Plumfield Moms

Reflection: Plastic Words

Peter doesn’t want us to be passively aware of danger. He wants us to actively resist. All of his instructions involve some exertion on our part. “Make every effort to supplement your faith” by adding virtue on virtue. “Be all the more diligent,” “practice these qualities,” “take care,” and “pay attention.” Paying attention isn’t simply a matter of sitting up and looking around. The Greek word is a nautical term that means to keep a ship on a course toward a specific place. Stay the course!

Our Librarian Life: March 2025

📚 Our Librarian Life – March 2025 Episode 🎙️
Join us for another exciting episode of Our Librarian Life, where we explore the world of living books, private lending libraries, and the power of community in literature!
 
In This Episode:
Amanda Cleary Eastep's Tree Street Kids
Amanda Cleary Eastep
Brodart Covers Sara Likes: Advantage I
Purple House Press 25th Anniversary Sale
Purple House Press Kickstarter
Purple House Press, Biblioguides, Plumfield GiveAway
Living Books Press
History Shapers at Living Book Press
21st Century Packhorse Librarian Interview
Seize the Book Facebook Group
Sara's Bible Commentary
The League of Lending Librarians  
Private Lending Library Directory 
Tell us your story! 
Biblioguides 
Semicolon
Book Review Roundup 
Mighty Networks
Shelf Notes 
Picture Book Preschool   
LibraryThing
TinyCat
🎧 Listen Now & Subscribe!
📌 Don’t forget to share this episode with your book-loving friends!

Book Review - Cautionary: The Education of Mary

I feel betrayed by The Education of Mary: A Little Miss of Color: 1832 by Anne Rinaldi.
Another disappointing novel by this author who is so  often recommended to teens.
I confess that I do not know very much about the real Prudence Crandall. What I do know is that she is celebrated as an abolitionist, a courageous advocate for Black Americans, ran a school for “Little Black Misses” that was destroyed by the people of Canterbury, and was named Connecticut's state heroine. And, if the history books are right, in 1886, the people of Canterbury, Connecticut who destroyed her school for Little Black Misses, and Mark Twain, petitioned the state to offer her a small pension as recompense for the damage to her school and legacy.
I was intrigued to learn more about Crandall, and I love historical fiction. I find Ann Rinaldi’s books to be very uneven, and I was hoping that since this one was so well grounded in true historical facts, perhaps we would get an inspiring story about those courageous young black women and their teacher. And, for the first three-quarters of the novel, that is exactly what we get. Until the novel takes a sharp turn that leaves the reader discouraged and appalled. The only good that I can say of the ending is that it made me do some looking into the true story just to understand what was real and what was artistic license. So far, I have found nothing to support Rinaldi’s bizarre twist.
"Were they all modest, retiring, submissive, uncomplaining, long-suffering, and sacrificing? I found that difficult to believe." - Author’s Note
In 1831, Quaker Prudence Crandall was mistress of a school for young ladies. In need of servant help, she hired a respectable young black lady named Mariah Davis who was engaged to Charles Harris. Charles’s father was a local agent for the abolitionist newspaper, The Liberator. Crandall educated Mariah and even allowed her to sit in on classes since she was an employee of the school. Charles’s sister Sarah approached Crandall asking if she too could attend the school, but as a student, not a servant.
Crandall consulted her Bible and ultimately decided to educate Sarah. But the townspeople of Canterbury objected strongly. Crandall went to Boston to meet with the editor of The Liberator and came home with the mission to withdraw the white students and replace all of them with black young ladies from good families. Sarah’s sister Mary also attended the school.
". . . some ten or twelve quiet, harmless little colored girls or young ladies, from the very best colored families in the Northern cities." Source
By all reports, the girls in the school were well-mannered and eager to be there. In the novel, however, a very different culture was brewing.
In The Education of Mary, Rinaldi inserted her own prejudices deeply into the historical narrative. She casts young Mary Harris as a mild and faithful young lady who is both servant and confidante to Crandall. She re-casts Sarah Harris as an abolitionist fomenter who wants to be a Joan of Arc martyr for the cause. In the last fourth of the book, the school is divided down the middle with some girls taking Crandall’s side and attempting to live peaceably within the laws, while the other side was made up of agitators looking to be whipped and tortured so they could be remembered for the cause.
And while the agitators are whipping themselves up into a frenzy, they plot and plan, and ultimately set the school on fire while blaming an innocent black man. All so they can draw as much attention to their cause as possible. When Crandall fails to keep the girls peaceful, Mary surrenders her loyalty to the schoolmistress and betrays her.
The ending is sour and sad and depressing – and not because the school fails. But because the relationships inside of it are ugly and marked with strange forms of racism.
Such an interesting and hopeful book that turned dark in all of the wrong ways. I hope that my review can serve as a cautionary warning.
Also, parents may wish to know about a brutal scene with Mary and her father. In the novel, Mr. Harris is a Haitian immigrant who was denied schooling and will do anything reasonable to see that his children get the best that he can procure for them. Mary has been sent out of school for a fight she had with Crandall, and while at home, she has important work to do for another abolitionist cause. Despite her father telling her specifically not to sneak out, she does so anyway. When she returns to the family farm, her father throws her to the ground in a rage of fury, strips her cloak from her, pins her shoulder to the ground under the heel of his boot and horse-whips her. Brutally. Many times. We are forced to hear her thoughts as he whips her back and thighs.

