The Brotherband Chronicles ~ John Flanagan

I will say up front that this series is not Christian, but still an inspiring tale for boys maturing into manhood. Even for me as a young woman reading it, I found the Brotherband chronicles refreshing with it's strong theme of morals and chivalry the boys are expected to reflect. It is not often that you find books with young men of integrity as shown in these chronicles. 

With his mixed heritage of part Skandian/Araluen, fifteen year old Hal has never quite fit in among the Skandian warrior people of Hallasholm. When the times comes for brotherband training in fighting and survival skills, Hal is worried he might not be accepted. Barely making it through the training, Hal finds himself the leader of one of the brotherbands...a motley group of outcasts and misfits like himself. They must learn to work together with their array of odd skills in order to make it one day as a functioning and fighting team. 

The brotherband is forced to learn and use their skills sooner than later as a pirate ship closes in on their town with their eye on the Skandian's most prized treasure. 

Indecency: None

Violence: Minimal

Language: The vikings use expressions of their gods names

Age Interest: 14-up

Christian Book Review: The Book Thief ~ Markus Zusak

"The sky was dripping, like a tap that a child has tried its hardest to turn off, but hasn't quite managed."

"Sometimes people are beautiful. Not in looks. Not in what they say. Just in what they are." Narrator

"I have hated the words, and I have loved them, 

and I hope I have made 

them right." Liesel Meminger 

"I'm always finding humans at their best and worst. I see their ugly and their beauty, and I wonder how the same thing can be both." Narrator

These words are a sample of the morsel this deeply emotional and thought provoking read was to bite into.
On this journey, a very unsuspecting narrator...Death himself, will show you his perspective of the people and places he can never be a part of, but amidst his grueling task observes those few characters who defy their circumstances and live life.

Liesel Meminger, a 13 year old child amid WW 2 is one that caught his eye. Forced into a foster home because of the toll Hitler's war has taken on her family, Liesel must learn to make the most of her circumstances while war and death become a prominent backdrop in her life. Learning to read and finding a new and brighter world in books becomes Liesel's way of coping with the harsh hand dealt to her. But along the way new friendships are forged, one with a lemon haired boy full of passion, one with the old man wielding the accordion and an infinite sparkle of joy in his eyes, and one with a lonely Jew, who had almost lost the will to live, until Liesel renews a sense of wonder to his life through her books and imagination.

The Negative aspect:
As the title suggests, the main character develops an un-biblical habit of stealing...books. Her first two are truly stolen, the rest, well in order to not give the story away, she merely takes the books without permission but soon returns them.

The other stolen goods are food, committed by Liesel and her companions as an act of defiance against the Nazi community, but I do not consider that justifiable. The Book Thief is a book that should be enjoyed the first glance, and pondered and examined the next. But still it is a book to be read.

My words don't do the story justice and it is much deeper than this...so read the book instead!

Indecency: Mild
Violence: Minimal: minor descriptions about war injuries
Language: This was the clincher for me. There are many strong curse words, half said in German, but nonetheless, the reader understands all of them. And many are said by children. So I would encourage parents and perhaps older siblings to screen the book beforehand. I went through and marked out the words so I could pass it to my book loving sister.
Age range: 17-adult

P.S. There is now a movie based on this novel that is equally accurate and much more child friendly.

Book Review: The Invention of Hugo Cabret ~ Brian Selznick

Imagine. You're in a Paris railway station. Everything about it is charming. Except for the crowds hurrying to catch the next ride. Coffee and croissant aromas are wafting all around you. You buy both and sit down to eat. Suddenly a young boy dashes past you, small for his age, roughly dressed and dirty. He runs up a flight of stairs, which leads to the tallest clock tower in the station.

Meet Hugo. An imaginative boy whose intellect surprises for one so young.

Orphaned only months ago, young Hugo was taken in by his alcoholic uncle who has disappeared, leaving Hugo with no financial support or a real home.  Hugo spends his days winding the twenty something clocks of the Paris train station. His home is the clock tower.    His father being a clock maker, passed on his trade to his brilliant son. Hugo's father left behind an automaton, a magical phenomenon of that time. Hugo determines to fix the intriguing creation. Although the little mechanism is missing the one thing to make it work...a heart-shaped key. And there is an underlying mystery behind the old man that runs the toy booth Hugo is determined to figure out. 

