The Second Release in an Epic Bible Adventure Series for Kids The last thing fourth-grader Kai Wells remembers (before the world as she knew it disappeared) is being surrounded by bullies on her walk home from school. What happens next can't be explained as Kai finds herself on the run for her life in ancient Egypt! Imagine. . .The Ten Plagues is the second release in an exciting, brand-new epic adventure series for kids ages 8 to 12 written by schoolteacher Matt Koceich. The Imagine series brings the Bible to life for today's kids as they ponder what it would be like to live through a monumental biblical event.
Don't miss Book 1 in the Imagine Series--Imagine...The Great Flood
Imagine: The Ten Plagues is another fast-paced adventure story from Matt Koceich. (I reviewed the first book in this series, Imagine: The Great Flood, last year.)
This story reveals the struggles of a young fourth-grader named Kai Wells. Her entire world changes when she stands up to a bully at school. After being punched, she is transported back to ancient times, shortly before the ten plagues of Egypt and the Exodus of the Israelites. She experiences adventures she never dreamed of, and learns a valuable lesson along the way.
There are many messages in this book, revealing that God is with us through adversity and that persevering through tough times gives us strength and character. This short book (it took me a little over an hour to read its entirety) is packed with action, adventure, and meaning. The writing is engaging and the characters are full-bodied and unforgettable. I love this Imagine series and look forward to the future installments—which are hinted at near the close of the book.
I highly recommend this book—and series. It packs a wallop of adventure and excitement, held together with a sturdy thread of spiritual hope and faith.
5 Stars
Cover: Love Title: Love Pages: 112 Series: Imagine Book 2 Publisher: Barbour Books I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
Imagine..........The Ten Plagues Starts off with a brouhaha and then it moves on to an even bigger one from there. It takes you to mysterious adventures - a great big adventure - a great big adventure that I wish I could have seen for myself. Mr. Koceich really knows how to weave a fantastic yarn - a deep yarn. He makes the familiar characters come even more to life. Characters from The Bible woven with fictitious characters from today. The story is so very special and enjoyable - I cannot wait for his next book. His last book was so out of bounds I didn't know if this book would be able to be as good as the last ones but let me tell you this book was even better. It knows how to weave Biblical stories with everyday life - what a faintastic job. I really hope that I can do Justice to this book. I hope I have the privilege to be able to blog his next book - they are that good. I hope you have the chance to read them as well. I received a copy of this book from the Publisher and Netgalley; all of the opinions expressed in this review are all my own.
if you would like to read more of my Christian book reviews go to christianlybookreviewers.blogspot.com - I look forward to seeing you there
Wow!! What a great read!! Matt is a new author for me!!! I shall look forward to reading more from him!!! I've really enjoyed this book but then again this is my most favorite part of the Bible! It's why I love Biblical fiction. I love authors who can make ppl from the Bible come alive and make me feel like I'm there right along with them I don't like bullies! Bullies are mean and hateful and I like how God showed the Egyptians who was really boss!! Too often not we even have bulliesin today's world. From what I've beentold it most often starts in the home. This is a young adult book. A very clean read with little violence in it. The cover of the book and plus it was from the Bible made me want to read it. I loved this book and strongly recommend this book. I received this book for free. In no way required to review this book All opinions are my own.
When I requested this book, I didn't realize it was meant for a pre-teen audience. That quickly became apparent as soon as I started reading since the main character is a teen girl dealing with school and friend problems. But, I chose to keep reading because it was intriguing and I was curious to see the ten plagues come to life. While I wouldn't choose to read it again, I would definitely recommend it to children and pre-teens looking for a clean adventure book that brings the 10 plagues of Moses' time to life. It is well written and fast-paced. This is the 2nd book in the Imagine series which brings to life epic moments in the Bible.
As my children age, it is becoming harder to find action adventure books that they can enjoy, and that I feel I can let them read without fearing what they may encounter in situations or language. What even the school library deems suitable may be vastly different from what I want my older elementary child reading. As a result, I have become very cautious in what I allow them to read if I am unable to read it beforehand. Happily, the Imagine series by Matt Koceich is one that I feel comfortable allowing my kids to read, and one I enjoy recommending to other parents for their kids.
