Plumfield Moms

"When was the last time you allowed yourself to be astonished to the limit by Jesus—by his teaching, by his works, by the wonders of your life? I use the word allow intentionally, because I think some of us are so jaded that we need to consciously loosen the tight hold we have on our sophistication and be amazed sometimes."

"If all history books were written in Graham’s style, no child would ever say, “I hate history.” With lyrical descriptions of time and place, she quickly drops the reader into her subject’s setting. The fear and despair of the opening scene are palpable. Graham doesn’t relate facts, she tells a story of real people with real feelings and motivations. Graham doesn’t make Douglass a saint, but she takes us through his lifetime of dedication to the cause of freedom, not just for slaves but for anyone fighting oppression. We see what he suffered, what he gained, and what he lost."

Restore, keep watch, bear, test, share, do not grow weary of doing good, do good to all. “As for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God” (Gal. 6:16).

Dan Morgan survived many amazing exploits, and the action in this story is exciting and almost non-stop. But the story doesn’t read like an adrenaline-soaked superhero tale. Dan was a real man who learned how to work hard, and who was dedicated to honing his craft and serving his country. He had astounding success, but also suffered losses and severe injury. He served valiantly throughout the Revolutionary War, and later was sent to Congress from Virginia. Tucker managed to write this story using language accessible to the youngest independent readers while also keeping it interesting and compelling for parents and grandparents.

Peter doesn’t want us to be passively aware of danger. He wants us to actively resist. All of his instructions involve some exertion on our part. “Make every effort to supplement your faith” by adding virtue on virtue. “Be all the more diligent,” “practice these qualities,” “take care,” and “pay attention.” Paying attention isn’t simply a matter of sitting up and looking around. The Greek word is a nautical term that means to keep a ship on a course toward a specific place. Stay the course!

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I feel betrayed by The Education of Mary: A Little Miss of Color: 1832 by Anne Rinaldi. Another disappointing novel by this author who is so often recommended to teens. I confess that I do not know very much about the real Prudence Crandall. What I do know is that she is celebrated as an abolitionist, a courageous advocate for Black Americans, ran a school for “Little Black Misses” that was destroyed by the people of Canterbury, and was named Connecticut's state heroine. And, if the history books are right, in 1886, the people of Canterbury, Connecticut who destroyed her school for Little Black Misses, and Mark Twain, petitioned the state to offer her a small pension as recompense for the damage to her school and legacy. I was intrigued to learn more about Crandall, and I love historical fiction. I find Ann Rinaldi’s books to be very uneven, and I was hoping that since this one was so well grounded in true historical facts, perhaps we would get an inspiring story about those courageous young black women and their teacher. And, for the first three-quarters of the novel, that is exactly what we get. Until the novel takes a sharp turn that leaves the reader discouraged and appalled. The only good that I can say of the ending is that it made me do some looking into the true story just to understand what was real and what was artistic license. So far, I have found nothing to support Rinaldi’s bizarre twist. "Were they all modest, retiring, submissive, uncomplaining, long-suffering, and sacrificing? I found that difficult to believe." - Author’s Note In 1831, Quaker Prudence Crandall was mistress of a school for young ladies. In need of servant help, she hired a respectable young black lady named Mariah Davis who was engaged to Charles Harris. Charles’s father was a local agent for the abolitionist newspaper, The Liberator. Crandall educated Mariah and even allowed her to sit in on classes since she was an employee of the school. Charles’s sister Sarah approached Crandall asking if she too could attend the school, but as a student, not a servant. Crandall consulted her Bible and ultimately decided to educate Sarah. But the townspeople of Canterbury objected strongly. Crandall went to Boston to meet with the editor of The Liberator and came home with the mission to withdraw the white students and replace all of them with black young ladies from good families. Sarah’s sister Mary also attended the school. ". . . some ten or twelve quiet, harmless little colored girls or young ladies, from the very best colored families in the Northern cities." Source By all reports, the girls in the school were well-mannered and eager to be there. In the novel, however, a very different culture was brewing. In The Education of Mary, Rinaldi inserted her own prejudices deeply into the historical narrative. She casts young Mary Harris as a mild and faithful young lady who is both servant and confidante to Crandall. She re-casts Sarah Harris as an abolitionist fomenter who wants to be a Joan of Arc martyr for the cause. In the last fourth of the book, the school is divided down the middle with some girls taking Crandall’s side and attempting to live peaceably within the laws, while the other side was made up of agitators looking to be whipped and tortured so they could be remembered for the cause. And while the agitators are whipping themselves up into a frenzy, they plot and plan, and ultimately set the school on fire while blaming an innocent black man. All so they can draw as much attention to their cause as possible. When Crandall fails to keep the girls peaceful, Mary surrenders her loyalty to the schoolmistress and betrays her. The ending is sour and sad and depressing – and not because the school fails. But because the relationships inside of it are ugly and marked with strange forms of racism. Such an interesting and hopeful book that turned dark in all of the wrong ways. I hope that my review can serve as a cautionary warning. Also,...

