Skip to main content

A Good Read, Pure and Simple

I received a book to read and review as a member of the 2009-1010 The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Crew. The book is Sarah's Wish, and it was written by Jim Baumgardner to offer his grandchildren an enjoyable way to learn about the history of some of the American people.

The main character's name is Sarah, and she is a 12-year-old girl living in the mid-1800s. The beginning of the story was hard for my kids because Sarah loses her mother in an accident. Once we passed the grief-stricken child to the story line, we recovered fine (especially since there is mention of a "secret" for a chapter or two before we learn what the secret is - nothing like a secret to keep a child's attention!).

Anyway, rather than spoil the story itself for you, let me tell you how much we enjoyed the writing style and story line. Sarah is a likable child with a big heart, and every girl could identify with her. In fact, my nine-year-old loves to play "back in the old days," so this story gave her more fodder for her imaginings! Plus, the book starts you off with a glossary of 19th-century terms that will help you understand the way the characters speak, so she has a new language, too!

The writing of Sarah's Wish is engaging and descriptive (which we recently learned is when writing paints a mental image!). The characters are real, the setting charming, and the plot unique. Reading a book like this is a real joy, and having Christianity and a faith in God woven into the tapestry of characters was a gem.

You can order Sarah's Wish from the author for only $9.99 right now, with free shipping and an autograph inside! What child (or adult!) wouldn't love to have a book with his/her name written inside by the author! If you want to see what other TOS Crew Members had to say about the book, click here.

* No monies were exchanged for this product or this review. This review is based on my own honest opinion of a product that was sent to me for free with the agreement that I would use and honestly review it as a part of our homeschool experience.

Comments

  1. ShellyOctober 19, 2009 at 11:26 PM

    The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Crew made a very wise choice when they chose you to review for them. You are an excellent writer and a very insightful reviewer. Even though I am fortunate to get the in person reviews, I enjoy reading what you write, because, well, your writing is so enjoyable. I know you are very busy in the current season of life, both on a family and personal level, but if you ever decide to write something for publication, I would be honored to read your manuscripts! I am very blessed indeed to have such an intelligent, clear-headed, wise, and most imporantly, kind friend.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

How Has Homeschooling Affected My Life?

Well, homeschooling IS my life, so suffice it to say, there's no stone unturned!  Massive takeover, at times, a bit hostile!! For example, my second child was getting ready to embark on Mother's Day Out and my first child was conveniently ensconced in a Government-run "educational" facility, and I had a glimmer of real freedom... for about a day.  Then I found out I was preggo with Baby #3.  Commence Meltdown. I have since gotten over that traumatic , er, beautiful time, and we have embraced homeschooling.  The freedom never came, the oldest got pulled from Uncle Sam's Brainwashing Academy, and the second offspring never entered a public school.  The third will not go away to preschool. They go with me to the doctor.  This, they do not love.  Neither do I. ( Mommy, why is she putting that there?? ) Alas, it is our lot in life... at least until the eldest is of babysitting age. They go with me to the grocery store.  This, they love occasion...
3 comments
Read more

Health Care in the USA

Well, it is time for another political rant, so depending on your standing, you may want to mosey along.... Health care in the United States is apparently in need of an overhaul.  There are few who disagree.  However, the method of that overhaul is in question.  Many would like to use their power in government to take over health care.  Yeah, yeah, yeah, they are calling it a reform , but it is really just a takeover . So, okay, let's evaluate. Your company, which you have worked for your entire life, is losing money.  It is still afloat, but it isn't doing as well as it could.  You have a couple of choices as a member of the voting board of directors : you could vote in favor of a reevaluation of what is working and what isn't, what rules are already in place that aren't being followed that would benefit your bottom line, and what people in your company are beneficial and what people are detrimental, then you could weed out things and people who aren...
2 comments
Read more

How Do I Know What To Teach?

One question we all seem to ask (or at least wonder about) when we are thinking about homeschooling or we meet someone who does for the first time: how do you know what to teach?   For me, it was " How will i know what to teach? " I believe this to be a valid question because it stems from genuine curiosity and it is mixed with a touch of doubt, generally self-doubt, so it is a fair concern. Traditional Answer: buy a reputable curriculum and follow it to the letter.  As you get the "swing" of things, you will be able to supplement or skip pieces.  This is a valid answer, but it didn't fit our style around here, so.... Less Common Response: learn about whatever the kids are interested in!  What could be more fun than learning everything from the world around you rather than textbooks!?!  Also a valid answer, but it was a bit too loose for me - i am still struggling with my self-doubt too much to lean too heavily on unschooling (as this method is often called)...
1 comment
Read more