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The Children of Noisy Village

March 31, 2023 by Emma Filbrun · Leave a Comment

31 Mar

The Children of Noisy Village by Astrid Lindgren

Title: The Children of Noisy Village
Author: Astrid Lindgren
Major Themes: Childhood, Sweden, Farm Life
Synopsis: Six children who live in three houses side-by-side have many fun times and adventures together.

For many years, our children have enjoyed the Pippi Longstocking books. Did you know that Astrid Lindgren wrote other books, too? I just read The Children of Noisy Village aloud to my children, and they loved it! This is such a gentle, yet fun, book. It was perfect for my 7-year-old girl.

Noisy Village is a cluster of three houses, on three farms, in the countryside of Sweden. It is called Noisy Village because there are six schoolchildren who live there. Lisa narrates the story, telling of the adventures she had with Anna and Britta and the three boys over the course of a year. The six of them have a lot of fun together. Most of the time, they get along well, but of course, there are occasional problems.

Lisa begins her stories by telling us about the special birthday when her parents fixed up a bedroom for her very own, so she didn’t have to share with her two brothers anymore. Then, she describes other features of Noisy Village, such as the day Olaf got himself a dog, and Britta and Anna’s grandfather who lives with them. As the year progresses, we get to see how the children survive a snowstorm (and find themselves stranded with the grumpiest man around!) and what they did for Christmas. I think my favorite story is the chapter about how the girls tried to make people happy. It’s hilarious!

The Children of Noisy Village is a delightful story about real children. They enjoy playing together and have a lot of freedom to be children. Living on farms a long way from town has its own challenges, but the children enjoy it and find ways to have a lot of fun on their long walks to and from school, as well as at home. Oh—and don’t miss the story about how Lisa and Anna went to the store for their mother!

WARNING: In chapter 4, Lisa’s brothers chant, “Boyfriend and girlfriend” to tease her. Chapter 8: someone says darned kids.

Age levels:

Listening Level—Ages 5 – 8, Family Friendly
Reading Independently—Ages 7 – 9, 8 – 12

Links to buy this book:

Amazon: Paperback | Kindle | Hardcover
AbeBooks: View Choices on AbeBooks.com
Book Depository: Paperback

Goldtown Beginnings Series

March 29, 2023 by Emma Filbrun · Leave a Comment

29 Mar

Goldtown Beginnings Series by Susan K. Marlow

Title: Goldtown Beginnings Series
Author: Susan K. Marlow
Major Themes: California, Gold Rush, Easy Reader, Historical Fiction, Books for Boys
Synopsis: This series of easy readers introduces the Gold Rush to children while gently teaching life lessons.

When we were offered the chance to review the first two books in Susan K. Marlow’s new Goldtown Beginnings series, I jumped at the offer. We have read a number of her other books; I reviewed her Circle C Stepping Stones series a couple of years ago, so I knew my younger children would be excited to get these. Sure enough, they were! Little Miss (age 4) was thrilled when she saw them the day they came in the mail, and she spent a lot of time studying the pictures. She also made sure she was on hand to hear the stories each day when I read the books aloud!

In book 1, Jem Strikes Gold, 8-year-old Jeremiah has a problem. Every week, he and his 6-year-old sister have to deliver pies for their mother, who bakes them for the restaurants and gold miners in Goldtown. That wouldn’t be a problem, but the rich boy in town likes to cause trouble for them—and one day most of Mama’s pies are ruined! Then, Strike-it-rich Sam comes home from a prospecting trip with a golden dog. Jem hasn’t found any gold in his claim, but will Pa and Mama let him keep the dog? And what will Jem do about the pie problem?

Buy this book: Amazon—Paperback • Kindle • Audible Audiobook (unabridged) | AbeBooks—View Choices on AbeBooks.com | Book Depository—Paperback

Jem’s Frog Fiasco, book 2, presents Jem with an altogether different problem. A cafe owner wants Jem to catch frogs for him. This sounds like an easy way to make some money! The problem with this scheme, though, is that Mama wants Jem to take care of his younger sister Ellie, and when he is mean to her because she makes it hard for him to catch the frogs, she runs off and hides. Can he find her?