I found this to be a delightful little read, imaginative, and inspiring to young children.

"Maybe that's why a broken machine always makes me a little sad, because it isn't able to do what it was meant to do... Maybe it's the same with people. If you lose your purpose... it's like you're broken." Hugo 

Indecency: None
Violence:None
Language: None
Objectionable's: Hugo occasionally steals when he runs out of money.
Age Interest: 12-15
 

Ranger's Apprentice #2: The Burning Bridge~ John Flanagan

 

The peaceful kingdom of Araluen has prospered with the dark Lord Morgarath  permanently divided by the impassable mountains-made that way fifteen years ago. 
When Will and his battleschool friend Horace embark on a journey to a neighboring village they stumble upon valuable information that means imminent danger to the future of all Araluens. Alone and with no one to guide them, Will and Horace realize they are the only ones that can prevent their king and his forces from being crushed, and ultimately, save the future of everyone.

My friend Jess is also a fan of this series...
"This series contains the cloaked rangers who live in mystery, an orphaned boy with remarkable skills,  a crotchety old man set in his ways, and a whole host of other characters.  The remarkable characters, settings, and plot twists in this series keep you entranced with all eleven books.  I love the humor sprinkled throughout. My siblings and I read the different humorous dialogues aloud to each other as we go. Another thing about the series is how the different people groups are designed around people from history.  As you read the series you encounter the British during the Middle Ages, the Vikings and their warships, and the Japanese with their unique fighting system.

Last, but not least, I love the strong morals, unique work ethic, and the respect of life that all the heroes and heroines show.  The young men, and their older male mentors, have a tremendous respect for women and the lives of others (including their animals).  I really appreciate this in modern books;  it's a rare find.  The women also are feminine, letting the men lead, yet being remarkable strong for the men and helping them with various missions. All in all, I love the Ranger's Apprentice series and I highly recommend it!"


Indecency: Little to none. Mild talk of two people once liking each other.
Violence: Present but not graphic. Sword fights and injuries occur but not explained gory.
Language: This is the one aspect of the book I don't get. The author is so clean and morally sound in these books but for the few peppered curses. Da*m uttered three times. "Good Lord in Heaven". (Though some reverence is given to God at one point so these could be used in the positive way.)
Age Interest: 13-19

Ranger's Apprentice #1: The Ruins of Gorlan ~ John Flanagan

In Araluen, the Rangers are regarded as strange men, keeping to the shadows and silently going about their duties to the king. People say the Rangers have uncanny powers to become invisible.

For fifteen year old orphan Will, invisibility would be a wonderful power to hold. As well as becoming an apprentice in the Battle school to become the elite knights of the king. But his size, rank, and even his name stand in the way. The only thing Will holds is the skills of a ranger.

Left without a future, Will must rely on his courage, skills, and good character in order to become the great man he wishes to be like; the brave knight his father was.

Unknown to Will, a Ranger is watching him with interest, and a plan. His life is about to change forever.

With the eminent threat of the dark Lord Morgarath and his menagerie of terrifying beasts threatening his kingdom, Will's lot in life must soon be chosen. And he must learn his trade well. For the battle of Araluen is about to begin.

This book was wonderful in upholding many biblical morals, and the young men in the book are expected to cultivate good character and manliness. These adventures make the boys grow up quickly and become responsible. It was refreshing to see that expected in a fifteen year old. Young boys I think will be encouraged and can relate to Will.

Indecency: One kiss exchanged.
Violence: Moderate, though mostly in fighting with enemies. Some bullying occurs.
Language: 3 uses of d**n, one exclamation of "Good God in Heaven"!
Age Interest: 13-18

Christian Review: The Witch of Blackbird Pond~ Elizabeth George Speare

First off, don't be turned away by the book's title! I had my hesitations of it at first but this is another "Don't judge a book by it's cover (or title)."

For Katherine Tyler, life changed drastically when she had to leave her paradise of Barbados Island with its sparkling turquoise bay and the freedoms it allowed a young woman of her day.  Unexpected and unwanted, Katherine must learn to adapt to the strict rules of dull, religious, stoic Wethersfield Village. But that won't be easy since she has brought all her seemingly barbaric customs with her.

But hope is yet near for Katherine as she finds a kindred spirit in the shunned company of old Hannah, a supposed witch who lives alone. Though her relatives do not understand her and are even cautious of her, Katherine tries to bring joy into the lives of her aunt and cousins and attempts to understand their way of life.