Even though this is a children's book, it is quite well written with prose that helps the reader feel as if he or she is actually there, living through the events with Kai. Being a teacher no doubt helps Koceich stay current with trends and phrases, but he also doesn't use slang or terminology that would obscure his meaning.
This book will keep kids engaged and perhaps even send them back to the Bible to read the events there for themselves. I personally double checked the Biblical account myself, finding details I have read, but completely glossed over in the past. The fictional story in this book makes the history come alive, letting me imagine what it might have been like to live through these amazing events.
While it depicts what happened accurately, it also softens the horror associated with some of the events; for example, a menacing guard dies at the time of the plague of the firstborn rather than showing the death of a child. Both are accurate, but it does not unnecessarily disturb the youngest of readers. For that reason, I can highly recommend this book without reservation for those for whom it is intended, 8-12 year olds, and perhaps even younger if a parent deems it appropriate for their child.
This fast paced book is a wonderful addition to my children’s growing library of books. There are hints at the end of a continuation and perhaps even expansion of the series and the prospect thrills me—I love having many great options for my kids to choose from!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
Let My People Go In this second book about time travel and Biblical stories, Matt Koceich again intertwines the two to create an incredible adventure. “Imagine: The Ten Plagues” takes the reader back to Ancient Egypt during the time of Moses and the exodus of the Israelites, seen through the eyes of a young girl. Eleven-year-old Kai Wells is facing a bully in her Florida neighborhood when suddenly she finds herself transported thousands of years back in time. She befriends a resident and becomes involved in helping a child stay safe from the Pharaoh and his servants while witnessing the plagues visited upon the hardhearted Egyptians. “The Ten Plagues” was, in my opinion, a quicker and even more exciting read than its predecessor, “The Great Flood.” Koceich neatly creates characters to whom young readers can relate, while dealing with issues germane to what kids are facing today. This narrative focuses on bullying and standing up for what is right despite intense pressure, and yet it does not become preachy or superior. This is a great way for kids to learn a moral lesson in a fun and interesting way and to also introduce or reinforce major Biblical stories. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
The Ten Plagues is second in the Imagine series by Matt Koceich a time travel tale for youngsters. Kai is being harrassed by a school bully, trying to figure a way out of Vivian's reach, when all of sudden she finds herself in a field of tall, swaying grass in the middle of Egypt. Idyllic field, right? Wrong, it's Egypt in the time of the ten plagues. And there begins 11-year-old Kai's adventure experiencing an epic Bible story--one that will teach her how to stand up to bullies like the one she meets in Egypt. The story is not only action packed but is also threaded throughout with the truths of God's Word. Truths that will teach children that when a fearful situation comes along that God is always there and He never leaves our side. He will protect us and help us stand firm. Imagine The Ten Plagues is a great retelling of the Biblical account of the ten plagues and will help readers to know that they can become strong and courageous and not be ruled by fear. I am really looking forward to reading this with my grandkids and also for more books like this from this author. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions are my own.
This is a children's book about - what else- the ten plagues in ancient Egypt. This is one of my very favorite Bible stories! The author does a good job of making the story even more interesting by taking a present day fourth grade girl, and, for purposes of a really good plot, transplants her into ancient Egypt at just the right time. While the plagues swirl around her one by one, she attempts to get back to the fourth grade!
I liked each of the plagues as described, but would have liked even more details of each of them. That is, I would have liked to have seen them as much worse and more scary than pictured. This is no fault of the author's because I guess being a children's book, the author didn't want to make it more gross and kept the descriptions decent for children.
This book is noted to be Imagine # 2, so there must be one before and hopefully more afterwords. Good Job. Matt Koceich.
Imagine the Ten Plagues is the second installment in the Imagine series for middle school readers. This story focuses on Kai Wells a fourth-grader who is dealing with bullies when she suddenly finds herself in Ancient Egypt. Her adventure begins right before the first plague and she meets new allies and new enemies and gets glimpses of iconic characters. Kai gives kids a firsthand account of what it might be like to have lived during the ten plagues especially viewed through the eyes of a modern child.
