Go Back In Time With Jim Baumgardner's Sarah....

Okay, if you have kids of upper elementary or older age, if you enjoy historical or Christian fiction, or if you just need to be reminded of the enduring and powerful nature of hope, faith, and family, read Jim Baumgardner's Sarah's Wish. A real-life storyteller who lives along the Old Chisholm Trail, Mr. Baumgardner takes the reader back in time, through the story of twelve-year-old Sarah Smith, to experience the dark side of the period just before the Civil War, as well as the determination and kindness of those who opposed the enslavement of others.

Set primarily in Ohio, Sarah's Wish introduces the reader to Sarah and her dear friends, as they work to help her rebuild and continue her life and mission after a heartbreaking tragedy, in the midst of a pivotal time in our nation's history. Baumgardner does more than put facts to a story form--he gives this period in time voices and language and faces that even elementary aged students can relate to. As the main character, Sarah, struggles with how to pursue her family mission and remain true to her own convictions and her friends, the author frames a struggle inside all of us, regardless of our century, and opens a door for discussion in classrooms and homes.

I'll tell you, this one had me hooked from the beginning. From the first page, Sarah's Wish is full of imagery the reader can see, hear, feel, taste, and smell. Seriously, this is well written. And without turning into a history lesson, Mr. Baumgardner weaves historical fact and 19th century phrases with fictional characters and life experiences to make the history come alive. From slave huts to antebellum mansions to midwest farmhouses, readers find themselves alongside those on both sides of the struggle for freedom, experiencing both the fears and the laughter, the determination and the compassion. I love that the author allows the main character, a child, to truly do big things in the story, all the while in the care of adults who loved and guided her. Our kids (as well as their parents and teachers) need to know they can effect change and work toward their hopes and have convictions and be significant in the lives of others in their childhood years. And we adults can be encouraged by the actions and decisions of the adults who had care of Sarah and by the way Sarah grew in wisdom and faith throughout the plot.

In my opinion, this book is appropriate for upper elementary, third grade and above, for independent reading. The length is 123 pages, and the author has added some additional information concerning the life and language of the time in which it's set, in order to aid the younger readers. However, when read with a discerning adult who can offer explanations, I think younger students than what I specified above would love it, too. I do want to add that, while not being graphic in its portrayals, this book does not sugarcoat the realities of slavery or life in the 19th century either. Sarah's Wish would be an excellent book to add to a study of the pre-Civil War days or the Underground Railroad. I found nothing questionable (profanity, etc.) in this book, which is a huge plus, I would say.

Sarah's Wish, itself, is a wonderful addition to a family bookshelf, but Mr. Baumgardner offers even more! You can check out his website at http://www.sarahbooks.net/index.html and find all sorts of good stuff, including additional background information to aid readers, author info, and how to sign up for his Sarah's Web email newsletter. There's even a homeschool link (yea!).

What I appreciate the very most about Mr. Baumgardner and Sarah's Wish is the obvious commitment to faith in this work of historic fiction. Of course, our daily study of the Bible, God's Word, cannot be replaced by human stories and accounts, and we are told to "test everything" in 1 Thes. 5:21, but how I appreciate these authors who give us fiction that is meant to encourage us in our faith, who write by the standard of Philippians 4:8! You know, I almost typed that verse out, but, instead, look it up!

Now that I've read Sarah's Wish, I can't wait to find out what happens in Sarah's Promise and Sarah's Escape. You can read excerpts of all three here and order them here. Right now, he offers free shipping on all three. You can also purchase audio versions of both Sarah's Wish and Sarah's Promise. So, head on over to http://www.sarahbooks.net/index.html or to the TOS Crew Blog to find out more!