We enjoyed reading Stories of the Pilgrims from Christian Liberty Press.  This book was a delight to read ; was easy and would be a fine book to read to the entire family.  We used it as a read-aloud and had a short discussion after each chapter.  The chapters were short sweet stories about the beginning days in the lives of the Pilgrims when they were being persecuted in England by King James. We enjoyed reading about their journey to live in Holland and especially liked reading about the Dutch families who were so welcoming to the Pilgrims.  Our grandmother comes from Dutch heritage and so we especially enjoyed reading about them and even found some similarities between the old Dutch and our very own grandmother!  Each short chapter helped our family realize  how faithful God was to the pilgrims in helping them triumph over persecution, hunger and sickness.  This book is a good beginning for young children when they begin their study in American History.  It will encourage an understanding of our nation’s rich Christian heritage as well. This book is quite simple but it is light-hearted, pure and lovely for our little ones.  ~Anne

My boys and I just recently finished reading Sir Kendrick and we cannot stop thinking and talking about it!  We read 7 of Chuck Blacks Kingdom Series books and after each one I declare that it was my favorite. My boys always catch me on this and remind me that the last book was my favorite!  If your children love to read about brave knights, castles and  sword fighting they will love this book and the entire series.  If you enjoy reading books that build up your families faith, I recommend this series.  He has a bible study in the back of his book and each character in the story is compared with a Biblical character.  Sir Kendrick is a brave knight who serves the Prince (who is Christ) and their mission is always to fight against the dark knights of Lucious (Lucifer) Their battles are fierce but they fight with the strength of the King and his Son!  This particular book focuses on the training of a younger and less experienced knight,  Sir Duncan,  who is somewhat proud and arrogant.  By the end of the book he is braver, wiser and has the humility of his mentor Sir Kendrick.   I highly recommend this series and plan to purchase these for several of my family members. ~Anne

(The reading level is ages 9-12…I think it is better used as a family read aloud. Somewhat graphic)

Across Five Aprils is one of those books that you see at curriculum fairs, in catalogs, and on homechoolers reading lists especially if they are studying the Civil War Era.

So, upon many recommendations, we read this book recently. Across Five Aprils is a sad book to read to your children.  It was not twaddle for sure,  and it got our family talking about the Civil war,  but because you become so acquainted with how a family is affected by the war, it is so very depressing and sad.

I don’t mind a sad book.  I like that melancholy feeling you get when you read certain books.  But if the book is going to be so sober, it must have a higher meaning or purpose in it. The only meaning I got out of  this book is that war is horrible and senseless.  It seems to me that God was mostly absent from this story, but there was plenty of sin, fear and hatred.  There was also kindness,  love, and mercy shown through the characters and also through President Lincoln.  If I had the inclination to become a Mennonite or Quaker pacifist this book might just make me want to join these denominations.  Read more...

When my boys and I read Joel, A Boy of Galilee, it seemed as though we stepped into the days of Jesus during his time of ministry on earth.  Although this is considered historical fiction, it seemed so real that you were almost  compelled to look in the scriptures for certain events.  Through the eyes of a young boy named Joel, you are able to walk the streets of Capernaum, see the miracles of Christ, observe the personalities of the disciples, understand the hypocrisy of the pharisees and religious leaders, and best of all look into the loving eyes of a Savior and friend.  When Joel looked into the eyes of Jesus  the Nazarene, he was never the same again.  This book is another that will draw you closer to the Savior.  He becomes so real that you wish you could have walked with Him as Joel did in this book.  I’d love to read this one again. ~Anne

My children and I were so blessed by this faith building allegory written by Hannah Hurnard.  In fact, we read it several years ago and I am excited about reading it again.  Hinds Feet reminds me of Pilgrims Progress but instead of following Christian to the celestial city,  you follow a young girl who is called “Much Afraid” to the High Places where perfect love casts out fear.  “Much afraid”  has so much to overcome.  She has a crippled foot, horrible relatives, and faces so many dangers and snares as she attempts to  faithfully follow the chief shepherd.

This book can be used as a devotional; has memory verses and prayers in it for each day.  I loaned my copy …and can’t remember who has it so I think I’m going to just get another copy for my library. This book is not “twaddle” for sure and will be passed to my grandchildren…Lord willing.   I believe you will grow closer to the good shepherd and learn how much he loves you as you read this lovely book with your children.   ~Anne

Finding good,  wholesome, character building books that enforce the values  we are trying to impart to our boys can be challenging,  but we have found that the older books fit our ideals more closely.  I would say that Old Yeller is one of the good books to read at least once.

