No Place Like Holmes, by Jason Lethcoe

Review by Matthew Harper

Publish Date: Original, 2011 (Tommy Nelson Publishing)

Pages: 207

Time Period: Late 1800′s, England

Genre: Fiction

Good Read-Aloud for older children.

Age Range: 10+

Review:

Griffin Sharp is sent by his Methodist parents to stay with his uncle for the summer. Griffin has an amazing ability to remember a lot of stuff, which is great quality for a future detective. Griffin is excited to go, because he thinks that his uncle is Sherlock Holmes! Unfortunately, his uncle turns out to be a crabby old man, who wants to get back at his neighbor, Sherlock Holmes, so Griffin’s uncle became a detective. Griffin is disappointed, but he is not to down for long when he uncovers a mystery that could decide the fate of himself, his uncle, Sherlock Holmes, the Queen, and the entire country of England!

In a nutshell: A great read! Great for building faith, and expanding your detective skills! Read it today!

Review by Matthew Harper

Publish Date: First, 2006, (Lamplighter pub.), original 1892

Pages: 119

Time Period: England, 1800’s

Good Read-Aloud

Age Range: 7+

Review:

Poor as he was, little Davie was rich in spirit. With broom in hand, he loved to sing as he swept the muddy crossings. One day, the sweet music from the Abbey’s pipe organ drew him near, and the words he heard from the preacher that day forever changed his life. But what did it all mean, that he could be a king unto God?

Mesmerized by the sparkling gems on the hilt of a sword as the carriage passed by, Davie was suddenly jolted from his reverie. In a moment there was a wild shriek- a piercing cry… -From the preface

How God used Davie’s amazing voice, and works a complete miracle, makes a great read!

In a nutshell: Great read, this book is great for the boy singer in your family! (And for everyone else!)

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Tiger And Tom*, by J.E.White

Review by Matthew Harper

Publish date: First, 2001, original 1910 (Southern Publishing Association)

Pages: 224

Time Period: Mid- 1800’s, U.S.

Good Read-Aloud

Age Range: 8+

Review:

This wonderful reproduction of the early 1900’s book that showed up in many orphanages in America and is solely a boy book. It tells many stories of several boy’s temptations, failures, and triumphs, and is a must read for all boys. Highly recommended!

In a nutshell: For the first time ever, I feel compelled to give you and excerpt. So here you go!

“As wounds leave scars, so, my dear child, youthful sins leave the traces of their existence. Like the scars of the healed wound, they disfigure and weaken the soul. The follies of youth may be overcome, but they are always sure to leave their mark. Every sin of childhood hangs like a weight upon the neck of manhood . The blood of Jesus Christ alone cleanseth all sin.” – From page 20, “Those Scars”

*means shortened title

Review by Matthew

Publish Date: First, 2003, (Lamplighter pub.), original not known.

Pages: 185

Age Range: 8+

Good Read-Aloud

Time Period: America(or England, don’t know which), 1800’s

Review:

When Horace and his friends decide to start the White Knights Club, they didn’t know how hard it would be to keep the promise they had made when they started the club. The promise was to help all “damsels in distress”. What that meant was that they had to keep from teasing other girls, help and serve all ladies. It was extremely hard to do this and not tease girls. Their trouble refined them in their walk with Christ. It will also help refine you in your walk.

In a nutshell: Great book, nothing wrong with it. Boys will love it!

Buy this book from Lamplighter at a 15% discount!

Review by Matthew Harper

Publish date: 2003, (BJUP Pub.) original, 1946
Pages: 165

Time Period: Modern Texas

Age Range: 11+

Review:

Tony Vincet is the main character in this fast-paced mystery story. Tony migrates to his uncle’s ranch called Camp Jericho, and meets many new friends there.While Tony is there, there is much excitement, including theft, mystery, and also being accused of a crime! Can he get rid of the memories that grip him from his childhood? And can he solve the mystery, save Camp Jericho, and find out more about his past, his future, and his faith?

