Abigail’s Secret Journal - Bruno, Bonnie. FaithKidz (an imprint of Cook Communications), 2004. 144p. $6.99, Paperback. ISBN 0781440114. [Fic] Moses (Biblical leader)—Fiction. Bible—History of biblical events—Fiction. Exodus, The—Fiction. Family life—Fiction. Diaries—Fiction.

We think moving is a big deal. Check out 12-year-old Abigail’s move during the Exodus, away from her home in Egypt, the only home she has ever known. She has no idea where this “promised land” is. Why did she have to leave all her friends? Does God really care about them? Is there actually a promised land, as Moses said? (Would you believe no U-haul vehicles, motels, restaurants, or automobiles?)

Benjamin’s Secret Journal - Bruno, Bonnie. FaithKidz, 2004. 144p. $6.99, Paperback. ISBN 0781440033. [Fic] Jesus Christ—Fiction.

Not all the books in this series are about girls. Check out Benjamin’s journal. Why couldn’t Benjamin learn Scripture like Peter, the smartest kid in the class? How come there were so many things he didn’t know about Peter? Did Benjamin have to be a fisherman just because his father was, or could he be a shepherd like his older cousin? What is leprosy, anyway?

Deborah’s Secret Journal - Bruno, Bonnie. FaithKidz, 2004. 144p. $6.99, Paperback. ISBN 0781440041. [Fic] Jesus Christ—Fiction

Young Deborah thought it was really great when she and her friend planned to see Jesus. But then Jesus went instead to Zacchaeus’s house for dinner. Why would he go to the house of a tax collector anyway? Check it out.

Rachel’s Secret Journal - Bruno, Bonnie. FaithKidz, 2004. 144p. $6.99, Paperback. ISBN 0781440025. [Fic] Temple of Jerusalem—Fiction. Family life—Jerusalem—Fiction. Diaries—Fiction. Jerusalem—History—Fiction.

It seems everywhere we turn we hear about peer pressure. Find out what happens when Rachel’s snooty cousin, who is cooler and meaner than you can imagine, comes to visit. Why does she make fun of Rachel’s stammer? Did it make any difference that Rachel’s father was working on King Solomon’s Temple?

Talk about time travel! Bonnie Bruno’s journals of four different Bible-time kids transport the reader to the hardships and joys of desert living, teach about gardening and forgiveness, show what a lark it was for two girls to plan to hear Jesus speak, see how different school was during Bible times, and teach about different vocations. The four volumes in the Secret Journals series make excellent gifts and are a must for every congregational library.

Lois M. Cone
St. Ignatius Alliance Church
St. Ignatius, Montana