The Glass Castle

by Trisha Priebe and Jerry B. Jenkins

Do you have trouble finding solid reading material for your middle school student who is an avid reader? This week's book review is suited just for them...

The Glass Castle by Trisha Priebe and Jerry B. Jenkins is a wonderful and mysterious journey that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat until the very end. Our journey begins with the fearless heroine, Avery, experiencing a sad turn of events on her thirteenth birthday – she is kidnapped! The who, what, where, when, why and how of this kidnapping is slowly revealed bit by bit as the reader follows bold and adventurous Avery through many cliffhanger moments. Her desire to find all of the answers to her dilemma often puts herself and others in danger – sometimes to the point of death.

As a book written for middle-school children, Avery relates well to the insecurities, dreams, and rash decisions that are common during this time in life. Even though this book was written in language easily read by middle-school children, I thoroughly enjoyed it and the rich way the author used alliteration and simile among other style techniques. It was refreshing to read a book with no crude language or sexual overtones (other than a marriage proposal or two). I may have raised an eyebrow at the marriage proposal between two thirteen-year-olds, but then my thirteen-year-old informed me that it was a different era back then! She was clearly taken with this story in its ancient setting!

Check-out this page turner from our church library or purchase your own copy on Amazon! This is the first in a great series!