"The Author and Finisher of our faith prayed that we believers would be one as he and the Father are one. Marching shoulder to shoulder with my fellow soldiers while keeping my eyes fixed on Jesus, who leads the way, will not only enable me to keep rank, but will also encourage those behind me and to the sides to do the same when the fiery darts begin to fly."

Our Reading Life - February 2025 Sarah Kim’s References The Wake Brideshead Revisited The Death of Ivan Ilyich Great Gusts: Winds of the World and the Science Behind Them Sara Masarik’s References The Pig War Claude ElevenReader App Lepunia: the Last Galloper Mistmantle Chronicles The Golden Hawks of Genghis Khan Kensuke’s Kingdom Diane’s References Behold Your QueenForgotten Books Series: Historical Fiction The Bounces of Cynthiann’ Live Not by Lies Freckles and A Girl of the Limberlost Tanya’s References Mary Poppins Mother Carey’s Chickens The Gardener of Alcatraz Kensuke’s Kingdom Kensuke’s Kingdom General References Biblioguides The Card CatalogSemicolonBook Review Roundup Mighty NetworksShelf Notes

About two years ago, Diane and I did a deep dive into the works of Gary D. Schmidt, marveling at his ability to truly excel across genres. From the middle-grade brilliance of The Wednesday Wars to the magical fairy tale Straw Into Gold, from thoughtful and lovely picture books like A Long Road on a Short Day to the haunting historical fiction of Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy, Schmidt continually astonished us. Mara’s Stories moved me deeply, and Orbiting Jupiter—written for boys in prison—left us nearly speechless with its raw truth. Schmidt had us convinced that there was little he could not write. So, I approached his science fiction novel, What Came From the Stars, with high hopes. Yet, despite my love for science fiction, I struggled to enjoy it or even finish it. About half way through, I set the book aside with some regret. Last month, I saw What Came From the Stars on Hoopla and decided to give it another chance. I’m glad I did. While I may never cherish What Came From the Stars as much as I do Okay for Now or The Labors of Hercules Beal, this time I found myself genuinely enjoying the novel. Perhaps it was familiarity with the story from my first attempt, or maybe I was just in the right mindset. Either way, the book’s layered storytelling and emotional depth resonated with me. At its heart, What Came From the Stars is an honest exploration of grief, destiny, familial love, and sacrifice. Schmidt’s talent for portraying grief remains unmatched—each of his stories feels fresh, raw, and powerful. This novel follows Tommy Pepper, a boy from Plymouth living in a creaky old house by the sea with his father and little sister. Together, they are grappling with the unexpected loss of Tommy’s mother. Their grief is compounded by an unscrupulous real estate developer pressuring them to sell their beloved home. What made this story confusing to me the first time, but interesting this second time, is its dual narrative. One thread is firmly grounded in Tommy’s world, while the other unfolds in a fantastical realm embroiled in its own struggles. These two worlds collide when Tommy receives a birthday gift from his grandmother—a seemingly ordinary lunchbox with mysterious contents that alter his reality. Schmidt weaves these threads together with skill, creating a story that is part science fiction, part fantasy, and wholly human. While it may not be my favorite of his works, What Came From the Stars is a testament to Schmidt’s range and his ability to delve into the depths of human emotion, even in the most unexpected genres. If you’ve set this book aside before, consider giving it another try. You might find yourself drawn into its intricate web of loss, love, and hope, just as I was.