My boys enjoyed the exciting plot which included wolf attacks, wild bulls, bear attacks,  and fighting off those pesky raccoons who are stealing from the corn patch.  The main character Travis, a fourteen year old boy,  learns to take care of the family farm while his father is away. He also  learns to love and care for an old yeller dog while he does this  man size job for his mom.  Travis takes on the responsibilities of his father and matures through all the trials he encounters and tough decisions he has to make.   He learns the hard lesson that his Dad tries to explain, ” Now and then, for no good reason, life will haul off and knock a man flat, life is unfair and cruel at times but  we must learn to concentrate on the positive things and not waste time worrying about the bad things.”  Although Old Yeller is full of adventures that most boys love to read about, it is a sweet and sentimental story as well….that most Mom’s will  enjoy.  The Disney Movie of Old Yeller is  sweet as well, and a good family movie night selection.

Little Pilgrim’s Progress by Helen L. Taylor was delight to read because the language was easy for us to understand.  Just like the centuries old Pilgrims Progress classic,  this easier version details the journey of  Christian as he leaves the City of Destruction and heads to the Celestial city. This book is very spiritual and heavenly minded and Christian is challenged to see if he will be faithful. He faces many trials which are often difficult and scary.  My boys and I had many discussions during this story as we read about all of the trials that Christian and his friends went through.  In the end, the  point that came through for us was that God will be faithful to bring us through any trials  we face on our journey to the celestial city.

Although this book is an allegory full of adventures, battles, and giants, that my boys loved;  the message is serious, hopeful, yet quite sobering.  This book is not twaddle for sure and will be  a keeper for our library. We read it a few years ago….perhaps we will read it again  before we tackle John Bunyan’s version.  ~Anne

“Titus: Comrade of the Cross” is another book that probably should be read as a family unless your child is older. Titus is not graphic, but there are some distressing events, cruelty, illness,  and death that you might want to discuss with your children as you read.

In 1894 the publisher of this book rewarded Florence Kingsley with $1,000 for writing a story that would set a child’s heart on fire for Jesus Christ. Titus is a historical fiction set in the days of Christ’s ministry.  The characters in the Bible come alive as you read through the pages,  and Christ becomes so real; you feel as though you are walking the streets with this loving carpenter, his disciples,  and the boy Titus.  As you continue to read, you faith grows when you encounter Christ the healer, the friend, the Savior,  and King. Titus has a surprise ending that is good but sad.  You need a box of tissues for this one….. especially at the end. ~Anne

We read Johnny Tremain as a family read-aloud and I’m so glad we did.  My sister gave this book to her son to read on his own and he thought it was boring so he did not finish it.  If you read it as a family and talk about it together it won’t be boring but exciting and character building.

If you are studying American History, especially the Revolutionary War period….or even if you are not,  Johnny Tremain is a must.  I would encourage you to read it and discuss the many themes throughout the story with your family.

Johnny Tremain takes place in Boston during the 1700’s.  Johnny has no parents, is 14 years old,  and works as an apprentice for a silversmith. Johnny grows up in this story and learns about loyalty, humility, friendship, and the sin of pride.  He encounters evil and hypocrisy but also learns about courage, liberty,  and fighting against tyranny.

My boys and I gained a better understanding of life in Boston during the 1700’s.  As we read through the pages of Johnny Tremain, we encountered John Hancock, Sam Adams, James Otis, Paul Revere, Joseph Warren, Josiah Quincy,  and the Son’s of Liberty.  We gained a better understanding of  The Boston Tea Party, Paul Revere’s ride and the Battles of Lexington and Concord. First and foremost though we learned about the bravery and character of our founding fathers.  We learned that brave men and women fought against Tyranny “So that a man can stand.” Johnny Tremain is a keeper for us and will remain in our Library or be added to my “Grandmother Box.” ~Anne

Teddy’s Button is the type of read-aloud book that encourages lots of discussion.  My boys loved it and especially enjoyed the character Teddy. This sweet story is about a boy who’s Dad was a soldier who died in the war.  He cherished the button that came from his Fathers jacket.  He so admired his Dad and wanted to one day be a soldier just like him. Through many trials and tribulations  Teddy eventually  learns how to live the Christian life and put away self in order to be a good soldier for Christ.  He also discovers  the spiritual battle of fighting his worst enemy….SELF!  He learns that   pride, selfishness and stubbornness are difficult enemies to overcome  without God’s help.

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This is one of my favorite family read-aloud books.  This story set in the Swiss Alps, will teach you about forgiveness, anger, and reconciliation.  The main character Annette,  learns about such things as she raises her little brother after her mother dies.  We will read this book again because the lessons learned have such eternal value.  The salvation message also comes shining through in this wonderful story.

We’ve also enjoyed the movie…not nearly as good but still a great family film for movie night. ~Anne