Ready to Return by Ken Ham (Book Review!)

Ready to Return:

Bringing back the Church’s Lost Generation

By Ken Ham with Jeff Kinley

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Religion / Christian Education / Christian Life / General

Published by- Master Books

Copyrighted- 2015

Number of pages- 208

Age Group- Adult

Description of Book- paperback, ISBN 978-0-89051-836-6, $13.99

Ready to Return is filled with information on why people are leaving the church and how to bring them back.

Current culture has captivated many of these young people and they have left the church and the beliefs they grew up with.  The blame cannot all be placed on them though, parents and the church have not taught them apologetics, and they too have fallen victim to secular beliefs.

This book has statistics and a clear strategy on what to do to help them.

My thoughts-

I thought this book was interesting and well written.  When I think about the number of people in their twenties at my local church, it isn’t a very large number.  I see more of them returning after they are married and have children.

I know that there were people in different denominations contact for the survey done by America’s Research Group, but I didn’t think there was a fair representation.  They didn’t include the Mormons, Seventh Day Adventists, or Jews.  The statistics would have been different if they included those groups.

The chapter I thought was most interesting was chapter 6, “Owning Up- Embracing a Faith of Your Own.”  I thought it was important, because people do need to embrace their own faith.  As a parent, I am making sure that my children will be prepared to defend their faith.  Parents need to take a more active role in their children’s faith, especially those who have children in the public school system.  Those children have a lot more to deal with than those who are homeschooled.  I liked the list of questions on pages 97 and 98 that help foster ownership.

The rest of the book is informational too.  I recommend it to all parents, church leaders, and those who work with those in their twenties.   

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Ready to Return, by Ken Ham with Jeff Kinley, for free through Cross Focused Reviews.  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.  All links were current when posted.

Explore Meteor Crater and Petrified Forest with Noah Justice- DVD and Study Guide

Series- Awesome Science

Genre- RELIGION/ Christian Education/ General, RELIGION/ Religion & Science

Author- Kyle Justice

Published by- Master Books, A Division of New Leaf Publishing Group

Copyrighted- 2012

Number of pages- Study Guide is 36 pages

Age Group- All ages

Description of book- DVD (list price $14.99 and 30 minutes in length), Study Guide ($3.99 and ISBN: 978-0-89051-656-0)

Hosted by 14-year-old Noah Justice and produced by Kyle Justice this video allows you to take a journey to Arizona’s Meteor Crater and Petrified Forest National Park

Noah Justice discusses:

• The Grand Staircase and Noah’s Flood.
• Fossilized Dinosaurs.
• Shoemaker’s Theory.

He always makes sure to reference the Bible along with scientific evidence.

The corresponding study guide is full of extra activities which enhance the video.

About the Author-

Kyle Justice has produced the Awesome Science series with his son Noah as the host and Noah’s younger brother helping with video editing and their website.  Kyle Justice’s work has appeared on the National Geographic network, ESPN and the Outdoor Channel.

My Thoughts-

My family and I have watched this video several times and we have enjoyed it each time.

It is amazing to me that evolution can still be believed after all the evidence that has been shown against it.  This is a video that should be shown in all science classes.  People need to learn about some of the other viewpoints and theories.  I have always known there was more to Noah’s Flood and it can be proven with the Mount St. Helen’s eruption.

The study guide was very useful.  There were True or False, fill-in-the-blank, and discussion questions, which helped strengthen the information in the video.

I liked this video and study guide, so did my family.  I recommend that all homeschooling families and other people who want to learn about science from a creationist point-of-view.  Pick up a copy today!

Disclosure- I received Explore Meteor Crater and Petrified Forest by Kyle Justice for free from Master Books.  All links were current when posted.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I’m disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Stargazer’s Guide to the Night Sky by Dr. Jason Lisle

Genre- RELIGION/ Religion & Science, SCIENCE/ Astronomy

Author- Dr. Jason Lisle

Published by- Master Books, A Division of New Leaf Publishing Group

Copyrighted- 2012

Number of pages- 240

Age Group- All ages (young children will like the pictures and readers will enjoy learning)

Description of book- hardback, list price $34.99, ISBN: 978-0-89051-641-6

Do you like looking at the stars and the night sky?  Do you want to learn more about the entire night sky?  This book will help you learn all that you want and need.

