Daniel’s Big Surprise

“But they don’t understand me.” Daniel knew his mother wouldn’t be able to answer that one, because he didn’t think she understood him either.

Book: Daniel’s Big Surprise by Jerry B. Jenkins, Standard Publishing, 1984

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Target Audience: Boys 10-13

Subjects: Friendship, Relationships with family, Adoption, Prayer

Summary: More than anything Daniel longs for someone to understand him, to really get him. He wants someone his own age to hang out with. His older brother and older sister are nice to him, but they don’t understand him and can’t play on his level. When his parents suggest hanging out at the local orphanage over the summer Daniel is reluctant at first, but quickly makes good friends with some of the kids there, one in particular. But the orphanage is in financial trouble and when it closes all the kids will be sent to various places and Daniel’s friends will be gone.

Notes: This is the first in the Bradford Family Adventures series. In this book Daniel learns to be thankful for the home and family he has when he interacts with orphans who have neither. He also learns how to show love to bullies when a mean kid picks on him at the orphanage. And he learns how to set aside his own interest and serve others. The spiritual element comes in Daniel learning about prayer. He gets mad when he prays and God doesn’t give him what he asks for. He has to learn to trust God and His plan over his own.

Recommendation Scale: 4/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Psalm 17:6 – I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer.