Books with author John Griffith

How long does it take for kids to understand the true meaning of Christmas? Ten year old Cassie decided to do something different for Christmas this year. While every kid loves receiving gifts—doesn’t everyone—especially at Christmas, a recent sermon bothered Cassie. Jesus said in Matthew 20:25-28, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and give His life as a ransom for many.” Cassie wanted to understand. She asked her mom, Connie, if she could give, like at the Food Kitchen. “Giving is what Christmas is all about,” she said, defending her request. But to her friends, she admitted, “I want to FEEL Christmas.” Wanting to FEEL Christmas is how her heart guided her out of her comfort zone, surprising even her mother. All her friends were counting down the days until they could tear open the many gifts (they requested), piled under their trees. But Cassie wanted to FEEL Christmas. How weird is that? What’s weird—in Cassie’s mind—is that her mom wanted to ask her little cousin to come along. “Maybe both girls would be grateful for the gifts they receive after an adventure of giving,” is how Connie presented her plan to her sister, Donna. Now eight year old Shakira was dragged—almost kicking and screaming—to the Food Kitchen that Saturday. Shakira was beginning to wonder about Cassie, whom she always adored, after learning the plan. The Food Kitchen’s brown-bricked building looked as foreboding as both girls felt when Connie parked the car.“It’ll be loads of fun, you’ll see!” Connie promised the girls. “Let’s go.” Unbuckling their seat belts took longer than usual. Walking to the front door gave the girls time to rethink this whole thing. But the plan was spinning out of Cassie’s control. Would Shakira ever forgive her for whatever today would bring? What was I thinking? Cassie wondered, her steps slowing. Who comes to eat at the Food Kitchen, anyway? I don’t know even one person who comes here, in this scary part of town! Too late, we’re inside the building! Cassie forced herself to smile at the pretty lady coming towards them.

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Sophie West has a problem with her imaginary friend, Mo. Most girls have forgotten their imaginary friends by the age of thirteen, but Mo seems more and more real every day. The problem is, instead of playing hide and seek and tea party like they used to, now all Mo wants to play with is fire. Sophie’s Mom, Dianne, doesn’t know where to turn for help. Someone is starting fires in their exclusive Baltimore neighborhood, and she’s terrified it might be Sophie. Desperate, she calls the only person she can think of with the discretion and experience she needs. Gordon Pope is still trying to get his fledgling child psychiatry practice off the ground. When he answers Dianne’s call, he thinks he’s simply taking on another troubled young patient. What he doesn’t realize is that he’s about to find out just how dangerous Mo’s games really are.