Boys Of Courage

Book Review: Billy and Blaze

Billy and Blaze, by C. W. Anderson

Review by Caden Smith

Publish date: first, 1936, Macmillan Publishing Co.

Pages: 48

Time Period: Middle 1900’s

Age Range: 7-11

Review:

Billy is a boy who likes horses very much. Because he didn’t have one, he often borrowed a neighbor’s horse to ride. However, on one of his birthdays, Billy’s parents told him to look outside, and there was a surprise – his very own horse. Billy named him Blaze because of the white blaze down his nose. From that day on, Billy and Blaze were best friends!

In a nutshell:

There are several books in the Billy & Blaze series and they are wonderful for boys. They are about the life of a boy and his horse, full of fantastic adventures, and encourage boys to be thoughtful, kind and alert. There is one caution: in some of the books, Billy picks up stray dogs. This shows he has the character quality of kindness. However, be careful when approaching a stray dog, because it may be dangerous and harmful. Always check with a parent first.

Book Review: Tiger And Tom (And Other Stories For Boys)

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.

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

Book Review: The Bark of the Bog Owl

The Bark of the Bog Owl, by Jonathan Rogers

Review by Caden Smith

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

Pages: 231

Time period: allegory

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.

Book Review: Jericho Ride

Jericho Ride, by Betty Gard

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.

Click here to check out “Jericho Ride!”

Book Review: Little King Davie

Little King Davie, by Nellie Hellis

Review by Matthew Harper

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

Pages: 119

Time Period: England, 1800’s

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!)

Buy this book from Lamplighter at a 15% discount!

Book Review: The White Knights

The White Knights, by W. E. Cule

Review by Matthew

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

Pages: 185

Age Range: 8+

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!

Book Review: Little Sir Galahad

Little Sir Galahad, by Lillian Holmes

Review by Matthew Harper

Publish date: First, 2003 (Lamplighter pub.), original 1904

Pages: 75

Age range: 7+

Time Period: England, 19th century

Review:

David was having such a good time playing in the snow, when the “sad thing” happened, and David could walk no more. Even though this tragedy happened, he was a very happy boy. Then, he meets a boy named Arthur, and Arthur tells him about knights and Sir Galahad. How David kept his joy, regained his strength, and kept faithful to Jesus, makes a great story.

In a nutshell:A great story, if you think you are about to give up, read this book! Great for a person who loves knights.

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Book Review: The Boy Who Never Lost A Chance

The Boy Who Never Lost A Chance, by Annette Lyster

Review by Matthew Harper

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

Pages: 106

Age Range: 9+

Time Period: England, 18th century

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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Book Review: Rising To The Top

Rising To The Top, by Mary E. Ropes

Review by Matthew Harper

Publish date: First, 2007, (Lamplighter pub.), original 1887

Pages: 92

Age Range: 8+

Time period: 18th century

Review:

Robert Martin’s mother has just died, so he has to go work at a rich Mr. Carlington’s house. He faces many difficulties, but his faith in Jesus gets him through hardships. It does have mystery in it, so it is a good book for you if you like mysteries!

In a nutshell: A very good book (Great for mystery lovers!), Read it now!

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Book Review: Clean Your Boots, Sir?

Clean Your Boots, Sir? by Anonymous

Review by Matthew Harper

Publish date: First, 1999, (Lamplighter pub.) original not known.

Pages: 119

Age Range: 8+

Time period: England, 18th century

Review:

Robert Rightheart has to support his family, a father who is sick, two brothers, and himself through cleaning shoes on the street side. When a man offers him a job on a ship, Robert agrees to take it. His life is full of hardships, but he holds fast to his belief in Jesus, which helps him get through every trial. Watch as the blessings that he receives is used in a way for others.

In a nutshell: A very good book, nothing bad about it! Read it today!

Buy this book from Lamplighter at 15% discount