Green Light Red Light by Hebbert

From the first page of "Green Light Red Light" the reader is invited to see the unanswered questions in the life of sixteen-year-old Erika Slade. Why did her mother kick her out? Why does she feel so connected with Monica Moore, a ESL teacher in China? Why did she agree to a trip to China? Why is she stuck with a snoring seatmate?

The answers to these questions and many more are found in the pages of Audrey Hebbert’s first YA novel, Green Light Red Light. The book is filled with conversion stories, humorous incidents and you experience the lives of the Chinese in their historical setting.

Although this is creative fiction, the book is based on the real life experiences of a Nebraska woman dedicated to sharing the gospel anyway she can. Hebbert changed the missionaries name to Monica Moore to protect her while she continues her travels. Although Erika is not real, her story can be found in young people all around us. The reader isn’t cheated by the events, they are real, from the food, the hair cut and the conversions.


In Green Light Red Light Erica Slade learns about forgiveness. She faces many precarious weather predicaments and bed issues—she sleeps on a bamboo mattress and uses a pillow stuffed with corn kernels. She also experiences strange foods like snake brains.

Erika learned you can withstand many discomforts when you adjust your attitude and look to the needs of others. This isn’t a sweet-fairy tale all wrapped up in ribbons, however, the gospel is clearly shared and forgiveness is a major theme. Although written for young adults with a sixteen-year-old as the main character, the book is a good read, no matter what your age.