Color the Stories of the Bible: An Inspiring Christian Storybook for Kids

HOME SCHOOL BOOK REVIEW

Book: Color the Stories of the Bible: An Inspiring Christian Storybook for Kids

Author: Durand Loy

Illustrator: Ayan Mansoori

Publisher: Durand Books, 2024

ISBN-13:  979-8878436618 Paperback

ISBN-10:  8878436618 Paperback

Website(s): http://www.durandbooks.com (publisher)

Language level:  1

(1=nothing objectionable; 2=common euphemisms and/or childish slang terms; 3=some cursing and/or profanity; 4=a lot of cursing and/or profanity; 5=obscenity and/or vulgarity)

Recommended reading level: 2 – 6 years

Rating: ***** 5 stars

(5 stars=EXCELLENT; 4 stars=GOOD; 3 stars=FAIR; 2 stars=POOR; 1 star=VERY POOR; no stars=NOT RECOMMENDED)

Category: Bible study

Reviewed by Wayne S. Walker

Disclosure:  Many publishers, literary agents, and/or authors provide free copies of their books in exchange for an honest review without requiring a positive opinion.  Any books donated to Home School Book Review for review purposes are in turn donated.  No other compensation has been received for the reviews posted on Home School Book Review.

For more information e-mail homeschoolbookreview@gmail.com

Website: https://homeschoolbookreviewblog.wordpress.com

     Loy, Durand. Color the Stories of the Bible: An Inspiring Christian Storybook for Kids (Published in 2024 by Durand Books).  The Stories of the Bible: An Inspiring Christian Storybook for Kids is a collection of 28 simple stories from the Bible, from Creation and the Garden of Eden, through the lives of Noah, Joseph, Moses, David, Daniel, Jonah, and others in the Old Testament, into the accounts of Jesus and Paul in the New Testament, and ending with the Armor of God with lavishly-colored, full-page illustrations.  This companion book, Color the Stories of the Bible, contains the same material, but the illustrations are black and white drawings for children to color.

     Each page is carefully crafted to capture the essence of beloved stories, providing an immersive experience that fosters a love for both art and scripture.  A child’s imagination will blossom while coloring scenes from Noah’s Ark, David and Goliath, the Nativity of Jesus, and many more. Every stroke of the crayon becomes a meaningful exploration of the Bible’s timeless teachings, creating an interactive and memorable learning experience.   These carefully chosen stories and illustrations highlight the values of love, compassion, and bravery and are accompanied by encouraging messages that will leave a lasting impression on young hearts.  This book will provide a wonderful opportunity for fun and meaningful conversations about the values and lessons found within the Bible.

From Coward To Warrior

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Book: From Coward To Warrior

Author: David Turner

Publisher: ‎ Independently published, 2023

ISBN-13:  979-8374930511 Paperback

ISBN-10:  8374930511 Paperback

Website(s): http://www.fromcowardtowarrior.com (book)

Language level:  3

(1=nothing objectionable; 2=common euphemisms and/or childish slang terms; 3=some cursing and/or profanity; 4=a lot of cursing and/or profanity; 5=obscenity and/or vulgarity)

Recommended reading level: Adults

Rating: **** 4 stars

(5 stars=EXCELLENT; 4 stars=GOOD; 3 stars=FAIR; 2 stars=POOR; 1 star=VERY POOR; no stars=NOT RECOMMENDED)

Category: Biography

Reviewed by Wayne S. Walker

Disclosure:  Many publishers, literary agents, and/or authors provide free copies of their books in exchange for an honest review without requiring a positive opinion.  Any books donated to Home School Book Review for review purposes are in turn donated.  No other compensation has been received for the reviews posted on Home School Book Review.

For more information e-mail homeschoolbookreview@gmail.com

Website: https://homeschoolbookreviewblog.wordpress.com

     Turner, David.  From Coward To Warrior (Published in 2023 by David Turner).  Author David Turner married an immigrant from Fiji named Titilia (“Tee” for short).  After several years of marriage and four children, Tee commits adultery with a fellow Fijian immigrant named Nick. David, who is a youth pastor and Christian school teacher, has always been a “can’t we all just get along” kind of guy, but in spite of his attempts to end the affair, things just keep going from bad to worse.  It is not until he makes a big change in his attitude and takes some drastic actions that he figures out how to save his marriage.  The tale spans several years and includes heartbreaking disappointments, answers to prayer, and an ending that would have been impossible but for God. Will he succeed? 

