Students at a Christian school in CA use my novel “The Great War” as a textbook!
The American Adventure Series
In the 1990s, I helped author a series for Barbour Publishing called The American Adventure Series. The series consisted of 48 titles and were designed to take mid-grade readers from Plymouth Rock to Pearl Harbor in American History. I was privileged to author 16 of the 48. It was a delightful time in my career. I loved the research, the plotting, and the writing process.
Recently, I received a letter from Barbour Publishing stating that a Christian School in California had been using the novel, The Great War—#36 in the series, in their classroom for many years. They wanted to know if more copies were available, and if not, could they have permission to reproduce the book by copying.
My curiosity was instantly piqued. I was quickly in contact with this teacher. The book has long been out of print, and I of course gave permission to reproduce the book. But I wanted to hear the story of how this teacher used my novel in her classroom.
Hallie’s Story
My husband introduced me to the Christian series. [American Adventure Series] I had read 2 other books in the series, and then he bought me The Great War. I knew I wanted to use it in my English class at the same time we were studying WWI. I like it because of Carl living out his Christian faith so naturally in spite of the prejudice. I also appreciate it for showing prejudice that is not racial. In addition, we attend a Mennonite Brethren church so the Mennonites in the book add another issue that I think my students need to consider. I believe I began using it the spring of 2000. I used it in English until 2008 when I no longer was teaching English. I continued using it in my 8th grade American History class when I was finishing the year with WWI. Then this year I started back with 8th grade English. We used it in English this year. I have included a picture of one of my classes and a testimonial from one of the students. ~~Hallie R.
We Never Know
To think that for almost 20 years, student after student after student not only read my novel, but actually studied it. Woah! We never know when we follow our calling, what God will do with what we place in His hands.
I’m grateful. I’m overwhelmed. I’m happy!
Thank you, Hallie, for being such a diligent teacher for so many years. It’s obvious you care a great deal about your students. May your number be multiplied!
Student’s Comments
Along with her note and the photo of the class, Hallie included a note from one of the students, Natalie. I love when she says: We all appreciated the true faces of history played in the story… Yes, Natalie, that’s what historical fiction is all about! Thanks for sharing your thoughts! (Hallie noted that Natalie is the one holding the novel upside down in the photo. So we can identify this “author.”) Gotta love all those smiling faces in the group photo.
And speaking of historical fiction, the Tulsa Series has ridden a wave of popularity ever since they first arrived on the scene via Barbour Publishing. Since then I have re-released them under the auspices of NUWSLink Publishing. Now a whole new generation — a whole new audience –is enjoying them. Click the covers to learn more:
