Author Archives: designpointaaron

AUTHOR: Andrea Davis Pinkney

GENRE: Poetry, Historical Fiction, War, Fiction, Cultural

SUMMARY: Finally, Amira is twelve. Old enough to wear a toob, old enough for new responsibilities. And maybe old enough to go to school in Nyala—Amira’s one true dream. But life in her peaceful Sudanese village is shattered when the Janjaweed arrive. The terrifying attackers ravage the town and unleash unspeakable horrors. After she loses nearly everything, Amira needs to dig deep within herself to find the strength to make the long journey—on foot—to safety at a refugee camp. Her days are tough at the camp, until the gift of a simple red pencil opens her mind–and all kinds of possibilities.

AUTHOR: Oliver Butterworth

GENRE: Fiction, Fantasy, Science Fiction

SUMMARY: Young Nate Twitchell is surprised when one of the hens on his family farm lays a giant egg. After a painstaking wait, Nate is even more surprised when it hatches and out pops a baby triceratops that he names Uncle Beazley! But when Nate decides to keep the dino and raise it on his own, he has no idea what he’s getting himself into. As Uncle Beazley grows, Nate and his family realize they are not equipped to take care of a full-sized dinosaur, and so with the help of their scientist friend, Nate and Uncle Beazley set off for the National Museum in Washington, D.C., on the hunt for the perfect home for a modern-day dinosaur–then the real trouble begins!

AUTHOR: Patrick Skene Catling

GENRE: Fiction, Fantasy, Humor

SUMMARY: In this zany twist on the legend of King Midas and his golden touch, a boy acquires a magical gift that turns everything his lips touch into chocolate! Kids will eat this up for summer reading or anytime! Can you ever have too much of your favorite food? John Midas is about to find out…. The Chocolate Touch has remained a favorite for millions of kids, teachers, and parents for several generations. It’s an enjoyable story that pulls in even reluctant readers.

AUTHOR: Avi

GENRE: Fantasy, Fiction, Adventure

SUMMARY: At the very edge of Dimwood Forest stood an old charred oak where, silhouetted by the moon, a great horned owl sat waiting. The owl’s name was Mr. Ocax, and he looked like death himself. With his piercing gaze, he surveyed the lands he called his own, watching for the creatures he considered his subjects. Not one of them ever dared to cross his path…until the terrible night when two little mice went dancing in the moonlight…

AUTHOR: Luke

GENRE: Religious Text

SUMMARY: Beginning with angelic announcements of the conceptions of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ, and concluding with the resurrected Jesus being carried up into heaven, the Gospel according to Luke offers an account of the birth, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. Luke presents the story of Jesus as the fulfillment of promises God previously made to the people of Israel. Jesus is Christ, the Lord, the redeemer sent by God to declare God’s salvation to all people. Jesus proclaims God’s reign, heals those who are sick, raises some from the dead, casts out oppressive spirits, restores to people a more complete ability to participate in society, and teaches his followers through vivid parables.

AUTHOR: Sara Pennypacker

GENRE: Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy

SUMMARY: Pax was only a kit when his family was killed, and “his boy” Peter rescued him from abandonment and certain death. Now the war front approaches, and when Peter’s father enlists, Peter has to move in with his grandpa. Far worse than being forced to leave home is the fact that Pax can’t go. Peter listens to his stern father—as he usually does—and throws Pax’s favorite toy soldier into the woods. When the fox runs to retrieve it, Peter and his dad get back in the car and leave him there—alone. But before Peter makes it through even one night under his grandfather’s roof, regret and duty spur him to action; he packs for a trek to get his best friend back and sneaks into the night. This is the story of Peter, Pax, and their independent struggles to return to one another against all odds. Told from the alternating viewpoints of Peter and Pax.

AUTHOR: Janet & Geoff Benge

GENRE: Biography, Nonfiction, History

SUMMARY: Jim and Pete turned to see the Auca men, their deadly spears raised, running toward Nate, Ed, and Roger. Jim stood in the river, his hand on his pistol. Should he defend himself? He already knew the answer. Each man had promised the others that he would not save himself by killing those they had sought out in Jesus’ name. Jim Elliot and his co-workers surrendered their lives in Ecuador’s jungle, trusting that their sacrifice would not be in vain. Decades later, this dramatic event has challenged countless Christians to live with one great purpose: to bring the gospel to those who have never heard. A true story of ordinary men and women whose trust in God accomplished extraordinary exploits for His kingdom and glory.