Pam Davis Reviews

Added September 29, 2008

Sydney Clair's Season of Change - A Friendship Story

The Girls 'n Grace Collection

Author: Pam Davis
Publisher: Authentic Publishing
Available At: Bookstores everywhere
Publishing Date: Available now
Genre: Middle Readers/Christian
Format: Trade paper
Price: $7.99
ISBN-13: 1-934068-50-2
Author Email/Website: http://www.girlsngrace.com/
Reviewer: Joyce Handzo
Rating: 9 Gargoyles

Civil rights, women's rights and environmental protests make Sydney Clair's Season of Change a significant story. Young readers will feel the impact of these issues as ten-year-old Sydney tries to make sense of all the changes happening in 1965.

The political and social situations are made "bite-sized" for this age group. The struggle of blacks to be accepted and integrated into society is made real on the playground of Sydney's school. College protests over the Vietnam War and the quest for women's rights are shown through student demonstrations that include Sydney's older sister. All of this is written in a creative and compelling style, giving a glimpse of history and the implications that reach even unto today.

But these pages do more than educate and entertain. There is a sensitive yet powerful witness of the grace and love of Jesus Christ. By placing this era of history in perspective with the commands of Christ, this story beautifully shows the Hand of God in individual lives and in the fate of the entire country.

The Girls 'n Grace series offers worthwhile stories that are interesting to read. When the book closes, readers can continue interacting with the characters through the Web site www.girlsngrace.com and with the gorgeous dolls that were especially made for this series.

Young girls will have fun reading these books and exploring the dynamics of the relationships that develop in different countries and during various time periods in history. But most importantly, readers will understand the timeless importance of a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ.

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Added September 17, 2008

Mesi: A Girl 'n Grace in Africa

The Girls 'n Grace Collection

Author: Pam Davis
Publisher: Authentic Books
Available At: Bookstores everywhere
Publishing Date: Available now
Genre: Middle Reader/Christian - ages 6 and older
Format: Trade paper
Price: $7.99
ISBN-13: 978-1-934068-51-9
Author Email/Website: http://www.girlsngrace.com/
Reviewer: Joyce Handzo
Rating: 9 Gargoyles

The Girls 'n Grace Collection gets off to a solid start with Mesi: A Girl 'n Grace in Africa. The basic premise for this new series is simple: introduce girls to the amazing wonder of God's grace that spans the continents. The writing of Pam Davis captures the spirit of this idea with age-appropriate writing and an exciting story line. Readers will have the opportunity to "visit" other girls around the world, and watch how God is able to change lives through everyday miracles of His mercy.

Mesi is a girl growing up in Africa. While her family struggles to survive the hardships of a drought, Mesi dreams of going to school. But with little money, that hope seems dead. Mesi hears of God and wonders if He can answer the prayers of a little girl living on a big continent.

Although the setting is in an unfamiliar place for most readers, the heart's desires of Mesi are universal. Her life is sketched through interesting dialogue and daily activities. Colorful illustrations make the story come alive, as the writing steadily builds up to a satisfying conclusion. Besides giving girls a glimpse into another culture, the power and the purpose of God is shown in all its splendor. Although Mesi may be different than readers, it is the same God who watches over all the girls in the world. And that's what makes this entire series so special. It opens the eyes of young girls to the glory of God, while giving them stories to make this truth memorable.

Yet, when the book closes, the adventure continues with an interactive Web site and a product line designed to give girls a childhood full of imaginative play and the reality of God's goodness. The Girls 'n Grace Collection is a solid concept that embraces readers with love, mercy and the thought of an amazing future with God.

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This page was last updated on September 29, 2008

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