Buy this book: Amazon—Paperback • Kindle • Audible Audiobook (unabridged) | AbeBooks—View Choices on AbeBooks.com | Book Depository—Paperback

I liked almost everything about these books. As with Susan K. Marlow’s other books, these do well at attracting young readers. They are very simply written, but very interesting. They appeal to the 6 – 8-year-old range especially, but as I said before, my 4-year-old loved to hear them read aloud. The 10-year-old enjoyed them, too. The one thing I noticed that I didn’t like so well was Jem’s exclamation, “Roasted rattlesnakes!,” used 2 – 3 times per book. I liked the way Jem tried to please his parents. He loved his little sister, even though he was annoyed with her, and admitted his wrong in not watching over her as he should have. I also liked that the stories, though fictitious, are set in a real place and time—the California goldfields during the Gold Rush. Just by reading the story, we learned how gold is panned and that it was rare to actually find “color.” This is a series I will be watching for, so I can buy the rest of the books.

On the author’s website, there are downloadable activities to go along with each of the books. These activities include language arts, history, and geography projects, as well as just fun things like mazes. There are also coloring pages to download. When Little Miss learned about them, she wanted one immediately! I made her a coloring book with the pages, which are simply illustrations from the book. If you have beginning readers in your home and need more books that they can read, that will catch their interest, check out the Goldtown Beginnings series! The learning activities that are available would make an easy way to get some other learning in, as well.

WARNING: Jem’s exclamation of “Roasted Rattlesnakes!”

Age levels:

Listening Level—Ages 3 – 4, 5 – 8
Reading Independently—Ages 7 – 9

Saving Aziz

March 27, 2023 by Emma Filbrun · Leave a Comment

27 Mar

Title: Saving Aziz
Author: Chad Robichaux
Major Themes: Afghanistan, Military Armed Forces, Marines, Rescues, Refugees, War, Taliban, Islam, Muslims
Synopsis: As he tries to save his closest friend in Afghanistan from the Taliban, Chad Robichaux finds his calling in life and orchestrates the rescue of thousands.

I rarely ever read a book about the military. As a Christian who takes literally what Jesus said in Matthew 5 about loving your enemies and doing good to those that hate us, I have a hard time understanding how it can be right for a Christian to serve in the military. When I requested Saving Aziz for review, I did not realize that the author was in the military. I came away from this book, though, with great admiration for him and his drive to help people.

Chad Robichaux worked in Afghanistan for a number of years after 2001, helping to free the country from the Taliban. He worked very closely with Aziz, who was his interpreter. They became as close as brothers. Chad was forced to return to the United States when it became too dangerous for him in the Near East. After his life fell apart, God met him. He found a new direction in his life. Then came Biden’s announcement in 2021 that the American military would be pulled out of Afghanistan.

During the disastrous aftermath of that announcement, Aziz contacted Chad for the first time in years. His life, along with that of every Afghan who had worked with the American military, was in grave danger. Could Chad help Aziz to flee the country? The mission to help one man turned into a major effort, and a new calling on Chad’s life, to rescue thousands from the clutch of the Taliban.

A lot of Saving Aziz was very uncomfortable to read. It’s hard to believe that human beings can inflict such horrible suffering on other people. There is a lot of hope, however, as well. Chad relates how God worked to open doors to so that thousands of people could be rescued. I’m still baffled as to how a Christian can believe it is right to kill other people, but there is no doubt, based on the story, that Chad has a love for God and is living for Him.

I received a review copy of this book from NetGalley, and these are my honest thoughts about it.

WARNING: Over and over throughout the book, violence, including shooting, beheading, and rape, is mentioned. One chapter describes the “killing pool” that Aziz showed Chad near the beginning of his time in Afghanistan. There’s also some language, but not much, and it’s mostly words like dang.

Age levels:

Reading Independently—Adults

Links to buy this book:

Amazon: Kindle | Hardcover | Audible Audiobook (unabridged)
AbeBooks: View Choices on AbeBooks.com
Book Depository: Hardcover

Ben Carson: A Chance at Life

March 24, 2023 by Esther Filbrun · Leave a Comment

24 Mar

Ben Carson: A Chance at Life by Janet & Geoff Benge

Title: Ben Carson: A Chance at Life
Author: Janet & Geoff Benge
Series: Christian Heroes: Then and Now
Major Themes: Doctors, Medicine, Faith
Synopsis: The life story of Ben Carson, a renowned brain surgeon who spearheaded the first successful separation of cranially conjoined twins.