These stories are interesting as they take kids back into Biblical times and even how that happens remains a mystery that continues in each story. This is a great series for kids.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
As i was reading this book I thought how I would have loved it as a young girl. It starts out with bullying then progresses to being in Egypt during the ten plagues. The lessons learned are excellent. The pace is fast moving, never slow and will hold the attention of a young person.
Kai is the lead person and she is a courageous yet realistic example of overcoming your fear. I know my 8 year granddaughter will appreciate reading this book!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
Engaging! I love the concept of bringing the Bible to life for children... and adults also. Bonus - to include the relatable topic of bullying. The ten plagues come to life as Kai Wells gets put right into the story and is challenged to help others throughout the experience. This book/series is full of adventure and endearing characters -I enjoyed the surprise ending promising more to come. The author truly knows how to write for children but this series in one of the rare ones that is attractive across the ages. A good read.
This time travel, Biblical fiction for youth was interesting. I did feel that it went over really briefly as to how the plagues happened. But it was a different way of getting children to grasp an interest in the Bible. And that can be a good handle on children building an interest in ancient history as recorded in the Bible.
It was interesting how the author shows an example of bullying of others and trying to overpower others. This was probably to relate how the Hebrews were also in a somewhat similar situation and both modern and ancient people have to find ways and the faith to overcome their trials.
It was an interesting book and I enjoy time trave themesl, making it feel like you can watch history and actually be a part of it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
I really enjoyed this story that takes on bullying in the past and the present. I really liked Kai and look forward to seeing her in more stories. I enjoyed the part in the past that talks about the plagues that led to the Hebrews leaving Egypt. This is a wonderful story that many children will love. I received this book from Barbour for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
A young girl find herself in ancien Egypt to relive the plagues at the time of Moise. A new way to attract kid to Bible story, but not very interesting in others ways.
Once again, author Matt Koceich writes a book sure to capture the imagination of any young reader. This book started off action packed and the reader is drawn into the story immediately.
The story is based on the Biblical story of the ten plaques in Exodus, but with a modern twist as Koceich pulls in a fourth-grader who experiences that time in history. This will definitely help your children put themselves into the time frame, also.
Addressing the subject of bullying, the story shows strength of character and faith in God. I recommend it for your young reader, although I think 11 and 12 year olds would be bored with it. This is more for those just into reading chapter books.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
I requested this book because I was really curious how it would play out. I’ve heard the story of the plagues in Sunday school most of my life.
But the bully scene it opens with seems to be written by a well-meaning adult that doesn’t have experience dealing with bullies.
This is where I should have realized this was ‘Christian’ art. Like I’ve always heard, “Christian” is a good noun; but a poor adjective.
I think the point of books like this is to make these stories seem more real. But that misses the point of the stories - the point is not to make sure everyone knows they really happened exactly as described in the Bible. The point is the lessons they are trying to teach.
Books like this are usually poorly written - just slammed together to try to teach kids that this is historical fact - missing what these stories are supposed to teach. This one isn’t really different - it doesn’t really add to the original story.
The fight was over. And so was Kai.
What does that mean?
Let’s see - does this check all the boxes for popular evangelical secular Christianity?
Bible stories as literal historical recordings? Check. Pop psychology / positive thinking buzzwords? Check. (“real character”, “confidence to believe in myself”) The idea that god grants immediate miracles whenever you pray. Check. The idea that god keeps you safe if you’re a good person. Check. Getting ‘art’ out for the sake of spreading a message without caring whether it’s good art. Check. Cool language like all the kids know. Check (“hashtag mind blown”) A prophecy of end times. “I believe that an epic battle of good and evil is coming.”
And the message about bullies was so messed up.
In this book an 11-year-old fought off a seasoned soldier? So, this message is that you can fight off bullies as long as you pray.
This is dangerous and not true: “Well, we may have a lifetime of bullies, but we have to remember that God is always with us and He never leaves our side. He’ll protect us and help us stand up to them.”
And then in her own world she “stood up” to a bully? Well, there was a grown man standing between the 11-year-old girl and the teenage girl bully. How is that standing up to a bully? That’s brave?
Christians today - so ironic. On one end there’s this health and wealth gospel that suggests god will help you and protect you and take care of you no matter what - at the other end there’s this air of persecution, like they are being treated so poorly.
