Posted in Reviews

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About the product/service:  As part of the TOS Homeschool Crew  I received a free copy of Sarah's Wish from Sarah Books.   It was sent to me so that I could read it (or listen to it) and share it with my kids in order to give you my highly anticipated opinion as to whether or not it is a good read and should be purchased by (or better yet for) YOU!  :)

The story starts when Sarah's mother is killed, leaving 12 year old Sarah alone.  Sarah decides that it is her mission to continue the work her mother had done, working with the Underground Railroad.  Besides Sarah, you'll meet lots of interesting characters, including the lovable Granny, between the pages of this book.  You'll also find yourself transported back into time to the 19th century, to the days where men and women were enslaved by cruel masters, and courageous men and women, and sometimes children, helped them find freedom. 

Sarah's life is filled with hope and promises, sadness and disappointment.  As the story unfolds, she makes a wish.  Will her wish come true?  Read Sarah's Wish and find out!

Sarah's Wish is only one of three books currently being sold in the Sarah series.  Also look for Sarah's Promise and the latest book, Sarah's Escape.  Read excerpts from all three books here.  Each book is also available as an audio download.

Meet the author, Jim Baumgardner, here.  Jim actually wrote the Sarah books for his own grandchildren, who just happened to be homeschooled.  He wanted them to learn to love history, and to learn about the Underground Railroad.  He knew that historical fiction was the way to teach them, while also entertaining them.  Jim loves history, and he loves story-telling, and his writing shows it!

What are the pros of this product?  The book is really well written, and though fictional, is very educational.  Kids will learn a lot about the heroic folks who ran the Underground Railroad, and the equally heroic slaves who "road" the Railroad north to freedom.  In other words, they'll be learning, and won't even know it!  :)

What's not to like?  Nothing, really, but some kids might not like the way the story starts out with Sarah's mom dying.  My youngest son, Baber, 6, did not want to listen.  The older kids, ages 8 and up, were fine with it.  (Not sure if I like that or not!  LOL) 

The Crazy Mom take:

I have always been fascinated with stories of the Underground Railroad ever since I first heard about them and thought runaway slaves actually escaped on trains!  LOL  One of my biggest childhood heroes was Harriet Tubman.  I always wondered, would I be brave enough to help slaves escape?  I hope the answer would be yes!

There are two periods of history I really want my kids to know about.  The Holocaust, and the time of American slavery.  These things must never happen again, and I believe each child must know about them.  Yes, they are horrible subjects, and it would be easy just to try to just forget about them and try to act as though they never happened, but they did.  You know the saying:  Those who don't know history are doomed to repeat it.  (Okay, that's probably not the exact quote, but you know what I'm talking about!)

Anyway, I was thrilled to have an easy way to teach my children about the Underground Railroad.  My daughter, Bear, took the book first and started to read it.  Then promptly lost it!  No worries, in the back of the book is a code to get a FREE audio version, so they were able to listen to the story instead.  As I stated above, they all enjoyed listening to it, and I'll have to consider purchasing the other two books for Christmas! 

Happy reading! 

What's the bottom line? $10.99 Retail However, at the author's website the price is $9.99 plus Free shipping and handling.  Jim will even autograph it for you!!!

I am going to give Sarah's Books 5 out of 5 smileys!!!

Check it out! Sarah Books 

See what my fellow TOS Crew members have to say @

http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/HomeschoolCrew/726402/

*The Smiley System: 

I can't really recommend this product.

 I doubt this product would be helpful to many people.

 This is a good product, but isn't right for everyone.

 Most homeschool moms will find this useful.

 This is great, and I would recommend it to anyone!!!

Disclaimer!!!  I reviewed this product because I am a member of The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Crew.  I was given the product by the vendor to use and evaluate in my home so that I might share my insights with others.  Other than receiving the product, which I kinda have to to be able to assess the product, I am not compensated for my reviews in any way.  I am in no way obligated to give a positive review.  I do try to point out negatives when I see them, though I am admittedly a pretty easy going gal!  What you read are my honest assessments of the products I receive. 

As with all products, you must do the research before buying.  Please visit the the other crew members' blogs, the vendor websites, and any other review sites you might find before buying.  I can't guarantee that a product will work for you.  You must decide what will fit with your teaching style, and your child(ren)'s learning style(s).  I do not judge anything other than the educational value of the products I review.  I am not qualified to make judgements as to the safely of any product, and I make no guarantee that the products I review are safe for you, your family, or anyone else.  I am simply giving my opinion; only you know what is best for you and your family.

Don't use your blow dryer while you sleep or take a bath.  Don't read my reviews in the tub either, and please do not read them when you are asleep, though I do not guarantee that you won't fall asleep reading them!

Copyright 2009 Ramblings from the Crazy House