BOOK REVIEWS Parent Books WaterBrook Press, 2013. 240 pp. $14.99. Reviewed by Michelle Connell Boys today are in trouble—in the home, at school, on the playground—almost anywhere they can be found. But with new scientific knowledge and biblical principles, boys don’t have to be continuously admonished. Instead, they need nurture and direction to be understood and loved in the way they need. Jantz and Gurian have teamed up to help teachers, parents, and other caregivers learn effective ways to lead boys toward a better way of life for themselves and those around them. The authors use the acronym HERO to explain how to help today’s boys grow and thrive in our constantly changing world. Readers will discover what sons learn from moms and dads; how to help their sons succeed at home and in school, avoid the technology and media trap, and strengthen their character and self-discipline; and engage with other helpful topics. They’ll find the research, examples, and personal experiences of the authors insightful in terms of raising their own boys today. Check out the Christian Home & School Facebook page for a chance to win one of four copies! Raising Boys by Design by Gregory L. Jantz and Michael Gurian, with Ann McMurray. Reviewed by Michelle Connell Danger on the Train by Donna L. Walter, with Lilli Rein. WestBow Press, 2013. 314 pp. $22.99. This is a remarkable true story of how two sides of a family were reunited after a 60-year silence, during which time they lost track of one another. Authors Donna Walter, an American, and Lilli Rein, a German, are cousins with Germans-from-Russia descendants (the Volga-Deutsch) who long ago left their homeland and traveled to faraway Russia on promises of land, work, and freedom from persecution. Walter’s grandmother later emigrated to the United States, while Rein’s grandfather stayed behind in Russia. The families were separated for decades by silence and fear based on Communism, war, and famine, but miraculously found each other through a divine appointment involving a German houseguest of Walter’s. Later Walter traveled to Germany to meet Rein and reunite the two sides of the family. Together they visited areas of the former USSR to view cemeteries and hometowns of ancestors. The authors were disturbed to see most citizens there living well below the American poverty level, many without electricity or running water except for the few rich residing in Moscow or St. Petersburg. Their story will fascinate fans of history or memoir. Talking with Your Daughter about Best Friends and Mean Girls by Dannah Gresh. Harvest House Publishers, 2008. 204 pp. $12.99. Reviewed by Chris Van Eyl In an age when kids are growing up way too fast, this mom offers sound advice on how to work with ’tweens to keep communication lines open and to coach their girls on morality and Christian ethics without it feeling like a lecture. In addition to providing context and advice for parents, the book outlines eight great “dates” to enjoy with your daughter. These activities will allow you to talk about perennial teen topics like friendship and boys, as well as about making a difference in the world. Each date suggestion includes scripture verses, worksheets and activities, and ideas on how to modify the plans to suit your specific relationship, time constraints, and budget. Gresh also suggests a slumber party, making the “date” work in the context of a group activity as a way to reach out to other young women who might be looking for support. An additional resource for daughters, co-written with Suzy Weibel, is available; it provides worksheets and activities to help girls learn how to nurture friendships. Infidel byAyaan Hirsi Ali. Atria Books, 2008. 384 pages. $17.00. Reviewed by Lisa McGovern Part courageous memoir and part informative treatise about Islam, Ayaan Hirsi Ali’s story puts a realistic human face on this oft-misunderstood belief system. As timely as it is relevant in our social climate that seeks to tread the line between religious tolerance and freedom of belief, Ali offers a sober reminder that ideas have consequences. Continued Must Read! A Publication of Christian Schools International | Spring 2014 35