It’s too bad.
Thanks to NetGalley and Barbour Books for a copy in return for an honest review.
If you haven't read my review of the first book in this series, 'The Great Flood', then check it out. Not only do I, obviously, review the book but I also talk about what started me down the path to read this series - Munchkin. As we know, access to Munch right now is about nonexistent. There are no more weekends to split with his Mom to which I can abscond with him for a few hours or even days. Trust me, I miss that. His wit, his sense of humor, even his attitude but most importantly his back rubs (kid is a MASTER!). However, I had an investment with this series and this book is sitting on my NetGalley shelf and will not read and review itself.
I'll just say it, I didn't love this book as much as the first one. Kia is being bullied at school by someone she once considered friend. With a bit of violence (for Pete's sake the other girl punched her!) and Kia finds herself back in ancient Egypt, recognizing Moses and Aaron almost immediately. She experiences the plagues, kind of, finds herself at the hands of an Egyptian bully, stands up to him, finds out about previous visitors, and returns home to some weirdness. You could say it left me with some serious mixed feelings. I didn't get the hint of spiritual understanding that I left the first book with.
The Biblical elements themselves were really glossed over, more a tell me they are happening than a show me they were happening. There was little to no interaction with how other's were experiencing them. There was no thoughts or feelings or experiences or anything that gave me depth. That and it was laid out like they happened all told in like a weeks span, which doesn't begin to feel accurate. The weird booklet that Kia was given in the temple with pictures, dates, and names of other 'visitors' was weird too. It felt forced and awkward. I mean we are only in book two of the series but apparently Corey, from the first book, was tracked by this guy all these generations later? Or was back again? Or something because he was in the book. Along with someone who visited in the 70's (our time? again how was this a thing that was so calmly understood and put in a book?). The last part I had issue with was the setup for future supernatural elements. I know spoiler but I gotta go there a minute. These three people that made it into the booklet are brought together as Kia returns and there's hints and talk of what is to come while a bird hangs out nearby (it references back to the story). First, it's a middle grade reading level so some of the glossing over I get but again it did these readers a disservice in faith growth. Second, it's a middle grade reading level, and in book two we are setting up convoluted (and forced feeling) supernatural elements to come that even to an adult reader don't make sense. Yes there is action and adventure that will draw in the younger reader but it also seems to lose track of where it all started. This book just left this cranky old woman feeling meh.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by NetGalley. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.
"Imagine...The Ten Plagues" is an adventure story for ages 8 to 12. It's only very loosely based on the Bible account about the Exodus and didn't stay true to details given in the Bible. Even the historical details consisted only of a brief description of Egyptian clothing and temple and several mentions of how primitive things were. The characters were poorly developed, and little motive is provided. For some reason, Kai is protected by the first Egyptian who sees her even though this brings harm to him. Kai risked her life to help a Hebrew girl, and for some reason the Egyptian guards become obsessed with capturing or killing Kai. Kai isn't affected by the plagues, and we never learn why. And so on.
The focus was more on Kai trying to escape the Egyptian guards than on the Bible account of the plagues or the reason for them. There's only a brief mention of Moses confronting Pharaoh in the distance for the first plague. In the story, the plagues never affected the Israelites, but that protection didn't actually happen until the flies (Exodus 8:22). Many of the plagues happened at the wrong times and after only minutes (at most hours) had passed since the last plague, unlike the biblical account (Exodus 7:25, etc.). The Israelites were portrayed as living in a huge tent city near the Egyptians rather than in houses in a separate region (Exodus 12:22), and the firstborn died in the middle of the day rather than at midnight (Exodus 12:29). The Israelites left their tents behind as they fled and could be seen from that spot as they immediately escaped through the parted Red Sea. No army was after them, only two Egyptians chasing after Kai (Exodus 14). You get the idea.
While Kai did call out to God to help her when attacked, she concluded, "...the longer I'm in your world, the more confidence I find to believe in myself." She isn't in awe of what God's doing to prove His power or even how He's protected her but is pleased that she can face armed adults and survive. Sorry, but I didn't like the story and wouldn't give it to kids.
