A Chameleon, a Boy and a Quest by J.A. Myhre - REVIEWED

About the Book:
A Chameleon, a Boy, and a Quest (New Growth Press, October 2015)

A Boy Named Mu, an African Journey, and You

Mu, a ten-year-old orphan, has lived his entire life in the heart of Africa. For as long as he can remember he has served in the household of a great-uncle where he is unloved and ignored. In his drudgery-filled life, Mu has little hope of happiness, and little hope that anything will ever change.

But one day, everything does change. On his way to draw water one morning, Mu is astonished when a chameleon greets him by name and announces that they will embark on a quest together. And what a quest it turns out to be! Mu faces danger and finds unexpected allies as they journey through a fascinating and ever-changing landscape.

A Chameleon, a Boy, and a Quest blends magical realism with a compelling story. The exciting story line combines an orphan's journey to find a home with the plight of child soldiers and the dangers of the Ebola virus and, along the way, highlights universal themes of integrity, loyalty, faith, and love. Written by long-time medical missionary J. A. Myrhe, the artful story is laced with subtle gospel themes and handles cross-cultural issues with grace and sensitivity. Kids will encounter good and evil and learn the truth about hope, happiness, and what it means to be human in this page-turning first book in a new series.

What you'll find in A Chameleon, a Boy, and a Quest:

• A page-turning children's action and adventure story set in a fictional African land
• Blends magical realism and compelling storytelling with gospel themes to draw kids gently into the truth
• Deals with real-life but (seemingly) faraway themes like the plight of orphans, the duties of child soldiers, and the reality of the Ebola virus
• Written by a long-time medical missionary to Africa who handles cross-cultural issues with grace, sensitivity, and love

My Thoughts:

A Chameleon, a Boy and a Quest is the most unique and pleasant young adult novels I’ve had the pleasure to encounter!  The writing is magnificent, detailed and moving.  You will feel as though you are experiencing everything the 10-year-old protagonist experiences!  Having the story set in Africa only adds to the intrigue, and the character of the Chameleon is brilliant!

This is an analogy in the broadest sense, and it does have spiritual application.  I think it is a book to read aloud and savored with the young people in your life!  I’d target late elementary and early middle school students as my chosen audience.  Yes, and read aloud to them.  Engage in conversation and swapping ideas!  This book is a beautiful opportunity to discuss so very much!! 

I have to say this again….this book is unique, intriguing and captivating!! Share this with the young people in your life today!

Purchase you copy HERE!

J. A. Myhre serves as a doctor with Serge in East Africa where she has worked for over two decades. She is passionate about health care for the poor, training local doctors and nurses, promoting childhood nutrition and development, and being the hands of Jesus in the hardest places. She is married to her best friend and colleague Scott, and together they have raised four children for whom many of her stories were written as Christmas presents.