Basil's Search for Miracles

by Heather Zydek

When 12-year-old Basil's mother forces him to transfer to a new school, Basil is miserable. But there is one glimmer of hope in his seemingly dreary the school has a newspaper in need of a reporter. Basil has always dreamed of being a journalist, so he's thrilled when he's awarded a coveted position on the "St. Norbert News" staff. But then Basil is given an overwhelming challenge -- to report on religion for the parochial school's paper. Perplexed, he asks his new fellow newspaper staffers sassy opinion columnist Christian, athletically challenged sports writer Shamus, and preachy news reporter Sarah how to handle the column. Together, the four friends decide to research and write on real, modern miracles for the newspaper. After Basil sees a weeping icon, meets with people who have been miraculously healed of deadly illnesses, and hears about other bizarre mystical occurrences, he begins to put the faith he is exploring in motion in his own life, trying to get along better with his overworked, stressed-out mom and befriending the social outcast of the school, a troubled boy named Anthony. Basil must decide what to do when he learns that Anthony isn't only a victim of bullies at school but of a much bigger bully in his own home his alcoholic father. Hailed by critics and fans alike as "delightful," "brilliant," "an excellent read aloud," a "page turner and tear jerker," and "a true gem," Basil's Search for Miracles will illumine, entertain and inspire readers of all ages and from all walks of life.

Genres: Childrens

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Kelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very inspiring book. I love that it outlines a few real miracles as well as including a few fictional ones. My favorite part of the book, though, was that it makes it clear that the greatest of all miracles are not those that are fantastical, but those that happen inwardly. I loved the story of Basil coming to believe in Christ through his research on miracles, and how he slowly started attending church after befriending the priest. This was a very fast-paced novel, and you can't help but get emotionally involved with Basil and Anthony. I definitely recommend this book to anyone with faith in Christ.

[Dreamergirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was truly loveable and beautiful. You wouldn't have one dull moment with Heather Zydek and his characters, "Basil's Search For Miracles" will have you searching for everything real and will give you a true picture of Christianity. I could really relate to Basil since he loves to write and we have the same faith. Here is my review:

When Basil, a seventh grader who wants to be reporter and loves to write moves to a new Christian school he isn't expecting to land in their magazine squad but what do you know he gets an assignment right away, to write about miracles. He has always considered himself a brainiac but as he goes on completing his quest, he finds out that he never knew what he still had to discover about his faith. Along the way he befriends a boy called Anthony who nobody likes or wants to hang out with, but as he gets to know him he finds out that the boy is holding a big secret, and that sometimes, forgiveness, is the only way...

I loved this book and I also loved Anthony, his faith showed to be very deep and he was a very truthful and thoughtful character and I rooted him on the whole way... I felt for him as if he was my own brother or best friend... Even with everything that he was struggling with he was still strong and didn't give up on his life or God. Heather not only spins a great story about Christianity but also about friendship and normal daily problems. "Basil's Search for Miracles" was realistic about child abuse and parent-child relationships as much as about fitting in and holding on... It was somehow very magical to me and really deep. Even though the author knows kids will be reading the book, it still didn't simplify anything and left the whole book in the hands of the reader to figure out and understand.This book should be a bestseller. I'd definitely recommend to everyone who wants to read an amazing and very realistic story...

Interest level: Medium
Reading level: Medium-easy

[Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

I place this book in the great class. Heather Zydek did a fantastic job in bring the characters to life and getting the reader involved in the real issues of life. "Basil's Search for Miracles" was really a search for the source of miracles and he found that source. He also found the need to reach out to others who might not seem worth reaching out to. So he received power from the miracles that he searched and wrote about. He continually got in trouble with his mother as he searched for meaning and understanding; and to help his friends. She really didn't understand what he was doing and wouldn't take the time to find out.

It is wonderful that a writer like Zydek can craft such a fantastic story with simple everyday situations that point to the real meaning of life. The reader comes away with a better understanding of who they are and which of the character's they would place themselves into. And it shows the depth of faith in Anthony for his brutal father and what the cost is to him to continue to love him when there really is nothing left to love. And the failure of others to love Anthony and treat him with respect; they caused him more pain and it points out how intolerable we might be with people who are carrying a great burden because it is easier to pick on others rather than search out the good in them.

This story is about seventh graders and their school paper but it is much more than a YA story. It offers more than most top rated adult books. It is a search for God hidden under the manutia of everyday life.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful book! I really enjoyed this one, I was hooked and could hardly put the book down. This is a wonderful story about love, friendship, faith, and bearing your own cross. Loved this read.

[Alex of Yoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute book for very young adults (I'd say middle school reading level). It's about a young middle school boy writing about local miracles in his school newspaper. The miracles are actually based off of true stories, a few of which I knew about and a few I didn't, so that was really neat!
It's a nice "introduction to Orthodoxy" for a kid. Very soft, non-judgmental, and easy to read. I liked all the variety of kids that he encounters. It felt true to life for a school situation where you meet many kids of varying backgrounds and beliefs.
I sort of wish the author had put a little more intentionality in the story of the abused kid. The messages there are a little mixed. Obviously, if you're in an abusive situation, you need to get out. Forgiveness is not staying in a place where you are in danger. Given that this is a kid's book, that needs to be spelled out more, in my opinion. I did like, though, that there are helpful adults in this story. The adults aren't all evil or stupid, and it's not up to the kids to do everything themselves (in fact, they shouldn't, and that message is clear).
The reading level is much lower than what I'd normally read, but I would definitely let my daughter read this as she gets older. I think it wrestles with faith, interpersonal, and educational issues in a way that a young reader could relate to. It definitely includes many points of discussion that a parent can have with their child (I'd suggest reading it as a family). It's primarily from an Orthodox perspective, but the main character is not Orthodox, so the reader is helped along somewhat in understanding the basics of the faith. I'd definitely recommend it to any middle schooler (and their parents).

[Philip · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an arresting and unusual book. Basil’s Search for Miracles features a charming young man who manages to get a job on his school newspaper covering the religion beat. Heather Zydek introduces the reader to the illuminating beauty of Orthodox Christianity while following Basil through his first year at a new school. Zydek deftly manages to avoid the pitfalls that snag many Christian writers; her characters are normal (not perfect) people who have to grapple with issues ranging from divorce to domestic violence. At the same time, Zydek avoids rushing the reader through one action scene after another, a phenomena that is all too common in young adult literature. Consequently, the pacing is just right. Moreover, Basil’s search is successful as he discovers miracles in the world, in his own family and within himself.

[Jane G Meyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do love this book--Basil is such a loveable kid, living in a bit of a tough situation with a single mom who's too busy to pay him much time or attention... As he moves to a new school and finds himself on the staff of the school paper, he struggles to find friends and fit in. But he gets through it all, and helps out a boy in need, to boot, leaving the reader satisfied that good can triumph over evil if we decide to take on the struggle of looking past ourselves to help out one another...

[Matthew Jackson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have a very hard time rating this book - it is actually quite good. My struggle is that there are thematic elements (particularly of child abuse) that seem too mature for the intended audience. I have several kids in the age-range, and I would not let them read the book specifically for that reason. If it weren't for that, I would give it 4 stars. Excellent story and very well written!