Patriots Redcoats and Spies

Evans knelt down on the sand and examined the footprints. “Looks like there were two others,” said Sheffield. His sergeant’s eyes filled with determination. “These rebel traitors never make anything easy,” he muttered. “Shall we kill them on sight or do you still want ‘em hanged?” The look on the corporal’s face revealed he preferred the first choice. “Difficult to say… Both have their benefits, don’t they?” Evans marched ahead in the sand, keeping his eyes trained on the footprints.

Book: Patriots, Redcoats and Spies (American Revolutionary War Adventures  by Robert J. Skead with Robert A. Skead, Zonderkidz, 2015

Genre: Historical Fiction

Target Audience: boys 10-15

Subjects: Revolutionary War, Sibling Relationships,

Summary: Them? Their dad wants THEM to deliver the message to General Washington? There’s no way! But there’s also no choice. Their dad, the spy, is wounded, shot and unable to continue the journey. It’s up to fourteen year old twins Ambrose and John to get the message safely to the general. The trip isn’t safe though. The British were on to their father and now on their trail as well. They aren’t afraid to use violence to get what they want. They aren’t the only danger either. Untrained young boys traveling alone make an easy target for thieves, And the cause requires committing crimes against the very people who are on their side, making them a target for their allies as well as their enemies!

Notes: Patriots, Redcoats and Spies is the first in the American Revolutionary War Adventures series. The series is written by a father/son team who trace their own legacy back to heroes of the Revolutionary War. The purpose is to convey truth about the kinds of events and key figures of the war. The end of the book contains numerous notes about the historical facts referenced in the book. This book focuses on the Culper Spy Ring and sets up a scenario where two young boys are accidentally drug into the spy ring. As for spiritual emphasis, there are a few references to prayer or Providence. It’s implied that the boys come from a family of believers, or a family that at least values prayer and Scripture memory, but that the boys have not adopted the faith as their own yet. Phrases such as “Trust Providence. That’s what Dad would say”  or “Dad said if you love someone you’d give your life for them. Greater love hath no one than this…” are used to show the spiritual elements of the story.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 3/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Proverbs 1:8 – Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching.

Disaster on Windy Hill

“And the man Dugan?” she asked. “What happened to him?” Ben faced Kate. “I don’t want to tell you.” “I think you’d better.” Kate tried to sound calm, but her stomach churned. “I think I’ll need to know.” Ben came out of the stall. “After the boss fired him, Dugan found me. He showed his fist-” Ben held up his clenched fist. “He said, ‘Just wait! I’ll get even with you!’ If Dugan knows we’re related-”

Book: Disaster on Windy Hill (Adventures of the Northwoods, Book 10) by Lois Walfrid Johnson, Bethany House Publishers, 1994

Genre: Adventure

Target Audience: Girls 11-15

Subjects: Guilt, Love-Marriage, Family Relationships, Friendship, Love For Others, Revenge, Fear, God’s Love

Summary: An announcement of an engagement and the purchase of two new horses should be exciting and joyous occasions but the dark clouds hanging over them make it hard to be joyous. Ben announces his engagement to Miss Sundquist but they can only get married if it is safe and if he can provide for her. Ben works so hard this wouldn’t be a problem if it weren’t for the evil man who threatened revenge on Ben for reporting his theft to the boss. This man is going to try to get Ben fired and try to destroy Ben and all those he cares about. That’s only one of the burdens weighing on Kate though. The other burden is how little crop they have to harvest due to the lack of rain. That also puts them in danger from fire and even Papa is taking action in case of a fire. And in this time of low crops, Kate just brought home not one, but two new horses that have to be fed!

