Sophie's Irish Showdown

Sophie #4

by Nancy N. Rue, Grace Chen (Illustrator)

Sophie knows how it feels to be the new girl---different and 'weird.' She also remembers needing a friend. When a new girl in class is assigned to Sophie's drama group, she wants to get to know her. Sophie learns to accept her new friend's culture. But how will the other Corn Flakes teach others about acceptance if they cannot seem to learn themselves?

Genres: Christian, Childrens, Christian Fiction, Middle Grade, Contemporary, Young Adult, Fiction

128 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2005

About the author

Nancy Rue is the author of over 100 books for adults and teens, including the Christy Award-winning The Reluctant Prophet, Unexpected Dismounts and Healing Waters (with Steve Arterburn), which was the 2009 Women of Faith Novel of the Year. She travels extensively—at times on the back of a Harley—speaking to and teaching groups of women of all ages. Nancy lives on a lake in Tennessee with her Harley-ridin’ husband, Jim, and their two yellow Labs (without whom writing would be difficult).

Reviews

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my students recommended I read this book. I'm so glad she did. Sometimes, when I read Christian fiction, especially for children, I weary of the forced, tacked-on way spiritual elements are presented. It was a bit more obvious here than in adult fiction, but I also truly felt it was part of Sophie's character, not just a way to "get more Jesus into the book." Her faith is presented from a child's point of view, sometimes taking a Biblical account more literally than an adult might -- like when she actually washed a friend's feet in order to be more like Jesus. Even so, that made me smile and like her all the more.

What I think my favorite aspect of this book was, however, involved Darby and the result of her living through the conflict of Northern Ireland back in the 1990s. I have seen few children's literature books that touched on that topic and this one did it with heart and sensitivity. It also showed kids just being kids and learning to show empathy to others. Putting it in the very kid-friendly context of a class presentation is well done.

I can't help but like the characters in the story. The fact that the girls are imaginative and make their own movies based on research was delightful. I found myself wanting to join them or at least watch them work. I also appreciated that Sophie sees a Christian therapist who helps her use her imagination properly and not to avoid difficulties at home. I look forward to reading more of Sophie's stories and hope they are all of this quality.

[Jenni Enzor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first time reading one of the Sophie books. I absolutely loved her family dynamics and how Rue showed that big sisters can be annoying, but they still have your back. I also enjoyed Sophie's imagination and her big heart. It was also nice seeing a therapist portrayed in a good light, especially how he was the instigator of Sophie thinking about a Bible story that becomes important later on in her growth.

I learned a lot about Northern Ireland as well through this book, and I loved the themes about including others, especially those that at first seem less lovable.

More on my blog: https://jennienzor.blogspot.com/2025/...

[AurorainBookland · Rating 4 out of 5]

I only gave it four stars because Darbie`s story is really sad and for parents who don't want their eight year olds reading about fighting her aunt says they had two sides and they threw bombs over it and kids threw rocks at Darbie because she wasn't Catholic. her dad died trying to help keep the peace and her mom dies in a car accident. it doesn't describe Darbie life in graphic detail but still I wanted to give parents a heads up this book series isn't all sunshine and rainbows but not as bad as other books that they are marketing for this age 8- 12

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not exactly sure how the class performance was all of a sudden known as the Irish Showdown, but other than that I enjoyed the book. It was good for the readers to learn about the conflict in Northern Ireland and how to juggle new and old friends.

[Nuts about Friends · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book it gave so much information that can be used in everyday life

[Doofenshmirtz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Again, Sophie is becoming a little more mean and not as innocent as she was in the first two books. I can see where this series is going, and I'm not liking it.