A Forest, A Flood, and an Unlikely Star is the third book in the fictional series, The Rwendigo Tales. Designed for eight-to fourteen-year-old youth, this adventure story is written for children and teens who love reading and learning about faraway and different parts of the world, while relating to characters and issues that seem much closer to home.
Just thirteen-years-old, Kusiima has no time for school, sports, or hanging out with the other boys in his African village. With no father or mother to take care of him, he works long hours to support his grandmother and sickly baby sister. Then one day, Kusiima's life suddenly changes when he travels into a nearby protected forest.
In the forest, Kusiima is presented with many choices, all with uncertain outcomes. Should he go along with illegal logging? Help to save an endangered baby gorilla? Follow a donkey to who knows where?
With each choice, Kusiima has to make yet another decision about what is right in front of him. As he does, he meets a mysterious doctor who holds the key to his past and his future. In the end, Kusiima is faced with the hardest choice of all. Can he forgive a great wrong and heal a broken relationship?
Readers of all ages won't want to put down this exciting book that addresses current realities like AIDS, malnutrition, and environmental destruction, all set in a richly detailed African adventure story. Following along as Kusiima makes his decisions, readers will find themselves considering their own choices and growing in empathy for others. This action-packed tale of a boy, his sister, and an orphaned gorilla is also a clear call to give up bitterness and forgive deep hurts, restoring broken lives and relationships.
"A tale through African forests to gorilla lands and ranger rescues. What adventure story could be better than that? The journey of the heart through potential bitterness and sorrow to forgiveness and peace courageously embraced. A Forest, a Flood, and an Unlikely Star is a tale well told and well taken to heart."
Bryan Chapell, Pastor; author
"What an amazing book! Jennifer Myhre not only tells a beautifully written and compelling African adventure story, but she also deftly incorporates significant social and spiritual issues in the life of a teenage boy. I highly recommend A Forest, a Flood, and an Unlikely Star for kids and teens but also for families and school groups to read, enjoy, and discuss together. It is an exciting, engaging, and inspiring book."
Robert A. Fryling, Former publisher of InterVarsity Press; author of The Leadership Ellipse: Shaping How You Lead by Who You Are
"Dr. Myhre transports us to the lyrical world of the African village. She teaches you to love by entering the world of those who appear to be poor but are rich in love. What an amazing way to disciple your children with the heart of God."
Paul Miller, Author of A Praying Life and A Loving Life
"A Forest, a Flood and an Unlikely Star transported me, moved me, taught me, and entertained me. I know Jennifer wrote this book with older children and teens in mind, but adults, this book should also take the top spot for your next book club pick. You'll discuss family, forgiveness, redemption, and courage all against the breathtaking backdrop of African skies. I loved this book."
Kimberly Stuart, Author of the Heidi Elliott series and Sugar: A Novel
"A Forest, a Flood, and an Unlikely Star takes the reader on an adventure they will not soon forget. Myhre shows a world you and your kids may not be familiar with and challenges your hearts to open right here at home. Enjoy this exciting read with your kids or by yourself you will not be disappointed."
Jessica Thompson, Author; speaker; podcaster
"Having just finished Jennifer Myhre's A Forest, A Flood, and An Unlikely Star, several images come to mind (and heart): a non-spin, non-sugarcoated story of redemption; the brokenness and beauty of life in God's story and world; an intense longing for life in the all-things-new kingdom Jesus has won for us; the hand and heart of God are not always easy to discern; don't minimize or waste your suffering; the disrupting and delivering power of God's grace. Once again, Jennifer has written with a hand of honesty, wisdom, and grace, and with the heart and art of a woman engaged in the doxological drama of redemption. The echoes of Eden, nostalgia for life in the new earth, and riches of the gospel permeate Jennifer's life, writing, and work. I cannot recommend her new book, and the whole Rwendigo Tales series too highly.
