Plumfield Moms

Book Review - Cautionary: My Vicksburg by Ann Rinaldi

Having just finished another Ann Rinaldi novel, My Vicksburg, I find myself reflecting on some disturbing patterns that mark her work. Rinaldi’s books are nothing if not uneven. At their best, they provide interesting, historically rich narratives with strong female protagonists; at their worst, they lean into a troubling subversiveness that seems to delight in portraying rebellion marked by deception and manipulation as a moral good.
In My Vicksburg, Rinaldi focuses on a little-known but true fact: during the Union siege of Vicksburg, residents of the town moved into caves to live away from the mortar blasts. The story revolves around Claire Louise, a teenage girl living in one such cave with her mother, younger brother, and one of the family’s slaves. Claire Louise’s father is a Confederate doctor, her 26-year-old brother, Landon, is a Union doctor. The family’s other slaves remain at the family home, guarding it from looters, despite the danger of cannon blasts.
Compared to other Rinaldi works I’ve read, the “scandal” in this book is significantly toned down. Claire Louise’s acts of rebellion are relatively restrained, yet they still hinge on dishonesty and betrayal to move the plot forward. For instance, when Landon reunites with his family, he brings along a Confederate soldier and patient named Robert, who has become his friend. Landon is principled and deeply conflicted because Robert is responsible for Robert E. Lee’s “lost order,” which contributed to the South’s loss at the Battle of Antietam. Landon knows he must report Robert despite their bond, a decision he struggles to make.
Claire Louise (13), however, becomes infatuated with Robert (26) and goes to great lengths—including lying, sneaking around, stealing, and betraying her brother—to help him escape. Her justification is that she’s sparing her brother the anguish of making a choice he couldn’t live with. Yet, her actions raise significant moral questions. The plot subtly frames her deceit and betrayal as self-sacrificial, even noble, glossing over the unsettling implications of a romance between a teenage girl and a dishonorable adult soldier.
This reflects a larger trend in Rinaldi’s writing: her female characters consistently find themselves in opposition to male authority figures—often middle-aged men—and are forced to resort to morally dubious methods to assert their agency. This pattern is no coincidence. In the author’s note, Rinaldi reveals a fraught and emotionally distant relationship with her father, suggesting this dynamic influenced her storytelling. While this personal context is compelling and provides a lens through which to view her work, it also highlights a troubling aspect of her narratives. Rinaldi doesn’t merely present flawed characters; she elevates their deceit and rebellion as necessary—sometimes even noble—means of empowerment.
What’s most unsettling is how often her characters’ defiance is entwined with manipulation, often portrayed as the only viable path to power for women. This betrayal of her professed feminism feels particularly glaring; instead of showing her heroines as capable of achieving power through strength, intellect, or collaboration, she repeatedly depicts them resorting to unscrupulous tactics.
While My Vicksburg avoids the sexual undertones present in some of her other works, the troubling moral message remains. I don’t object to flawed characters or morally complex narratives. But I do object to an author who seems intent on teaching young readers—particularly girls—that the only way to challenge oppression or assert themselves is through deception and betrayal. It’s a reductive and disheartening message, especially given the richness of the historical settings and the potential for more nuanced portrayals of female empowerment.
While My Vicksburg offers intriguing historical insights, such as the cave dwellings of Vicksburg’s residents, its moral undertones leave much to be desired. Claire Louise’s rebellious actions and her unsettling relationship with Robert subtly reinforce the idea that good ends justify immoral means. Readers should approach this book with caution, particularly when recommending it to young audiences.

Reflection: Love Turns the Lights On

“Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness. Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling. But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes” (1 John 2:10).