You will:

• Learn how to choose the best telescope.
• Explore 150 full-color illustrations.
• Learn about different celestial events such as, eclipses, meteor showers, and solar system dust.

Read this book, then check out the night sky.

Link to Preview.

About the Author-

Dr. Jason Lisle is a creation scientist who discusses topics such as Einstein’s relativity, problems with the big bang, astronomy, and dinosaurs.  He has a PhD in Astro-physics and is the Director of Research for the Institute for Creation Research.  You can reach Dr. Jason Lisle at his website www.icr.org.

 

My Thoughts-

I thought this book had wonderful pictures and information.  My son and I had fun looking at the book together.  We learned about the analema, Haley’s Comet, eclipses, sun dogs, and moon dogs.  I know that we will use this book for many years to come.

My favorite chapter is the one about astronomy with the unaided eye.  One of the best parts was all the diagrams of the night skies.  I’m glad I live in the Northern Hemisphere, because the diagrams were geared towards those living at mid-northern latitudes.

There was a lot of great information in this entire book for an amateur astronomer.  The chapter on astrophotography was one that I need to share with my sister, because she enjoys taking pictures of the night sky.

This book would be useful for homeschoolers and amateur astronomers.  I highly recommend this book.

Disclosure- I received The Stargazer’s Guide to the Night Sky by Dr. Jason Lisle for free from Master Books.  All links were current when posted.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I’m disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Evolution Impossible by Dr. John F. Ashton

Genre- SCIENCE/General, JUVENILE NONFICTION/ Science &Nature/General

Author- Dr. John F. Ashton

Published by- Master Books, A Division of New Leaf Publishing Group

Copyrighted- 2012

Number of pages- 208

Age Group- Back of the book says Juvenile, but I would say 13 and up for best comprehension

Description of book- paperback, list price $13.99, ISBN: 978-0-89051-681-2

In fourteen chapters Dr. John Ashton explains why Darwin’s theory of evolution simply is not true. 

The reader learns:

• How living cells are not by chance and new organisms cannot evolve by mutations.
• How there is geological proof of a global flood.
• How radiometric dating methods are inaccurate.

Link to Preview.

 

About the Author-

Dr. John F. Ashton currently lives in Melbourne, Australia.  He has been an editor and researcher for creationist books.  He is an adjunct professor of biomedical sciences and applied sciences .

 

 

My Thoughts-

This book says it goes under Juvenile Non-fiction, but I don’t agree.  There are many technical terms and some of the material was difficult for me to understand.

I was surprised when I learned about how many scientists know that the flood did happen and the earth is not millions of years old.  If so many scientists know, then why don’t more of us know it, especially Christians.

I enjoyed chapter 14 and the list of twelve reasons for rejecting evolution.  It really helped to bring the whole book together.

This book may be hard for someone to read and enjoy if they have preconceived notions and are unable to change.  If people are open to change this book is great.  We all need this book though, because time and time again evolution is being proven wrong.  Pick up a copy today.

Disclosure- I received Evolution Impossible: 12 Reasons Why Evolution Cannot Explain the Origin of Life on Earth by Dr. John F. Ashton for free from Master Books.  All links were current when posted.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I’m disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

British History- Observations & Assessments from Early Cultures to Today (Teacher Edition) by Dr. James P. Stobaugh

Genre- Religion/Christian Education/Children and Youth History/Europe/Great Britain/General

Published by- Master Books, A Division of New Leaf Publishing Group

Copyrighted- 2012

Number of pages- 128

Age Group- Teacher’s edition for11th Grade

Description of book- paperback, list price $14.99, ISBN: 978-0-89051-645-4

Planned for eleventh grade, this teacher’s guide includes answers to assignments, grading criteria, and the weekly exam questions and answers.  It also includes the “first thoughts” that the student reads and the locations where the student can find the learning objectives in the text.