Katherine finds comfort in being able to teach in the Wethersfield school alongside her cousin, but the town is soon stirred up by Katherine's activities with the children and her association with Hannah. Her relationship with her family is threatened, as is her new courtship with respectable William Ashby as the town actually accuses her of witchcraft!

Lots of discussion can be taken from this book as I do not agree with everything in it, but it is entertaining, well written and gives the reader a better perspective into the way we too often let rumors and false accusations form our opinion of others, robbing ourselves of potentially enriching relationships.


Indecency: None unless you consider mild flirting.
Violence: Minor. Talk of women being hung and burned. A character is sentenced to death. Houses burned.
Language: None
Age Interest: 15-18

A Murder for Her Majesty ~ Beth Hilgartner

Alice Tuckfield is in a devastating situation no eleven year old should face. She has witnessed her father's death and knows the murderers and their next victim. Her! With no where to turn and the murderers hot on her trail, Alice finds refuge in the unlikeliest place. The London Cathedral's choirboys take her in as one of them. Disguised as a choirboy, Alice soon finds rest and comfort in the simplicity of singing and being educated at the cathedral with her new found friends. She must now win the favor of harsh music master Kenton and continue to convince everyone that she is indeed a boy.

But even the church does not hold refuge forever, it seems. Alice finds out a terrible secret that again threatens her existence.

Though a fun and simple read, I was surprised I enjoyed it as much as I did. The dialogue is witty and well written, the characters lovable from the start.

Read a sample! 
Indecency: Mild talk of a couple liking each other, child is disrespectful but repents
Violence: Characters in peril, struck, tied up. Nothing offensive.
Language: This was the only big issue in this book. A lot of it was from the villains. One or two "For God's sake", one "Jesus" "Good Lord", "Sweet Jesus". Though half of the uses are meant with reverence.
Age Interest: 12-18

Children's Literature

Guest post by Emily @ The Family Way

I have so greatly benefited from others sharing what resources they have and what they educate and "entertain" their family with. A few suggestions for children's books...

What is God Like?

By Beverly Lewis

I was very excited to find this book in our local discount bookstore. I had never heard of it but I stood and read it before I bought it. I was very pleased with the depiction that was painted in the book. The brother and sister relationship is encouraging and very affectionate and caring.

God's Wisdom for Little Girls: Verses and Fun from Proverbs 31

By Elizabeth George

A Little Girl After God's Own Heart

by Elizabeth George

These books by Elizabeth George contain scripture and godly little rhymes. The illustrations are innocent and feminine and great conversational pieces for mothers and daughters.

Journey to the Center of the Earth ~ Jules Verne

It was an old piece of parchment that held the greatest kept secret on earth, but the one man who found the secret, was dead. And the one to find it, was determined to follow it, no matter where it lead...

Join the rather eccentric Professor Lidenbrock and his practical nephew Henry as they embark on a wild journey that will lead to the greatest scientific discovery of the century...to the very center of the earth!

Mind blowing, scientific discoveries await the eager professor and his companions as they explore the bowels of the earth and its long held secrets.

I thoroughly enjoyed this read although I wasn't expecting much going in to it. Verne does not just give an exciting read but he educates the reader as the professor travels through Iceland and its culture, over oceans, and finally...under the earth itself!

It does not move at a very fast pace as some books, but if you read it through, it is very enjoyable. Verne writes with a different feel that some literary masters. His words captivate the reader in the excitement of the adventure.

The reader or parents giving this to their children just need to be aware this book does have a bit of evolution. (Obviously, considering the title.:)

Indecency: None

Violence: Characters have minor injuries

Language: None

Age Interest: 13-adult

The Screwtape Letters ~ C.S. Lewis

This excellent work of literature probes into the world of demons offering powerful insight into the tactics with which Satan might seek to entrap the Christian mind. The riveting theological discussions revolve around a certain experienced demon, Screwtape, who is counseling his inexperienced nephew's effort to corrupt a recently converted Christian.

The message in The Screwtape Letters becomes deeper and has more impact the more you read it. As one of Lewis's many masterpieces, I highly recommend this as a library addition and family read aloud.