Notes: Disaster On Windy Hill is the tenth in the Adventures In The Northwoods series. The series focuses on a young girl right at the beginning of her teen years as she adjusts to life in a very different kind of home and to a new family. The story covers about a year and a half of her life. The main character, Kate has a strong sense of curiosity and stubbornness so whenever she finds something odd she determines to find out what is going on. Sometimes the mysteries find her, sometimes she seeks them out. Through the series she transitions from someone who has only heard but not accepted a relationship with God to a girl learning to put her trust in God and look to Him for wisdom and direction.

In this final book, Kate gets to strengthen her faith in God even more as her dreams seem to be gone. It’s not like she hasn’t experienced tragedy before, but not as someone who has her own faith. It feels as if God is letting her dreams die. And when the tragedy happens all she can think is how she doesn’t deserve God’s love since it was her fault. In fact, she doesn’t deserve anyone’s love. Her wise Papa once again directs her to the Scripture and helps her understand that his love is there no matter what she does and so is God’s. Then Eric helps her understand that the same is true of him.

Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Psalm 103:11 – For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him

Mystery Of The Missing Map

“I won’t feel safe until that treasure is found,” Mrs. Mitchell said.

“Neither will Megan,” Willie answered. “She’ll never know if that man is somewhere around, watching her.”

Kate didn’t like that idea at all. “If we don’t find that map, Megan might never be safe again.”

Book: Mystery of the Missing Map (Adventures of the Northwoods (Mott Media Paperback)) by Lois Walfrid Johnson, Bethany House Publishers, 1993

Genre: Adventure

Target Audience: Girls 11-15

Subjects: Blindness, Guilt, Friendship, Love-Marriage, Greed

Summary: A cousin! A cousin who looks so much like Kate she could be a twin! Kate is ecstatic to meet Megan, but years ago a letter was lost and Kate’s family never heard about that accident… the accident that left Megan blind. Kate is determined to be friends with Megan but she isn’t quite sure what that looks like. Can Megan really do things with them? They’re about to find out because a mystery is knocking down their door again. Someone has decided Megan’s family is the key to finding the legendary hidden treasure. Kate, Anders, Eric, Megan and Megan’s friend Willie find themselves in great danger as the treasure hunters refuse to let anything stand in the way of their getting the treasure.

Notes: Mystery Of The Missing Map is the ninth in the Adventures In The Northwoods series. The series focuses on a young girl right at the beginning of her teen years as she adjusts to life in a very different kind of home and to a new family. The story covers about a year and a half of her life. The main character, Kate has a strong sense of curiosity and stubbornness so whenever she finds something odd she determines to find out what is going on. Sometimes the mysteries find her, sometimes she seeks them out. Through the series she transitions from someone who has only heard but not accepted a relationship with God to a girl learning to put her trust in God and look to Him for wisdom and direction.

In this ninth book, Kate gets to learn how to how to trust God even when tragedies happen as Megan shares her strong faith with Kate. The theme of marriage continues as Eric and Kate discuss what they have decided they want to look for in a spouse someday – someone who believes the same as them. There is also a theme of guilt as Megan’s friend Willie feels so responsible for Megan’s accident that he hates himself and acts mean and spiteful towards all those around him as he lashes out in his pain.

Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Jeremiah 32:17 – "Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.

Grandpa’s Stolen Treasure

By the time the hack driver stopped in front of Mrs. Barclay’s house, anger had replaced Kate’s tears. “How can a man be so terrible to a grandmother? What do you think is happening to her right now?”

Book: Grandpa's Stolen Treasure (Adventures of the Northwoods (Mott Media Paperback)) by Lois Walfrid Johnson, Bethany House Publishers, 1992

Genre: Historical Fiction

Target Audience: Girls 11-15

Subjects: Sibling Relationships, Friendship, Trust in God, Love – Marriage

Summary: So close and now it’s gone! Kate was going to finally get to meet her grandparents but when they got off the train, someone kidnapped Grandma! Kate, Anders and Eric go to Duluth to try to solve the mystery, hoping that the language barrier between the Swedish couple and the Americans simply led to some confusion. But Grandma has been mistaken from someone else and kidnapped. She’s leaving clues all over Duluth as the kidnapper tries to get a ransom from the family he thinks she belongs to. The question is whether or not those clues will be enough. Will Kate ever get to meet her Grandma? Will Grandpa’s treasure ever be returned?

