Book Review of MY NAME IS RIVER by Wendy Dunham & a Giveaway

by Sally Matheny

(My Name is River by Wendy Dunham)

If fictional worlds merged, I bet twelve-year-old, River Starling, in My Name is River, would pal around with Opal, the little girl in Because of Winn-Dixie. Both girls have similar spunk and curiosity.

However, the author, Wendy Dunham, masterfully presents River with the “class dork” for a friend. Since River is running low on camaraderie and has been assigned to do a class project with him anyway, River decides to give Billy a chance. Besides, her Gram always says, “If you judge a book by its cover, you may miss a Hemingway.”

Billy, a patient, kindhearted, handicapped student embraces life with a positive attitude. Experience has taught him how to adapt when necessary and persevere until a job is done well.

On the other hand, River impatiently waits on the answers she has about her life—like where are her birth parents, and her adoptive parents, for that matter. What can she tell people when they ask about her name? And what will happen to her if something happens to Gram?

Set in 1983 in West Virginia, River’s friendship with Billy grows deeper as they work on their school project, deal with a school bully, and as they search for answers to serious life questions.

My Name is River is a Christian, 144-page, chapter book published by Harvest House Publishers for readers ages 8-13.

Not only is it written with a Christian worldview, but also since Billy’s dad is a pastor, the reader is privy to hearing a clear message of the gospel presented in the story.

Readers will relish River’s honest and humorous viewpoint of the church, especially since she’s never attended church before.

     "I decide that even though they're technically called pews, I'm still going to call them benches. I don't think a word like pew is nice enough for a place like this."    - stated by River in My Name is River

I highly recommend this wholesome and entertaining book. I think girls may like it best, but boys will find value in it as well. Readers will “discover the unforgettable story of one girl’s search for a place to call home.”

I look forward to reading the sequel, Hope Girl, later this summer. But for now, I’m giving away a copy of My Name is River. Who wants to win this delightful book?

All you have to do to enter is make sure your name is on my email list. You can do this by entering your email in the sidebar on the right where it says, “Follow by Email.”

Once on the email list, you’ll receive updates from this blog, which is usually just one, but occasionally two per week. I hate spam. Don’t you? That’s why I will never share your email address with anyone for any reason.

That’s it. Easy as pie, right? I’ll place all the names from my email list in the drawing and will announce the winner on July 3.

If you'd like more information about My Name is River check it out at:

Amazon, Harvest House Publishers, or anywhere books are sold. 

While we’re waiting, I’m curious. What are your kids reading this summer?


KAREN B., FROM KENYA, you won the book! I'll contact you about where I should mail it. Congratulations!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author in return for an honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Summer Treasure: A Review of A Pirate’s Guide t’ th’ Grammar of Story

by Sally Matheny

Seeking Summer Treasure
(Pixabay photo)

It’s summer. Are you afraid whatever your child learned this year will wash up on a deserted island surrounded by a sea of forgetfulness? Oh, honey, me too.

I strongly support a short vacation from schooling, because as a homeschool mom, I need one, too!

However, two months without doing anything results in two or more months of recovering forgotten information once the school year starts back.

So, what are moms to do?

To avoid a revolution, strategize a compromise that is unique and fun. A Pirate’s Guide t’ th’ Grammar of Story, may be the answer. In a coconut shell, it teaches the basic elements of a story.

Below is an excerpt from the letter to parents. Muster up your best pirate voice and read.

“Criticism be like a storm that sinks thar brain ship. But don’t be fooled—praise can be as deadly as sharpenin’ yer sword with a krakens tooth. So ye won’t be seein’ us give out no magical gold stars or blue ribbons or any o’ that thar landblubber stuff that be fillin’ a youngin’s head wit’ nonsense. We just have ‘em do thar work an’ laugh an’ dance an’ play along. Nothin’ quite as much fun as creativity, ya har!”

                                 -an excerpt from the notorious Pirate Captain Yogger LeFossa’s letter, 

                                                                      The Pirate’s Guide t’ th’ Grammar of Story

A Pirate's Guide t' th' Grammar of Story

The Pirate’s Guide is an all-in-one creative writing curriculum for students eight years old and up.

If your child is eleven or older, he will be able to work independently through this interactive, consumable book. But think how entertaining it would be if you donned an eye patch and read aloud Captain LeFossa’s words before your child began the day’s assignment.

Woven among the instructional and activity sections is an ongoing, entertaining story about Captain LeFossa, his talking monkeys, and their quest for an unusual treasure.

This adventurous tale features your student as the main character of the story, which pulls him right into the action.

Each brief “chapter” of the story incorporates a skill or concept introduced in the instruction and activity sections that follow.

