Written from the perspective of Calvin Becker, son of missionaries in Switzerland, this book describes two family vacations in Italy. The Washington Times reviewer describes the book well: “Calvin’s observations reveal the ironies of a family that speaks in biblical phrases but faces all-too-human foibles… Under Mr. Schaeffer’s graceful rendering, this is a story of sympathetic characters, a deft feat considering some of their narrow views.” The book is often humorous, though sometimes at the expense of Calvin’s Reformed (i.e. narrowly Calvinistic) family.
Jon Kregel’s nonfiction, first person account of his life journey from missionary kid to professional soccer player (and teammate of soccer superstar Pele) to drug dealer and prison inmate. Jon writes about what really happens in the “glamorous” world of easy money and drugs. Against a backdrop of self-destruction and hopelessness emerges an inspiring, challenging story of the faithfulness of God and of forgiveness and reconciliation.
From the book’s dustjacket: “Born in Pakistan to Baptist missionaries…Jonathan S. Addleton crossed the borders of race, culture, class, and religion from an early age. [This book] combines family history, social observation, current events, and deeply personal commentary to tell an unusual coming-of-age story that has much to do with the intersection of cultures as it does with one man’s life.”
The author writes with humor and deep affection of his childhood in Pakistan, his education at Muree Christian School, and his relationships with family and friends.
In this last book of the Anika Scott series, Anika’s term at boarding school begins badly, when her classmate Sabrina announces to everyone that Anika has “an illegitimate brother who drinks.” Despite Anika’s fears, the other girls do not hold this against her, but this only makes Sabrina’s grudge against her grow. Anika feels convicted about her own anger with Sabrina, but she does not know how to stop the feud. Only after seeking Sabrina out to apologize one night does Anika discover how lonely and unloved her classmate feels. This book shows rather clearly the difference between two boarding school students – one who feels confident of her parents unfailing love, and the other who is convinced that her parents have sent her away because she interferes in their work.
Reading level: age 10-14 years
After Anika’s half-brother, Rick, arrives unexpectedly in Africa, the Scott family decides to spend some time with him at Kenya’s game parks. Still struggling to accept Rick’s arrival, Anika is even more confused when he begins to express his hostile views of Christians and Christianity. To complicate things further, fellow missionaries believe her parents should resign because Rick’s arrival has compromised their testimony. Anika’s attempt to seek help for a wounded animal have different consequences than she intends, and she and Rick find themselves in the middle of a confrontation with poachers.
Although this fourth book in the Anika Scott series does not deal with these problems in a simplistic way, the Scott family seems to give spiritual responses to questions or comments far more than most missionaries would, unless it was specifically for the purpose of expressing their beliefs to a non-Christian in their midst (as, in this case, perhaps it was).
Reading level: age `10-14 years
Anika has always longed to climb Mount Kenya, so when she has a chance to go, she is determined to make it to the top. Even her mother’s tearful response to a letter and the confusing conversation she overhears between her parents cannot distract her from her goal. But when a strange young man shows up on the mountain with them, Anika has to fight to keep her mind on the grueling climb, and when her lurking suspicions are confirmed, and she learns the young man is her half-brother, she needs to call to mind all that God taught her amidst the dangers and hardships of the climb to help her to respond in a Christlike way. This is the third book in the Anika Scott series about a Canadian MK to Kenya.
Reading level: age 10-14 years
