Title: Ida Scudder: Missionary Doctor
Author: Terri B. Kelly
Major Themes: Ida Scudder, Doctors, Missionaries, India
Synopsis: The story of a famous missionary doctor in India is told as an engrossing story.
I was delighted to run across the children’s book Ida Scudder by Terry B. Kelly. I have read one or two adult biographies of this fascinating woman, but it’s been a long time. I found this book an engrossing read, and I’m looking forward to reading it to my children before too long.
When this story begins, Ida is attending school in Massachusetts in 1889. She is full of life, frequently playing pranks. Then, she receives a telegram from India that her mother is ill and she needs to go there as quickly as possible. She and her brother board a ship and go to their parents. Ida is determined she will only stay a short time and then return to her comfortable, upper-class life in America.
Once in India, she is shocked at some of the conditions she finds. Little by little God works in her heart, and Ida comes to the conclusion that, really, she needs to become a doctor and serve the people of India. That sets her off on the adventure of a lifetime.
Ida Scudder by Terry B. Kelly is not really a biography. It is more of a novelized account of her life. I believe it sticks close to the facts of Ida’s life, but has been written as a story. As I said in the beginning, I really enjoyed it. This is a book that is written for 8- to 12-year-olds, and I know mine will enjoy it.
I received a review copy of this book from NetGalley, and these are my honest thoughts about it.
WARNING: In chapter 12 three mothers die. In chapter 17 a girl is thrown into a well as a sacrifice to a goddess.
Age levels:
Listening Level—Ages 8 – 12, Family Friendly
Reading Independently—Ages 8 – 12
Links to buy this book:
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle
AbeBooks: View Choices on AbeBooks.com
Book Depository: Paperback
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