Katy

There have been times when I have read a lot of dreadful, I mean really horrid, stuff that passes for children's literature these days, so reading this book was like a gentle breath of fresh air. Katy lives with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Porter, and her older siblings, Seth and Anna, in Urbana, IL. Mr. Porter is a minister, and the parents tell the children that they are thinking about homeschooling them. At first the children are not sure, and Katy especially is afraid that it will make them too "different," but in the end they all pray about it and decide that it will be a good thing. Katie learns that being different is not always bad. I do not know the author personally, but I think that I have met her at a homeschooling convention, and I know that I have met her older brother, John, and her parents at that same homeschooling convention, and I came to know her parents better at a homeschooling campout (where I purchased this book). Miss Notgrass based the book on memories of her own childhood in Urbana, IL, when her parents began homeschooling her and her siblings. She writes, "I am glad that they did. God later blessed me with two younger sisters and a younger brother. I am thankful for my family and for the many ways God has blessed my life." In addition to the positive image of homeschooling, I like the picture of a loving family who actually care about one another. Please understand that the children portrayed in this book are not "ipsy-pipsy-perfect." They make mistakes, and even the parents get into an argument. But all of them learn from their mistakes, apologize for their actions, strive to correct their faults, and grow. The Notgrasses are publishers of homeschooling curricula and frequent speakers at homeschooling conferences. When you are looking for a book with adventure and excitement, you might want to read something by G. A. Henty. However, if you also think that you would enjoy a pleasant description of a godly family's activities over a summer in which they learn and develop in striving to be what the Lord wants them to be, I would recommend that you read this book too. (Note: for those of us who have conscientious objections to local churches providing funds and facilities for social activities, there is one reference in the book to a church potluck supper.)