Good Reads

Posted by My Heart Song

3/11/2013  

I haven't been a faithful blogger lately. Part of that is because I've been doing a lot more reading lately. 

I have been reading my Bible faithfully and working at memorizing scripture in addition to my daily study. Right now I'm working through a study on Psalm 37, through Doorposts. I did a similar study last fall in Colossians and really enjoyed it - the 5-minute daily assignment is emailed to me, so I read it via email and then do it later in the day when I have my Bible study time (which for me lately has been during my daily time on the treadmill).

Here are a few of the books I've enjoyed in recent weeks. Many of them were found because I had read other books by these authors. Many of them are intended for a tween-teen audience, but I've really enjoyed them. They are historical fiction, which I've grown to love through our homeschooling curriculum Sonlight. 

 Amos Fortune: Free Man by Elizabeth Yates is a great reader for those interested in the treatment of slaves and black free man around the time of the Revolutionary War. Amos has a beautifully biblical response to difficulties in his life and he is rewarded by God for his faithfulness. Based on a true story, this book would be a great introduction to the idea of slavery, how slaves were brought to the Americas from Africa, and the notion of earning or buying one's freedom from slavery. 

Adam of the Road by Elizabeth Janet Gray is an engaging tale of an 11-year-old boy Adam who works with his father as a traveling minstrel in medieval times. He "comes of age" as he and his father are separated on the road and Adam must fend for himself as a traveling minstrel no longer in his father's shadow. A great glimpse into the life of a young person at that time in history.  

Calico Captive by Elizabeth George Speare is set in New England during the French and Indian War. The main character is a young woman named Miriam Williard who is captured by Indians and sold as a slave in Canada. Based on a true story, this book helps the reader understand the many dynamics at play during war time with the clash of cultures, religions, and values.

After reading Calico Captive, I wanted to read more by the same author. I found The Bronze Bow, also by Elizabeth George Speare. Unlike the author's other works, this one is not set in historic America, but back in the time of Jesus. Daniel is a young Jewish man who is an anti-Roman zealot. Eventually Daniel meets the Jewish carpenter and sees life very differently. A suspenseful story with themes of friendship, loyalty and community, this was my favorite book by this author.

The Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell is a very unique tale. Based on a true story from the 1800s, a young lady is left to fend for herself on a deserted island. In the same vein as Robinson Crusoe or Swiss Family Robinson, this young gal spends 18 years alone, waiting for a rescue boat. She crafts weapons and clothes, forages for food, and finds friends and pets among the creatures of the island. A very inspiring tale full of loss and learning and addresses interesting topics of culture and resources. 

The more I delve into great books, the more I find that are added to my wish list. There are so many great stories out there to inspire and encourage us. Have you read any great ones lately?