy.” When she asks her neighbors to show her something beautiful, they show her the simple things that surround them: a fried fish sandwich, a tasty apple, a smooth stone, and a laughing baby.  Determined, the girl goes home and picks up the trash in the courtyard and scrubs the graffitti off the front door of her building.  When her mother gets home, the little girl asks her if she has something beautiful and her mother replies, “Of course, I have you.”

Literary elements at work in the story: This story is written from the little girl’s point of view, so the reader never knows her name, which means it could be the perspective of any little girl growing up in the inner-city.  The paintings on each page are bright and colorful and shed light to all the sights that the little girl sees in her neighborhood.  It is a story about the little things that make life beautiful.  It is about community, children’s innocence, the beauty of friendship and the power of hope.

(How) does the perspective on gender/race/culture/economics/ability make a difference to the story?  The little girl clearly lives in a dangerous run-down neighborhood in the city with few resources.  But even in the midst of crime and poverty, there is hope and beauty.

Theological conversation partners (scripture, confessions, doctrines, theologians, etc):  Whenever we struggle with difficult times such as illness, job loss, divorce, or even death, there is something beautiful that can still be found.  In our darkest times, we must be looking for the blessings of God to give us hope.  Sometimes beauty is given to us and sometimes beauty can only be found if we work for it.  The little girl made a decision to make her building more beautiful and she took the first step by picking up the trash and scrubbing away the graffitti.  We, too, are called to be in community with others working towards building something beautiful.  Possible Scripture texts to accompany this book are: Genesis 12:1-3 and Psalms 139:13-18.

Faith Talk Questions

1. Tell me about something beautiful in your life.  What is it and what makes it beautiful?
2. Is there something close to home that could be made more beautiful?  What is it and what can you do to make it so?  What help and resources do you need to make it happen?

This review was prepared by Union Presbyterian Seminary student Amanda North.

Heartsongs

Name of Book: Heartsongs

Author: Mattie J.T. Stepanek

Illustrator: Mattie J.T. Stepanek

Publisher: Hyperion

ISBN: 786990915119

Audience: Ages 3 – adult. This book is for anyone who wants to share in the appreciation of God’s creation.

Summary: Although the 20 poems are separated into sections marked: Senses, Seasons, and Celebrations, the overall theme of creation and hope is interwoven throughout the book. The title, Heartsongs, has heart strings attached to it, as the words gently pull at the readers’ hearts. As one reads, they are reminded of the simple joys and blessings of life.

Literary elements at work in the story: Poetic, philosophical, inspirational.

Although some poems end with “Amen,” each one could be read as a prayer.

The imaginative quality of word usage makes each poem a masterpiece.

Creative, descriptive word play will bring ones senses to life, as the author connects to the simple joys that so many of us take for granted.

Theme: Spiritual, hopeful, joyful.

The author offers the reader hope and a purpose for living. His messages of peace serve well to inspire and educate all who want to celebrate life and make choices based on the special gifts God gave to each unique individual.

Perspective: Spiritually encouraging for all levels of Christian belief. It is for those who want to be reminded of God’s love and for those who are seeking God’s love.

Theology: Not only will these poems and prayers bring comfort and faith to someone who may be suffering and/or recovering from illness or tragedy, bit it will enlighten caregivers too. It can remind an individual or congregation who they are in Christ and the role(s) they play in the Body of Christ. It may also help trigger ideas of who they want to be and what gifts they can share.

For a communicant’s class, this book answers several theological questions. Can’t think of a joy or concern? Read this book!

Scripture: See Matthew 10:13; Luke 14:32; and Mark 9:50 about peace.

On finding one’s purpose for living: Psalm 139:23-24; 1 John 1:9 Psalm 119:18; see also John 16:13. 

Faith Talk Questions:

1.  Besides being an absence of war, what other examples of peace can you think of?
2. What is the most powerful thing you can do as an individual or team member to bring peace to the world?
3. If you were on a Peacemaker’s Team, what planet-saving ideas would you bring to the table?

This review was written by Union Presbyterian Seminary student Gina Craft.