"Through these letters, Screwtape advises Wormwood on everything from coping with his patient's Christianity, mother, love life and even his viewpoint on the war. C.S. Lewis creatively intermingles humor with the more serious aspects of life. After the patient is converted to Christianity, he begins to desire a better life and even pray for his mother. An excellent insight into how temptation works." Olivia Brodock

"A man can no more diminish God's glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word, 'darkness' on the walls of his cell." C.S.Lewis

"Do what you will, there is going to be some benevolence, as well as some malice, in your patient's soul. The great thing is to direct the malice to his immediate neighbours whom he meets every day and to thrust his benevolence out to the remote circumference, to people he does not know. The malice thus become wholly real and the benevolence largely imaginary." -- P.31 of The Screwtape Letters

"Lewis was an exceptional thinker of his day…one of the few who could actually see what others refused to see. It’s not the easiest read for sure, but even if you have to read it twice–it’s worth it. Wow, I say!" Kelly Crawford @ Generation Cedar

Indecency: None

Violence: None

Language: None

Age Interest: 16-adult

The Phantom of the Opera ~ Gaston Leroux

Do not be betrayed by the seemingly horrific and ghostly title my eager audience! You must not judge a book by it's cover.

Our "ghostly" tale begins in the lovely nineteenth century in the Paris Opera House where is found the young and gifted in beauty and voice, young Christine Daae. When her talent is discovered she becomes the star of the Opera and hundreds flock to see her. But the opera managers must first deal with the elusive and threatening so called presence of the phantom that is feared by all who have heard his story.

Of course the opera managers think it absurd! A phantom in the opera house? Preposterous! Emboldened by their confidence they become daring enough to sell the box that the 'opera ghost' had commanded never be sold. But consequences fall hard upon everyone's head and catastrophe ensues. But only Christine Daae's gifted soprano appeases the Phantom. But Christine's childhood friend and lover, the dashing Count Raol cannot understand why the phantom has such a hold over Christine. Why is she reluctant to share her secrets with him about the phantom? What must Raol do to end this bondage forever and seal Christine's happiness?

(Although I'm not an advocate of romance novels this one is not just dripping with the sappiness and inappropriate nature romance is written with today. And it being a classic, it's acceptable.)

Indecency: A kiss or two exchanged

Violence: Moderate. A character is shot. Two characters are placed in a torture chamber but torture in inflicted by their own insanity.

Language: Several uses of "My God"

Age Interest: 14-adult

Crown & Covenant Series ~ Douglas Bond

The Crown and Covenant series follows the generations of the M'Kethe family during the religious persecution of Scotland in the 17th century.

Young Duncan M'Kethe is a spirited lad with his father's passion and zeal for Christ and Covenant. But his belief in "loving your enemies" is tested as he and his family and fellow covenanters endure persecutions of Sir James Turner and his dragoons as they pillage the moors and take and kill whomever they please. It is left to Duncan's sword and his father's wisdom to keep all dear to them out of harm's way while avoiding the outbreak of war.

It is several years past and Duncan's younger brother Angus, is turning into a man and a skilled archer. But dragoons and rebellion have grown thicker as the covenanters still struggle to win freedom of faith and lands against the bloodthirsty Claverhouse. Determined to stand firm, Angus, Duncan and their father and family endure fiery trials and sore losses as they pray for the end of the bloody century to near. Will they succeed in halting deaths while keeping true to Christ's word?

Held with a bond that could never be broken, Angus and Duncan make yet more decisions to stand and fight or flee to America. The M'Kethe family continues to grow and with the numbers, comes unexpected help from the youngest men of the M'Kethe's. Now the King of England is taking a step further by threatening and killing the Covenant church leaders and attempting to completely crush the faithful to Christ once and for all. Battles break out across the moors. The battle of Drumclog holds many bloody deaths and sorrow. Friends and family are being captured and hanged. It's up to Duncan and his wee son Malcolm to rescue Angus after he is captured by the worst of the warlords. Will they succeed before the sunrise hanging? And will the M'Kethe family finally find freedom and relief they have been searching for?

Follow the tales of the M'Kethe's as they live in unity as one in Christ, while dragoons and redcoats around them try to tear every bond the family and community of Christ has, apart.

Holding true to historical events, this series intrigued me because of the tight family bonds in the M'Kethe family and the portrayal of real men of character and maturity. I also love that they are wholesome, God-honoring tales of Presbyterian Scots. It reflects back on a time of heroes burning with zeal for Christ when freedom meant more to people than it does today.