Our Reading Life: February 2025

Diane’s References
C is for Cowboy by Eugene Gagliano
Four Wheels West by Eugene Gagliano
Esther Morris picture books
The Viaduct Murder by Ronald Knox 
Tanya’s References 
A is for Arches by Becky Hall 
By the Great Horn Spoon! by Sid Fleischman
Alice and Wonderland by Lewis Carol 
Prince Caspian by C. S. Lewis 
The Big Wave by Pearl S. Buck
Sarah Kim’s References
The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorn
Anna of Byzantium by Tracy Barrett 
Noodles on a Bicycle by Kyo Maclear
Sara Masarik’s References 
B is for Badger by Kathy-jo Wargin
Blackout by Connie Willis
All Clear by Connie Willis
Mr. McCloskey’s Marvelous Mallards by Emma Bland Smith
How Science Saved the Eiffel Tower by Emma Bland Smith
The Fabulous Fannie Farmer by Emma Bland Smith
The Forgotten Daughter by Caroline Dale Snedeker
The Librarian Spy by Madeline Martin
The Last Bookshop in London by Madeline Martin
The Booklovers Library by Madeline Martin
Keeper of the Hidden Books by Madeline Martin
 
General References
Do you want to twin with Sara and Sarah? We were wearing the same shirt. 
Caldecott List on Biblioguides
Newberry List on Biblioguides
Biblioguides 
Semicolon
Picture Book Preschool
Book Review Roundup 
Mighty Networks
Shelf Notes

Book Review: Jack vs. The Tornado by Amanda Cleary Eastep

Over the last seven or eight years, I have paid close attention to S. D. Smith, author of the Green Ember series. While I deeply enjoy his books, I’m even more captivated by what he writes to parents about his creative purpose and approach. I first discovered Smith during a season when my children were very young, and I was searching for stories to nurture their hearts and minds. Wandering through the stacks of my local public library, I was struck by how many books were either subpar in quality or concerning in content.
Turning to Christian authors, I hoped for better, but I encountered a different challenge. Many of their books were overly didactic, lacking imagination and depth. They felt “safe” in a way that left the stories lifeless, failing to engage or inspire.
Then I stumbled upon a video by Smith. Hearing his words felt like hearing the horns of Rohan—a call to arms for those of us longing for literature that nourishes and challenges young readers. His message resonated deeply. I resolved to seek out living authors who craft rich, meaningful stories that stretch children’s imaginations, refine their hearts, and give them something real and lasting to savor.
“The Tree Street Kids live on Cherry, Oak, Maple, and Pine, but their 1990s suburban neighborhood is more than just quiet, tree-lined streets. Jack, Ellison, Roger, and Ruthie face challenges and find adventures in every creek and cul-de-sac—as well as God’s great love in one small neighborhood.” - Series Description from the Publisher
I am thrilled to say that Amanda Cleary Eastep is one of those authors. Her first book in the Tree Street Kids series from Moody Publishers, Jack vs. The Tornado, is an absolute delight! It reminds me of a modern-day Happy Hollisters—joyful, friendly, and filled with wholesome adventure. And, an added bonus, the characters are Christians, and their faith is on full display without feeling preachy.
Jack’s family lives in rural Illinois on a multigenerational family farm. The story opens with Jack lamenting that the worst birthday present a kid could get is to have to move away from the farm (and his amazing barn fort) and to move to the suburbs. Jack’s grandparents and parents never have enough money in the bank to pay all of the bills on time. And so, Jack’s father travels to Wisconsin to do construction work to try to make up the difference, but it is time to sell the farm. Jack is miserable and resigned to hate their new home.
When they move into the new neighborhood, Jack decides he is going to spend the summer earning enough money to help save the farm. The problem is that Jack’s attempts to make money lead to some much bigger projects than he initially realizes. Wanting to make money to save the farm, but also wanting to do the right thing for someone in need, Jack realizes where he really belongs, and with whom.
Fun, well-written, fast-moving, wholesome in the right ways, and interesting, this story is sure to capture the interest of middle-grade readers. I liked it so much that I purchased the other four books in the series and am looking forward to reading more. And, for those who read with their ears, the audio is very well done.

