In happier times,
the Carson family discovered a tarnished star in an antique store.
They purchased it in the hopes of putting it atop their Christmas
tree. Now it's Christmas, the star is shiny, but all is not well in
the Carson family.
Jim, the father, was
seriously injured in a convoy in the Middle East. Physically, he's
better, but suffering from PTSD. His outbursts are putting a strain
on the family to the point where his wife feels she must get away for
awhile, and on Christmas, he checks himself back into the hospital.
Teenagers, Tim and
Martie, are devastated. They want their family back. As they sit
watching the Christmas tree, the star at the top draws them. Tim gets
it down and writing appears. Martie thinks it will give them a great
adventure and as they hold the star it transports them to Valley
Forge in the winter of the American Revolution. This is the first
time travel adventure. In others, they visit a wagon train and ride
on a hospital ship, the H.M.S Brittanic, learning about history and
about themselves.
This is a good novel
for middle grade students. The characters are empathetic. Students
will be able to identify with their problems. One of the major themes
of this story is the problem of PTSD, how disruptive it is and how to
understand and cope with it. The author portrays the father's
struggles in a sympathetic light that will resonate with teens.
Another plus for the
story is the historical background in the time travels. It's a good
way for teens to get a feel for history. The story has a Christian
background that would work well in a church school. It would also
make a good read aloud experience for parents and children.
I received this book
from PR by the book for this review.
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