More than once, Paul asks his children in the faith to imitate him. That isn’t easy, but it does sound nice when he says, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another.” And who doesn’t wish to have the Fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. When he says, “be imitators of me, as I am of Christ,” what do you imagine this encompasses? He tells the Philippians to have the same mind as that of Christ Jesus and then elaborates. Jesus made himself nothing, took the form of a servant, humbled himself, and was obedient to the point of death on the cross.

The Viking Quest series by Lois Walfrid Johnson is a truly excellent historical fiction saga that immerses teen readers in the riveting world of the 10th century. Spanning five books, this series transports readers from the lush coasts of Ireland to the cold farms of Norway and then to the icy shores of Greenland (and beyond), always incorporating the fascinating culture of the people in those places. An exciting story of adventure, hardship, faith, and conversion, this is a story that young readers will find hard to put down. Briana O’Toole is a strong and faith-filled young Irish girl. When she saves a Viking boy about her age from drowning, she is repaid for her kindness by being kidnapped and whisked away to Norway as a slave. Briana’s courage, determination, feisty temper, and unwavering faith become a witness of hope, not only for her fellow Irish slaves but for the Norse people she learns to love during her captivity. Despite the trials of being thrust into a foreign culture, Briana holds fast to her beliefs, and she becomes “a light to the nations.” Mikkel, though initially driven by ambition and greed, is a fascinating foil to Briana. His loving, wise, and influential parents intended him to be a merchant – not a raider. As he says at the end of the last book, “They have always been on your side, Briana.” Their leadership in his life, and Briana’s witness, encourage a gradual transformation in Mikkel’s way of thinking. Despite his being her captor, Briana comes to truly care for Mikkel, and few are in doubt that he is falling in love with her. But, the story is nuanced and there are several other important characters who add richness and complexity. The series is notable for its historical accuracy and vivid descriptions. From the flourishing landscapes of Ireland to the rugged beauty of Norway, and the exotic but cold Greenland, each setting is richly portrayed, offering a feast for the imagination. The author did extensive research and was careful to include things like descriptions of trees that were local to Mikkel’s fjord at that time but are scarce today. Readers will not only be entertained by the gripping plot but also gain a deeper appreciation for Norse culture, geography, and the complexities of early medieval life. At the end of each book, the author leaves extensive notes explaining which old tales inspired certain plots or aspects of each story. In the last two books, Leif Ericsson is a central character and an ambassador for King Olaf’s decree that all of Norway and Greenland become a Christian nation. As Briana matures over the five books, the narrative becomes increasingly thoughtful and profound, delving into themes of faith, redemption, and finding one’s place in an unfamiliar world. This is a story of resilience and conversion, showcasing the power of living out a Christ-centered life even in the face of adversity. And, of course, towards the end, we witness several chaste and gentle romances. Perfect for readers who love adventure, history, and stories of faith, The Viking Quest series combines action, romance, and spiritual growth in an unforgettable journey. Whether read for pure enjoyment or as a supplement to studies in geography and history, this series is a treasure that will captivate and inspire young and older readers alike.

In this life, I will sometimes feel like a cat in a room full of rocking chairs. In the profusion of chairs my tail is likely to get caught once in a while. If I don’t get down from my comfortable perch and regularly exercise my discernment muscles, I will become trapped and useless. I can’t sit around yowling about my tail. Rather than seeking my comfort, I ought to be seeking to glorify Christ. My moderation should become evident to everyone.

