Time Crashers: Fire on the Mountain

When I was in junior high, one of my favorite types of books to read was the "pick your own adventure" books. In these types of stories, when the main character would come to a crossroad and was forced to make a choice, I got to decide what that choice would be.  Time Crashers; Fire on the Mountain is exactly that type of book.

This is the second book in what I hope is going to become a successful series by H. Michael Brewer. In the series, Dr. Benton Conway has created a time machine which has taken him back in time. His son Ethan learns to use the time machine and discovers the machine has been programmed to only make 33 time travels. Ethan gets his two friends, Jake and Spencer, to travel with him as they look to find Ethan's father somewhere in time.

In Fire on the Mountain, Ethan's time travel takes him and his friends back to the day before Mount Vesuvius explodes, destroying the city of Pompeii. The three boys become separated and begin a series of adventures that introduce them to some shady characters, men who show true bravery, and Christians who must meet in secret or pay the penalty of being a believer in those days.

Do they find Ethan's father? Do they escape Pompeii before Mount Vesuvius erupts? I'll let you choose your own adventure to find out.

What I Like: I loved being able to determine the direction the story would take me. Some of the story lines ended in surprising ways. As someone who loves history and seeing it accurately used in fiction, I loved that the different references to Pompeii and things the boys were seeing were given historical backing at the end of the book in a section entitled "The Real Deal."

I also liked the activities this book had throughout that reinforced what had just been read. Some activities were Scriptural and asked for the reader to use a code to discover a verse dealing with an attitude we should have as Christians. Other activities were historically based. For example, after discussing some of the graffiti found on the walls of Pompeii, the reader is asked to write a message about Jesus on a page in the book made to look like a wall.

What I Dislike: The book is written in the present tense which would occasionally throw me off.

Also, at one point in the story, Ethan is asked a question about the God he prefers to worship. Knowing that claiming to be a Christian could result in death, he answers, "The Son." The hearer responds, "The sun god Apollo. Always a good choice." The conversation is left at that. I understand that Ethan technically answered honestly, and he allowed the hearer to imply her own meaning. In that situation, who knows what any of us would actually answer, but it left me wondering. 

Overall Rating: Excellent

Age Appeal: 8-12

Publisher Info: Legacy Press, 2013; ISBN 10: 1-58411-145-3 ISBN 13: 978-1-58411-145-0; paperback, 200 pgs.

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Battle for Cannibal Island (Imagination Station #8)

Serving and sacrificing for others. Spiritual warfare. The difference once person can make. These are the themes in the latest Imagination Station book, Battle for Cannibal Island.

Once again Wayne Thomas Batson and Marianne Hering's tell the tale of young cousins Beth and Patrick. This time, Patrick has a bad attitude about going to his grandmother's birthday party. Going means missing a ball game, which hardly seems fair to him. So, without permission, Patrick starts up the Imagination Station, looking for adventure. In trying to stop him, Beth ends up on board, too.

The machine takes them to a ship in the 19th century. At first, the cousins fear it's a pirate ship. After all, the men on board talk like pirates - and one even has a wooden leg. But they are actually on an English navy vessel anchored near Fiji. The trouble is, Fiji is a land of cannibals, and Toki, the leader of them all, isn't to be trusted.

But James Calvert, a missionary whose been teaching the Fijians about Christ, guides the cousins and the crew as they experience adventure after adventure. First, Toki brings a boat near the ship, and war is feared. Then a large storm comes and Patrick and a sailor fall into the sea. They drift to the island - but they aren't safe there; Toki is on the hunt for them. Beth sneaks into the rescue boat, but ends up falling into the ocean. Patrick confronts Toki about his lack of faith in Christ. Toki replies:

"I hate the teachings of [God]! Your God would be King and change our ways. He would make us weak with words like 'love your enemies.' I am king. I kill and eat my enemies."

Yet when Toki finally admits he isn't all powerful and Patrick reminds him the Christian God will forgive him, something in Toki changes.

