Gloria Whelan should be a household name. Her middle-grade fiction is excellent and, sadly, often overlooked today. Whelan’s historical fiction consistently features young protagonists navigating cultural crises, and their coming-of-age journeys are defined by moments of moral courage. Her stories, which are realistic and beautifully written, often feel almost exotic in their rich settings and unique perspectives.

In Small Acts of Amazing Courage, Whelan introduces us to Rosalind, a bright and independent English girl growing up in India in the aftermath of World War I. With her father off fighting and her fragile mother somewhat distant, Rosalind has been largely raised by Indian servants and her Indian playmate. This multicultural upbringing shapes her worldview, making her more attuned to the injustices around her—especially those tied to British colonial rule. When she rescues a baby from slavery, Rosalind finds an ally in a British woman who shares her compassionate views, much to the dismay of her parents.

Concerned by Rosalind’s disregard for societal norms, her parents send her back to England to live with her spinster aunts and attend a prestigious school. Yet, even on the journey home, and during her time in England, Rosalind continues to challenge the status quo, standing up for what is good and just. Her small but courageous actions and admirable spirit make this story deeply compelling, with a satisfying conclusion that is both interesting and believable.

Whelan’s ability to craft such strong, moral characters within vivid historical settings makes her work timeless and deserving of a wider modern audience. Like Hedge School, Small Acts of Amazing Courage is appropriate for tender middle-grade readers, but it would also be very interesting to teen readers. 

This story reminds me strongly of The Secret Garden, but it is entirely its own adventure. Her writing, however, makes me think that she is a lovely blend of Hilda van Stockum and Lloyd Alexander. 

As a librarian, I would use this book (and others by Whelan) to help my Jennifer Nielsen-reading patrons to reach for richer literature. The audio is fantastic. We have also reviewed Hedge School, Angel On The Square, and Homeless Bird by Gloria Whelan.

https://plumfieldmoms.com/plumfield-moms-picture-book-reviews/the-scarlet-stockings-spy

I remember when, several years ago, I read one of the many instances of Jesus saying, “Fear not,” and realized it wasn’t just a suggestion. It was a command. Until then, I think I had taken those “fear nots” as Jesus kindly giving me a choice. There, there, my dear, you don’t have to be afraid if you don’t want to.

Come Rack, Come Rope by Robert Hugh Benson is a powerful historical novel that plunges the reader into the intense religious persecution of Catholics in Elizabethan England. I recently revisited this book with my Tuesday Night Classics Club, and on this second read, I was again struck by the beauty of Benson’s writing and the emotional depth of the characters.

The story centers on Robin and Marjorie, two young Catholics who display extraordinary courage in the face of mounting danger. Their commitment to their faith, even when it costs them everything, is deeply moving. Benson’s portrayal of their heroism, particularly Marjorie’s steadfastness and Robin’s inner conflict as he chooses between love and duty, makes the novel both gripping and poignant.

One of the novel’s great strengths is its inclusion of real historical figures, such as the martyr Edmund Campion, which grounds the narrative in reality and heightens its sense of urgency. Benson masterfully weaves these real-life events with the fictional struggles of Robin’s father, whose internal battle as a recusant—torn between clinging to his faith and giving in to pressure—adds layers of complexity to the story.

This is a novel best suited for teenage readers and older, as it deals with mature themes of religious persecution, martyrdom, and moral choices. It offers not only an engaging narrative but also a profound window into a dark chapter of history. For anyone interested in faith, history, or stories of courage in the face of adversity, Come Rack, Come Rope is a deeply rewarding read.

https://plumfieldmoms.com/plumfield-moms-book-reviews/come-rack-come-rope

Our suffering is part of a bigger picture we can’t see from the ground. As the writer of Psalm 105 recounts God’s dealing with Israel, the emphasis is on the fact of God working out his word over hundreds and thousands of years. When he comes to the story of Joseph, the writer says, “When he summoned a famine on the land and broke all supply of bread, he had sent a man ahead of them.” What an astonishing realization that must have been when, after years of waiting and wondering, after all the injustice he had suffered, Joseph was able to say to his brothers, “Do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life . . . So it was not you who sent me here, but God” (Gen. 45:5, 8). 

Homeless Bird is a beautifully crafted middle-grade novel that transports readers into the heart of modern-day India, exploring the complex world of arranged marriages, cultural traditions, and the need for courageous virtue. Gloria Whelan’s compelling storytelling invites middle readers into the vibrant colors, sounds, and textures of Indian life, offering a truly poignant journey through the eyes of a young girl named Koly.

At just 13, Koly is married off in an arranged union to a boy who, unbeknownst to her, is gravely ill. When her husband dies only weeks after their wedding, Koly’s world unravels, leaving her trapped in the poor and often cruel household of her in-laws. As a young widow, she is considered bad fortune and less than human. She is relegated to a life of servitude, facing cruelty from her heartless mother-in-law. But it is in the quiet, stolen moments with her sad father-in-law that Koly learns to read, and she begins to have hope again.