Notes: Grandpa’s Stolen Treasure is the seventh in the Adventures In The Northwoods series. The series focuses on a young girl right at the beginning of her teen years as she adjusts to life in a very different kind of home and to a new family. The story covers about a year and a half of her life. The main character, Kate has a strong sense of curiosity and stubbornness so whenever she finds something odd she determines to find out what is going on. Sometimes the mysteries find her, sometimes she seeks them out. Through the series she transitions from someone who has only heard but not accepted a relationship with God to a girl learning to put her trust in God and look to Him for wisdom and direction.

In this seventh book, Kate is not facing the overwhelming constant fear, though she still struggles with some. It’s more a process of learning to listen to God and trust His direction. She sees peace in her Grandpa despite the loss of his treasure. Her Mama encourages her to ask God for wisdom when unsure what to do. Kate isn’t sure how to do that, isn’t sure what it means to hear from God. Throughout the story she starts trying to train herself to listen for God’s answer and follow that answer.

This book also starts to introduce a theme that will continue to develop over the next few books: marriage. At age 13, Kate and Eric see godly couples around them and start to wonder what they should look for in a spouse.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

James 1:5 – If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

The Mysterious Hideaway

The eyes of every student in the room were looking at her. She couldn’t tell which was worse – the embarrassment of being wrong accused or her anger about it. Even more Kate couldn’t bear the hurt and disbelief on Miss Sundquist’s face. She couldn’t bear the wondering. Feeling as if she were bleeding, Kate stared back at the other students. When they failed to meet her gaze, she knew. They were wondering too.

Book: The Mysterious Hideaway (Adventures of the Northwoods (Mott Media Paperback)) by Lois Walfrid Johnson, Bethany House Publishers, 1992

Genre: Historical Fiction

Target Audience: Girls 11-15

Subjects: Forgiveness, Trust, Prayer, Sibling Relationships

Summary: School shouldn’t be a place to be afraid! And yet something is obviously there that isn’t supposed to be. Kate is not imagining the weird noises that seem to be coming from the loft above the classroom. Eric hears them too. But before they can figure out what is going on, something else happens at school, something terrible. The collection of money that Kate took up to help pay to get an organ for the classroom has been stolen and the money has been found in Kate’s desk! Even with Eric and Miss Sundquist and her family assuring her they know the truth Kate feels devastated over the accusation! School is just not a very pleasant place to be right now!

Notes: The Mysterious Hideaway is the sixth in the Adventures In The Northwoods series. The series focuses on a young girl right at the beginning of her teen years as she adjusts to life in a very different kind of home and to a new family. The story covers about a year and a half of her life. The main character, Kate has a strong sense of curiosity and stubbornness so whenever she finds something odd she determines to find out what is going on. Sometimes the mysteries find her, sometimes she seeks them out. Through the series she transitions from someone who has only heard but not accepted a relationship with God to a girl learning to put her trust in God and look to Him for wisdom and direction.

In this sixth book, Kate yet again faces a moment of fear and starts to let panic take over and cause her to act frantic. When she recalls Psalm 46:10 she starts to calm down until she can finally experience peace and calm again. There is also an issue of false accusations again as the “bad guy” in the story was falsely accused by the people who should have known him, but when he gave in to fear and ran he seemed to confirm their suspicions. Kate gets falsely accused of something at school and has to deal with embarrassment and hurt, even as she learns that those closest to her didn’t believe the lie for even a moment.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Psalm 46:10 – "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."        

Trouble at Wild River

As they worked their way toward the Minnesota shore, Kate looked back. Along the Wisconsin bank she saw a shadow. A shadow that separated itself from a tree, a shadow dark enough to be a man walking toward the logs. Was it the swindler? Kate wasn’t sure. She knew only that danger lay ahead. Even more danger pursued them, following from behind.