Toki sees Beth struggling in the sea, and throws a spear her direction. Thinking Toki means harm, one of the sailors shoots the Fijian king. But it turns out Toki was killing a stingray threatening Beth. The English sailors set to healing Toki. The warrior opens his eyes briefly, and Calvert prays with him. Toki promises that if God lets him live, he will never kill Christians again. "Do ye repent?" Calvert asks. "I repent," Toki says.

The Imagination Station reappears and Beth and Patrick go back home. There, their mentor Mr. Whittacker tells them more about Calvert:

"Not many people cared about telling the cannibal tribes about Jesus. But Calbert and other missionaries gave their lives to do it. There were tens of thousands of Fijian Christians when Calvert left Fiji. And the cannibalism had stopped...Mr. Calvert kept reaching out to [Toki]. That's what Jesus call us to do."

Suddenly, sacrificing a ball game for his grandma's birthday party doesn't seem so awful to Patrick.

What I Like: As my 7 year old says, "This book is awesome!" Nearly every chapter is a cliff-hanger, the pace is quick, and the story is nothing if not adventurous. I appreciate that Beth and Patrick act like real kids who make mistakes. Both my daughter and I also enjoyed learning the interesting and important history outlined in the book; there are even several strong Christian themes woven in. Throughout, David Hohn's black and white illustrations (about a dozen of them), add interest.

What I Dislike: My only complaint is minor. At the back of the book there is a section offering facts about the real James Calvert. It ends by saying "For more info on James Calvert and Fiji, visit TheImaginationStation.com." But the website offers no such information. As I've noticed with other books in the series, the supplemental information provided on the website is inconsistent. Sometimes devotionals or other helpful material are offered and other times they are not - even if the book itself promises it.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: about 7 to 12.

Publishing Info: Tyndale; 2012; ISBN: 978-1589976740; paperback, 144 pgs., $4.99

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Special Info: Read our other reviews of books in the Imagination Station series. 

Adventures in the American Revolution: Annie Henry and the Secret Mission

Ten-year-old Annie Henry struggles to know where she belongs. Too old to play in the nursery all day, but too young to help her sister manage the house, she finds herself wandering into mischief on a regular basis. Sometimes, her curiosity and wandering spirit are helpful. One time she noticed a fire in the wheat field and warned the men in time to save most of the harvest. Other times, however, her wandering and curiosity are exasperating, especially when her sister has to wash and mend her clothing, or her father catches her eavesdropping on his meetings.

In Susan Olasky's book, Annie Henry and the Secret Mission, Annie must learn to handle her sister's high expectations, her fears for her father's safety, and her worries about her mother. Annie is the daughter of Patrick Henry, a patriot who believes war with England may be necessary to preserve American freedom. Patrick Henry dotes on his daughter, but is away from home often, giving speeches and gathering support for the coming revolution. Annie's mother stays in bed, in a basement room, with nurses to care for her. When Annie does see her mother, she is wearing a straight-jacket and doesn't recognize Annie. Annie's sister can't understand why Annie has to cause trouble, instead of being calm and ladylike.

Annie loves to escape outside, where she enjoys nature and horse-back riding. However, she often returns home with ruined clothes, and even breaks her arm, while jumping her horse. Roaming outside does give her a chance to meet the neighbors, who are sympathetic to both the revolution and Annie's mother's plight. PLOT SPOILER AHEAD: On the eve of Annie being shipped off to her stay with her aunt and uncle, she stows away in the neighbor's wagon and heads to Richmond, to hear her father speak. Once there, she saves her father from arrest, and hears him proudly proclaim, "Give me liberty or give me death!"

What I Like: I like Annie's spirit and the authenticity of her dilemmas. She truly does want to be obedient and helpful, but has trouble taming her own spirit. Although loved by her father and sister, she is left to her own devices too often, and hasn't learned to control her impulses yet. Many ten-year-olds will relate to her.