About the Author-

Dr. James Stobaugh and his wife have homeschooled their four children. He is an ordained pastor, certified secondary teacher, and SAT coach. He has written other books, including American History and World History high school history curriculum.

My Thoughts-

I thought the teacher’s guide was very handy to have, especially since it had the exam questions and the internet address where the questions could be found.  The student textbook had neither.

I don’t believe that the teacher’s guide is totally necessary if the teacher reads the text and is able to formulate answers.  This guide would be useful if essay questions were difficult for the teacher.  $14.99 is a lot to pay for a teacher’s guide when it only contains the answers.  I’m not sure if I would pay the price or not.  I’m sure I could just read the text and then grade my student’s work.  And I could download the exam questions from the internet.

I would recommend this book to teachers who need the answers to check against their student’s work.

Disclosure- I received British History (Teacher Edition) by Dr. James P. Stobaugh for free from Master Books. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I’m disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

British History- Observations & Assessments from Early Cultures to Today (Student Edition) by James P. Stobaugh

Genre- Religion/Christian Education/Children and Youth History/Europe/Great Britain/General

Published by- Master Books, A Division of New Leaf Publishing Group

Copyrighted- 2012

Number of pages- 272

Age Group- 11th Grade

Description of book- paperback, list price $24.99, ISBN: 978-0-89051-646-1

This book contains 34 weeks of lessons.  Each week begins with a summary, then continues with daily lessons of text and questions.  The week of lessons ends with an exam.

This textbook was written by Dr. Stobaugh and contains an historical account without revisionist or anti-Christian perspectives.  The text includes:

• Questions based on Blooms taxonomy
• Terms, concepts, and theories
• “History Makers”
• Independence for the student to practice independent learning

About the Author-

Dr. James Stobaugh and his wife have homeschooled their four children.  He is an ordained pastor, certified secondary teacher, and SAT coach.  He has written other books, including American History and World History high school history curriculum.

My Thoughts-

It is great to be able to find textbooks that are Christian based and help the student understand that God has been important in history.  This text was well written in each lesson.  It contained a view of British history that I had not been aware of, since I have always studied texts that contained a secular view.

The daily questions with the lessons are thought provoking and serve the point of the lesson better than true or false questions or multiple choice questions.  I find that essay questions often help me learn the material better than other types of questions.

The only thing I didn’t like about this edition was that it mentioned the weekly exams, but it made no mention of where to find them.  I was glad to have a teacher’s edition that contained them as well as mention of a website where the exams can be located.

This is an excellent textbook.  I would recommend it to all high school students.

Disclosure- I received British History (Student Edition)  by Dr. James P. Stobaugh for free from Master Books. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I’m disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Your Guide to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks- A Different Perspective by Dennis Bokovoy, John Hergenrather, Michael Oard, Tom Vail

Genre- RELIGION/Religion and Science TRAVEL/Parks & Campgrounds

Published by- Master Books, A Division of New Leaf Publishing Group

Copyrighted- 2012

Number of pages- 188

Age Group- all ages

Description of book- hardback (spiral-bound), list price $need, ISBN: 978-0-89051-640-9

The world’s first National Park.  Contains over 3,400 square miles.  This is Yellowstone National Park.  Yellowstone has unique geothermal and geologic features which are shown in color photos and illustrations.  There are also many photos of animals and plants.

Some categories in this book about Yellowstone and Grand Teton are:

• Examine Yellowstone carefully
• Examine Grand Teton carefully
• Geology
• Fossils
• History

About the Authors-

Dennis Bokovoy has been an educator for 30 years and is interested in geology and fossils.

John Hergenrather has been a part of a creation geology research team.

Michael Oard is an amateur geologist and has spent 30 years studying earth science.