Number the Stars

Name of Book:  Number the Stars

Author:  Lois Lowry

Publisher:  Sandpiper

ISBN:  978-0547577098

Audience:  Ages 10-14

Summary:  Young Annemarie Nielsen and her friend Ellen Rosen live in occupied Copenhagen in 1943. Though young, they understand that the occupation of their city by the Nazis is frightening and dangerous, especially for Jews like Ellen and her family. When the Nazis begin to relocate the Jews, Annemarie and her family take many risks to save Ellen and her parents. Faced with difficult choices, frightening truths, and hope for a time beyond war, Annemarie learns about her own strength and courage as she works to save her friend.

Literary elements at work in the story:  In very age-appropriate ways, this short novel brings to life the historical events of Europe during WWII. Lowry develops Annemarie’s character across the novel as she matures from a carefree school girl to a young lady burdened by the reality of war. Annemarie is insightful, intelligent, caring, discerning and brave. The novel’s action rises quickly as Annemarie’s family works to save their neighbors, the Rosens. While the plot is not complicated, the author slowly unveils the secret that Annemarie’s family must keep. This skillful plot development allows the reader to experience tension – and hope – alongside Annemarie. Additionally, as various family members come forward to help the Rosens, the author maintains her focus on Annemarie and the fears she must face, thus allowing a young reader to relate to this difficult period in history.

Perspective on gender/race/culture/economics/ability: With a backdrop of Nazi-occupied Europe, this novel explores the treatment of the Jews at the hands of the Nazis. Through Annemarie, a Lutheran, and Ellen, a Jew, the author reinforces the idea that love and friendship are not bound by such distinctions as race or religion. Throughout the novel, in fact, the two families are shown to be loving neighbors who are respectful of their varied traditions. Annemarie and her sister Kirsti, in fact, are frequently invited to the Rosen’s home to see the lighting of the Sabbath candles. In terms of gender, Annemarie is depicted as a strong girl, capable of carrying out a dangerous mission. However, the author is also careful to be realistic in her characterizations for this particular time and place. When Annemarie and her mother visit Uncle Henrik, Annemarie’s mother notes the clutter and announces that Uncle Henrik needs a wife. Finally, while Annemarie must present herself as a “silly, empty-headed little girl,” the great irony is that this pretense is what allows her to be her most daring, brave, and quick-witted self.

Theological Conversation Partners:  Genesis 15:1-6; Psalm 147 (Quoted in the novel); Isaiah 41:8-13; Mark 12:28-34; I John 3:11-22

Faith Talk Questions:

1. Ask children to identify some of the things that frighten people. Ask them to consider why we become fearful in certain situations.
2. The novel makes the point that bravery is not the absence of fear, but the putting aside of fear for a greater good. In what ways were Annemarie and her family brave in the face of great fear?
3. Ask students to brainstorm for a list of examples from scripture that show bravery in the face of fear.
4. What do you think motivates people to set aside their fears and act bravely?
5. How does faith play a role in facing fears?  What are some examples of the role of faith in this novel?
6. The Rosens and the Nielsens are neighbors. What does scripture say about the relationship between neighbors? How is this lived out in the action of the novel?
7. Peter reads Psalm 147 during the dark and frightening night of the Rosens’ escape. How does this psalm offer hope to those gathered? How does it offer hope to us?
8. Abraham was promised as many descendants as there are stars in the sky. Consider the use of stars in this novel. How do Ellen’s necklace, the title of the novel, Psalm 147 and the story of Abraham in Genesis 15 work together to speak of hope in the midst of the persecution the Jews faced in Europe in 1943?

This review was prepared by Union Presbyterian Seminary student Catherine Lovejoy.

The Quiet Book

Name of Book:  The Quiet Book

Author:  Deborah Underwood

Illustrator:  Renata Liwska

Publisher:  Houghton Mifflin Books for Children

ISBN:  978-0547215679

Audience:  Ages 3 and up; may work well as part of an intergenerational conversation.

