You must do the things you think you cannot do.
~
Eleanor Roosevelt

Saturday, October 17, 2009

TOS Review Sarah's Wish


We just finished reading "Sarah's Wish" which is the first in the Sarah Books series, and we thoroughly enjoyed it.

The author, Jim Baumgardner, wrote the books for his grandchildren. I want them to know about history and where we as a people have been. I hope they learn that although the United States allowed the curse of slavery to imprison a race of people in body and mind, yet that same nation finally rose up to defeat those who were intent on keeping the status quo. Sarah’s Wish introduces them to the institution of slavery and sheds some light on those who opposed it. The defeat will come later in the Sarah books.

The main character is a Christian, 12 year old girl named Sarah who is suddenly orphaned when her mother dies in an accident. Sarah has promised to keep a secret and to continue the work her mother began. This is also the beginning of Sarah's relationship with Granny, who will crack you up again and again with her fiesty sayings like, "What ya waitin' on- lets' cut dirt!", and their journey together to find Sarah a new family. Your children will be inspired by Sarah who repeatedly turns to the Lord and trusts Him for provision in difficult moments.

This is a good story that is also well told, and I think you'll enjoy it.

"Sarah's Wish" is the first of three books with (hopefully!) more to come. You can read excerpts of the books here. "Sarah's Wish" includes a free audio download of the story from the publisher. We listened to this on a recent road trip, and we all were hooked from start to finish.

Each book begins with a glossary of words and terms to help your students better understand what they're reading. There is also a forward looking snapshot at the end of the book giving you a hint of what's to come in the next book.

You can sign up to receive Sarah's Web newsletter by sending an email to sarahbooks@cox.net. Just enter "send newsletter" in the subject line. You'll enjoy Mr. Baumgardner's wit and sense of humor. The newsletter includes "Interesting Facts and Other Good Stuff," "Question of the Month," "Words of Wisdom" and more.

Mr. Baumgardner's grandchildren are homeschooled, and portions of his website are tailored to kids. He has a section titled "Think it over" with lots of fun facts. He has posted reviews written by students and pictures of students who have won his contests or that he has met at curriculum fairs.

You and your kids will want to curl up on the couch and read this book from cover to cover.

"Sarah's Wish" is available in hard copy for $9.99 or as an audio book for $16.99.
"Sarah's Promise" is available in hard copy for $13.50 and as an audio book for $18.99.
"Sarah's Escape" is available in hard copy for $17.50.

Or you can purchase all three books for $34.95. If you order from the author, shipping and handling are free and each book is personally autographed.
If you enjoy well written historical fiction, you will definitely enjoy "Sarah's Wish."

You can read reviews written by other TOS Crew members here.

*I was not compensated financially for this review. The book was provided to me free of charge so that I could offer my honest opinion of it.

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