Mac's Mission Diary: Operation Save the Summer
S.J. Engelman
Inkwell Media, LLC
ISBN 9781734567045
eISBN 9781734567052
ASIN B0F88QM395
I read A Single Bead by Engelman almost a decade ago, and it still comes to mind often, and is a book I recommend frequently. At first I thought this book was co-written by a mother and either daughter or son team. But it is just a different pen name for the same person. And though this book is completely different I enjoyed it just as much. It was a very fun read!
This book took me completely by surprise. It is a wonderfully written story. I really did not know anything about the book other than the author when I picked it up. The description of this volume states:
“A hilarious page-turner that will inspire young readers 7 to 12 years old to stay off video games and get outside with friends!
Mac McMillan is a kid on a mission. It's the first day of summer break and his mom has taken away his video games, promising to return them once Mac has finished his summer reading and writing. Determined that this will ruin his vacation, Mac creates a battle plan. He will get his video games back, and a whole lot sooner than the "forever" it will take to finish all that boring homework!
As his battle plan unfolds, Mac meets new friends, discovers new entertainments, and learns that life is more fun when experienced away from devices and screens, even as he develops a new appreciation for a family that loves him and a mom who—like it or not—is generally right.
Join Mac as he embarks on his battle plan, makes new friends, and explores new adventures!
Look for more Mac's Missions, coming soon.”
This is a story that deals with faith, family, friendship and maybe electronics addiction. It is written as a journal from Mac who has a plan to get his video game system back that his mother has hidden. To get it back his mother’s way he has to read a certain number of pages in a book and write a certain number of pages in a journal. This book is that journal. Not only is the story fun but the illustrations are excellent. Some of the trouble Mac gets into and the way Mac tries to circumvent the rules is hilarious and yet also sobering.
And that is where it gets really interesting. This book is very well written. Before I had finished it I searched to see if another Mac adventure was available. Alas not yet but it does say ‘coming soon’ at the end. Unfortunately not yet! The weaving of faith, hope, friendships and family in this story makes the book a wonderful read for young readers and even us older folks. I loved it in my mid 50’s and have recommended it to both my 14 and 18 year olds. I look forward to reading the further adventures of Mac and his friends and family. A wonderful faith filled story certain to be enjoyed by the whole family!
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2026 Catholic Reading Plan!
Books by Stephanie Engelman:
Walking with Christ: Life Stories of Jeanne Wieck Atkins with Scriptural Reflections
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Bead By Bead Series For Children:
The Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary
The Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary
The Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary
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Contributed to:
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Written As S.J. Engelman:
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