Salem Ridge Press is a publishing company “dedicated to bringing back quality children’s books of the 1800’s and early 1900’s for a new generation of readers.” The company republishes historical fiction, adventure, allegories, and stories for young readers and strives to provide wholesome, interesting, and well written books.

     The founder is a homeschool graduate who states, “The underlying philosophy of Salem Ridge Press is found in the Bible: ‘Whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things (Philippians 4:8).’ ”

We received these books to review:

     Mary Jane- Her Book is a snapshot of the the daily life of a sweet, inquisitive little girl in the early 1900s. It was sweet, funny and enjoyable to read.  It was great for my children to get to see what life was like for kids in another time.  There were originally 19 books featuring Mary Jane, and Salem Ridge Press has also republished the second book in the series, Mary Jane - Her Visit. (Ages 6-10; Hardcover–$22.95; Softcover–$12.95)

     The American Twins of the Revolution is a story set in the time of the American Revolution.  The book is based on a true story and is suspenseful, engaging, and action packed.   The book reflects the time period in which the book was written (1926), and has some romanticized, stereotyped views of slaves and slave owners. I would have liked to see somewhere in the book an acknowledgement of this and an explanation for children that slavery was not right or romantic, and how many Christians and other Americans sacrificed their lives to end it.  This would fit with the publisher’s commitment to publish titles that represent high character and strong values. The book’s one-dimensional depiction of slavery and slave owners would probably be understood by older readers, but I would want to discuss it with my younger readers.  Overall the story was very enjoyable to read, and I would recommend it. (Age 8 and up; Hardcover–$22.95; Softcover–$12.95)

     The third book I received was Glaucia the Greek Slave by Emma Leslie. This is part of a historical fiction series about church history and is set in Athens from 59-64 AD. The story is about a girl named Glaucia and her brother Laon, who are sold into slavery in a Roman market to pay for their late father’s debts. We were drawn into the characters and the story right away.  I think this is a great example of a “living book” in that it teaches history in a much more interesting way than just reading it in a textbook.  The character of  Paul the apostle shows up  in prison in the story and witnesses to Laon and others about Christ. There is a mystery as well to keep you interested. My 10 year old loved this book, but my little ones didn’t get it… I think the age range suggested is accurate.  (Ages 10-Adult; Hardcover–$24.95; Softcover–$14.95)

     I loved these books, and I love the company!  Salem Ridge Press has a great website at http://www.salemridgepress.com where you can search for things easily and get more information about the books they carry.   To see what other Crew members had to say, visit the TOS Homeschool Crew blog.