Enter the Great Christopher Book Giveaway of 2013

THIS CONTEST IS NOW OVER. WINNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED BY EMAIL BY THE END OF THIS WEEK.

We have several extra copies of books for adults and children that won Christopher Awards this year, so with the season of giving almost upon us, I’d like to give you the chance to win them for yourself or any other book lovers in your life.

Descriptions of each available book are listed below. Simply leave a comment here on the blog naming which book or books you’d like the chance to win (or just write “all” if you want a shot at the whole shebang) before 11:59 pm on Monday November 11. If you have a problem leaving a comment, you can also enter by emailing the same information to [email protected].

Winners will be chosen at random. Then I’ll send you an email asking for your mailing address so we can send you your book.

And they are:

Books for Adults category:

1. “Carly’s Voice” by Arthur Fleischmann with Carly Fleischmann – Carly Fleischmann’s family held little hope that they would ever connect with the ten-year-old because of her severe autism and inability to speak. But one day, while working with her therapists, Carly astonished everyone by typing a message on a keyboard. They discovered that she’d understood more than they ever thought possible; she just hadn’t been able to communicate. “Carly’s Voice” shares the Fleischmann’s heartwrenching but inspiring story. And though she still struggles with autism, Carly now takes gifted classes in a mainstream school, and connects with friends on Facebook and Twitter.

2. “Fearless” by Eric Blehm – When Adam Brown descended into hardcore drug abuse after graduating high school, there seemed to be nothing left of the generous, selfless kid he had once been. But with unwavering support from his family, Adam turned his life over to God and climbed out of his personal hell to become a member of the Navy’s elite SEAL Team SIX. Though “Fearless” shares the story of a warrior who died while serving his country, it is ultimately Adam’s love for his family, friends, and the children of Afghanistan that make this a journey of redemption worth taking.

3. “A Good Man” by Mark K. Shriver – Sargent Shriver was one of the most respected public servants of the 20th century. But after his death, his son, Mark, was most touched not by the tributes which praised his father’s role in the Peace Corps or War on Poverty – but by those that described him simply as “a good man.” Through exploring his legacy, Mark discovered that his father’s joy – even in the face of Alzheimer’s – was grounded in a humble love of God, country, and family – especially, love for his wife of 56 years, Eunice Kennedy Shriver. In turn, Mark gained new insights about himself and the qualities that can lead anyone to living a good life.

4. “My Sisters the Saints” by Colleen Carroll Campbell – As a spiritually restless college student, Colleen Carroll Campbell didn’t think that the saints could be relevant to her modern life and struggles. Then she discovered that St. Teresa of Avila was once a party girl who enjoyed male admirers, romance novels, and fashion. That started Colleen looking beyond the sanitized portrayals of these holy figures to find their real stories. Through her own professional and personal struggles, including her father’s descent into Alzheimer’s, Colleen came to rely on the saints as timeless role models, prayer partners, and even, sisters.

5. “Road to Valor” by Aili and Andres McConnon – Gino Bartali won the Tour de France for Italy in 1938 and ’48. Yet his greatest legacy remains the Jewish lives he helped save when Mussolini and Hitler brought the Holocaust to his homeland. As part of a secret network run by a local Cardinal, Gino smuggled counterfeit identity documents to Italian Jews by hiding them inside his bicycle. “Road to Valor” shares that heroic story as well as the Chianti-loving cyclist’s tireless efforts to become a sports champion, and the ways in which he helped unite a turbulent postwar Italy.

Books for Young People category

1. For Preschool and Up – “Forever You: A Book About Your Soul and Body” by Nicole Lataif, Illustrated by Mary Rojas – Whether it’s running a race, eating ice cream, or showing love to their family, friends and God,
childrens’ souls are present in everything they do. It’s a force to help others in this life, and a way to stay connected with loved ones who have passed on. Through simple language and illustrations, this charming book teaches kids about the invisible, yet eternal part of themselves that makes them human – and how they should keep it in mind when making choices.

2. For ages 10 to 12 – “Wonder” by R.J. Palacio – After 27 surgeries to correct facial deformities, 10-year-old Auggie Pullman’s face still produces horrified reactions from strangers. The Star Wars-loving kid, who just wants to fit in, expects more of the same when his parents enroll him in public school. But despite some bullying, Auggie’s presence moves him and his classmates toward a greater experience of friendship and self-acceptance. Described by author R.J. Palacio as “a meditation on kindness,” “Wonder” reveals that “you can’t blend in when you were born to stand out.”

3. For Young Adults – “Outcasts United” by Warren St. John – Though they’re refugees from war torn countries like Bosnia, Sudan and Iraq, life in the housing projects of Clarkston, Georgia isn’t easy for the children and teens whose families were resettled there. Enter Jordanian immigrant, Luma Mufleh (Looma Muff-luh), a tough-but-caring woman who creates a soccer team for the kids, helping them develop personal responsibility and overcome the prejudiced attitudes of some locals. This young people’s version of the adult best-seller shares a true story about the power of role models – and one coach’s attempt to build community out of diversity.

That’s the list. Now pick your favorites and enter below or by emailing [email protected]!