Reflection: Keeping Rank

"The Author and Finisher of our faith prayed that we believers would be one as he and the Father are one. Marching shoulder to shoulder with my fellow soldiers while keeping my eyes fixed on Jesus, who leads the way, will not only enable me to keep rank, but will also encourage those behind me and to the sides to do the same when the fiery darts begin to fly."

Our Reading Life: March 2025

Our Reading Life - February 2025
Sarah Kim’s References
The Wake by Paul Kingsnorth
Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh
The Death of Ivan Ilyich by Leo Tolstoy
Great Gusts: Winds of the World and the Science Behind Them by Melanie Crowder and Megan Benedict
 
Sara Masarik’s References 
The Pig War by Emma Bland Smith
Claude by Emma Bland Smith
ElevenReader App
Lepunia: the Last Galloper by Kevin Ford
Code: PLUMFIELD for 10% off everything on the site!
Mistmantle Chronicles by Margi McAllister
The Golden Hawks of Genghis Khan by Rita Ritchie
Kensuke’s Kingdom by Michael Morpurgo
 
Diane’s References
Behold Your Queen by Gladys Malvern
Forgotten Books Series: Historical Fiction, Plumfield Moms podcast
The Bounces of Cynthiann’ by Evelyn Sibley Lampman
Live Not by Lies by Rod Dreher
Freckles and A Girl of the Limberlost by Gene Stratton-Porter
Tanya’s References 
Mary Poppins by P. L. Travers
Mother Carey’s Chickens by Kate Douglas Wiggin 
The Gardener of Alcatraz by Emma Bland Smith
Kensuke’s Kingdom by Michael Morpurgo
Kensuke’s Kingdom Plumfield Moms Guide
General References
Biblioguides 
The Card Catalog
Semicolon
Book Review Roundup 
Mighty Networks
Shelf Notes 