Book: Trouble at Wild River (Adventures of the Northwoods, No. 5) by Lois Walfrid Johnson, Bethany House Publishers, 1991

Genre: Historical Fiction

Target Audience: Girls 11-15

Subjects: Forgiveness, Trust, Prayer, Sibling Relationships

Summary: There was no attempt to find a mystery. They were simply on their way through the woods to get maple syrup from a family that makes it when they stumbled across a swindler changing the marks on the logs to make the buyers believe they are his and not the other woodcutters. They had no intention of being involved further once they reported it to the authorities but a shocking letter sends Kate and Anders back into the woods again in search of Mama’s little brother who left Sweden after robbing a store. He claims to have repented and is now in America, right here in Minnesota, wanting to know if Mama will forgive him. But has he really repented or is he the thief chasing them?

Notes: Trouble At Wild River is the fifth in the Adventures In The Northwoods series. The series focuses on a young girl right at the beginning of her teen years as she adjusts to life in a very different kind of home and to a new family. The story covers about a year and a half of her life. The main character, Kate has a strong sense of curiosity and stubbornness so whenever she finds something odd she determines to find out what is going on. Sometimes the mysteries find her, sometimes she seeks them out. Through the series she transitions from someone who has only heard but not accepted a relationship with God to a girl learning to put her trust in God and look to Him for wisdom and direction.

In this fifth book, Kate has to figure out how to know whether or not she can trust someone. Mama’s brother says he has changed, but has he really? What does he mean to forgive someone? Kate also lets her fears come up again when she realizes they will be leaving Mama right near the time the baby is due. She fears being so far out in the middle of nowhere and having something go wrong. At one of the moments she is afraid she remembers that their Papa prayed for protection for them and all at once everything she’s been afraid of seems to melt away in light of her recognition of God’s care for her.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Joshua 1:9 – Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

The Vanishing Footprints

“Who is this person? He knows we’re watching him. He knows we’ll try to follow.” Tracking the man no longer seemed a game. Step by step they followed the prints to the water tank, then back to the trail. Near the tracks made by the runners of a sleigh, the boot prints vanished. “Well, he’s gone anyway.” Kate felt relieved. But Anders groaned. “We’ve lost him again! We’re no better off than before. Worse, come to think of it.” “Worse?” “We know how bold he is, coming into our yard again. We know how he plans, even bringing along an extra pair of boots. And he’s doing everything he can to scare us off.” Kate shivered. “He’s a dangerous man!”

Book: The Vanishing Footprints (Adventures of the Northwoods, Book 4) by Lois Walfrid Johnson, Bethany House Publishers, 1991

Genre: Historical Fiction

Target Audience: Girls 11-15

Subjects: Family Relationships, Fear, Trust in God

Summary: In the Northwoods, boys sometimes become men very early. With the fathers still working at the Logging Camp, Anders and Eric go working for the creamery, harvesting ice. That leads them Kate to her latest mystery. It starts with stolen checks, making it so none of the workers will get that much needed paycheck. Then it continues with a discovery of a bucket buried under the ice. But soon they find themselves in danger as the criminal seems to be pursuing them and flaunting his power. And on top of that, there are problems at home as nine year old Lance develops a cough that just keeps getting worse and worse, leaving Kate and Anders to fear for his life.

Notes: The Vanishing Footprints is the fourth in the Adventures In The Northwoods series. The series focuses on a young girl right at the beginning of her teen years as she adjusts to life in a very different kind of home and to a new family. The story covers about a year and a half of her life. The main character, Kate has a strong sense of curiosity and stubbornness so whenever she finds something odd she determines to find out what is going on. Sometimes the mysteries find her, sometimes she seeks them out. Through the series she transitions from someone who has only heard but not accepted a relationship with God to a girl learning to put her trust in God and look to Him for wisdom and direction.