Tom Vail and his wife run Canyon Ministries.  They provide rafting trips through the Grand Canyon, which are Christ-centered.

My Thoughts-

My son has always been interested in Yellowstone, so I thought this book would be a perfect book for us to study before we go on our trip.  I was not disappointed in this book and neither was my family.  We enjoyed reading the text and looking at the pictures.  It was refreshing to read a guidebook that discussed creation and not evolution.  It was also interesting reading about how some science theories don’t work when compared to creation, like carbon dating.

One of the best features of this book was all of the panoramic photos with labels of the important locations in each photo.  The descriptions describing each area of the parks was also excellent.  I really felt that we could learn everything we needed to about Yellowstone from this book.  We are now armed with knowledge about what we can see and do on our journey.

I highly recommend this book to everyone of all ages, whether it is for enjoyment, science class, or history.

Disclosure- I received You Guide to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks by Dennis Bokovoy, John Hergenrather, Michael Oard, Tom Vail for free from Master Books. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I’m disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

A is for Adam: the Gospel from Genesis by Ken & Mally Ham and illustrated by Jeff Allbrecht

Genre- Religion/Christian Education/Children & Youth, Religion/History

Published by- Master Books, A Division of New Leaf Publishing Group

Copyrighted- 2011

Number of pages- 77

Age Group- Young Children

Description of book- Casebound, list price $16.99, ISBN: 978-0-89051-625-6

With 26 different lessons, fun illustrations, rhymes, short discussions, and questions; this is a perfect book from Sunday School to home devotions.

Children will learn biblical history with Creation and the New Heaven and New Earth.

Downloadable Coloring Pages. 

Link to Preview.

 About the Author-

Ken Ham is CEO/president of Answers in Genesis. He uses apologetics to communicate biblical truth and historical facts.

Reviews by Daddy, B and C coming soon!

My Thoughts-

I really enjoyed doing these devotions with my husband and children.  We would begin by reading the rhyme, then continue with the starting point, “Let’s Talk!” and “Always Remember”, “Stuff to Do”, and “Quick Review.”  It took us about fifteen minutes each time and the kids couldn’t wait until the next time.

One thing I thought that was strange was the way Adam was drawn.  He chest wasn’t anatomically correct.  I did have a fun time looking at  the rest of the illustrations.

I didn’t think it was necessary to continuously state that we are not animals.  I think the kids realized that in a couple of lessons.

I would recommend A is for Adam for families with young children. 

Disclosure- I received A is for Adam by Ken & Mally Ham for free from Master Books. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I’m disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Answers Book for Teens Volume 1 by Ken Ham, Bodie Hodge, Dr. Tommy Mitchell

Genre- Religion/Religion & Science, Topical/Teen

Authors- Ken Ham, and Bodie Hodge, Dr. Tommy Mitchell

Published by- Master Books, A Division of New Leaf Publishing Group

Copyrighted- 2011

Number of pages- 96

Age Group- 13-17

Description of book- paperback, list price $14.99, ISBN: 978-0-89051-622-5

Are you looking for answers to questions about God, then look at this book that answers 15 commonly asked questions.

Topics include:

• How do we know the Bible is true?
• Who is more believable- creationists or evolutionists?
• Why should we listen to God about sex?

Link to Preview.

About the Authors-

Dr. Tommy Mitchell has degrees in biology and biochemistry and is a speaker and writer for Answers in Genesis.  He enjoys sharing the creation/gospel message with teens.

Ken Ham is CEO/president of Answers in Genesis. He uses apologetics to communicate biblical truth and historical facts.

Bodie Hodge is a speaker, writer and researcher for Answers in Genesis USA.

My Thoughts-

When I received this book I was disappointed when I saw so many illustrations and just a little bit of text.  I was very surprised and pleased when I started reading the questions and answers.

Each question was one that many teens have and the answers were very complete and thought provoking.  My favorite question was the last one.  “Why would God ever want to save someone as messed up as me?”  It is also the most important question.  Many people young and old think that they are unable to come to God.  They don’t realize that that is when God wants us the most.

