Student Reviews
What young people think of the Sarah books is very important to me. Below are reviews I have received from students who are quite talented in their writing skills. --Jim
During the peak of America’s slave industry, there lived groups of warm-hearted people who opened their homes to slaves as “stations” on the famous Underground Railroad. In Sarah’s Wish, Sarah and her mother Rachel operate as stationmasters just outside the town of Wapakoneta in western Ohio. Sarah’s world is turned upside down after a tragic buggy accident that takes the life of her mother. She faithfully promises her dying mother that she will ensure that the “packages” are provided safe transport to the next station. It then becomes Sarah’s responsibility to take care of the runaways hiding in her house. She is suddenly thrust into a strange world, forced to make educated decisions without the loving guidance of her mother. Sarah’s Wish tells a story that rang all too true for many American children in the nineteenth century, the story of a heartsick young orphan girl in search of an adoptive family. Mr. Baumgardner’s dynamic use of realistic dialect, vibrant descriptions, and interesting dialogue keeps the reader fascinated and paves the way back in time to place the reader directly in the middle of the action, making him feel as if he were truly in 1858. This book is a colorful and intriguing read, dotted with dry humor and interesting facts. Though relatively happy, the story does include several sad passages. The author did a wonderful job choosing his words to create the desired atmosphere. His words create a very tangible sorrow, and an effervescent happiness. The story is simple and moderately fast-paced enough to engage the younger children; and yet it is also complex enough to satisfy the older readers. Sarah displays several admirable qualities and is a legitimate role model for young women today despite cultural changes over the last one hundred years. She judges a person by his character rather than by the color of his skin, and desires to tell the truth in all circumstances save for when it endangers another. Sarah is a sensitive girl; however, she does have a fiery personality and a good dose of spunk. I enjoyed reading Sarah’s Wish both as a work of fiction and as a historical wake-up call. As children in school, we all learn about the slave trade in our history textbooks; yet for many, I believe, it never really strikes home. Stories of slave catchers and operators in the Underground Railroad seemed foreign to me, yet when I read Sarah’s Wish, I got a glimpse into the past, through a fictional book, to see that many people in the nineteenth century lived that reality.
--Bailey Sanderson, 13, homeschool student
"The first word that comes to mind when I think of Sarah's Wish is: remarkable. Out of that small book Jim Baumgardner has created a magical action packed adventure for Sarah. The characters really are what bring this book to life. Granny, if nothing else, just puts a smile on your face every time she opens her mouth. Her accent is so well depicted that there is no way to miss what she is trying to say. As well, her sayings are ones you have to take a second glance at. She knows just what to say to get her way, and doesn't mind embarrassing anyone in the process. The doctor is a lovable character all around. He is the type of guy I would love for a father, or even just a friend. He keeps Sarah's hopes up and has her best intentions in mind at all times. Sarah is a creation all her own. I can relate to her so well. Asking questions and always being curious about what things mean, and how they are made is a trait we both share. She is a very 'the glass is full, just half air and half water' kind of person. Everything is fun. Even after her trip to see the Stately family, going back to Ohio didn't bother her because she had been on an adventure and wanted to share it with the people she knew. The excitement of traveling through bits and pieces of the pre-civil war era are priceless. Seeing gypsies and steamboats, early baseball games, and towns of the era, give the reader a wonderful view of the non-texbook world of the 1800's. The way Mrs. Stately acts is my favorite part. The prim proper way she sees the world can be hilarious. Granny really tells her off too. Granny Evans is always there with a comeback. So to summarize, the book thrilled me. I know of several people that are in line to borrow my copy at this very moment. I look forward to reading the next Sarah book and am very excited to do so."
-- Anna Rosell, 13, public school student
The Sarah books are not just for girls. Here is a boy's perspective:
Sarah's Wish is a great book, it has good writing, story, and characters. It made me think back about how the world used to be in the 1800s. I loved Granny's accent and the slave catcher's mean grit. That guy was worse than Clint Eastwood in a sandpaper commercial! The bits about the Underground Railroad were especially interesting. I absolutely loved Sarah, and the Doc was great! I may only be 12, but I can appreciate good writing when I see it. I look forward to your new books and newsletters!"
*****
"I read Sarah's Promise, and I did indeed enjoy it. The story is once again excellent. The first Sarah book is good, but this one is great. I loved the looks inside everyone’s’ minds, as they fought against the harshness of 19th century slave laws, the derring-do of Sarah herself as she tries to find a way to get her friends home safely, and the quirkiness of Granny, as she guides Sarah through the tough times of her life. Gone is the little girl that we all fell in love with in the first book, and out with the young woman that will have more adventures in her life than many have ever had. Follow her as she struggles with the dangers of being an underground operative, avoiding slavers and trusting in her God more than ever. Sarah has had more happen to her than most could stand, and she has learned a lot from her experiences. All she wants is a new family that will love her, and she has a ton of friends that will help her get there. Join Sarah on her voyage, and learn a thing or two as well. Three cheers for Sarah!"
--Alex Nongard, 12, public school student
Order Sarah's Wish at Amazon
Order Sarah's Promise at Amazon
