Across the Wide River

American history is full of exciting and inspiring stories - none more so than tales of the Underground Railroad, where ordinary citizens risked their lives to secretly transport slaves to the North or to Canada so they could live free and safe. Stephanie Reed tackles this intriguing subject in Across the Wide River, a novel based on the life of a real Underground Railroad operator, Lowry Rankin.

Lowry's father is a minister and an open abolitionist, so Lowry grows up never understanding how Christians can defend slavery. His best childhood friend is a young slave, and when Lowry witnesses the boy beaten nearly to death, he begins to feel helpless and useless. These feelings persist throughout Lowry's teenage years, where he is taunted by bullies and feels like a failure because he never does well in school. What most people don't realize, however, is that Lowry, from quite a young age, is sleep deprived because he's up most nights helping slaves escape to freedom.

Lowry becomes angry at how the Underground Railroad has affected his life. It seems to steal all his time and energy, making it so he's even afraid to court his childhood sweetheart. He rebels and decides to become a carptenter - not the abolitionist minister his father always hoped he'd become. But when Lowry witnesses the evil humiliation of a female slave, his life changes forever. He decides he really should become a minister in order to fight slavery.

His plans run amok, however, when he becomes seriously ill after aiding a slave in cold and wet weather. Lowry returns home feeling defeated. He thinks he's a failure. Yet, as his childhood sweetheart tells him when he finally plucks up the courage to ask her to marry him, he is no failure at all. He's doing the Lord's work.

What I Like: It was great to read about a member of the Underground Railroad who isn't well known. Reed's accounts of Lowry's troubles are also compelling. What teenager wouldn't feel resentful when all his friends live normal lives - going to music conventions and such - while he spends his days exhausted after putting himself in jeapody to save others?

What I Dislike: Although a novel about the Underground Railroad ought to be exciting, much of this book isn't. I would have liked to have read much more about Lowry's actual work with the Railroad (even if much of it was fictional but based on the experiences of others working with the Underground) than about the more mundane parts of Lowry's life. Some of the details are interesting and will appeal to many kids - for example, Reed's explanation of why the streets of town were so filthy and stinky and how the weather made it worse or better. Other details are not as interesting, such as the author's long description of how Lowry and his father built their home.

Also, an author's note at the end of the book would have given the story a more satisfactory ending. We assume Lowry finally married his sweetheart, but what profession did he choose? And did he continue with the Underground Railroad?

Overall Rating: Good.

Age Appeal: The publisher calls this a "young adult" novel, and I'd say it's appropriate for kids 9 and up.

Publishing Info: Kregel, 2004; ISBN: 978-0825435768; paperback, $9.99

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Books We Wish Were in Print: Alpha Centauri

Robert Siegel's fantasy Alpha Centauri was one of my favorite books growing up. Seigel's heroine, Becky, and her faithful mare, Rebecca, travel back in time to a centaur settlement in Old England. The centaurs existence is threatened by Rock Movers, and they must trust Becky and Rebecca in order to survive.

Seigel's story is a unique tale of friendship, self-discovery and bravery. The allegorical elements relating to the Fall and the prophet Elijah are subtle but powerful. The settings are vividly described, and I love Kurt Mitchell's illustrations. Seigel uses beautiful word pictures and skillful prose to develop characters and plot equally. Each time I read Alpha Centuari, I still can't put down!

Age Appeal: 8 - Adult

Publisher Info: Cornerstone Books: Good News Publishers, 1980; ISBN: 0-89107-180-6; Hardcover, Out of Print

Buy it, used, at Amazon for $9.95 and up.

Special Note: This is the link to the 1980 version I have. There is also a version published in 1990 (also out of print).

Books We Wish Were In Print: Dusty's Beary Tales

Because we're book lovers to the core, we often find out of print books we love. That's what today's special feature "Books We Wish Were In Print" is all about: Books that, if we were publishers, we'd reprint in a heart beat.
Here's my pick.

Dusty's Beary Tales: Building Character with Bible Virtues is a favorite in our household. Ruthann Winana and Linda Lee's stories focus on a young bear named Dusty, his baby brother JJ, his sister Ashley, and his Papa and Mama. They live an old fashioned life in Honey Pine Woods, where God is the focus and kindness is key. We read all about Dusty's grumpy mornings, lost treasure (both real and imagined), and how Dusty learns everything isn't what it seems. We learn about facing fear and finding courage, how to express thankfulness, and much, much more. Here's a little taste:

"[Mama] handed Dusty a scroll. When he unrolled it, he saw 'Dusty's Lost Treasure Map' written in crayon across the top and a drawing of Dusty's attic room. Beside the drawing, was a list of all the items that Dusty had lost lately.