Scotty Smith, Teacher in Residence, West End Community Church, Nashville, TN
"We must see new worlds to understand our own. We swim in our own language, culture, and history with little awareness of the wounds, heartache, and glory that is birthed out of our own context. But when we see the drama, intrigue, heartache, and courage in the life of another from a radically different world, then our eyes are open not merely to their story, but renewed to look more honestly at our own. Jennifer Myhre is a masterful storyteller and a genius at capturing our heart for the characters you will come to love. I was riveted and frightened, enlivened and humbled by her writing. If you consider this a child's story, then it is written with the same allure as the Narnia tales. Most importantly for me, I am asked to enter a broken world and believe that love and courage can turn the tide of greed and cruelty toward redemption. I can't wait to read this new volume with my grandchildren.
Dan B. Allender, Professor of Counseling Psychology and Founding President, The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology
"In A Forest a Flood and an Unlikely Star, J. A. Myhre brings the challenges of rural Africa to life through a story of rebels, poaching, disease, and disaster. While it is fiction, it tells of the true hardships we rarely face in our western land of opportunity. Get a copy and read it together as a family and allow the unfolding drama to provoke the kind of substantive discussions we desperately lack in our screen time society."
Marty Machowski, Family Pastor; author of Long Story Short: Ten-Minute Devotions to Draw Your Family to God, The Ology, and Dragon Seed
"No disease, poverty, or poachers can quench the determination and courage of young Kusiima, the boy hero in this third Rwendigo tale. But the raging waters of an African flood test the limits of his courage and love, plus how far he must go to find forgiveness and healing. Myhre has gifted us with an epic page-turner set amid today's prevailing challenges for the wonder and the heartbreak that is Africa."
Mindy Belz, Senior editor, World Magazine
A Forest, a Flood and an Unlikely Star" by author J.A. Myhre is the third book in this series called The Rwendigo Tales. This is about a boy named Kusiima who is only 13 years old. He is in Africa and he is just learning about life and how your actions will affect the rest of your life. It is a story with a lot of twists and turns and will keep you interested from the very beginning of the book. This is a book for anyone of any age to read and enjoy. I give this book a 5/5.
An adventures story set in the jungle will have you captivated from the first chapter until the story ends. I found myself wondering if I would make the same decisions and Kusiima and I couldn't believe some of the choices he had to make. I was in awe and I also felt deeply privileged to read such an amazing book. I enjoyed that this book was a quick read and it appealed to my heart very much. I think young Tweens and teens would like this book. The illustrations added character to the book. I give this book 4.5/ 5 stars. Give this book a read.
Breathtakingly written this book will touch your heart and broaden your mind. Even though fictional the author has taken care to bring life to the story through realistic details.
This was a lovely story that instantly pulled me in. I cried over Kusiima's eagerness to hear his grandmother tell him about his mother and their past, only to be met with the honesty and realities of what their life was then, and what uncertainties their life has now. Although, like most adolescents, you feel his stubbornness and struggles and fears, you also sense the transition period of understanding and hope and willingness towards the end. This book had adventure and life lessons that I appreciated and enjoyed. I especially loved the little illustrations sprinkled throughout the book. This was a good story for the young and a great reminder for us adults.
Book three in the Rwendigo Tales series, A Forest, a Flood, and an Unlikely Star by J.A. Myhre is a fun adventure read for kids. From page one, Myhre brings to life the many delightful characters with excellent and captivating story telling. The rich culture of Africa as well as the beautiful and imaginative fantasy world brought to life in the book are both interesting and enchanting. Young readers will not want to miss or put down this delightful and charming African fantasy tale!
