We had the opportunity to review The Glass Castle by Trisha White Priebe and Jerry B. Jenkins, which is published by Shiloh Run Press.
Summer time (all of the time) is for reading. I have no problem finding a good book to read. The problem I have is finding the time to read just one of the many books on my already very long list. My children enjoy reading just as much as I do, so there is nothing better than finding a book all of them can enjoy. When I find one of those that I like it too, that is even better. The Glass Castle is one of those types of books.
The Glass Castle is the first book in the 13 Series by authors Trisha White Priebe and Jerry B. Jenkins. The series was released in March 2016 and already promises the release of Book 2 The Ruby Moon in October. You may recognize the name Jerry B. Jenkins from the popular adult and children Left Behind series. If you are familiar with those series, you know you can expect some addictive story lines as well as a number of books to come. This time around, Jenkins has partnered with Priebe, his assistant, who is a “wife, mom and writer.” Their first collaboration for middle school children has everything any upper elementary or teen reader is looking for in a book. There is mystery, intrigue and comradery, as well as themes parents will appreciate like Christian overtones, low violence and no inappropriate male and female relationships. That is enough to satisfy me.
My intention was to use this book as a read-aloud, but once one child got their hands on the book, it was hard to get it back, so my plans change. I did manage to get my turn with the book late at night while they were sleeping.
Thirteen year-old Avery and her three year-old brother, Henry, are Captured! (the title of the first chapter) by a woman. With no clue as to the whereabouts of her brother, Avery finds herself held captive in a glass castle with other 13 year-old children and is forbidden to leave or ever look outside. She soon learns the one she originally feared is the one who has come to her rescue. The overall story-line is one of greed and the sought power by Angelina, who is set to wed a king and plans to bear him a male heir, so she can rule the kingdom. Angelina wants all 13 year-old children to be removed to ensure the king’s son from his first wife, who is believed to have died at birth, does not reappear to destroy her plans by taking his rightful place on the throne. An evil plan is not always a successful plan, especially when up against a savvy group of teens who have their own plans to make things right.
Whether it is a teenager during medieval times or a teen of today, it takes a lot to make them go away quietly. Avery, Kate, Tuck and Kendrick are the teens we meet in The Glass Castle. Your children may recognize themselves in some of the characters. They are not unruly and ones you will appreciate your children reading about. Avery comes to depend on God as she remembers words from her mother as well as responds to the prompts by Kate.
I like how The Glass Castle includes girls and boys in the storyline. Even though that it is not necessary for my children to enjoy a story, it does add to the overall enjoyment of the story as one for all children. It is also nice to see a young girl as the lead character.
The Glass Castle is a good read-alone book for middle school children as well as one that can be enjoyed as a read-aloud by upper elementary school students. If you want to jump into the story, you may read some of the chapters.
The Glass Castle currently starts at $9.49.
You can read more reviews of this item by fellow crew members.
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