'You are the great Indiana Jones in search of lost treasure. We are your search and rescue team. Together, we are going to find your treasures and restore them to their rightful place in your room.'

'Sounds like cleaning my room, Mama,' said Dusty with one eyebrow raised.

'Nonsense!' Mama declared. 'You'll never have an adventure if you look at things that way. Ordinary bears see chores as just one of the bare necessities of life. But you come a long line of extraordinary bears. We look at all sorts of ordinary things as opportunities for adventure!'

'Even chores?'Dusty questioned.

'Especially chores!' Mama assured. 'Why, if it weren't for your Great Grandpa Griz doing his chores, Honey Pine Woods might never have been discovered!'

'Really?' the cubs marveled.

'Oh, yes!' Then she stood and announced, 'Let the adventure begin!''

The stories are told with such sweetness, and young children get a clear take-away message. Mara Mattia's illustrations are warm and detailed, and each page is scattered with Bible verses, key thoughts, recipes related to the stories, riddles, activities, and questions for parents and children to ponder.

What I Like: This is such a rich book, packed full of information to help kids with everyday problems. We love the recipes linked to the stories (for example, Mama Bear's "secret recipe" for honey cakes) and fun activity ideas. I highly recommend this book, and would put it back in print if I could!

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: I'd say about 3 to 8.

Publishing Info: Harvest House, 1996; ISBN: 978-1565074965; hardback

Buy NOW from Amazon for $14.95 (new) or $1.46 (used)

Special Info: For a peek at the illustrations in this book, see Mara Mattia's website.

Saint Training

As the oldest girl in a family of nine, twelve year old Mary Clare has a lot on her plate. First, she has to help her pregnant mother manage the household. Besides that, her father struggles to pay the bills…and Mary Clare has to deal with the fallout at school. Then there’s the Vietnam War, the source of numerous arguments between two of her brothers, one who wants to enlist and the other who wants to be a conscientious objector. Plus she has to grapple with a division in the Catholic Church over racial issues.

And to top it all off, Mary Clare’s frizzy hair won’t cooperate.

That’s why Mary Clare makes a bargain with God. If He will make her family happy and whole again, she will become a saint. The only problem? Mary Clare soon discovers that becoming a saint is neither a small nor an easy task.

Set in 1967, Saint Training, written by Elizabeth Fixmer, follows sixth grader Mary Clare O’Brian as she struggles to understand her faith, define her role in her family, and deal with fickle friends. The historical fiction novel opens with a heartfelt letter from Mary Clare to the Reverend Mother at the Good Shepherd convent. At key points throughout the story, Mary Clare either receives a response ripe with wisdom and encouragement from the Reverend Mother or writes another letter full of questions and speculation. Mary Clare’s journey is filled with honest soul-searching, sensitive political and religious issues, and normal teenage angst.

What I Like: The story is well-written with a strong , affable, and believable lead character. For example, though Mary Clare gives serious thought to big issues, she still worries about boys, popularity, and looks… just like my own middle-grader. In essence, it’s a coming of age story that does not shy away from asking some tough but thought-provoking questions: Why would God make someone pregnant and then take the baby away? Should I still talk to my friends about my Catholic faith, even when they don’t believe me? How can someone with religious beliefs justify war? How many sins can you have and still become a nun? For me, the best part about the book was how Mary Clare slowly came to understand and claim her family’s faith as her own.

What I Dislike: I am not very familiar with Catholic worship or practices, but I have several Catholic friends whose faith I greatly admire. However, at the beginning of the story, I did not feel like it painted the Catholic faith in a positive light. I was, in fact, a little dismayed by Mary Clare’s almost obsessive focus on sin. And Sister Agony acted mean and spiteful. That said, I appreciated the way Mary Clare matured in her understanding of God and faith and, indeed, the world. She struggled honestly with her questions and ended up in an admirable place.

Overall Rating: Very good

Age Appeal: 9-12 years

Publisher Info: Zonderkidz, August 2010; ISBN: 978-0310720188; Hardcover $14.99

Buy it Now at Christianbook.com for $11.99
OR Buy it at Amazon.com for $10.19.
OR Buy a Kindle copy for $8.99.

Special info: Visit this author's website.

The Berenstain Bears Hurry to Help

When Scout Leader Papa Bear takes his troupe out to earn their Good Deed Merit Badges, in The Berenstain Bears Hurry to Help written and illustrated by Stan and Jan Berenstain, things of course don’t go smoothly.

Papa Bear and the troupe try to help several neighbors who really don’t need help. In the course of doing so, they create problems where there weren’t any to start with. After several attempts to be “helpful,” Papa Bear ends up getting hurt. The scout troupe has to find a way to get Papa Bear back to his home. After much exertion, they manage to do so. But, they are discouraged that their day ended in defeat as they weren’t able to help any of their neighbors.

