QUEEN OF KATWE and Unlikely Champions ~ Thoughts and Movie featurette

How often do we have people around us that find themselves in a seemingly impossible situation and yet they manage not only to survive these obstacles but to overcome them. There are unlikely champions all around us, many of whom never seek the spotlight and just live their lives quietly from day-to-day. You have to look carefully to see them but they are there.

I know of such an unlikely champion - B lived her life fighting to ensure those in the same situation as her would have a better life. The world she has lived in is one with many needs and lacks. But B has worked hard to get an education that many around her don't strive for. Her own health concerns have made her want to help prevent this from being the accepted norm of where she lives to becoming an exception. B is hoping to bring what she has learned home so that those she has grown up with will have the hope of a better tomorrow, one where medical help is just a few feet away rather than hundreds of miles.

People like B are unlikely champions who never win a medal, but they help make their small corner of the world better just through their efforts and their caring. These people are champions of the heart, whose greatest victories are those we never see. These  champions overcome the loss of family, health, and poverty through their perseverance and their drive to help others who may be in a similar situation. 

Disney’s QUEEN OF KATWE is based on the inspiring true story of Robert Katende and Phiona Mutesi.  Phiona was a young girl living in the slums of Katwe, Uganda.  One day she stumbles upon Katende and a group of children playing chess in a makeshift church.  Through the guidance of Katende and the game of chess, Phiona is encouraged to believe in herself.  Eventually, she finds herself not only competing in local chess matches, but winning in international competitions.  Robert and Phiona’s story celebrates the notion that champions can come from the most unlikely places.

QUEEN OF KATWE releases in theaters nationwide on Friday, September 30. 

The heartwarming featurette below features  Academy-Award winner Lupita Nyong'o and Academy Nominee David Oyelowo.

QUEEN OF KATWE Featurette.

Mattie's Pledge ~ Review

Mattie's Pledge
Journey to Pleasant Prairie #2
By Jan Drexler

It's 1848 and Mattie Schrock's family is soon to move from their home in Pennsylvania for a new one in Indiana.  But when her sister Annie and her husband Christopher decide not to make the move with them Mattie is torn over the split in her family. But when her old friends the Yoders and the Hertzlers join the move to the new Amish community Mattie is excited at the prospect of renewing her friendship with the other young women.

But as the group makes their way to their new home Mattie sees her friends begin forming attachments of the heart. Mattie has to wonder what her future holds - she doesn't she herself settling down to a life of the everyday of sameness she has come to know. Rather her dream is to see further west - a land with mountains and to see the ocean. But could she leave behind all she knows and those she loves? Or could her dream simply be a temptation to lead her away from the life she could be content with?

The journey to the Indiana settlement will give Mattie a chance to discover the path her life will follow. The path will not be one of ease or luxury as the group travels by wagon. Life in this time was never easy but traveling with no way to easily get aid if a need arose made it even more hazardous and uncertain.

I have not read this author's work before but was able to follow the story easily enough. The first few chapters gave me a little trouble getting into the story but once the actual move got under way I easily got caught up in the story.  I find it interesting that the different Amish groups, like many groups, have issues with the differing views held between the various groups - progressive verses traditional.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher Revell with no expectation of a positive review, all expressed opinions are my own

About the Book:

When she feels the pull of both home and the horizon, which will she choose?

Mattie Schrock is no stranger to uprooting her life. Even as her father relocated her family from one Amish community to the next, she always managed to find a footing in their new homes. Now as the Schrock family plans to move west from Somerset County to a fledgling Amish settlement in Indiana, she looks forward to connecting with old friends who will be joining them from another Pennsylvania community--friends like Jacob Yoder, who has always held a special place in her heart.

Since Mattie last saw Jacob, they've both grown into different people with different dreams. Jacob yearns to settle down, but Mattie can't help but dream of what may lie over the western horizon. When a handsome Englisher tempts her to leave the Amish behind to search for adventure in the West, will her pledge to Jacob be the anchor that holds her secure?

Tender, poignant, and gentle, Mattie's Pledge offers you a glimpse into Amish life in the 1840s--and into the yearning heart of a character you'll not soon forget.