Summary:  This picture book explores the many kinds of “quiet” that we experience throughout our lives. Young animals are seen in a variety of both positive and negative situations that might cause one to be quiet or contemplative – situations that reflect fear, awe, sorrow, hope, and more. From “first one awake quiet” to “sound asleep quiet,” the animals display a wide range of emotions that accompany the ups and downs of daily life.

Literary elements at work in the story:  This picture book incorporates sparse but rich text with gentle illustrations. While there is no structured plot, this story enlivens the reader’s imagination as it suggests all sorts of stories one might be able to tell about the events of any given day. The animal characters are both diverse and nameless; however, the illustrations and text work together to suggest a depth of character that might surprise the reader.

Perspective on gender/race/culture/economics/ability: The author makes use of a diverse set of animals, with many species and colors represented. The only indication of gender throughout the book is in the depiction of one mother and one aunt. Otherwise, the reader will have a difficult time making any distinctions about gender, thus allowing all readers to find themselves within the text at many points.

Theological Conversation Partners:  Psalm 23

Faith Talk Questions/Activities:

1. Purchase an additional copy of the book. (Ideally, purchase two copies so that both sides of each page may be utilized in this activity.) Cut out the pages so that they can be distributed to several small groups. Provide each group with several pages.
2. Ask students to identify the feelings of the animals in each kind of quietness that is shown in their group’s pictures.
3. Make a simple but large wall chart with “Peace – Sin – Awe – Sorrow – Fear – Hope” across the top. If you are working solely with children, briefly review/explain each term. For a multi-generational group, ask the groups to spend time talking about each term.
4. Ask each group to tack their book pages into the chart column that seems most appropriate for the depicted scene.
5. Write Psalm 23, verse by verse, on single sheets of paper. Use a large font. Distribute scripture slips to small groups. Ask each group to discuss the verse(s) they hold and to determine which part of the chart the scripture addresses.
6. Ask a member of the class to read Psalm 23 slowly. Hold up the pages from The Quiet Book that the groups have paired with each verse. (Pictures may or may not match up for every verse read.)
7. Discuss in small groups the many ways that we each feel fear, peace, sin, awe, sorrow, and hope in our own lives, and how God comforts us, celebrates with us, and gives us hope. Children might wish to share experiences similar to those depicted in The Quiet Book.

This review was written by Union Presbyterian Seminary student Catherine Lovejoy.

Snook Alone

Name of Book: Snook Alone

Author: Marilyn Nelson

Publisher: Candlewick

ISBN: 978-0763626679

Audience: Ages 4-8

Summary: A small dog, Snook, lives on and island with Abba Jacob, a monk. Abba prays, gardens, and tends his hermitage while Snook follows along. They are best of friends. Then one day a storm comes up and leaves Snook alone on an island. There he fends for himself all the while waiting for his friend to return. When they are finally reunited, there is the happiness that is only known when hope is fulfilled.

Literary elements at work in the story: This could have been a sappy sentimental story, but in the hands of Nelson and Ering it is instead a perceptive story of waiting and hope. Written without a hint of contrivance, this is just a story about a dog waiting for his friend and a friend’s joy at finding his dog.

How do the perspective on gender/race/culture/economics/ability make a difference to the story: This story carries the universal theme of love and hope and will appeal to all.

Theology: Romans 8: 24-30.  “But hope that is seen is no hope at all” Snook is a good example of this passage. After he is separated from the Monk, he has to find his own way rather than follow the Monk’s way. Yet even with this new life he is not happy as he does not have his friend. He hopes for what he does not know; if he will ever see his friend again. So he waits patiently his friends return. He doesn’t scream or shout or condemn God or the world, he just waits patiently. Would that we all could wait patiently for what we hope will come! Do not let anxiety and fear crowd out patience. Instead live with hope.

Faith Talk Questions:

1. Why were Snook and his friend separated?
2. Have you ever been separated from someone, a friend, mom, dad?
3. How did it feel?
4. What did you do to find your way back?
5. The Bible verse says we are to hope for what we do not yet have.  Were you hopeful when you were separated?
6. Why is hope so important?

