Andrew Olshine has Down syndrome, but Down syndrome does not necessarily have him.He’s a human being who loves to read, write, and research anything about animals. In his book, Olshine talks about how he manages life with Down syndrome and some of the challenges he has faced. He also talks about how
Mack Brock emphasizes God’s past and present faithfulness with his 11-track record This Is Holy. “This is a worship record giving praise to God and talking about who God is, what he’s done in my life and what I want my life to look like,” Brock said in a release. “Sometimes I lose focus on the fact
Birchbark Books in Minneapolis is one of the most beautiful and well-curated bookstores I have ever visited. Owned by author and Native American Louise Erdrich, the bookstore is distinctively Indigenous in everything from adult and children’s books to gift items.Looking ahead to writing this round-u
With a plot that moved at warp speed, diverse and fun characters, and just enough social commentary to make us think, Syfy’s The Ark was one of the biggest surprises of last year. Once The Ark was renewed for another season (now on Peacock), the only question was, could the showrunners maintain a st
This is a hauntingly painful, yet occasionally hopeful memoir and study of the intergenerational trauma inflicted on Indigenous children by the American Indian Boarding Schools at the behest of the United States government. Author Dan SaSuWeh Jones relates the stories of four generations of his fami
A young Cherokee girl is filled with joy because today is moving day! She and Etsi—the word for mother in their native language—are leaving the city and moving to their ancestral land. In the city “cars rush, / crowds collect.” Etsi says “this is not our rhythm. / More houses go up. / Fewer animal r
I have lived with a literal pain in my neck since I was a teenager.Throughout high school, my pediatrician told me to fix my posture, which would eventually make the problem go away. On the more painful days, he advised me to put an ice pack on it and take some Tylenol.But it did not go away. The pa
Inspired by true events, this compelling children’s picture book addresses the prevalence of homelessness in the United States and encourages a Christ-like response to people who are unhoused. Father and daughter, Terence Lester and Zion Lester, team up to share Zion’s experiences when she was 7 yea
There’s nothing cozier on a Sunday night than to settle in for an episode of a cosy (British spelling) mystery in a quaint English village. Grantchester keeps getting better, especially in Season 9, with the advent of the third vicar, Alphy Kottaram (a dashing Rishi Nair).It takes a couple of episod
The band Unspoken has never garnered big headlines in the Christian music sphere, but that doesn’t mean these guys lack talent. Unspoken proves how talented they are with their fourth studio album, simply titled Unspoken IV. The engaging recording offers soulful, high-energy music with lyrics about
Cree-Metis author and illustrator Julie Flett’s tribute to her son, his friends, and their skateboarding community zings with energy and sings with the possibility of learning and enjoying the skill of skateboarding.In an author’s note, Julie Flett writes, “When I was thinking about the story Let's
This slim volume by German theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer was first published in German in 1940 before the Nazis banned the theology teacher from publishing. It was later translated and published in English in 1974. Readers will find a spiritual director in Bonhoeffer as he guides them in how to app
As a longtime fan of the often profound, but totally soapy-in-a-good-way series The Crown, I wondered how the last season would land with me and other viewers. After all, the past five seasons were anchored by historical events such as World War 2, the Welsh Mining Disaster, and other grave contexts
Authors Eric and Meredith Schrotenboers’ catchy, rhyming verse, and illustrator Denise Hughes’s sprightly, cheerful artwork together express the beauty and comfort of the Aaronic Blessing found in Numbers 6:22-27, adapted so young children can better understand its meaning.In a note to parents, the
In her riveting debut romance novel for adults based on true events, author Nicole Miller offers a glimpse into World War II not often encountered in novels based on that period. In 1939, with Janów Podlaski Stud Farm in Poland as the main setting, Miller explores the traumatic history of how Russia
Whether you’re a farmer or just someone who loves to learn, The Science Behind Your Salad podcast offers a unique and insightful look into the world of agriculture, food innovation, and sustainability.One of the things I love most about the podcast is its rhythm—it's a refreshing change of pace from
Estranged Pioneers: Race, Faith, and Leadership in a Diverse WorldBy Korie Little Edwards and Rebecca Y. KimReviewed by Reginald SmithWhen I read Estranged Pioneers, it resonated with my lived experience as an ethnic minority pastor leading a majority-white multiethnic church. I found myself nodding
Merging biblical truth, witty anecdotes, wisdom acquired from years of pastoral experience, and insights gained from relationships with doubters, author and Lutheran pastor Frank Honeycutt offers atheists and skeptics a welcoming, safe place to explore Jesus’ miracles. He writes, “This is ... a book
Note: If you have concerns about a situation of abuse, call the CRC’s Safe Church Ministry, now part of Thrive: 1-877-272-6206. From the website: “We continue to equip congregations in abuse awareness, prevention, and response. We help build communities where the value of each person is honored; whe
I’d been looking for a book that studied the lives of ethnic minority pastors who lead white majority, multiracial churches for a while. Yet I found Estranged Pioneers while looking for another book that had nothing to do with my two-decade journey pastoring such a church! Little did I know how much