I highly recommend this book.

Disclosure- I received Answers Book for Teens for free from Master Books.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I’m disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Take Back the Land by Rick Boyer

Genre- Religion/Christian Life/Social Issues, Religion/Religion, Politics & State

Published by- Master Books, A Division of New Leaf Publishing Group

Copyrighted- 2011

Number of pages- 290

Age Group- Homeschool Teens

Description of book- paperback, list price $13.99, ISBN: 978-0-89051-619-5

 

 

There is a challenge for young adults: to change the world.  Rick Boyer talks straight to teen on subject matters such as education, media, the arts, family, and more.

Rise up to the challenge and read this book to be a part of the new generation of leaders.

Link to Preview.

About the Author-

Rick Boyer and his wife have homeschooled their children and own The Learning Parent ministry.  He is also well known as a homeschool speaker and author.

My Thoughts-

When I read this book, I wasn’t sure what to think.  Rick Boyer talks about this generation being leaders, but it seems as if he doesn’t want women leaders outside of the family or church, which I do understand based on Proverbs 31.  The rest of the book doesn’t seem to be geared towards teen girls if they are not to be leaders outside of the house.

I did like learning that public schools were started in Germany.  I also agree with Rick Boyer about age segregation in the church.  Teens do need to be in the sanctuary with their parents and not talking with their friends or texting them.

I would recommend this book for boys in high school, especially ones who have been homeschooled.

Disclosure- I received Take Back the Land by Rick Boyer for free from Master Books. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I’m disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Big Book of History

Genre- Juvenile Nonfiction/History/General, Religion/Christianity/History

The Big Book of History

Authors- Laura Welch, Ken Ham, and Bodie Hodge

Published by- Master Books, A Division of New Leaf Publishing Group

Copyrighted- 2010

Number of pages- 15

Age Group- 7-12

Description of book- Panels only, list price $16.99, ISBN: 978-0-89051-632-4

The Big Book of History is a fun fold-out time-line that stretches 15 feet and covers Creation to today.

You will learn:

• Biblical/Christianity- the life of Christ
• World Events- Battle of the Alamo
• Inventions/Technology- musical instruments
• Civilizations- English Civil War

It also includes areas of extra information called, “Did You Know?”

Please click here to see an excerpt!

About the Authors-

Laura Welch is the Editor-in-Chief of New Leaf Publishing and has a great interest in history and writing.  She utilizes her education and experience in publishing, journalism and more to develop and complete her projects.

Ken Ham is from Australia, but now lives in Ohio, where he is CEO/president of Answers in Genesis.  He uses apologetics to communicate biblical truth and historical facts.  He is an author of many books.

Bodie Hodge has both a B.S. and M.S. in mechanical engineering.  Now he is a speaker, writer and researcher for Answers in Genesis USA.

What C (girl, recently turned 6, Kindergarten) Thought-

I like the Big Book of History.  It talked about mummification, the Trojan Horse, and Egyptians.  It discussed building with rocks.  I enjoyed the pictures.  I learned a lot.

I liked everything. I would recommend this book for kids my age.

What B (boy, age 7, almost 8, second grade) Thought-

I liked the Big Book of History.  My favorite sections were the “Did You Know?”  My favorite one was “water then ice.”  It dates back to day one, when the earth was made and continues to 2010. 

It was fun laying it out on the floor.  It really did stretch fifteen feet.  I also had fun zooming along in history.

I think book is good for kids my age.

Dad’s Thoughts-

It’s nice to have a visual timeline to help put events, inventions and people into perspective. Kids can see that “technology” existed long before the iPod, iPad and Playstation 3. Comparing World Events, Biblical/Christianity, Civilizations, and Inventions/Technology on the same timeline is like putting pieces of a puzzle together. The resulting picture makes sense. Too many times today only bits and pieces of information are taught to our kids leaving gaps in their education. The Big Book of History makes great strides in filling those gaps. Well worth the money.

