Take Your Best Shot by Austin Gutwein and Todd Hillard

Have you ever wondered what faith that can change the world really looks like? The book Take Your Best Shot gives an incredible example. When Austin Gutwein was only nine years old, he saw a video from World Vision called Maggie's Story. Maggie was also nine years old; but she lived in Zambia, and she was an AIDS orphan. This four minute video sparked a passion that would eventually become the organization Hoops of Hope, an international aid group that has provided sponsorship, education and medical care to countless people in Africa. Along with the story of Hoops of Hope you are provided with a glimpse into the behind the scenes work and faith happening in Austin's life, complete with pictures.

What makes this book different from other books of this genre, is that it also focuses on the reader, and inspires the reader to find their passion, look for a need and put those two together to make a change.  Although it is clearly written to a teen audience, I found myself drawn into it in a powerful way. At the end of each chapter there is a discussion area, and more than once I was challenged by the Word of God and inspired to "think like a nine year old". To have faith in God removed from the overwhelming practicality of adulthood. To work to change the world, even if you just start with one person's world. It is definitely going to go on my daughter's reading list for school this year. It was a great first pick to review for  Thomas Nelson.

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