I also like the gentle way Olasky deals with mental illness. Annie's mother is clearly mentally ill, and Annie questions why God allows the illness and doesn't heal her. Annie's father, and their neighbor, Mrs. Thacker, listen to Annie's questions and point her to the Bible, without giving pat answers. Mrs. Thacker tells Annie the story of Joseph being sold into slavery by his brothers, and says, "That's how God can take bad--even evil things--and bring good out of them." When Annie asks how God can make good come of her mother's situation, Mrs. Thacker honestly answers that she doesn't know, but reminds Annie, "There is a promise that God works things out for the good of those who love Him. But it isn't always clear to us when we are in the midst of trouble. Your mother loves the Lord. You must make sure you do, too."

What I Dislike: Although I identify with Annie's independent spirit, some parents may have trouble with her consistent disobedience. She disobeys often, and doesn't seem to learn why it would be better to obey. In fact, after she sneaks out and goes to Richmond, her father decides she doesn't need to go live with her aunt after all. I hope readers don't decide disobedience is worth the risk and may pay off in the end.

Overall Rating: Very good

Age Appeal: 8-12

Publisher Info: P and Publishing, 2011; ISBN: 978-1-59638-374-6; Paperback, 95 pages, $7.99

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Special Note: View our reviews of Susan Olasky's Young American Patriots series here.

Andi's Circle C Christmas

Andi's aunt is visiting the ranch, putting a real damper on the holiday season in Susan K. Marlow's Andi's Circle C Christmas. Aunt Rebecca is grumpy. She's always picking on Andi for not being lady-like. And she bosses everyone around. Andi doesn't like it one bit - but she's not sure what to do about it. She's tempted to talk back, but her big sister warns: "You won't dare talk back to Aunt Rebecca. Or do anything mean to her. Mother would be so ashamed...Christmas is Jesus' birthday. Remember?...You can't give Jesus a real present, like a pot holder...But you can give Him the present of trying to make Aunt Rebecca happy."

"I can try," Andi says without enthusiasm. "But I think I would like to give Jesus a different present." Nevertheless, next time Aunt Rebecca bosses Andi around, she actively remembers asking God to help her make her Aunt happy, then shuts her lips tight.

Then Andi and her aunt take a buggy ride in order to go to a Christmas tea. One of the wheels bounces off the buggy, leaving both Aunt Rebecca and Andi stranded in the rain. It's too far to walk anywhere, so Andi decides they can unhitch the buggy horse and ride him back home. Aunt Rebecca could never think of riding a horse, however; it's not lady-like. She tells Andi to ride back to the ranch by herself to fetch help. This brings Andi to tears. She doesn't want to be the boss, she discovers. But she knows she can't leave her possibly hurt Aunt alone in the rain and mud after dark. Finally, she convinces her aunt to ride behind her on the horse.

Safely back at the ranch, Aunt Rebecca is kinder to Andi, appreciating her help and courage. On Christmas, Aunt Rebecca still scolds a little about peeking at the presents, but she does it with a smile. "Happy birthday, Jesus!" Andi thinks.

What I Like: My 6 year old daughter loves the Circle C series of books; she can easily relate to Andi, who struggles with the same things she does - including being respectful and kind even when she doesn't like someone. I like Andi's Circle C Christmas because it's a sweet, innocent tale that encourages my child to think about kindness and how it pleases God. The 10 black and white illustrations by Leslie Gammelgaard also add to the reading experience.

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Very good.

Age Appeal: There is no recommendation by the publisher, but I'd say 5 to 8.

Publishing Info: Kregel; 2011; ISBN: 978-0825441875; paperback, 80 pgs., $4.99.

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Special Info: Read our reviews of other books by Susan K. Marlow, including additional books in the Circle C series.

Problems in Plymouth (Imagination Station #6)

There's trouble in Plymouth, and young cousins Beth and Patrick are right in the middle of it. In Problems in Plymouth, the 6th book in the Imagination Station series by Marianne Hering and Marshal Younger, the children follow the trouble-making Hugh to Plymouth Plantation where none other than William Bradford is governor. But not-so-friendly natives are everywhere and they capture Beth and Patrick. Held hostage in a tepee, the cousins meet a young Pilgrim who got lost in the woods and was also captured. But before long, William Bradford and a group of pilgrim men come to trade items for the children.

