He Chose You

June 1, 2002
Gr 6-10-Like the adult title from which this book is adapted (He Chose the Nails [Word, 2000]), He Chose You blends anecdote with meditations on scripture to present an evangelical perspective on the message of the Crucifixion. Lucado finds meaning in each detail of the arrest, trial, execution, and resurrection of Jesus, seeing each event as a choice made out of love. The devotional passages are essentially identical to those in the earlier book. The anecdotes have been, for the most part, replaced with "story adaptations by Monica Hall," and reflect the different audience being addressed. They now feature young teens instead of adults, but are still closely related to the theme of each chapter-"Be Careful What You Ask For," "The Ultimate 'Been There/Done That!'" "Spit, Sin, and Other Nasty Stuff We'd Rather Not Think About," etc. Lucado is an immensely popular writer, and presents his ideas clearly. He is equally clear about his purpose in this book, which is to present his belief that Jesus died to save sinners. Church and religious school libraries will certainly want to add this title, while public libraries in communities where Lucado's adult books circulate briskly will want to consider it.-Elaine Fort Weischedel, Franklin Public Library, MA

Copyright 2002 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.