     From Coward To Warrior is based on a true story, although many of the names have been changed to protect privacy.  I cannot say that I enjoyed reading this book.  After all, it is about a very unpleasant subject—adultery.  There are several instances of strong language which I personally think are unnecessary, along with many references to drinking alcoholic beverages and even getting drunk, and of course sex.  The book is not for children or even teenagers.  However, those who are dealing with the specter of adultery could well benefit from it and be encouraged to fight for their marriages.  It is a story not only about restoration, but about unconditional love and how God used betrayal to change one man’s life forever.

The Stories of the Bible: An Inspiring Christian Storybook for Kids

HOME SCHOOL BOOK REVIEW

Book: The Stories of the Bible: An Inspiring Christian Storybook for Kids

Author: Durand Loy

Illustrator: Ayan Mansoori

Publisher: Durand Books, 2024

ISBN-13: 979-8990188419 Hardcover

ISBN-10:  8990188419 Hardcover

ISBN-13:  979-8990188402 Paperback

ISBN-10:  8990188402 Paperback

Website(s): http://www.durandbooks.com (publisher)

Language level:  1

(1=nothing objectionable; 2=common euphemisms and/or childish slang terms; 3=some cursing and/or profanity; 4=a lot of cursing and/or profanity; 5=obscenity and/or vulgarity)

Recommended reading level: Baby – 12 years

Rating: ***** 5 stars

(5 stars=EXCELLENT; 4 stars=GOOD; 3 stars=FAIR; 2 stars=POOR; 1 star=VERY POOR; no stars=NOT RECOMMENDED)

Category: Bible study

Reviewed by Wayne S. Walker

Disclosure:  Many publishers, literary agents, and/or authors provide free copies of their books in exchange for an honest review without requiring a positive opinion.  Any books donated to Home School Book Review for review purposes are in turn donated.  No other compensation has been received for the reviews posted on Home School Book Review.

For more information e-mail homeschoolbookreview@gmail.com

Website: https://homeschoolbookreviewblog.wordpress.com

     Loy, Durand. The Stories of the Bible: An Inspiring Christian Storybook for Kids (Published in 2024 by Durand Books).  From Creation and the Garden of Eden, through the lives of Noah, Joseph, Moses, David, Daniel, Jonah, and others in the Old Testament, into the accounts of Jesus and Paul in the New Testament, and ending with the Armor of God, the 28 simple stories from the Bible in this book, with lavishly-colored, full-page illustrations, are designed to introduce children to some of the important events and people recorded in Scripture which form the basis for the Christian faith.  If one were wont to quibble, the Bible never actually says that there were three wise men. 

    Other than that, these timeless tales, short and to the point, are told with accessible age-appropriate language in such a way as to captivate young hearts and minds.   While tailored for children with each story just the right length for tiny attention spans, the easy-to-understand book can be enjoyed by readers both young and old. Scripture references are given with each story for further research. Whether read aloud or explored independently, The Stories of the Bible would make a welcome resource for any Christian-based school or home, as well as Sunday school and Vacation Bible School classrooms.  There is an accompanying coloring book.

The Covenant Revolt: Jesus, the Zealots, and the Destructions of Israel

HOME SCHOOL BOOK REVIEW

Book: The Covenant Revolt: Jesus, the Zealots, and the Destructions of Israel

Author: Marcus Raymond Sanford

Publisher: Independently published, 2023

ISBN-13:  979-8396570801 Paperback

ISBN-10:  8396570801 Paperback

Website(s): https://www.interplans.net/ (publisher)

Language level: 1

(1=nothing objectionable; 2=common euphemisms and/or childish slang terms; 3=some cursing and/or profanity; 4=a lot of cursing and/or profanity; 5=obscenity and/or vulgarity)

Recommended reading level: Of interest primarily to adults

Rating: **** 4 stars

(5 stars=EXCELLENT; 4 stars=GOOD; 3 stars=FAIR; 2 stars=POOR; 1 star=VERY POOR; no stars=NOT RECOMMENDED)

Category: Religious history

Reviewed by Wayne S. Walker

Disclosure:  Many publishers, literary agents, and/or authors provide free copies of their books in exchange for an honest review without requiring a positive opinion.  Any books donated to Home School Book Review for review purposes are in turn donated.  No other compensation has been received for the reviews posted on Home School Book Review.