But trouble doesn't stop there. Some natives are accidentally shot by the Pilgrims, their friend Squanto is missing, and Beth and Patrick are afraid Hugh might try to incite war between the Pilgrims and natives. Or, they speculate, maybe he wants to bring an advanced weapon - a musket - back to his own time of castles and knights.

In the meantime, Squanto is found and the Pilgrims and natives hold a big feast - later known as the first Thanksgiving. But Patrick is suspicious. Hugh still hasn't shown up. At last, they discover him in the store house, where he threatens the cousins with a musket. He steals Patrick's pouch and discovers a ring there - a ring he thinks will bring the Imagination Station to him. It does, but it also sends him back to his own time. Patrick and Beth follow him, using another ring to call the Imagination Station.

Back in his own time, book 6 now picks up where book 4 left off when Hugh disappeared in the Imagination Station: Hugh is arrested, and Beth and Patrick go back home.

What I Like: I always appreciate novels that make history more inviting, and I love the idea of covering the Pilgrims in more depth.

What I Dislike: Unfortunately, the authors barely scratch the surface of who the Pilgrims were - and often offer a conflicting account. For example, the book talks about the true event of the Pilgrims stealing corn from the natives; it also shows some Pilgrims having a definite war-like attitude. We don't even get to see how God is part of their daily lives, although Bradford does pray before the feast. Yet, at the end of the book, Mr. Whittaker says, "The Pilgrims were honest and trustworthy." But only Bradford is actually depicted as honest, trustworthy, and someone to try to be more like. In addition, this book has a weak plot. Lots of little things happen to the Pilgrims, but there isn't much of a story arch. This is especially disappointing after the really excellent book 5, Showdown with the Shepherd. Problems in Plymouth isn't a bad book, but it's not a great book, either.

Overall Rating: Good.

Age Appeal: According to the publisher, 7 and up, but some younger kids will enjoy having this book read to them.

Publishing Info: Tyndale; 2011; ISBN: 978-1589976320; paperback, 128 pgs., $4.99.

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Special Info: Read our other reviews of other books in this series.

Showdown with the Shepherd (Imagination Station #5)

Attacks by ferocious wild bears, a near miss with a legendary giant, secret messages, and outsmarting a bad guy who wants to change history. Kids will discover all this and more in Showdown with the Shepherd, book #5 in The Imagination Station series written by Marianne Hering and Brock Eastman.

In this installment, Mr. Whittaker sends young cousins Patrick and Beth back to Bible times to ensure bad guy Hugh (from book #4) doesn't succeed in altering history. Upon "landing," the kids are immediately attacked by a bear. Just when it seems they'll be the bear's lunch, however, a young shepherd with a sling shot scares the bear away. Beth and Patrick soon realize this is David - who will someday be King of Israel.

David is on his way to the army camp to give food to his brothers, so Patrick and Beth go along with him. But David isn't well received by his brothers - even before he says he will defeat the giant Philistine called Goliath if no one else is brave enough to do so.

Yet before David can do battle, Hugh appears, wanting to speak to King Saul. He is working with the Philistines. After threatening the Israelites, Hugh throws fire powder into the torches, creating smoke that makes it easy for him to grab Beth and take her to the Philistine camp. There, Beth sees Hugh has helped create a weapon unknown in biblical times: A catapult. Using her harmonica to play the "ABC" song, she sends this message to Patrick, still in the Israelite camp.

Late that night, Patrick steals into the Philistine camp to rescue Beth. When David shows up, too, they try to disarm the catapult - but they're not sure Patrick's plan to do so will work.

The following day, David faces Goliath, knocking him out with a stone from his sling, then killing him with his own sword. But the Philistines - led by Hugh, who imagines lording over the Philistines once the war is over - throw a fireball into the Israelite army. Patrick feels defeated; his plan didn't work. But when the Philistines try to throw a second fireball, the catapult won't shoot and soon burns beyond use.