Koly’s journey is one of heartbreak and hardship, but it is also one of courage and inner strength. Whelan skillfully portrays the stark realities of a young girl who cannot return home without bringing shame on her own family, but who also is abandoned by her mother-in-law rendering her homeless and almost hopeless. Through her struggles, Koly learns to navigate the restrictions imposed on her, ultimately finding a path to freedom and fulfillment.

It is in her abandonment that Koly is befriended by a boy her own age who brings her to a special charity home for abandoned widows. A place where Koly is given clean clothes, a safe home, a house mother to look after her, friends, and meaningful skilled work. It is here that Koly takes her future into her own hands, with the help of good women, and she forges a path for herself that is beautiful and inspiring. 

What makes Homeless Bird stand out is its gorgeous storytelling and thread of hope in unthinkable circumstances. The book is both clean and uplifting, making it a perfect read for teen girls and middle-grade audiences who seek stories that inspire. Koly’s journey from a powerless widow to a young woman forging her own path is a testament to the strength that lies within even the most difficult circumstances.

This novel not only offers a captivating story but also serves as a window into Indian culture and traditions, enriching readers with a greater understanding of life beyond their own experiences. Homeless Bird is a must-read for those looking for a touching, thought-provoking, and ultimately hopeful tale of survival and self-discovery.

I intend to use this in a book club with teen readers. The audio is fantastic. We have also reviewed Hedge School, Angel On The Square, and Small Acts of Amazing Courage by Gloria Whelan.

https://plumfieldmoms.com/plumfield-moms-book-reviews/homeless-bird

"What is it that Paul says he is afraid of here? He isn’t writing because he fears some of the Corinthians are on the verge of committing perjury or embezzling thousands of dollars or killing someone. He is afraid their “thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.” This is where all of the Big Ten horrible, obvious sins begin–with our thoughts going astray. When it comes to thoughts, does Satan really have to work very hard to start those on the wrong path?  

Sincerity and purity are closely related and can sometimes be used as synonyms. Both have elements of simplicity. Something pure is simple because it is not tainted with anything. It is unadulterated. If I pour myself a glass of water that has passed through my water filter, then add a tiny grain of arsenic, drinking the water may not kill me outright, but the water can no longer be considered pure."

With this recipe in mind, she has been writing Christmas stories for years and has pulled them together for this collection of short stories. All of them are deeply human while also being about everyday people. All of them deal with some aspect of humanity that needs the kind of transformation that only the Christ of Christmas can bring. And all of them end well even if it is unclear, while you are reading, how that can possibly happen. But, signature Connie Willis, all of them have a sci-fi twist of some kind as well. And that makes them more unpredictable and, frankly, more fun.

https://plumfieldandpaideia.com/a-lot-like-christmas/https://plumfieldmoms.com/plumfield-moms-book-reviews/a-lot-like-christmas

There will come a day when “night will be no more” and we “need no light of lamp or sun,” because the Lord God will be our light. Until then, the eyes of our hearts can be enlightened, and we can walk as children of light.

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Trinka Hakes Noble’s The Scarlet Stockings Spy is a compelling historical picture book that captivates readers with the story of a young patriot, set against the backdrop of the American Revolution. Part of the celebrated Tales of Young Americansseries, this book brings history to life by exploring a lesser-known, civilian side of the war in 1777 Philadelphia.

The story centers on Maddy Rose, a courageous young seamstress whose father has already given his life for the cause, and her brother is away fighting. With her mother also working as a seamstress, Maddy wants to make a difference. Each morning, she dutifully delivers her mother’s finished sewing work on her way to her job working for a kind Quaker woman, all while keeping a close eye on the Philadelphia harbor.

As she makes her deliveries, Maddy is acting as a spy for her brother and the revolutionaries. Each week, she hangs the laundry and carefully arranges clothing, including her beloved red stockings, to send coded messages about the enemy ships in the harbor. This subtle yet risky act of bravery emphasizes the vital role civilians, even children, played in the revolutionary effort.

Illustrated with rich and lively artwork, the book immerses readers in the tension and hope of the time. Maddy’s story is both poignant and inspiring, making it ideal for young readers who are just beginning to learn about the sacrifices made during America’s struggle for independence. Noble’s storytelling draws readers into Maddy’s world, showing that courage comes in many forms, often in the quiet, behind-the-scenes actions that support a greater cause.

The Scarlet Stockings Spy is a fantastic pick for any family, classroom, or library seeking to engage young readers with American history in a meaningful way. You may wish to read our review of another in this series, Lily’s Victory Garden, here.

https://plumfieldmoms.com/plumfield-moms-picture-book-reviews/the-scarlet-stockings-spy