If you are looking for a great book for your preteen or older, I recommend that you grab this book as soon as you can. It is adventurous and filled with a story that keeps you engaged till the end. The author can really hold an audience with her words that make you feel part of the story. I loved the description of the forest and the area in Africa. I felt like I was right there as the rain poured so hard you could barely hear yourself breathe. The main character of the book is thirteen year old Kusiima. He is determined and I loved his devotion to his grandmother and sister. He has had a hard life since his mother passed away. With his baby sister so ill, he tries so hard to find work and buy medicine for her. My heart ached for his sister barely clinging to life. The poverty in the area he lived with his grandmother was so hard to grasp. I wanted to take Kusiima and his family to a safe place so they could eat and get warm. Kusiima gets involved with something that he finds out is dangerous while trusting his boss. Oh that made me so mad to see those men not care for his safety and to not worry when they couldn’t find him. Kusiima has a strength in him that kicks in when he realizes he is on his own while lost in the forest. The story is riveting at times and I loved the animals he came in contact with. Will God help Kusiima find his way home? Don’t miss this adventure that reminds us that God is always there. I especially liked the illustrations throughout the book. It was a nice addition to help visualize the story.
I first became acquainted with J. A. Myhre’s writing when I read the first book in the Rwendigo Tales, A Chameleon, A Boy, And A Quest. I loved, loved, loved that book and gave it a highly recommended rating. So of course I jumped on the chance to review the third book in the series, A Forest, A Flood, And An Unlikely Star. This book takes place in the same fictional area of Africa and involves another child in an adventure. But this book has a decidedly darker atmosphere. It is billed as a novel for children in grades 3-7, and I would agree that is the reading level. But due to some of the harder topics explored, I would suggest parents preview the book for younger children. It is an intriguing and riveting read, and I rate it highly recommended. Kamiisa is a thirteen year old boy whose world has undergone upheaval in the past year. His mother has died, his baby sister is seriously ill, and he lives a day-to-day existence working for pennies to support his family. His grandmother loves him, but she struggles with providing the basics of shelter and food. It is a bleak existence for a boy who loves to read and learn. Because of his circumstances, Kamiisa has learned to nurture hatred in his heart — especially hatred for his absent father. God seems far off and uninterested or uncaring of what befalls him. But a couple of unlikely characters, a baby gorilla and a donkey, bring a spark of hope to his life. Myhre is a doctor and missionary in East Africa. She first told her stories to her 4 children. I am glad that she wrote her stories down and developed them to share with other children — children who know nothing about the hardships of poverty, disease, political strife, and the struggle to survive one day at a time. Although A Forest, A Flood, And An Unlikely Star takes place is a fictional African nation, the book reflects the realities of living in Africa. Kamiisa is an endearing character. As the story progresses, his emotional and spiritual growth progresses. What was a life of despair becomes a life of hope and promise. The spiritual thread that is developed is subtle but strong, and is a great starting point for discussions about God’s care and provision. Tough issues are explored in a matter-of-fact way — showing that for the people of Africa they are a way of life. I would not hesitate to recommend this book to families with elementary and middle school-aged children, but as stated above, I would suggest that parents check it out first. Parents know what their kids are ready for. Highly Recommended.
I have never read a book like this before and it was delightful. The story follows Kusiima, a 13 year old boy who lives in Africa with his grandmother and younger sister, who is severely underweight and unhealthy. I loved the author’s descriptive writing…I was able to picture the scenes in the book very easily and felt like I was transported to Africa while reading. This book was what I think of as an “escape book”…it’s written in a way in that the reader truly escapes their current environment and enters the world of the book. The plot was full of adventure, suspense, and drama. I found myself on the edge of my seat several times while reading. The illustrations were also delightful and provided a better glimpse into the world. I adored Kusiima, he was a very strong, courageous young man of amazing character. I think this would be an excellent story for boys to read. It causes the reader to see that there are people in the world that don’t live as comfortably as those in the western world. In spite of Kusiima’s poor circumstances, he still persevered. There was a bit of violence and some scenes that might be scary for younger readers. I highly recommend this book and plan to pick up the other 2 in the series (this is book 3).
The story of Kusiima touched my heart. As a reader you cannot help but be saddened by the poverty, illnesses and poaching that you read about. It is absolutely heart breaking. However, in the midst of that, J.A. Myhre was able to paint a picture of hope.