For more information e-mail homeschoolbookreview@gmail.com

Website: https://homeschoolbookreviewblog.wordpress.com

     Sanford,Marcus Raymond.  The Covenant Revolt: Jesus, the Zealots, and the Destructions of Israel (Published in 2023, republished in 2023 by Interplans.net Studio).  The author’s major premise is that the New Testament can best be understood in light of the conflict between the Zealots of Israel and the Roman empire which resulted in the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70.  The Covenant Revolt gives New Testament background from the Hasidim through to the decisive generation of Jesus, explaining how that generation self-destructed. The Zealots’ replacement theology is examined in two key New Testament passages, with an intriguing sense of tension between Judaizers and Paul as they ‘ghost’ his ministry. The author’s conclusions about the role of Luke-Acts as a document give a heightened dramatic sense to Paul’s insistence on being heard by Caesar.

     I am always a little leery of anyone who comes along claiming to have found some special “key” to unlock the true meaning of the Bible, without which people just cannot properly understand the Scriptures.  One may not agree with all the conclusions that Sanford reaches, but there is a lot of good, historical information about the events that led up to Jerusalem’s destruction by Rome to be found in the book.  I especially like the way in which it shows that the evidence just does not support the speculations of dispensational premillennialism.  Marcus, who has a research master’s in New Testament studies from Regent College, includes an extensive list of his resources and an index of authors and Biblical passages cited.  The Covenant Revolt would be of interest primarily to adults who enjoy reading books about religious history.

My Father’s Ghost: Book 2 of the Gwambi Tetralogy

HOME SCHOOL BOOK REVIEW

Book: My Father’s Ghost: Book 2 of the Gwambi Tetralogy

Author: A. C. Wilson

Illustrator: Shelby Elizabeth

Publisher: ‏Wise Path Books, 2023

ISBN-13:  978-1959666042 Paperback

ISBN-10:  1959666045 Paperback

Website(s): http://www.ACWilson.net (author), http://www.wisepathbooks.com (publisher)

Language level:  1

(1=nothing objectionable; 2=common euphemisms and/or childish slang terms; 3=some cursing and/or profanity; 4=a lot of cursing and/or profanity; 5=obscenity and/or vulgarity)

Recommended reading level: Young adult (ages 13 and up)

Rating: ***** 5 stars

(5 stars=EXCELLENT; 4 stars=GOOD; 3 stars=FAIR; 2 stars=POOR; 1 star=VERY POOR; no stars=NOT RECOMMENDED)

Category: Fantasy

Reviewed by Wayne S. Walker

Disclosure:  Many publishers, literary agents, and/or authors provide free copies of their books in exchange for an honest review without requiring a positive opinion.  Any books donated to Home School Book Review for review purposes are in turn donated.  No other compensation has been received for the reviews posted on Home School Book Review.

For more information e-mail homeschoolbookreview@gmail.com

Website: https://homeschoolbookreviewblog.wordpress.com

     Wilson,A. C. My Father’s Ghost: Book 2 of the Gwambi Tetralogy (Published in 2023 by‎ Wise Path Books, a division of To A Finish LLC, 12407 N. MoPac Expy. #250, Austin, TX  78758). In My Father’s Land, we are introduced to a young lady named Ella and a begger known as Jock as they are captured by pirates who think that the two know where the Gwambis’ City of Gold is located and take them across the sea to another land in search of the treasure.  However, Ella escapes and finds refuge in the community of Entwerp, where her missing father had gone previously to look for the Gwambi gold.  In Book 2 of the Gwambi Tetralogy, My Father’s Ghost, we follow the further adventures of Ella and her new friends, including sixteen year old Haeli who has the Gwambi keys, as the pirates attack Entwerp and Ella thinks that she may have seen her father’s ghost. Does she really see a ghost?  Is it truly her father?  Or is it a demon, cursed to live immortally in mortal flesh?

     As in the first book, some of the scenes of fighting and killing are rather graphic with two pirate crews, a vengeful griffin, a sorcerer, the inexorable power of the Company, fallout from the increasingly violent labor strike, and the chaotic politics of the indigenous nymph tribes, so it isn’t recommended for children younger than thirteen, and there are a number of references to drinking various alcoholic beverages.   Yet there are also conversations about right versus wrong, looking to God for guidance and protection, and why God allows evil to occur. The biggest problem with a tetralogy is that one has to wade through two more books to complete the story and reach a satisfying conclusion in author Amos Christian Wilson’s unique world-building, and faith-based, character-driven fantasy, namely My Father’s God and My Father’s Will.

