The Secret of Mezuzah

This is one of the best adventure stories geared toward young people that I've ever read (and I've read a lot!). The relationships are realistic and handled with sensitivity, especially the depictions of casual, ingrained anti-Semitism that could happen anywhere, not just in Austria. Even people who don't consider themselves Christian will get something out of this story.

I teach sixth grade honors reading, and I am currently reading this book to my class. I find that most of my kids have read the standard "Holocaust" books (such as the wonderful NUMBER THE STARS and others). This book offers a new perspective because its setting is contemporary. The character Con is very likeable and interesting to my students and they are often nagging me to read more. Although this book is from a religious press, I have not found anything that is not appropriate for a public school setting, and the profound, central lesson of the book of standing up beside people who are persecuted is one everyone needs to hear!

One of the most attractive features of this book is that it encourages the reader to look beyond their city (or their current spiritual boundaries) to a wider world.While the book is not exclusively for young people, young people are the ones who often feel most "trapped" by the town in which they were live, the dynamics of relationships with their friends, and the ongoing challenges of living with their parents.The Secret of the Mezuzah opens doors in those three areas (place, pals, and parents) that most young people never see. Add another door to purpose--and finding a sense of purpose--and you have the ingredients for a memorable story. Highly recommended.

My father has been working with people in Romania and special things of the such. He brought this book home for the family from Ms. Bell. Thanks Ms.Bell! I looked at the cover and thought "This looks like a boring book." Well I tottally regret saying that! We were taking a vacation to Wyoming and I got kinda bored on the way there. I pulled out the book and began to read. I read it in 2 days! I couldn't put it down. And it took 2 days because I started reading it at night had to rest, and then picked it up when I woke up. It has great writing, and you feel as if you are in the story. You can laugh, cry, and be held off the side of a cliff in suspense to see what happens! I read it again just for the thrill and fun of it. And then my dad had me read it to him while he was driving our RV. I would put down the book at the most suspensful parts to take a break, and this 57 year old man jumps like a wide eyed kid, telling me to keep on reading, 'please'. (LOL) I'm ready to read it all over again! And I know you will too. Spread the word to everyone! Tell them to get the book! I'm going to put out some brainstorm words to give you an idea about what it contains.>> Adventure,Culture,Teenagers,Comedy,un-boring History, Suspense,Familiarity,and all around awesome!............. "It's not a book, it's a ticket to get outta of my world for a day!"---me

The Secret of the Mezuzah is a great book, jam-packed with adventure, mystery, and even comedy. It is set in the modern day, and has characters that the reader can relate to. I felt like I knew the main characters personally when I finished the book.It is well written. I have read many Christian mysteries for teens, and they all tend to sound alike after a while. But this book is different, with great plot development, dialogue, settings, and characters.It does, however, present the realities of the Holocaust in a realistic and strong light. This is good, because it shows how horrible it was and presents a challenge for the present generation not to let it happen again, but it can be rather strong.This book was one of the best that I have read in a long time, and I recommend it to anyone who loves history, adventure, or different cultures.