LYDIA BARNES AND the BLOOD DIAMOND TREASURE

Mallory recently pulled out of her older sister's book cupboard the The Blood Diamond Treasure by Heather Gemmen Wilson. I met Heather at the Write to Publish writer's conference way back when I was pregnant with Mallory, so it only seemed fitting for Mallory to dive into one of Heather's books. After getting only 30 pages in, Mallory rushed into my room exclaiming, "Mommy, I. LOVE. THIS. BOOK!!!!" Mallory tends to overdo the explanation marks and facial expressions of life, but these were warranted. The Blood Diamond Treasure is a great read for middle grade girls. It's short enough (around 150 pages) that it doesn't seem daunting. IMing, earbuds and iPods make the story hip and relevant. This adventure laden tale takes the main character, Lydia, to Liberia on a hunt for diamonds while exposing her to the poverty of a third world country. But, this book is more than a mystery or a travel adventure. It is a journey filled with faith and inspiration. 

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