Am I Forgiving? is a wonderful tale about a little boy named Erik who is being badly treated by his best friend. Throughout the ordeal, Erik keeps asking himself if he is forgiving those who are being mean to him? He understands that God wants him to treat everyone with love whether they treat him the same way or not. Erik seems to be about 8 or 9 and very mature for his age in this story. I guess that's a good thing. It shows other children who are reading the story exactly how they can deal with the same situation. Erik realizes that he's going to need God's help to truly forgive his best friend. In the end, Erik is able to really forgive, and he's rewarded with a mended friendship and a good feeling inside knowing he's being pleasing to God.

This book was a wonderful bedtime story for my children. They asked for it over and over again, so the appeal is quite real. They seem to identify with Erik and feel his anger when his best friend treats him badly. They see Erik going through the decision-making process of how he should respond. Should he be mean back or do what God would want him to do? The children seem to be rooting for him to make the right decision, which instills in them the fortitude to make the right decision themselves. After a while, it will be second nature for them to turn the other cheek. I was a bit taken aback by the way the story is told at first, but the children loved it from the start, so I'm rethinking my stance. Mrs. Taylor has written a winner that helps children make the right choice.

All in all, this book is a wonderful addition to your children's library of bedtime stories. I think bedtime is a good time to read this. As the children are getting ready to sleep, they can "think on these things." They'll be filled with the courage to carry out God's will in this earth. Parents, this is a keeper!

Product review by Lyria Moore, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, October 2007