Spiritual
Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy’s Astounding Story of his Trip to Heaven and Back by Todd Burpo
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on Jun.14, 2014, under Biography or Autobigraphy, Spiritual, Student Reviews
Review by Bronson H.
Who would like this book? 6th graders and up would like this book if they are interested in God and the afterlife.
The goods on this book: Todd Burpo is a pastor of a church in Nebraska and is Colton’s dad. When Colton was age 3 or 4, he got sick and almost died but his heart never stopped beating. He recovered and started talking about heaven. Colton told the details of heaven very slowly over years. Colton’s dad wrote the book “Heaven is for Real” when Colton was 12 years old. I thought the book was awesome because it mentioned Bible verses while Colton was telling the story. I also loved the book because Colton gave good details of what Jesus looked like and who Colton met in heaven.
The details: 163 pages; 2010 Review by Bronson H.
Dark Sons by Nikki Grimes
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on Dec.01, 2007, under Coretta Scott King, Free Verse, Grief, Historical Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Real life, Sam's Reviews, Spiritual, YRCA
Who would like this book? Teens who like novels written in free verse with two storylines, one ancient and one contemporary.
Why? Nikki Grimes sets the story of Sam, a contemporary teenager who is angry at his father for leaving his mother for a younger woman, against the ancient story of Ishmael. Sam’s pain over his father’s actions, his rejection of his step-mother, and his faith come across in a compelling manner with Grimes’ free verse. Sam’s sense of being abandoned by his father parallels Ishmael’s experience when Abraham turns him out with his mother Hager. Faith is an integral part in the journey of both young men. This element is presented in an even way that respects all beliefs. It’s not a surprise that this book is a Young Reader’s Choice Nominee (Senior Division, though it could have fit in the Middle Division just as easily) and a Coretta Scott King Honor Book.
The details: 216 p. 2005
The Buddha and the Terrorist by Satish Kumar
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on May.28, 2007, under Adult Read, Grief, Spiritual
Who would like this book? Adults or teens who are interested in Buddhist teachings, peaceful mediation, and the power of compassion.
Why? Satish Kumar has written a challenging sutra, a teaching, in the tradition of Buddha. A violent criminal (Angulimala) terrorizes the countryside with his violent mayhem. When he encounters the Buddha, who invites Angulimala to kill him and then engages him in enlightening discussion, Angulimala is transformed and takes a new name, Ahimsaka, as he pursues the peaceful path of a monk. The book is full of significant teaching and would be good to have a copy to read and reflect over frequently. An example is Ahimsaka’s teaching on pain:
“Sister, pain is part of life. By accepting it, its intensity is reduced. Do not resist it. Resistance to pain brings tension and anxiety, anxiety leads to fear. Fear of pain is worse than pain itself. This pain will pass. There is no need to fear, you are not alone, I m here. I offer you my like and my love for your well-being.” (p.111)
The details: 121 p. 2004. The physical book is an apt wrapping for its message. It’s beautiful.