Our family has always loved listening to stories, so several years ago when we finally got a vehicle that was quiet enough to listen to audiobooks in while we traveled, we were quite excited! We’ve listened to several stories over the years, and our most recent one was Ben Carson: A Chance at Life from one of our favorite biography series, Christian Heroes: Then and Now. I’ve always appreciated the way the Benges stick to the facts while still making a biography read like a novel, and this book was no different. Years ago, soon after we moved to New Zealand, Mom read Gifted Hands to our family, so I was familiar with Ben Carson’s story. Then more recently, we enjoyed the Gifted Hands movie together. I think having watched the movie helped my younger siblings imagine this more fleshed-out version of Ben Carson’s story this time around.

Growing up in a single-parent household in a predominantly white area wasn’t easy for Ben Carson. Besides his challenges at school, his mother had to work hard to keep their family afloat, so he and his brother had a lot of time on their own. Eventually, though, his mother realized the boys were coasting and not doing well with their schoolwork, so she gave them a challenge: Only one (or maybe two, I don’t remember) TV show per week, and instead, they had to read at least two books each week and present her with a book report at the end. The boys were unhappy, but rules were rules, so they started visiting the library and checking out new books for themselves. Before too long, it changed their lives. Ben grew up to become a brain surgeon, and with God’s help, he eventually became one of the best-known surgeons of his time. Willing to try even the riskier operations, in the hopes of helping people’s lives, he was eventually asked to try to help separate cranially conjoined twins. Though it was a dangerous and potentially lethal operation, through lots of prayer, study, and advice, he decided to try to do it—and the results changed the history of medicine.

I love true stories, especially the ones where people have to turn to the Lord for the strength they need to get through difficult situations. Ben Carson: A Chance at Life was one of those. I found his story just as inspiring the third time around as the first time I heard about him. It isn’t that I think the man was perfect, but he allowed the Lord to lead him in his different tasks, said yes to things that most people wouldn’t even attempt to do, and he did them well.

One thing I appreciated about this book was being able to see more of his overall life story, rather than just the partial picture you get in Gifted Hands. Gifted Hands is great, and I’m hoping I can re-read it sometime in the future, but I also appreciated getting to see a little more about his family and what happened after that book was written. There were some wonderful victories in Ben’s life as well as some devastating failures, and I appreciated getting an idea of a lot of them through this story. This was an excellent read, and I’m looking forward to sharing it with others in the future.

WARNING: Ben’s parents divorce in ch. 2. In ch. 4 – 5, there is a story of four girls killed by a bomb at a church, some talk of racial inequality, a boy gets hit with a stick, someone says “If we ever catch you again, we’ll kill you,” a boy punches a bullying classmate, a boy is angry with his mother, there is a mention of people who were murdered, and a boy tries to stab his friend. A boy becomes an Army cadet in ch. 6. In ch. 8, a man learns his father was a bigamist and illegally sold alcohol and possibly drugs. In ch. 9 there is a kiss and a few details of brain surgery. In ch 12, a woman is in labor (somewhat detailed). In ch 16, there is a story of a boy who was beaten, shot down, and killed. From ch. 14 – the end, there are several stories of unsuccessful surgeries and twins dying.

Age levels:

Listening Level—Ages 10 – 12, 12 – 15, Family Friendly
Reading Independently—Ages 10 – 12, 12 – 15

Links to buy this book:

Amazon: Paperback | Kindle | Audible Audiobook (unabridged) | Audio CD
AbeBooks: View Choices on AbeBooks.com

In the Shadow of Thy Wings

March 22, 2023 by Esther Filbrun · Leave a Comment

22 Mar

In the Shadow of Thy Wings by A.M. Heath

Title: In the Shadow of Thy Wings
Author: A.M. Heath
Series: Ancient Words, book 2
Major Themes: American Civil War, Confederacy, Epistolary, Family, Underground Railroad
Synopsis: As the war drags on and families experience loss and continued separation, Sally and Claire must continue to choose to trust God with their lives and their loved ones’ safety.

After finishing Where Can I Flee, I was both apprehensive and eager to start reading In the Shadow of Thy Wings. I was told the latter was easier to read than the former, and though I enjoyed the former, I found it difficult to get through. The pace felt a bit draggy, and while I enjoyed getting to know the characters and their various quirks and personalities, overall, it wasn’t a great read for me.