Prince Noah and the School Pirates ~ Review

Prince Noah and the School Pirates
By Silke Schnee
Illustrated by Heike Sistig

When Prince Noah shows an understanding of numbers after helping out in the kitchen, it is decided that he should go to school. But school in Prince Noah's kingdom is very different than school here.

Prince Noah's school was on-board a ship. But everyone was divided onto different ships based on whether they were boys, girls, or had something different about them. Each ship taught something different, but you couldn't go to a different ship you had to stay on the one you were assigned to.

But when all the ships were blown off course into pirate controlled waters all the children and their teachers are in trouble. Thankfully the children work together with their unique skills and talents to save the day, themselves and their teachers.

Being captured by pirates showed the kingdom that each person can have something important to share, but sometimes all the pieces and parts have to be combined to make a real difference. The little prince who saved the kingdom has helped once again to change how people perceive differences. Never again would the children be separated on different ships of learning and each would be able to pursue the talent they were born with.

This is a delightful story in working together and not seeing only the outer layer, but instead seeing the person who is within. This isn't your normal princely tale but one that is invaluable in teaching a lesson that we all can use. Would be a welcome addition to any children's section of the library.

I was provided a copy of this book through Handle Marketing in exchange for my honest review.


About the Book:
Prince Noah may be a little slower than others, but he has no less joy in living and learning.



It's time for young Prince Noah to go to school.  In his kingdom, children go to school on sailing ships. There is a ship for girls and one for boys, one for children with an eye patch and one for children with one leg, and one for children who don't learn as fast. No one knows why there are so many different ships, but it has always been that way. 

Then a terrible storm drives the ships into the hands of pirates. The boys and girls realize that they will only escape if everyone does what he or she does best. Through their adventures, they learn that diversity makes us strong and that every person has something to teach us.

This delightfully illustrated fairy tale instills appreciation for children with Down syndrome and other developmental challenges, making it a valuable aid for teaching tolerance in the home or classroom.

A Time to Die ~ Review

A Time to Die
Out of Time #1
By Nadine Brandes

Parvin Blackwater has a year to live. She lives in a society that syncs a person's life to a clock at conception. There is just one problem with Parvin's clock, she doesn't know if it is truly hers. She and her brother Reid have been sharing one clock their entire lives. For 17 years one of them has been living a lie. One of them has been living without a clock.

Convinced that the clock counting down the last year of life is hers, Parvin decides that she has to live her remaining days so that she can make a difference. Parvin wants to be remembered.

But how can someone from one of the least important cities every rate remembrance past death? Can revealing her story be the path to remembrance? Unfortunately the truth may cost her more than she ever imagined when the authorities learn of it. No one lives beyond the Wall and those who live in defiance of the law are sent to the other side. Parvin is about to meet her fate whether she ready to meet it or not.

The world as we know it has ended. The USA is no more, the west has become a desolate wasteland of instant death. A Wall has been erected to keep those in the east safe from what lies beyond. One can't rise above the life they are born to, though they can fall if deemed a Radical. And Radicals can fall so low that they can be sent through the Wall.

This is a book that will tug at your emotions as Parvin deals with life and all it presents to her. Be warned you may want to have a box of tissues nearby. I highly recommend this moving book - this is a book that both teens and adults will enjoy reading and sharing.

I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book:

How would you live if you knew the day you'd die? 

Parvin Blackwater believes she has wasted her life. At only seventeen, she has one year left according to the Clock by her bedside. In a last-ditch effort to make a difference, she tries to rescue Radicals from the government's crooked justice system. 

But when the authorities find out about her illegal activity, they cast her through the Wall -- her people's death sentence. What she finds on the other side about the world, about eternity, and about herself changes Parvin forever and might just save her people. But her clock is running out.

Can I Really Know Jesus? ~ Review

Can I Really Know Jesus?
101 Questions and Answers about Jesus, Salvation, 

        and Prayer
by Carolyn Larsen

Have you ever wondered if you can truly know Jesus? If you are like most people you have asked yourself this question from time to time. Faith is belief without view-able evidence and it is normal to have doubts creep in and attempt to attack your faith. Asking questions is a chance to learn and grow in one's understanding of Jesus, His gift of salvation, and in how to talk with Him through prayer.