Up a Road Slowly by Irene Hunt is a lovely and thoughtful coming-of-age story about a young female writer. Though not strictly autobiographical, the novel brims with emotional authenticity and bears notable similarities between Hunt’s life and the lives of her characters. Like her protagonist Julie Trelling, Hunt grew up in the rural Midwest. Julie’s Aunt Cordelia, a strong and nurturing figure, mirrors Hunt’s own experiences as a schoolteacher before her retirement in 1961. As I read, I couldn’t shake the feeling that Hunt had poured much of herself into both Julie and Cordelia, crafting characters that felt deeply personal and vivid. When the story opens, seven-year-old Julie Trelling is considering what is about to become of her in the wake of her dear mother’s death. Her loving father is deeply grieved and ill-equipped to handle Julie and her ten-year-old brother, Chris. The extended family decides to keep Julie’s teen sister, Laura, with their father and to send the younger children to live with spinster school teacher Aunt Cordelia in the country. In Aunt Cordelia’s country home, the children find their aunt to be strict and formal, both at home and in the classroom. Cordelia insists on calling them “Christopher” and “Julia,” signaling her formal ways. Yet, under her watchful and loving care, Julie and Chris both grow and flourish. Aunt Cordelia’s past is marked by a poignant romance with a brilliant young man, Dr. Jonathan Eltwing. Their lives pulled them in different directions, and they never married. As Julie enters her teen years, Jonathan returns to town with a gravely ill wife who ultimately passes away. His renewed friendship with Cordelia allows him to see the parallels between Julie and her aunt in both appearance and personality. Though Julie resists the comparison at first, she eventually embraces it, feeling proud to share in her aunt’s strength and character. The story delves into everyday themes that define classic literature for young girls. Despite being set in the indistinct 1950s or 60s, it evokes the timeless quality of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s and Gene Stratton-Porter’s works. In a different way, it also brings to mind the family dynamics found in Sterling North’s Rascal. As Julie matures, her sister Laura marries and has a child, leaving Julie both happy for her sister and heartbroken by the sense of being left behind. While Julie is in high school, her father marries a city schoolteacher named Alicia. While Julie and Alicia quickly become friends, Julie notes that her father and stepmother are more like “weekend parents.” After some turmoil, Julie remains in Aunt Cordelia’s home, commuting to town for school. Julie’s high school years are marked by romance with Brett Kingsman. She fancies herself in love. Her family, however, sees Brett’s flaws and grows concerned. When Brett ultimately betrays Julie’s trust, her heart breaks. But, like any good story of this kind, Julie’s story ends extremely well. Up a Road Slowly is a lovely, ordinary, and delightful story—a perfect gift for a young lady seeking a thoughtful and heartwarming read.

Surely my faith needs to be increased. I need to view situations as they truly are – absolutely in God’s control. I have to remember the person my faith is in – the Ruler of the universe. My problem is not a problem for him. Be still my soul: the waves and winds still know His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below.

When Ember’s End was released, many Green Ember fans wondered if it marked the conclusion of the beloved series. Yet, S. D. Smith continues to surprise and delight us with new stories that delve deeper into the Green Ember world. When I spoke with Smith this summer, he mentioned that this might be the first year without a new Green Ember story. Imagine my surprise and excitement when a novella appeared in my inbox, simply titled: “A surprise new Green Ember book in time for Christmas!” The Lost Key is an exciting short story that transports readers back to the events at Halfwind Citadel. Nestled between The First Fowler and Ember Falls, The Lost Key is packed with suspense, action, and a high-stakes quest to uncover the mysterious “lost key.” This novella has everything fans have come to love: the return of old friends, lots of humor, an exciting adventure, answers to old questions, and a setting we love. The stakes are high: there’s a traitor in their midst, wolves closing in, cryptic clues to decipher, and a desperate race to protect their world. Smith’s signature style blends heart-pounding action, unexpected twists, mystery, and the warm humor that is a hallmark of the Green Ember series. Jo Shanks’s gentle side gets some well-deserved attention, and Picket and Helmer’s antics make us laugh out loud, as usual. Parents might chuckle—or cringe—at the “zipline” escapade, while kids will undoubtedly be inspired by the courage and cleverness of their favorite characters. And just when you think the story has reached its conclusion, Smith delivers a delightful surprise: a bonus short story tucked at the end. This unexpected treat hints at even more adventures to come, leaving readers with a renewed hope for future Green Ember tales. The Lost Key is a perfect Christmas gift for fans of the series and its small size guarantees that it will fit into most stockings. Thank goodness we have some Green Ember goodness to put under the tree again this year!