Book Review: What Came From The Stars

About two years ago, Diane and I did a deep dive into the works of Gary D. Schmidt, marveling at his ability to truly excel across genres. From the middle-grade brilliance of The Wednesday Wars to the magical fairy tale Straw Into Gold, from thoughtful and lovely picture books like A Long Road on a Short Day to the haunting historical fiction of Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy, Schmidt continually astonished us. Mara’s Stories moved me deeply, and Orbiting Jupiter—written for boys in prison—left us nearly speechless with its raw truth. Schmidt had us convinced that there was little he could not write.
So, I approached his science fiction novel, What Came From the Stars, with high hopes. Yet, despite my love for science fiction, I struggled to enjoy it or even finish it. About half way through, I set the book aside with some regret.
Last month, I saw What Came From the Stars on Hoopla and decided to give it another chance. I’m glad I did.
While I may never cherish What Came From the Stars as much as I do Okay for Now or The Labors of Hercules Beal, this time I found myself genuinely enjoying the novel. Perhaps it was familiarity with the story from my first attempt, or maybe I was just in the right mindset. Either way, the book’s layered storytelling and emotional depth resonated with me.
At its heart, What Came From the Stars is an honest exploration of grief, destiny, familial love, and sacrifice. Schmidt’s talent for portraying grief remains unmatched—each of his stories feels fresh, raw, and powerful.
This novel follows Tommy Pepper, a boy from Plymouth living in a creaky old house by the sea with his father and little sister. Together, they are grappling with the unexpected loss of Tommy’s mother. Their grief is compounded by an unscrupulous real estate developer pressuring them to sell their beloved home.
What made this story confusing to me the first time, but interesting this second time, is its dual narrative. One thread is firmly grounded in Tommy’s world, while the other unfolds in a fantastical realm embroiled in its own struggles. These two worlds collide when Tommy receives a birthday gift from his grandmother—a seemingly ordinary lunchbox with mysterious contents that alter his reality.
Schmidt weaves these threads together with skill, creating a story that is part science fiction, part fantasy, and wholly human. While it may not be my favorite of his works, What Came From the Stars is a testament to Schmidt’s range and his ability to delve into the depths of human emotion, even in the most unexpected genres.
If you’ve set this book aside before, consider giving it another try. You might find yourself drawn into its intricate web of loss, love, and hope, just as I was.

Reflection: Have I Become Your Enemy?

More than once, Paul asks his children in the faith to imitate him. That isn’t easy, but it does sound nice when he says, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another.” And who doesn’t wish to have the Fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
 
When he says, “be imitators of me, as I am of Christ,” what do you imagine this encompasses? He tells the Philippians to have the same mind as that of Christ Jesus and then elaborates. Jesus made himself nothing, took the form of a servant, humbled himself, and was obedient to the point of death on the cross.

Book Review: The Viking Quest Series

The Viking Quest series by Lois Walfrid Johnson is a truly excellent historical fiction saga that immerses teen readers in the riveting world of the 10th century. Spanning five books, this series transports readers from the lush coasts of Ireland to the cold farms of Norway and then to the icy shores of Greenland (and beyond), always incorporating the fascinating culture of the people in those places. An exciting story of adventure, hardship, faith, and conversion, this is a story that young readers will find hard to put down.
Briana O’Toole is a strong and faith-filled young Irish girl. When she saves a Viking boy about her age from drowning, she is repaid for her kindness by being kidnapped and whisked away to Norway as a slave. Briana’s courage, determination, feisty temper, and unwavering faith become a witness of hope, not only for her fellow Irish slaves but for the Norse people she learns to love during her captivity. Despite the trials of being thrust into a foreign culture, Briana holds fast to her beliefs, and she becomes “a light to the nations.”
Mikkel, though initially driven by ambition and greed, is a fascinating foil to Briana. His loving, wise, and influential parents intended him to be a merchant – not a raider. As he says at the end of the last book, “They have always been on your side, Briana.” Their leadership in his life, and Briana’s witness, encourage a gradual transformation in Mikkel’s way of thinking. Despite his being her captor, Briana comes to truly care for Mikkel, and few are in doubt that he is falling in love with her. But, the story is nuanced and there are several other important characters who add richness and complexity.
The series is notable for its historical accuracy and vivid descriptions. From the flourishing landscapes of Ireland to the rugged beauty of Norway, and the exotic but cold Greenland, each setting is richly portrayed, offering a feast for the imagination. The author did extensive research and was careful to include things like descriptions of trees that were local to Mikkel’s fjord at that time but are scarce today. Readers will not only be entertained by the gripping plot but also gain a deeper appreciation for Norse culture, geography, and the complexities of early medieval life.
At the end of each book, the author leaves extensive notes explaining which old tales inspired certain plots or aspects of each story. In the last two books, Leif Ericsson is a central character and an ambassador for King Olaf’s decree that all of Norway and Greenland become a Christian nation.
As Briana matures over the five books, the narrative becomes increasingly thoughtful and profound, delving into themes of faith, redemption, and finding one’s place in an unfamiliar world. This is a story of resilience and conversion, showcasing the power of living out a Christ-centered life even in the face of adversity. And, of course, towards the end, we witness several chaste and gentle romances.
Perfect for readers who love adventure, history, and stories of faith, The Viking Quest series combines action, romance, and spiritual growth in an unforgettable journey. Whether read for pure enjoyment or as a supplement to studies in geography and history, this series is a treasure that will captivate and inspire young and older readers alike.

