Ordinary Miracles

By Stephanie S. Tolan

Book Overview

That's what Mark Filkins has always believed. But it seems as if he's also gotten a lot he hasn't asked for, like feeling that he's a slightly faded copy of his twin brother, or his parents' plan that both boys will grow up to be preachers. When he meets Dr. Colin Hendrick, a Nobel Prize-winning scientist whose research Mark's family disapproves of, Mark realizes that he can -- and should -- make choices for himself. But when Colin reveals a terrible secret, Mark knows the time has come to ask for the most important thing of all...and put his own faith on the line.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0380733226
• ISBN13: 9780380733224
• Release Date: February 2002
• Publisher: Harperteen
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.1" x 7.6"
• Age Range: 13 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 8 and higher

Customer Reviews

Extraordinary

A young boy begins to question his fundamental Christian upbringing, especially as he builds a friendship with a scientist whose beliefs are certainly different than what he has been taught. The answers to these questions grow in importance as the scientist faces the final days in a fatal illness. Will the scientist's life and/or possible death provide any answers? Tolan does a beautiful job in handling the conflict young adults face as they grow independent and must choose to accept or reject the teaching of the adults that have been in their lives...parents, teachers, mentors. She strikes the perfect balance in presenting both viewpoints without making the Christians look like unintelligent, heavy-handed Bible bashers and without making the scientist look like the clear winner due to his academic intelligence and sympathetic condition. This book would be a great family read-aloud discussion starter. Personally, there was something a little corny about the ending, but it was a satisfying and thought-provoking resolution.

Ordinary Miracles is a Wonderful Book!

WI loved Ordinary Miracles from the very first page. It was wonderful, and full of meaning. It was touching, heart-warming, funny, and sad all at teh same time. Stephanie S. Tolan did an extraordinary job on this book. With detail, wonderful characters like Mark and Colin, a great storyline, memorable and honorable details and words, this book is very well written and just a great book to read or read to others.

Miss Cowess a.k.a Happy Reader

I felt this book brought out a whole new story that hasn't been shared before.Unlike the common Cinderella stories you hear about, this story is about a boy, Mark who sruggled in fighting to save his friends life.This story was super emotional, because the friendship between Mark and Colin was built around a science project, but when one of the friends becomes seriously ill, they both have to realize the are going to lose eachother. It was touching and taught the importance of being friends. This story taught, to me, that it is improtant to know that two people may look alike, but at heart they are two seperate people. I feel this is improtant to know, because each of the twins felt as though the needed to be treated seperately.I hope you enjoy this book as muchas I did!

Terrific!

This is a wonderful book. It's beautifully written, full of details that put the reader right there, seeing and feeling along with Mark. That's what I appreciated most, being so thoroughly in Mark's head and heart. The difficult ending was perfect, and I felt it down to my toes. My hat is off to Ms. Tolan!