When I was in fourth grade, my teacher used to read books to us after recess....or maybe it was during recess when it was too cold to go outside......(never happens). There was one in particular that stood out in my mind. It was so interesting, moving, and a cliff hanger at the end of every reading. Many years later when I was looking for a book to read to Hope and Sam, I tried to remember the title, but I couldn't. I don't know what finally triggered my memory, but I finally decided to Google some cryptic description I pieced together....and I found it! Victory! North to Freedom by Anne Holm, that's it!
I got it at the library when I read it to Hope and Sam years ago, but for Rose - we bought our own copy. This is such a precious story! The main character, David, is a young boy who has escaped from a prison camp in the early 1900's. (World War I, as far as I can tell.) He is hungry to learn and shows the most amazing appreciation for the most basic things in life.....soap, a clean soft bed, a bathroom, being clean, having good food, having a house to live in, and BOOKS. He appreciates them and loves to read them.
He remembers hearing something about God in the prison camp, so he prays to God for help. He does not understand theology, but he knows there is a God who loves him and helps him. He understands and appreciates freedom. He treats others with amazing respect, but does not tolerate evil. He has to make hard choices throughout the story. Emotionally, it would be easier to stay in the places that offer him some comfort, but he has an end goal that must be reached in order to stay free. So he leaves "good" to press on towards the prize.
There are so many gems in this book. Rose and I are only half way through it, but every time I read it I remember why I loved it the first time and remembered it so many years later.
I most highly recommend it!
Until next time,
Blessings!
Heidi
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