Imagine...The Ten Plagues is the second release in a series for kids ages 8 to 12. I have not read the first book in the series, but I felt this story could totally stand on its own.
As a homeschooling family, we’ve always enjoyed books with a bit more meat to them and a lot less modern language/slang in them. It had nothing to do with the school scenes and bullying. My issues were more in the way the ancient people talked, the way the main character was portrayed sometimes, and some unrealistic scenes. Overall, it just didn’t have a historical fiction feel to it, and it certainly didn’t bring the Bible story to life. There was nothing to really help the reader understand the magnitude and effects of the plagues. Also, parts of it felt rushed.
The story concept certainly is not new (modern kid goes back to Biblical times), but it wasn’t done particularly well or in a way that makes me want to read any more of the series. I love historical fiction, particularly Biblical, but this is one I just really can’t recommend.
I am the librarian for our church library, and I have spent the last few years trying to find good, quality books to expand our tween and teen section. I really debated whether or not to even purchase the series to add to our tween section. In the end, I did buy the first two books, as I do believe some children might enjoy the series, but I don’t see it being a favorite series loved by many.
MY RATING: 2 stars for the attempt. It wasn’t awful; it was just “meh.”
======= At my request, I received a free electronic copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review. This review reflects my honest thoughts and opinions on the book, and I received no compensation for this review.
Imagine The Ten Plagues by Matt Koceich Book 2 of 2 in the Imagine Series #1 New Releasein Teen & Young Adult Christian Action & Adventure The Second Release in an Epic Bible Adventure Series for Kids The last thing fourth-grader Kai Wells remembers (before the world as she knew it disappeared) is being surrounded by bullies on her walk home from school. What happens next can't be explained as Kai finds herself on the run for her life in ancient Egypt! Imagine. . .The Ten Plagues is the second release in an exciting, brand-new epic adventure series for kids ages 8 to 12 written by schoolteacher Matt Koceich. The Imagine series brings the Bible to life for today's kids as they ponder what it would be like to live through a monumental biblical event. This is Kai Wells’s story. The beginning of the book finds Kai, a fourth-grade girl, in a sticky situation with a bully. The bully, Vivian, is about to beat her up for no apparent reason other than she doesn’t like her (as bullies often do). What happens next can't be explained as Kai finds herself on the run for her life in ancient Egypt! The Imagine series brings the Bible to life for today's kids as they ponder what it would be like to live through a monumental biblical event. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. Imagine The Ten Plagues by Matt Koceich is a 4 star book. Book 1 in the Imagine Series--Imagine...The Great Flood Come, Follow Me: 365 Comforting Messages from the One Who Knows Your Name by Matt Koceich Prayers for Difficult Times for Kids by Matt Koceich Kingdom Files: Who Was David? by Matt Koceich
Kingdom Files: Who Was Daniel? Kingdom Files: Who Was Daniel? by Matt Koceich
Kingdom Files: Who Is Jesus? Kingdom Files: Who Is Jesus? by Matt Koceich
Matt Koceich, public schoolteacher in Texas, has written a second Imagine story in which children time-travel back into Biblical times. This time the reader travels along with eleven-year-old Kai Wells to Egypt during the time of the ten plagues. The book opens with Kai in Egypt fighting for her life and quickly switches to present-day where she is fighting off school bully Vivian Gold. After a punch to the face, Kai wakes to find herself transported to ancient Egypt where she meets Amenken and his wife Betrest, who are trying their best to survive the Pharaoh's cruel regime. She meets a young girl Lily who is illegally taking fresh water from the Nile and Kai ends up helping her when Horus, one of Pharaoh's guards, comes after her. The first plague sent by God turns the drinking water to blood, and nine more plagues quickly follow. Will Kai ever find her way back home?
The book started off with lots of action but as it progressed, it felt rushed to me, the plagues came and went so quickly but never really were explained in much detail. Imagine...The Ten Plagues is geared toward kids ages 8-12 but I feel as if older kinds would be bored by it. It's a good discussion tool to speak to kids about bullying and to introduce them to Biblical stories that really happened. All-in-all, it's a good, fairly quick read and has lots of action. One thing that I did find that was somewhat confusing was the author's switching of the interchangeable words 'soldier', 'man', 'warrior', 'guard', and his name 'Horus', all in a three page chapter, making it almost seem as if there were many different people when in fact it was only one person she was fighting.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
This is a kid's book, so I don't know how harsh to be with it. I was thinking about reading a book that I loved as an elementary school kid and see if there were as many silly aspects to it. The sentences were choppy and the storyline had very dumb things in it. So, as a five year old, I'll give it a 3-star and as an adult, I'll give it 1 star. That makes a two-star rating.
