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Brilliant Books 2022: Plugged In’s Year-End Picks

• December 9, 2022

There are many potentially negative ways that young people can misuse their time. (Yeah, I’m lookin’ at you, social media.). But generally, reading a book isn’t on that list. Studies have shown that a bit of focused reading can help kids improve their imagination and creativity; increase their concentration and discipline; boost their language skills … well, the advantages keep stacking up from there.

So, with that in mind, here’s a backpack full of great page-turners that Plugged In reviewed in 2022 that you and yours can have a good time with. (But, of course, check out our full reviews to make sure that it’s a good fit.)

The Christmas Pig

By j.k. rowling (ages 7 and up).

This kid’s tale starts with young Jack reeling from his parent’s divorce (a section that, frankly, makes this well worth Mom and Dad’s reading time, too.) But when he loses his best friend DP—a stuffed pig who listened, comforted and stuck by him through it all—Jack takes a fantastic journey into the Land of the Lost to rescue him. This book is fun and emotional, and its lessons will prompt you to give your kids (and favorite inanimate objects) warm holiday snuggles.

On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness (Book One in the Wingfeather Saga)

By andrew peterson (ages 8 and up).

This fantasy tale tells the tale of Janner Igiby, his young brother Tink, and disabled sister, Leeli;  three kids caught up in a small agrarian world recovering from the ravages of war. The venomous Fangs of Dang—foul lizard-like creatures—have crossed the Sea of Darkness to maliciously rule the land of Skree. And the key to freedom is said to be the legendary jewels of Anniera—something that the three Igiby siblings are unknowingly connected to. Phew! Loads of action and intrigue here with some sweet underpinnings of faith to boot.

The Last Cuentista

By donna barba higuera (10 to 14 years old).

Halley’s Comet is crashing toward Earth. Is it the End? Not for a few fortunate families who will be able to take the 380-year deep-sleep journey to a new planet and a new beginning. When young Petra Peña wakes, though, she finds that everything has gone horribly wrong and baddies are now in charge. However, the stories she holds in her head—a wealth of rich tales that some wanted wiped away—might just be the answer to saving humanity. This is a high-flying sci-fi tale about interstellar travel and humanistic maleficence. But more importantly, it points to the idea that family, remembrance and story are all valuable parts of a happy life. Great read.

The Ogress and the Orphans

By kelly barnhill (10 to 14 years old).

An Ogress moves into town, which might not always be seen as a good thing since Ogresses are, well, kinda big and scary. But this Ogress is nice. Really. And she sees that the town is in need of some help that she could provide. But who wants an Ogress? Certainly not the people in power. Is it possible to tell if someone’s good if no one wants to listen to them? Anybody know some helpful orphans? There’s a little magic in the story mix here. But Kelly Barnhill’s characters—human, animal and mythical—are vibrant, funny and likely to entertain children and adults alike.

My Fine Fellow

By jennieke cohen (13 to 17 years old).

Have you heard of Pygmalion ? How about the musical My Fair Lady ? Well, if either of those tales drop a pleasant rain on your Spanish plains, this gender twist take might be a book for you. Penelope Pickering and Helena Higgins decide to teach a street hawker all they know about the culinary arts, transforming the rough-edged Elijah Little into a proper gentleman chef. This is a wonderfully fun young-adult novel that mixes 1830’s London with a bit of Top Chef TV show-like panache. And let’s not forget the romantic comedy charm and thoughtful questions about prejudice, culture and religion. Lots to chew on here, gang.

That nearly closes the book on 2022. Do you have a book you’d like us to tackle in the coming year? Let us know below, or through [email protected] .

After spending more than two decades touring, directing, writing and producing for Christian theater and radio (most recently for Adventures in Odyssey, which he still contributes to), Bob joined the Plugged In staff to help us focus more heavily on video games. He is also one of our primary movie reviewers.

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Book Review

• Ann Aschauer
• Contemporary

Readability Age Range

• Pleasant Word

Year Published

This book has been reviewed by Focus on the Family’s marriage and parenting magazine .

Plot Summary

Liz Danfield is at a crossroads in her college career. Almost ready to graduate with a degree in theater, she is unsure of the path she should be following. Full of insecurities, Liz has found the theatre world to be the perfect accomplice to help her hide from herself. With the help of an unlikely friend, she learns to stop hiding who she is and face reality. Her friend, a counselor, changes her life.

Christian Beliefs

The book offers readers the understanding that Christianity is about a relationship with God, not a religious belief. It gives a strong call to pray and ask Jesus into your heart. There is also a positive introduction to a campus Christian group and their weekly worship meeting (Intervarsity.) Liz’s parents go to church but are uncomfortable with Liz living too strong of a Christian life. Other students talk about their parents’ Christian beliefs.

Other Belief Systems

Authority roles.

Liz’s friends in the theatre are into the party scene. The university Liz attends is a secular university. They allude to the fact that their professors follow a secular humanistic worldview.

Profanity & Violence

Sexual content.

Liz kisses her boyfriend.

Discussion Topics

Get free discussion questions for this book and others, at FocusOnTheFamily.com/discuss-books .

Additional Comments

You can request a review of a title you can’t find at [email protected] .

Book reviews cover the content, themes and worldviews of fiction books, not their literary merit, and equip parents to decide whether a book is appropriate for their children. The inclusion of a book’s review does not constitute an endorsement by Focus on the Family.

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Through our reviews, articles and discussions, we hope to spark intellectual thought, spiritual growth and a desire to follow the command of Colossians 2:8: “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.”

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Book review site similar to Plugged In online??

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• plugged in online

By ShelzNH , December 31, 2010 in General Education Discussion Board

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I know someone posted this once before. I even went to the site. But I must not have bookmarked it and I can't find it. Could someone please let me know of any sites that have book reviews similar to the movie and video game reviews that Focus on the Family does at pluggedinonline.com. Thanks so much!

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AngieW in Texas

• 1 year later...

Guest DidiGal

I am having a hard time finding a site similar to "Plugged in" for book reviews.The http://www.commonsensemedia.org one does contain what I am looking for. Does anybody know of another?

Also, would anyone want to send me a review for "The Last Song" by Nicholas Sparks?

My 13 year old son is wanting to read it as suggested by a friend.

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Plugged In 1st Edition

• ISBN-10 1133312578
• ISBN-13 978-1133312574
• Edition 1st
• Publisher Cengage Learning
• Publication date December 27, 2012
• Language English
• Dimensions 8 x 0.5 x 10.5 inches
• Print length 304 pages
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• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Cengage Learning; 1st edition (December 27, 2012)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 304 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1133312578
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1133312574
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.07 pounds
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8 x 0.5 x 10.5 inches
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