Hostage on the Nighthawk
by: Dave and Neta Jackson
review by: Justin, age 9

The main character of this book is Theo Story. He is the 13 year old son of William Penn's assistant Thomas Story. Theo and his family are awaiting the arrival of William Penn home from England. However, the celebration is spoiled when Theo's friend dies in a tragic accident.

William Penn comforts Theo and teaches him about the Bible. Soon however, the family must go to England when they learn that their grandfather has died. On the sea voyage the crew comes down with yellow fever. Theo's mother asks to be allowed off of the ship. The captain agrees but soon they learn that they have been released to a pirate ship and they are prisoners!

This is the beginning to a very exciting adventure that Theo has with his family on the high seas. I thought this was a thrilling adventure that was interesting. There was lots of action and suspense! Theo learned to trust God under any circumstances. I would like to recommend this book to anyone who likes adventure.

Little House in the Highlands was written by Melissa Wiley. Its copyright date is 1999. It is available from Harper Trophy.

This story takes place in the Scottish highlands in 1788. The main character is Martha Morse who grew up to become the great grandmother of Laura Ingalls Wilder. Other characters include Mum and Father. Martha’s three brothers Alisdair, Robbie, and Duncan, and her sister Grisie, are also in the story. In the story Martha is 6 ½ years old and the youngest of the Morse children. Martha’s father is a Laird and the family has two maids and a cook. Martha’s mum and father want her to be a proper young lady, but Martha would rather play out of doors with her father’s tenants or visit cook in the kitchen.

This book tells a lot about everyday life. It also tells about their beliefs, customs, and foods. Martha enjoys playing on the moor and going to see the new baby at the tenant’s cottage. Martha wants to learn to spin, but she is too small to reach the peddles on the spinning wheel. She goes to ask Auld Mary and Auld Mary gives her a
spindle.

This is the first book in a four book series about Martha Morse. It is interesting because it tells about life in Scotland a little after the American Revolution. I think this is a good book to read. It is a good book because by reading it you can learn a lot about history and Scottish customs.
Review by Becca, age 12

Missionary Adventures of Bob and Arty: V. 1
by: Jeff Barth
review by: Joel, age 8

I read a book called The Missionary Adventures of Bob and Arty: V. 1. It's a series about two boys that are missionaries. In Volume 1 they go to the Figi Islands. Bob and Arty fly supplies to far away places and help other missionaries. While doing this they have many adventures.

In the first book Bob and Arty get a call from a lost missionary's dad for help. This begins a bunch of adventures as Bob and Arty try to rescue the lost missionary.

This story is set in the 1960's. It has many adventures that teach about faith, evangelism and responsibility.

I liked this book because it was exciting and adventurous. I can't wait to read the other books in the series!

Amazing Grace: William Wilberforce and the Heroic Campaign to End Slavery
by Eric Metaxas

One of Abraham Lincoln's heroes, William Wilburforce truly helped to change the world. A member of the British Parliment, he lived from 1759-1833, and witnessed both the American Revolution and the French Revolution. His own country also went through much upheavel at this time, and he in part helped to make it what it became. With his strong faith and great determination, he spent his lifetime battling a miriad of human and animal rights issues as well as many other cultural issues as well. He is perhaps best known for his 20 year battle to end the Brittish slave trade. This well written biography is a companion book to the movie by the same name. It is a very enjoyable and challenging read and I found it very satisfying to dig deeper into the life of this inspirational man than a movie was able to do.