Donna M. McDine

Janet Ann Collins has created a splendid coming of age story of ten-year-old, Ben. Young Ben tends to see life through his single viewpoint and can’t understand the rules hi parents set forth. With a solid foundation of faith in Jesus, Ben’s parents teach their children to live by Jesus’ example.

How can Ben do this when all he wants is to be treated like the other kids and never is? Due to his immaturity Ben’s parents hold back on privileges. Determined to prove to his parents and his older brother, Tom once and for all that he can be independent and unselfish Ben sets out on a quest to set things right.

Without realizing it Ben puts himself in a potentially dangerous situation when looking for Mary’s lost dog. Will Ben get punished for his attempt at a good deed or will his bravery set a tone of maturity acceptance?

Janet Ann Collins intertwines true-life circumstances with the goodness of Jesus’ teachings in a thought provoking story of adolescence. Well done! I look forward to more from Janet Ann Collins.