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A Life Better Than I Deserve
Oct. 15, 2009
Review: Sarah's Wish
Recently I was provided a free review copy of Sarah's Wish by author Jim Baumgardner of Sarah Books. Please visit the Homeschool Crew to read opinions on this and many other exciting homeschooling products and curricula.
From the moment I opened the package containing fiction novel Sarah's Wish, I knew I was in for an adventure. This personally autographed book from Sarah Books begins with an invitation to imagine myself in nineteenth century rural Ohio: "The story begins one stifling hot afternoon. Do you feel the heat? Taste the dust? Smell the horseflesh? Hear the laughter of mother and daughter? And--see that snake! You are in 1858. Hang on--here we go!"
The author, a grandfather who penned these historical fiction works for his own grandchildren, proceeds to vividly paint each scene and especially every interesting character! For, at heart, Mr. Baumgardner is a storyteller. He may have some history and a few morals to teach along the way, but he intends to capture the hearts and minds of your children first through his vivid tales and characterizations.
From the opening tragic scene in which Sarah's mother died, I followed twelve year old Sarah through the heartache of her mother's tragic death, her adventures and her terrifying encounters with slave-catchers. I even watched her struggle to keep her mother's secret and her promise to her mother, all the while grieving the loss of her mother and longing for a new family. Through it all, the spirited Sarah attempts to follow the Christian morals she has been taught.
The Sarah's Wish title has an approachable heroine, an interesting plot, colorful characters, history surrounding the Underground Railroad, and clean language. Despite some sad and dramatically intense scenes, my children have really seemed to enjoy this novel. It might prove a bit challenging for one person to come up with all the dramatic voices in this novel as a readaloud, however. Never fear! These books come with an audiobook download code on the back page. This is a very welcome addition to these books and makes them a better value for the money.
Sarah's Wish is available for $9.99 at the Sarah Books website.
Sarah's Promise is available for $13.50.
Sarah's Escape is available for $17.50.
The author autographs the copies purchased directly from him and ships your books free. This, combined with the included audiobook download, makes these historical fiction works a good value. When we get closer to this time period in our own history studies, I intend to purchase the sequels to the original volume. I would like to encourage you to read some excerpts from the Sarah books and enjoy Mr. Baumgardner's wonderful tales for yourself. While you are at the author's website, sign up for his free newsletter full of interesting news about Sarah's world.
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