Sandy Knoll Farm

HOME SCHOOL BOOK REVIEW

Book: Sandy Knoll Farm

Author: Joseph Stoll

Illustrator: Mrs. Gerry Wagler

Publisher: Pathway Publishers, 2002

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00757FP2E

Language level:  1

(1=nothing objectionable; 2=common euphemisms and/or childish slang terms; 3=some cursing and/or profanity; 4=a lot of cursing and/or profanity; 5=obscenity and/or vulgarity)

Recommended reading level: Ages 9-12

Rating: ***** 5 stars

(5 stars=EXCELLENT; 4 stars=GOOD; 3 stars=FAIR; 2 stars=POOR; 1 star=VERY POOR; no stars=NOT RECOMMENDED)

Category: Historical fiction

Reviewed by Wayne S. Walker

Disclosure:  Many publishers, literary agents, and/or authors provide free copies of their books in exchange for an honest review without requiring a positive opinion.  Any books donated to Home School Book Review for review purposes are in turn donated.  No other compensation has been received for the reviews posted on Home School Book Review.

For more information e-mail homeschoolbookreview@gmail.com

Website: https://homeschoolbookreviewblog.wordpress.com

     Stoll, Joseph.  Sandy Knoll Farm (published in 2002 and reprinted in 2017 by Pathway Publishers, a division of Pathway Bookstore, 43632 County Rd. 390, Bloomingdale, MI  49026).  In Shagbark Hickory, we are introduced to young Joni and Sammy Troyer, who live in southern Michigan with their Amish family, as they move from their old home near Litchfield to Sandy Knoll Farm.   Then in Michigan Summer, we follow them while getting to know their way around their new home.   Sandy Knoll Farm, the third part of the Troyer Family series by Joseph Stoll, continues with real-life incidents of the Troyer family during the next six years and concludes with the sale of their farm in 1951.

     What happens to the Troyers at Sandy Knoll Farm?  Why do Dad and Mom Troyer feel that it is necessary to move away from the farm?  Where will they go?  Youngsters reading these books will be exposed to life among the Amish in the 1940s.  This will include recreation, such as ice skating, work, including stacking hay and threshing wheat, and schooling.  The boys also learn important lessons about honesty and obedience.   And children who are not necessarily Amish but are being raised in the nurture and admonition of the Lord will find an emphasis on remaining separate from this world being illustrated.

Do As I Say (Not As I Do): Profiles in Liberal Hypocrisy

HOME SCHOOL BOOK REVIEW

Book: Do As I Say (Not As I Do): Profiles in Liberal Hypocrisy

Author: Peter Schweizer

Publisher: Anchor, republished, 2006

ISBN-13: 978-0385513494 Hardcover

ISBN-10:  0385513496 Hardcover

ISBN-13:  978-0767919029 Paperback

ISBN-10:  0767919025 Paperback

Website(s): http://www.doubleday.com (publisher)

Language level:  1

(1=nothing objectionable; 2=common euphemisms and/or childish slang terms; 3=some cursing and/or profanity; 4=a lot of cursing and/or profanity; 5=obscenity and/or vulgarity)

Recommended reading level: Teens and adults

Rating: ***** 5 stars

(5 stars=EXCELLENT; 4 stars=GOOD; 3 stars=FAIR; 2 stars=POOR; 1 star=VERY POOR; no stars=NOT RECOMMENDED)

Category: Biography

Reviewed by Wayne S. Walker

Disclosure:  Many publishers, literary agents, and/or authors provide free copies of their books in exchange for an honest review without requiring a positive opinion.  Any books donated to Home School Book Review for review purposes are in turn donated.  No other compensation has been received for the reviews posted on Home School Book Review.