Mama Bear then points out that they did indeed help someone, they helped Papa Bear who required their assistance in getting home. So, they earned their Good Deed Merit Badges after all.

The illustrations by Mike Berenstain, done in the usual Berenstain Bear-style, are colorful, expressive and cartoon-like.

This Bible verse is given as a reference for the story: “Each of you should look not only to your interests but also to the interests of others.” [Philippians 2:4]

What I Like: Several of the characters in this episode – Papa Bear, Mama Bear and Farmer Ben – quote Scripture as part of the text for the book.

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: 4-7.

Publisher Info: Zonderkidz, 2010; ISBN: 9780310719380; Hardcover: $6.99.

Buy now at ChristianBook $5.49!

Or buy at Amazon.com $6.99.

Special Info: This book is part of the publisher’s Living Lights series. Read our reviews of other books in the series by Stan and Jan Berenstain. Visit the Berenstain Bears website.

Pookster and the Practically Perfect Pickle

Pookster and the Practically Perfect Pickle doesn’t sound like the title for a Christian picture book, but it is. Written by Christian singer and songwriter Rhonda Funk, it features Pookster and Bubs, characters from the Adventures of Pookster and Bubs series.

In this episode, we learn that Pookster loves pickles. She really loves pickles. And, she has a wonderful pickle; it’s so wonderful, she says it’s “practically perfect.” She’s very attached to her pickle.

When Pookster gets into a fight with her brother because she thinks he’s trying to get her pickle (even though he isn’t), she has to deal with mom. Mom takes Pookster’s pickle to get her attention. Then, she uses an analogy: Pickles are like words, they can either be sweet or sour. Sweet words (kind words) are what we should strive for, but Pookster used sour words (mean words) and hurt her brother’s feelings. When Pookster apologizes to her brother, her mom returns her pickle.

Pookster realizes she over-reacted when she thought her pickle was being threatened. She also learns that words make a big difference in the way we are treated. And, she leaves us with these words of wisdom: “…remember that the Bible is not like a sour pickle, but it does tech you not to be one.”

This Bible verse is given as a reference for the story: “Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” [Proverbs 16:24]

The bright, colorful, expressive, cartoon-like illustrations by Eric Kieninger are a perfect fit for this type of story.

What I Like: This simple story teaches a great lesson about choosing our words carefully, opting for “sweet” words instead of “sour” ones.

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: 4-8.

Publisher Info: Fish Pond Kids, 2010; ISBN: 9781935265412; Paperback, $11.99.

Buy now at ChristianBook $9.99!

Or buy at Amazon.com $8.63.

Special Info: This story is part of the publisher’s “Pookster and Bubs” series of books. An audio CD is included with the book so you can read along with the story or just listen to it. Visit the author’s website.

Doctor in Rags

Doctor in Rags, by Louise A. Vernon, opens with a sixteenth century girl named Gudryn Bruhn who is in desperate need of a doctor…especially with fears of the plague running strong. When a doctor in rags shows up to help, he is turned away in favor of a “city” doctor, a pompous parasite of a man who is little more than a fraud. When Gudryn’s condition worsens, her brother, Michael seeks out the doctor in rags, who heals her in a seemingly miraculous way. Michael soon discovers that the doctor in rags is the famed doctor Paracelsus. Meanwhile, Michael’s widowed mother, who now owns the husband’s castle estate, has secretly welcomed Hutterites to work in her fields and build a community because she feels they worship God in the right way. This act is illegal since the Hutterites do not attend the state church and, as such, are considered criminals. Not long after Gudryn’s healing, King Ferdinand takes the family’s land and puts the mother in jail because of their sympathy for the Hutterites. Michael and Gudryn seek refuge with the Hutterites. They end up in chains as well. However, it is while the children are in with the Hutterites that they learn about worship and hope, and Michael senses God’s true calling on his life.

What I Like: This historical fiction book provides a snapshot of the sixteenth century lifestyle of the Hutterites and Paracelsus. If you are studying the sixteenth century or the plague, the book might provide interesting insights for your students.

What I Dislike: To me, the story seemed a bit preachy in places and the plot somewhat weak and choppy. Also, although the title led me to believe the story would be mainly about Paracelsus, the doctor in rags, or perhaps the Hutterites since many suspected Paracelsus of being a Hutterite, the story actually focused more on Michael finding his true calling. Also, there was no bibliography to support the historical aspects of this book. It would have been a handy addition to the book.

Overall Rating: Good

Age Appeal: 9-12

Publisher Info: Herald Press, 2003 (although originally published in 1973; ISBN: 0-8361-1698-4; Paperback $8.99.

Buy it Now at Christianbook.com for $7.49.
OR Buy it at Amazon.com for $8.99.

Special info: Read CCBR reviews of other books by this author.