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Youth Blurbs!
After the Dancing Days by Margaret I. Rostkowski
Andrew, a young soldier badly disfigured by mustard gas in World War I, is recuperating and hiding in a hospital after the war, when young Annie, the daughter of a doctor, comes to see her dad and bumps into Andrew by accident. The two start off on just a little of the wrong foot, but slowly each shows the other a new way to approach the world. Battling both post-war resentment of her family and the opposition of her mother and grandmother, Annie begins to search deeper into who she is and what she believes, learning along the way that life is not always easy but that there is always some beauty to be found.
Alec Forbes and His Friend Annie by George MacDonald
When I first read the children's edition of Alec Forbes published by Bethany House, I was entranced. The story opens with Annie, a young lass whose family and home are faling apart, and who is shortly thereafter sent to live with some cruel relatives. Annie constantly struggles against the subtle abuse of her guardians, the cruel taunts of her cousins and peers, and the frustrations of her solitary life, all the while striving to increase her faith in God, and aided by some special friends of all ages. Among these are, of course, the title character Alec, whose protection earns Annie a respite from several troubles, his friend Curly, and several older folks whose guidance proves invaluable to Annie as she strives to follow God, remain stalwart in adversity, and grow in wisdom day by day.
the Bride Wore White (and Who Moved the Goalpoast) by Danah and Bob Gresh
There are so many dating/courtship/relationship/young adult books on the market today that it takes something really special to make one of them stand apart, but the Greshs' two books, The Bride Wore White and Who Moved the Goalpost, have everything it takes. Both books contain many similar themes, drawing youths towards purity and away from temptation, and covering almost everything in between. Readers are encouraged to look for the right kind of future mate while making themselves into the best spouses they can be. While the books don't advocate either dating or courtship specifically, they feature good, sound advice, practicable to either relationship style, which should prove advantageous to almost all romantically inclined youths.
Farewell to Manzanar by Jean Wakatsuki Houston
During World War II, many Americans of Japanese descent were sent to "internment" camps. The Wakatsuki family was one of many, and their story is a striking and revealing tale. Recommended for older readers.
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott, tells the story of four very different young ladies, poised on the brink of growing up, and the people they meet. Under their mother's guidance and with the impish encouragement of their next-door neighbor Laurie, the four enjoy a variety of adventures, mishaps, and quiet moments as they grow from wild girls in pigtails into women after their mother's own heart. A must-read for any girl.
A Swiftly Tilting Planet by Madeline L'Engle
When the President is desperate over the threats of an unfriendly tyrant, it is young Charles Wallace's turn to try to help. But can his travels back in time possibly have any effect on the wild activities of a threatening dictator?
Archives of Anthropos: The Sword Bearer by John White
When 13-year-old John is suddenly transported to the far-off fantasy land of Anthropos, he hardly expects to become "John of the Swift Sword? and find his heritage. Fans of Lewis and Tolkien should thoroughly enjoy this series, recommended for children ten and up.
Who Moved the Goalpoast by Bob & Danah Gresh
See The Bride Wore White farther up the page. Sorry.