Mockingjay

Name of Book:  Mockingjay

Author:  Suzanne Collins

Book Design:  Elizabeth Parisi

Publisher:  Scholastic Press

Audience:  Ages 12 and up

Summary:  The third in a trilogy of science fiction stories, Mockingjay is written for adolescent youth and older due to graphic and violent content.

Katniss Everdeen has survived two rounds of competition in the Hunger Games arena and returns to District 12 to see the ruins after it has been bombed and destroyed by the Capitol. Citizen refugees have been relocated to District 13, the first district destroyed by the Capitol which went underground. The residents of District 13 and the refugees have together plotted the details of the revolution and assassination plan for President Snow.

Peeta has been captured and tortured by President Snow and special army team from District 13 is sent to the Capitol to rescue Peeta and other games survivors. The Capitol retaliates with bombing the districts, but 13 is spared. The district president works to create an army capable of leading the other districts in the revolution against the Capitol to gain freedom from oppression. With Katniss in the army group leading the way as the mockingjay, she will again experience and participate in violence and death as they work to rid Panem of the evil in power.

This particular book moves much more quickly through time than the past two in the series. A war rages on and much death and destruction take place, although it is described over weeks and months rather than days.

Note: While the series has no Christian references at all, there are a number of routes one can take in discussing Christian faith with teenage readers. Parents are strongly encouraged to read this book either before their children or alongside their children and engage in regular faith-based discussions.

Literary elements at work in the story:  This is a science fiction dystopia of revenge imposed by the country leadership onto the individual districts. It is told from the first person point of view of Katniss, a 16 year old tribute to the Games. It is her story of survival in not just the games, but in everyday life as a citizen of the poorest district in Panem. Katniss is portrayed as a survivor, as is her friend Gale, while many of the other child characters, including her sister (and even her mom) are portrayed as weak and needy. The setting of this book takes place in District 13, as well as in the Capital during war time.

How does the perspective on gender/race/culture/economic/ability make a difference to the story?  This book portrays all citizens of Panem, even those of District 13, as under oppressive authority. Many citizens have been tortured either physically or mentally, and even within the safety of the district, there is no freedom for citizens. The culture is that of a benevolent dictatorship, creating citizens who will survive the war and hopefully repopulate the country after it has been recaptured.

Scripture:  Isaiah 57:19-21

Theology:  As humans we fall short of the glory of God, but we are still loved and desired by God. We have turned away from God, and each other, in search of our own personal and societal gains. As sinners, we have gone against “the way it’s supposed to be.” We are unable to turn ourselves back toward God and unable to make our relationship with God and one another right. We have been sent Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, to lead us back into relationship with God and others.

Faith Talk Questions:

1. Have you ever been given a gift by someone that you know you can’t repay?
2. How can we trust God when we don’t physically see or feel God?
3. Are there any characters in the book that value human life?
4. What does God teach us about the value of a human life?
5. Katniss struggles with the loss of friends close to her and feels responsible. Have you ever lost someone close to you? Has someone close to you been hurt before? How did you feel?
6. How do you think God would react to the Capitol’s treatment of the citizens of Panem?

Review prepared by Union Presbyterian Seminary alumna Katie Todd

Train to Somewhere

Name of Book: Train to Somewhere

Author: Eve Bunting

Illustrator: Ronald Himler

Publisher: Clarion Books, New York

Audience: Ages 8-13

Summary: From the mid-1850s to the late 1920s, “Orphan Trains” took children from the streets and orphanages of New York City to adoptive families in the West.  Some of the children found loving homes.  Others traded one sort of misery for another.  Some families adopted children who could labor on the farm or help with housework and younger children.  Marianne, an older, plain-looking girl is the narrator of this touching story.  Marianne is one of 14 children making the trip.  She is hoping to be reunited with her mother who left several years previously to make a new life for them in the West and who had promised to send for Marianne.  At each stop, Marianne searches the crowds for her mother and watches as the boys and the younger girls are chosen for adoption.  Finally only Marianne and Miss Randolph are left on the train.  Somewhere, Iowa is the last stop.  Waiting for them are an older couple who had been hoping for a boy.  The grandmotherly woman looks at Marianne and recognizes the hurt of not being chosen and of not finding her mother.  She tells Marianne that “Sometimes what you get turns out to be better than what you wanted in the first place.”  The story ends on this hopeful note.  Readers may be interested in learning more about the Orphan Trains and what happened to those children seeking a loving home and family.