My Thoughts-

I loved the Big Book of History.  Its panels folded out fifteen feet and were full of information.

B wanted to take a look at it as soon as I opened the package.  He had fun unfolding the time-line and zooming along in history.  B and I enjoyed laying on the floor learning about the history of the world.

C and I spent less time as this was not a current interest of hers, but she did enjoy the time she spent with me reading the information she wanted to learn.

I enjoyed everything.  I thought the divisions of Biblical/Christianity, World Events, Inventions/Technology, and Civilizations/Empires was a great idea.  It really helped put history into perspective for me.

I would highly recommend this book to everyone, because there is a lot to learn and it can be a lot of fun. 

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Big Book of History by Laura Welch, Ken Ham, and Bodie Hodge for free from Master Books, a division of New Leaf Publishing Group. 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.

The World of Animals

Genre- Juvenile Nonfiction/Science and Nature/General

Science/Reference

Science/General

The World of Animals Authors Martin Walters and Jinny Johnson

Published by- Master Books, A Division of New Leaf Publishing Group and My Father’s World

Copyrighted- 1999, second copywriting 2011

Number of pages- 256

Age Group- Juvenile

Description of book- hardback book, list price $24.99, ISBN: 978-0-89051-617-1

Originally published in 1999 by Paragon Publishing Ltd., My Father’s World and Master Books have rereleased this edition jointly.  The World of Animals includes over 1,000 animals divided into classification from simple to complex, microscopic worms to elephants.

This comprehensive book has photos, illustrations and diagrams to make this book fun for younger kids to look at while they are being read to or older kids to read by themselves.

Please click here to read an excerpt.

Our Experience- B and C were very excited when I showed this book to them. They enjoyed looking at the photos and then we would read about an animal of their choice.

We also used this book to learn more about worms when we were working on our nature study.

We have really enjoyed using this book for school and for fun.

What C (girl, who just turned 6, Kindergarten) thought- I liked it.  It was a good book.   There were lots and lots of animals.  There were rabbits, shrews, starfish and clown fish.  Momma read to me about the aardvarks.

I liked everything.  I would recommend this book for kids my age.

What B (boy, age 7, second grade) thought- The World of Animals was good.  I really liked it. 

In this book you learn about worms, amphibians, mammals and much more. We are mammals. If you are a crocodile you are not a mammal.

One of the animals you learn about is the rhino.  In school we learned about worms. 

I liked reading about the snakes.  I want to have a rattlesnake when I am older, with its venom taken out.

I think this book is good for kids my age for school or fun.  

My thoughts- I think this book is a wonderful addition to any homeschool or library.

I like the-

• color photos and illustrations
• charts listing main characteristics of animals
• dividing of animals into sections in the “Table of Contents” from simple animals (jellyfish) to complex (mammals)

I highly recommend this book.  It was fun and informational to read.

What Dad thought- The thing that gets your attention is the color leaping off the pages from the stunning photos. The illustrations, drawings and charts add another dimension to this book that will certainly aid in attracting and keeping kid’s attention. 

This is definitely a must have to any collection. The quality is superb and even if the kids just turn the pages for something to do they’ll still take something away every time.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received The World of Animals for free from Master Books, a division of New Leaf Publishing Group. 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.

World of Science

Genre- Juvenile Nonfiction/Science and Nature/General

Science/Reference

Science/General

World of Science Authors Parragon and Jinny Johnson

Published by- Master Books, A Division of New Leaf Publishing Group and My Father’s World

Copyrighted- 2004, second copywriting 2011

Number of pages- 248

Age Group- Juvenile

Description of book- hardback book, list price $24.99, ISBN: 978-0-89051-618-8

Originally published in 1999 by Paragon Publishing Ltd., My Father’s World and Master Books have rereleased this edition jointly.