Their mission completed, Beth and Patrick head back to where the Imagination Station can take them back to their own time. But Hugh is there, too. To top it off, the bear attacks again, and Patrick, Beth, and Hugh barely escape inside the machine. When Beth and Patrick look up - Hugh, who entered the machine with them - has disappeared.

What I Like: Here is an action packed page turner any kid is sure to love. I read it to my 6 year old daughter in one sitting because she kept saying, "You've got to read what happens next! Read more! Read more!" I also really appreciate how the authors depicted David. As they write: "Patrick admired David's faith in God. He wished he could be more like the shepherd."

What I Dislike: Nothing, really, although I am not a big fan of the black and white illustrations in this book. (There are about 11). Illustrator David Hohn's work here is a bit too stylized for me; I don't like how the people look like walking skeletons. However, this is a minor issue in an otherwise outstanding book.
Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: According to the publisher, 7 and up, but kids as young as kindergarten will also enjoy having this book read to them.
Publishing Info: Tyndale House; 2011; ISBN: 978-1589976313; paperback, 120 pgs., $4.99.

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Special Info: Read our reviews of other books in The Imagination Station series.

Scary Spring: Our Polio Fright of 1955

Carol A. Hartnell has written a fun, semi-autobiographical series detailing life in the 1950s, called The Adventures of Pete and Carol Ann. Carol Ann and her friend Pete live in an era of hot rods, red vinyl and silver chrome, malt shops and neighborhood friends. However, Pete and Carol Ann must also face polio scares, vaccination shots and the grumpy old man next door.

In Scary Spring: Our Polio Fright of 1955 Carol Ann's Aunt Ruthie is a doctor working on the latest vaccine for polio. Carol Ann doesn't like shots, and her spring is overshadowed by her fear of receiving the vaccination. However, she still has plenty of time to have fun, whether she is entertaining her siblings or the beagle puppy next door, planning for Easter, or watching the teens in their fast cars. Pete is always up for helping entertain the younger kids, as long as Carol Ann's mom has warm cookies waiting!

Carol Ann and Pete learn to trust God despite a car crash, a malt shop altercation and a serious illness. They also learn about true friendship when they realize people aren't always who they seem to be.

The book includes black and white, captioned photos of the real Carol Ann, her siblings, Aunt Ruthie and polio vaccine inventor, Dr. Jonas Salk. The "Epilogue" provides additional information about Dr. Salk, a list of references, and Carol Ann's mother's recipe for chocolate chip cookies.

What I Like: Hartnell's descriptive writing puts us right into the 1950s with the characters. We can almost taste the hamburgers and malts and feel Carol Ann's misery as she has a high fever and bad dreams. We can imagine Carol Ann's pretty dress as she walks to church on Easter morning, and we laugh when we think of Pete in his clown/pirate/Peter Pan costume.

I also like the story. It was interesting to learn about Dr. Jonas Salk, who invented the polio vaccine, as well as the vaccine trials conducted across the country. Pete and Carol Ann feel like my own next-door neighbors, and I was so happy when Carol Ann found her courage and Pete learned to pray.

The book is well-written and feels more like a novel than a memoir, even though it is based on Hartnell's own experiences.

What I Dislike: Nothing

Overall Rating: Excellent

Age Appeal: 8-12, although younger children may be interested as well.

Publisher Info: Hawk Prints: Hartnell House Publishing, 2010; ISBN: 978-1-936119-19-6; Paperback, $5.99

Buy it at Amazon.com for $4.99.

The book is also available at GP Goods.

Special Note: Carol Ann is afraid of shots, but overcomes her fear at the end of the book. If your own children share her fear, you may want to preview the book.

Mainstream Author Highlight: Kenneth Thomasma

Kenneth Thomasma's Amazing Indian Children series does a wonderful job presenting Native American life in the 1800s. The books are historical fiction, and reference well-known historical figures and events. Most of the books highlight a fictional main character, developed by Thomasma. Some of the books detail conflicts and battles, such as the Battle at Little Bighorn, or the surrender of Chief Joseph, but other books in the series simply tell of various children's adventures.