Events from the life of Jesus are explained in simple terms so that one who has not grown up in this type of environment can understand what is being said.  Some of the questions in the first part cover the date of Jesus' birth, why Mary was chosen to be His mother, and whether there is proof of Jesus' resurrection. The second part covers salvation and what that means on a personal level in one's day-to-day life. The third part covers prayer - what is prayer exactly and how one should and can approach this opportunity to speak to God.

This book is hard-covered and has soft colored pages (yellows, peaches, blues, greens) with a few illustrations (at the top of the page by the question number and at the separation between the parts). Each question/answer is followed by a supporting Bible verse. 

This book would make a lovely gift. It would also be a good book to have as part of your family devotional time.

I was provided a free copy of this book by Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book:

Knowing Jesus is like no other relationship you’ve ever experienced.

Cheerful artwork with a modern whimsical style wraps around honest, easy-to-understand answers to your toughest questions about the Savior, his invitation to salvation, and the assurance that God really does hear our prayers. Can I Really Know Jesus? will inspire and offer comfort as you grow closer to God and gain a better understanding of why he sent his Son to earth, what it means to have salvation, and how prayer can deeply impact your life. Also serves as a heartfelt gift of love and promise to those who are considering faith or are new believers.

365 Pocket Morning Prayers
Strength and Joy to Begin Each Day
By Dave Veerman

365 Pocket Morning Prayers is a small 316 page book that is perfectly sized to take with you wherever you go. These are short half page to full page themed prayers with a corresponding Bible verse. These can be read through in order becoming a part of one's daily devotional. Or using the index in the back one can pick the prayer by the topic for specific needs.   

The cover is a soft cream and aqua speckle with a carved out light green palm tree, sea gulls and title. The cover has a peaceful appearance that suit the content - prayer. This would be a perfect gift to have on hand for a new believer, conformation, or baptism.  The compact size makes it ideal for a bed side table, purse, briefcase or backpack. The prayers are encouraging and comforting as one faces the day-to-day struggles and joys that are life.

I was provided a free copy of this book by Tyndale in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book:

Each morning when you arise, take a moment 

to talk with God about the day ahead. 

Ask Him to prepare your heart so that you can be ready to face any challenge that comes your way. 365 Pocket Morning Prayers can guide this time of life-changing conversation and help you express your needs and concerns to God. Don’t worry about what the day will bring. Instead, release your troubles and concerns into God’s care by reading and meditating on the prayers featured in 365 Pocket Morning Prayers. Begin your day in joyful anticipation, trusting that God is in control of your life and wants only the best for you.

Ella's Will ~ Review

Ella's Will
By Jessilyn Stewart Peaslee

He'll get his true love to the ball...

Will Hawkins loved Henry Blakeley as the father he had wished he had had. Henry's death brought an end to his employment for the Blakeley family.

Years later Will is shocked to see the situation that Henry's daughter Ella is living in. Reduced to the role of servant in her father's home, Ella's life is one of hard work which Will is determined to ease. But if she receives help her stepmother punishes her, seemingly determined to break her spirit.

When Prince Kenton's betrothal ends he finds himself in need of a wife before his birthday.  To the dismay of the royalty the Prince plans a ball to find the most suitable common woman in the land, whom he will wed. Will both fears and hopes that this may be Ella's chance to rise about the life she is now living. But if Ella weds the Prince, Will will lose the woman he has come to love.

Determined to put aside his own desires and happiness, Will will find a way for Ells to win the Prince and escape the life she has. But can he survive the loss of his heart's desire?

This is the delightful companion to Ella a story in which Ella makes a choice that does not include a happily ever after with the Prince. This story is told entirely from Will's perspective and can be read before Ella if you have not yet had the privilege of reading it. Lovely twist on the story of Cinderella which you will enjoy reading again and again.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

About the book:

Will Hawkins is just a simple stable boy. How can he hope to woo Ella, his once-wealthy childhood friend who is stubbornly independent, especially when his competition is the prince? Without any magic or fairy godmothers, Will must show Ella that he is her true prince charming in this perspective twist of the Cinderella story.

About the author:

Jessilyn Stewart Peaslee graduated with a BA in English from Brigham Young University in 2004. She loved taking creative writing classes, and was particularly fond of the works of Shakespeare, Jane Austen, and the Bronte sisters. She also studied French and the humanities. Jessilyn grew up in the beautiful deserts of Southern California and now resides in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains in Saratoga Springs, Utah, with her husband and five boys.