In this fourth book, the mystery comes from a simple act of jealousy. The bad guy didn’t get what he wanted, what he thought he deserved and decided to make life miserable for the person who did. Kate continues to wrestle a lot with fear but finally overcomes it yet again with help from a letter from Papa. He recognizes that his being away makes Kate more fearful and reminds her of his love for her even though he’s not her first father. Then he uses that fatherly love example to help her see that her Heavenly Father is there always, even when he can’t be and that Kate can trust in that.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Isaiah 41:10 – So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

The Creeping Shadows

Shadows, thought Kate as she glimpsed the pain in her brother’s eyes. Anders accusing Stretch for something he didn’t do. “I was wrong,” said Anders, his voice low and ashamed. Watching him, Kate wondered about something. Have I done the same thing with Maybelle? From the moment I met Maybelle I didn’t trust her. Was that wrong? Or am I uneasy for a reason?

Book: The Creeping Shadows (Adventures of the Northwoods, Book 3) by Lois Walfrid Johnson, Bethany House Publishers, 1990

Genre: Historical Fiction

Target Audience: Girls 11-15

Subjects: Friendship, Forgiveness, Fear, Truth, Trust in God

Summary: Trusting the wrong person can get you into a pretty big mess. That’s what is happening to Kate’s friend’s family. Her dad trusted someone who cheated them and now they will be losing their home if something doesn’t change soon. They just can’t afford to feed all their nine children and pay their rent. Thankfully, just in time, a family heirloom is sent to them but before they can take it to the city to sell it, it disappears. Other things start disappearing too. The first thought on everyone’s mind is that it’s obviously the same thief who was stealing their food. But Kate and her friend are not convinced. They’re convinced he was being honest when he promised to change. Soon Kate herself finds out how it feels to be falsely accused when Anders is convinced she is the one messing with his horse. The troublemaker must be caught soon or not only will Katie’s friend be homeless, but relationships will be broken from false accusations.

Notes: The Creeping Shadows is the third in the Adventures In The Northwoods series. The series focuses on a young girl right at the beginning of her teen years as she adjusts to life in a very different kind of home and to a new family. The story covers about a year and a half of her life. The main character, Kate has a strong sense of curiosity and stubbornness so whenever she finds something odd she determines to find out what is going on. Sometimes the mysteries find her, sometimes she seeks them out. Through the series she transitions from someone who has only heard but not accepted a relationship with God to a girl learning to put her trust in God and look to Him for wisdom and direction.

In this third book, Kate is really coming to value this new family she has. So the false accusations hurt. She’s also letting fear control her again. She fears losing her Mama’s love due to the coming of a new baby and her Mama confiding more in Anders than her. She fears her friend losing her home. She fears the wolves she hears howling at night. With Papa being gone at the logging camp, it’s even worse. A letter comes from him with a verse in it that brings comfort and peace to her Mama but it’s not until later that Kate lets its promises sink into her and she casts her cares upon God.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

1 Peter 5:7 - Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.

The Hidden Message

As Kate plunged through the opening in the ice, she heard Lutfisk bark. Then she slipped beneath the surface of the lake. Gasping, she choked on a mouthful of water. The cold seized her body, sending pain through her stomach and chest.

Book: The Hidden Message (Adventures of the Northwoods, Book 2) by Lois Walfrid Johnson, Bethany House Publishers, 1990

Genre: Historical Fiction

Target Audience: Girls 11-15

Subjects: Family Relationships, Friendship, Forgiveness, Fear, Truth, Obedience

Summary: In the Northwoods, the food stocked up for winter is what a family plans to survive on, what it supposed to keep them alive until spring. So when already poor families begin to lose food from their storehouses, fear starts to spread through the community. Worse still is the fact that some of the men, including Kate and Ander’s Papa are away at a logging camp trying to make some extra money to get their family through the difficult times. It’s really up to these young teenagers to find out what is going on and get the stolen food back before it’s too late. But that will require working together and with Kate putting her trust in the new boy in school that Anders and Eric say is bad news, that could be a challenge.