Naya Nuki: Shoshoni Girl Who Ran is an amazing survival story about a young girl who was captured with Sacajawea, but managed to escape.

Doe Sia: Bannock Girl and the Handcart Pioneers is an interesting story about a Doe Sia and Emma, a young Mormon settler, who strike up an unlikely friendship and must rely on each other to survive. Emma's faith is obvious, and her prayers and ideas do not differ at all from mainstream Christian views.

Takini: Lakota Boy Alerts Sitting Bull is the story of a remarkable boy who shares an almost spiritual connection to the animals around him. Wakan Tanka, the Great Mystery, uses Takini to bless his tribe and help secure the victory at the Battle of the Little Big Horn.

Soun Tetoken: Nez Perce Boy Tames a Stallion, tells the tragic story of the Nez Perce War and the surrender of Chief Joseph from the point of view of Soun Tetoken, who has been mute since he was a toddler.

Each book features a map at the beginning, and pencil sketches to support the text throughout.

What I Like: Rarely have I read such fair books. Thomasma deals with the conflict between Native Americans and white settlers without bitterness and anger, and he makes a point to show the humanity of all races. Many Native Americans are portrayed as noble and good, but Thomasma doesn't hesitate to show flawed Native Americans who were capable of cruel or unwise choices. So, too, when Thomasma writes about the abuses Native Americans suffered at the hands of the U.S. Army, he always includes stories portraying white people in a positive light. In this way, he teaches young people about sad, unfortunate conflicts, but without the judgement and stereotypes present in so much literature.

What I Dislike: Nothing except the series title. My daughter kept saying, "Mom, Indians are from India! It should be Amazing Native American Children."

Special Info: Native American spirituality is portrayed as being important to the characters' daily lives. Many characters believe the Great Spirit communicates with them through dreams or animals. Also, characters speak to and honor the Great Spirit, and ask him for strength and guidance.

Overall Rating: Excellent

Age Appeal: 8 and up

Publisher Info: Grandview Publishing Company, 1984-2007; ISBN: 1-880114-22-4; paperback, 180-260 pages, $7.99

Buy Naya Nuki at Amazon.com for $7.99.

Buy Doe Sia at Amazon.com for $5.00.

Buy Soun Tetoken at Amazon.com for $5.00.

Buy Takini at Amazon.com for $15.13.

Our Kids Review: Andi's Lonely Little Foal

Anastasia is a kindergartener who loves books, ballet, and learning about new things. Here is her review of Susan K. Marlow's Andi's Lonely Little Foal.

Andi is worried about Taffy, her foal, because Taffy is away from her mother. She’s being weaned. Andi gets in trouble because she wants Taffy to be back with her mommy, Snowflake. Andi is sneaky and disobeys and sleeps in Taffy’s stall and takes Taffy back to her mommy.

But Andi learns not to do that again because she gets in trouble. She learns to trust God and her brother, Chad.

What I Like: I like horses. I like the name Taffy. I like Andi. She’s a nice girl. I like the part where she says she’s sorry to Chad and her mommy. I like cowboys. I like that she learns about trusting God. I like the pictures, too. And I like it because it’s more of a big kid book and I get to get user to seeing a book that doesn’t have very many pictures in it.

What I Dislike: I don’t like the part where Andi was naughty because she disobeyed. Because I don’t like that she disobeys.

Overall Rating: Excellent. Except for the part where she disobeys.


From Kristina:

Age Appeal: According to Amazon, 9 to 12, although many kids as young as 5 or so will like this book.


Publishing Info: Kregel Publications, 2011; ISBN: 978-0825441851; paperback, 80 pgs., $4.99.


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Special Info: Like all of Susan K. Marlow's Circle C Beginnings books, this one is light on what might be called Christian content. Andi does go to Sunday School and pray about her concern for Taffy, and her mother does tell her "...you should have trusted God to take care of Taffy."