Reflection: A Balanced Life

In this life, I will sometimes feel like a cat in a room full of rocking chairs. In the profusion of chairs my tail is likely to get caught once in a while. If I don’t get down from my comfortable perch and regularly exercise my discernment muscles, I will become trapped and useless. I can’t sit around yowling about my tail. Rather than seeking my comfort, I ought to be seeking to glorify Christ. My moderation should become evident to everyone.   

Book Review: Up A Road Slowly

Up a Road Slowly by Irene Hunt is a lovely and thoughtful coming-of-age story about a young female writer. Though not strictly autobiographical, the novel brims with emotional authenticity and bears notable similarities between Hunt’s life and the lives of her characters. Like her protagonist Julie Trelling, Hunt grew up in the rural Midwest. Julie’s Aunt Cordelia, a strong and nurturing figure, mirrors Hunt’s own experiences as a schoolteacher before her retirement in 1961. As I read, I couldn’t shake the feeling that Hunt had poured much of herself into both Julie and Cordelia, crafting characters that felt deeply personal and vivid.
When the story opens, seven-year-old Julie Trelling is considering what is about to become of her in the wake of her dear mother’s death. Her loving father is deeply grieved and ill-equipped to handle Julie and her ten-year-old brother, Chris. The extended family decides to keep Julie’s teen sister, Laura, with their father and to send the younger children to live with spinster school teacher Aunt Cordelia in the country.
In Aunt Cordelia’s country home, the children find their aunt to be strict and formal, both at home and in the classroom. Cordelia insists on calling them “Christopher” and “Julia,” signaling her formal ways. Yet, under her watchful and loving care, Julie and Chris both grow and flourish.
Aunt Cordelia’s past is marked by a poignant romance with a brilliant young man, Dr. Jonathan Eltwing. Their lives pulled them in different directions, and they never married. As Julie enters her teen years, Jonathan returns to town with a gravely ill wife who ultimately passes away. His renewed friendship with Cordelia allows him to see the parallels between Julie and her aunt in both appearance and personality. Though Julie resists the comparison at first, she eventually embraces it, feeling proud to share in her aunt’s strength and character.
The story delves into everyday themes that define classic literature for young girls. Despite being set in the indistinct 1950s or 60s, it evokes the timeless quality of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s and Gene Stratton-Porter’s works. In a different way, it also brings to mind the family dynamics found in Sterling North’s Rascal.
As Julie matures, her sister Laura marries and has a child, leaving Julie both happy for her sister and heartbroken by the sense of being left behind. While Julie is in high school, her father marries a city schoolteacher named Alicia. While Julie and Alicia quickly become friends, Julie notes that her father and stepmother are more like “weekend parents.” After some turmoil, Julie remains in Aunt Cordelia’s home, commuting to town for school.
Julie’s high school years are marked by romance with Brett Kingsman. She fancies herself in love. Her family, however, sees Brett’s flaws and grows concerned. When Brett ultimately betrays Julie’s trust, her heart breaks. But, like any good story of this kind, Julie’s story ends extremely well.
Up a Road Slowly is a lovely, ordinary, and delightful story—a perfect gift for a young lady seeking a thoughtful and heartwarming read.