In a nutshell: A very good book, good for boys who like rodeos, getting dirty, and overall mystery and intrigue! Also strengthens our faith and trust in our Savior.

Review by Caden Smith

Publish date: first, 2004, Broadman & Holman Pub.

Pages: 231

Time period: allegory

Wonderful Read-Aloud!

Age Range: 9+

Review:

The Bark of the Bog Owl is a picture of David in the Bible. The main character’s name is Aidan. Aidan lives in Corenwald and is the youngest boy in his family. Everyone in his family, including Aidan, is surprised when Bayard the Truthspeaker declares that Aidan will someday be Corenwald’s Wilderking. The Bark of the Bog Owl is about Aidan’s friendship with Dobro Turtlebane, one of Corenwald’s half-civilized feechiefolk, and his everyday life and adventures, which include a fight with a panther, a wrestling match with an alligator, and a battle with a giant.

In a nutshell:

I loved this book and would recommend it! It is very exciting and funny, in some parts. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the Wilderking Trilogy.

Review by Matthew Harper

Publish Date: First, 2001, original,1940(Bethlehem Books)

Pages: 297

Time Period: England, 1200 b.c.

Can be used as a read-aloud.

Age Range: 11+

Review:

Martin, son of Sir Anselm of the Hollow, risks his life more than one time, in this fast-paced mystery of 1200. The good king Richard is dead, and his brother John is king, and will do anything to get money. Suddenly, Baron Eric disappears, and his moody and jealous cousin Basil moves in. His daughter Rosamund and wife can do nothing to stop him, so the castle is in danger. In an unguarded moment of kindness, Basil invites Martin to become a page in the castle. Will Martin take the chance and somehow save the castle and Rosamund? Or will he fall into the hands of a dreadful foe?

In a nutshell: An awesome read, you will love the mystery in it! Does have mention of “ghost.”

Review by Matthew Harper

Publish Date: First, 1956, Doubleday and Company Inc, original not known

Pages: 191

Time Period: Scotland, 10th century B.C.

Age Range: 11+

Not a good read-aloud, some mature content.

Review:

Twins Jan and Brus are going a-viking with their father, Harald the Red-Beard to reclaim some of their mother’s land in Scotland.Their father has a special talisman that was supposed to bring the owner good luck. Along the way, disaster struck, and their ship was wrecked and Jan is taken captive by Scottish Highlanders. In a great tragedy, their father is killed and so are all of their men. That’s how Jan and Brus met Black Gavin, and begin the biggest adventure of their life. Can they get the talisman back, find their father’s murderer, and find their mother? Or will they be stopped in their tracks by The Black Fox of Lorne?

In a nutshell: Great read, does have some blood, and other things, so discern

Review by Matthew Harper

Date made: 2008, Pointy Stick Productions, Eyeball Ent.

Length: 91 minutes

Age Range: 10+

Time period: Medieval- 730 A.D.

Review:

A Sword is passed from father to son throughout the generations…

In 730 A.D., young Garron is given the task to defend his home and family as his father rides to war. That task proves to be difficult as calamity strikes and the enemy closes in. He must rely on his father’s guidance and God’s strength to overcome the odds- or risk death for all that he loves… – From the back of the movie.

In a nutshell: Extremely enjoyable! Watch it today! Does have some frightening parts, so discern.

Click here to see Pointy Stick’s site.

Review by Matthew Harper

Publish date: First 2004, (Lamplighter pub.), original 1880

Pages: 106

Age Range: 9+

Time Period: England, 18th century

Can be read as a read-aloud

Review:

Roger Read is a homeless boy who needs money, but he is getting that money at other people’s expense. He is doing things for money when he should have offered to do it for free. Then, when he goes to a Sunday School for boys, his life changes. Roger finally learns to give to others as Jesus did on the cross.

In a nutshell:A very good book, this is for the entrepreneur in your family. Read it!

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