Read our reviews of other Circle C Beginnings books by clicking here.

Will Northaway and the Price of Loyalty

Will Northaway and the Price of Loyalty is book three in Susan Olasky's Young American Patriots series. In it, Will is serving as an indentured servant to a Loyalist printer. Although young Will is sympathetic to the Patriots, he has a hard time balancing his beliefs and his duty.

Will's confusion over his role in the conflict leads him to witness a smuggling operation. However, Will's conviction that he shouldn't be involved with smuggling makes him a suspect when the smugglers are turned in to the authorities. Even Will's friends have a hard time believing he is innocent.

Will becomes increasingly isolated, but continues to work at the Loyalist printing shop. Eventually, Will runs into (literally) Betsy Teasdale, and receives comfort and direction from her father, a devout Christian. When Will's boss, Mr. Mein, receives death threats, Mr. Teasdale counsels Will to "Love your neighbor as yourself." Will heeds Teasdale's advice and warns Mein of the plot against him. When Mein leaves town in search of safety, he releases Will from his contract and leaves Will a free man.

What I Like: This is an interesting look at the various conflicts in the Colonial era. Will's struggles seem genuine, and the book has enough action to keep readers turning the page.

I also like the length of the book. It is short (93 pages) and has short chapters. It would appeal to many readers, but especially to older boys who aren't fond of reading. Will is sixteen, and the historical content is interesting, so the book would be perfect for use in a history class or home school curriculum.

What I Dislike: I was a little lost as I jumped right into the third book. I could have used more background information. Chapter 16 particularly seems to tie up loose ends from the other books, but was confusing for me.

Also, Will's dilemmas are not at all clear cut. He alternates between being respectful of Mein, or disrespectful. He is just starting to learn about God, but he doesn't seem to have clear answers or ideas about what course of action he should take. The book would bring up lots of issues for discussion, but Will is too conflicted to provide a good role model.

Overall Rating: Very Good for reluctant readers, Good otherwise

Age Appeal: 9 and up

Publisher Info: Crossway, 2005; ISBN: 1-58134-477-5; , 93 pages, $5.99

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Special Info: Read our reviews of other Will Northaway books here.

Will Northaway and The Fight For Freedom

The events narrated in Will Northaway and The Fight For Freedom, written by Susan Olasky, take place during the summer of 1765, the historical period just before the American Revolution.

The story begins in Boston where Will Northaway, the central character, is apprenticed to Mr. Spelman, who is a printer. Mr. Spelman is loyal to the British crown, even though he doesn’t agree with everything the British are doing to the Colonists, especially when it comes to the Stamp Act.

The people in Boston are angry about the new tax and protests erupt throughout the town. Will and Mr. Spelman decide to move to a different town to escape the violence. But, the trouble follows them there, too.

When the story begins, Mr. Spelman doesn’t talk much about God or the Bible, but as the tales progresses, he turns more and more to the Bible to guide his actions. Not having been raised in a Christian household, Will doesn’t have a belief in God. He is spiritually conflicted about what he sees going on around him and how people are acting. But by witnessing his master’s need for spiritual guidance, Will is forced to consider his own views on the subject and must give serious consideration to what he believes and doesn’t believe in.

What I Like: I like historical fiction. The historical time period just before the American Revolution began was both a dangerous and exciting time in our country’s history. The story is told from Will’s point of view, providing the reader with a young person’s perspective on the time period.

What I Dislike: The book is very well written. However, although I realize the book is part of a series with Will as the central character throughout, the ending to this story still seemed a bit abrupt or unfinished, when the apprentice and master part ways. I would have liked a bit more closure for this book, as most books in a series can serve as stand-alone titles.

Overall Rating: Very good.

Age Appeal: 9-12.

Publisher Info: Crossway Books, 2004; ISBN: 9781581344769; Paperback, 112 pages, $5.99.

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Special Info: This book is part of the publisher’s Young American Patriots series. Read our reviews of other books in the series.