The book starts with a girl named Kai fighting a man right before the red sea, recently parted, is going to be crashing back together. In chapter one, we are in the present day and Kai Wells in a fight with a bigger girl named Vivian. Once she's punched in the face, she somehow gets transported back to ancient Egypt and meets a man named Amenken. Somehow, they see Moses and Aaron speaking to Pharaoh right before one of the ten plagues is about to happen. Through the book, Kai and Amenken are trying to help a little girl named Lily while Egypt is suffering around them with all of the plagues.
I'm not going to review this like I normally would, because I feel bad. I'm not a child, so I can't read it like a child. I will say that I think people of any Christian religion (and probably many other children) will enjoy this book. I just can't really judge it as an adult without wanting to rip it apart like I would a book for adults. So, I'm going to say that I think children will like this book. And, no, the child does not have to be Christian or religious, but should have some knowledge of Moses and the ten plagues of Egypt.
After enjoying the first of Matt Koceich's new Imagine series for ages 8-12, The Great Flood, I was interested to see how Moses and the plagues would be experienced through a young girl who time-travels to the past. The Ten Plagues opens, as did the first adventure, in the middle of an action scene with our young heroine, Kai, in grave peril just short of the climax of the story. We're then taken to her present day life and the circumstances that lead up to her time-travel adventure. An underlying theme is quickly revealed when a classmate bullies Kai.
Finding herself transported to Ancient Egypt, Kai is quickly befriended by Amenken, a man who works for Pharaoh Rameses' guards. Amen invites her to his home and soon introduces her to a Hebrew girl, Lily, and asks for her help in protecting Lily and her family from a bully. Horus "the Hawk" is bullying Lily, Amen, and soon Kai is also running from him.
While helping Amen and Lily, Kai observes Moses, Aaron, and the Pharaoh at a distance as the first of the plagues begin. As the plagues progress, Kai gives out more information than she probably should as a time traveler, but also learns that she is not the first to have come from the future.
The story incorporates good messages of strength and faith, with God's supernatural influence being felt and shown. Having some events, in particular the interactions between Kai and the bully Horus, not attributed to God's intervention made this storyline seem even less plausible and more filled with plot-holes than the prior adventure. The modern day bully scene doesn't quite ring true either, but serves it purpose for the story.
Having a modern girl as the protagonist helps to make this relatable and the fast pace of this adventure story is sure to capture the imaginations of many young readers. What a fun way for young readers to experience the story of Moses, the Plagues, and the parting of the Red Sea!
This review refers to an e-galley read courtesy of the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
This is the second book in the Imagine series and this time it is a fourth-grade girl who is allowed to time-travel when she returns to the time of Moses, Aaron and their efforts to help the Jewish people escape the brutality of the Egyptian Pharaoh. Kai is an eleven year old who has become the target of a group of bullies and after an extremely violent encounter she finds herself transported to Egypt and back to the era of the Ten Plagues that is found in Exodus 7-12 of the Old Testament Bible. Kai is familiar with this story so she knows what will happen next and she is soon involved in an adventure full of danger and excitement!
The author has chosen the very relevant and timely topic of bullying to write about in The Ten Plagues. I appreciated how he used this Biblical account to show that yes, we may encounter hardships and yes, we may be the target of bullying but we are never truly alone. God was there to help the Israelites escape the brutality of the Egyptians and He will also be here to help us.
I am giving The Ten Plagues five stars because it is perfect for the audience that the author hoped to reach. It is a good length for the 8-12 age group and its 112 pages are filled with mystery, action, adventure and Biblical truths! These young readers are being taught and entertained at the same time and I highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions are my own.
Kai Wells is in trouble. Vivian Gold has decided that Kai is going to pay for her interference. When a sudden punch connects to her face Kai finds herself no longer in Florida.