This would be a wonderful addition to the family library.

Indecency: A brother fights to save his sister's virtue, nothing graphic

Violence: Heavy violence involved with battles, talk of hanging, different ways of torture discussed, main characters harmed at times- basically not for the weak stomach :)

Language: A few mild words from the English soldiers

Age Interest: 14-up or whole family

Rating: 5 out of 5

The Mysterious Benedict Society~ Trinton Lee Stuart

In this spell bounding tale you will discover four orphans whose lives mysteriously intertwine through rather mysterious events when they are each drawn to a peculiar ad in the newspaper summoning and challenging dozens of children to undergo a series of mind boggling and rather absurd tests.

The humorous/serious Reynie, Sticky the brainy, Kate the adventurous, and the tiny, extremely grumpy Constance soon find themselves under the care of peculiar Mr. Curtain who always dresses in green and has a serious case of narcolepsy.

The children are given a secret mission that only the most resourceful and intelligent minds can complete. Armed only with their wits, a red bucket of trinkets, friendship and the morse code, can these four complete their impossible task?

Though some might deem this as a merely 'pleasureful read' this delightfully had many Christian morals and character traits. I think it's the biggest reason I like it. The children in the Benidict society aren't your 'perfect' mystery team that run like clockwork. They have flaws that must be worked through and mended. They have to learn to work together. And throughout you can easily identify Biblical commandments kept.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. There were times when I had to stop and re-read a line two or three times. Trenton Lee Stuart does a brilliant job at making you think.

-. .. -.-. .... ---- .-.. .- ...

Can you solve this to find out Mr. Curtain's first name?

Want to join the secret society? HERE is your opportunity.

Indecency: None

Violence: Mild, non-bloody fist fights and scuffles, main characters in peril

Language: None

Age Interest: 12 & up

The Dragon Keeper Chronicles ~ Donita K. Paul

In Dragon Spell #1 the reader travels to the mysterious land of Amara where creatures and people of all kinds abound, from friendly dragons and curious doneels, and graceful emerlindians to terrifying blimmets, devouring quiss and disgusting mordakleeps. The reader follows Kale, a young orant girl who is trying to make her dull life as a slave as exciting as possible. She could not have imagined what her future held when she soon finds out that she is a Dragon Keeper of Paladin.

In Dragon Quest #2 Kale and an odd assortment of new companions are aiding her on the quest to nurture and train the meech dragon Regidor, as well as serve as an apprentice to the seemingly mindless, but wise wizard Fenworth. But to Kale's disappointment, the Hall is sending a young Knight-to-be whose demeanor is cold and disapproving, to monitor her training as a young wizard. But a new assignment arrives as the companions find out that the Evil Risto has plotted to overtake a meech and use it for his advantage.

Dragon Knight #3 In mountains of solitude, considering the vows he is about to take, Bardon's solitude is suddenly interrupted by an emerlindian and her granddaughter. As the woman pleads aid to free her son, who is in a lone chamber trapped by a spell of sleep, the reluctant Bardon agrees. As the threesome travel, Bardon soon learns that not just one of Paladin's knights lay captive. Finding the chamber, the band discover a dozen knights who lay bound by an unknown spell. And only an age old book, the ink swirling across pages in foreign words, can unlock the captive knights. With no help to this mysterious book, and obstacles arising at every corner, will the quest endure?

In Dragon Fire #4 Three years have gone by since Bardon and Kale have freed the dozen captive knights of Paladin. War rages heavier than before as rival dragons scorch the lands with their fire amid the dual between the husband and wife wizards battle for complete power. Bardon and Kale- now joined in matrimony- are forced to accept separate quests by Paladin. Bardon along with his former companions must bravely lead his troops against the armies of Pretender, while Kale and her father are sent to find dragons and train for Paladin's army against the forces of Risto. Along they way, Kale and her family all learn something about each other that furthers their ability to understand and love.

In Dragon Light #5 as Kale and her father are still at work hatching dragons of all assortments while she develops a stronger affection for her father who she is slowly learning to love. Sir Bardon is a leader among Paladin's knights, and now present in His counsel. But a new search for the meech colony is assembled and Kale and Bardon are part of it. While traveling with their meech friends Regidor and Gilda, their encounters with invisible and dangerous forces are increasing. As the last chapter of the Dragonkeeper chronicles closes, the tale is concluded with all the old friends and an ending touching and victorious!

