New Beginnings

I liked reading this whole series because its adventurous, funny and I like to learn about Amish people and what they do. The book New Beginning was great. It tells you to not only make peace with your family and love them, but to be forgiving and truthful. I also like how Rachel learns how you have to keep the old friends and make new ones because one is silver and the other is gold. I also like how the book brings you into her world. You can just feel the soft warm kitten cuddles and the slimy wet tongue of the dog. You should really read this series if you think you're always getting into trouble. (written by G. almost 9 yo) Mom's comment: G's sister (just 12) didn't find the series very interesting, so it probably has more appeal to the under 12 crowd.

Rachel's friend, Mary, had to move with her family to another state. Rachel is devastated. Will she quit moping around? Can their friendship last in spite of the distance between them? I have been a fan of Brunstetter for years. Now tweens and teens can read her wonderful work. This wholesome book will thrill the young lady in your life. She will enjoy learning of the differences and similarities between the English life and the Amish life of youth. This would make a great gift.

Reviewed by Brianne Plach (age 10) for Reader Views (7/08) Have you ever had a bad day? Rachel Yoder sure did. Every day she gets in trouble. When her best friend and cousin Mary leaves for Indiana, a new girl named Audra Burkholder from Ohio arrives. Even receiving a faceless doll from Mary doesn't seem to help Rachel with her loneliness problems. Rachel Yoder doesn't think there is a chance that she and Audra could someday get along with each other. Worse yet, then Audra moves to Rachel's best friend's desk. Rachel is so crabby after Mary leaves. Orlie used to be Rachel's friend, but since the whole lunchbox dilemma, he isn't anymore. Rachel is bitten by the green-eyed monster. She is envious of Audra's friends. It seems like Rachel is losing all her friends to Audra. Rachel is dealing with a lot of anger since her friend Mary moved. Nobody seems to like her anymore. Is there a way that Audra and Rachel could ever become friends rather than rivals? Wanda E. Brunstetter has created a book for young readers dealing with her favorite subjects. She has written many books about the Amish society; it's exciting to see that she now writes books for younger readers too. Ms. Brunstetter has an easy-to-understand writing style. She includes a glossary of words from the Pennsylvania Dutch dialect and their meanings to help young readers understand the book more. "New Beginnings" shows a glimpse into Amish society and how, even if your best friend moves away, you can always make new ones.