Coming to Kai finds herself in a strange place but the truth is even more unbelievable. She is in Egypt at the time of Ramses and Moses! And she has come to the attention of a high-ranking Egyptian official which is not good for Kai or those who have befriended her.
Observing the ten plagues makes it so much more than just words on a page or a story told in Sunday School. As she experiences the plagues and sees how it affects the land and the Egyptians Kai fears she may never return to her home.
Imagine...The Ten Plagues is the second book in the Imagine series. At the end, there is an interesting twist that will be interesting to see where the series will go with this.
This book is 111 pages so a good length for middle-grade readers who aren't yet into longer books. Kids who enjoy adventure will enjoy this book. The common factor in this series is the unexpected trip back in time to a momentous event and this time it is the 10 plagues of Egypt.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
As the title indicates, this book is a trip back in time to Egypt and the ten plagues. Personally, I enjoyed the introduction, in which, Kai, who is being bullied by a girl from school, after getting punched, wakes up in Egypt. There isn't much background as to why she ends up there, such as maybe they are studying this in Sunday School or something... But its interesting none the less. Kai is befriended by an Egyptian, who helps her get away from one of the Egyptian soldiers. Since Kai is no stranger to bullies, she becomes quite upset when she later sees the Egyptian soldier bullying the girl, and does what she can to help her.
Kai recognizes Moses and Aaron at the Nile River when they turn the water into blood. She also goes back and forth between the Egyptian land and the Israelite land noticing that the plagues are not the same in both places. I assume since the book is geared towards younger children, the plagues happen rather quickly to keep it short. The author takes plenty of liberties with the story, so I wouldn't say it is completely accurate (Biblically or historically). Reading this book prior to your child, may give you a chance to ask questions and see what they think, and maybe encourage them to read the true account from God's Word.
I received a complimentary copy of this book courtesy of Barbour. I was not required to review. All opinions are my own.
Is it all over for eleven year old Kai Wells? (By the prologue you are led to believe so.) Jump forward to the future. Kai is facing the school bully, Vivian Gold.
Why is Vivian picking on Kai? Kai had recently stepped in to protect another girl that Vivian was bullying. The punch that Kai receives translated her to Egypt where she meets Ahmenken (Ahmen) pronounced Ah-min along with Pharaoh's horses. Under Ramesses there is a young girl named Lily, a Hebrew, who is breaking the rules by fetching water from the Nile each day? Why? Her family gives it to the sick and the daily ration they receive is never enough. Meet Horus, the bad guy, and experience what it may have been like to live through all the plagues. Will Kai be able to protect Lily?
As in the first book Kai, like Corey, is told that she is not the first one to visit. There have been others before her. This, the second book in the series, is another GREAT read. Yes, I am an adult but I enjoyed it as much as our kids. Bullying is NOT fun but Kai learns a valuable lesson in this book and doesn't cower at the challenge put before her. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! I purchased this book for my Kindle. I was not required to write a review but chose to do so. Thanks, Liz
I agreed to read/review this book because I truly enjoyed the first book in this series. I was not disappointed with this second book.....and I'm sure my grandson will love it. Stories that capture your imagination....throwing you into a time long past. Read these books and find yourself transported into history. A child of today finds herself suddenly in a time when the Israelites were getting ready to flee the pharoah.....and when the Egyptians experienced the ten plagues. These books use events in the past to help deal with problems of today. They will help your young reader to understand and remember these important times in history and help them to solve current-day problems. This particular book deals with bullying.
I highly recommend the Imagine books.
“I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.”
Bullying at its worst in the plagues of Bible times Imagine The Ten Plagues by Matt Koceich, is an action adventure story that takes the reader back to time long ago. As the fourth grader Kai is experiences bullying in her life she is “knocked” back into the Biblical time of the plagues. I believe the book addresses a needed subject, bullying, and would be helpful for a child to know about God’s help in hard times and also would encourage a child back to reading the account of the plagues in the Bible and make the application even stronger. I am several decades away from the age to enjoy imaginative writings BUT strongly feel that this book has an exciting appeal for young readers and would be a good influence in their lives. It will make a very good addition to my church library. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.