For more information e-mail homeschoolbookreview@gmail.com

Website: https://homeschoolbookreviewblog.wordpress.com

     Schweizer,Peter.  Do As I Say (Not As I Do): Profiles in Liberal Hypocrisy (Published in 2005 by Doubleday, a division of Random House Inc., 1745 Broadway, New York City, NY  10019).  What do Noam Chomsky, Michael Moore, Al Franken, Ted Kennedy, Hillary Clinton, Ralph Nader, Nancy Pelosi, George Soros, Barbra Streisand, Gloria Steinem, and Cornel West all have in common?  They are all prominent liberals who support a whole litany of policies and principles, such as progressive taxes, affirmative action, greater regulation of corporations, raising the inheritance tax, strict environmental regulations, children’s rights, consumer rights, and more. But do they actually live by these beliefs?  Peter Schweizer decided to investigate the private lives of these politicians, commentators, entertainers, and philanthropists using publicly-available real estate records, IRS returns, court depositions, and their own published statements, to examine whether they lived by the principles they so forcefully advocate.  

     What Schweizer found was a long list of contradictions, leading to the simple conclusion that liberalism in the end forces its adherents to become hypocrites. These most vocal leftist icons exude an air of moral certitude but do not practice what they preach.  They adopt one pose in public, but when it comes to what matters most in their own lives–their property, their privacy, and their children–they jettison their liberal principles and adopt conservative ones. If these ideas don’t work for the very individuals who promote them, Schweizer asks, how can they work for the country?  My older son gave me this book for a present.  It didn’t tell me anything that I didn’t already know, but it lays out all the facts about these leftists who pride themselves on being selflessly committed to the highest ideals and seem particularly confident of the purity of their motives and the evil nature of their opponents  in one easy to read format.  The book is heavily footnoted to give all the author’s sources and show that he’s not making these things up. Good reading for conservative political junkies, but everyone should be aware ot this stuff.

Brave Howie and the Terrible Giant

HOME SCHOOL BOOK REVIEW

Book: Brave Howie and the Terrible Giant

Author: Clark Rich Burbidge

Illustrator: Jared Salmond

Publisher: Ingram Spark, 2023

ISBN-13: 979-8218307554 Hardcover

ISBN-10:  8218307554 Hardcover

Website(s): http://www.starpassagebook.com (author)

Language level:  1

(1=nothing objectionable; 2=common euphemisms and/or childish slang terms; 3=some cursing and/or profanity; 4=a lot of cursing and/or profanity; 5=obscenity and/or vulgarity)

Recommended reading level: Ages 4 – 10

Rating: ***** 5 stars

(5 stars=EXCELLENT; 4 stars=GOOD; 3 stars=FAIR; 2 stars=POOR; 1 star=VERY POOR; no stars=NOT RECOMMENDED)

Category: Picture book

Reviewed by Wayne S. Walker

Disclosure:  Many publishers, literary agents, and/or authors provide free copies of their books in exchange for an honest review without requiring a positive opinion.  Any books donated to Home School Book Review for review purposes are in turn donated.  No other compensation has been received for the reviews posted on Home School Book Review.

For more information e-mail homeschoolbookreview@gmail.com

Website: https://homeschoolbookreviewblog.wordpress.com

     Burbidge, Clark Rich.  Brave Howie and the Terrible Giant (Published in 2023 by Ingram Spark).  A father is telling his son a story from times long ago about how things were in the kingdom of Snee.  The days are dark for this once peaceful and happy place because Sidney the giant, twenty feet tall, has come from the bog in the marsh to terrorize the people.  The King sends out word for heroes to come and rescue the land.  Many mighty knights from near and far try, but it seems that no one is able to accomplish the task.  Then one day comes Brave Howie, a smallish, unimpressive boy barely four feet tall.  What does this unlikely knight think that he might do to defeat the giant?  How can one so small make a difference? Will Brave Howie succeed or meet his doom?

     This delightfully fun story, written in rhyming verse similar to the style of Dr. Seuss, is somewhat like David and Goliath, with a good moral about kindness.  The book is beautiful in every way, with writing and illustrations are that are exquisite.  Youngsters will delight in the tale of a courageous young boy who saves the kingdom. Older readers will appreciate the deeper story of reformation, grace, acceptance, and friendship. What some people like is the concept that instead of fighting Sidney, Brave Howie finds a different way to solve the problem. One reviewer wrote that the lesson is “No matter how difficult life sometimes can be, a kind word and an offer to help someone can go a long way.”  Author Clark Burbidge is known for his StarPassage series.