Literary Elements at work in the story: The setting and theme of this book opens a window to a little-known aspect of history.  The illustrations convey the emotions of the story.  The story presents the universal desire of every child for a loving family.

Perspective on gender/race/culture/economic/ability:  The people portrayed are all Caucasian.  Orphans who did not have other family to care for them were usually from the poor economic strata of the time.  You may want to learn about life for orphans of all ethnicities in this era.

Scripture:  Many passages record God’s instructions to care for marginalized people such as orphans.  See also Matthew 25:37-40; 1 Peter 2:9-10

Theology:  Caring for the marginalized people; Family

Faith Talk Questions:

1. What is a family?  What makes people a family?
2. What is a “church family?”  How are the people with whom we worship at church our family?
3. Research the orphan trains.  Why did people think sending orphans to new families was a good thing to do?  How do you suppose the children felt?
4. How do we provide for children who need families today?
5. What problems do some children face today regarding families and places to live?  What is being done for children who are homeless, living in poverty, etc?
6. What challenges, opportunities, emotions face children in foster care?
7. How has the adoption procedure changed since the days of the orphan trains?  What are the challenges, opportunities, emotions faced by adoptive parents? By children who were adopted?  By those awaiting adoption?
8. Do you think Marianne and her mother ever find each other?  Why or why not?
9. Marianne felt that she was not desirable to potential parents who wanted boys or younger children or those who were prettier.  What characteristics does society value in people?  What does God value?

Review prepared by Union Presbyterian Seminary graduate Mary Anne Welch

Noah’s Ark

Name of Book: Noah’s Ark

Author: Peter Spier

Illustrator: Peter Spier

Publisher: Dragonfly Books

ISBN: 9780440406938

Audience: Ages: 4 – 10

Summary: Have you ever heard the saying, “A picture is worth a thousand words”?  Well, that’s just what this children’s picture book, Noah’s Ark is like. As the story begins, the only words on the page are; But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.  As you turn each colorful page you will see no words, except Peter Spier’s translation of a Dutch poem at the beginning which guides you through the story; “High and long, Thick and strong, Wide and stark, Was the ark. Climb on board, said the Lord”. With that, a host of animals in all shapes and sizes parade across the colorful pages of this wonderfully illustrated picture book. The illustrations do an excellent job of portraying perspective. The ark is made to appear enormous. Yet there are some illustrations during the flood where the ark is clearly very small in the context of the huge ocean. There are lots of stories within the story. For example, the sequence where the dove is released several times before the last one brings back a sprig of leaves from dry land is quite interesting as is the promise for the future which is wonderfully captured by a gorgeous rainbow at the end.

Literary elements at work in the story:  The theme of the story is sequential thereby making it easy for the reader to tell what’s going on. The illustrations provide the nonverbal stories about Noah and the enormous task it was to build an ark, the difficulties of rounding up all the animals, the even greater challenges of taking care of them during the flood on the ark, and the process of returning to the land as the waters receded. By using only illustrations, the author allows for quite a bit of latitude as to how the story can be interpreted. Many wonderful discussions can be generated through the illustrations and based upon the age range of your audience.  This book would be appropriate to use with both children and adults.

Perspective on gender/race/culture/economic ability:  The story of Noah is universal and would therefore make this book appropriate for use with any audience.  The lack of words and detailed illustrations allows for vast interpretation and discussion.

Theological conversation partners: Genesis 6:1 – 9:17

Faith Talk Questions:

1.    Why did Noah find favor with God?

2.    Why did Noah put two of each animal in the ark?

3.    Why did God send the flood?

4.    Do you think people in Noah’s town thought he was crazy for building an ark?

Review prepared by Union Presbyterian Seminary student Donna Fair