World of Science includes over 800 illustrations and photos to help explain six sections in the scientific world:

• Matter and chemicals
• Energy, motion, and machines
• Electricity and magnetism
• Light and Sound
• Earth and life
• Space and time

This comprehensive book has photos, illustrations, and diagrams to make this book fun for younger kids to look at while they are being read to or older kids to read by themselves.  And over 60 experiments to do in school or for fun.

Please click here to see an excerpt!

What C (girl, recently turned 6, Kindergarten) thought-

I liked it.  I think it is good for kids my age to have read to them.  I like science.  I learned about the earth.  The earth is not flat.  I learned about molecules, atoms, quarks and other tiny little things. 

What B (boy, age 7, second grade) thought-

THE  book was good i mane WORLD  OF  SCIENCE.

in  the  back  of  the  book  there  ware a  bunch  of  science  projects.

I  THINK  THIS  BOOK  IS  GOOD  FOR  KIDS  MY  AGE. 

(The book was good.  I mean, World of Science.  In the back of the book there were a bunch of science projects.  I think this book is good for kids my age.)

You learn about atoms, leaning tower of Pisa, and space.

Dad’s thoughts-

Another great book by Parragon and Jinny Johnson. The subjects in each of the six scientific sections has two pages of information making it an easy and interesting read for kids. Lots of colorful & detailed pictures, graphs, illustrations and condensed biographies keep your interest in the subject.

It can be read to children just learning to read and is a good read for those more advanced in reading. This book gives a good basic explanation of each subject yet provides enough information for those wanting to pursue in-depth research.

The experiments in the back of the book are the icing on the cake. They are simple enough for the kids to do but need an adult for one or two items in each experiment. This is a nicely done covert way to get parents and their children to spend time together. I give this book 5 out of 5 Bunsen Burners.

My thoughts-

I really enjoyed looking at and studying this book.  I have always enjoyed learning about science and World of Science discusses different areas of science to help me show my children the basics. 

The kids and I had a lot of fun picking out the sections we would read and also learning about the scientists who were involved.

The most exciting part about the book was the selection of experiments we could choose from.  It will be fun in future years to read sections of the book and the do the experiments that correspond.

I highly recommend World of Science to homeschooling families as a resource or to children who love science and want to learn more.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received World of Science for free from Master Books, a division of New Leaf Publishing Group.  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.

Unveiling the Kings of Israel by David Down

Genre- Religion/Biblical Studies/History & Culture | History/Ancient Egypt

Unveiling the Kings of Israel by Down

Published by- Master Books, A Division of New Leaf Publishing Group

Copyrighted- July 2011

Number of pages- 170

Age Group- All ages

Description of book- hardback book, list price $29.99, ISBN: 0-89051-609-6

Is the Bible true?  Is there archeological proof?

Unveiling the Kings of Israel shows archeological and Biblical proof of the Biblical kings like; David, Solomon and more.  Each chapter is filled with photos, artwork, Biblical quotes, and archeological proof from other countries.

Learn more about how Egypt and Israel chronology needs to be adjusted up to 600 years to match Bible chronology.  What will you believe, Bible chronology or current archeological chronology?

About the Author- David Down is the editor of “Archeological Diggings.”  For over 40 years he has been a field archeologist and excavates regularly in Israel.

My thoughts-

I was excited to review this book.  I am always interested in discovering how Bible and archeology chronologies match and the proof that I can either show or tell people when I want to help people believe in the Bible. 

The most interesting part of this book is the idea that chronologies of Egypt and Israel are off.  Up to 600 years!  If those times periods are adjusted to the Bible chronology then everything lines up perfectly and the Bible is proven as fact.  This book doesn’t describe how the chronologies have been determined so it would be helpful to add that information in future editions.

There is a modern map at the beginning of the book, but more historical maps would add a lot.  I would really like to see more maps of the lands of each of the kings discussed.

Would I recommend?  Yes!  I think that anybody who desires to learn about the archeological proof of the Bible should read this book.  Teachers/parents should add it to their history curriculum.