~My reviews can never do these great works justice, there are so many plots intertwined in one.

These five books are refreshing with an extremely unique plot, and my favorite part, a powerful allegory. None of the content brought any red flags, and it's not filled with inappropriate romance. I don't know if you would even call it this but there is very mild flirting that is far between, and the characters involved in it end up married. From the way the author wrote it, I consider most of it acts of chivalry. Just my opinion.~~~ Hope you enjoy them as much as I did.

Indecency: None

Violence: Throughout the books there is plenty of fighting but nothing explained too gory

Language: None

Age Interest: 12-16

My Rating: 5 out of 5

The Scarlet Pimpernel ~ Baroness Orczy

The Scarlet Pimpernel is my favorite puffin classic yet! Very well written with a captivating plot, the book is difficult to put down. Be sure to get the complete and unabridged version.

It is the year 1792, the middle of the French Revolution, and numerous amounts of aristocrats are daily being captured and executed by the guillotine. Only one man and his courageous band of followers have the gumption to stand against the French government and cunningly whisk the aristocrats from beneath the government's blade. Known as the Scarlet Pimpernel, his identity is the toast of London.

But a merciless French agent known as Chauvelin swears he will not rest until he sees the Pimpernel dead.

The Scarlet Pimpernel is a most captivating tale of insane bravery, elusive love, and the ability of one man's actions to change the course of human emotions.

(There is also a very accurate account in the 1982 version of the movie 'The Scarlet Pimpernel with Anthony Andrews, )

Violence: Non- graphic talk of the guillotine, a few fist fights, a man is whipped, altogether nothing the reader can't handle

Indecency: None, although the reader gets a negative picture of the relationship in a marriage but it is put to right

Language: The Londoners use the occasional word "demmed"

Age Interest: 14-adult

My Rating: 4 out of 5

The Basket of Flowers ~Lamplighter

I first found this treasure when I was eleven and absolutely loved it. It is fiction but with priceless moral lessons all throughout its pages .

Very well written, this tale for the young depicts the life of Mary and her father James who are poor in earthly possessions, but rich with the promise of eternal life. Privileged to know and be a guest of the countess, Mary gives her a beautiful basket that her father has made for the day of the countess's birthday. But the greed and jealousy of the countess's maid steps in and ruins the life of Mary and her father. Through trials of being homeless, having nothing to their names and being thought liars, Mary and James survive through it all resting on the love they have in Christ.

An exert from the book...

"James was digging a part of the garden which had been long neglected. It was hard, and trodden down and unfit for sowing seeds, because there was no "deepness of earth." He dug it deep, broke the clods, and turned them up to the surface to be crumbled by the hard frost.

"Just in this way." said he to Mary, "does God work upon hardened souls. They must be deeply pierced by sufferings and by convictions of sin: they must be exposed to the frost of adversity, to soften their natural hardness, and to prepare the soil to receive the good seed. If the seed is sown without this preparation on the hardened soil, it has no deepness in it, and it soon withers: but after this deep digging, this severe exposure, it is no longer hard, the good seed takes root, and blessed by God bears abundant fruit."

Violence: Not enough to be considered, a main character is taken by force to a prison.

Indecency: None

Language: None

Age interest: 12-adult

My Rating: 10 out of 10

The Golden Goblet ~ Eloise Jarvis McGraw

The Golden Goblet is a thrilling tale of the young, Egyptian, boy Ranofer striving to survive in a culture where gifted apprentices are not noticed. He desires to be a master goldsmith like his father was. But his half brother, Gebu had plans for him that would only profit his own endeavors. While Ranofer longs to have pliable gold and the finest, detailed tools of a goldsmith under his hands, he is instead made to work for a stone cutter.

But this does not damper his optimism for long and Ranofer pursues his dream to the end of the sands of Egypt. But he is daily getting suspicious of his half brother's trade, and one dark and frightful night uncovers a secret in a chest that could change his future forever.

I was captivated by this story. It upheld many morals such as honesty, friendship, and respect. It gives the reader an interesting insight into the lives of the poor and helps him to imagine what life must have been like for young boys who, like Ranofer, had to fight for their success in life.

Caution- It is not from a Christian perspective so there is reference to and belief in the gods of ancient Egypt.

Violence- very little

Indecency-none

Language-none

Age interest- 12-15