Rashad Jennings

I wasn't sure if I would like this one at all, but was very pleasantly surprised -- the writing and storytelling is excellent, with short chapters that keep the plot moving along. Downsides: there's some plot challenges -- the Token adventures are a little random, and don't always make very much sense. Jennings doesn't resolve very much in this first book. There was also quite a bit of Christianity-inspired instruction, which seemed appropriate for the characters, but which I did not enjoy.

Great sibling dynamics, however, and an unusual take on dealing with bullying. Altogether, if you're ok with a certain level of moralizing and a kid who loves nothing better than the library, this book is for you. Also bonus points for Arcade's love of wearing unusual socks on Fridays.… (más)

It's almost Arcade Livingston's twelfth birthday, and his next adventures with the Triple T Token will take him, his older sister Zoe, and more of their young crew back in time and around the world. And this journey of self-discovery will bring Arcade some major answers about the mysterious token in Arcade and the Dazzling Truth Detector by author Rashad Jennings.

Well! I'd say that this middle grade ChristFic fantasy series has saved the best for last with the fourth and final book in The Coin Slot Chronicles.

Oh, it isn't a technically perfect read, as it has some incorrect punctuation and the wrong verb tenses in the narration here and there. I'm not sure if all of the slang really reflects how kids actually speak nowadays. And it would've been more interesting if, as it is in the characters' trips to countries like Greece and Iceland, their stop to Africa could have been more specific, country wise.

Still, just like in the rest of the Coin Slot books, this novel has a good mix of action and wise food for thought, of laugh-out-loud comedy and touching moments. Seriously, I got teary twice while reading this, and I found the climax and the big finish to be amazing. I literally applauded at the end.

I'll confess it makes me a little sad to have finally finished the series. It would be well worth it to read the books over again and to revisit these great characters sometime. Just wow!… (más)

The If in Life is an excellent memoir. I did not know of Mr. Jennings, yet as I listened to him read his memoir, I was drawn in and deeply moved by the story of love, compassion, struggles, family, and doing the most with what you have in life. His incredible strength and kind heart are touching. He is real, honest, open, and his life story is engaging and full of hope.

Mr. Jennings's book is well written. He is still very young, and I look forward to seeing what his next accomplishments are. This young man has the power to change lives, and I hope he continues making smart moves and sharing inspiration. This is one of my favorite memoirs. It is geared to the youth, but I felt every word's power and love. This is a book I would love to give to every young man in my life.… (más)

Adventures through time and around the world continue for eleven-year-old Arcade, his sister, and his friends, thanks to the magical Triple T Token. Only now Arcade is learning to control the token! Or maybe he isn't. Either way, his journey is about to heat up to test his mettle in Arcade and the Fiery Metal Tester by author Rashad Jennings.

Well! I'm three books into The Coin Slot Chronicles middle grade ChristFic fantasy series. I wasn't sure what to expect with this one, but when it comes to the Triple T Token, you pretty much just have to hang on and go with it.

Here Arcade and the gang have laughter, some tears, some high-flying action (I mean, incredibly high at times), and as always, lessons to be learned along the way.

Oh—and books to be read, of course. Arcade is a library nerd.

Admittedly, as with the first two novels in this series, there were places in this one where the story didn't hold my interest that well. But I'm attached to the characters now, and the little pieces to the plot do come together while leaving room for more later. Plus some stuff with the time travel in this one is even crazier than usual, in a clever way.

I'm looking forward to the release of Book Four.… (más)