I am really impressed with this book! Why?

It is gorgeous!

Illustrator Richard Dobbs has done such a beautiful job, I love to sit and look at each page. The picture below of those who were outside the ark is pretty chilling-just imagine the sorrow and fear that they were not going to survive.

The Science

I always love reading books that are full of God’s Word and science that backs The Bible. So much of what we hear today encourages souls to believe they are nothing more than animals, or a giant glob of stuff that somehow made all of this Creation around us.

Author Dave Woetzel knows his stuff, I have jotted down a few quotes that even non-sciency people like me can get, as well as my children.

In Agate Springs, Nebraska, a fossil graveyard contains 9,000 animals that were found buried in alluvial deposits (from flowing water). The remains of hundreds of rhinos, three-toes horses, camels, giant wild boars, birds, plants, trees, seashells, and fish are mixed and intermingled in great confusion.

Chronicles of Dinosauria, page 21

The Evidence

There are many photos that serve as evidence that are scattered throughout the book. I may never go on an archaeological dig in my lifetime, but I am fascinated with the beautiful evidence that this book contains. The Bible says there was a global flood, and honest science concurs!

This is the kind of book that should be on everyone’s coffee table! My children really love to read through and even my youngest child loves to look at the dinosaurs.

© 2013, Sam Kelley. All rights reserved.

I’m not quite ready to get to the heavier stuff yet, so I will begin with the light-hearted highlights.

Teach Them Diligently Friends

At the TTD Blogger Meet-up, we were surprised with a pep talk from Sally Clarkson!

I met friends who I have longed to grab and hug! Kelli and I have chatted like we have known each other forever, and my sweet Stephanie holds a special place in my heart!

I finally met Rebecca, who was pretty busy all weekend, but I was able to run into her a few times to chat. {I loved running into friends to stop and chat!!}

I came with my friend Renee, who became chauffer for the journey. I had a blast, thank you!!

I ran into and talked FOREVER with sweet Jimmie. I am so excited to finally join up with the iHomeschool Network Team!

I listened to Jeannie Fulbright talk about notebooking, which lit a fire under me to be more serious about using it in our homeschool. {affiliate}

I of course had to get a shot with my Marcy.

Meet Taylor, who made me some fabulous ice cream at Marble Slab Creamery. His personality was just what I needed at the end of a very long day!

Oh my. There is so much more to share! Talk soon?

© 2013, Sam Kelley. All rights reserved.

High School Prep Genius is brought to you by the fine folks over at College Prep Genius. {I’m not even going there!}

What you’ll find inside:

This book is divided into three main sections, the Foundation for Personal Success is discussed in Chapters 1-6. You will read chapters such as “Interests That Make You Interesting”, and “Building a Healthy You”. Chapters 7-12 make up the second section, and discuss the Foundation for Academic Success. This section is up my alley, with organization techniques and effective study skills to name a few. In section three, the Foundation for Future Success, Chapters 13-18 discuss what comes after high school. There are five appendixes that are essential.

How it works:

Before you go through the book you will need a few things. Have a large, three-ring notebook and seven pocketed dividers. The book will tell you how to assemble your notebook and map your school years and summers.

Written to both the student and the parent, there are portions for each to read, as well as homework.

I plan to use this with my older two this summer. Hannah will be going into 8th, and Christian will be getting ready for 10th.

My thoughts:

I think that most of the book is absolutely fabulous. High School Prep Genius provides a great road-map for a successful high school {and beyond} journey. That being said, Chapter 3, “Own Your Beliefs” makes me a bit nervous.

Once you have established you beliefs, own them completely. You should know your beliefs intimately, especially before you attempt to debate them. Although this journey can be difficult, it is exciting to know what you believe and why you believe it.

Lastly, choosing not to believe in anything is still a type of belief.

I don’t have a problem with encouraging a child to dig into their faith and make sure it aligns with the Bible. However, I don’t think that the best advice is given in this chapter, and wish the authors had stuck to the books that don’t have eternity at stake.

I really like the timelines and charts, the practical advice both for student and parent. Even if I skip the third chapter, High School Prep Genius is a useful tool for junior high, high school, and beyond.

Age range: 

7th grade and up

Price:

$29.95

The Crew Blog has reviews for both College Prep Genius and High School Prep Genius, go see what the rest of The Crew had to say!

© 2013, Sam Kelley. All rights reserved.