Young adult book, Found in Translation is about an eighteen-year-old, Kim Hartlinger, who goes on a mission trip to Mexico. Though she thinks she is going on an evangelizing mission to a populated Mexican city, she finds herself on a mission to build housing for a small community that has been devastated by a tornado.
Kim's quite a character. Only child of affluent parents, she is irresponsible, clutzy, stylish, big-hearted, adaptable, and used by God. She is befriended by Aleesha Jefferson, another teen on mission, and then a young girl at the site, Anjelita, who is missing one arm from the elbow.
After breaking her arm, Kim puts herself and Anjelita on trash patrol, while the other teens build houses. God has another project for Kim, but her pride and independence can't get in the way or she won't be able to complete it. Of course, there is a boy who causes some problems, too.
This is an interesting read. Kim has a great voice (it's written in first person pov), and I think it is an authentic look into how young adults live and believe while seeking God and messing up. What I didn't get excited about was the ending. It pushed me beyond my suspension of disbelief and reminded me that I was reading a story that was tying up loose ends. But stuff like that is exceedingly personal, so if you are looking of a new young adult series, give An Altered Hearts novel, Found in Translation, a try.