Reflection: His Precious Blood

"He to rescue me from danger, interposed his precious blood."
We humans need pictures, and we love drama, but we should also be mindful that our very lives depend on God daily placing himself between us and dangers of every sort all day every day. We seldom see drama in the mere fact of getting home safely from work every day. I know that I don’t acknowledge often enough how spectacular it is that, at the end of each day, I am still alive.   
Even more astounding, though, is that if I know Jesus as my Savior, I have been rescued by Jesus’ blood which he placed between me and Death. This is true whether or not I have a dramatic story to tell. This is true whether or not I think to be grateful every day for the blood of the Master who bought me by his sacrifice.  

Book Review: Hans Brinker or the Silver Skates

Hans Brinker, or The Silver Skates by Mary Mapes Dodge is a classic I’ve known about since childhood. I vaguely remember seeing a movie adaptation long ago, but until now, I had never read the book. When I noticed the audiobook in my Audible library was about to leave the catalog at the end of the month, I decided it was the perfect time to listen to it while wrapping Christmas presents.
The story is compelling and rich with Dutch culture, transporting readers to a vivid and beautiful Holland. Mary Mapes Dodge writes in a style that feels familiar to Louisa May Alcott, speaking to children as friends and inviting them to explore the lives of people in faraway places. The family life depicted in the book is wholesome and idyllic, just like Alcott’s books, and the morals woven into the story are timeless and inspiring.
The language is beautifully crafted, and the pacing mirrors the rhythm of the characters skating down the canals—slow and steady, with lovely sights along the way. As the plot unfolds, the reader is immersed not only in the lives of the characters but also in Dutch history and geography. While this is delightful in many ways, it can also feel overwhelming, as the story sometimes reads like a history or geography lesson.
One of the challenges of the book is its large cast of characters. It takes time to get to know each one, and keeping them straight can be difficult, especially on a first reading. Like Alcott’s Eight Cousins, the story feels sprawling, though here the slower pace makes it harder to connect with everyone. I imagine the book would be even more enjoyable on subsequent readings when the characters feel more familiar.
Despite these challenges, Hans Brinker is a rewarding read for those who love classic literature and are willing to invest time and attention. Its depiction of Dutch life, its rich language, and its moral clarity make it a treasure. Readers who enjoy this book might also appreciate The Winged Watchman by Hilda van Stockum or When the Dikes Broke by Alta Halverson Seymour—both shorter works with similar themes and settings.
Ultimately, Hans Brinker, or The Silver Skates is a story of beauty, culture, and hope, perfect for readers with the patience to savor its slow, methodical journey. If you are looking for an excellent and faithful reprint, check out Living Book Press.

Reflection: No More Fire Lighting

   As I look back over the means Jesus has used to form me, I see how gentle he has been with me. We all suffer trauma as we grow, but my burdens were tailor-made for me by my creator. Oh, it hurt at the time! It was unpleasant to have to look honestly at the weaknesses I’d spent a lifetime trying to conceal from the world. It is painful to have that concealment exposed as sin. Thank the Lord, he doesn’t leave us lying exposed without comfort.  
Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed (Heb. 12:12-13, ESV). I don’t want to think about the pain I’d be in now if I hadn’t allowed myself to be healed.  

