Boy on the Porch by Sharon Creech

This story captivated me from the first chapter and would be a great chapter book to read aloud with your family. The mystery of a young boy who shows up on a young couple’s porch one morning, hooked me immediately.

A young married couple who never had children, John and Marta, learn about unconditional love, happiness, and compassion when they take this strange, mute child into their home. Learning to communicate with him was a challenge but instead of feeling frustrated or giving up, they persevered and found a way to interact with him. Family does not have to mean blood relation and will not always look the same as another. The main characters realize that love and support are what create a family.

Not being able to speak, the young boy cannot convey his story or explain where he came from to John and Marta. The couple know they must find out where he came from and how he a young boy appeared on their porch. Not only does the mystery of this book keep the reader intrigued, seeing the young couple go through a life-altering journey together and learn lessons that only the love of a child can provide, make the story worthwhile. 

-Lauren

Treasure Hunters by James Patterson and Chris Grabenstein

We often have patrons asking for a good series to read aloud with their families, and Treasure Hunters is the first book in a new series filled with adventure, action, humor, and excitement. The book includes many illustrations that help children to visualize what is happening while you read to them. Treasure Hunters is sure to be a hit with the entire family.

Growing up on a boat with treasure-hunting parents sounds like a dream for thrill-seeking children, but it may come with a hefty price to pay for the Kidd children. With parents who went missing during separate incidents at sea, the children must navigate the ocean and figure out what their parents were searching for. Determined to solve the mystery their father was working on so diligently, the children have to travel the world, fight with criminals and pirates, and fend for themselves to be able to survive long enough to complete the mission. Will the Kidd children find their parents? Can they protect their ship against pirates? Will they outsmart international criminals? Check out this book for your family to find out.

-Lauren Brannon

Touching Heaven

Touching Heaven, by Leanne Hadley, is a sweet and touching account of actual real stories of terminally ill children and their encounter with a loving heavenly Father!

While Hadley served as a chaplain at a children's hospital, she came to know and love the seriously ill children she served.  She shares with us their faith and as well as their personal encounters with a God who proves He is ever present with the suffering and with the children!

This is an uplifting book and a special read for those who may have a loved one dealing with a terminal disease. Or if you are struggling as to if there is a here-after or questioning is their really a loving God when such innocent children suffer so, this book is for you! The faith of these children and their very unique stories of receiving peace before passing on to eternity will bless you and those you share these special God-encounters with.  Short and delightful!