This is Week 9 of the Summer Reading Splash!  After this week, we only have one more week to go!  It has  been decided that we will leave the Splash blog open throughout the year.  I will be posting book reviews and reports that YOU submit to me.  And, who knows?  We may even have an occasional book giveaway, just for fun.  So, DO NOT stop reading the Splash blog!  You just never know what might pop up here.

This week's topic question is:
In a story you've read recently, which character would you like to be?  and why?
E-mail your answer by Friday (the 25th) at midnight - winners will be announced on Saturday (the 26th).
PLEASE REMEMBER to put STORY or CHAPTER either in the subject line or somewhere in your post - people are continually forgetting to do this and I am having to guess as to which book(s) you might like to receive.  Also, remember to include your FIRST NAME and AGE, please.
AND, DO NOT leave your answers as comments on the blog.  ONLY ANSWERS RECEIVED VIA E-MAIL will be entered into the weekly drawings.  THANK YOU!

Now, for this week's books:

For our younger readers, we have THREE  great books from Master Books.

A one-of-a-kind rendition of the classical story of Noah and the ark! Written by legendary Oak Ridge Boys member William Lee Golden, this charming story echoes the lyrics of the enclosed FREE music CD featuring the song “Didn’t It Rain” performed by the award-winning group. Adorable illustrations and the cute story will delight children as they learn about the animals and their adventure on the ark. A fresh and appealing story destined to be a child’s classic!

What is God’s purpose for me? It’s something everyone wonders about, even small children. With a world that is so big all around them, young children can be overwhelmed by the thought of trying to accomplish anything. Follow the charming story of Grandpa Mouse’s journey to the ark as children see how they too can accomplish big things despite (or even because of!) their small size. Illustrated by Bill Looney, the colorful illustrations bring the heartwarming story to life.

What is Babel, what happened there, and why is it so important? Many kids don't know the answers to these questions as biblical knowledge is becoming less and less of a priority in people's lives. This fun format book is a great way to teach kids about the reality of the Babel story and its significance in their lives.

The full-color book explains how the different languages and "races" came about and is in unique format with one large pop-up that stays up as you turn the pages and read the story. The stunning artwork is both beautiful and realistic, as it is based on the actual worship towers that were built in ancient times. This fun tool is a great way to teach the reality of the biblical story.

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For our older readers, we have a 2 book set by one of my favorite authors, Stephanie Reed (who also happens to have a blog right here at HSB!)  Stephanie will be sending these books directly to the winner, as she will be autographing them! 

The red brick home of Rev. John Rankin is a beacon—the first northern stop on the Underground Railroad. Across the Ohio River in Kentucky, every slave knows to look for it. They have heard that if they reach that house, they will never be captured. Across the Wide River tells the true story of the selfless sacrifices one Christian family made to help runaway slaves reach freedom.

You can read my review of this book here.

In this powerful sequel to Across the Wide River, the Rankin home is still a beacon of freedom on the Underground Railroad. Johnny, the seventh of thirteen children in the Rankin family, is growing up quickly and in 1837 is eager to take on the same responsibilities as the rest of his family. But Johnny’s father and his brother Lowry think Johnny is too young and too hotheaded to help with something as important and secretive as the Underground Railroad. Johnny understands the need for secrecy, but sometimes the secret is just too good to keep to himself! This engaging novel for young adults offers a further glimpse into a dark period of America’s past, and profiles the courageous and godly people who helped bring about its end.

You can read my review of this book here.

You'll also enjoy checking out the book trailer for The Light Across the River: