The Boy Who Changed the World by Andy Andrews

Andy Andrews’s children’s book, The Boy Who Changed the World, teaches young readers how each of their actions—whether good or bad—can have worldwide effects for generations to come. The book opens with a young Norman Borlaug playing hide-and-seek in a corn field with his sisters. Recalling his father’s warning, Norman is careful to not trample the corn plants. He tells Norman he should be happy because they are lucky to have enough to food to eat. It is at this moment, that Norman challenges himself to find a way to produce enough corn to feed more people worldwide. The book then moves back to review the earlier generations that enabled Norman to eventually attain his goals.

This is a great book to teach children proper behavior. Instead of emphasizes the consequences of a bad behavior, the book stresses the wonderful things that can happen with good intentions. Moreover, it shows children that no goals are too big to strive for. Andrews’s even includes a religious message towards the end. He stresses that each child was made by God for a specific purpose. Not only is the content inspiration for children, but beautifully illustrated pages will attract even the youngest readers.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Butterfly Effect by Andy Andrews

In The Butterfly Effect, Andy Andrews traces how a schoolteacher named Joseph Lawrence Chamberlain was victorious in a seemingly impossible 1863 battle. The story does not end here, but goes on to show how Chamberlain’s one decision continues to affect people worldwide even today. By doing so, Andrews attempts to show his readers how each of our decisions have lasting effects on us, our neighbors, and even our future generations. Thus, it shows readers just how important each individual is. Andrews interweaves this tale with the stories of other famous historical figures including George Washington Carver, Norman Borlaug, Henry Wallace, and others.

As I first started reading The Butterfly Effect, I had no idea how Andrews would manage to connect a stubborn war colonial to my life in meaningful and lasting way. Andrews was very successful in doing this. He did not simply give a rote answer saying, “The United States would not exist without Chamberlain’s decision and you would be living a different life.” Quite the contrary, I was emotionally touched by Andrews’s analysis. This book would make a great gift to show someone how important they truly are. Each of the pages is elaborately decorated. Overall, this gift book was a very quick read that I could not put down.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”