Notes: The Hidden Message is the second in the Adventures In The Northwoods series. The series focuses on a young girl right at the beginning of her teen years as she adjusts to life in a very different kind of home and to a new family. The story covers about a year and a half of her life. The main character, Kate has a strong sense of curiosity and stubbornness so whenever she finds something odd she determines to find out what is going on. Sometimes the mysteries find her, sometimes she seeks them out. Through the series she transitions from someone who has only heard but not accepted a relationship with God to a girl learning to put her trust in God and look to Him for wisdom and direction.

In this second book, Kate is a little more adjusted to life in the Northwoods and has learned that it’s good to put her trust in God, but fear is still strong in her. So is stubbornness. So when she’s told by her brother and friend to avoid Stretch she ignores them and finds herself in a dangerous situation. Then she hides the truth from her mama, and when finally reveals that, refuses to accept her punishment and sneaks out until she finally sees how her actions are hurting her younger sister. A message from a torn piece of paper in the old organ she bought finally shows her that God is always with her and will help her.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Psalm 118:6 - The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

The Disappearing Stranger

“I don’t want to live here!” Kate wished she could shout it out. I want the gas streetlights of Minneapolis. I want our warm little rooms. I want busy, cobblestone streets. I want my friends. Even Mama seemed quiet, no longer the glowing bride of yesterday. Kate didn’t want to look at her. If only we could go back to Minneapolis. I wonder what terrible things will happen tomorrow?

Book: The Disappearing Stranger (Adventures of the Northwoods, Book 1) by Lois Walfrid Johnson, Bethany House Publishers, 1990

Genre: Historical Fiction

Target Audience: Girls 11-15

Subjects: Family Relationships, Blended Families, Moving, Trust in God, Fear

Summary: Kate feels so bad for her mom. She misses her dad, but her mom needs a new husband. She needs someone to bring light and joy back into her life. And the truth is that they both need someone to help support them. They will loose their little home soon if something doesn’t change. So Kate gathers her courage and asks a their minister to pray for a husband for Mama. When that prayer is answered Kate begins to regret it. God’s answer is a farmer from the woods of Wisconsin who wants to marry her Mama and move the two of them to the wilderness where he lives with his two sons and daughter. This is NOT what Kate had in mind! Her friend Sarah has told her about the wilderness – there are bears there! And the people live in log cabins that the cold wind whips right through! And brothers? Seriously? Her friend Sarah has warned her about that too! It seems God is giving her everything she didn’t want! And if all of that isn’t bad enough, there is something strange going on in this new home, something dangerous. A mysterious stranger keeps showing up giving Kate even more reasons to be afraid. Is there anything about this new life that is not scary?

Notes: The Disappearing Stranger is the first in the Adventures In The Northwoods series. The series focuses on a young girl right at the beginning of her teen years as she adjusts to life in a very different kind of home and to a new family. The story covers about a year and a half of her life. The main character, Kate has a strong sense of curiosity and stubbornness so whenever she finds something odd she determines to find out what is going on. Sometimes the mysteries find her, sometimes she seeks them out. Through the series she transitions from someone who has only heard but not accepted a relationship with God to a girl learning to put her trust in God and look to Him for wisdom and direction.

In this first book, Kate has to face a bunch of major changes all at once – a new father, 2 brothers, a sister who does not even speak the same language as her, a new home in a vastly different environment, a new school and new friends. She is extremely fearful of everything and angry as well as selfish. During a particularly scary moment she recalls a Bible verse that helps her realize she has been making a habit of only turning to God when she’s in danger and ignoring Him the rest of the time but needs to put her trust in Him all the time, not just in danger.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 5/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Psalm 46:1 – God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.