While The Pirate’s Guide is witty, it is not void of valuable weight.  

“This is a serious curriculum that teaches the fundamental building blocks—the grammar—of a story.”

This is just a sampling of areas covered:

Mindstorming              Setting                               Values

Rules                          Symbols                             Backstory  

Problems                    Characterizations                 Character Values

Mystery                      Character Contradictions      Ticking Clock

Story Engine               Plot                                    Character Functions

Character Arc              Gaps and Expectation          Transformation

Currently, my twelve-year-old son and I are working on Chapter Argh Aye Aye (Ch. 7). There are twenty-six concepts covered in the 328-pages of the soft cover book. We’re taking our time and not rushing it so we can absorb and savor. The book suggests twenty-minute sessions, which is about what we’re doing.

I would not say my reluctant writer has become an enthusiastic writer just yet. Remember, we are only in chapter seven.

However, because of the lessons’ bite-size portions and their excellent presentations, The Pirate’s Guide has produced a more attentive student at my house. His understanding of what makes a great story, as well as his writing skills, are progressing.

I asked him what he liked most about the workbook. He said,

        “I like the pirate story. It’s fun. I like that I don’t have to do a lot of    

        writing all at once. I get to make lists and answer questions about 

        writing.”

This is true. The student learns about various writing concepts over a span of several lessons before actually putting them into practice by writing a complete story. 

One of the most important things I’ve witnessed is my son developing a can-do attitude toward writing.

And that, my friend, is a summer not wasted.

Since this blog has a Christian emphasis, I inquired about the faith and worldview of the author before agreeing to review this product. 

I was assured that while the product was not written specifically for the Christian market, it was written with a Christian worldview. “Nothing in it would contradict the Bible or Christian beliefs at all.”

I know that’s as important to you as it is to me. Here's a little more about the author, Chris Hansen.

“Chris Hansen has over a decade of experience training professional filmmakers and storytellers in creativity. He was the executive director of the Piko Fellowship in Screenwriting, a long-term residency program for film and television writers. As a founding member and senior advisor to the Wedgwood Circle, he has been a creative partner among a team of award-winning artists.”

Chris and his wife homeschool their three children and speak at numerous homeschool conventions.

We plan to continue working through the Pirate's Guide this summer. Based on what we've experienced so far, I recommend this book, especially for those who struggle with writing. And for those who may jump ship if you don't choose something entertaining as well as educational.

For more information:

http://www.piratesguidestory.com/index.html

https://www.amazon.com/Pirates-Guide-Grammar-Story-Curriculum/dp/1945353007

So, readers, what educational treasures are you seeking for your children this summer?

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher in return for an honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Are We Teaching Our Children to Dishonor Their Fathers?

by Sally Matheny

Are we teaching our children to dishonor their fathers?

Honor.

One, simple word, yet highly esteemed.

Most Christians know the fifth commandment given by God.

“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you.”  Exodus 20:12

Perhaps we’ve heard it so often we have become complacent about it.

I wonder. Are we teaching our children to dishonor their father?

Let me say, I understand not all fathers exhibit behaviors that are excellent and praiseworthy. Dads make mistakes. Some make more than others do.

However, God did not say honor your parents if they are kind, popular, or (fill-in-the-blank). God said to honor them.

I specifically want to address moms today.

As Christians, we long for our children to grow closer in their relationship with God. We know this is the key for them to thrive on this earth with hope and joy.

We pray that they will long for, learn from, and lean on Jesus Christ. One way to teach our children how to revere the Creator of the universe is to teach them how to how to honor their earthly father.

The best way to educate is to live by example. There are three ways to model honor—with attitude, words, and deeds.

Honor Begins With Attitude

I could say honor begins in the heart but if love or respect is lacking in the relationship, then that may not be the case.

So, let’s say it begins in the mind. It is an attitude we choose because God calls us to do it. If children have a loving father, this may not be near as difficult as it will be for those who do not.

Still, even if blessed with a godly father, we are naturally bent towards disobedience and selfish ambition. We need help in shaping a mindset pleasing to God.

How to Venture in a New Direction

by Sally Matheny

[How do we move when we are content where we are?
Pixabay photo]

I bought a beautiful hydrangea bush to plant in my yard. The flower, still in its pot, has been moved to four different locations. I can’t make up my mind where to plant it. The last time I planted a hydrangea, it died. I’m afraid I’ll mess this one up as well. After four weeks, it’s struggling because it's still sitting in the thin, plastic container, waiting on the transplant.

Our lives can be like that. Whether a school year closes, a business year ends, or we find ourselves pondering on New Year’s Eve, the question remains. Did I make a difference this year? Should I stay where I am? How do I know if I should venture in a new direction?