Bug Flavored Lollipops: Fifteen Fun Stories for Children

HOME SCHOOL BOOK REVIEW

Book: Bug Flavored Lollipops: Fifteen Fun Stories for Children

Author: Martha Rowe Sconnely

Publisher: Independently published, 2023

ISBN-13:  979-8394132469 Paperback

ISBN-10:  8394132469 Paperback

Language level:  2

(1=nothing objectionable; 2=common euphemisms and/or childish slang terms; 3=some cursing and/or profanity; 4=a lot of cursing and/or profanity; 5=obscenity and/or vulgarity)

Recommended reading level:  Ages 8-12

Rating: ***** 5 stars

(5 stars=EXCELLENT; 4 stars=GOOD; 3 stars=FAIR; 2 stars=POOR; 1 star=VERY POOR; no stars=NOT RECOMMENDED)

Category:  Short stories

Reviewed by Wayne S. Walker

Disclosure:  Many publishers, literary agents, and/or authors provide free copies of their books in exchange for an honest review without requiring a positive opinion.  Any books donated to Home School Book Review for review purposes are in turn donated.  No other compensation has been received for the reviews posted on Home School Book Review.

For more information e-mail homeschoolbookreview@gmail.com

Website: https://homeschoolbookreviewblog.wordpress.com

     Sconnely, Martha Rowe.  Bug Flavored Lollipops: Fifteen Fun Stories for Children (Published in 2023 by Martha Rowe Sconnely).  This book contains fifteen short stories for children that are chock-full of charming animals and lessons on beauty, truth, and friendship. They illustrate such desirable traits as thoughtfulness, contentment, helpfulness, and self-confidence.  A couple of common euphemisms (“gee” and “gosh”) occur a few times, but these tales are perfect for bedtime or as a classroom read aloud.  

     The collection includes not only bugs that rock and birds that talk, but five adventures of a furry best friend named Toby.  Author Martha Rowe Sconnely taught Language Arts for several years.  Each one of these lively tales will delight and entertain, while giving young hearts something to think about.  Why did Screech Owl purchase those bug flavored lollipops at Trader Trent’s Buggy Booth at the Tropical Breeze Flea Market?

A Michigan Summer: A Sequel to Shagbark Hickory

HOME SCHOOL BOOK REVIEW

Book: A Michigan Summer: A Sequel to Shagbark Hickory

Author: Joseph Stoll

Publisher: Pathway Publishers, 1998

ASIN: ‎ B002RIJHWK

Language level:  1

(1=nothing objectionable; 2=common euphemisms and/or childish slang terms; 3=some cursing and/or profanity; 4=a lot of cursing and/or profanity; 5=obscenity and/or vulgarity)

Recommended reading level: Ages 8-12

Rating: ***** 5 stars

(5 stars=EXCELLENT; 4 stars=GOOD; 3 stars=FAIR; 2 stars=POOR; 1 star=VERY POOR; no stars=NOT RECOMMENDED)

Category: Historical fiction

Reviewed by Wayne S. Walker

Disclosure:  Many publishers, literary agents, and/or authors provide free copies of their books in exchange for an honest review without requiring a positive opinion.  Any books donated to Home School Book Review for review purposes are in turn donated.  No other compensation has been received for the reviews posted on Home School Book Review.

For more information e-mail homeschoolbookreview@gmail.com

Website: https://homeschoolbookreviewblog.wordpress.com

     Stoll, Joseph.  A Michigan Summer: A Sequel to Shagbark Hickory (Published in 1998 by Pathway Publishers, a division of Pathway Bookstore, 43632 County Road 39, Bloomingdale, MI  49026).   At the end of Shagbark Hickory, Joni and Sammy Troyer, the sons of an Old Order Amish family, move with their parents, Benjamin and Sarah, older sister Millie, younger twin siblings Elmer and Ruth, and baby sister Mary, from their old farm near Litchfield in southern Michigan, to another farm, which they name Sandy Knoll Farm, twenty miles away near Jerome.  A Michigan Summer covers the following summer of 1945 as the Troyer family adjusts to their new location on a farm steeped in history.  Will the boys be able to make friends with anyone at Knowles School?  Do they find any arrowheads while working in the fields?  And who plugged all the watermelons before they were ripe?

     There is quite a bit of real historical information woven into this fictionalized account of the author Joseph Stoll’s own childhood.   In addition, Joni and Sammy, along with their brother and sisters, continue to learn many important lessons as they are growing up.  One does not have to be from an Amish family to appreciate the story.  It is written so that any boy who loves family, hard work, and being a boy will enjoy it.  There is a third book in the series, Sandy Knoll Farm, which continues with various incidents of the Troyer family during the next six years and concludes with the sale of their farm in 1951.