Stories that deal with difficult issues in an age-appropriate and engaging way are hard to find. My latest book, Matt’s Compusonic, employs humor and exaggeration to tackle the problem of video game addiction. Susan Thogerson Maas’s book Abbie’s Woods: Defending the Nest uses a story filled with adventure and mystery to address bullying, potential parental divorce, child abuse, and other problems many children face.

Abbie has a special love for the woods behind her home, the same woods her dad played in as a child. Its beauty and wildlife bring her peace and comfort from life’s problems. Then one day destructive boys invade her sanctuary.

Who are these boys who abuse the woods? Why is the older one so angry?  Abbie feels responsible to protect her woods and the nest of baby birds she has found. 

Abbie also tries to shield her seven-year-old brother from hearing her parents’ frequent arguments. 

As Abbie tries to manipulate situations and handle problems herself, she causes more trouble. Her unwise choices have the potential to bring tragic results for her family, another family, and her woods.

Can Abbie help her parents’ stay together? Can she save her woods and the baby birds? How will she protect herself and the woods from the angry boy?

Abby’s Woods compassionately tackles tough issues many children face, all from Abby’s viewpoint. These include bullying, parental fighting and separation, parental child abuse, poverty, having a parent in jail, and childhood asthma. 

The book drags at the beginning but soon picks up with an interesting plot. Spiritual elements in the story include praying for others, admitting fault, offering forgiveness, and expressing gratitude and wonder to God. One of my favorite plot elements is the scene where Abby forgives while acknowledging her own guilt. But I won’t spoil the adventure by revealing how. 

If your children enjoy adventure and you would like them to read about the issues covered in the story, Abbie’s Woods could be a good fit.

Warning for parents: Abbie’s Woods is not a book for children who can’t handle stories where an animal dies tragically. Also, the issues dealt with in the story may make it more suitable for older children in the 8 to 12 range.

Jeanne Dennis

Jeanne Dennis’s ministry, Heritage of Truth, helps families nurture lifelong confidence in biblical truth. Her latest books are  Annabella’s Crown and Matt’s  Compusonic from Elk Lake Publishing

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