Customer Reviews

School's Out (Always Trouble Somewhere Series, Book 1)

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a terrific series. I read one chapter a night to my 5 year old daughter and she loved it! She could not wait for the next book so I purchased it as soon as I could on amazon. The main character, Rachel, is a normal 10 year old who innocently gets into trouble. She really does not go looking for it but it seems to find her any way. This book teaches lessons about love, respect, and forgiveness not only from God but from others as well. It could be described at "Little House on the Prairie" meets current day Amish. We look forward to reading the rest of the series as it come out.

Award-winning author Wanda E. Brunstetter reaches a younger audience with a new Amish series: Rachel Yoder: Always Trouble Somewhere. School's Out!, Book 1 of the series, introduces readers to nine-year-old Rachel, a mischievous Amish girl who seems to always get more than she bargains for.

School has just let out for the summer. Rachel is brimming with ideas for fun, but trouble seems to follow her everywhere. Instead of sunny afternoons of freedom, she often gets stuck with extra chores when plans go awry. Readers join her on one country adventure after another -- from being locked in the cellar during a thunderstorm to adopting a new kitten and accidentally setting frogs loose during church. Rachel gets some birthday surprises then watches as the family barn burns during a terrible storm. A barn-raising and a few more mishaps finish out the summer. Through it all Rachel learns a little about patience, hard work, and having a cheerful heart. Most importantly she learns that she is loved, no matter how much trouble she gets into.

The author uses Pennsylvania Dutch words sporadically throughout the book. A glossary is offered on the pages just before Chapter One.

Characters occasionally quote Scripture. Whenever they do, it is in the New International Version.

WHAT I LIKE: Rachel is a sweet character to whom readers can relate. This title reminds me much of the "Little House" books. Fans of Laura Ingalls will likely find a new friend in Rachel.

WHAT I DISLIKE: It starts slowly. I fear the cultural differences and foreign words might require too much effort for some to get "into" the book. I think kids will enjoy it once they get into it, but pushing them through the first 30 pages may not be easy. Also, I think Rachel complains and whines far too much for an almost ten-year-old.

OVERALL RATING: Good.

Tanya -- Christian Children's Book Review

Oh My goodness! This brought back memories of my child hood. Rachel reminded me of me when I was a kid. This Amazing story of the little girl who just has trouble follow her whereever she goes was an outstanding book. Being a teacher I could relate to the things Rachel Was doing or going to do. I cant wait for book 3 of the series. Happy reading.

Poor Rachel it seems like she is always in trouble.
From getting locked in the root cellar to losing her kitten for a while. Rachel just day dreams about what fun she will have in the summer, but "himmel"
things just arent going her way at all.

She has fun teasing her "bruder" who says shes a baby, but she tries so hard to act big.
A good book for chgildren as well as adults. Thank you again Wanda for another "Wunderbaar" series.
Debra

My seven year-old daughter is addicted to these books. They keep her reading late into the night. She is a good reader and they are slightly harder and longer than other popular series for this age. Great vocabulary. The Christian references are subtle and appropriately placed. These books do not have overt religious overtones. Good for readers of all faiths.

It was fun to put myself in the daily troubles of a young, innocent Amish girl. Rachel was tough and could handle anything though.

Although, I am an adult(71years old), I have read all of Wanda's books and decided to see what this one was about. Rachel is a 10 year old Amish Girl who seems to attract trouble wherever she goes. How nice to read a book that doesn't include violence and bad language. I am sure that any child would enjoy this book and want to know more about Rachel's adventures. Thanks for including children in your writings.
Colleen Bartell

I read this book to my 5 and 7 yr old grandchildren.
It kept their interest and each night when we read a portion they acted like they new the children and that they were friends.
This book is a great compliment to the Amish series.
Thanks for bringing the younger children into your reading circle.