Because the passions of the flesh are waging war against our souls (1 Peter 2:11). As Jesus warned, our flesh is weak. It wants us to give in to our passions. Giving in, lying down, closing our eyes for just a minute, is so much easier than going to war against them. Especially if our passions have become our bosom companions. Wage war? How? Wake up and pay attention. In his second letter, Peter twice states his intention of waking us up completely, stirring us up.

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Having just finished another Ann Rinaldi novel, My Vicksburg, I find myself reflecting on some disturbing patterns that mark her work. Rinaldi’s books are nothing if not uneven. At their best, they provide interesting, historically rich narratives with strong female protagonists; at their worst, they lean into a troubling subversiveness that seems to delight in portraying rebellion marked by deception and manipulation as a moral good. In My Vicksburg, Rinaldi focuses on a little-known but true fact: during the Union siege of Vicksburg, residents of the town moved into caves to live away from the mortar blasts. The story revolves around Claire Louise, a teenage girl living in one such cave with her mother, younger brother, and one of the family’s slaves. Claire Louise’s father is a Confederate doctor, her 26-year-old brother, Landon, is a Union doctor. The family’s other slaves remain at the family home, guarding it from looters, despite the danger of cannon blasts. Compared to other Rinaldi works I’ve read, the “scandal” in this book is significantly toned down. Claire Louise’s acts of rebellion are relatively restrained, yet they still hinge on dishonesty and betrayal to move the plot forward. For instance, when Landon reunites with his family, he brings along a Confederate soldier and patient named Robert, who has become his friend. Landon is principled and deeply conflicted because Robert is responsible for Robert E. Lee’s “lost order,” which contributed to the South’s loss at the Battle of Antietam. Landon knows he must report Robert despite their bond, a decision he struggles to make. Claire Louise (13), however, becomes infatuated with Robert (26) and goes to great lengths—including lying, sneaking around, stealing, and betraying her brother—to help him escape. Her justification is that she’s sparing her brother the anguish of making a choice he couldn’t live with. Yet, her actions raise significant moral questions. The plot subtly frames her deceit and betrayal as self-sacrificial, even noble, glossing over the unsettling implications of a romance between a teenage girl and a dishonorable adult soldier. This reflects a larger trend in Rinaldi’s writing: her female characters consistently find themselves in opposition to male authority figures—often middle-aged men—and are forced to resort to morally dubious methods to assert their agency. This pattern is no coincidence. In the author’s note, Rinaldi reveals a fraught and emotionally distant relationship with her father, suggesting this dynamic influenced her storytelling. While this personal context is compelling and provides a lens through which to view her work, it also highlights a troubling aspect of her narratives. Rinaldi doesn’t merely present flawed characters; she elevates their deceit and rebellion as necessary—sometimes even noble—means of empowerment. What’s most unsettling is how often her characters’ defiance is entwined with manipulation, often portrayed as the only viable path to power for women. This betrayal of her professed feminism feels particularly glaring; instead of showing her heroines as capable of achieving power through strength, intellect, or collaboration, she repeatedly depicts them resorting to unscrupulous tactics. While My Vicksburg avoids the sexual undertones present in some of her other works, the troubling moral message remains. I don’t object to flawed characters or morally complex narratives. But I do object to an author who seems intent on teaching young readers—particularly girls—that the only way to challenge oppression or assert themselves is through deception and betrayal. It’s a reductive and disheartening message, especially given the richness of the historical settings and the potential for more nuanced portrayals of female empowerment. While My Vicksburg offers intriguing historical insights, such as the cave dwellings of Vicksburg’s residents, its moral undertones leave much to be desired. Claire Louise’s...

“Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness. Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling. But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes” (1 John 2:10).