In the Heart of the Rockies

by G. A. Henty
Available from Amazon
***
This was an interesting and educational read, but not my favorite Henty. I did like the setting in Colorado a couple hundred years ago; Tom joins an uncle and together they strike a rich mine, survive a bitter winter in the Rockies, outwit and escape hostile indians, navigate the Colorado river, make it back alive, and eventually live happily ever after on the proceeds of their mine. Not too much nobility of purpose although the characters were morally upright, as always in Henty's books.

For learning about the discovery and exploration of Colorado, the book is great. But don't expect the drama of "The Lion of St. Mark" or "In Freedom's Cause".

It Began with a Parachute

by William R. Rang
Available from Inheritance Publications and Amazon
****
Children will enjoy this story set in Nazi-occupied Holland. Bert learns lessons about obedience, friendship and truth after he rescues an American pilot who had been shot down. Every time he directly or indirectly disobeys his parents, he learned that he'd made the wrong decision. This is one children's story where the parents are not pitted against the children. Instead the Christian parents are on the children's side. There is plenty of adventure and character-building incidents in the short story, where the main people want to honor Christ. It would make a great book to read aloud to the family.

Corrie Ten Boom: Keeper of the Angels Den

by Janet and Geoffrey Benge
Available from Amazon
***
This book, as do many of the Benge's biographies, begins the first chapter in the middle of the story to capture the reader's attention. The second chapter goes back to Corrie's younger days and shows the reader of her background and heart for service.

This biography is a great introduction to Corrie Ten Boom for children or those unfamiliar with her life. If you are already familiar with her story, read her own words in "The Hiding Place", and "A Prisoner and Yet...".

Flame Over Tara

by Madeleine Polland
Available from Amazon
*****
In this beautifully written novel we follow a sensitive young girl as she struggles with her future after Patrick arrives in Ireland with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Macha had been excited to hear the news that she was going home to her parents and was to be married, although she was but fourteen years old. But when Patrick came onto the scene telling of his God, she was intrigued and determined to follow him like her foster brother Benet. The difference was that he had permission, and there were grave consequences for many when Macha's father heard that she was gone. The druids were not too pleased with Patrick and his gospel, and they try many means to get rid of him. Patrick outwits them, more by logical thinking than by the power of God, but nevertheless, God is accepted. Macha had promised herself to follow Patrick's God, her parents wanted her to marry, and Patrick himself had told her to obey her parents. Truly, she was not opposed to marrying...

This is a great book for a rainy day and will capture the attention of young people who may be studying this time time period.

The Raider's Promise

by Lois Walfrid Johnson
Available from Amazon
*****

In the last book of the Viking Quest series, Bree and Devin accompany Mikkel’s expedition in return for Bree’s freedom. The raider’s promise is that he will take her home, but Bree wonders during the course of their trip. After he becomes a Christian, Bree notices changes in Mikkel, but she wonders if they are real. And as Mikkel learns to follow Christ, he learns to forgive, to admit wrong, and to truly care for others, which does include Bree. He also learns what it is to be a real leader, that there is strength in humility. When they return to Ireland, he must prove that he has the strength to do the right thing regarding several people he has wronged, and wonders if there can be hope and forgiveness from Bree’s family. And Bree herself, after being gone so long, finds home not to be what she expected. Is there something she might be missing?

This conclusion to the Viking Quest books wraps up all the loose ends, and weaves truth, trust, honor, fidelity, and romance for a very fitting finale. Your family will love this series!

Stories of the Reformation in Germany and England: For Young People

by Rev. B. G. Johns, MA
Available from Vision Forum and Amazon
*****

The first of the two books is the title: Stories of the Reformation in Germany and England, and chapters alternate between the life and work of Martin Luther, and the life of Sir Harry Gray. Though nobility and through a life between estate and court, Harry Gray came to believe the same truths as Luther. He saw many of his acquaintances lose their lives for their faith, and came very near to giving up his own for Christ.

The second book is A Child’s Life of Luther, and is very well written for young audiences. Actually both works are wonderful for children. The Child’s Life of Luther is an excellent biography in that most of the text is taken from the actual words of those under discussion. Journals and letters of Luther, his friends, and others concerned in his history are quoted for the most accurate biography.

The author does not make the common mistake of practically deifying a great man. He says, “It must be confessed that Luther was at times very severe, and that he often used expressions which seem to us harsh and indelicate. For this Luther has been much blamed. But he was not perfect, any more than other men. It was his zeal in the cause of truth that led him into it.” And again, “Bitter and unyielding, not doubt he was; but it was with him a case of conscience. He dreaded a too free and irreverent use of the words of the Bible. Luther was not without his faults; but they seemed to be the result of a warm and devoted attachment to the cause of truth. If we should claim perfect for Luther, we should thereby place him above the apostles. Even St. Paul and St. Peter were not without their frailties and errors, as we learn from the Holy Scriptures.”

This volume does show us Luther in his frailties as well as his greatness, and the reader will come to love this man, simple and courageous, and devoted to the Lord Jesus Christ. Even young children will be able to understand and enjoy this book. I recommend the whole three-book series.

Little Sir Galahad

by Lillian Holmes
Available from Lamplighter Publishing and Amazon
****

This is a charming story of a young boy who has been crippled by an accident. David longs to be a physically strong and valiant young man, but learns what it is to be strong and valiant in character and spirit. He wants to support his aunt, and finds a way in spite of his weakness. The mother of a friend teaches him that he can be like Sir Galahad. Even without physical strength, David could say, “My strength is as the strength of ten because my heart is pure.”

This is a delightful story for boys especially, but girls will also enjoy it. It would make an excellent read-aloud book for family time, and the whole family, young and old, will certainly enjoy it.

Snow Treasure

by Marie McSwigan
Available from Amazon
****

In 1940 the Nazis came to Norway. The patriots of the country did not want their country’s gold to fall into Nazi hands and support the war from the wrong side, but knew of no way to get it to safety. This is the story of the brave children who appeared to constantly be playing in the snow, but were transporting the gold on their sleds past the Nazis. At night men would locate the gold where the children had hidden it, and remove it to a ship. It was taken safely away to America beyond the Nazis’ reach.

This story would be ideal for a family read aloud book.

Birth Without Violence

by Frederick LeBoyer
Available from Amazon
***

Although the author draws heavily on Eastern philosophy and is rather dramatic for shock appeal, I appreciated many of the subjects he examined. It is obviously kinder not to mention more natural to have soft lighting, and gentle voices at a birth. I appreciated the anatomical details of why the cord should not be cut immediately after birth, as well as the comments on the handling of newborns. The photos of newborns are very precious.

This book is certainly appropriate for expectant parents, especially if they have had no exposure or information on natural childbirth. Just take all the drama and philosophy with a grain (or more!) of salt.

Mr. Pipes Comes to America

by Douglas Bond
Available from Amazon
*****

The third in the Mr. Pipes series can only improve upon the first two. Mr. Pipes travels to New England with Dr. Dudley to see a few historic sites with Drew and Annie before heading to the west coast to spend Christmas with their parents. The humor that amused the readers in the first two books hasn’t disappeared, nor has Dr. Dudley’s disdain for things not British or his overbearing concern for Mr. Pipes’ health. The storyline is just as charming, and children will read it for the mere pleasure of it.

However, the main ideas that are constantly reinforced are Godly behavior, understanding and sharing the Bible, contrasting good hymnody and shallow songs, appropriate music, poetry, great men of faith, and doctrine. Mr. Pipes teaches an excellent course on great Church hymnody effortlessly and very enjoyably to all readers. Highly to be recommended!