And all the photos are great too!!

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Unveiling the Kings of Israel by David Down for free from Master Books, a division of New Leaf Publishing Group. 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.

SAT & College Preparation Course for the Christian Student by James P. Stobaugh

Genre- Education/Study Skills & Education/Higher

SAT & College Preparation Course for the Christian Student by James P. Stobaugh

Published by- Master Books, A Division of New Leaf Publishing Group

Copyrighted- June 2011

Number of pages- 425

Age Group- High School

Description of book- Paperback book, list price $29.99, ISBN: 978-0-89051-624-9

Extras- SAT Essay Workbook download here

High school is one of the busiest and most important times in a person’s life.  This book is designed to be integrated into a student’s busy life for their first three years.

Short lessons, containing a devotional, reading lesson, plus a few practice questions,  Monday through Friday for the first three years is all it will take to help improve scores on the SAT.  The back of the book has book lists, scriptures for the devotional and fifty sample essays.

Excerpt from the Book!

About the Author- James P. Stobaugh and his wife have homeschooled their four children.  He is well known in homeschooling and college/SAT preparation.  He has a degree from Vanderbilt and Rutgers universities, and Princeton and Gordon-Conwell seminaries.

My thoughts- I thought this SAT prep. book was well laid out, but it is not for the faint of heart.  This book will take the user quite a bit of time beginning in their freshman high school career, but I feel utilizing this program will help improve scores and their relationship with God.

There were two parts about this book that didn’t sit well with me: the quality of the essays and the lack of a practice test.  If I were in the admissions department of a college I would not have accepted most of the essays as they were poorly written and rather boring.  A practice test would help the student know exactly what to expect. 

I recommend this book for students to strengthen their academics and their relationships with God.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received SAT & College Preparation Course for the Christian Student by James P. Stobaugh for free from Master Books, a division of New Leaf Publishing Group. 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.

The Defender’s Guide for Life’s Toughest Questions by Ray Comfort

Genre- Religion/Christian Life/Spiritual Growth/Christian Theology/Apologetics

The Defender’s Guide for Life’s Toughest Questions by Ray Comfort

Published by- Master Books

Copyrighted- 2011

Number of pages- 176

Age Group- Adult/Senior High School

Description of book- paperback, list price $12.99, ISBN-13: 978-0-89051-604-1

Divided into five different sections: Humanity, the Bible, Science, Philosophy, and Religion.  Ray Comfort answers questions from atheists base on Biblical truths.

This book has been written to help equip Christians who may not have an answer when confronted by those who question their faith.

In this book you will learn the answers to questions/statements such as:

• “Evolution proves there is no need for God’s existence.”
• “I’ve tried to praying, and it doesn’t work!”
• “Do you ever doubt the existence of God?  And if so, why?”
• “Do you really believe the Holocaust was God’s punishment of the Jews?”

About the author- Ray Comfort has written more than 70 books and is a co-host with Kirk Cameron.  His blog, Atheist Central, is where he answers questions from atheists.

My thoughts- I was very interested to see what Ray Comfort had to say in this book.  I have seen him on his show with Kirk Cameron and I was not impressed.  I couldn’t wait to read this book to see if my opinion of him could be changed.

Unfortunately, I was unable to enjoy this book.  I thought the questions were very good, but I felt that Ray Comfort failed to completely answer many of the questions.  Most of the time it seemed as if he completely avoided the question.

Once in chapter three he said he was impressed by Charles Darwin and later in the chapter he said Charles Darwin was a raving man.  It was only when I looked back at the two different passages that I discovered that the first time he was being sarcastic.  I would think it may be difficult for some people to realize the sarcasm unless they were really studying this book. 

I would not recommend this book.  If you want to be able to defend Christianity, it would be best to just study the Bible, so you would know exactly what to say.  There is also no harm in telling the person that you need to find the answer and you would get back to them.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received The Defender’s Guide for Life’s Toughest Questions by Ray Comfort for free from Master Books. 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.