As I read this book I kept in mind the audience for which is was written and I wondered why there are so few book of this caliber available for the tween set. The issues surrounding pregnancy in the book involve a married couple and are very focused on April Grace’s concern for her mother’s health and her fear that her mother could die. April Grace’s mother experiences fatigue, paleness, and nausea, but because April Grace has not been told of her mother’s condition in the beginning, the writing revolves around her fears that something is very wrong. Sometime after April Grace is told that she is going to be a big sister, her mother is diagnosed with preeclampsia and requires bed rest. The artful way this is handled should not present a problem for most tween girls. Girls who have younger siblings can probably relate to April Grace’s fears during her mother’s pregnancy. The author handles this issue by showing how April Grace’s mother retains the heart of a servant even though she needs to be served. It is a fine portrayal of humility that is inspired by reality. In every issue that April Grace encounters, the reader sees that emotion is not wrong, but that our responses, our decisions, are crucial.
I am allowing my own 11 year old daughter to read this book. She read up to chapter 7 in one sitting and was so involved in the book that I had difficulty getting her to put it down. I intend to add this book to her reading library as well. If you are looking for a fiction for your tween daughter that deals with real life issues such as relationships and attitudes and shows the response that Christians should have, this is the book. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive 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
Thank you, Tara, for such a lovely, warm review of my book. It means so much to know what I've written has reached an appreciative audience. God bless!
ReplyDeleteK.D. McCrite