The tone was completely different once I hit In the Shadow of Thy Wings. It started with a rather unexpected twist, and several times I caught myself questioning the author, only to have my questions put to rest as I kept going. I don’t normally read books on the computer (give me a paperback or Kindle any day!), but in this case, as I was reading after the author, doing some touch-up edits for her, I found myself reading beyond my set time for the day—wanting to get to the end of the chapter, to find out what would happen next. On the days I wasn’t able to read, I was disappointed because I wanted to keep going! I’m thankful the book pulled me in that way; it made the whole reading experience much more enjoyable!

This book opens nearly two years into the American Civil War. As the war drags on and neither side seems close to winning, Sally struggles with a new task her father has given to her. He wouldn’t have given it to her if he didn’t think she could do it, but facing her fears and stepping forward in faith isn’t easy. Meanwhile, Claire is determined to do whatever it takes to follow her Savior—even if it means laying her life on the line. When a Union soldier unexpectedly starts showing up in her life, what is she supposed to do about that? People from the Union are the enemy, and her brother is fighting for the Confederacy, after all! Claire’s brother, Frank, has seen this war drag out far longer than he originally anticipated. As the Lord moves in his heart, he begins to question his desires and goals. What is he supposed to do with these new thoughts? As the war continues and relationships are built—or destroyed—can each of them keep the faith and do the tasks they’ve been given without flinching?

In the Shadow of Thy Wings is a hard book to put into cohesive thoughts. I thoroughly enjoyed the story, and several plot twists caught me by surprise. There were several hilariously awkward proposal scenes, and at least once when I teared up and wondered if I could go on. But I did, and I’m so thankful I was able to finish this story. Much of it was really, really hard, but it wasn’t an easy time to live in, either.

One of the biggest things I appreciated about this story was how the characters forced themselves to turn to the Lord when bad things happened. That’s an incredibly difficult thing to do, but a practice I want to include in my life more, so seeing them do that—and seeing them encouraging each other in trusting the Lord—was a blessing. Several of the characters spoke with wisdom at different times, and I appreciated that.

Overall, this was a good read. I don’t know if I would ever read it again, but I’m glad to have gone through it once. This could be a good series for you if you appreciate stories of faith in the middle of difficulty. I’m looking forward to reading the final book in the series soon!

I was given a review copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.

WARNING: Cursed is used in ch. 13; there is lying in ch. 13, 27, and 35, as well as some overarching lying throughout the book (characters acting lies to try to help other people); swear or swore is used in ch. 14, 21, 27, and 38; “in heaven’s name” or a variant is used in ch. 19 and 31 (twice); devils is used to refer to people in ch. 23 (twice), 26, 27 (twice), 28 (three times), 31, 35, and 38; and darn is used in ch. 28.

A woman dreams she is being hanged in ch. 1. A man hints that he’d like to take advantage of a woman and gets punched in the face in ch. 5. There is a mention of stealing for the army in ch. 5. In ch. 7, a black woman is described with a son whose skin was “much lighter” in color, and a character surmises what that might mean. Throughout the story, there are several either spoken or acted lies as characters try to help slaves get to freedom. There is a story of a couple eloping and a woman is in labor in ch. 8. A man tries to take advantage of a woman and there is a fight in ch. 12. Someone dies in ch. 19. There is some shooting in ch. 21, with several people injured; later, a man is punched in the face. A man beats a slave in ch. 22. There is a battle in ch. 23. Some men freeze to death in ch. 25. There is a story of people being hurt and killed as an army moved through in ch. 27. There is a short battle scene in ch. 28, and a woman is slapped on the face. There is another battle scene in ch. 29, and a man is shot. An injury is described in ch. 30, and an innocent man is killed. A man is beaten up in ch. 34. Several men are shot and killed in ch. 35—there is a mention of a shoulder wound, and later there are several fights, with men getting injured. There is some touching (a hug, holding hands, etc.) and/or kissing between unmarried people in ch. 2, 5, 6, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17 (also some dancing), 19, and 32; and a married couple holds or kisses each other in ch. 34 and 36.

Age levels:

Reading Independently—Ages 15 and Above, Adults

Links to buy this book:

Amazon: Paperback | Kindle
AbeBooks: View Choices on AbeBooks.com