Drawn by a China Moon: Lottie Moon

Thirteen year olds Mollie Jones and Ida Baker have been best friends for as long as they can remember. Growing up in the same small Virginia town, the girls shared secrets and dreams, had sleepovers, and made plans for the future together. But all that changes in the fall of 1893, when Ida's parents decide to become missionaries, and Ida must sail with them to far-off China. Over the next few years, Ida's and Mollie's lives take vastly different paths. Ida is terribly lonely in China and struggles to adjust to her new life. Just when she finally begins to feel at home, her life is further disrupted as war and rebellion erupt in China and she develops asthma. Meanwhile, Mollie's life continues as she always thought it would, but as she hears of Ida's struggles, she longs to do something to help her friend. This was a good historical novel for young readers that brought to life this period in history and the struggles of a young girl as she adjusts to life in a foreign land. I enjoyed the unique historical setting, and Mollie and Ida were likeable characters. I recommend this book to young readers with an interest in this historical period or setting.

Inspired by Lottie Moon Ida and her family move to the "heathen" China to become missionaries. Ida and her best friend Molly are very sad that they have to leave eachother and decide to be soul sisters and write to eachother every week. Ida has many experiences in China. But with the more experiences the more she realizes China needs doctors and nurses horribly. She decides she wants to be a missionary nurse in China. However Ida contridicts asthma and the doctors tell her she will never be able to become a nurse. Molly upon hearing this news makes a life changing decision that will change her life forever! I won't tell you so read the book! As a Chinese-American I find the contents of the story to be very realistic. I recommend this book to everybody because it has great historical content. If you like this book you should also try reading the Dear America Series!

Drawn By A Moon (2267-8, $5.99) introduces Mollie, who is fascinating by a letter she receives from a friend who has moved to China describing life in that far away place, as well as the remarkable work of the groundbreaking nineteenth-century missionary Lottie Moon. When her friend contracts a deadly disease, Mollie resolves to help her, even if the consequences change her life forever! Highly recommended, wholesome, entertaining, and informative, both historical novels are engagingly written to present their stories from the perspective of children just like the readers.