Book Review: Marmee and Louisa by Eve LaPlante

Marmee and Louisa: The Untold Story of Louisa May Alcott and Her Mother by Eve LaPlante is a fascinating and insightful biography of both Louisa May Alcott and her mother Abigail. Because both Abigail and Louisa were private women who wanted their letters and journals to be destroyed upon their deaths, much of what we know about their lives has been speculation based upon what survived from Louisa’s father Bronson Alcott’s journals, writings, and letters. What makes this biography particularly compelling is LaPlante’s access to previously undiscovered letters and journals of Abigail and Louisa, hidden away by Louisa’s sister. These primary source documents offer an intimate portrait of a mother-daughter relationship that shaped one of America’s most beloved authors.
A casual read of any of Louisa’s prominent works, or even a quick internet search, will make it obvious that Louisa was a passionate social revolutionary who dedicated her life to the abolitionist cause, the temperance movement, some aspects of the Transcendental movement, and women’s suffrage. What this book helps us to understand is how all of this passion was passed on to Louisa by her fiery and hardworking mother who championed the causes first. 
LaPlante argues that, while Bronson Alcott’s philosophical and educational ambitions have often been the focus of historical narratives about Louisa’s formation, it was Abigail who was the true driving force behind Louisa’s success. Abigail’s strength, resilience, and commitment to social justice were passed on to her daughters. Abigail, known affectionately as “Marmee,” was a woman of immense strength and compassion, holding her family together through countless challenges. The Alcotts faced near-constant poverty, the struggles of an often impractical husband and father, and the challenges of a reform-driven household. And yet, Abigail remained a steadfast source of love, faith, and comfort.
LaPlante beautifully depicts Abigail as a quiet but determined force in Louisa’s life. Marmee’s gentle yet firm influence fostered Louisa’s deep commitment to her family. This mother-daughter bond inspired the tender portrayal of Marmee in Little Women, making her one of literature’s most beloved maternal figures. LaPlante highlights Marmee’s generosity and wisdom, which were deeply influential in Louisa’s writing. 
This book is a sometimes sad, but always fascinating look into the lives of the Alcott women. And, it is a powerful testimony to what love and hardwork can do. LaPlante reveals a nuanced Louisa, not only as a social reformer but also as a woman deeply committed to her home and family, traits that often get overlooked in modern feminist interpretations. A woman who wanted equality for all, whose faith demanded that we behave in ways which promote human flourishing, and who loved home best and encouraged her readers to love it too.  
Obviously, we love Alcott here at Plumfield… we even named our work after her Little Men. If you want to find out more about Alcott’s work, check out our page dedicated to her. Also, coming soon, Sara has a talk entitled “Meet Louisa” which will be available for watching.

Reflection: A Useful Servant

The Master calls Servant Three worthless. He hasn’t matured, he’s of no use to anyone else, he has borne no fruit. Bearing fruit is a recurring theme throughout God’s Word. Jesus himself warns us that “every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire” (Matthew 7:19 ESV). He isn’t in a hurry, though, to cast unfruitful trees into the fire. In a parable in Luke 13, the owner of a vineyard tells his vinedresser to cut down a tree that hasn’t borne fruit for three years. The vinedresser begs for one more year to dig around the tree and fertilize it. Just one more chance, please? Then, if it doesn’t bear fruit next year, you can cut it down.
 

Our Reading Life: January 2025

Welcome to our third year of Our Reading Life!
Our Reading Life - January 2025
 
Diane’s References
The Daughter of Time by Josephine Tey 
 
Sarah Kim’s References
The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne
Icon: A Novel by Georgia Briggs
The Long Walk by Sławomir Rawicz
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang by Ian Flemming 
Tanya’s References 
The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom  
By the Great Horn Spoon! by Sid Fleischman
End the Fed by Ron Paul
Sara Masarik’s References 
The Impossible Journey by Gloria Whelan
Angel on the Square by Gloria Whelan
The Borrowed House by Hilda Van Stockum
Pay Attention, Carter Jones! by Gary D. Schmidt
Palace of Books by Patricia Polacco
An A from Miss Keller by Patricia Polacco
Thank You, Mr. Falker by Patricia Polacco
The Art of Miss Chew by Patricia Polacco
The Ballad of the White Horse by G. K. Chesterton
The Lost Dragon of Wessex by Gwendolyn Bowers
Ideas Have Consequences by Richard M. Weaver
Lepunia: The Kingdom of the Gallopers by Kevin Ford
Lepunia: The Last Galloper by Kevin Ford
A Triumph for Flavius by Caroline Dale Snedeker  
Detectives in Togas by Henry Winterfeld 
General References
Biblioguides
Book Review Roundup
Mighty Networks
Shelf Notes 
Plumfield Moms