Tales from Maple Ridge No. 2 The Lucky Wheel by Grace Gilmore illustrated by Petra Brown

 Logan's teacher of Maple Ridge's one-room schoolhouse asks each student to contribute to the building fund so they can repair many issues that are popping up. Unfortunately, Logan lies to his family by saying he is going to contribute from the money he has saved in his piggy bank. He has no money. So when he finds a broken wheel along the road, he decides to repair it to sell it and give the money to the school. Eventually he confesses to his father that he had lied.

This book is perfect for new readers who are transitioning into chapter books & building stamina. Plenty of illustrations per page. I like that it features a boy main character within the historical fiction genre. So many historical fiction books for kids feature girls.

Considerations: Logan lies. But his father reprimands him. Lying is not condoned. Readers see the consequences of this sin through Logan. Throughout the book the word "lucky" is mentioned. "lucky wheel", "lucky day". Logan seems to think luck is what brings good events into his life.

Part of a series-more reviews of the other books forthcoming.

-Borrowed from the library.

Defying Jihad by Esther Ahmad with Craig Borlase**

 I am currently reading aloud to my teen son a biography about John Newton. One of the co-authors is Craig Borlase. I liked his writing style so much I looked up other books he wrote. This memoir is one of his books.

Esther invites the reader to experience her life as devote follower of Islam. In her attempts to achieve eternal security through Islam, she finds Christ. Even though she experiences physical and mental abuse from her family, she pursues Christ and His truth, trying to share His eternal salvation with them & many others.

A very exciting yet thought-provoking book  It made me evaluate ways I lack faith and am apathetic in my devotion to Christ.

**Highly, highly recommend.

-Borrowed via ILL (this book is on my list to buy)