Birch Hollow Schoolmarm (Dora's Diary #1) [Paperback]

Carrie Bender (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 1999

This book is Out of Print from the Publisher.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 6-10-Written in diary form and embellished with occasional sketches, this spin-off of the Christian-fiction series "Miriam's Journal" (Herald) is set in 20th-century Pennsylvania Amish country. In the first entry, fresh-faced, idealistic Dora has turned 16 and is ready to go "rumschpringing" (running around with friends). When her parents nix her request to date the impetuous Gideon, she sneaks out repeatedly to be with him. That is her biggest sin; it is never suggested that they so much as hold hands. Dora spends the majority of the book repenting, preparing for baptism, traveling to Minnesota to teach in a one-room school, and falling for upstanding Matthew. The characters serve mainly as supports for the plot and Dora's spiritual reflection: her writing is heavily laced with Scriptures, sermons, hymns, and prayers. Bender appends lists with "Rules for Teachers," from 1872 and 1915, and "Rules for Schoolchildren," dated 1760, providing a context. Sources for all quoted material are noted as well. Italicized Pennsylvania-German phrases lend local color; they are translated parenthetically. The author has some genuine storytelling gifts. Her flare for creating truly dramatic and humorous events keeps the pages turning quickly. Flaws include a tendency toward clich when describing nature and emotions and an overuse of the word "cute." Nevertheless, conservative Christian girls searching their own souls will relate to Dora's struggles.-Wendy Lukehart, Dauphin County Library, Harrisburg, PA

Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Bender (A Golden Sunbeam, LJ 4/1/97) continues her depiction of Amish community life in this new series featuring characters who first appeared in the heartfelt series "Miriam's Journal." Though she is well loved, Dora, the 16-year-old adoptive daughter of Miriam and Nate Kauffman, begins to feel the need to break away from the constrictions of Amish life. A serious accident brings her to her senses. Wanting a new start, Dora accepts a job teaching in an Amish school in Minnesota, where she begins to find true contentment. Told in diary form, this old-fashioned, often sentimental tale gives a good introduction to what is certain to be a popular series. Recommended.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 13 and up
  
• Paperback: 189 pages
• Publisher: Herald Press (April 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0836190955
• ISBN-13: 978-0836190953
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,957,426 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Could not put it down!, August 10, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Birch Hollow Schoolmarm (Dora's Diary #1) (Paperback)

This book is spellbinding. I could not put it down and am anxious to read what else will happen in Dora's life. It is full of wholesome godly morals and decent living. I am happy my 12 year old daughter loves the series as much as I do. It is good for her to read of the biblical principles that are taught and to read of the struggles other girls go through in trying to live a righteous life. I have made the books a part of her homeschool curriculum. I give this series of books my highest recommendation for anyone and especially for homeschoolers.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars THE SECOND BEST BOOK I'VE EVER READ...., September 14, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Birch Hollow Schoolmarm (Dora's Diary #1) (Paperback)

This book is mostly a romance. I like it because it tells about someone's life. It is written like a diary. I like to write in my own diary a lot and was interested by her struggles. She was "promised to" this one guy, but this guy dumped her. Then she ended up falling in love with this other guy and she got engaged. This girl was 18. She taught school for a while. She had most of her life "planned out" already. Things didn't change much from her plan. The best part of the book is when she looked down from up on a hill and chose the place she wanted to put her house. This is a "...happily ever after" story.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is new series by a great author., July 12, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Birch Hollow Schoolmarm (Dora's Diary #1) (Paperback)

It's great to see another series by Carrie Bender, this one based on the character Dora. This is one of Carrie's great story lines with fun and humor all ages can enjoy. Of course, the best part is the emphasis of living a life in obedience to God. Hope to see many more!