With the same fresh and enthusiastic voice that surely must energize her youth ministry work, 20-something Kubiak (The Divine Dance
) parallels contemporary girl-power can-doism with Mary's answer to God's call to be the mother of Jesus in a lively book aimed at teen girls. "God is looking for world changers. He found one in Mary; perhaps He will find one in you too," the author states in her motivational introduction. Her facility for quoting the Bible and other spiritual/inspirational texts while also relating personal experiences from her own life in everyday language, makes this look at Mary's sacrifice, obedience and devotion especially appealing and accessible. Introducing Mary as a teen with nothing going for her and living in the middle of nowhere, and later addressing the doubts or questions Mary must have had about God's plan for her, creates the perfect backdrop for offering guidance and inspiration to today's young readers. The text is repetitive in places and occasionally digresses from its central theme, so it may best serve as a devotional-type of read, to be consumed in small doses. Teenage girls who question their faith or seek a deeper understanding of what it means to grow within God's divine plan will find much to ponder here. Ages 12-up. (Apr.)
